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Visit five awe-inspiring UNESCO sites, including towering Sigiriya rock and historic Galle
            [Description] => Visit five awe-inspiring UNESCO sites, including towering Sigiriya rock and historic Galle
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            [HighlightText] => Hike amid tea plantations on the Pekoe Trail, discovering extraordinary flora and fauna and mountain views  
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Encounter thrilling wildlife on safari at Yala National Park, home to elephants and elusive leopards
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            [Description] => fishermen
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            [Description] => temple statues
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            [Description] => tea plantation
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            [Description] => flower offerings
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            [Description] => buddhas cave
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Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Mohammed F.

Whether exploring dense forests or serene riverbanks, Farlin enriches outdoor adventures with fascinating insights into Sri Lanka's ecosystems and birdwatching tips. Exploring his country’s natural treasures led Farlin to become a Sri Lanka Tourism Authority-certified guide. His expertise in navigating diverse and challenging terrains, along with his friendly and approachable nature, ensures every journey with him is exciting and safe.

Rajah S.

A well-seasoned adventure guide, Rajah has been leading hiking, mountain, and cycling trips since 2016 after completing his degree in Tourism Studies. He is passionate about his home country and enjoys showing its best natural and cultural wonders to travelers. He is known for his professionalism and easy-going style, making him a well-respected and popular guide. Discover the local insider perspective when you travel with Rajah.

Shabeeb K.

Shabeeb developed a deep appreciation for nature between the shore and sea as a fisherman. An adventurer at heart, he began showing travelers around the country, working his way up to become a sought-after guide. He has led trips throughout Sri Lanka and into India, where he completed his Advanced Mountaineering training at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. He looks forward to adventuring with you.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Colombo & Transfer to the Beach at Negombo
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Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your MT Sobek guide will meet you at the airport and whisk you away to the sandy shores of the island’s west coast. Unwind from your travels poolside or take a shady spot under the swaying palm trees to soak in views of the sea. In the evening, gather with your group and guides to discuss the adventure ahead, followed by a welcome dinner.
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                    [Latitude] => 7.17
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                    [Headline] => Travel to Sigiriya & Get Your First Views of the Fortress
                    [ActivityOverview] => 1.5 hours/2 miles hiking
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Departing the coast, take a scenic drive to the heart of the country, known for its enchanting ancient cities. The most dramatic of these royal settlements is iconic Sigiriya, where a towering 590-foot granite rock dominates surrounding landscape. King Kassapa I chose this lofty site for his fortified castle, built in the 5th century. This afternoon, discover a lesser-known rock formation, Pidurangala. Beginning at a centuries-old Buddhist temple, take a short but steep climb on stone steps, clambering over a few boulders, to reach the stunning plateau. Sigiriya rock rises majestically in the distance as part of a magical 360-degree view of the surrounding forest and mountains. As the sun sets, return to the hotel for dinner.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 3-hour private van transfer 
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                    [Latitude] => 7.87
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                    [Headline] => Summit Sigiriya Citadel & Explore the Sacred Caves at Dambulla 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/3 miles walking and stair climbing (1,200 steps to top of Sigiriya and over 300 steps to Dambulla)
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It\'s time to experience the thrilling climb to the top of magnificent Sigiriya rock, where you\'ll stand on the foundations of King Kassapa\'s spectacularly sited castle. The enormous, sculpted paws of the Lion Gate lead to phenomenal views over the palace gardens below and lush landscapes on the horizon. At Dambulla Cave Temple, your second UNESCO-listed site of the day, incense swirls as light filters into five caves cut into the rock face during the 1st century BCE. Captivating Buddha statues—over 150 of them—are beautifully preserved along with intricate murals at this incredible pilgrimage site. If time permits, wander stalls overflowing with tropical fruits and vegetables at one of Sri Lanka\'s largest markets and stroll along the shores of serene Kadalama Lake before enjoying a relaxing dinner.
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                    [Latitude] => 7.87
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                    [Headline] => Pass through Spice Gardens on the Road to Kandy
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours/2 miles of easy walking 
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Travel towards the cooler climes of hill country today. Stop along the way for a sensory journey through fragrant groves of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, learning about the rich heritage of the island\'s spice trade. Arriving at the once royal, now modern city of Kandy, glimpse local life on the promenade around picturesque Kandy Lake. Tonight, visit the revered Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth). The scent of lotus flowers and burning incense fills the halls as white-clad worshipers arrive. The doors to the sacred chamber open to reveal the golden casket holding the relic of the Buddha\'s tooth for a brief but memorable moment. The golden roof of the temple is reflected in the lake as you depart.
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                    [Latitude] => 7.29
                    [Longitude] => 80.650
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                    [Headline] => Enjoy Gorgeous Mountain Views Hiking on the Pekoe Trail 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 5-6 hours/5 miles hiking 
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Begin today\'s adventure on the charming first stage of the Pekoe Trail, starting with a peek at the Ceylon Tea Museum, housed in a stately former tea factory. Continue through the grounds of one of the oldest and largest tea plantations in the country. Look out over the seven peaks of the Hanata Mountains and famed ridgeline of the Knuckles Range as you hike through leafy forests and small villages, passing stupas and a Hindu temple. Your vehicle is waiting at the end of the trail in Galaha. Returning to Kandy, explore the vibrant town before this evening’s entertainment, a traditional dance performance with splendid headdresses and rhythmic drums.
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                    [Latitude] => 7.29
                    [Longitude] => 80.65
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                    [Headline] => Ascend to the Hills of Nuwara Eliya
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2.5-3 hours/ 2-3 miles of easy walking
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
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Enjoy the scenic route to highland tea plantations, traveling from Kandy\'s distinctly Sinhalese ambiance to a colonial-era hill station. Misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and emerald rows of tea bushes delight along the way. Pause for a refreshing cup and enlightening tour of an active tea factory. Arriving at Nuwara Eliya, Tudor-style architecture and neat rose gardens reflect the bygone influence of British colonists. After lunch, visit streamside Seetha Amman Temple, an important site in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Next, head down to stroll the grass-edged path around pretty Gregory Lake, and end the day at manicured Victoria Park—a paradise of tropical birds and colorful flora.
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                    [Latitude] => 6.96
                    [Longitude] => 80.764
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                    [Headline] => Hike in UNESCO-protected Horton Plains National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3-4 hours/5.5 miles hiking 
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Lace up your boots for an exciting day on the trail. Take a fun ride to the trailhead in “three-wheelers”—a must-do experience when in Asia! Horton Plains, one of the stops on the Pekoe Trail, is a biodiversity hotspot with ecosystems ranging from undulating grasslands to dewy cloud forests. Watch for endemic species such as sambar deer and orange-billed babblers, and spot toque macaques, purple-faced langurs, wild boars, and abundant birdlife. The hike culminates with jaw-dropping valley views from the plateau. Transfer back to your accommodation to relax or explore before dinner.
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                    [Latitude] => 6.96
                    [Longitude] => 80.764
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                    [Headline] => Take the Train through Stunning Scenery to Ella
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours/2.5 miles hiking
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Get onboard for a train journey like no other! Ride the rails from Nanu Oya to Ella, one of the most scenic stretches of track in the country. Each turn unveils a postcard-perfect view, whether tumbling waterfalls, enchanting forests, or vast stretches of rolling tea plantations. Deep valleys and terraced hillsides slide by as the train passes through the mountains in the heart of hill country. This is slow travel at its best. This afternoon, take a walk to Ella\'s tremendous Nine Arches Bridge, a marvel of colonial engineering. Its elegant, curved form is nestled into plantations and jungle, and seeing a train pass over the bridge is a photographer\'s dream. Stroll along natural paths through this remarkable landscape and if you want to venture a bit further, take a short but steep hike up to Little Adams Peak (3,743\') for excellent views over green valleys and mountain ridges.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
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                    [Latitude] => 6.87
                    [Longitude] => 81.0627
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            [8] => Array
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                    [DayFrom] => 9
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                    [Headline] => Rejoin the Pekoe Trail to Summit Ella Rock
                    [ActivityOverview] =>  5-6 hours/7.5 miles hiking
                    [EstimatedLength] => 
                    [ActivityLevel] => 
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Hike the sensational 15th stage of the Pekoe Trail, passing through the spellbinding Kinigama Forest Reserve. Start off in Makuella at a Buddhist temple overlooking a lush river valley before entering a towering grove of eucalyptus trees and eventually transitioning to more open terrain with low-growing fields of tea and blissful valley views. Pass through jungle and forest on the ascent to Ella Rock, a less-traveled vantage point with breathtaking scenery, from the expansive valley below to the heights of Little Adam\'s Peak. After soaking it all in, descend through forest and family farms to Kithal Ella Station, where the walk continues along the tracks. It\'s a chance to observe local life, encountering vendors selling fresh fruits and snacks. The trail ends at Ella station, and you\'ll walk back to your hotel from there. Relax or perhaps book a spa treatment to celebrate your achievement.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 45-minute private van transfer
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                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 6.87
                    [Longitude] => 81.06
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                    [DayFrom] => 10
                    [DayTo] => 10
                    [Headline] => Spot Wild Elephants, Peacocks & Monkeys at Yala National Park
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3-hour open jeep safari
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After transferring to the island’s southern coast, board a safari vehicle and drive into Sri Lanka’s most popular park in search of tropical wildlife. Elephants and water buffaloes are a common sight on the grassy plains, where you may also spot colorful birdlife and the rare sloth bear. Crocodiles sun themselves on the shores of brackish lagoons and langurs leap through the trees. Elusive leopards slip through the shadows and tall grasses. The afternoon light turns the scenery golden as you complete an unforgettable safari.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 2.5-hour private van transfer
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                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 6.25
                    [Longitude] => 81.396
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                    [Headline] => Adventure Along the Coast to Dutch Colonial Galle Fort
                    [ActivityOverview] => 1-hour walking tour
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Travel along the southern shores, stopping to savor a lunch of fresh locally caught seafood at the beach. Observe the famed stilt fishermen, perched on poles above shallow waters, then visit a conservation program where you’ll see baby sea turtles before they are released into the ocean. Reach the final UNESCO World Heritage site of your journey at Galle. History unfolds as you walk cobbled streets through the fortified city’s colonial-era architecture and stroll the ramparts with your guide. Dinner is on your own at one of the town’s enticing restaurants.
                    [Breakfast] => 1
                    [Lunch] => 1
                    [Dinner] => 0
                    [Travel_Type] => 3-hour private van transfer
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                    [Itinerary_Location] => 
                    [Latitude] => 6.009
                    [Longitude] => 80.240
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                    [Headline] => Kayak on Serene Koggala Lake & Cruise the Coast
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3-hour kayak, 2-hour cruise
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Paddle along tangled mangrove forests rustling with birdlife and jungle-covered islets that sit like jewels in the glassy water. Glide past a Buddhist shrine and perhaps spot a monitor lizard or curious crab. Return to your accommodation in Unawatuna where the afternoon is yours. Choose to soak up the sun on the sand or follow a jungle path to the Peace Pagoda for ocean views. Gather for a sunset cruise along the coast, as the sky shifts from blue to orange and pink, and then violet at dusk as you reflect on your adventure. End the day with a celebratory dinner with local seafood and mouth-watering curries.
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                    [Dinner] => 1
                    [Travel_Type] => 30-minute private van transfer (each way)
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                    [Latitude] => 6.00
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                    [Headline] => Depart Sri Lanka
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It’s time to say so long to this enchanting island. You’ll be transferred to the airport carrying memories that will last a lifetime.
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                    [Latitude] => 7.17
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Easy to moderate walking and hiking for 4 to 6 miles over 2-6 hours per day on gently rolling terrain and cliff-side trails. Cultural touring of historic sites includes climbing stairs with strong exposure. Guests should be comfortable paddling a kayak for 3 hours. 
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Accommodations

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Ideally located upscale hotels and boutique lodging provide all the comforts of 4- or 5-star equivalent accommodation. Many include spas and swimming pools.  

Jetwing Blue

Luxury Hotel

Situated on the sandy shores of Sri Lanka's northwestern coastline, this beachfront resort is an ideal spot to unwind after a long flight. Settle into contemporary and comfortable, blue-tiled rooms with private balconies or terraces to breathe in the tropical ocean air. Enjoy two refreshing swimming pools, personalized service, an onsite spa, oceanfront dining, and sunsets over the Indian Ocean during your stay. Jetwing Blue delivers modern comfort with stunning coastal scenery.

Heritance Kandalama

Luxury Hotel

Designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, this architectural masterpiece is set in 211 acres of lush, protected forest The Heritance Kandaalama hotel blends modernist design with local heritage and environmental sustainability. Explore the spa, swimming pools, and savor Sri Lankan cuisine. Relax in a spacious room with a private balcony where you can spot wildlife while soaking in breathtaking views over Kandalama Lake, and sleep surrounded by the sounds of tropical nature.

The Grand Hotel

Luxury Hotel

Founded in 1891, The Grand Hotel's architecture reflects its colorful history. The green lawns, topiaries, and flowerbeds hark back to colonial times. Inside, modern rooms include Victorian-era touches, scenic views, and amenities such as a mini-bar and Wi-Fi. The spa offers Balinese treatments and massages. Stately columns surrounding the indoor pool invite a refreshing swim. Play a round of billiards in the wood-paneled billiards in the dedicated peak-ceiling, wood-paneled hall.

Jetwing Yala

Luxury Hotel

Where the coast of the Indian Ocean and the grassy plains of a famed wildlife reserve, discover Jetwing Yala. Take in the sea air from your private veranda, only steps from the sandy dunes of the beach, and the large swimming pool. The spa offers Balinese treatments and massages. Dine with outstanding views over the sea and toast your days' adventure as the sun sets from the bar.

Earl’s Regency

Luxury Hotel

On a lush peninsula between the Mahaweli River and an inlet, colonial-influenced architecture is surrounded by forests and gardens at this inviting hotel. The swimming pool arches around natural rocks flanked by palm trees. Spacious air-conditioned rooms have wood floors, teak furniture, and private shaded balconies to take in the views. Chill out at the Mountbatten Bar, where floor to ceiling windows look out on the mountains, forest, and river. 

Hide Ella

Comfortable Hotel

Glass walls and a modern cantilevered design built into a 60-degree cliff create a stylish stay in Ella Gap. The hotel makes the most of mountain and tree-canopy views from an open-air deck and swimming pool and an enclosed glass-walled restaurant perched on the top level. Air-conditioned rooms are crafted with natural materials and offer enchanting views of the jungle and mountains, bringing your beautiful surroundings inside.

Jetwing Lighthouse

Luxury Hotel

Perched on a low hill overlooking the sea, this Geoffrey Bawa-designed property captures elements of historic Galle, with tiled roofs and colorful shutters. Ample rooms are set up to enjoy the views of the Indian Ocean, with a private balcony and window-shelf table, positioned to enjoy your morning coffee while gazing at the azure water. Enjoy the swimming pool, Ayurvedic spa, tennis court, and array of eateries during your stay.