19D/18N: Human adventures off-the-beaten-track

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Your guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall of the international airport with a sign with your name on it.

Visit to Tewatta Church

Nestled in its green setting, what was first a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, became after the Second World War the Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka.

Its atypical architecture, with various Asian and Greek influences, adds a historical interest to a spiritual visit to this church like no other, which attracts thousands of pilgrims of various faiths each year.

A walk around the church allows you, in good weather, to see the surrounding mountains, and the famous Adam’s Peak, another multi-faith landmark.

Visit to Seethawaka Botanical Garden

Opened to the public in 2015, Seethawaka is the latest addition to the 5 existing botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, and the only one situated in wet-zone, covering an extent of 106 acres.

With various gardens sheltering medicinal plants, roses, orchids, tea or spices, etc., Seethawaka offer several viewpoints, a series of ponds, as well as a butterfly garden.

Paved paths and information boards make it a breeze to stroll around and educate yourselves about an important variety of plants, trees and the rich diversity of birds, butterflies, dragon flies and fishes living here.

Visit to a Buddhist monastery

Established in 1967, the Buddhist monastery has become over time, under the supervision of different venerable meditation masters, one of the most respected meditation monasteries of Sri Lanka.

Being in a forest, the monastery allows monks and lay men to practice meditation and live a secluded and contemplative life, with the aspiration of attaining Nibbāna (extinction of the causes of suffering which are greed, ill will, and delusion in the mind).

Today you are welcome by the meditation master for a visit of this serene monastery and invited for a short meditation practice.

Bathing in a waterfall

On the way, you stop at the foot of one of the many waterfalls of this region for a refreshing swim.

Guided hike in a rural area

Here is a guided hike through rural Sri Lanka, where you will learn a lot about toddy tapping, an age-old method of production of alcoholic drink (toddy) made by fermenting the sap of coconut or kithul palm trees.

You will also walk through paddy fields, home gardens and tea plantations and immerse yourselves for a few hours in the lifestyle of traditional villages.

Train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella

This approximately 3-hour train journey is ranked by many travel magazines as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.

Between Nanu Oya and Haputale, you will experience the most picturesque scenery as the train slowly glides from hillside tea plantations to patches of forest, from dark tunnels to sun-drenched vegetable gardens, passing villages and busy tea pickers.

Visit to an organic tea plantation

A tea specialist will take you on a one-hour tour of the plantation and the artisanal factory, where you can observe dryers and machines polished by time.

You are indeed more in the heart of a traditional workshop than in a modern factory, favoring quality over quantity, embodied by its workers patiently preparing, manually, the artistic star tea.

You will then be cordially invited to taste many teas and herbal teas, and probably amazed by the rainbow colors they might display.

Eagle Rock Climb

For a third of the way up, the slope is steep, with rocks, stone stairs, bushes, no view. It takes perseverance to overcome the temptation to give up.

Your efforts are finally rewarded when you suddenly escape from the canopy and begin to marvel at the beauty of the surrounding hills.

After 15-20 breathless minutes, this is where the magic begins. The slope is also a little gentler now. Another 25 minutes of walking through dry vegetation brings you to the top.

Here is a 360-degree view of the nearest and farthest hills, flanked by delicate shades of green, while the alternating sun and thick clouds add their deep hues to the spectacular landscape.

Just sit in silence, reflecting on your place in this vast universe. You certainly seem like tiny dots to the people in the valley.

With gravity now on your side, bid farewell to Eagle Rock, easily descending the slope that may have had your joints cry an hour ago.

Walk to the river and river bath

A short walk will take you to the river’s edge, where monkeys perched in the trees will watch with shameless curiosity as your little tribe offers your tired bodies a refreshing swim in a secluded natural pool.

Trekking in a village in the middle of rice fields

This trekking day allows you to discover the lifestyle of the inhabitants of a rural village and the different trades that are practiced there.

By visiting traditional industries such as carpentry or rice processing, or meeting a beekeeper and his Asian bees, here you are immersed in the ecosystem of the village, also nestled in magnificent nature.

Rice terraces, waterfall and forest trails, here is the green scene of your day.

Your lunch, a tasty village meal, will be served by a local family. Here the warmth of the people, the simplicity of daily life and the beauty of tradition come together to create an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Immersion in an organic plantation

The ecolodge where you are staying is home to an organic coffee plantation, tea plants, a hill covered with sandalwood and a vegetable garden that we invite you to discover.

After a guided walk in the estate, you can also visit the coffee factory. Coffee tasting.

Wildlife on the way

The beautiful road that leads you to your next destination passes along ponds where wild elephants come to drink… If luck is on your side, you will be able to observe them, from afar, in their natural environment…

Relaxing at the beach

Arugam Bay Beach, world-renowned for surfing, is the scene of frenetic surfing activity, with its different waves suitable for surfers of varying levels. It is also home to many cafes and restaurants, with their feet in the sand and huts at the water’s edge. A relaxed and festive atmosphere for this marine break.

Jeep Safari in Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park, with an area of ​​approximately 18,000 hectares, is the northeastern part of Yala Park, accessible from the east coast.

Due to its geographical location, it is off the beaten track and does not suffer from the overtourism present in other more visited parks.

Its mangrove is home to many birds such as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and cormorants.

Many mammals such as elephants and leopards inhabit the park’s different ecosystems.

Crocodiles and sloth bears have also taken up residence there. This morning, at dawn, you set off to meet them…

Gal Oya National Park Boat Safari

The children have gone silent. So has the engine of our boat. “What’s going on?” their mother’s eyes seem to ask. Without a word, our boatman slowly points his arm towards the lake shore in front of us. Barely hidden behind the branches, stands a huge elephant.

What a magical moment to be able to observe it while it doesn’t even seem to notice our silent presence. Quietly eating a lunch of green leaves plucked from the nearby trees. All aboard are fascinated by the serene scene, and for the next fifteen minutes we feel connected to the mighty animal, without noise, just delighted to be the privileged spectators of this fascinating spectacle.

Later, we observe a larger herd of elephants at the edge of the lake, mothers with their calves, entering the forest.

A variety of birds also offer us a spectacle of aerobatics and songs, from solitary kites flying high over our heads to flocks of cormorants gathering on the surrounding rocks.

Shy but fearsome crocodiles will disappear into the water as we approach.

To our untrained eyes, any dark shape in the distance looks like an elephant, and the naturalist accompanying us will have to gently convince us that they are in fact water buffalo grazing peacefully.

Excursion “Palamunai Colors”

In Palamunai Colours, you will explore the southern part of Batticaloa, riding along the beach, visiting the fish market.

You will meet handloom weavers, making colourful sarees and sarongs.

You will discreetly observe the midday prayer at the local mosque and interact with the believers.

Your lunch will be prepared by a local family, and will reflect the typical food of the community.

After a tasty meal and a relaxing chat with your host family, you will go through Kattankudy, a bustling Muslim town famous for its history and numerous businesses, visit its Heritage Museum, and the beautiful Al-Aqsa mosque.

Bicycle ride “Let’s cook and fish!”

You will learn good recipes of delicious curries to bring back home and get in touch with local fishermen willing to share their ancestral way of fishing with you…

The day starts with a bike ride to explore the Batticaloa market.

You will then reach the family that will teach you Sri Lankan cooking, take your lunch with them.

After a relaxing chat, you will ride along our enchanting lagoon before meeting the fishermen on the lagoon for a refreshing fishing experience…

Snorkeling session

You are expected early in the morning at the seaside, in order to explore a beautiful reef and its underwater life.

Here you are in warm and transparent waters, privileged spectators of a colorful aquatic ballet.

Lunch on site.

Meeting and walking with a Veddha leader

The afternoon is dedicated to meeting a Veddha chief, who will introduce you to the lifestyle of his community and the tools used by his ancestors, at a time when this indigenous Sri Lankan community used to live by hunting and gathering in the thick jungles around.

With his contagious sense of humor, our Veddha chief will take you into the forest, teach you his hunting techniques and show you the caves where his ancestors used to live.

Randonnée et camping

Here you are in the trailer of a tractor to reach the foot of the rock that you are going to climb.

The climb is rough and wild, sweat and fatigue could well take over. Come on, courage, a little break and we’re off again…

And then you are in the cave where you will spend the night, alone in the world, with an extraordinary panorama all around your improvised bedroom.

A few more efforts to reach, higher up, the summit of the rock and the king’s pool, where you can refresh your bodies galvanized by this epic hike, the highlight of this journey.

Barbecue under the stars and get up at dawn for a magical sunrise in the middle of nature.

Jeep Safari in Maduru Oya National Park

The journey starts around 6am, reaching the entrance of Maduru Oya Park around 7am. A red dirt track takes you into the heart of this wild natural habitat.

For 2.5 hours, you will see different inhabitants of the forest: a herd of shy deer, many species of birds, from the wild rooster, the emblematic bird of Sri Lanka, to the powerful eagles perched silently in the trees looking for their next prey…

You may have the privilege of observing a herd of wild elephants, enjoying a breakfast of leaves. With the engine running, safety first in this wild nature…

After many other water monitors, lizards, buffaloes, woodpeckers and kingfishers competing in beauty in their brightly colored costumes, a peacock might bid you farewell by performing an elegant wheel, while you return to the park entrance for a hearty breakfast under the trees.

Visit to an ancient Buddhist temple

Before reaching busier roads, we invite you to discover an ancient temple and its nearby caves, which served as a refuge for Buddhist monks retreating since the advent of Buddhism, in the forests of the neighboring mountain range.

Some caves bear traces of painting dating back to prehistoric times.

Visit the Hindu temple of Koneswaram

The Hindu temple of Koneshwaram, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Trincomalee, atop a promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean.

It appears in the Hindu epic “Ramayana”, making it a major place of pilgrimage.

Snorkeling at Pigeon Island

A motorboat takes you early in the morning to Pigeon Island, a marine national park, famous for the many species of fish, crustaceans, turtles and sharks that thrive in its crystal clear waters.

With your mask and snorkel, it’s up to you to go and meet the rich underwater life.

Relaxing at the beach

You have now arrived at the seaside, where you can relax, enjoy beautiful walks on the fine sandy beaches, swim in the Indian Ocean, take the time to take your time…

Relaxing at the beach

Before hitting the road to your next destination, here are a few more hours by the sea this morning, to enjoy at sunrise the marine breeze and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean as far as the eye can see.

Climbing Mihintale Rock

A few kilometres from Anuradhapura stands the rock of Mihintale, which can be climbed by a granite staircase.

It is also called the mountain of Mahinda, named after the Indian Buddhist missionary who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka, converting King Devanampiya Tissa in 243 BC.

You will surely come across pilgrims during the climb and will be able to visit some of the 68 caves that once housed monks.

The Stupa dates back to the 1st century BC, and from the top of the rock, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the green and peaceful surroundings.

Visit to the Isurumuniya temple

The famous Buddhist temple of Isurumuniya which houses stone sculptures such as “the lovers of Isurumuniya” is located in Anuradhapura.

Originally, it was King Devanam Piyatissa who built the temple between 250 and 210 BC for the 500 monks who entered Buddhism following Arahath Mahinda Thero.

Over time, due to the movement of kingdoms, the Anuradhapura region was abandoned.

Isurumuniya, like many temples and palaces, then became overgrown with forest, before being rediscovered in the mid-19th century.

Walk around the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree

There is a religious fervor in Anuradhapura, with Buddhist pilgrims gathering around its sacred tree, the Sri Maha Boddhi, a more than thousand-year-old branch of the Bodhgaya fig tree in India, under which Buddha attained enlightenment 500 BC.

You are invited to discover Buddhist spirituality by observing the pilgrims chanting around the sacred tree. A beautiful and serene experience.

Visit to Sri Nagala Rajamaha Viharaya

Built during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, (3rd century BC), this ancient Buddhist temple is located in the stunning Nikawewa hills.

Those who will choose to climb the stone stairs under the canopy will be rewarded with a breath-taking view of the natural surroundings. They will also reach the upper image house where lies a sleeping Buddha statue.

All in all, the visit to Sri Nagala Rajamaha Viharaja will provide the travellers with a meaningful introduction to Sri Lanka’s unique blend of nature, culture and spirituality.

Transfer to the airport

Depending on your departure time, your chauffeur guide adapts the program of the day and drops you off at the airport 3 hours before your plane takes off.

There would be so many other beautiful places to discover though…

We wish you a good flight back home, and hope to see you again next time for new Sri Lankan adventures!

Thank you for travelling with us!