| PROGRAMME |
: Ultimate Eco Adventure Experience. |
| DURATION |
: 13 Nights / 14 Days. |
| PERIOD |
: Valid till 31-Oct-2006 |
| Day 01 - Waikkala
/ Negombo (HB) |
|
| Arrival and transfer to a hotel in Waikkala
or Negambo.. |
|
NEGAMBO
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 a 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.
WAIKKALA
Waikkala is located in the Puttalam District, which falls
into the dry zone category. Waikkala is in the midst of marine,
coastal, estuarine, mangroves, marshland and man made habitat
systems. All of these have contributed to the avifaunal diversity
visible in the immediate surrounding. Much of the avifauna
is characteristically wetland. More than 60 species of birds
can be observed here.
Explore flora & fauna including 50 to 60
varieties of birds, many brackish water fishes, shrimps, crabs,
molasses etc. Rare and only palm, which grows in water Nypa
Fruticans “Gin Pol”, will be an interesting highlight here.
SCHEDULE
• Arrival and transfer to a hotel in Waikkala or Negambo.
• At leisure after a long flight.
• Night dinner & stay at Negombo / Waikkala. Value – Sunset
Beach or similar / Standard – Ranweli Holiday Village or similar
/ Deluxe – “The Beach” or similar. |
| Day 02 - Waikkala / Negombo - Singharaja
(HB) |
|
|
Early morning departure
to the “Singharaja” forest after breakfast. |
|
SINHARAJA
RAINFOREST is a world heritage site, which can also
be described as a Tropical Lowland Rainforest or Tropical
Wet Evergreen Forest. Whatever its ‘technical’ name, it is
undoubtedly a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity
of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka’s endemic species
found nowhere else in the world. Bird Watching in this ecosystem
is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the
endemic birds of Sri Lanka! Named as a world heritage site
in 1989, this lowland evergreen rain forest is steeped in
deep legend and mystery. The word ‘Sinharaja’ means, Lion
(Sinha) King (Raja), and it is popular belief that the legendary
origin of the Sinhala people is from the union between a princess
and the lion king who once lived in the forest!
‘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.
SCHEDULE
• Leaving to Singharaja from Waikkala / Negombo.
• Arrival for lunch.
• After lunch and a short break & then forest exploration
at Singharaja
• Dinner & night stay at Singharaja. Value – Lodge at
Singharaja or similar / Standard – luxury camping / Deluxe
– super luxury camping.
|
| Day 03 - Singharaja - Udawalawe
(FB) |
|
| Leaving to “Udawalawe National Park”
after an early morning Bird watching trail. |
|
UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK is located
approximately 200 km south-east of Colombo city. The 30,821
hectare dry zone game park has an annual rainfall of 1,524
mm and an average temperature of 29.40C. It is most famous
for the many elephants that live there (about 400 in total).
During a visit, it is not unusual to see whole herds – adults
and young, feeding and bathing or playing in the water! In
addition to this main attraction, the park is home to many
water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys
and the occasional leopard, as well as being an exciting location
for bird enthusiasts. A 4WD open-top safari is the only way
to see all the wonders this protected reserve has to offer,
and our experienced and knowledgeable nature guides will make
this an unforgettable experience.
The ECO TEAM SAFARI CAMP is situated
about 16 km inside the park next to the Walawe Ganga river
(which feeds the nearby Udawalawe reservoir). The camping
concept is same sa the Singharaja camp above.
SCHEDULE
• Finishing breakfast, a bird watching trail at singharaja
• Then proceed to Udwalawe National Park in time for lunch.
• After lunch & a Short break evening safari at the park.
• Dinner & night stay at Udawalawe / Embilipitiya. Value
– Centauria or similar / Standard – luxury camping / Deluxe
– supper luxury camping.
|
| Day 04 - Udwalawe –
Buttala (FB) |
|
| After breakfast leaving to Tree
Top Farm |
|
|
TREKKING
AROUND THE LODGE PREMISES
Guided jungle walks from TTJL mostly take place
morning (dep. abt. 9.30 am) and afternoon (dep.
abt. 3.30 pm) avoiding the hot midday sun and
heat. Tailor made trips can be made to meet special
interest requirements of clients. Birders might
prefer early morning walks.
The jungle surrounding the lodge
features 400 year old ebony trees and magnificent
bird life, fauna and flora - including elephant,
spotted deer, sambhur, barking deer, wild boar,
giant squirrel and monkey (mostly macaque and
grey langur). Aside from the elephant, animal
sightings may not be easy in the forest as wildlife
is fearful of people. But the trackers will show
clients their ability to read the signs of the
jungle. There may be footprints of sloth bear
and leopard.
A primary aim of the lodge is to
employ locals and use their knowledge about the
jungle in a constructive way.
SCHEDULE
• Leaving to Buttala finishing breakfast.
• Arrival for lunch at Tree Tops Jungle Lodge.
• After lunch and a short break, a Nature trail
around the premises.
Dinner & night stay at Tree Tops Jungle Lodge
for all 3 categories. (Value / Standard / Deluxe)
|
|
| Nature trails in the
morning & Afternoon. |
|
MORNING
TRAIL
Mid morning set off for a 2 hours trek through
virgin tall dryzone forest up into to the
mysterious Arahat Kanda (Hills of Enlightenment)
dotted with numerous caves from the Buddhist
civilisation flourishing here more than
two millenniums ago. These mountains were
once the home of ancient Kings and Buddhist
monks.
The hike through virgin jungle
is strenuous but you are rewarded with stunning
views of the surrounding countryside, jungle,
irrigation tanks and paddy fields. Return
to the lodge for a big glass of fresh lime
juice.
AFTERNOON
TREK
Set off on a trek (2 hours) through scrub
jungle to a vast, ancient irrigation tank
(lake) called the Weliara wewa, frequented
by wildlife. En route, you'll see a diverse
range of fauna and flora and a variety of
bird life. The lake was constructed more
than 2000 years ago by the Buddhist King
Saddha Tissa.
At the lake rest, relax,
and enjoy the wonders of nature here at
the back of beyond. The lake is home to
the Marsh crocodile and wild elephants frequently
come to drink from this waterhole. To see
wild elephants you'll need to wait patiently
and very silently. Arrive back at the lodge
by about 6 pm in time for a cool bath at
the well.
SCHEDULE
• After breakfast a nature trail in the
morning.
• Lunch around 1.30 pm.
• After lunch & a short trek, leave
for the 2nd trail at 3.30pm.
• Dinner & night stay at Tree Tops Jungle
Lodge for all 3 categories. (Value / Standard
/ Deluxe)
|
|
| Day 06 - Buttala
- Horton Plains – Belihuloya (FB) |
|
| Leaving after breakfast
to Horton Plains Gate entrance in your vehicle.
Start trekking inside the park (6km). |
HORTON
PLAINS NATIONAL PARK is undoubtedly
one of the world’s best nature reserves.
It is characterised 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 elk, deer, giant squirrel,
wild boar, wild 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 ‘Bakers Falls’, ‘Chimmini
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).
SATAN’S
STEPS TRAIL STARTING FROM THE HORTON PLAINS
ENTRANCE.
You have two options
where you can travel in the vehicle for
about 6 km up to “Udaweriya”
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 pines and tropic 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
• Leaving Belihuloya around 6.00 am after
breakfast in a vehicle to Horton Plains.
• Trekking inside Horton Plains park.
• Lunch will be provided at a suitable location.
• Continue trekking through Satan’s Steps
to Bambarakanda.
• Back to Belihuloya.
• Night dinner & stay in Belihuloya.
Value – Luxury Camping / Standard – Cottage
or similar / Deluxe – Eco Lodge or similar.
|
|
|
| Activities at Belihuloya.
|
CYCLING
TO “KINCHIGUNE VILLAGE” & BACK.
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 and start the journey
back to the River garden on a Tarred road.
[4km Uphill / 5 km Down hill.] 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.
SCHEDULE
• After breakfast cycling to Kinchigune.
• Lunch at athe Eco Lodge at Kinchigune.
• Canoeing at the reservoir.
• Night dinner & stay at Belihuloya.
Value – Camping / Standard – Cottages or
similar / Deluxe – Eco Lodge or similar. |
|
| Day 08 - Belihuloya
- Kithulgala (FB) |
|
| Proceed towards “Kithulgala”
after breakfast |
| WHITE
WATER RAFTING IN “KITHULGALA”
“An interesting affair between currents
& rapids”…………
White Water Rafting.
This thrilling adventure
on the white water sections of Kelani River
is suitable for amateurs as well as professionals
alike. During the run you will experience
the thrill of shooting rapids and euphoria
of making it through. The river’s clear
water is born in the heart of the peak wilderness
reserve and tumbles through a rocky gorge
just above Kithulgala.
SCHEDULE
• After breakfast leaving to Kitulgala for
white water rafting.
• Start rafting at 10 am. Finishing at 12
or 12.30pm.
• Lunch at the Rafters Retreat.
• After lunch at leisure.
• Night dinner & stay at Kitulgala.
Value – Kitulgala Rest House or similar
/ Standard – Plantation Hotel or similar
/ Deluxe – Enduruella Bungalow (Plantation
hotel) or similar. |
|
| Day 09 - Kithulgala
- Kandy (FB) |
|
| Leaving to “Kandy” |
| KANDY
was the last stronghold of the Buddhist
political power against colonial powers.
It is also the home of the Temple of the
Tooth relic. Its architectural monuments
date mainly from the 19th century, when
Vikrama Rajashinha went on a building spree,
the cost of which hastened the downfall
and eventual surrender to the British forces.
DALADA
MALIGAWA
The Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Malgawa
dates from the 16th century, though most
of the present buildings were built in the
19th 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 relic
of the tooth, caged behind the 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
• Leaving Kitulgala to Kandy after breakfast.
• Kandy city tour with a visit to Dalada
Maligawa & view a culture show.
• Dinner & night stay at Kandy. Value
– Gem Inn or similar / Standard – Suisse
Hotel or similar / Deluxe – Earls Regency
or similar.
|
|
| |
| Leaving to Wasgamuwa
from Kandy. |
| WASGAMUWA
NATIONAL PARK,
with an extent of 36,948 hectares bordered
by the rivers Mahaweli from east, Amban from
west and north, is the only National Park
in the Central Province. This park, declared
a National Park in the year1984, lies in the
Districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa.. With
the presence of so many varieties of fauna
and flora (23 species of mammals, 143 of birds,
8 of amphibians, 17 of fresh water fishes,
17 of reptiles, 50 of butterflies and 150
of plants), this park is a paradise for a
nature lover. This park is famous for Elephants
and Bears. SCHEDULE
• After breakfast, leaving to Wasgamuwa.
• After lunch evening safari at Wasgamuwa
National Park.
• Back to the camp for the night.
• Night dinner & stay at Wasgamuwa.
Value – Kinjou hotel or Similar / Standard
– luxury camping / Deluxe – super luxury
camping. |
|
| Day 11 - Polonnaruwa
(HB) |
|
| Leaving to Polonnaruwa. |
POLONNARUWA
At nearly 1000 years old, POLONNARUWA
is one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital cities
(and part of the famous ‘Cultural Triangle’).
Although King Vijayabahu 1 was the first to
claim the city as his capital, it was King
Parakramabahu who made it what it is today,
with its massive buildings, ornate parks and
the ‘pièce de resistance’ – a 2500 hectare
tank called ‘Parakrama Samudra’ (‘Sea of Parakrama’).
The city itself is divided into new and old
town with the impressively preserved ruins
split into five main areas, including ‘The
Quadrangle’ (aka ‘Terrace of the Tooth Relic’),
the Northern City group and the Rest House
group (with the royal palace ruins of ‘Nissanka
Malla’). Due to its reasonably compact layout,
the ruins can be easily explored on foot,
and with the surrounding area’s flat well
maintained roads, you can leave the car behind
and jump on a bicycle to get around!
SCHEDULE
• After an early breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa.
• Visit the ruins.
• Lunch at a hotel in Polonnaruwa.
• Continue sightseeing.
• Dinner & night stay over at Polonnaruwa.
Value – Sudu Araliya or similar / Standard
– The Royal Lotus Hotel or similar / Deluxe
– Deer Park Hotel or similar. |
|
| DAY 12 - Polonnaruwa
- Negambo (HB) |
|
| After breakfast leave
to Negambo (Beach). |
NEGAMBO
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 a 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.
SCHEDULE
• At leisure.
• Night dinner & stay at Negombo. Value
– Sunset Beach or similar / Standard – Browns
Beach Hotel or similar / Deluxe – “The Beach”
or similar. |
|
|
| At Negambo |
NEGOMBO DIVING
Sri Lanka is known to the world as the pearl
of the Indian Ocean and offer a unique tropical
escape into the world of paradise spread with
lagoons and miles of sunny beaches or wonder
into the green fauna or dive in the deep blue
ocean exploring the brooding ship wrecks,
or Snorkel around admiring gorgeous coral
reefs and exotic tropical fish which will
have you taken very deep breaths.
All activities are conducted by well trained
and experienced UDI and PADI instructors with
very special attention to your safety.
SCHEDULE
• Full day at leisure or optional activities
like diving can be arranged.
• Night dinner & stay at Negombo. Value
– Sunset Beach or similar / Standard – Browns
Beach Hotel or similar / Deluxe – “The Beach”
or similar. |
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SCHEDULE
• Departure to the airport. |
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| - End of Programme - |
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No
of Pax |
01 Pax |
02 Pax |
03 Pax |
04 Pax |
Value |
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Standard |
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Luxury |
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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.
Our programmes are offered in the following 3 standards. Accommodation options have been selected after careful evaluation.
Standard -Value: Basic but clean. With a typical Sri Lankan touch , relaxed atmosphere and personalized service at Small family / enterprise run operations.
Standard - 3 Star equal: Better comforts and facilities with extra comforts. Mostly large establishments with Standardized service.
Standard - Deluxe: High standards of quality, décor, service and much more, with many extra comforts and activities to indulge yourself. We have offered locations with a unique Sri Lankan individuality, measuring up to international standards. |
 Please inquire for our special group rates for more than 4 pax. |
| Tour operators/agents & tourism related web portals may contact with all information for special rates. |
Please read Expectations ours and yours before confirming a tour. |
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