Sri Lanka Adventure South Coast Beaches (Nov 1 - April 30)

"Taste the Spirit of Adventure"

• Push bike ride through the Ancient Ruins at Polonnaruwa
• Go on safari, watch herds of wild elephants as they graze on the forest edge and head to the large lakes to bath and drink.
• See Samba Deer, water buffalo and several different species of monkeys in their natural environment.
• Travel by train through the cool high country as it meanders through the hills and tea plantations.
• See tea being hand picked and visit a tea factory to see how it is processed before tasting rich pure Ceylon Tea. 

"Eat- Pray- Explore- Relax.........Repeat"

• Taste authentic traditional local cuisines with bold influences from the Dutch and Portugese shared history.
• Stay overnight and experience life in a Buddhist Monastery. Learn meditation and the fundamentals of their philosophy from the Monks themselves. Eat as they eat and join them or listen to them in prayer.
• Explore the ancient ruins of Kings Palaces and the Royal Kingdoms, treks to the world famous Adams Peak and visit " The End of the World" at World's End.
• Rejuvenate at some of the countries best 4 Star resorts in pristine locations and enjoy traditional local Ayurvedic spa treatments.
• Chill out and relax by the pool or join one of the many short side trips on offer during the designated rest days.

Voted by "Lonely Planet" as the number one country to travel to in 2019 and set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time.  It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoilt.

Few places in the world can offer the traveller such a remarkable combination of stunning and varied landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location.  Within a mere area of  65,610 kilometres, lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330 kilometres of coastline - much of it pristine beach - 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies and a culture that extends back over 2,500 years. Drink the views, smell the nations rich diversity of flavours and indulge yourself in one of the world's leading wellness destinations when you travel to this enchanting island nation.

This is an island of magical proportions, previously known as Serendib, Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon. This land has been rediscovered by two of our Sri Lankan born guides, who migrated to Australia as infants. They returned to the country of their birth and put together an amazing adventure guided tour that will form eternal memories for you, your friends and your families.

No Roads Expeditions / Connaissance De Ceylan Partnership

No Roads Expeditions are extremely fortunate to have Connaissance De Ceylan as our in-country partners. Through a strong family connection of one of our guides, a bond has been created between these two companies that share similar values in relation to the environment, creating sustainable eco-tourism and supporting local economies.

Your hosts are hand-picked, carefully trained local Sri Lankan guides and drivers, who are passionate about creating great memories for guests and extremely proud of their amazing country. On occasions, No Roads guides (Stewart and Peter) will host an expedition and these are clearly identified next to the expedition dates.

Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, herds of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, tea carpeted hills producing arguably the world's most famous tea and flavoursome food describe Sri Lanka as you will see it on this fully guided tour.

Why I Love Sri Lanka

By Ryan Ver Berkmoes, Writer

"My fascination with Sri Lanka began when I read Paul Theroux's "The Great Railway Bazaar" as a child. His wonderment at the island's endless contradictions stayed with me. In 2004, I was in the west and south in the weeks after the tsunami. I was struck by the stories of the survivors and deeply moved by their efforts to rebuild. In the years since I have been endlessly amazed by the Sri Lankans' ability to overcome disaster, war and myriad other challenges as they work tirelessly to make their country match its potential, while remaining some of the most charming people on the planet".

Spiritual & Cultural Heritage:

With a history expanding over 3000 years, Sri Lanka holds some of world’s ancient cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla; their once glorious townships, palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals and theaters intricately carved and modeled out of stone lay abandoned and forgotten with time amidst the soaring jungles. 

Of all the ancient cities of Lanka, the most famed and exquisite is the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka’s third and longest serving capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world is also one of the most sacred cities of World Buddhists. It was the capital of Sri Lanka from the Fourth Century BC up to the turn of the eleventh Century and was one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. 

Drive your own tuk tuk to Sigiriya, a fifth century AD fortress and a water garden displays some of the most futuristic elements of landscaping and some of the oldest murals recorded in the country. 

Polonnaruwa (toured on bicycles), the second most ancient kingdom of the country boasts of Irrigation systems that are far superior to those of the and they still provide irrigation water to the farmers in and around Polonnaruwa.Digamadulla, the Eastern kingdom of Sri Lanka was the agricultural and spiritual capital of the country during the Anuradhapura kingdom.

Sri Lanka’s last kingdom the Kingdom of Kandy is a testament to the Sri Lankan’s ability to pick up and rise from ashes. After being burned and ravaged more than thrice by the invading Portuguese, the Kandyan Kingdom still holds beautifully carved and built houses, palaces and temple preserved for nearly 500 years. 

There are few expeditions that offer you the chance to eat, sleep, meditate and reflect in a buddhist monastery and converse with buddhist monks.  This experience will touch your soul. 

Relax and enjoy:

With nearly 1600 km of of palm fringed Coastline baked to perfection surrounding the country Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for beach bums worldwide.  May it be windsurfing, kayaking, yachting, water skiing, scuba diving or just lazing around for the perfect tan, Sri Lanka offers it all.

The two monsoon winds providing rain to the two corners of the country at various periods, makes Sri Lanka’s beach holiday a year round prospect. The north east winds make the south western coast sunny and the sea calm from November to March. The South West winds make the East Coast waters quiet with the constant sun shine happily in agreement.  

The best of the Southern beaches include Unawatuna which is a short drive from the city of Galle and was voted in the "top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world" by the Discovery Channel and Mark Ellingham, the founder of 'Rough Guides'. 

Galle Face Green, a half a kilometre stretch between Galle Road and Indian Ocean is the playground of the Colombians. 

Adventures galore:

Despite its small size, Sri Lanka boasts of one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world whether in plants or animals and is included among the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world. Of the ninety-one species of mammals found in Sri Lanka Asian elephants, sloth bear, leopards, sambar and wild buffaloes engages the majority of the attention of wildlife enthusiast and the elephant safari to Minneriya National Park is a highlight for many of our guests.

Meanwhile the ocean around Sri Lanka is home to large families of cetaceans including the mighty blue whales, sperm whales and lively dolphins making it one of the best locations for whale and dolphin watching in the world. 

Despite the mighty elephants and rare amphibians found in the country, birds are the glory of the Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Boasting nearly 433 bird species of which 233 are resident Sri Lanka holds 20 endemic species while another 80 species have developed distinct Sri Lankan races, compared to their cousins in Indian mainland. 

Serendipity

Rich in gems, spices, natural resources and rare species of flaura and fauna, Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) is located in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Dubbed "the Pearl of the Indian Ocean"  it was a major trading hub for the Dutch, Arab and Portugese traders for many centuries.  The fertile soils and temperate conditions were found to be perfect for growing tea which soon became a major industry and the demand for "Ceylon Tea" saw it exported world wide as it still is today.  Sri Lanka later became a part of the British Colony and it finally obtained its independence in 1948. 

In the mid 1900's, Sri Lanka became a popular tourist destination due to its amazing scenery, ancient history, architecture, nature reserves and culinary delights. It attracted adventure seekers from around the world, but in the 1970's the advent of the civil war meant travelling freely throughout Sri Lanka was no longer possible and tourism quickly declined.

Finally, the end of a 30 year civil war and the rebuilding efforts since the 2004 Tsunami has opened Sri Lanka up once again as a destination that offers a multitude of diverse locations and activities allowing people to explore some of the 8 world heritage UNESCO sites throughout the country including nature reserves, ancient cities/ ruins and temples.

Experience a blend of ancient Sri Lanka's old world charm and modern day culture, as the country once again grows into a holiday destination that many people will want to see for themselves. 

Day 1: Airport / Colombo - 40km - 1hr
Day 2: Colombo / Yapahuwa - 160kms - 04h30min / Yapahuwa / Sigiriya – 85kms – 2hrs
Day 3: Sigiriya / Minneriya Safari / Sigiriya
Day 4: Sigiriya / Anuradhapura - 80kms - 2hrs (one way)/ Sigiriya
Day 5: Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Passekudah - 152kms - 3hrs45min
Day 6: Passekudah
Day 7: Passekudah / Bandarawela - 200kms - 4hr30min / Temple Stay
Day 8: Bandarawela / Nanu Oya - by train / Nanu Oya / Kandapola - 20kms - 30mins / Kandapola / Nuwara Eliya - 14kms - 30mins
Day 9: Nuwara Eliya / Horton Plains - 36kms - 1hr10mins (one way) /  Nuwara Eliya / Adam's Peak - 116kms - 3hrs
Day 10: Adam's Peak / Kandy - 97kms - 3hrs
Day 11: Kandy
Day 12: Kandy / Kegalle - 40kms - 1hr / Kegalle / Mirissa - 210kms -4hrs
Day 13: Mirissa
Day 14: Mirissa / Galle - 40kms - 1hr (one way)
Day 15: Mirissa
Day 16: Mirissa / Colombo - 150kms - 2hr45mins / Colombo / Airport - 35kms - 40mins.

Expedition Dates
This expedition is open between January - April for all group sizes of 2 or more. If the advertised dates do not suit, please contact the office on 03 9598 8581.

SRI LANKA TOURIST VISA

Visa applications for Sri Lanka is a quick and simple online process with applications usually processed within 24 hours. Cost is approximately $35 USD. Passport and flight details are required to lodge an application.

Click here to link to the Visa Application

Day 1: Airport / Colombo 

Airport / Colombo - 40km - 01h00

AM
Arrive at Bandaranayake International Airport on the morning flight.

Assistance on arrival by a representative of Connaissance de Ceylan (our in country partners)

Proceed to Colombo and check in with welcome drinks (early check in is subject to availability - official time is 1300hrs).

PM

Join with COLOMBO CITY WALK for an interesting walk through Colombo Fort and Pettah area exploring architecture and history of the merchant city. (02 ½ Hours)

Dinner and overnight at Ramada hotel.

Day 2: Colombo / Yapahuwa / Sigirya 

Colombo / Yapahuwa – 160kms – 04h30min

Yapahuwa / Sigirya - 85kms - 02h00

AM 

After breakfast, leave for Sigiriya visiting Yapahuwa en route.

Yapahuwa, which was the seat of Government in the 13th century, is situated 5 kilometres east of Maho. The southern and south eastern parts of the land at the base of the rock are protected by two moats and ramparts. Within the fortifications are the remains of many ancient structures.

PM 

Proceed to Sigiriya. Arrive and check-in at Aliya Resort and Spa. Relax, Dinner and overnight at Aliya Resort and Spa. (Deluxe)(B,D)

Day 3: Sigiriya / Minneriya Safari / Sigiriya

AM 

After an early breakfast, leave to visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress by Tuk Tuks. (2 pax per Tuk Tuk / self-drive available)

Sigiriya, a massive rock in the green scrub jungle, is perhaps the most memorable place for visitors to Sri Lanka. The site was known from ancient times as a hermitage for Buddhist monks. A well-planned monastic complex included caved temples, bathing pools, lovely ponds and Asia's oldest surviving landscaped gardens. Today Sigiriya is famous for its frescoes painted in the pocket of the rock. The "Lion stairway", the "mirror wall" and the "water gardens" are its other highlights.

Return to the hotel for lunch.

PM 

Mid-afternoon, depart for Minneriya National Park for an elephant safari.

Dinner and overnight at Aliya Resort and Spa (Deluxe)(B,D).

Day 4: Sigiriya / Anuradhapura / Sigiriya

Sigiriya / Anuradapura – 80kms – 02hrs (One way)

AM

After breakfast, proceed to Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura was the first ancient capital of the country of kings for about 1400 years. In pinnacle of its glory the city extended over a surface of 52 sq. km and the population amounted to several tens of thousands. Its magnificent monuments, refined sculptures and paintings are testimony to a veritable and original Sri Lankan culture.

PM

Scheduled AYURVEDIC TREATMENT (Full body massage + steam bath) / 01 Hour.

Traditional Sri Lankan dinner.

Dinner and overnight at Aliya Resort and Spa (Deluxe)(B,D).

Day 5: Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Passekudah 

Sigiriya/ Passikudah – 152kms – 03h45min

AM

After breakfast, leave for Polonnaruwa and visit the ancient capital by bicycles with a guide.

Polonnaruwa was the mediaeval capital of Sri Lanka, and today it is one of the most beautiful centers of our cultural heritage. With its comparatively brief history and a dozen rules, it is far more completely preserves ruin than Anuradhapura. Visit the ancient ruins and Gal Vihara complex, where 3 gigantic Buddha's statues are carved out of a single rock.

PM

Proceed to Passekudah. Check in for leisure, dinner and overnight at Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa (Deluxe attic) (B,D).

Day 6: Passekudah 

AM

Wake up early morning to catch the sun rise in time and enjoy the spectacular view of the dawn.

Optional – walk to the close by village to watch local fisherman in action the traditional way.

Return to hotel.

After breakfast, take part in a cooking session / competition hosted by the hotel Chef. Go to the market with him / his representative to buy the rations and spices needed prior and have the chance to win a Sri Lankan Cookery Book.

PM

Rest of the day, relax at the resort. Dinner and overnight at Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa (Deluxe attic) (B,D). 

Day 7: Passekudah / Bandarawela /Temple Stay

Passikudah / Bandarawela – 200 kms – 4H 30min

AM

After late breakfast, proceed to Bandarawela

PM

Arrive and proceed to the Temple; includes a short walk (~1.5kms) from the main road to the Temple as it cannot be reached by vehicle.

3.30 PM      - Arrival at the Temple & welcome

5.00 PM      - Conversation with Monks.

Two types of meditation

Samatha or Tranquility – Meditation trains the mind to concentrate on only one object.

Vipassana or Insight – Meditation trains the mind to observe the many objects coming in to awareness through the six sense doors in order to develop the wisdom to eradicate the defilements in the mind and be freed from suffering.

7.00 PM      – Dinner

10.00 PM    - Rest in Nature

Overnight accommodation at the temple will be floor style sleeping arrangements and during your stay should wear (recommended) baggy trousers and shirts/ blouses/ waist coat. It’s cold in the morning and evening times. (B,D) 

Day 8: Bandarawela / Nanu Oya / Kandapola / Nuwara Eliya

Bandarawela / Nanu Oya – by train

Nanu Oya / Kandapola – 20kms – 30mins

Kandapola / Nuwara Eliya - 14kms - 30mins

AM

5.30 AM  - Wake Up

6.00 AM  - Walking meditation program                                   

7.00 AM  - Breakfast.

8.00 AM – Farewell monks

Leave to Bandarawela train station and take the train to Nanu Oya Station. (9.55 / 12.00noon)

(Tickets subject to availability / regular train)

PM

Arrive at Nanu Oya station and proceed by road to Kandapola.

Visit Liddesdale Tea Factory and Plantation at Kandapola and enjoy a picnic lunch (let us know of any dietary requirements).

The Ceylon tea is acclaimed as the best tea in the world. The influence of climatic conditions imparts to the product a variety of flavours and aromas, synonymous with quality. The cultivation and manufacture of tea is presently a highly skilled, scientific and technical process, with Sri Lanka producing some of the most fragrant teas in the world.

Check in to Araliya Green Hills Hotel for dinner and overnight (Deluxe)(B,D).

Day 9: Nuwara Eliya / Horton Plains / Adam's Peak

Nuwara Eliya / Horton Plains – 36kms – 01h10min (0ne way)

Nuwara Eliya / Adam’s Peak– 116kms – 03h00min

AM

Early morning leave for trekking (approx. 3 hrs) at Horton Plains.

Packed breakfast to enjoy en route.

Located on a high windswept saddle at 2134 meters elevation, these plains are hard to reach. Many visitors come to see “World’s End” situated on the plains. The scenery that can be seen from here is considered to be the finest view in Sri Lanka. In the early morning, the Indian Ocean rims the horizon 80 km away.

Horton Plains is Sri Lanka’s highest and most isolated plateau discovered by Sir Thomas Farr in 1900's and named after the then British Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Horton. It is the only place where you could see the bear monkey. This is one of world’s best nature tracks and certain plant species, birds and insects are only seen there. Nature lovers will enjoy this wide, patna-grass-covered plain, the haunt of several wild yet harmless animals and the home of many species of birds. Bridle paths through the plain will take you to the precipice, popularly referred to as “ Worlds End “; a sheer drop of 1050 meters. Lie on your stomach and peep over the ridge, the view when it is clear of mist, it is simply magnificent!

Return to hotel and check out. Proceed to Nalathanni / Adam’s Peak.

PM

Arrive late afternoon. Check in to Punsisi guesthouse for dinner and rest / overnight (B,D).

Day 10: Adam's Peak / Kandy

Adam's Peak / Kandy - 97kms - 03hrs

AM

Early morning around 2.00am, proceed the climbing of Adam’s Peak in time to view the sunrise from the temple.

After descending ADAMS PEAK (on same route) , meet with your transport and travel to Kandy.

Sri Lanka's second city is Kandy, a beautiful historical city in the citadel of the country. It is not only known for its great kings who ruled the city for almost 225 years independently until the British took over in 1815, but it is also the place where the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha is laid in a magnificent temple. The incomparable Perahera celebration, a procession of more than 100 elephants, is held every August here.

PM

Relax and refresh. Dinner and overnight at Golden Crown (Deluxe)(B,D).

Day 11: Kandy

AM

After breakfast proceed visit the City of Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Sri Lanka's second city is Kandy, a beautiful historical city in the citadel of the country. It is not only known for it's great kings who ruled the city for almost 225 years independently until the British took over in 1815, but it is also the place where the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha is laid in a magnificent temple. The incomparable Perahera celebration, a procession of more than 100 elephants, is held every August here.

PM
Evening visit to Kandy City to explore the market.

Dinner and overnight at Golden Crown (Deluxe)(B,D).

Day 12: Kandy / Kegalle / Mirissa

Kandy / Kegalle – 40 kms – 01h00min

Kegalle / Mirissa – 210 kms – 04hrs (long drive)

AM

After breakfast, travel to Mirissa via the Millennium Elephant Foundation visiting the Elephant Dung Paper factory. 

PM

Arrive and check into Marriot Weligama Bay for dinner and overnight (Superior Ocean View)(B,D).

Day 13: Mirissa

AM

After breakfast, leisure by the ocean.

PM

Dinner and overnight at Marriot Weligama Bay (Superior Ocean View)(B,D).

Day 14: Mirissa / Galle / Mirissa

Mirissa / Galle – 40kms – 1hr (one way)

AM

After breakfast, explore Galle.

Galle is the south coast’s major city, whose oldest landmark is the massive 17th century Portuguese and Dutch Fort in which the central city is contained. As you walk through the streets you can see strong Dutch influences in the architecture, along with some old British residences and various mosques with Arabic touches.

PM

Return to hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight at Marriot Weligama Bay (Superior Ocean View)(B,D).

Day 15: Mirissa

AM

After breakfast, leisure on half board.

PM

Dinner and overnight at Marriot Weligama Bay (Superior Ocean View)(B,D).

Day 16: Mirissa / Colombo / Airport

Mirissa / Colombo - 150kms - 02hr45min

Colombo / Airport 35kms - 40mins

AM /PM

After breakfast, depending on flight departure times, either transfer to the airport, Colombo for a shopping experience or your guide can assist with an optional itinerary addition such as a speed boat ride on Madu River in a world heritage wetland site. This is not included in the itinerary price and the cost of any activity after leaving the hotel in Mirissa would need to be met by each guest. Please note that you have to be at the Airport 3 hours prior to the departure flight.

• The above mentioned timings between cities are approximate and subject to change in adverse weather / traffic conditions / refreshments stops and other unpredicted disturbances on the road.
• Alcoholic beverages are not provided at the hotels on Full Moon Poya Days.

• Welcome assistance and transfers on arrival and on departure.

• Accommodation on Half Board basis through-out.

• Transport in an a/c vehicle with an English speaking guide.

• Visits / activities according to the programme.

• Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the above itinerary.

If you are travelling alone and do not want to share accommodation, a Single Supplement will apply. Please ask us before booking.

• International Airfares
• Airport Tax
• Travel Insurance for your trip
• Tips
• Alcoholic beverages
• Lunch’s during the tour
• Hiking equipment/ water / etc
• Photo and video camera permits at the sites
• Visa
• Any activities after leaving the hotel in Mirissa.