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: Train from Kandy to Ella (no riding)
This morning, you will be dropped off at the Kandy train station to embark on one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The journey to Ella takes approximately 6 hours, winding through lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages. This iconic Sri Lankan experience offers breathtaking views, vibrant local culture, and opportunities to capture stunning photographs. Known for its picturesque viaducts and vibrant train interiors, this journey is a must for any traveler exploring Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Ella
Day 9: Transfer to Tissamaharama (no riding)
You can choose to go hiking (Little Adam’s peak hike) or opt for a cooking lesson (extra cost) in the morning.
After lunch, you will be driven to Tissamaharama
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight stay in Tissamaharama
Day 10: Yala Ride
It will be an early start to catch the sunrise, at the Kirinda Lagoon. Make your way through the jungle on horseback. You will have the opportunity to brave sand dunes and discover tracks beaten not by humans, but by the local wildlife.
Later, you can rest a little or go visit ancient Buddhist temples (Situl pauwa Rajamaha vehera/Kirinda Rajamaha vehera).
This evening, after a much-needed rest, you will try to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. Yala National Park is home of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, and the majestic tusker elephants. The vicious Sri Lankan crocodiles and the graceful antelopes are popular sightings on our rides. This ride will take you along the boundary of the famous Yala national Park. The horses will take you through paddy fields and buffalo farms. You will discover traditional village roads as you explore the southern city of Yala.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight stay in Tissamaharama
Day 11: 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 12: Sandagiri Ride & Fort Visit
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.
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.