 Early morning Breakfast at River Garden .
BELIHULOYA is a very picturesque little hamlet situated in the "Sabaragamuwa" province of Sri Lanka , approximately 160 km from Colombo . This beautiful hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country at an altitude of less than 1500m. As a result, the vegetation consists of moist semi-evergreen forests, tropical savanna forests, dry patana grasslands and montane temperate forests, making it one of the richest bio-diversity spots in Sri Lanka - a perfect location for nature lovers.
 After breakfast you will get into canoes from the western end of the lake and peddle acorss to the Eastern end.[4/5km and max 1 ½ hours.]. From here you will bike along the cycling trail to the point that you will start the Kinchigune - Hulan Ella Falls trekking Trail. Please note that some of the sections of this trail is tough and you may have to carry your cylce. [ Baggage will be transported seperatly]
Lunch will be arranged at Kumbalagama village temple.
N.B. Trekkers are expected to carry their own necessities in a comfortable backpack so that our staff are able to carry tents/provisions etc. This is camping/trekking on a very participatory basis!
Beyond the temple, the trail goes through a very small village into a completely uninhabited area, characterised by intermittent patches of forest and savanna, eventually leading to the Walawe River . The river marks the 8km point of the trail, but to continue on we cross it at 'Mulgammankada' and hike through the Riverine Forest, alongside and down the river. During the next part of the trail, we will not come across any human habitations, and apart from an  occasional small group or two of gem miners, who come to this desolate area and camp out here to mine for gems, one will not meet other humans on the way. After another 2km walk, we come to a beautiful rocky area where there is a waterfall of about 40 ft in height. This waterfall is called 'Hulan Ella' or the 'Walawe Ganga Falls (West)'. The beautiful, serene, and ever-changing forest next to the river and waterfall is home to an abundance of varying flora and fauna. The fauna in this area consists of the occasional elephant, sambhur Deer, Indian Muntjak, flying and giant Squirrels, many birds (Changeable Hawk Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Stork Billed kingfisher, Gray Hornbill etc.), Lizards (3 endemic), Geckos, Skinks, Snakes, Amphibians, Snails, Butterflies and Fishes.
Dinner and overnight stay at Camp at Hulan Ella. N.B. This will be camping on a 'participatory basis' where trekkers will assist our staff in the setting up of the camp and cooking. |
This 2243 metre peak has a great significance for various different religions. The huge footprint at the summit is believed by Buddhists to be that of Lord Buddha ('Sri Pada'), whilst Christians suggest that it was where Adam first set foot on earth, and Hindus claim that it belongs to Lord Shiva. As a result, the peak has been a pilgrimage centre for over 1000 years. Whatever its religious significance, this famous landmark offers some breathtaking views of the hill country. The majority of climbers begin their ascent at night in order to arrive at the top in time for a magical sunrise when the mystical shadow of the peak is perfectly cast across the clouds. It is one of those truly unique moments that will live on in your memory long after the aches and pains from the climb have gone! 
You will spend the rest of the night at the peak to witness the sunrise and get down to the Dellhouse. [ You are climbing from the southern side of the mountain and descending to the northern side of the mountain ] 
This is a trail of incredible diversity - it will take you through forest, jungle, tea plantation and grassland, with ascents, descents and flat terrain, desolate and inhabited areas, changing vegetation types and some of the most spectacular views in Sri Lanka . 
When you come out of the 'jungle tunnel', you can see for miles beyond, including the 'Samanalawewa' reservoir and the dam itself. You will pass the tea pluckers' homes, vegetable plots, a small nursery school before reaching the 'Non Pareil' tea plantation itself. 
This diverse trail of approximately 6km begins at the River Garden Resort in Belihuloya, running alongside a riverine forest and the Belihuloya river itself. During the trail, you will venture through paddy fields, across rivers and past local village houses with their extensive vegetable plots. It is an ideal opportunity to learn a bit about the local agricultural systems and simple way of village living. Along the way, you will also witness several types of beautiful birds and butterflies and some charming waterfalls. The trail finishes where the Belihuloya river meets the Samanalawewa reservoir. From there, it is a short climb up through the forest to the Kinchigune Eco Lodge , where you could relax a bit & extend your stay for a while. 
The still calm waters of the Samanalawewa reservoir are perfect for canoeing. Whether you want to take your time and go for a leisurely paddle for a couple of hours, perhaps venturing out to the mouth of the Belihuloya River or spend an entire day exploring the perimeter of the reservoir, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. The surrounding mountains add to the idyllic setting of the reservoir. All groups will be supplied with an experienced guide and modern life jackets, and a proper orientation will be offered for those who are new to canoeing. 