Adventure Tour - Soft |
PROGRAMME |
: Talk the Walk |
DURATION |
: 07 Days / 06 Nights |
PERIOD |
: Valid till 31-10-2008 |
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Please note that the trekking trails are categorized (Easy / Moderate / Strenuous / Tough) according to Eco Team trail Standards and those could be reorganized according to your requirement |
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Day 1 - Arrival & transfer to a hotel in Colombo (HB) |
| Arrival and transfer to a Hotel in Colombo. |
| COLOMBO |
 Like many capital cities in developing countries, the face of Colombo is quickly changing. Skyscrapers now tower over the streets where old buildings once stood and modern shopping malls attract locals and foreigners alike in search of a bargain. However, in some parts the ' Old World ' charm is retained, such as the 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest include the Pettah markets, the old Parliament in the Fort district, the new parliament in Sri Jayawardenapura, Kotte, and a wide variety of churches, mosques and temples that are sentiment to the many different religions that flourish the country. In terms of shopping, there is a wide range of colourful fabrics, batiks, handicrafts and other souvenirs. Clothes are also especially good value and there are a number of specialised outlets sure to satisfy the most serious of shoppers! |
| SCHEDULE |
. Arrival and transfer to a hotel in Colombo.
. At leisure after a long flight.
. Dinner & stay at Colombo.
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o Economy - Grand Oriental Hotel or similar
o Standard - Galle Face Hotel or similar
o Deluxe - Trans Asia Hotel or similar.
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Day 02 : Colombo / Ratnapura / Adam's Peak (FB) |
Leaving to Adams Peak via Ratnapura.
 RATNAPURA
City of gems. A land of stirring myth and legend, for you raise your eyes. This area has a long history for finest gems in the world specifically best rubies in the world. The extent to which Ratnapura still yields its fabulous gems is sufficient to account for the early tales of their profusion and splendour. Yes, Ratnapura (also called the city of rubies) remains to this day the convergence of Sri Lanka's mineral wealth, the place to which the detritus of the rocks sweep down and are held lovingly in the dips and rises of a land that seems to stir in its sleep, then pulls the coverlets of green and gold around it. |
| ADAM'S PEAK - ( Strenuous ) |
 Begin the arduous 08 km climb usually in the evening to the misty mountaintop with experienced guides from Eco Team. You may reach the 2,240 metre high peak - the island's fourth highest - at dawn to witness a glorious sunrise and the mountain's shadow, cast by the rising sun on to the clouds below. Legend has it that, the footprint was made by the Buddha, on his third visit to the island later originally carved in the rock, and now covered by an oversized reproduction set in cement.
Peak wilderness sanctuary is among the best areas for birds and butterflies in Sri Lanka as well. It usually takes three to four hours to reach the top, but during the pilgrim season, which begins in December and lasts till May , the throng is sometimes so great, it can take over - 30 minutes to move from one step to the other. |
| SCHEDULE |
. Morning, leave for Ratnapura
. Lunch at Ratnaloka Hotel, Ratnapura.
. Afternoon, relax.
. After an early dinner, ascend the Adam's Peak from Ratnapura
. Witness the sunrise from the top of the mountain.
. Sleeping bags will be provided for all 3 categories. (Economy / Standard / Deluxe)
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Day 03 : Adam's Peak / Maskeliya / Belihuloya (FB) |
Leaving to Maskeliya from Adams Peak & then onto Belihuloya
Proceed to Belihuloya from Maskeliya. |
 Belihuloya is a very picturesque and romantic hamlet situated about 160km from Colombo in the historical "Sabaragamuwa" province. This zone is a climatically transitional area linking the wet & dry zones and the hill country & the low country. This very important location has made it one of the places in the country with the highest bio-diversity. River Garden Resort is built in this little hamlet.
RIVER BATHING IN THE NATURAL ROCK POOL IN "BELIHULOYA".
This is a unique place where two streams namely "Belihuloya" and "Galagamaoya" meet together creating a natural bathing area with clear unpolluted water that flows down from Maha Eliya (Horton Plains), 2200 meters above the sea level. |
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NATURE TRAIL TO "PAHANTHUDA ELLA" . - ( Easy )
 Normal scheduled time from 2.30 to 6.30.00 pm. The trail starts from the Hotel Restaurant where a briefing about the trail is given and goes to the main road, 200m towards Colombo along same, up through the village (Seelogama) to the moist semi evergreen forest, to the next village (Binthenigolla), through same and terraced paddy fields to the channel, along the channel about 200m, up to a small patana , up again to a moist semi evergreen forest, through the forest to the summit where there is an abandoned chena, down the other side of mountain through the forest, across the Belihuloya river to visit the waterfall ("Pahanthuda Ella"), climb up to the village of Pahala Galagama, down along Pahala Galagama Road to the main road and back to the campsite.
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| SCHEDULE |
- Morning, descend from Adam's Peak to Delhouse (Nallathanniya)
- Proceed by vehicle to Maskeliya for breakfast.
- After breakfast, visit a Hindu Temple in the vicinity. Leave for Belihuloya.
- River Bathing in the natural rock pool before lunch.
- Lunch at River Garden Resort.
- At 2.30 pm , embark on a nature trail to "Pahanthuda Ella"
- Return to River Garden Resort by 6.30 pm
- Dinner and night stay at Belihuloya.
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- Economy - luxury camping
- Standard - Cottages or similar
- Deluxe - Eco Lodge or similar.
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Day 04 : Belihuloya / Maha Eliya (Horton Plains) / Belihuloya (FB) |
| Leaving to Horton Plains for a nature trail & back to Belihuloya. |
MAHA ELIYA (HORTON PLAINS) TRAIL - ( Easy )
 MAHA ELIYA (HORTON PLAINS) NATIONAL PARK is undoubtedly one of the world's best nature reserves. It is characterized by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, covered in upper montane forest and wet patana grassland. In general, the forests are seen on the hilltops or upper slopes the grasslands in the valleys and lower slopes, eventually giving way to wetland habitats. Spanning approximately 10,000 hectares the park is also home to a wide variety of flora (57 species, 29 endemic to Sri Lanka ) and 24 species of mammal such as Sambar deer, barking deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, black naped hare, porcupine and leopard. For bird enthusiasts, there 87 species (14 of which are endemic), including many migratory birds. The Plains also feature many interesting attractions such as Maha Eliya Falls (Bakers Falls), 'Chimney Pool' and the famous 'World's End' (a 3700 ft sheer drop that offers fabulous views of the tea estates below and all the way out to the distant southern coastline).
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SATAN'S STEPS TRAIL STARTING FROM THE HORTON PLAINS ENTRANCE. ( Grade C- Strenuous )
You have two options where you can travel in the vehicle for about 6 km up to "Udaveriya" estate junction & then start trekking or start the trek from the gate entrance itself. Distance to the Bambarakanda Falls from the junction is 14km. Along this trail you will cover Kingslyn estate, West Haputale estate then Bambarakanda Falls. From the falls you can either trek for another 6km & get in to your vehicle at Kalupahana to be driven to River Garden or get in to the vehicle near the falls itself. |
 BAMBARAKANDA FALLS
Within a majestic basin-shaped valley bordered by huge steep rocks and dark green forests of tropic trees and introduced pine trees, the highest waterfall of Sri Lanka [240.8m] plunges with two silver ropes over a vertical dark grey wall from the green saddle between Mt.Welihena and Mt. Bambaragala into a deep pool only 500m walking distance from the trail. |
| SCHEDULE |
- After breakfast, leave for Maha Eliya (Horton Plains). ( Optional , Bambarakanda trail)
- Picnic lunch or return to River Garden Resort by vehicle for lunch
- Afternoon / Evening, relax
- Dinner and night stay at Belihuloya.
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- Economy - luxury camping
- Standard - Cottages or similar
- Deluxe - Eco Lodge or similar.
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Day 05 : Belihuloya - Kinchigune - Belihuloya (FB) |
| Activities from Belihuloya & in Kinchigune. |
KINCHIGUNE NATURE TRAIL (Easy)
 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 species of beautiful birds, butterflies, Dragonflies 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 extend your stay and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The whole journey takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on how often you want to stop for rest, photos, or simply to take in the wonderful surroundings.
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CANOEING IN SAMANALAWEWA
 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 Samanalawewa reservoir is named after the Sinhalese word 'Samanala', meaning 'butterfly', hinting not only at the terrific number of butterflies in the area but also the actual shape of the reservoir. The word 'Wewa' literally means 'tank' (another term often used to describe reservoirs). 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.
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| SCHEDULE |
- After breakfast, trekking on the Kinchigune Village Nature trail.
- Lunch at Kinchigune Eco Lodge.
- Canoeing at the Samanalawewa Reservoir finishing lunch.
- After canoeing back to Belihuloya.
- Dinner and night stay in Belihuloya.
- Economy - luxury camping
- Standard - Cottages or similar
- Deluxe - Eco Lodge or similar.
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Day 07 : Departure from Belihuloya |
SCHEDULE |
- Departure after breakfast to your next destination.
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- End of Tour - |
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No of Pax |
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05 Pax |
Value (Rate per person US$) |
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| Standard (Rate per person US$) |
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| Deluxe (Rate per person US$) |
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Single Supplement – US$ per person |
| Cost Includes: |
- Transport in an air conditioned vehicle with a driver / guide
- Accommodation at the Hotels / camps with meals. ( Half Board on Day 1 & FB on all other days , inclusive of Breakfast on day 10 )
- Packed lunch as specified in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees to Dambulla Temple , Sigiriya Rock Fortress , Polonnaruwa historical city , Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy , Peradeniya Botanical Gardens , Kandyan Cultural show Yala National Park & Jeep Safaris as specified
- Fee to “Veddha “ people
- Cost of the cycling trails as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Cycles for clients – USD 10 Per day will be reduced if own bikes are brought by clients for tour
- Cycling guide & his accommodation fee
- Water & snacks for the tour
- Back up vehicles for trails – 4 Pax & above
- Stand by cycles for an eventuality.
- All government taxes & service charges.
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Cost does not include: |
- Peak period supplements at hotels.
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- Tips and Porterage at hotels.
- Any other services not specified above.
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Payment policy: Full payment with confirmation. |
Cancellation Policy: |
- 90 Days or more - 250 US $ Administrative fee
- 60 to 89 Days - 15 % of the tour cost will be charged
- 30 to 59 Days - 25 % of the tour cost will be charged
- 14 Days to 29 Days - 50 % of the tour cost will be charged.
- 8 Days to 13 Days - 75 % of the tour cost will be charged.
- Less than 7 days no refund.
Eco Team should receive the cancellation in writing. Tour start day is not considered for computation of the period. |
The above mentioned descriptions and programmes have been compiled after long, arduous, exploratory, and expensive work and hence is the property of Eco Team (Pvt) Ltd. Making use of these programmes/descriptions for any public or commercial programmes requires the permission of the said company. |
Naturally our ready made programmes will come cheaper than the tailor make programmes. How ever we are flexible enough to do minor changes to the ready made itineraries, with out any charge.? Please write to us
Do you own programme – Visit the location and activity pages on our site and you will come across mini tours in all of those pages. By combining them you can design your own tour. We will complete it by adding on the hotels and other cultural locations you may require.
Your tour will be handled by an experienced travel consultant who will provide a personalized service.
On certain occasions our standard programmes could be cheaper than a tailor made programme for a specific client. But rest assured that we are flexible enough to effect minor changes to a standard programme as required by you, our valuable clients & offer same at no extra cost. Please contact us at reachme@srilankaecotourism.com we will do the needful
You also have the facility of designing your own programmes by visiting our location and activity pages on the website and accessing the mini tours segment in those pages & selecting an appropriate combination. Our experienced travel consultants will then add the finishing touches to the programme & provide a costing based on same. |
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Conditions that may affect Eco Team grading of trekking trails.
Please remember that it is impossible to be absolutely precise about how hard a walk may be, as there may be many contributory factors. The main benefit of grading is to provide you with an overall indicator to compare one walk against another. We at Eco Team, therefore look at the following 6 factors before deciding the grade:
• Length of trek and length of walking day.
• Average altitude and altitude gain and loss.
• Trail conditions.
• Level of backpacking.
• Temperature range and likely weather conditions.
• Level of humidity can jump from 70% to 90% very easily
• Remoteness to services and general level of comfort.
* Please note the weather condition in Sri Lanka: Lowlands- tropical, average 27C Central Hills- cooler, with temperatures dropping to 14C. the south-east monsoon brings the rain to the western, south western and central regions from May to July, while the north-western monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. Sri Lanka boasts a good climate for holiday-makers throughout the year. |
A (Easy)
Experience is not necessary at this level: anyone who is in good health and fit enough to enjoy a good weekend hill walk can manage an A-grade. Usually, A-grade treks are short in duration and at lower altitudes; often they are optional, giving a chance of a rest day. However, walking always involves some exertion: trails are seldom flat, and you must still expect to have a reasonable amount of ascent and descent. You would normally walk for 4 to 7 hours during the day. |
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B (Moderate)
Most people who enjoy a weekend in the hills or mountains at home are capable of undertaking a trek at this level: you need to be in good health and reasonably fit, and you will almost certainly be taking regular exercise. A trek could be graded B either as a fairly easy medium-duration walk, or as a harder, shorter walk. Some walking at higher altitude and the occasional longer or more difficult day may be involved, but generally conditions underfoot will be fair. A walking day would normally be between 5 to 8 hours long and no experience is necessary. |
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C (Strenuous)
For any trek at this level, fitness is most important and you may have to improve yours before departure. Most C grade treks are equivalent to extended walking in mountainous terrain at home, but usually at significantly higher altitudes; climate and remoteness can also play a part. Walking days are usually between 6 to 8 hours although there may be some longer days for pass-crossing or similar. Previous trekking experience is desirable but not essential if you are confident of your physical condition. |
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D (Tough)
At this level we recommend previous experience of trekking, preferably at altitude, and you need complete confidence in your physical condition and your ability to trek for many days without a break and be able to cope with difficult underfoot terrain such as difficult paths on steep mountainsides. Extremes of altitude and weather may also be encountered. Stamina is very important, as walking days can be from 6 to 9 hours or even longer on pass-crossing days. |
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