Summary
This six-night private journey moves through three distinct landscapes of Sri Lanka, each chosen for its ecological character and distance from the conventional tourist circuit. The route begins in the mangrove waterways fringing Negombo, continues inland to the rural flatlands of Anamaduwa where a working eco-lodge sets the pace, and concludes in the forested stream valleys below the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. Accommodation is small in scale, built with local materials, staffed by people from the surrounding communities, and organised around the rhythms of the land. Activities are unhurried and grounded: cycling between villages and temple ruins, learning to prepare a Sri Lankan meal from a household kitchen, and drifting along a cold stream between natural limestone pools. This is a journey for the traveller who values specificity over spectacle.
Highlights
- A two-hour canoe passage through the mangrove channels of Ranweli, observing indigenous aquatic plants and the transition between salt and freshwater environments. | An open-air cooking session at The Mud House in Anamaduwa, using ingredients from the property's organic gardens. | A cycling route from The Mud House to the Paramakanda temple and Tonigala rock, passing through rural villages and countryside. | A guided stream walk along the Dehigaha Ela in Sigiriya, moving upstream through cold, calcium-terraced pools fed by clear springs. | An early morning cycle from Back of Beyond lodge to Sigiriya Rock, followed by the ascent of the fifth-century rock fortress. | An afternoon exploring the traditional rammed-earth and cadjan architecture of The Mud House and its organic vegetable fields.
What is included in this tour?
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.- DBL/TRPL/QDPL sharing hotel accommodation with meals on BB basis (Breakfast only).
- Transport in an AC vehicle with an English speaking chauffeur
- Entrance & site guide fees at all places of sightseeing.
- Train ride from Kandy to Ella (1st or 2nd class – Reserved seats)
- 2 Bottles of water per person per day
- Tips for driver
What is not included in this tour?
Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.- Lunch & Dinner or any other meals not included in the program
- Early check in and late check out (Standard check in time is 14:00 and check out time is 12:00)
- Insurance
- Visa fee
- Personal Expenses such as laundry, liquor, drinks etc.
- Compulsory Christmas Eve Dinner on 24th December and New Year Eve Dinner on 31st December
Day by day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and Negombo CoastMeet a representative at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Negombo (30 minutes). Dinner and overnight at Ranweli Beach Hotel.
Day 2
Mangrove Waterways and AnamaduwaAfter breakfast, take a two-hour canoe trip through the mangrove channels near Ranweli. Transfer by road to The Mud House Eco Lodge in Anamaduwa (2 hours). Lunch is a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry. Afternoon canoe outing on the lodge lake and a cooking session with the culinary staff. Dinner and overnight at The Mud House.
Day 3
Cycling the Anamaduwa PlainMorning cycling through villages, past Paramakanda temple and Tonigala rock. Lunch at the lodge. Afternoon free for walks, observing traditional architecture, or exploring the organic vegetable fields. Dinner and overnight at The Mud House.
Day 4
Transfer to SigiriyaBreakfast at The Mud House, then transfer to Sigiriya (2.5 hours). Lunch at Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela Eco Lodge. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela.
Day 5
Stream Walking and Forest ExplorationGuided nature trail, forest walk, boulder scramble, or caving, tailored to guest interests. Afternoon stream walk and swim in the cold, clear pools of Dehigaha Ela. Dinner and overnight at Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela.
Day 6
Sigiriya Rock and Return to NegomboEarly morning cycle to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb to the summit. Return to lodge, freshen up, and transfer to Negombo. Overnight at Ranweli Beach Hotel.
Day 7
DepartureBreakfast at the hotel and transfer to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (30 minutes).
