What to expect
Trip profile
This small-group exploration of Sri Lanka is for adventurous travellers seeking an active journey combined with luxury of the highest order, inimitable cuisine, and lush landscapes to be trekked, climbed, cycled, and canoed. Most days of your Sri Lankan luxury adventure will include a moderate amount of physical adventure, and ample time for taking in spectacular sights and new cultures.
Departure dates
Our journeys depart throughout the year with a minimum of 4 guests and at times that suit you. We do not generally set scheduled departure dates. Rather, we prefer to give you the ultimate flexibility to choose departures dates that suit you.
Accommodation
Our hotel in Negombo is The Wallawwa. Surrounded by acres of beautiful tropical gardens, this antique manor house, built in the Dutch colonial style, dates back to the 18th century. Originally owned by the Head Chieftain of Galle, the property is now home to one of Sri Lanka's most exciting boutique hotels. Atmospheric, tranquil, and secluded, with world-class dining and warm Sri Lankan hospitality, The Wallawwa provides the perfect start to our luxury adventure.
In the ancient cities we stay at Ulagalla Resort. Set deep within Sri Lanka's cultural triangle and in close proximity to Sigiriya rock, Ulagalla Resort is surrounded by acres of wetlands, paddy fields, and woodlands, providing a natural habitat for numerous species of animals and birds. With spacious individual dwellings – complete with private plunge pools – spread throughout the property, this hotel offers outstanding luxury and world-class Ayurvedic spa facilities.
Leaving the cultural triangle for Sri Lanka's tea country, we break our journey at The Kandy House. Located just outside Kandy in a quiet village area surrounded by rice terraces, this beautifully restored manor house, set around an inner courtyard, was once the grand ancestral home of a local Kandayan chief. Featuring acres of tropical gardens and a freshwater infinity pool fringed by palm trees, The Kandy House is a haven for relaxation.
On our trek through Sri Lanka's tea country, we stay at Ceylon Tea Trails. Spread throughout the Bogawantalawa Valley are four classic colonial luxury bungalows. Originally built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, each sprawling bungalow has its own unique aspect and style. Surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens with views over the tea fields and surrounding countryside, each bungalow features oversized rooms, open fireplaces, lavish bathrooms, and luxurious furnishings. Discreet butler service, traditional afternoon high teas, and fine dining round out the perfect tea country experience.
In Galle we stay at Amangalla. Located within the walls of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort, this historic hotel has been beautifully and sensitively restored by the Aman Resort group. Amangalla offers old-world luxury, superb cuisine, and exceptional service. Retreat at the end of the day's cycling to the stunning spa, oversized swimming pool, and 200-year-old frangipani filled gardens. An exemplary colonial hotel experience.
Cuisine
Born out of a rich melting pot of cuisines, Sri Lankan food is famous for its spices, freshness and its intricate and labour-intensive dishes. Sri Lanka's tropical climate and rich waters means that seafood, fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs and spices are in abundance and used in many ways in its cuisine. Sri Lankan cuisine is an exotic blend of tastes and aromas – from colourful curries, sambols, pickles, chutneys, dhals and rice, to sweet, spiced desserts and fragrant teas.
Most of our meals are enjoyed in the restaurants housed in our boutique hotels or luxury bungalows. Home to the best chefs in Sri Lanka, these restaurants showcase the finest Sri Lankan and European cuisine on the island. For most meals you will have the choice to dine by yourself or with the group.
Climbing Sigiriya rock
Sigiriya rock (370m) is one of the most accessible rocks in the world. You don't need any experience with rock climbing or specialised equipment, as the ascent entails walking up stairs. We climb Sigiriya rock either in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. The round trip takes approximately 2 – 3 hours.
If you exercise regularly, are in good health and physical condition, and are injury free, you should be in a position to attempt the climb with confidence.
Trekking in the tea fields
Our luxury bungalows in the tea fields are located within a 3 – 4 hour walk of one another. We trek from bungalow to bungalow over undulating terrain, mainly on trails and through villages, temples, hillside tea plantations, eucalyptus forests, and over natural streams. We carry only what we need for the trek in small backpacks, while our luggage is transferred by vehicle to our next luxury bungalow.
Climbing Adam's Peak
Adam's Peak (2243m) is one of the most accessible peaks in the world. You don't need any experience with climbing or specialised equipment. A site of pilgrimage for over one thousand years, it is a steep climb to the top up a well-maintained set of over 4500 steps. During the pilgrim season (December to April) we follow tradition and begin the climb very early in the morning (2am) to make the peak for sunrise. Outside pilgrim season we begin the climb at 6am. Depending on the season, the round trip usually takes between 4 – 6 hours.
We carry only what we need for the pilgrimage in small backpacks.
If you exercise regularly, are in good health and physical condition, and are injury free you should be in a position to attempt the climb with confidence. Whatever your level of fitness, climbing Adam's Peak can be challenging, but most people succeed with determination.
Climbing Adam's Peak is optional. If you would prefer not to participate in the pilgrimage you are free to enjoy the surrounds of our luxury bungalow.
Cycling
The cycling around Anuradhapura is on mainly flat, sealed roads. We also cycle off-road through local villages and past ancient water reservoirs and temples. We cycle for around 15 – 20km. A support vehicle accompanies the bikes, so you can choose to do as much or as little cycling as you wish.
The cycling in Sri Lanka's south coast can be as easy or as challenging as you like, depending on whether you use the support vehicle. The cycling is on mainly flat, sealed roads. We also cycle off-road through local villages and pass by tea, spice, and coconut plantations. Again, a support vehicle accompanies the bikes, so you can choose to do as much or as little cycling as you wish. A typical day entails around 15 – 20km of cycling.
Canoeing
The canoeing on the Ginganga River near Galle is on flat water. We canoe in the early morning to experience the river's ambience and the area's abundant bird and animal life. We begin at the source of the river, an inland coastal lagoon, and using the flow of the river we make our way downstream before meeting our private transfer and returning to Amangalla. We canoe for around 2 hours.
Expert leadership
Expert leadership is the key to a safe but exciting and unforgettable luxury adventure. Your trip will be led by Seven Skies' founder Nathan Wedding. As well as showing you natural, cultural, and gastronomic wonders that you might never find on your own, Nathan ensures that everything runs smoothly and safely. A former university academic, Nathan taught environmental philosophy and held Doctorate of Philosophy candidature at some of Australia's leading universities. A seasoned adventurer, he swapped his academic life for a career as a professional sea kayak guide, leading trips in the Arctic Circle, Norwegian Fjords and Lofoten Islands, Fiji's Yasawa Islands, and the remote World Heritage Wilderness Area in Tasmania, Australia.
Fitness
You will get maximum enjoyment out of your luxury adventure if you are in good health and physical condition prior to departure. Walking up hills and mountains is a great way to prepare for your trip. Trekking and cycling requires strength in your legs, feet, and cardiovascular system. Aerobic exercises like swimming, cycling, and jogging are great alternatives to improve your fitness for the trip. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your luxury adventure.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, injuries, or concerns about your health or physical condition, we recommend that you contact us to discuss the best options for you and whether you are fit for this trip.
Climate
Sri Lanka has a warm and tropical climate which is moderated by a cooling sea breeze. Average yearly temperatures range from 26°C to 28°C, with humidity between 70% and 90% depending on the season and elevation. The weather in the plains and the coastal areas is hot and humid with an average mean temperature of 27°C. Due to its elevation, the weather in the Sri Lankan tea fields is cool and pleasant with an average mean temperature of around 20°C.
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. The first occurs from mid-May to October and is characterised by rain in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka but little rain in the east and northeast of the island. The second monsoon occurs between December to March bringing rain to the northeast of the island. Sri Lanka's rainfall usually comes in short, strong downpours only briefly interrupting the sunshine.
Group size
You will travel in a small group with a minimum of four and a maximum of eight people plus Seven Skies' host, Nathan Wedding, and expert local personnel.
Specialised equipment
All cycling and canoeing equipment will be provided. No specialised climbing equipment is required. The clothing and equipment recommendations in the departure package we will send you detail what you will need for the luxury adventure.
