Lakes and Fortresses
Travel across four agro-climatic zones. Trek through villages and forest patches, brown gravel tracks; white-clad smiling children on their early morning stroll to school, vast open paddy fields with watch-huts and scarecrows, century-old man-made lakes and canals in the human-elephant conflict zone. Striking rock fortresses with remarkable stone & wood carvings. Climb the Pidurangala rock for a magnificent view of the Sigiriya Lion Rock. Soak up the spectacular rugged terrain of the Knuckles forest range.
This trekking tour starts in Wadakada in the North-Western province and ends in Kandy, the hill-capital of Sri Lanka.
keep walking
Duration: 11 days 10 nights
Type: Small group – 4 to 8
Treks: 5 – 75 km (total distance)
Level: Easy to moderate
Start: Bandaranaike International Airport (B.I.A)
End: Bandaranaike International Airport (B.I.A)
Day 1: Airport (B.I.A) – Wadakada
Village walk
Day 2: Wadakada – Dambadeniya – Wadakada
Trek to Dambadeniya rock fortress – 17 km
Day 3: Wadakada – Yapahuwa
Yapahuwa temple & rock fortress
Day 4: Yapahuwa – Nikawewa – Pidurangala (Sigiriya)
Trek to Nagala mountain – 16 km
Day 5: Pidurangala (Sigiriya)
Climb Pidurangala rock
⊕ Optional visits: Sigiriya Lion rock / Polonnaruwa archaeological site / National Park (Minneriya, Kaudulla or Eco Park)
Day 6: Sigiriya – Riverston (Knuckles forest range)
Trek to Kaludiya Pokuna Archeological forest in Kandalama – 12 km
⊕ Optional visits: Dambulla cave temple
Day 7: Riverston
Trek to Maningala mountain – 12
Day 8: Riverston – Kandy
Day 9: Kandy
Trek to Balana Fortress – 18 km
Day 10: Kandy
Free day
⊕ Optional visits: Botanical Gardens / Kandy city & market / Sacred Tooth Relic Temple
Day 11: Kandy – Airport (B.I.A)
⊕ Optional visits: Tea factory / Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Itinerary map
Highlights
♥ Dambadeniya ancient rock fortress
♥ Panavitiya Ambalama – an ancient wooden shelter for travellers, resting on a stone structure
♥ Yapahuwa rock fortress and temple
♥ Explore lesser-known archaeological sites
♥ Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya
♥ Knuckles forest region
♥ Ancient strategic outpost in Kandy
♥ Learn the art of traditional dance & drums
♥ Interact with the local community
♥ Try your hand at cooking a Sri Lankan meal with a local family
♥ Do your own thing
Accommodation
Double or Twin room share basis – triple/single room on request
Our preferred accommodation stops
- Wadakada – Birds Park
- Yapahuwa – Yapahuwa Paradise
- Pidurangala – Kurulu Uyana
- Riverston (Knuckles mountain range) – Sir John’s Bungalow (en suite rooms with private bathrooms) or Gal Bungalawa (dorm-type accommodation with separate bathrooms & toilets)
- Kandy – Queens hotel or Shangrila family-run guest house in Kandy city centre
Transport
- Air-conditioned passenger van with rear luggage compartment
- Auto rickshaw (tuk-tuk) / local bus & train – as required
Inclusions
- Transport
- English-speaking Chauffeur Guide
- Local trek guide during treks
- 10 nights accommodation
- 10 breakfasts
- 8 lunches – packed, local eatery or local house
- 7 dinners
- Water & fruits during walks
- Entrance fees to Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa rock fortress, Pidurangala rock & Knuckles forest range
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees
- Departure tax (if applicable)
- National Tour Guide – on request
- Optional visits and entrance fees
- Tips and personal expenses
- Drinks during meals
- 3 lunches
- 3 dinners
Price
Choose your dates, who goes with you, tailor make the program if you wish to and then we send you the price & the detailed itinerary.
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