Waves and mountains
Three days of surf lessons in Weligama, then up into the hills for hikes, the train and white-water rafting on the way back to the airport.
This active trip mixes the south coast’s beginner-friendly waves with the cool hill country. Three nights at Weligama give time for several surf sessions; then the route climbs to Ella for hikes, rides the train in reverse towards Nuwara Eliya, and finishes with rafting at Kitulgala.
For summer travel (roughly May–October) we swap Weligama for Arugam Bay on the east coast.
Weligama – Ella – Nuwara Eliya – Kandy – Kitulgala – Negombo
Drive to the south coast and settle into a surf-friendly base.
Morning surf lesson; afternoon exploring Mirissa.
Another session — or whale watching from Mirissa in season.
Climb into the hills to Ella.
Guided hike up Ella Rock; afternoon at the Nine Arch Bridge.
The scenic train from Ella to Nanu Oya, then tea country.
Descend to Kandy; evening at the Temple of the Tooth.
Drive to Kitulgala for an afternoon of rafting or canyoning (water levels permitting).
Morning jungle walk, then drive to Negombo.
Short transfer to the airport.
We suggest hotels at the level you choose — good-value, comfortable, boutique or premium — and explain why each one suits the route. You can swap any hotel before anything is booked.
You travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle sized for your group and luggage, with the same driver or chauffeur guide throughout. Licensed site guides can be added at major heritage sites.
Weligama surf season roughly November–April. Summer version via Arugam Bay.
Availability depends on season and your dates — we confirm before adding anything. Tick the ones you like in the form below.
Ella is the heart of tea country and the classic hill-country railway.
Kandy – Nanu Oya – Ella · 3 – 7 hours depending on section
Ella · 2 – 3 hours
Hill country · 1 – 2 hours
The south coast is Sri Lanka’s best-known base for whale watching and beginner surf.
Mirissa harbour · 4 – 6 hours
Weligama (winter) or Arugam Bay (summer) · 2 hours
Kitulgala is Sri Lanka’s main white-water rafting centre.
Kitulgala · 2 – 3 hours
No. Weligama is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn.
Adjust anything below, or just tell us your dates. A consultant replies personally — this is not a booking and nothing is charged.
Updated . Travel conditions change — we confirm details when we plan your trip.
15 days · Relaxed pace, long beach stay
A relaxed fifteen-day journey with three nights in the Cultural Triangle, two in Kandy and Ella, an elephant safari and three unhurried nights on the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
10 days · Culture, hills, safari & beach
Ten days that add breathing space and a beach finish to the classic route: two nights each in Sigiriya and Kandy, the tea country train, a Yala safari and the south coast.
Private tour · price on request
14 days · Two weeks, the whole island
Two weeks to see Sri Lanka properly: both great ancient capitals, Sigiriya, Kandy, the hill country, a Yala safari, quiet southern beaches and Galle Fort.
Private tour · price on request
Day tours that fit around this itinerary.
Half day · from Negombo
A relaxed half day near the airport: a lagoon boat ride through mangroves, the fish market, the Dutch canal and St Mary’s Church.
Half day · from Negombo
An early-morning look at Negombo’s fishing life: boats coming in, the auction, and a traditional outrigger on the lagoon.
Half day · from Kandy
Kandy’s highlights in a half day: the Temple of the Tooth, the lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens and a cultural show.
Full day · from Kandy
A day trip from Kandy into the high tea country: waterfalls, a working tea factory, Nuwara Eliya’s colonial town and Seetha Eliya.
