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Heroes and Heroines The Cultural Triangle
Visit the ancient heartland of Sri Lanka dating back to the 5th century.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Sri Lanka – The Classic Journey
This 14-day introduction to Sri Lanka shines a spotlight on the wild side with wonderful walking trails and safaris. You are joined by outstanding guides throughout who have knowledge on all the local haunts.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Tea estates
Climb the scenic winding tracks to the heart of the tea country.
3Tracking leopards
Feel the thrill of tracking leopards in the wild with an expert naturalist.
4Galle Fort
Explore the alternative Galle with a local guide.
Why we like it
This classic holiday covers all the highlights of this beautiful island whilst avoiding the crowds. Joined by expert guides in each destination, discover tea plantations, holy temples, national parks and white sand beaches. Stunning nature can be found just half an hour from the cities. Ride by train into the central highlands for sensational scenery. National parks shelter elephants, sloth bears, and leopard. The coastal UNESCO Galle Fort is a must-see.
Day 1
Colombo
Day 2
Colombo - Thirappane - Anuradhapura
Day 3- 4
Anuradhapura
Day 5
Anuradhapura - Knuckles Mountain Range
Day 6
Knuckles Mountain Range
Day 7
Knuckles Mountain Range - Kandy
Day 8
Kandy - Hatton
Day 9
Hatton
Day 10
Hatton - Yala National Park
Day 11
Yala National Park
Day 12
Yala National Park - Galle
Day 13
Galle
Day 14
Colombo
Day 1
Colombo
Take a guided walking tour through Colombo and visit the Fort and Pettah to experience the colonial architecture.
Day 2
Colombo - Thirappane - Anuradhapura
Day 3- 4
Anuradhapura
The Cultural Triangle runs from the hill capital Kandy, the first Sinhalese capital of Anuradhapura to the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa.
Day 5
Anuradhapura - Knuckles Mountain Range
Day 6
Knuckles Mountain Range
The Knuckles range is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular with wildlife enthusiasts and hikers.
Day 7
Knuckles Mountain Range - Kandy
The Knuckles range is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular with wildlife enthusiasts and hikers.
Day 8
Kandy - Hatton
Day 9
Hatton
Day 10
Hatton - Yala National Park
Day 11
Yala National Park
Avoid the crowds at Yala and still get a unique eco-friendly wildlife experience.
Day 12
Yala National Park - Galle
Avoid the crowds at Yala and still get a unique eco-friendly wildlife experience.
Day 13
Galle
Galle is a microcosm of Sri Lankan society, resonating with magnificent sights and sounds.
Day 14
Colombo
Galle is a microcosm of Sri Lankan society, resonating with magnificent sights and sounds.
More details
Colombo Walking Tour
Uncover historical sites and discover new restaurants during your stay in this eclectic city with a local guide by your side. Gain insider knowledge on the best places, including the best kottu. Visit Galle Face Green at sunset and watch a local cricket game.
The Alternative Cultural Triangle
Explore off the beaten track with our favourite archaeologist, Nerina, who will ensure you avoid the crowds by visiting some little-known sites on the Cultural Triangle.
Knuckles Mountain Range
The Knuckles mountain range, 1000 metres above sea level, offers the most fabulous opportunity for hikers. The mini Worlds End trek is easily completed in only two hours from Madulkelle Eco Lodge. Passing through dense forest, crystal clear streams and gorgeous waterfalls.
Train Travel
Grab a good book, perhaps a cushion, and settle in for a long but extremely picturesque journey on one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Few locations in Sri Lanka can match the panoramic splendour of the island’s western hill country. An opportunity for some incredible photography.
Wild Coast - Yala
Safari drives by day, sea-turtles coming ashore to lay eggs by night, with the fleeting chance of an elephant coming down to play in the surf are some of the highlights of visiting Yala National Park.
Yatagala Temple
Take a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride outside of Galle to visit the Yatagala Temple – a mystical site explored barefooted. Your Buddhist guide will assist you with a puja ritual and the monks will offer a blessing. A wonderful way to end your time on this fabulous island nation.
Time for Tea
Unravel the mysteries and discover the secrets that go into making that perfect cup of Ceylon tea. Find out how the tea leaves plucked by the female estate workers are sorted and processed into making Sri Lanka’s favourite beverage.
Let’s chat
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £4,500 Per person
When to travel
Sri Lanka in January
Sri Lanka benefits from generally good weather all year round and experiences a tropical climate with the best and most popular to visit being during our winter months, from January to April.
Sri Lanka in February
Visit the Southern and Western coast of Sri Lanka to experience the hot and humid climate in coastal areas or visit the mountainous regions for cooler temperatures with less humidity.
Sri Lanka in March
In Northern and Central Sri Lanka, temperatures will start to rise, and these regions will become more humid with March being generally a dry month for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka in April
Overall, April is a very good time to visit Sri Lanka, with most of the island experiencing high temperatures and lots of sunshine, all before the first monsoon rains of the year begin in the South.
Sri Lanka in May
From May to August, the country experiences the first of its two annual monsoon seasons in Southwest Sri Lanka. Therefore, during these months it is best to visit Northeast Sri Lanka including Batticaloa and Passekudah.
Sri Lanka in June
Rainfall with continue in the South during the monsoon season whereas in Northern Sri Lanka, June is one of the best times to visit this area with a warm climate and high temperatures throughout.
Sri Lanka in July
In Northern Sri Lanka, the months of June and July are particularly good times to travel to the area, with minimal rainfall, particularly high temperatures and long days of sunshine.
Sri Lanka in August
Throughout the country, you can expect excellent climate conditions. August is ideal month for those wanting to experience both the Northeast and Southwest regions of the island, typically quite unusual due to Sri Lanka’s monsoon seasons.
Sri Lanka in September
September will start to see the end of the monsoon season in the Southwest and whilst rainfall and thunderstorms are less frequent, are still likely across the region.
Sri Lanka in October
Prior to the monsoon season, rainfall is likely throughout the country and can sometimes be unpredictable, meaning disruptions in travel are likely.
Sri Lanka in November
From November to February, Northeast Sri Lanka will experience one of two annual monsoon seasons. Whilst most days will experience rainfall, it is a great time to travel to experience the lush, green countryside.
Sri Lanka in December
Due to the monsoon in the Northeast, it is best to visit the southwest coast of Sri Lanka prior to the second monsoon reaching this area in May. Experience high levels of sunshine, perfect for Sri Lanka’s beaches.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
These may be uncertain times but they are, without a doubt, still full of opportunity to discover the extraordinary safely. Through knowledge and expertise, we can connect you to those destinations embracing travellers with the added confidence of flexible booking and decades of insight.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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