Best of Sri Lanka

Introduction
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
Join this beautiful riding holiday in Sri Lanka and discover what this island nation has to offer from beautiful beaches to luxuriant mountains.

You start your tour on the West coast and make your way into the center of the country to the stunning Sigiriya Rock and the last capital of the ancient kings: Kandy. You will then head South to the fabulous Yala National Park, before ending your tour in the lovely fortified city of Galle.

If you are looking for an adventure filled with nature, cultural monuments and local hospitality, then look no further!

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
Accommodation will be in hotels. 

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Negombo
Nights 2 & 3: Hotel in Kalpitiya
Night 4: Hotel in Dambulla (2 options)
Night 5: Hotel in Kandalama
Night 6 & 7: Hotel in Kandy
Nights 8: Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Night 9 & 10: Hotel in Tissamaharama
Nights 11: Hotel in Kirinda
Night 12: Hotel in Galle

Hotel in Negombo
This seaside hotel has 131 rooms all featuring air conditioning, a balcony, a TV, a safe, ensuite bathroom with hair-dryer and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Guests are also welcomed to use the outdoor swimming pool.

Hotel in Kalpitiya
This 3-star hotel on the coast offers 6 comfortable rooms facing the lagoon. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi and private facilities.
There is an outdoor pool where guests can cool off in the evening. Guests can also do kayaking on the lagoon free of charge.

Hotel in Dambulla - Option 1
Each of the 7 bedrooms at this lovely boutique hotel include individually controlled Air Conditioning, a safe, a TV, a tea/coffee maker, internet access and a private bathroom.
In the evening, guests can relax by the pool or on the patio.

Hotel in Dambulla - Option 2
This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, ensuite bathroom, satellite TV and a phone. There is an outdoor pool.

Hotel in Kandalama
Surrounded by nature, this beautiful eco-friendly hotel has modern bedrooms that include air conditioning, a TV, ensuite facilities and free Wi-Wi internet. The rooms face the Kandalama lake.
There is an outdoor pool and a garden.

Hotel in Kandy
Ideally located, this hotel offers a beautiful view over the lake. The modern rooms all feature air conditioning, a TV, a safe and their own bathroom with hair dryer. 
Free Wi-Fi access is available in all rooms and public areas.

Hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Thanks to its location in the hills, this property offers great views over the city. The rooms are spacious and come equipped with Wi-Fi internet, heaters, satellite TV, a safe box and private bathroom.

Hotel in Tissamaharama
This small hotel surrounded by nature offers 20 comfortable rooms. The rooms each have their own bathroom, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi access.
Guests can relax by the pool after a long day of exploring.

Hotel in Kirinda
This hotel offers simple accommodation near Yala National Park. The rooms feature a TV, air conditioning, ensuite bathroom and a nice view over the pool or the garden.
There is free Wi-Fi internet available.

Hotel in Galle
This charming accommodation is located in the heart of the city, close to the Dutch Fort. The cosy rooms are equipped with ensuite bathroom and complimentary Wi-Fi.


Meals
Most meals are included in your package. Lunches on day 4, 7 and 9 are not included. Cost of lunch is usually around 12 USD per person.

Meals are generally eaten at the accommodations or stables and mostly feature fish or chicken curries with rice.

Water is provided but all other drinks must be paid extra locally.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Horses
We use Marawari and mix bred horses with smooth strides and a lot of endurance. Most of our horses are forward going and used to be ridden in English style.

Itinerary


Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Note: This program is somewhat flexible. If you would like to make some changes please inquire.

Proper attire should be worn when visiting religious places (shorts, tight pants and bare shoulders are not permitted).

Day 1: Arrival 
After pick up at the airport, you are transferred to your hotel in Negombo so you can rest and relax before your tour.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Negombo 
 
Day 2: Sand Dunes Ride
This morning, you can visit the city of Negombo, including its fish market. Then, you are transferred (90-minute drive) to the stables in Kalpitiya, in the Puttalam District.
After lunch, you will go for a ride to the lagoon, passing through local villages, vegetable and coconut plantations as well as a sunset hewn beach. You will be able to witness the life of the fishing folk as you ride along their villages and sloping sand dunes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Kalpitiya
 
Day 3: Dutch Bay Ride
You will be rising quite early in the morning and meeting the horses at the beach. With the Indian Ocean to your right, you can gallop on this stretch of land to arrive at the tip of Kalpitiya. This ride will take riders off the beaten track and you will get a chance to explore the coconut plantations and the mangroves. We will end the ride with a refreshing swim with the horses in the Indian ocean.
This afternoon, you will visit the Dutch Church and Fort.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel in Kalpitiya

Day 4: Dambulla (no riding)
In the morning, you will travel to Dambulla. On the way to this historic city, you can visit the Ancient Kingdom of Anuradhapura which is considered the first capital of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is world renowned for being home to several well-preserved sites. You will be able to choose to visit some of the most important sites of ancient Sri Lankan civilization such as the Abhayagiri Stupa and the Samadhi Buddha Statue.
This afternoon, you could take some time to explore the Dambulla Cave Temples.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight stay in Dambulla

Day 5: Kandalama Lake Ride & Minneriya National Park Safari
Today's ride starts at Kimbissa near the Sigiriya Rock and will proceed through ancient reservoirs, paddy fields and villages giving the rider an opportunity to visit a Buddhist cave temple in the jungle and gallop along the Kandalama Lake.
You can choose to enjoy a Sri Lankan lunch at Alkin resort after which you will go on a Jeep Safari in the Minneriya National Park. The Minneriya National Park is popular for viewing the Asian Elephant in its natural habitat. During the dry season, hundreds of elephants congregate in the park, attracted by its source of water: the Minneriya reservoir.
After enjoying the wildlife in the Minneriya National park, you will return to your hotel (located close to the Alkin resort) for refreshments. Then, you are invited to join a barbeque dinner! You can enjoy the warmth of the fire under the clear skies and should you wish to sleep under the stars, we would be happy to arrange that for you.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Kandalama

Day 6: Sigiriya Ride & Transfer to Kandy
Your ride will begin at the Alkin resort in Kandalama and will proceed through villages and paddy fields. Riders will be able to visit two archeological gems during this ride: Kaludiya Pokuna, an ancient Buddhist monastery complex and the moats surrounding the Sigiriya Fortress. Based on your preference, the ride could end in the Sigiriya Rock Fortress complex or at the Dambulla Cave Temples.
In the afternoon, you will travel to Kandy located within the misty mountains of the Central province. On the way, you will be visiting a spice garden in Matale where you can acquaint yourself with the wide variety of traditional Sri Lankan spices.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 7: Kandy Visit (no riding)
You will be visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens located in Peradeniya. These historic gardens house a wide variety of orchids as well as the historic Cannonball Tree.
You will also be able to visit key sites in the ancient capital of Sri Lanka such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 8: Hill Country Ride in Nuwara Eliya
This morning, you will travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, commonly referred to as Little England. On your way to this scenic town in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka you will be able to visit a tea factory where you can appreciate the process that is behind the production of high quality tea.
Your afternoon ride will begin at the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse and will take you over the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya. Riding towards Mahagastota and Pattipola, you cross tea plantations and forests. The ride will end at the Kande Ela reservoir. You will then be taken on a tour of the key points in the city of Nuwara Eliya before dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Day 9: Train Ride to Ella (no riding)
Your day starts with a train ride to Ella at the Nanu Oya Station. This train route will allow you to take in breathtaking views of the lush greenery. You will then be picked from the Ella train station and taken for lunch.
After lunch, you will be driven to Tissamaharama where you have the afternoon free for yourself. We can arrange excursions for an extra fee.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight stay in Tissamaharama

Day 10: Jeep Safari in Yala National Park & Giant Lake Ride
You will be picked up from the hotel early in the morning to travel to the Yala National Park. Yala is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and is home to approximately 44 species of mammals and 215 species of birds and most famously has the highest concentration of leopards in the world. After a picnic breakfast inside the national park you can spend 4-5 hours exploring the park.
After lunch, you will set off to the stables to go on a scenic ride. This ride would allow you to explore archeological sites such as the Great Tissa Stupa and the Tissa Wewa reservoir. The Tissa Wewa reservoir is not only a remnant of Sri Lanka’s ancient technical genius but also attracts local bird species.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Tissamaharama

Day 11: Sandagiri Ride
You will start your day at the stables in Tissamaharama. Go on a ride through banana plantations and along reservoirs. The ride includes an exploration of the Sandagiri Seya Archaeological Reservation. You will also be able to meet novice monks housed at the Sandagiri Saya Monastery before returning to the stables.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Kirinda

Day 12: Yala Safari Ride & Dutch Fort Visit
It will be an early start to catch the sunrise, at the Kirinda Lagoon. Make your way through the jungle on our steady horses. You will have the opportunity to brave sand dunes and discover tracks beaten by the local wildlife. This ride will take you along the boundary of the famous Yala National Park, through paddy fields and buffalo farms. Then, rest at the campsite or visit ancient budhist temples (Situl pauwa Rajamaha vehera /Kirinda Rajamaha vehera).
Later, you will be driven to Galle where you stay for the night. You will go on a tour of the Dutch Fort, a UNESCO world heritage.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Galle

Day 13: Departure
You will be dropped off at the airport (Negombo or Colombo) in time for your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast



Optional Rides
It is possible to substitute one of the rides in the program above by the optional rides below.
Please, note that the rides below can only suit strong intermediate riders and above.

Anawilundawa Wetlands Ride near Kalpitiya
You will be driven to the Anawilundawa bird sanctuary where the horses are waiting for you. The closeby coast, mangroves and reservoirs have resulted in a natural habitat for approximately 150 species of birds, 20 species of mammals and 74 species of butterflies. After a picnic breakfast, the ride will take you through the reservoirs, paddy fields, fisherman’s villages, fish market and the beach. 
After the ride, you are transferred to your hotel in Sigiriya.

Lunugamvehera Ride in Tissamaharama
You ride on the ancient route to the historical city of Kataragama. The Lunugamvehera National Park boundaries will be your destination for today. Following grass lined gravel tracks, you cross banana and vegetable plantations. This ride is popular for its many wildlife sighting opportunities. A morning ride at this location will often offer you the opportunity to cool down in the freshwater of the Manik Ganga with your mounts.


Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this tour. Please inquire for rates.
Non-riding activities (riders can also sign up for these for a surcharge) include dolphin watching in Kalpitiya, Kite surfing in Kalpitiya, diving in Kalpitiya, village tour in Dambulla, elephant ride in Dambulla, Ayurvedic massage in Dambulla, cultural show in Kandy and turtle hatchery visit in Galle.

Rates and Dates for Best of Sri Lanka

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Negombo
Airport: Colombo - Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Transfer: Colombo - Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Climate:
                                                Kalpitiya area