Paddle and Hike Through Remote Sri Lanka

Travel to Kithugala in the middle of the rainforest, where your adventure begins. You’ll spend the next two nights staying at an eco-lodge perched on the top of a hill overlooking the Kelani River surrounded by mountains. Hang out by the campfire, get to know your fellow adventurers and listen to the rainforest come alive at night.

Learn a bit about the Mahaweli River Expedition and practice handling your canoe, then it’s off to the mighty Kelani River – a natural water park. Wind your way through the jungle on your canyoning adventure, seeking out narrow side canyons that form huge plumes and waterslides. Slip and slide your way to the Lower Kelani and pick up your raft ready for the next challenge - 6.5km of white water. Tackle the Killer Fall and Butter Crunch rapids as you head downriver - sure to be a fun challenge - if you can hang on long enough!

Head further into the rainforest and enter the rugged peaks of The Knuckles Range – named by the British due to their resemblance to a clenched fist. You'll be surrounded by mystical mountains that rise up to 2000m, cascading waterfalls and quaint villages hidden amongst terraced rice fields, as well as a huge variety of rare and elusive animals. Your guide will lead you along the best hiking trails and help you avoid leeches (irritating, but inevitable!) as you explore this lush, rich environment. Spend the night wild camping - a real wilderness experience.

Catch the sunrise from camp and then set off for some more hiking. Keep your eyes peeled for wild buffalo, boar and the endemic Toque Macaque and Purple-faced Leaf Monkey. Leopards and elephants also live in this jungle, although you're less likely to bump into them! Reach your glamping spot for the night in time for lunch and choose between relaxing or heading out for some more exploration. Spend the night in converted safari tents that provide the perfect balance between comfort and nature. Just unzip the door for a full view of the mountain range.

Transfer to Mahiyanganaya, starting point for your 3-day river expedition. The 335m long Mahaweli is Sri Lanka’s longest river and you’ll be canoeing your way along a 50km stretch of it - right through the Wasgamuwa National Park and your first rapids. Set up camp on a sand beach at the rivers edge and head off to gather firewood. As well as cooking, this will be used throughout the night as protection against possible elephant forays!

Set out on a full days paddling and appreciate the silence, apart from the calls of birds (including raptors, hornbills and peacocks) howling monkeys and the buzzing of insects. With any luck, you’ll catch a glimpse of sunning crocodiles and thirsty elephants. It’s rare to see people here and the solitude is priceless.

Tackle a number of challenging rapids and then set up camp for the night - this time you'll be sleeping in full view of the elephant corridor: a jungle route that elephants cross to reach the river. On previous expeditions, your host has witnessed bulls sparing and herds of up to 100 crossing within sight of camp. Enjoy dinner under the stars and relax around a fire that your guides will keep burning throughout the night.

If the bird song of the dawn chorus isn't enough to wake you, then the sound of elephants certainly will! Although sightings can never be guaranteed, you're in the perfect spot. If the elephants are around, sitting in your canoe and watching them pass by is an out of this world experience. Leave Wasgamuwa National Park behind and enter a section of river that’s ideal for viewing crocodiles on the beaches, before the dense jungle gives way to cultivated farmland.

Watch the lines of boats along the river banks mining the sand - a fascinating experience and an insight into an important part of Sri Lanka’s development. Having paddled into the heart of the Cultural Triangle, it’s time to jump into a truck and transfer to Polonnaruwa where a long overdue shower is waiting for you.

Spend the morning cycling around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is over 1000 years old and renowned as one of the most beautiful cultural sites in Sri Lanka. The terrain is also totally flat, so cycling is the perfect way to see the city and stretch your legs out after all those days in a canoe.

Take a road trip to the lively fishing town of Weligama on the Indian Ocean, with a stop at a roadside cafe for a fresh coconut and a rice and curry refuel. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon and head out for dinner. Weligama is a popular surfing spot, so there’s plenty of choice.

Depending on the season, you’ll either whale watch or sea kayak today. For those travelling in whale-season (November-April), you’ll have the opportunity to see blue whales, sperm whales and orcas, as well as dolphins, turtles and whale sharks in their natural environment and far away from the crowds.

If you are travelling out of whale-season (May-October) you'll spend the morning sea kayaking and exploring the areas beautiful coastline, including reefs, small islands and completely deserted beaches. The afternoon is yours to spend snorkelling, surfing, paddleboarding or maybe just whiling away some time on the beach - you’ve earned it!

After breakfast, head back to Colombo (approximately 2 hours) in time for your flight home.