Ceylon Hidden Trails
Package 10 Exclusive Tours 13 Nights / 14 Days

Ceylon Hidden Trails

A quieter route with wellness throughout: Pidurangala sunrise, Ambuluwawa's tower, remote Ohiya, Ella hikes and Weligama surf.

See the day-by-day plan
Duration
13 Nights / 14 Days
Best for
Travellers from Australia
Pace
Moderate
Best time to travel
Nov – Apr
Starts & ends
Bandaranaike International Airport

The journey at a glance

Overview

A quieter route with wellness sessions throughout: sunrise on Pidurangala, Ambuluwawa's spiral tower, two slow days in the remote mountain village of Ohiya, Ella's hikes, elephants and surf on the south coast.

  1. Colombo1 night
  2. Sigiriya2 nights
  3. Kandy1 night
  4. Ambuluwawa1 night
  5. Ohiya2 nights
  6. Ella2 nights
  7. Udawalawe1 night
  8. Weligama2 nights
  9. Galle1 night
  10. DepartFly home

Who this journey suits

Lesser-known highlands (Ambuluwawa, Ohiya) with wellness, hiking and Weligama surf, a good match for Australia's wellness and surf culture.

Tour highlights

  • Pidurangala sunrise hike overlooking Sigiriya
  • Village safari: bullock cart, catamaran and cooking
  • Ambuluwawa's spiral tower and mountain views
  • Bomburu Ella, one of Sri Lanka's widest waterfalls
  • Two slow days in the remote mountain village of Ohiya
  • Ohiya → Ella train and an Ella Rock hike
  • Udawalawe elephant safari
  • Beginner-friendly surf at Weligama and the Madu River mangroves
  • Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home feeding time

14 days, paced for real travel

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Arrive BIA → Colombo
    Colombo

    Day 1: Day 1

    Arrive BIA → Colombo

    Travel
    ~1 hr airport transfer
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Colombo
    • MorningArrive and transfer to the hotel.
    • AfternoonRelax after the flight.
    • EveningGentle city stroll and sunset at Galle Face Green, or an optional wellness treatment.

    Sample hotels: Tintagel Colombo · Jetwing Colombo Seven (or similar)

  2. Colombo → Sigiriya
    Sigiriya

    Day 2: Day 2

    Colombo → Sigiriya

    Travel
    ~4–4.5 hrs drive
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Sigiriya
    • MorningDrive into the Cultural Triangle through rural villages.
    • AfternoonAfternoon at leisure among lakes, forest and birdlife.
    • EveningOptional sunset wellness session or spa treatment.

    Sample hotels: Jetwing Vil Uyana · Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela · Water Garden Sigiriya (or similar)

  3. Sigiriya
    Sigiriya

    Day 3: Day 3

    Sigiriya

    Travel
    Local only
    Free time
    Midday
    Overnight
    Sigiriya
    • MorningEarly hike up Pidurangala Rock for sunrise over Sigiriya.
    • AfternoonVillage safari: bullock-cart ride, catamaran crossing, cooking demonstration and farmers. Optional late-afternoon Sigiriya Rock climb.
    • EveningEvening at leisure.

    Sample hotels: Jetwing Vil Uyana · Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela · Water Garden Sigiriya (same hotel)

  4. Sigiriya → Kandy
    Kandy

    Day 4: Day 4

    Sigiriya → Kandy

    Travel
    ~3 hrs with a stop
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Kandy
    • MorningDambulla Cave Temple's Buddhist murals and cave shrines.
    • AfternoonDrive through countryside to Kandy and check in.
    • EveningTemple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and a walk around Kandy Lake.

    Sample hotels: Theva Residency · Cinnamon Citadel (or similar)

  5. Kandy → Ambuluwawa
    Ambuluwawa

    Day 5: Day 5

    Kandy → Ambuluwawa

    Travel
    ~45 min drive
    Free time
    Morning
    Overnight
    Ambuluwawa
    • MorningMorning at leisure in Kandy.
    • AfternoonAmbuluwawa Biodiversity Complex: climb the spiral tower and explore the gardens and forest.
    • EveningOptional yoga or wellness session.

    Sample hotels: W15 Ambuluwawa (or similar)

  6. Ambuluwawa → Ohiya
    Ohiya

    Day 6: Day 6

    Ambuluwawa → Ohiya

    Travel
    ~6 hrs mountain driving incl. waterfall walk
    Free time
    Evening
    Overnight
    Ohiya
    • MorningScenic drive into the central highlands.
    • AfternoonGuided visit to Bomburu Ella waterfall and its forest trails.
    • EveningArrive in Ohiya and relax amid cool mountain scenery.

    Sample hotels: Hill Safari – Tea Estate Villa · Misty Mountain Lodge (or Thotalagala, Haputale) (or similar)

  7. Ohiya
    Ohiya

    Day 7: Day 7

    Ohiya

    Travel
    On foot / short drives
    Free time
    Most of the day
    Overnight
    Ohiya
    • MorningOptional early visit to nearby Horton Plains (World's End, Baker's Falls).
    • AfternoonSlow-paced exploration of cloud forests, tea valleys and viewpoints. Optional birdwatching.
    • EveningWellness session overlooking the mountains.

    Sample hotels: Hill Safari – Tea Estate Villa · Misty Mountain Lodge (or Thotalagala, Haputale) (same hotel)

  8. Ohiya → Ella (train)
    Ella

    Day 8: Day 8

    Ohiya → Ella (train)

    Travel
    ~2 hrs train
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Ella
    • MorningBoard the scenic hill-country train at Ohiya station.
    • AfternoonCheck in and relax.
    • EveningEvening visit to Nine Arch Bridge.

    Sample hotels: 98 Acres Resort & Spa · Uga Ghiri · EKHO Ella (or similar)

  9. Ella
    Ella

    Day 9: Day 9

    Ella

    Travel
    Local only
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Ella
    • MorningMorning hike up Ella Rock for views across the southern highlands.
    • AfternoonTea plantations and tea-growing communities. Optional tea tasting and Ravana Falls.
    • EveningEvening at leisure.

    Sample hotels: 98 Acres Resort & Spa · Uga Ghiri · EKHO Ella (same hotel)

  10. Ella → Udawalawe
    Udawalawe

    Day 10: Day 10

    Ella → Udawalawe

    Travel
    ~2.5 hrs drive
    Free time
    Midday
    Overnight
    Udawalawe
    • MorningDrive south into the dry zone.
    • AfternoonAfternoon safari in Udawalawe National Park: elephants and rich birdlife.
    • EveningEvening at the lodge.

    Sample hotels: Kalu's Hideaway · Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort (or similar)

  11. Udawalawe → Weligama
    Weligama

    Day 11: Day 11

    Udawalawe → Weligama

    Travel
    ~2.5 hrs drive
    Free time
    Afternoon
    Overnight
    Weligama
    • MorningWatch the 9 am feeding at the Elephant Transit Home, or take an optional early safari.
    • AfternoonDrive to the south coast. Afternoon at leisure on the beach.
    • EveningOptional spa, wellness session or sunset yoga.

    Sample hotels: Cape Weligama · W15 Weligama · Weligama Bay Marriott (or similar)

  12. Weligama
    Weligama

    Day 12: Day 12

    Weligama

    Travel
    Local only
    Free time
    Midday
    Overnight
    Weligama
    • MorningOptional early whale watching from Mirissa (around 6:30 AM, Nov–Apr).
    • AfternoonSurf session for beginners and intermediate surfers.
    • EveningBeach cafés.

    Sample hotels: Cape Weligama · W15 Weligama · Weligama Bay Marriott (same hotel)

  13. Weligama → Galle
    Galle

    Day 13: Day 13

    Weligama → Galle

    Travel
    ~40 min drive
    Free time
    Morning
    Overnight
    Galle
    • MorningSlow morning by the beach.
    • AfternoonGalle Fort (UNESCO): colonial streets, artisan boutiques, galleries and ramparts.
    • EveningFarewell dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean.

    Sample hotels: The Fort Bazaar · Amangalla · Jetwing Lighthouse (or similar)

  14. Galle → BIA → Depart
    Departure day

    Day 14: Day 14

    Galle → BIA → Depart

    Travel
    ~3 hrs incl. a Madu River stop
    Free time
    Morning
    Overnight
    Departure
    • MorningRelaxed morning in the Fort.
    • AfternoonMadu River mangrove safari on the way north (time permitting).
    • EveningTransfer to the airport for departure.

    No overnight: departure day

Chosen for character and comfort

Hotels at a glance

LocationNightsDaysSample hotels (or similar)
Colombo1Day 01Tintagel Colombo · Jetwing Colombo Seven
Sigiriya2Days 02–03Jetwing Vil Uyana · Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela · Water Garden Sigiriya
Kandy1Day 04Theva Residency · Cinnamon Citadel
Ambuluwawa1Day 05W15 Ambuluwawa
Ohiya2Days 06–07Hill Safari – Tea Estate Villa · Misty Mountain Lodge (or Thotalagala, Haputale)
Ella2Days 08–0998 Acres Resort & Spa · Uga Ghiri · EKHO Ella
Udawalawe1Day 10Kalu's Hideaway · Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Weligama2Days 11–12Cape Weligama · W15 Weligama · Weligama Bay Marriott
Galle1Day 13The Fort Bazaar · Amangalla · Jetwing Lighthouse
Total1313 nights / 14 days

Hotels are samples of the style and level. Final hotels are confirmed at booking, subject to availability.

What's included

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for the whole journey
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide (other languages on request)
  • Accommodation as listed, or similar, with daily breakfast
  • Airport meet & greet and private transfers
  • Fuel, parking, highway tolls and your guide's meals and lodging
  • Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
  • Hotel taxes and service charges
  • 24/7 local support throughout your journey

Not included

  • International flights
  • Sri Lanka visa / Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Entrance tickets, safari jeeps and train tickets, unless your quote includes them
  • Lunches, dinners and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Camera and video permits at some sites
  • Optional activities
  • Tips, early check-in, late check-out and personal expenses

Good to know

  • Ohiya stays are simple and remote. Thotalagala in Haputale (~45 min) is the luxury alternative.
  • Horton Plains is right next to Ohiya; go early for clear views.
  • Reserved and observation seats on the hill-country train sell out. Book as soon as dates are confirmed.
  • Temple visits: shoulders and knees covered; shoes and hats off at shrines.
  • Travel times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and photo stops.
  • Hotels are samples of the style and level. Final hotels are confirmed at booking, subject to availability.

Day tours on this route

Each of these days is also available on its own.

Dambulla and Sigiriya Day TourGalle Fort and Southern Coast Heritage TourMadu River Safari and Turtle ConservationKandy TourWhale and Dolphin Watching in MirissaElla Highlights Day Tour

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