Sri Lanka · Trekking

9-Day Hiking Adventure in Sri Lanka with Knuckles and Gal Oya

9 Days Round trip from Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport – Transfer to Makandura Moderate pace
Trails of the Soul

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Trek through the breathtaking Knuckles Mountain Range with an expert naturalist
  • 02 Hike the legendary Devils Staircase Trail and enjoy panoramic mountain landscapes
  • 03 Explore wildlife on a jeep safari in Gal Oya National Park
  • 04 Watch sunrise on a traditional catamaran cruise across Soraborawewa Lake

Discover Sri Lanka's dramatic highlands on this 9-day luxury hiking adventure through remote mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife landscapes. Trek through the breathtaking Knuckles Mountain Range, hike the legendary Devils Staircase Trail, and summit the unique Danigala Alien Rock. Enjoy a sunrise catamaran cruise on Soraborawewa Lake and explore wildlife in Gal Oya National Park. Along the way, stay in luxury mountain resorts and historic properties while discovering hidden waterfalls, scenic train journeys, and unforgettable wilderness experiences.

Trek through the breathtaking Knuckles Mountain Range, hike the legendary Devils Staircase Trail, and summit the unique Danigala Alien Rock.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Colombo, Haputale, Knuckles Mountain Range, Gal Oya National Park
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Sri Lanka and Transfer to The Walawwa

  • Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your private guide.
  • Transfer to The Walawwa, a beautifully restored colonial manor house.
  • Relax by the pool or explore the lush tropical gardens.
  • Rest and prepare for the upcoming mountain hiking adventures.
2
Day 02

Trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range

  • Travel to the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range.
  • Check into a luxury mountain chalet surrounded by highland forests.
  • Begin your trekking journey with an afternoon hike through evergreen forest trails.
  • Observe endemic birds, rare plants, and the unique biodiversity of the region.
3
Day 03

Waterfall Trekking Adventure in Knuckles

  • Join an expert naturalist for a full-day trekking tour in the Knuckles Mountains.
  • Discover hidden waterfalls deep within the jungle canopy.
  • Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch surrounded by pristine mountain landscapes.
  • Take a refreshing swim in crystal-clear natural pools before returning to your retreat.
4
Day 04

Mahiyanganaya and Jungle Waterfalls

  • Travel to the rural region of Mahiyanganaya.
  • Experience authentic local life and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan village lunch.
  • Trek to the majestic Rathna Ella Waterfall and Kaluwa Wetuna Ella Waterfall.
  • Capture scenic nature photographs and explore the surrounding wilderness.
5
Day 05

Sunrise at Soraborawewa and Danigala Rock

  • Watch a beautiful sunrise during a catamaran cruise on Soraborawewa Lake.
  • Enjoy a unique rock boulder breakfast in the wilderness.
  • Hike to the summit of Danigala Alien Rock for panoramic views.
  • Transfer to a luxury eco-lodge in the Gal Oya region.
6
Day 06

Gal Oya Safari and Haputale Highlands

  • Explore the wilderness on a jeep safari in Gal Oya National Park.
  • Observe diverse wildlife in one of Sri Lanka's most untouched national parks.
  • Travel to the scenic hill town of Haputale.
  • Check into a luxury mountain resort overlooking the southern plains.
7
Day 07

Devils Staircase Trek and Ohiya Train Journey

  • Take a scenic train journey to Ohiya.
  • Trek along the legendary Devils Staircase Trail.
  • Walk through tea plantations, steep hillsides, and dramatic mountain scenery.
  • Enjoy a refreshing river bath and picnic lunch before transferring to Belihuloya.
8
Day 08

Pahanthudawa Waterfall and Colombo

  • Trek to the stunning Pahanthudawa Waterfall.
  • Swim in the famous oil lamp-shaped natural pool.
  • Travel to Colombo and check into the historic Galle Face Hotel.
  • Celebrate the journey with sunset cocktails overlooking the Indian Ocean.
9
Day 09

Departure from Colombo

  • Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel in Colombo.
  • Spend some free time exploring the city or relaxing at the hotel.
  • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.
Knuckles Mountain Range, Devils Staircase Trail, Soraborawewa Lake, Danigala Alien Rock

Where this trip takes you

Knuckles Mountain Range, Devils Staircase Trail, Soraborawewa Lake, Danigala Alien Rock

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport – Transfer to Makandura 4 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 8 nights' accommodation in hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle
  • English-speaking chauffeur guide for sightseeing tours
  • Daily 500 ml bottled water during sightseeing
  • Welcome with garlands and assistance on arrival at the airport
  • Parking, highway charges, and all applicable taxes included

What's Not Included

  • Sri Lanka visa
  • Entrance fees according to customer request can be added to the final rate
  • Cost of lunch and dinner during the tour if not mentioned in the itinerary
  • International airfare and airport taxes
  • Any change in tax structure resulting from an increase in published tariffs
  • Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, and phone calls
  • Video or still camera fees at monuments and attractions
  • Any item not explicitly mentioned under price includes
  • Bar, telephone, and laundry bills
  • Optional tours
  • Tips to guides, restaurant staff, and hotel personnel are not compulsory but appreciated
  • Any other expenses

What to bring

  • Breathable cotton clothing
  • Warm sweater or light jacket for highland areas
  • Sturdy trekking shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Water for staying hydrated during hikes

Know before you go

  • Dress modestly when visiting cultural sites and local villages by covering your shoulders and knees.
  • Remove your shoes before entering temples or private homes.
  • Weather varies from the warm tropical plains to the cool mountain climates of the Knuckles Mountain Range and Haputale.
  • Pack breathable cotton clothing along with a warm sweater or light jacket for the highland areas.
  • Wear sturdy trekking shoes for challenging trails such as the Devils Staircase Trail.
  • Use sunscreen, carry a hat, and stay hydrated during hikes.
  • Avoid single-use plastics and follow eco-friendly practices during nature treks.
  • Tipping guides and drivers is optional but appreciated.
  • Travel times may vary due to winding mountain roads and scenic stops.
  • Support assistance is available throughout the journey for a safe and comfortable experience.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Bandaranaike International Airport
Tour start
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport – Transfer to Makandura
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 days finish where they began, in Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport – Transfer to Makandura.

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