Overview
The Highland Circuit follows Sri Lanka's newest and most celebrated trekking route, the Pekoe Trail, from its iconic starting point above Kandy through mile upon mile of tea country, before climbing into the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range for the circuit's most demanding ascent. The journey continues east to the wild valleys of Gal Oya, where an indigenous Rathugala guide leads the way up Monkey Mountain and a boat safari drifts past elephants at the water's edge, then returns to the Pekoe Trail at Haputale before descending into the rainforest canopy of Sinharaja and, finally, the warm coastal air of Bentota. Thirteen days, six distinct landscapes, and a private chauffeur guide throughout - this is Sri Lanka on foot, at its most varied and least travelled.
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Activities
Pekoe Trail Starting Stage: Hanthana to Galaha
Heel Oya Village Trek with Local Lunch
Trekking in High Knuckles & Monkey Mountain
Scenic boat safari at Inginiyagala
Pekoe Trail Stage 13: Haputale to St. Catherine
Pahanthudawa Waterfall
Sinharaja Rainforest Trek
Accommodation
Mountbatten Bungalow
Wild Glamping - Knuckles
Wild Glamping - Gal Oya
Grand Beragala Boutique Resort
Jansen's Bungalow Sinharaja
The Villa Bentota by KK Collection
Location
Kandy
Knuckles
Gal Oya
Haputale
Kalawana
Bentota
Days
13 Days / 12 Nights
Experience
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Includes
The Pekoe Trail & Knuckles Range
Walk two of Sri Lanka's most celebrated trekking routes - the newly launched Pekoe Trail through tea country, and the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range.
Private Trekking Guide Throughout
A dedicated chauffeur guide and local trekking expert accompany every stage, from gentle tea-estate walks to the 23km High Knuckles ascent.
Picnic Breakfasts on the Trail
Each major trek is paired with a breakfast served amid the landscape itself - tea plantations, mountain viewpoints, or rainforest clearings.
Village & Indigenous Encounters
From a traditional lunch with a Heel Oya family to the Rathugala community near Gal Oya, the journey connects trekking with local life.
Itinerary
Day
01
Airport | Kandy
Accommodation
Mountbatten Bungalow, Kandy
Accommodation
Mountbatten Bungalow, Kandy
AM
- Arrive at the airport (Arrival Flight: TBN). Meet & assistance by your chauffeur guide; transfer to the hotel in Kandy (approx. 3h30m drive).
PM
- Arrive & check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner & overnight stay
Day
02
Kandy
Accommodation
Mountbatten Bungalow, Kandy
Accommodation
Mountbatten Bungalow, Kandy
AM
- Early morning, proceed to do Stage 01 of the Pekoe Trail, with a picnic breakfast.
(12 KM Trek) - Embark on an unforgettable trek to the iconic starting point of the renowned Pekoe Trail. As you step into the lush greenery, be prepared to be enchanted by the breathtaking expanse of tea estates stretching across the horizon, offering panoramic views that will leave you in awe. The trail immerses you in a rich and diverse ecosystem where vibrant flora and varied fauna flourish in perfect harmony. To make the most of this
experience, we recommend starting at 6:00 a.m. The journey is easy in difficulty, allowing you to fully appreciate the serenity of nature as you walk through this pristine landscape. Light, airy, neutral-colored clothing is ideal, along with sturdy trekking shoes and a raincoat if needed. The experience includes guidance from a local trekking expert. Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of nature as you create memories that will stay with you long after your adventure ends.
PM
- Return to the hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day
03
Kandy | Knuckles
Accommodation
Wild Glamping, Knuckles
Accommodation
Wild Glamping, Knuckles
AM
- After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Knuckles.
(Approx. 2 Hours’ & 15 mins’ drive from the hotel to Knuckles.)
PM
- En Route Experience, Heel Oya Village Trek with Local Lunch – Knuckles
(12 KM Trek) - Embark on a scenic trek through the picturesque foothills of the Knuckles Mountain Range to the peaceful village of Heel Oya. Walk through lush tea plantations, pine forests, terraced paddy fields, and mist-covered hills while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views. Along the way, take a refreshing break at a natural waterhole before immersing yourself in the authentic rural lifestyle of the village. Conclude the experience with a traditional Sri Lankan lunch prepared by a local family, offering a genuine taste of the region’s warm hospitality and local cuisine.
- Arrive & check-in at the hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day
04
Knuckes
Accommodation
Wild Glamping, Knuckles
Accommodation
Wild Glamping, Knuckles
AM
- Early Morning Experience – High Knuckles Trek with Picnic Breakfast – Knuckles Range (23 KM Trek)
- Early morning departure around 07:00 hrs from camp to experience a scenic trek through the Knuckles Mountain Range. Hike through village paths, tea plantations, and the Knuckles Conservation Forest, reaching panoramic viewpoints along the way. En route, enjoy a picnic breakfast amidst nature while taking in breathtaking mountain views. The trek offers rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, making it ideal for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
PM
- Return to the hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day
05
Knuckles | Gal Oya
Accommodation
Wild Glamping, Gal Oya
Accommodation
Wild Glamping, Gal Oya
AM
- After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Gal Oya.
(Approx. 4 Hours’ drive from the hotel to Gal Oya)
PM
- Arrive & check-in at the hotel.
- Stay the rest of the day at leisure.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day
06
Gal Oya
Accommodation
Wild Glamping, Gal Oya
Accommodation
Wild Glamping, Gal Oya
AM
- Early Morning Experience – Monkey Mountain Trek with Picnic Breakfast.
(5 KM Trek) - Early morning departure from Wild Glamping to begin an exciting trek to the summit of Monkey Mountain.
- The trail passes through rural villages before entering the dry zone forest, home to diverse birdlife, lizards, and medicinal plants traditionally used by the indigenous community of Rathugala. A steep 2 KM ascent leads to the summit, where you are rewarded with breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views over the Gal Oya Valley. A breakfast picnic is served en route, allowing you to enjoy the serene natural surroundings before continuing the descent.
PM
- Return to the hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day
07
Gal Oya | Haputale
Accommodation
Grand Beragala Boutique Resort, Haputale
Accommodation
Grand Beragala Boutique Resort, Haputale
AM
- Early Morning, enjoy a Scenic boat safari at Inginiyagala on the Senanayake Samudraya reservoir.
(Approx. 40 mins’ drive from the hotel to the excursion starting point.) - It is a unique wildlife experience in Sri Lanka offering a different perspective as you cruise through Sri Lanka’s largest lake, the Senanayake Samudra, by boat for a wildlife safari. Man-made in 1951, the reservoir is surrounded by the Gal Oya National Park & is the setting for the boat safari. See elephants from the lake as they gather close to the water to drink & if you’re lucky even swim from island to island- a truly unique sight!
- The reservoir is also home to abundant birdlife, crocodiles, deer & more, which can be spotted during the 2-hour boat safari.
- Return to the hotel, check out, and proceed to Haputale. (Approx. 4 Hours’ drive from the Hotel to Haputale)
PM
- Arrive & check-in at the hotel.
- Stay the rest of the day at leisure.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day
08
Haputale
Accommodation
Grand Beragala Boutique Resort, Haputale
Accommodation
Grand Beragala Boutique Resort, Haputale
AM
- Early Morning Experience – Pekoe Trail Stage 13: Haputale to St. Catherine with picnic breakfast. (14 KM Trek)
- Early morning start to experience Pekoe Trail Stage 13 from Haputale to St. Catherine. The trail passes through Haputale town, forest reserves, and scenic tea plantations, offering stunning panoramic views of mountains and valleys along the way. Trek through sections of the Green Field Estate and picturesque village paths as you ascend towards the upper Nayabedda Tea Estate at an altitude of 1,875 meters. The journey concludes at St. Catherine village, a peaceful tea plantation settlement in the highlands.
PM
- Return to the hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day
09
Haputale | Kalawana
Accommodation
Jansen's Bungalow, Sinharaja
Accommodation
Jansen's Bungalow, Sinharaja
AM
- After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Kalawana. (Approx. 4 Hours’ drive from the Hotel to Kalawana)
- En route, visit the beautiful Pahanthudawa Waterfall.
- Hidden natural attraction surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes. A short walk through village paths and forested areas leads to the waterfall, where crystal-clear water flows over rock formations into a natural pool. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, take in the refreshing surroundings, and capture memorable views of this tranquil nature spot before continuing your journey.
PM
- Arrive & check in to the hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day
10
Kalawana
Accommodation
Jansen's Bungalow, Sinharaja
Accommodation
Jansen's Bungalow, Sinharaja
AM
- Early Morning Experience, Sinharaja Rainforest Trek with picnic breakfast.
- Experience a guided trek through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sinharaja Rainforest, one of Sri Lanka’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Walk through dense tropical rainforest trails, rich with endemic flora and fauna, cascading streams, and vibrant birdlife. The trek offers an immersive nature experience with opportunities to spot rare wildlife and enjoy the untouched beauty of the rainforest ecosystem. Ideal for nature lovers and eco-adventure seekers.
PM
- Return to the hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day
11
Kalawana | Bentota
Accommodation
The Villa Bentota by KK Collection
Accommodation
The Villa Bentota by KK Collection
AM
- After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Bentota.
(Approx. 2 Hours’ & 30 mins’ drive from the Hotel to Bentota)
PM
- Arrive & check in to the hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day
12
Bentota
Accommodation
The Villa Bentota by KK Collection
Accommodation
The Villa Bentota by KK Collection
AM/PM
- After breakfast, stay leisurely at the hotel / self-activities.
- Vehicle and chauffeur guide will be available to travel within city limits, not exceeding 60km per day.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day
13
Bentota | Airport
AM
- Your amazing trekking holiday in Sri Lanka has come to its final day
- After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to the Airport.
(Approx. 2 Hours’ drive from the Hotel to Airport)
Departure Flight: TBN
We wish you a safe flight back home…. Ayubowan! (May you live long)
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