We Love —
- Spotting elephants and leopards in Yala National Park, feeling the thrill of wildlife encounters amidst rustling palms and golden light.
- Exploring Hiriwadunna and Wedda villages, breathing in the scents of spices and smoke, hearing laughter, and savouring traditional meals.
- Gliding through misty valleys on the Nanu Oya to Haputale train, watching tea plantations, waterfalls, and distant mountains unfold.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s most authentic landscapes with Hidden Trails of Sri Lanka, a discovery-driven adventure paired with a relaxing beach stay. Designed for travellers who crave culture, nature, and immersive experiences, this itinerary combines meaningful encounters with breathtaking scenery and curated outdoor activities.
Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on a 6 night journey through Sri Lanka’s cultural heart and lush landscapes, from the dense canopies of Ironwood Forest to the ancient heights of Pidurangala, the vibrant rhythms of village life in Hiriwadunna and Wedda communities, and the serene beauty of Rathna Ella’s waterfalls. Experience scenic train rides, sweeping hilltop vistas, and the thrill of Ella’s zipline, all while travelling comfortably with private transfers and guided insights into the island’s heritage and natural wonders.
Your itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Habarana: Ironwood Forest & Pidurangala
Day 3: Habarana → Hiriwadunna → Wedda Village → Mahiyanganaya
Day 4: Mahiyanganaya: Rathna Ella
Day 5: Mahiyanganaya → Nanu Oya → Haputale
Day 6: Haputale → Ella → Tissamaharama
Day 7: Tissamaharama → Yala National Park → Galle → Beruwala
Your journey culminates with 3 to 7 nights in Beruwala, where golden sands, calm turquoise waters, and gentle ocean breezes provide the perfect setting for relaxation, restorative days, and unforgettable tropical sunsets.
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Your itinerary in detail —
Days 1 to 3
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
- Arrive in Colombo, greeted by the humid air and shimmering colours of the city, before being whisked away to Habarana in your private transfer.
- Check in at your hotel in Habarana and take the day to relax and unwind, letting the soft light, gentle sounds of nature, and peaceful surroundings ease you into the journey ahead.
Dinner included & overnight stay in Habarana
DAY 2: HABARANA: IRONWOOD FOREST & PIDURANGALA
- Depart Habarana after breakfast and journey through the countryside to the Ironwood Forest, where ancient trees rise like cathedral pillars, their dense canopy filtering sunlight onto the soft forest floor and filling the air with the earthy scent of timber and soil.
- Continue to Pidurangala Rock, climbing the rugged path to be rewarded with sweeping views of Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding plains, the breeze carrying the scent of wild flora and the quiet hum of distant village life (Not suitable for guests with walking difficulties or vertigo)
- Return to your hotel in Habarana, where the afternoon is yours to relax, refresh, and let the serene atmosphere of your surroundings settle into your senses before dinner.
Breakfast & dinner included & overnight stay in Habarana
DAY 3: HABARANA → HIRIWADUNNA → WEDDA VILLAGE → MAHIYANGANAYA
- After breakfast, check out from your hotel and travel through changing landscapes toward Hiriwadunna, where village life unfolds among paddy fields, waterways, and quiet rural paths.
- Visit Hiriwadunna Village, experiencing daily rhythms through gentle countryside scenes and a traditional village setting before continuing on to your hotel in Mahiyanganaya to rest.
- Later in the day, journey to the Wedda Village in Dambana, where you encounter an indigenous forest community and experience rituals, stories, and traditions shaped by centuries of life close to nature.
Breakfast & dinner included & overnight stay in Mahiyanganaya
Days 4 to 6
DAY 4: MAHIYANGANAYA: RATHNA ELLA
- Begin the day with a scenic drive through rural landscapes toward Rathna Ella, where forest trails, birdsong, and the cool scent of damp earth guide you toward the falls.
- At Rathna Ella, watch water cascade into clear natural pools, pause for refreshments nearby, and, if you wish, enjoy a refreshing dip framed by rock, shade, and jungle sounds.
- Return to your hotel in Mahiyanganaya, where the stillness of the evening and the soft mountain air create a restful close to the day.
Breakfast & dinner included & overnight stay in Mahiyanganaya
DAY 5: MAHIYANGANAYA → NANU OYA → HAPUTALE
- Leave Mahiyanganaya behind and travel toward Nanu Oya, watching the landscape shift from lowland greenery to misted hills and tea-covered slopes.
- Board the scenic train at Nanu Oya and settle in for a slow journey through valleys, tunnels, and rolling plantations, where open windows carry cool air and the rhythmic sound of the tracks.
- Arrive in Haputale and meet your chauffeur before continuing to your hotel, where mountain views and cooler temperatures offer a calm and restorative evening.
Breakfast & dinner included & overnight stay in Haputale
DAY 6: HAPUTALE → ELLA → TISSAMAHARAMA
- Check out from your hotel and drive to Ella, where the hills stretch in layers of green and mist, and the scent of tea leaves drifts through the crisp mountain air.
- Climb Little Adam’s Peak and feel the wind on your face as you take in sweeping valley views before experiencing the exhilaration of the Flying Ravana Mega Zipline.
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge, where sunlight glints on the curved stone structure and the distant rumble of trains mingles with the soothing roar of Ravana Falls, before continuing your journey to Tissamaharama.
Breakfast & dinner included & overnight stay in Tissamaharama
Day 7 & beach extension
DAY 7: TISSAMAHARAMA → YALA NATIONAL PARK → GALLE → BERUWALA
- Rise early with a packed breakfast and head into Yala National Park, where the dry earth, distant calls of wildlife, and rustling palms set the stage for a half-day 4x4 safari.
- Spot elephants wandering in herds, deer grazing quietly, monkeys playing among the trees, and, if luck allows, a leopard lounging by a watering hole, as your guide shares insights into the park’s unique ecosystem.
- Continue to Galle, a historic coastal city where Dutch colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and the rhythm of the Indian Ocean tell tales of centuries past.
- Travel onward to Beruwala and check in at your hotel, letting the gentle sea breeze and the soft evening light ease you into a restorative beachside stay.
Breakfast & dinner included & overnight stay in Beruwala
BEACH EXTENSION
Conclude your journey with 3 to 7 nights in Beruwala, where the golden sands and gentle waves of the Indian Ocean provide a serene and restorative finale. Spend your days strolling along the shoreline, swimming in calm, reef-protected waters, or enjoying the tranquil oceanfront amenities of your hotel, while evenings are filled with breathtaking sunsets that melt the horizon into soft golds and pinks, leaving each day calm, indulgent, and unforgettable.
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
You will stay in carefully selected hotels throughout your tour (or similar):
Your hotels:
Habarana: Habarana Village by Cinnamon 4*
Mahiyanganaya: Mapakada Village 4*
Haputale: Dream Cliff Mountain Resort 4*
Tissamaharama: Chaarya Resort 4*
Beruwala: Occidental Eden Beruwala 5*
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
The maximum room capacity is 2 adults + 1 child or 3 adults.
Your dining choices
This is a half board stay throughout the 6 night tour. Your breakfast and evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (excludes drinks). During the beach extension, your stay will be on a half board or all inclusive basis, depending on your choice.
Treat yourself to a full board stay and upgrade at the next step of the booking process. Breakfast, lunch and your evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (drinks excluded, conditions apply.)
Treat yourself to a full board stay and upgrade at the next step of the booking process. Breakfast, lunch and your evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (drinks excluded, conditions apply.)
Included extras —
English-speaking guide
Explore with the expertise of an English-speaking guide throughout your journey.
3GB included mobile internet data, to make your journey easier
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.
Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.
Optional excursions —
Turtle Hatchery and Madu River private excursion
Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s coastal serenity with a private tour from Beruwala, witnessing baby turtles and gliding through the tranquil mangroves of the Madu River.
Optional services —
Early check-in or late check-out
Opt for early check-in during your stay at Habarana Village by Cinnamon 4* or late check-out during your stay at Occidental Eden Beruwala 5*.
Your journey to Sri Lanka —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, a small island nation with a 2,000-year-old culture, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and ancient heritage. Home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the country offers a fascinating blend of history, wildlife, and culture. Often overlooked by travellers heading to India or Asia, Sri Lanka remains one of the region's best-kept secrets.
Must-sees:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress: A UNESCO-listed ancient citadel, offering dramatic views, frescoes, and rich historical significance.
- Ella: A hill town surrounded by lush tea plantations, ideal for scenic hikes like Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge.
- Yala National Park: A wildlife haven, where safaris offer opportunities to see leopards, elephants, and diverse birdlife.
Culinary culture:
Sri Lankan cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of bold flavours and fresh ingredients. Rice and curry, with its spiced vegetable, meat, or fish options, is a staple of the local diet. Hoppers, crispy rice pancakes, are a beloved dish, served with eggs or sweetened. Coastal areas excel in fresh seafood, with delicacies such as fish ambul thiyal (tangy fish curry) and crab curries. Street food like kottu roti, a stir-fry of flatbread with vegetables and meat, is a must-try, while desserts such as watalappam and tropical fruits like Mangosteen offer a refreshing finish.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the famous attractions, Sri Lanka’s charm lies in its lesser-known gems. Galle Fort is a colonial-era city filled with boutiques, cafes, and history. A scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the world’s most picturesque journeys. For a more unique experience, visit Jaffna in the north, where you’ll encounter Tamil culture and peaceful, untouched beaches.
Good to know:
The official currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). The ideal time to visit varies by region - the south and west coasts are ideal from November to April, while the east coast is preferable from May to September. Tuk-tuks are great for short trips, while scenic train routes and private drivers offer flexibility for exploring.