Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Sri Lanka Tea Trails & Temples Multi-Adventure
Day 1 Arrive in Colombo & Transfer to the Beach at Negombo
30-minute airport transfer
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.
Accommodation: Jetwing Blue
(D)
Day 2 Travel to Sigiriya & Get Your First Views of the Fortress
3-hour private van transfer
1.5 hours/2 miles hiking
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.
Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Summit Sigiriya Citadel & Explore the Sacred Caves at Dambulla
3 hours/3 miles walking and stair climbing (1,200 steps to top of Sigiriya and over 300 steps to Dambulla)
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.
Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Pass through Spice Gardens on the Road to Kandy
2 hours/2 miles of easy walking
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.
Accommodation: Earl’s Regency
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Enjoy Gorgeous Mountain Views Hiking on the Pekoe Trail
5-6 hours/5 miles hiking
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.
Accommodation: Earl’s Regency
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Ascend to the Hills of Nuwara Eliya
2.5-3 hours/ 2-3 miles of easy walking
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.
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Hike in UNESCO-protected Horton Plains National Park
3-4 hours/5.5 miles hiking
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.
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Take the Train through Stunning Scenery to Ella
2 hours/2.5 miles hiking
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.
Accommodation: Hide Ella
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Rejoin the Pekoe Trail to Summit Ella Rock
45-minute private van transfer
5-6 hours/7.5 miles hiking
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.
Accommodation: Hide Ella
(B, L, D)
Day 10 Spot Wild Elephants, Peacocks & Monkeys at Yala National Park
2.5-hour private van transfer
3-hour open jeep safari
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.
Accommodation: Jetwing Yala
(B, L, D)
Day 11 Adventure Along the Coast to Dutch Colonial Galle Fort
3-hour private van transfer
1-hour walking tour
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.
Accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse
(B, L)
Day 12 Kayak on Serene Koggala Lake & Cruise the Coast
30-minute private van transfer (each way)
3-hour kayak, 2-hour cruise
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.
Accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse
(B, D)
Day 13 Depart Sri Lanka
2.5-hour airport transfer
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.
(B)
