The Soul of Sri Lanka – Mountain Escapes and Tea Trails 2027

Sri Lanka is an overlooked gem in the Indian Ocean. It boasts dense rainforests, tropical beaches, breathtaking highlands, abundant wildlife and a diverse cultural history. Explorations will take us into the cultural area of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. Highlights include bird walks led by naturalists, a sunset climb of the enigmatic 600-foot high Sigiriya Rock and the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, with its recumbent 47-foot-long Buddha. Based in Kandy, we explore the Central Province’s capital before travelling further south to the hill country at Nuwara Eliya and Ella. These locations are our gateway for walks on the Pekoe Trail through local villages and to tropical mountain forests. Spectacular waterfalls, rambling views and local tea estates are key attractions of this region. At nearby Wellawaya, enjoy walks in the paddy fields, villages and to organic gardens in the southeastern foothills. Spot endemic birds, elephants and endangered buffalo on a day safari into Yala National Park. Our final base is the seaside colonial city of Galle, an old trading port, influenced by Portuguese and Dutch colonialists. Galle is now resplendent with rambling laneways, ancient mosques, grand mansions and museums. A local guide leads us through the Galle Fort, illustrating connections between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. Your 15 days will be filled with the exotic landscapes, tastes and delights of Sri Lanka.

• Discover the national parks, wildlife, and 2000-year-old culture of this Indian Ocean jewel
• Search for slender loris, elephant and Sri Lankan leopard in Wilpattu National Park
• Climb the 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Tour ancient ruins at Polonnaruwa
• View statues and frescos at the Dambulla Cave complex
• Spend time in the heart of Sri Lanka tea country
• Enjoy half day hikes on different sections of the Pekoe Trail
• Experience biodiversity and wildlife of Yala National Park
• Delight in the historic city of Galle and walk the Dutch built Galle Fort
• Taste exotic meals, learn of legends, traditions and folklore

Price: Twin share/person (starts/ends Colombo)

Regular Price: A$11,390

Advanced Early Bird Price: Twin share/person (if booked and deposited by 31 July 2026) A$10,890

Early Bird Price: Twin share/person (if booked and deposited by 30 September 2026) A$11,090

Single Supplement: A$2,200

Note: For guests who request a single room the single supplement will be charged. For single people who prefer to share, we will try to find a suitable room-mate, but if this is not possible the single supplement surcharge will apply.

Minimum Group Size: 8 guests

Special Interest: Botanical, Wildlife, Biodiversity, Birding, Culture, Conservation

Walk Rating: Easy to Moderate: 5-15 km per day with some challenging options. We reserve the right to modify the itinerary at any time due to unforseen circumstances including weather conditions and group fitness. Age is not necessarily as important as your fitness and recent walking experience, and anyone of reasonable fitness should be able to join this tour. We reserve the right to be flexible with the itinerary to allow for unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions and group fitness.

Inclusions

• 14 nights twin share accommodation – 4-5 star hotels, plus simpler bungalows and eco lodges with private facilities.
• Meals include – 14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, and 14 Dinners
• All transfers as listed in itinerary
• Entry fees to national parks, museums, safaris and sacred sites where noted
• Group tips for site guides, local drivers and porterage
• Australian Tour Leader
• Professional local tour leader assisted when required by site guides
• Pre-departure material including personalised A-Z tour information

Exclusions

• International airfares and taxes to start / from end of tour
• Passport and visa expenses
• Heavy or excess baggage
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses e.g. drinks (water, alcohol, tea and coffee), laundry, phone, optional tours / excursions