Coastal & Historic Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Sri Lanka This beautiful riding holiday starts by the exploration of southern Sri Lanka, around Tissamaharama. Learn more about the local wildlife and discover beautiful historic sites. After a few days, it is time to move to the center of the country in order to visit the incredible Sigiriya Rock. The tour ends by a visit of Kandy, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Tissamaharama Airport: Colombo - Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) Transfer: Colombo - Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) Riders: Min 2 riders Max 4 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfers are included from/to Colombo airport on the first and last day.

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 Tissamaharama (approx. 4 hours drive). It is a scenic drive on the “Southern Expressway”.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight stay in Tissamaharama 

Day 2: Giant Lake Ride
This morning you can relax at your hotel and explore the surroundings on your own.
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 3: Sandagiri Ride & Jeep Safari
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.
This afternoon, you will be picked up from the hotel 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Tissamaharama 

Day 4: Yala Safari Ride
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 Buddhist temples (Situl pauwa Rajamaha vehera /Kirinda Rajamaha vehera).
This evening, after a much-needed rest under the tropical sun we set off for another ride to discover the evening activities of the wildlife in the region. This ride will take you along the boundary of the famous Yala national Park, taking you through paddy fields and buffalo farms. You will discover traditional village roads as you explore the southern city of Yala.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight stay in Kirinda

Day 5: Dambulla (no riding)
In the morning, you will travel to Dambulla. On the way to this historic city, you can visit the Ancient city of Mahiyanganaya, a sacred place for Buddhists, believed to be the site of Goutama Buddha's first visit to the country.
If we have enough time, we can also visit Dambana Wedi Gammanaya (optional).
Once in Dambulla, you could take some time to explore the Dambulla Cave Temples.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight stay in Dambulla

Day 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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.
After your visit, you are transferred to Negombo.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight stay in Negombo

Day 9: Departure
You will be dropped off at the airport (Negombo or Colombo) in time for your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast

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.

                                                Kalpitiya area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	87	90	92	92	90	89	89	89	89	88	87	86
Average Low Temperature (°F)	70	71	74	77	79	80	79	79	78	76	74	72
Average High Temperature (°C)	31	32	33	33	32	32	32	32	32	31	31	30
Average Low Temperature (°C)	21	22	23	25	26	27	26	26	26	25	23	22
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	3	2	3	7	5	3	1	1	4	11	14	10

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The country benefits from a tropical climate with year-round warm weather and plenty of sunshine. The mean annual rainfall varies from under 900mm in the driest parts (southeast and northwest) to over 5000mm in the wettest parts (western slopes of the central highlands).
Temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and the mean monthly temperature only varies slightly over the year.

There are 4 different seasons:
- Inter-monsoon season (March-April)
- Southwest monsoon season (May-September)
- Inter-monsoon season (October-November)
- Northeast monsoon season (December-February)

Inter-monsoon season (March-April)
There can be some thunderstorm in the afternoon or evening. However, at this time of year, rain is more common in the South-western part of the country.

Southwest monsoon season (May-September)
Wind allows for milder temperatures during this time. In the southwest, where the monsoon hits stronger, rain can occur at any time of the day or the night. Usually, the western slopes (around Norton) receive the most rainfall while it is dryer at higher elevation (around Nuwara-Eliya).

Inter-monsoon season (October-November)
Thunderstorms are frequent in late afternoon and can happen anywhere in the country due to possible cyclones in the Bay of Bengal. The southwestern slops usually see a slightly higher level of rainfalls at this time.

Northeast monsoon season (December-February)
Cold and dry wind blowing from India brings cooler and dryer weather over most of the country. There is plenty of sunshine and, at higher elevations, nights can feel a bit cool at times. Rains can occur in the North-East while the West cost usually remains pretty dry.

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

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding breeches or comfortable jeans for the ride

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Lightweight Rain coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Small backpack  or bag to carry with you on when you ride

Insect protection

Personal medications

Small flashlight

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Sun hat and sun block

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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 1-3: Hotel in Tissamaharama
Night 4: Hotel in Kirinda
Night 5: Hotel in Dambulla
Night 6: Hotel in Kandalama
Night 7: Hotel in Kandy
Night 8: Hotel in Negombo

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 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. 

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 welcome to use the outdoor swimming pool.


Meals
Most meals are included in your package. Lunches on day 5 and 8 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 can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English saddle with saddle bag
Horses:		Marwari & Marwari cross
Pace:		Moderate pace with canter and gallop opportunities About 4-5 hours in the saddle per riding day | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate and higher
Age:		Min 8
Weight:		Max 190 lbs / 85 kg
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 4 riders

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.

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.