{"id":32586,"date":"2019-02-20T17:00:45","date_gmt":"2019-02-20T17:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flashpacknew.wpengine.com\/?post_type=trip&p=32586"},"modified":"2021-10-11T16:14:06","modified_gmt":"2021-10-11T15:14:06","slug":"rugged-sri-lanka-small-group-tour-solo-travellers","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/rugged-sri-lanka-small-group-tour-solo-travellers\/","title":{"rendered":"Experience rugged adventure in Sri Lanka"},"content":{"rendered":"

Raft the rapids of the Kelani River, abseil down a sheer waterfall drop and hike through the breathtaking Knuckles mountainscape <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":68307,"menu_order":355,"template":"","thumbnail_video":null,"checkout_hero_banner":null,"acf":[],"template_id":"na","duration":10,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRA-FeaturedImage-1352x1414-1120x620.jpg","continent":"Asia","country":"Sri Lanka","countries":["Sri Lanka"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a32319","max":"\u00a32399"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac2729","max":"\u20ac2829"},"usd":{"min":"$3129","max":"$3239"},"cad":{"min":"$4289","max":"$4439"},"aud":{"min":"$4259","max":"$4409"},"nzd":{"min":"$4749","max":"$4919"},"hkd":{"min":"$23299","max":"$24389"},"aed":{"min":"DH10939","max":"DH11319"}},"about":"

Pristine coastline, mighty mountains and ethereal cloud forests? This is Sri Lanka at its wild, rugged best.<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll hike the beautiful mountainscapes of Knuckles and Horton Plains, before glamping beneath the stars with your fellow travellers. You\u2019ll abseil through the jungle and raft down Kelani River, and you\u2019ll relax on perfect beaches, the warm Indian Ocean at your fingertips.<\/p>\n

From mountain to beach, this adventure will see you explore the wildest corners of Sri Lanka in 9 glorious days.<\/p>\n","highlights":[],"lang":"us","trip_type":[],"hidden":true,"seasons":["spring","summer","autumn","winter"],"scenery":["beach","jungle","mountain"],"activities":["canyoning","cooking_class","hiking","local_culture","water_sports"],"activity_level":["active"],"key_locations":"Negombo, Kitulgala, Kandy, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Nuwara Eliya, tea hills, Horton Plains National Park, Bambarakanda Falls","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrival in Colombo Airport (CMB) ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Touch-down in Negombo","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

And so your Sri Lanka adventure begins. Upon arrival, an airport transfer will greet you off your flight, ready to take you to your coastal hotel. Meet your fellow travellers and guide over a cold beer, then head out together for your first-night meal at a local restaurant in Negombo. You\u2019re officially on holiday-time.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Touch-down in Negombo","text":"

And so your Sri Lanka adventure begins. Upon arrival, an airport transfer will greet you off your flight, ready to take you to your coastal hotel. Meet your fellow travellers and guide over a cold beer, then head out together for your first-night meal at a local restaurant in Negombo. You\u2019re officially on holiday-time.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrival in Colombo Airport (CMB) ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAitinerary1-sunset-negombo-pink-skies-925x600.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"White water rafting on Kelani River","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"White water rafting on the Kelani River ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

This morning, go into town for a true flavour of local life, putting your bartering skills to the test at Negombo\u2019s Fish Market. You\u2019ll then head onto Kitulgala, checking into your new lodge just in time for lunch. Fuel up here, because this afternoon you\u2019ll be white water rafting. Spend a few hours letting the wild river currents throw you around (it\u2019s fun, we promise), then you\u2019ll unwind for the night with a well-earned dinner overlooking the river.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"White water rafting on the Kelani River ","text":"

This morning, go into town for a true flavour of local life, putting your bartering skills to the test at Negombo\u2019s Fish Market. You\u2019ll then head onto Kitulgala, checking into your new lodge just in time for lunch. Fuel up here, because this afternoon you\u2019ll be white water rafting. Spend a few hours letting the wild river currents throw you around (it\u2019s fun, we promise), then you\u2019ll unwind for the night with a well-earned dinner overlooking the river.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"White water rafting on Kelani River","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAitinerary1-white-water-rafting-helpmet-boat-925x600.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Waterfall abseiling in Kitulgala ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Abseil down a waterfall drop","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

The jungles of Kitulgala are calling. Explore its rivers, forest trails and dense foliage on a morning trek, making your way to a secluded waterfall in the heart of the rainforest. We hope you\u2019re feeling brave, because you\u2019ll then launch yourself from the top of the waterfall, abseiling through the rushing waters down to the rainforest. Simply lean back off the edge and walk straight down \u2013 easy, right? Recover after your light adrenaline hit with lunch, then head onto the (elegantly named) Knuckles Mountains \u2013 your new home for the night.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Abseil down a waterfall drop","text":"

The jungles of Kitulgala are calling. Explore its rivers, forest trails and dense foliage on a morning trek, making your way to a secluded waterfall in the heart of the rainforest. We hope you\u2019re feeling brave, because you\u2019ll then launch yourself from the top of the waterfall, abseiling through the rushing waters down to the rainforest. Simply lean back off the edge and walk straight down \u2013 easy, right? Recover after your light adrenaline hit with lunch, then head onto the (elegantly named) Knuckles Mountains \u2013 your new home for the night.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Waterfall abseiling in Kitulgala ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAitinerary3-waterfall-abseil-925x600.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Trekking in Knuckles Mountains","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Trekking in the misty mountains","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Today you\u2019ll be trekking through the misty mountains. The landscape is perpetually shrouded in a delicate fog, owing to its location on the frontier between wet and dry zones. Home to spotted deer, purple-faced leaf monkeys and mongeese \u2013 among many other species \u2013 this is a region of blooming biodiversity and eerie beauty.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Trekking in the misty mountains","text":"

Today you\u2019ll be trekking through the misty mountains. The landscape is perpetually shrouded in a delicate fog, owing to its location on the frontier between wet and dry zones. Home to spotted deer, purple-faced leaf monkeys and mongeese \u2013 among many other species \u2013 this is a region of blooming biodiversity and eerie beauty.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Trekking in Knuckles Mountains","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAitinerary4-water-fall-jungle-knuckles-925x600.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive in Kandy \/ lunch with local family ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"On the road to Kandy","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Say goodbye to the highlands \u2013 you\u2019re off to Kandy. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage status, this city is one of the most sacred sites of the Buddhist world, as well as the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. Upon arrival in the sacred city, you\u2019ll visit a local family, where you\u2019ll learn a few Sri Lankan recipes \u2013 with a chance to gorge afterwards, of course. The afternoon is yours to explore the city, from the banks of Kandy Lake (the \u2018Sea of Milk\u2019 in local lore) to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. One of the most sacred sites in the country, the temple houses what\u2019s believed to be the Buddha\u2019s tooth.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"On the road to Kandy","text":"

Say goodbye to the highlands \u2013 you\u2019re off to Kandy. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage status, this city is one of the most sacred sites of the Buddhist world, as well as the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. Upon arrival in the sacred city, you\u2019ll visit a local family, where you\u2019ll learn a few Sri Lankan recipes \u2013 with a chance to gorge afterwards, of course. The afternoon is yours to explore the city, from the banks of Kandy Lake (the \u2018Sea of Milk\u2019 in local lore) to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. One of the most sacred sites in the country, the temple houses what\u2019s believed to be the Buddha\u2019s tooth.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrive in Kandy \/ lunch with local family ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAitinerary5-kady-lake-stone-trees-925x600.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Explore Sri Lanka\u2019s Tea Country","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Into the tea hills","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Now for Sri Lanka\u2019s beautiful tea country. Expect lush slopes threaded with tea plantations, and cascading waterfalls streaming through the greenery. Your first stop will be the town of Nuwara Eliya, the old stomping ground of English and Scottish tea traders \u2013 with colonial cottages and Tudor-style hotels adding to the effect. Explore the town by foot, before your spectacular train journey that will see you cutting through the misty highlands. Arrive at your new hotel together, surrounded by sweeping views of the tea hills.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Into the tea hills","text":"

Now for Sri Lanka\u2019s beautiful tea country. Expect lush slopes threaded with tea plantations, and cascading waterfalls streaming through the greenery. Your first stop will be the town of Nuwara Eliya, the old stomping ground of English and Scottish tea traders \u2013 with colonial cottages and Tudor-style hotels adding to the effect. Explore the town by foot, before your spectacular train journey that will see you cutting through the misty highlands. Arrive at your new hotel together, surrounded by sweeping views of the tea hills.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Explore Sri Lanka\u2019s Tea Country","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAitinerary6-train-bridge-view-jungle-925x600.jpg"],"day":6},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Scenic hikes in Horton Plains","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Scenic hikes in Horton Plains","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Start the day with a gentle hike through the Horton Plains National Park. Explore the slopes of this grasslands plateau, until it plummets suddenly to a sheer drop known as World\u2019s End. Shrouded in cloud forest, and flowing with rivers, this is a region of abundant beauty. Enjoy a picnic lunch with your group, before hiking onwards to the thundering waters of Bambarakanda Falls, the last stop of the day and the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Scenic hikes in Horton Plains","text":"

Start the day with a gentle hike through the Horton Plains National Park. Explore the slopes of this grasslands plateau, until it plummets suddenly to a sheer drop known as World\u2019s End. Shrouded in cloud forest, and flowing with rivers, this is a region of abundant beauty. Enjoy a picnic lunch with your group, before hiking onwards to the thundering waters of Bambarakanda Falls, the last stop of the day and the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Scenic hikes in Horton Plains","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAitinerary7-view-man-standing-tree-jungle-925x600.jpg"],"day":7},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Unwind on South Coast ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"South coast serenity ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

We like to keep things balanced; you\u2019ve spent days hiking through the mountains, which means it\u2019s beach time. Make your way to the south coast, where soft white sands and warm seas await. Arrive on the coast just in time for a late afternoon swim, ready to savor these last few days with new friends beneath the sun.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"South coast serenity ","text":"

We like to keep things balanced; you\u2019ve spent days hiking through the mountains, which means it\u2019s beach time. Make your way to the south coast, where soft white sands and warm seas await. Arrive on the coast just in time for a late afternoon swim, ready to savor these last few days with new friends beneath the sun.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Unwind on South Coast ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAitinerary8-beach-jungle-people-swim-925x600.jpg"],"day":8},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Beach day & sunset barbecue ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Beachside chilling","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Savor a leisurely lie-in, unwind on the beach with a book or take a stroll through your coastal surroundings. Historically, the south was harder for Indian invaders to colonize, meaning that the region flourished as a hub of Sinhalese culture. Today, this sea-swept landscape is peppered with ancient temples and spiritual sites \u2013 perfect for an afternoon of sightseeing. If you\u2019re still raring for action, get stuck into an afternoon of SUP or river canoeing. In the evening, gather with your group for a beach BBQ party, enjoying your final evening together.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Beachside chilling","text":"

Savor a leisurely lie-in, unwind on the beach with a book or take a stroll through your coastal surroundings. Historically, the south was harder for Indian invaders to colonize, meaning that the region flourished as a hub of Sinhalese culture. Today, this sea-swept landscape is peppered with ancient temples and spiritual sites \u2013 perfect for an afternoon of sightseeing. If you\u2019re still raring for action, get stuck into an afternoon of SUP or river canoeing. In the evening, gather with your group for a beach BBQ party, enjoying your final evening together.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Beach day & sunset barbecue ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAitinerary9-beach-swim-palm-tree-925x600.jpg"],"day":9},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Depart from Colombo Airport (CMB) ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"Until next time, Sri Lanka","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel, then your adventure has come to an end. It\u2019s now over to you to make your own way to your next destination. Not quite done with South Asia? See how you could extend your adventure with our trip to Northern India.<\/a><\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"Until next time, Sri Lanka","text":"

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel, then your adventure has come to an end. It\u2019s now over to you to make your own way to your next destination. Not quite done with South Asia? See how you could extend your adventure with our trip to Northern India.<\/a><\/p>\n","snapshot":"Depart from Colombo Airport (CMB) ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAitinerary10-pink-view-skies-hills-925x600.jpg"],"day":10}],"alternative_itinerary":null,"theme":null,"gallery_uris":[],"trip_highlights":[],"included_highlights":[],"included":["a","e","g","t","m","b","l","t","Max. 14 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[],"faqs":[{"question":"","answer":"Fly in and out of Colombo International Airport (CMB).\n"},{"question":"","answer":"Please try to arrive before 2pm on day 1, although we will arrange a transfer for you at whichever time you arrive. Depart at your own leisure anytime on day 10.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control but we\u2019ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures. Read more here. \n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"Borderlands Lodge, Kitulgala ","short_description":"Rustic adventure resort looking over the river","description":"Decked out with wooden and bamboo furnishings, it\u2019s all about paring things back for a back-to-basics riverside experience.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRABorderlandsLodge1.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Shinagawa Beach Resort, Balapitiya ","short_description":"Located between palm trees and beach ","description":"Wake up to the fresh sea breeze over breakfast, with Sri Lanka\u2019s unspoilt coastline literally on your doorstep.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAShinagawaBeach1.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Jetwing, Kaduruketha ","short_description":"Eco hotel with expansive views of the landscape","description":"Inspired by ancient architectural traditions and modern comforts, this hotel will leave you feeling refreshed and well-rested.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/SRAJetwing1.jpg","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/32586"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68307"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}