Encounters, hikes and nature of Sri Lanka

Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport you are transferred directly to Sigiriya , in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, a must-see region of Sri Lanka . You first pass through  Dambulla . Sheltered under an immense rocky ledge, the site of Dambulla and its five caves contain countless Buddha statues aligned against the walls as well as sublime wall paintings. Night at the hotel in Sigiriya.

This morning you will visit the  Sigiriya Fortress – or Lion Rock – and the  ruins of the Kassapa Palace . Famous for its frescoes and its 360-degree view of the surrounding valley, they are a must-see on your trip to Sri Lanka . At the end of the day climb to the top of  Pidurangala Rock  from where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the  Lion Rock  and the surrounding countryside. Night in Sigiriya.

Head to the Digana region  , a small village at the foot of the mountains. You then set off on a hike, the highlight of which is a swim at the foot of a waterfall. The walk starts from your accommodation and crosses rice fields and picturesque villages, where the inhabitants go about their daily business. You are sometimes invited to their homes and your guide for the day will introduce you to the local flora as well as the region's reforestation program. Night in Digana. Walking time: 4-5 hours / Distance: between 4 and 10 km walking

Today, get ready to prepare and enjoy a delicious "rice and curry", a highlight of your immersive stay in Sri Lanka . You go down to the market with a local to choose the vegetables and spices that you will then cook. Enjoy this emblematic dish of the island together. After this festive meal, you meet Ayesha and Nalin, who will show you around the Tamarind garden , a solidarity project that helps the villagers. Night in Digana

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the southern tip of the cultural triangle,  Kandy  is a sacred city for Buddhists. The  Dalada Maligawa Temple  houses the precious relic of the tooth of Buddha. You will stroll leisurely around the city before visiting the famous  Temple of the Tooth . You will then be transferred to  Dalhousie  and gain some strength at the hotel before the ascent of Adam's Peak, which is done at night.

Departure for an ascent to 2243 meters above sea level. Adam's Peak has been a unique place of pilgrimage for over 1000 years and is more of a human adventure than a simple hike. You begin the ascent around 1am in order to arrive at the top for sunrise. You feel the fervor around you, the peddlers and pilgrims accompanying you all the way. Arrived near the summit, the crowd is denser, and the first rays of the sun begin to appear. Enjoy this magical moment then go back down to the village. You are then driven by your driver to  Nuwara Eliya , a beautiful mountain resort that has retained a "So British" atmosphere. Rest after the ascent then night at the hotel.

Walking time: 7-7h30 / Distance: 14 km / Elevation gain: 960m / Elevation loss: 960m

You leave Nuwara Eliya  for Horton Plains National Park . The 9km hike across this magnificent plateau is easy and begins at dawn. The trail loops around  Baker Falls  and  World's End  , a stunning escarpment that plunges 880 metres. From here you can admire a panoramic view of the tea plantations and the valley below. The park is home to two of the country's highest peaks, Mount  Kirigalpotta  and  Totapola . Then head east and stop in  Ella before continuing on to  Haputale . You meet Deen, who has converted his house into a guesthouse, and spend the night at his place.

Walking time: 3h-3h30 / Distance: 9 km / Elevation gain: 120m

Today you meet your local guide for one of the most beautiful hikes of your immersive tour in Sri Lanka , in search of the Bambarakanda Falls. Before reaching the highest waterfalls in the country, you cross breathtaking landscapes. On the way, the colorful tuk tuks crisscrossing the narrow roads, the smiles of the Tamil pickers and the views of the green hills are worth a look. Don't forget your swimsuit for a refreshing break at the foot of the waterfall. Return to Deen's and overnight in a guesthouse in Haputale.

Walking time: 5h-6h / Distance: 13 km / Elevation gain: 500m

In the morning, you leave with a local on board your tuk-tuk , cross the green landscapes and observe how tea is produced and tasted, before going to the religious center of the tea pickers. Another highlight of your immersion in Sri Lanka , you enter a Buddhist sanctuary where the pickers practice their "puja", a ritual of worship learned by both Hindus and Buddhists. Let yourself be carried away by a few moments of meditation before taking your tuk-tuk for the return road. You are then transferred to Uda Walawe , one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Night on the outskirts of the park.

Go on a half-day safari in Uda Walawe National Park . You can spot elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, water lizards, mongooses and peacocks, it's a feast for the eyes! After this magnificent wildlife escape, you head to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and spend the night on the edge of the forest.

Enjoy a beautiful half-day hike in the  Sinharaja Forest Reserve,  with a local guide. The last area of ​​primary tropical rainforest in the country, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The jungle is home to a rich fauna and flora that will delight nature lovers and the curious. You are then driven towards  Galle  to visit its famous fort, one of the best preserved in Asia. After exploring the ramparts and alleys, you stroll through the streets of the citadel for the last evening of your trip to Sri Lanka. Night in Galle.

This morning you leave Galle for Colombo and enjoy free time to visit the capital. Don't miss the Fort district , the Pettah bazaar , the Gangaramaya temple and the upscale  Cinnamon Gardens district . You can also do some shopping in the city's boutiques. This is the end of your immersive hiking trip in Sri Lanka , your driver takes you to Colombo International Airport to take your return flight. See you soon on the roads of Asia.