NEGOMBO

Bustling Negambo town is a historically interesting place strongly influenced by the Catholic Church. The narrow strip of land between the lagoon & the sea and the many cannals make for good exploring.

The Dutch captured the town from the Portuguese in 1640, lost it again in the same year, then captured it again in 1644. The British then took it from them in 1796 without a struggle. Negambo was one of the most important sources of cinnamon during the Dutch era, and there are still reminders of the European days.

• Arrival and transfer to a hotel in Negambo.
• Evening visit to the Muthurajawela Sanctuary.
• Dinner & night stay at Negambo.
  • Economy- Sunset Beach or similar
  • Standard - Browns Beach or similar
  • Deluxe - "The Beach" or similar.

The citadel of ANURADHAPURA , the first capital founded by king Pandukabhaya and the seat of government for centuries, is symbolic of the golden era of Sri Lanka .

THE BRAZEN PALACE built in the 3 rd century B.C. It was made with 1800 columns. Before it was destroyed by fire, the palace had 1000 chambers, Gem studded walls, balconies and windows railed with coral and an inner pavilion with trellises of gardens of pearls. Abhyagiriya stupa built in 88 B.C was one of the largest religious institutions in the world. The Moonstone and Kuttampokuna are masterpiece of Anuradhapura period.

SCHEDULE

• With packed breakfast or after an early breakfast leaving to Anuradhapura .
• Lunch at a hotel or restaurant in Anuradhapura .
• Long walks to see the Archaeological sites around Anuradhapura .
  • Night dinner & stay at Anuradhapura .
  • Economy - Hotel Randiya or similar
  • Standard - Miridiya Hotel or similar
  • Deluxe - Palm Garden Village Hotel or similar.

Leaving Anuradhapura in the morning to Polonnaruwa.

POLONNARUWA was the second capital of Sri Lanka . The city of paddy fields is watered by a unique irrigation complex known as the sea of Parakrama (Parakkrama Samudra), convering 5940 acres, can irrigate 18,500 acres of rice paddies. This tank causes to the natural beauty of Polonnaruwa. Thuparamaya is the oldest Stupa and the best-preserved building in Polonnaruwa. The majestic Shrine Lankathilaka even, now stands 55feet high. A Buddha statue of colossal size remains here to see now, unfortunately attacked by South Indian invaders now remains headless.

SCHEDULE

• After an early breakfast leaving to Polonnaruwa.
• Visit the ruins.
• Lunch at a hotel or restaurant.
• Continue the visit walking.
• Dinner & night stay in Polonnaruwa / Giritale.
  • Economy - Polonnaruwa Rest House or similar
  • Standard - Giritale Hotel or similar
  • Deluxe - Deer Park Hotel or similar

NARANGAMUWA - LAKEGALA TRAIL, 14KM TO MEEMURE. (Moderate)

Lakegala is a very peculiar shaped peak located near the Kandy- Matale district boundary towards Kandy side between Narangamuwa and Meemure Villages . The elevation of the peak is 1319m MSL.Grass is the predominant vegetation on the top of this mountain.

MEEMURE VILLAGE CAMP offers guests an opportunity to experience what it is like to live in the ancient village of Meemure . The village is situated deep in the Knuckles Wilderness, where the local people have maintained their traditional and cultural attitudes towards the forest's existence. Although there is a roughly built road and basic facilities by the government recently, they rely heavily on the forest for their survival and gain as much as 63% of their total income from the forest resources.

SCHEDULE

• After breakfast leaving to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
• Finishing the visit to the Fortress lunch at a hotel in Sigiriya.
• Start the 5Km trekking trail to the Sigiriya Eco Team camp through a wilderness area.
• Dinner & night stay in Sigiriya.
• Economy / Standard - luxury camp
• Deluxe - Super luxury camp.

FROM MEEMURE TREK 17KM TO CORBETT'S GAP (Moderate)

Corbet's gap is situated along the Meemure - Hunnasgiriya road at an elevation of around 1200m. Winds blow through this gap with very high speed especially during the monsoons. Corbet'sgap provides fantastic view of both Knuckles area and other parts of the central hills, and northeast and southeast parts of Sri Lanka . Trees with stunted trunks and twisted branches are common in this area due to heavy winds. There are two options you can take. Either you can take the newly built but rough road through the forest or the foot path which runs through the forest and crosses the river twice.

KANDY , Sri Lanka 's hill capital stronghold of the Sinhala kings, repository of culture, religious center, Sri Lanka 's most beautiful town. Focal point of this city is the Dalada Maligawa, were the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. Highlight of the year is the Kandy Esala Perahera, when a replica of the relic casket is paraded in the streets, accompanied by exotically- costumed dancers, drummers and anything from eighty to a hundred gaily-caparisoned elephants, for ten glittering festival nights. Once in Kandy you can't miss the lovely artificial lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, in 1806.

DALADA MALIGAWA

The Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Malgawa dates from the 16 th century, though most of the present buildings were built in the 18 th century. Entering the shrine over a moonstone step, you pass a stone depicting the Indian goddess Lakshmi and a wall with frescoes illustrating the Buddhist conception of hell. The upper stories house the tooth relic, placed inside a room with gilded iron bars. Behind the tooth relic sanctuary is a hall with a number of golden Buddha statues and modern paintings, showing Buddha's life and the arrival of Buddhism in the land. We end our tour just before the evening drumming begins, which precedes the ceremonious opening of the window for the public viewing of the casket with the tooth.

SCHEDULE

• After an early breakfast, start on a 17km trek to Corbett's Gab from Meemure.
• Lunch will be provided at a suitable location.
• From Corbett's Gap, the guests will travel in a vehicle to Kandy .
• Kandy city tour & a visit to the Dalada Maligawa.
• Dinner & night stay in Kandy .
• Economy - Gem Inn or Similar
• Standard - Suisse Hotel or similar
• Deluxe - Earls Regency or similar.

ADAMS 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.

Some believe it is the spot where Adam, from Christian creation myth, first set foot on earth, after being banished from the Garden of Eden. Other Christians believe, it belongs to St. Thomas , the Apostle. To Hindus, the footprint is 'Lord Shiva's.

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.

• Morning at leisure.
• Finishing lunch, clients will be taken on a long journey to Delhouse / Nallathaniya by vehicle.
• Start the climb around 11.00pm
• Witness the sunrise
• Sleeping bags will be provided for all categories. (Economy/ Standard / Deluxe)

NUWARA ELIYA

Nuwara Eliya has a cool sparkling climate with the temperature changing around 13degC this is an exquisite and healthy city famous for its wide range in flowers. With buildings of English architecture everywhere in the city, it is affectionately called little England . The Victoria Park in the center of Nuwara Eliya, the highest town in Sri Lanka . Yellow-eared Bulbul, Blackbird, in winter Pied Thrush and Kashmir Flycatcher are very common.

SCHEDULE

• Breakfast will be provided once the clients descend at the bottom of the mountain.
• After descending, proceed to Nuwara Eliya.
• At leisure.
• Dinner & night stay in Nuwara Eliya.
• Economy - The Rock or similar
• Standard - Gallway Forest Lodge or similar
• Deluxe - Tea Factory Hotel or similar.

SATAN'S STEPS TRAIL STARTING FROM THE HORTON PLAINS ENTRANCE. ( - 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.

• After an early breakfast or with a packed breakfast to Horton Plains (Maha Thenna) by vehicle.
• Lunch will be provided at a suitable location.
• Trek to World's End via Baker's Falls and a beautiful hike down hill, where within a span of 6km you climb down a bought 5000ft to the beautiful village called Galpothuthenna.
• Dinner & night stay at Galpothuthenna luxury camping for all catogories. (Economy / Standard / Deluxe)

BELIHULOYA

Belihul Oya 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.

• After an early breakfast leaving the camp on a trail to Belihuloya via Hagala.
• Arrival at River garden for lunch.
• After a short break leaving for a nature trail to Kinchigune.
• Just before finishing the trail a River Bath .
• Dinner & night stay at Belihuloya.
• Economy - luxury camping
• Standard - Cottages or similar
• Deluxe - Eco Lodge or similar.

TREK TO HULLAN ELLA. (Strenuous)

We start our trail from Kinchigune.
The hike starts through, a paddy field, a vegetable plot and under the ruins of a small bridge in the area now re-emerged due to the receding of water level of the "Samanalawewa Reservoir", and come to small gravel road. After a little while we come to a small school with only two teachers and sixteen pupils. In the school garden, one can find scattered particles of pig iron, ample evidence of early period Steel Industry. We proceed along the tarred road for about two km, amidst a vegetation belonging to intermediate climatic zone, consisting mainly of a shrub called "Maliththa" - Woodfordia fruticosa, which is a rare medicinal plant, which is under thread of extinction and come to a Buddhist Temple about 350 years old. The walk beyond, will take us, through the village, into the uninhabited area where the walk will be through intermittent patches of forest and savanna and finally, to the edge of the mountain. From this point, the pleasant and welcome sight of the Walawe River far down, greets the hiker. A cool and much needed dip in the crisp waters of Walawe will not only refresh you very much but also make you feel rejuvenated. Here, one can relax a little and roam about in the Riverine forest that is on both sides of the river. Now we will find ourselves in a ravine with the river at the base and the two mountain ranges running right along, with the Riverine forest at the lower part and the savanna at the upper part. During this trail one will not come across any human habitation 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 humans on the way, until perhaps, we come to Duvili Ella.
After a walk of about eight kilometers through the Riverine forest we come to a beautiful, large and rocky area where there is a waterfall of about 40ft in height. This waterfall is called the "Hulang Ella" or the Walawe Ganga Fall (west).

SCHEDULE

• After an early breakfast leaving on the trail to Hullan Ella.
• Packed lunch will be provided.
• After a walk of 8km, the guests will see the 40-foot high waterfall called the Hulang Ella.
• Arrival at the campsite.
• Dinner & night stay at Hullan Ella. Participatory camping for all catogories. ( Value / Standard / Deluxe)

TREK TO DUVILI ELLA (Strenuous)

At the end of a several kilometres walk from Hulang Ella we come to the grandest place of the trek -The Majestic, breathtaking and awesome "Duvili Ella" -. This waterfall is also called the Walawe Ganga Fall (east). This waterfall is like none other we see in the island where, the surrounding area is a level rocky ground with a large pit about 80ft deep, into which, the river plunges with a thunderous roar forming the waterfall, and a large deep pool at the base. The falling of water creates a cloud of spray, resembling a cloud of dust (hence the name Duvili Ell - Duvili for dust in Sinhala and Ella for Fall) that will wet an onlooker at the top in a minute.

• After an early breakfast continue the trail to Duvili Ella.
• Packed lunch will be provided.
• Arrival at the campsite.
• Dinner & night stay at Duvili Ella.
• Participatory camping for all catogories. (Economy / Standard / Deluxe)

'KUDAWA' ECO TEAM CAMP is located on a peninsula in the forest and surrounded by two rivers (deep enough for swimming) and just beyond a tea plantation (where you will see the traditional tea pluckers in action). Even without leaving the camp itself, so much can be seen - so let the nature come to you!

The peaceful camp is an ideal location for early morning Bird Watching before a fascinating nature trail through the forest. Forget any ideas about cramped tents and sitting on the ground for meals - this is camping in style! The camp is set up prior to your arrival, transporting in comfortable tents, a fully equipped kitchen, chairs and tables, hammocks, flushable toilets, showers and even cold beer. On your return from the afternoon nature trail, you will be welcomed with a hearty barbecue meal in a magical setting - the whole area is lit up with traditional flame torches and a roaring campfire. So sit back, relax and let our experienced staff cater to your every need.

• After breakfast walk back to Suriya Kanda.
• From here you will be driven to Galle
• Arrival at you hotel in Galle for lunch.
• At leisure.
• Dinner & night stay in Galle .
• Economy - Closenberge Hotel or similar
• Standard - The lady Hill or similar
• Deluxe - Light House or similar.

• After an early cup of tea, with packed breakfast & lunch, the guests leave to the forest around 6.30 am .
• Trek across Sinharaja to Lankagama
• Arrival at the campsite.
• Dinner & night stay at Lankagama.
• Participatory camping for all categories. ( Economy / Standard / Deluxe)

Trekking to Deniyaya from Lankagama. (Moderate)

Then proceed to Galle in a vehicle.

SCHEDULE

• After breakfast start trekking to Deniyaya which is about 8km.
• Lunch will be provided at a suitable place.
• Proceed to Galle in a vehicle.
• Dinner & night stay in Galle.
  • Economy - Closenberge Hotel or similar
  • Standard - The lady Hill or similar
  • Deluxe - Light House or similar.

• 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. 

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.