BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK, covering an area of 6216 hectares, is located about 250km southeast of Colombo in the Hambantota district. The park falls within the southeastern arid zone of Sri Lanka, with a general climate that can be classified as hot and dry. The terrain is generally flat with sand dunes bordering the coastline, and vegetation consists mainly of dry thorny scrublands and lagoons. A total of 383 plant species have been recorded from the park, including 6 endemics and 7 species considered as nationally threatened. It is also home to 32 different species of mammals, 5 of which are classified as threatened. For keen birdwatchers, the complex wetland system harbours a rich bird life (approximately 197 species), including several species of migratory waterfowl. This has led to the declaration of the park as Sri Lanka’s first ‘Ramsar’ wetland – one of great international importance especially for migratory waterfowl.

SCHEDULE
• Morning, 4WD Jeep safari at the Park
• Guests will be driven back to the Park Entrance
• Proceed to Bundala Nature Reserve
• 4WD Jeep Safari at the Bundala Nature Sanctuary
• After the safari, leave for Yala
• Dinner & night stay at Yala / Tissamaharama. Value – Chandrika or similar / Standard – Tissamaharama Resort or similar / Deluxe – Yala Village Hotel or similar.

Full day safari in Yala.

YALA NATIONAL PARK
Yala West (Ruhuna) National Park is now well recognised as one of the best parks in the world to observe and photograph leopards. The park covers an area of over 100,000 hectares and is divided into five blocks. Block one is easily the most visited part of the sanctuary as it contains the highest density of leopards in the park. However other areas of Yala such as Yala East are only now just re-opening and it will take some time to research leopard numbers in these less visited areas. Yala West consists of scrub jungle, brackish lagoons and stunning rock monoliths scattered throughout the park.

Recently there was an excellent 'Natural World' wildlife film on the 'Leopards of Yala' shot by the well known filmmaker Gordon Buchanan. Yala has well over thirty leopards within the park, probably the highest density anywhere in the world. It is also thought that Sri Lankan leopards are a distinct sub-species from their Indian neighbours as well as being the largest leopards in Asia.
Your best chance to see a leopard is generally first thing in the morning and then again at dusk. The male leopards in Yala are very confident animals and they are often seen walking the tracks during the day. Young males in particular seem to have no fear of the jeep, which can lead to some excellent photographic opportunities.
As well as leopards there is a large number of elephants living inside the park and these can be seen bathing in the numerous lakes within the park. You can also see spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, wild buffaloes, sloth bear, jackal and mongoose. The bird life is also fantastic and it is amazing how close you can get to them from the confines of the jeep, you can see Rosy Starlings, Paradise Flycatchers, Crested Hawk Eagles, Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters and Common Iora's.

BIRDING INFORMATION
Yala is also a very large reserve with rivers, lagoons, saltpans, rocky outcrops, shoreline and forest in the southeast. Birding in Yala is very interesting because of its complex system of forest. SL Jungle fowl, White-bellied Fish Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Painted Stork, Black- necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Pompadour Green Pigeon and flocks of flamingoes can be seen in this reserve.

• Full day safari
• Lunch back at the hotel.
• Dinner & night stay at Yala / Tissamaharama. Value – Chandrika or similar / Standard – Tissamaharama Resort or similar / Deluxe – Yala Village Hotel or similar.

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.

In the ancient times people living in this area have been engaged in Agriculture and the Steel industry. It is said, that these villagers have manufactured weapons like spears, swords and knives for the one time great Sinhala king “Dutugemunu”. It is also said, that the manufacturers of the world famous “Damascus sword’ were supplied with steel by these villages.

If we were to look further back in time, even the presence of pre-historic settlements were proved by the finding of skeletal remains of the 29,000 year old pre-historic man “Homosapien balangodensis” in this area, during recent excavations. Another very important aspect of this location - being situated in the middle of the Hill and Low Countries -, is the presence of a large number of beautiful locations and so many waterfalls not forgetting the forests, grasslands, caves etc. The great diversity of flora and fauna in this area has made this a very important location for the casual and the serious nature watcher

SCHEDULE
• Morning, leave for Belihuloya
• Lunch – own arrangements
• Arrival at River Garden Resort – Belihuloya.
• At leisure.
• Dinner & night stay at Belihuloya. Value – luxury camping / Standard – Cottages or similar / Deluxe – Eco Lodge or similar.

CYCLING TO KINCHIGUNE VILLAGE
First section of your trail leads through a typical Sri Lankan village passing paddy fields, village houses, Home Gardens, canals etc. Then you will be falling on to a more difficult terrain and dirt tracks. At certain places you might have to carry your cycle also.
You will cross the Belihuloya Stream to get to our Eco Lodge – “Kinchigune” where you can have a a cup of tea.

CANOEING IN SAMANALAWEWA RESERVOIR
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.

KINCHIGUNE NATURE TRAIL
This diverse trail of approximately 06 kms begins at Kinchigune Eco Lodge 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 at Riber Garden Resort. The whole journey takes between 02 and 04 hours, depending on how often you want to stop for rest, photos, or simply to take in the wonderful surroundings.

SCHEDULE
• After breakfast, cycling to Kinchigune Village
• Canoeing at the Samanalawewa reservoir
• Afternoon, Kinchigune Nature trail back to the Hotel
• Dinner & night stay at Belihuloya. Value – luxury camping / Standard – Cottages or similar / Deluxe – Eco Lodge or similar.

BAMBARAKANDA WATER FALLS
Within a majestic basin-shaped valley bordered by huge steep rocks and dark green forests of pines and tropic trees the highest waterfall of Sri Lanka 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 150 m walking distance from a small motorable road off A-4 at Kalupahana-Ganwasangoda to Quitota (3 km ).The lower part of this road is bordered by farmhouses under Jak trees,palm trees and other useful plantations.The road climbs up a narrow valley which opens suddenly after a bend to the beautiful scenary around the waterfall.The pool is surrounded by paddy fields.You’ll park the car opposite to the fall by a small well under an Oleander bush.

HORTON PLAINS is one of the countries outstanding nature reserves. It covers the renowned World’s End, a sheer drop of 3700ft which offers an awesome view. Other attractions include Bakers Falls and Chiminini Pool.
Horton Plains Nature Reserve is approximately 10,000 hectares in extent. A remote, high plateau, 2000m, supports grassland fringed and interspersed with patches of dense montane cloud forest. This locality is famous among bird watchers for the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush. You will also be looking for the endemic Yellow-eared Bulbul, the fantailed warbler, the Ashy headed babbler and the Sri Lankan Blue Magpie. There are three varieties of lizards located here including the horned lizard.

NUWARAELIYA 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
• After early breakfast, trekking to Horton Plains via Bambarakanda Water Fall
• Or guests could also proceed to Horton Plains by vehicles without the Bambarakanda Trek
• Trekking in Horton Plains
• Proceed to Nuwaraeliya
• Dinner & night stay at Nuwara Eliya. Value – The Rock or similar / Standard – Grand Hotel or similar / Deluxe – Tea Factory Hotel or similar.

KITHULGALA BELILENA CAVE
Is situated 2,000 feet above sea level in scenic surroundings The excavations have helped to uncover many fossils more than 32,000 years old

SCHEDULE
• Morning, leave for Kithulgala
• Afternoon, cycling to Kithulgala Belilena Cave and back
• Dinner & night stay at Kitulgala. Value – Kitulgala Rest House or similar / Standard – Plantation Hotel or similar / Deluxe – Enduruella Bungalow (plantation hotel) or similar.

SCHEDULE
• Early morning, birding in the remnant Wet Zone forests close to the Hotel
• At 10.00 am, white water rafting (Grade 2)
• Afternoon, depart to the next destination.