Day 1Welcome to Sri Lanka
Upon arrival, your local guide from U Travels will meet you at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. You will be travelling to your accommodation in Kitulgala from where your tour will begin with a hike approximately 1 hr in length. This will be through a dense jungle in Kitulgala to explore the secretive cave Belilena, located amidst a picturesque enviro to witness unearthed skeletal remains of Balangoda man and many other artifacts.
Day 2Engage with nature
Today, you will be actively engaging in nature related experiences to gain the best of Kitulgala. Kitulgala offers many adventurous nature bound activities including white water rafting, confidence jumps, waterfall abseiling at Sadun fall, zip line adventures, rock pool sliding and bird watching by the Kelani river. You will come across many endemic species of birds such as Sri Lankan orange-billed babbler and Chestnut-backed owlet. Your overnight stay will be in Kitulgala.
Day 3Lion Rock adventure
After breakfast you will kickstart your day by travelling to Sigiriya which will take approximately 5 hours. Once you reach Sigiriya, you will head to Lion Rock and a local tour guide will join the climb. He will walk you through the ancient tale of King Kasyapa and the remains of his palace. This segment of the day will take approximately 1.5 - 3 hours. Your overnight stay will be in Sigiriya.
Day 4Memorable experience at Dambulla
Day 4 will begin with an activity of your choice. Hot air ballooning or an early morning hike to pidurangala rock are two beautiful ways to start the morning and watch the sun light up the valley. Following this, you will embark on an approximately 1 hour drive to visit the Ritigala forest monastery. Thereafter, you will head back to Sigiriya. In addition, you have the opportunity to enjoy our complimentary elephant ride around Dambulla or Sigiriya. Your overnight stay will be in Sigiriya.
Day 5Journey from Sigiriya to Ella
Today you will transition from a dry zone to a much cooler region with spectacular views. On the way you will have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Rathna Ella Waterfall. This will begin with a short trek (less than 1hr) through a forest along a man-made canal originating from the Rathna Ella waterfall. You will also visit Sorabora wewa in Mahiyanganaya, a unique man-made reservoir that is a must see. Your overnight stay will be in Ella.
Rathna ella waterfall is 111m in height and is the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka that is located within the Randenigala & Rantambe Sanctuary. It irrigates the rice fields in the eastern valley of Mahiyanganaya and the area surrounding the waterfall is extremely verdant.
Sorabora wewa is another one of the many man -made reservoirs in Sri Lanka. But, its uniqueness comes from the fact that it does not use a bisokotuwa (cistern sluice) to control the water pressure at the sluice gates of the dam. Instead a natural rock and a canal has been used to control the water pressure. This method was developed by a village man named Bulatha in 2nd century BC.
Day 6Explore Ohiya
Today will experience a very physically demanding yet visually pleasing hike which will take approximately 7 hours to complete. You will catch an early morning train ride from Ella to Ohiya lasting approximately 1.5 hours. Following this you will begin a 14 km hike through tea plantations and villages where you will be able to interact with locals. A very narrow part of this trek includes an area named Devil’s staircase after which you will reach the magnificent Bambarakanda waterfall. Your overnight stay will be in Ella.
Day 7Ella to Udawalawe
After breakfast you will head off to Udawalawe which will take approximately 2.5 hours. You will be welcomed at an Udawalawe campground from where your Udawalawe safari will begin. You will end the day with a BBQ dinner. Your overnight stay will be in Udawalawe.
Day 8Safari Adventures
The second last day of this tour will begin with an early morning safari at Ridiyagama Safari Park at 4.30 am. You will enjoy the beauty of sunrise and witness the early morning activities of animals followed by a visit to the Buduruwagala temple and an afternoon safari at Lunugamvehera National Park. Your overnight stay will be in Udawalawe.
Day 9Farewell Sri Lanka
The final day of this tour will begin with a second Udawalawe safari that will take place early in the morning allowing you to spot animals active at this time of the day. Hereafter, you will travel from Udawalawe to Bandaranaike International Airport to board your flight and to say your farewell till next time.
Inclusion & exclusion
- Accommodation ( 8 NIGHTS ONLY INCLUDING DAILY BREAKFAST) in the hotels mentioned or similar comfort (Standard rooms) including breakfast – Best Rated by Tripadvisor and our past clients. Double sharing basis (BB/DBL).
- On ground transportation - air conditioned vehicle with an English speaking chauffeur guide throughout the tour (Includes fuel) with comprehensive insurance. All safari jeeps are without comprehensive insurance and non air conditioned.
- Airport transfers - all tours from & to the airport unless any special request made by the client with different pick up or drop off points, which could be arranged.
- Entry fee into attractions. (Belilena caves Kitulgala,white water rafting, waterfall abseiling at Sadun fall and bird watching, Sigiriya rock fortress,hot air ballooning or Pidurangala hike,Ritigala forest Monastery,Rathna Ella waterfall track,Devils staircase and Bambarakanda waterfall hike,Dev’s camping activities)
- Thrilling jeep safari at Udawalawe National park.
- 24/7 customer service