| COLOMBO
Like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing
its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings
once stood. Yet in some parts, the Old World charm is retained.
As an example there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British
built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah
bazaar where one can shop for a bargains, the old Parliament in
Fort, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you
find the stately homes of the affluent and the Bandaranaike Memorial
International Conference Hall - BMICH, an outright gift to Sri Lanka
from the People's Republic of China.
SCHEDULE
• Arrival & transfer to a hotel in Colombo.
• At leisure after a long flight.
• Dinner & night stay over in Colombo. Value – Grand Oriental
Hotel or similar / Standard – Galle Face Hotel or similar / Deluxe
– Trans Asia Hotel or similar.
| Day 02 - Colombo - Singharaja
tropical rain forest - Adam’s Peak (FB) |
|
| Forest exploration & trekking
at Singharaja & Adams Peak. |
|
| SINHARAJA
Is the last major undisturbed rainforest in Sri Lanka. Out
of the vegetation found in this forest 70% are endemic to
Sri Lanka, out of which 32% are endemic to this particular
forest. The canopy trees reach heights up to 45 metres, with
the next layer dropping about 30m. There are 45 species of
reptiles, 21 of which are endemic. Venomous snakes including
the green-pit viper, which inhabits trees, the hump-nosed
viper and the krait, which lives on the forest floor. One
of the most frequently found amphibians is the wrinkled frog,
whose croak is often heard at night. There is a prolific birdlife
in the forest - 147 species have been recorded with 18 of
Sri Lanka’s 26 endemic species being seen here. For the less
welcome inhabitants of the rainforest, our guides will take
preventative measures to protect you, providing salt and some
tips about how and when to use it. N.B. Leeches are not dangerous
but they should be removed in the correct way, following the
directions of our staff.
NATURE TRAIL
Start the trek 5.2 kms from Deniyaya , crossing one of the
most known low country tea estates – Ensalwatte Tea Estate.
From there you will proceed 6-7 km till you see an escarpment
onto your right. Just before entering the forest you will
see a typical small rural house. Once you reach a small stream
a bit further on, the real journey begins here as you proceed
through the forest itself !
You will have to climb in the dense forest along a (sometimes
difficult) footpath from an elevation of 391m to 1080m - the
highest level of this forest. Though it is only 14 km trek,
it may take up to 03 hours due to the tough terrain.
ADAMS PEAK
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 it’s 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!
SCHEDULE
• Morning at 8.00 am, leave for the Singharaja tropical rain
forest. You will be driven to the starting point of the trek
• Packed lunch will be provided at a suitable location
• The vehicle will be ready at the other side of the border
when you emerge from the forest and will drive you to the
base of Adam’s Peak (Ratnapura side). Make the most of the
rest time during the journey – a long night of hiking lies
ahead of you!
• Begin the Adam’s Peak climb in the evening with experienced
local guides
• A packed supper, snacks and drinks will be provided
• Overnight at the Adam’s Peak in sleeping bags for all three
catogories (Value / Standard / Deluxe)
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| Day 03 - Adams Peak
- Planter’s Bunglow, Bogowanthalawa (FB) |
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| After breakfast depart the
camp & visit the elephant transit home at udawalawe. |
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| SCHEDULE
• Watch the sunrise from Adam’s Peak and then come down
to the base
• Vehicle will pick you up at the base and drive you
to a Planter’s Bungalow in Bogowanthalawa or a Guest
House at Delhouse (Maskeliya)
• Late breakfast
• Relax for the rest of the morning
• Lunch will be provided
• Afternoon, short trail through a Tea Plantation for
02 to 03 hours
• Dinner and overnight stay at the Planter’s Bungalow,
(for Standard & Deluxe catogories) Bogowanthalawa,
or a Guest House for Value. |
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| |
| Day 04 - Bogowanthalawa -
Galpothuthenna - Belihuloya (FB) |
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| Continue trekking in the morning
from Bogawantalawa to Galpothuthenna. |
| |
| BOGOWANTHALAWA/GALPOTHUTHENNA
(APPROX. 28 KMS)
This is a trail of massive diversity – 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.
Beginning in the Bogowanthalawa tea plantation itself,
you then start a rapid ascent up through a jungle terrain.
When you come out of the jungle, you reach a more open
grassland terrain, similar to the landscape of the famous
‘Horton Plains’ (which is situated only slightly higher
up). You are sure to see the footprints of the leopards
and sambhar deer that roam there (you may even spot
the animals themselves if you are very lucky!). Along
the way, you will follow the river, also noticing a
number of man-made holes (the result of the gem-mining
that goes on in the area).
You will then go back into a scrub jungle
area where the next part of the trail takes you on a
footpath towards the ‘Non-Pereil’ tea estate. On the
way, you will cross the Belihuloya river – an ideal
place to take a break for lunch and enjoy the peaceful
surroundings.
On coming out of the ‘jungle tunnel’,
you can see for miles beyond, including the ‘Samanalawewa’
reservoir and the dam itself. You will pass the tea
pickers’ houses, vegetable plots, a small nursery school
before reaching the ‘Non Pareil’ tea plantation itself.
Heading down through the tea plantation,
you will get to a more sparse and rocky area, you will
continue on through forest patches where you can see
bear monkeys and a wide variety of birds. This part
of the descent is rather steep – the panoramic views
are incredible! The last part of the trail leads down
through a dense pine tree plantation and finishes up
at the small village of ‘Galpothuthenna’ (only a short
drive from the River Garden Resort in Belihuloya).
SCHEDULE
• Breakfast
• After breakfast, drive to the starting point for the
Bogowanthalawa / Galpothuthenna trail
• Packed lunch at the suitable location en route
• You will be met by the vehicle at Galpothuthenna and
driven to the River Garden Resort, Belihuloya
• Night dinner & stay in Belihuloya. Value – Luxury
Camping / Standard – Cottage or similar / Deluxe – Eco
Lodge or similar.
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| Day 05 - Belihuloya
– Kinchigune - Hulan Ella Falls Camping (FB) |
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| Another
trail from Kinchigune to Hulan Ella. |
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| KINCHIGUNE/HULAN
ELLA FALLS TRAIL
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!
Start the trail from the
Eco Lodge at the small village of Kinchigune,
overlooking the famous Samanalawewa Reservoir.
The trail goes through paddy fields, past
vegetable plots, forest patches and even
a Buddhist temple. Beyond the temple, it
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 this next part
of the 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 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 flora and
fauna in this area consists of the occasional
migratory Elephant, Sambhur Deer, Indian
Munjak, 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.
SCHEDULE
• Breakfast at River Garden
• After breakfast, start the Kinchigune
/ Hulan Ella Falls trail
• Packed lunch at a suitable location
• Dinner and overnight stay at Camp at Hulan
Ella. This will be camping on a “participatory
basis” where guests will assist our staff
in setting up the Camp and in the cooking.
(for all three catogories - Value / Standard
/ Deluxe)
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|
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| Day 06 - Hulan
Ella - Duwili Ella Falls - Yala (FB) |
|
| Continue
trekking from Hulan Ella to Duviliella
& then proceed in a vehicle to Belihuloya
again. |
|
|
| HULAN
ELLA / DUVILI ELLA FALLS
A trek through through the forest, passing a place
where the river divides in to three and flows
down as three streams for about 300 metres before
rejoining. Always remaining in the cool shade
of the Riverine Forest, we reach our final destination
in time for lunch. At the end of 10km walk from
‘Hulan Ella’ we come to the ‘pièce de resistance’
– the majestic, breathtaking and awesome ‘Duwili
Ella Falls’. This waterfall is also called the
‘Walawe Ganga Falls (East)’. It plunges a dramatic
80 ft from a level rocky ground into a large deep
pool at the base. The falling of the water creates
a cloud of spray, resembling a cloud of dust (hence
the name ‘Duwili Ella’ – in Sinhalese, ‘Duwili’
means ‘dust’ and ‘Ella’ is ‘waterfall’)
SCHEDULE
• Breakfast at the Camp and decamp
• Continue on the Duvili Ella trek
• Lunch at the Duvili Ella Falls
• After lunch, there is a short climb up some
steps where you will be met by your vehicle and
driven to Yala via Hambegamuwa passing through
typical Srilanakan village’s, taking narrow by
roads.
• Dinner & night stay at Yala / Tissamaharama.
Value – Chandrika or similar / Standard – Tissamaharama
Resort or similar / Deluxe – Yala Village Hotel
or similar. |
| |
| Yala safari. |
| YALA PARK
lies 24 km northeast of Tissamaharama and
290km from Colombo on the southeast coast
of Sri Lanka and spans Southern and Uva
provinces. The park consists of 97,878ha.
The altitude is 90m from sea level. The
vegetation in this park comprises secondary
forest, possibly a few hundred years old
at the most. It is predominantly semi-arid
thorny-scrub, interspersed with pockets
of fairly dense forest. Small patches of
mangrove vegetation occur along the costal
lagoons. Yala is renowned for the variety
of its wildlife and its fine coastline and
associated coral reefs.
A large number of important cultural ruins
bear testimony to earlier civilizations
and indicate that, much of the area was
populated and well developed.
SCHEDULE
• Finishing breakfast full day safari.
• Packed lunch to be taken or back to the
hotel for a late lunch.
• Evening at leisure.
• Dinner & night stay at Yala / Tissamaharama.
Value – Chandrika or similar / Standard
– Tissamaharama Resort or similar / Deluxe
– Yala Village Hotel or similar.
|
|
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| Day 08 - Yala
– Buttala (FB) |
|
| Morning departure
to Buttala – Tree Tops Jungle Lodge after
breakfast. |
|
| 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)
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|
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| 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 10 - Buttala
- Mahiyangana – Dambana (FB) |
|
| After breakfast leaving
to Dambana to familiarize your self of the livelihood
of the Vaddha’s. |
| DAMBANA
is a remote jungle village of indigenous people,
situated about 300km from Colombo. The population
of these indigenous ‘Veddha’ people now consists
of only about 350 families, a number significantly
reduced from a once thriving community. The
‘Veddha’ are so influenced by the imposing
dominant culture that they risk losing their
traditions and what has been their livelihood
for centuries. However, they remain determined
that their way of life will continue into
future generations. The Chief himself told
us on a recent visit to the village that his
main worry is that he may not be able prevent
the ‘Veddha’ traditions from dying out during
his own lifetime. Visitors to this fascinating
village have the opportunity to meet and chat
with the people who live there, learn about
their traditions, and gain a unique insight
into their way of life. Your visit will also
be of a direct financial benefit to the community
because, as well as paying them a rent for
the campsite and a fee for their involvement
in the programme, Eco Team also uses local
produce and labour whenever possible.
Our CAMPSITE
is located next to the ‘Delikadeliwewa’
tank in very close proximity to the Dambana
village itself. During your stay, the ‘Veddha’
people will visit the camp in their traditional
costume in order to perform some traditional
dances. The camp is also close to one of
their former hunting grounds so guests can
have the chance to participate in a mock
hunt.
SCHEDULE
• Leaving Belihuloya to Dambana.
• The guests can be met at the Dambana junction
and escorted to the camp for a typical and
delightful Sri Lankan lunch.
• After lunch and a little leisure time,
the visit to the Veddah village and a meeting
with the Chief – Wanniyaleththo is arranged
followed by the famous “Kiri Koraha” dance,
which they perform to invoke blessings from
the gods.
• Back to Camp / guest house.
• Night dinner & stay in Dambana. Value
/ Standard – luxury camping / Deluxe – super
luxury camping. |
|
| Day 11 - Dambana - Kandy via
Knuckels, pallegame, riverston, Rathota &
Mathale |
|
| Leaving to Kandy via
Knuckles. Cycling from Riverston to Rathota. |
| The KNUCKLES
MOUNTAIN RANGE
(so-called because its appearance resembles
a set of knuckles in a closed fist) has been
declared a conservation area, and is now known
as the KNUCKLES
NATIONAL HERITAGE AND WILDERNESS AREA.
The region stretches an impressive 155 sq
km that contains five major forest formations,
a wide variety of rare and endemic flora and
fauna and some breathtaking mountain scenery.
It is a real paradise for those who love to
hike or mountain bike, offering numerous trails
that journey across clear rivers, through
dense forests, past flowing waterfalls and
lush tea plantations, and alongside terraced
paddy fields and colourful Kandyan home gardens.
The chance to visit traditional small mountain
villages in the area gives an interesting
insight into the close-knit atmosphere that
such a local community fosters and provides
a welcome departure from fast-paced modern
day life. KANDY,
Sri Lanka’s hill capital stronghold of the
Sinhala kings, repository of culture, religious
center is 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 littering
festival nights. Once in Kandy you can’t
miss the lovely artificial lake built by
the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe,
in 1806.
SCHEDULE
• After breakfast proceed to Kandy via Knuckles.
• Cycling from Riverston to Rathota in Knuckles.
• A late lunch at a hotel or restaurant
in Kandy.
• Evening at leisure.
• Dinner & night stay at Kandy. Value
– Gem Inn or similar / Standard – Suisse
Hotel or similar / Deluxe – Earls Regency
or similar. |
|
|
Full
day at leisure in Kandy. City tour on your own.
SCHEDULE
• At leisure.
• Dinner & night stay at Kandy. Value – Gem
Inn or similar / Standard – Suisse Hotel or similar
/ Deluxe – Earls Regency or similar.
|
| Day 13 - Kandy
– Kithulgala (FB) |
|
Departure to Kitulgala.
“An interesting affair between currents & rapids”………… |
WHITE WATER
RAFTING IN KITULGALA.
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.
BELILENA
CAVE which is situated 2000 feet
above sea level in scenic surroundings .The
excavations have helped to uncover many
fossils more than 32,000 years old.
SCHEDULE
• After an early breakfast or packed breakfast
proceed to Kitulgala.
• White water rafting at 10 am
• Lunch at the rafting centre
• After lunch Belilina Cave visit on cycles.
• Night dinner & stay at Kitulgala.
Value – Kitulgala Rest House or similar
/ Standard – Plantation Hotel or similar
/ Deluxe – Enduruella Bungalow (Plantation
hotel) or similar. |
|
| Day 14 - Kitulgala
- Rathnapura – Kiriella - Kaluthara river
run. (FB) |
|
| Departure to Ratnapura
Main Bridge. Finishing the orientation, the canoeing
starts around 10.00am. |
KALUGANAGA
RIVER RUN
This section is comparatively easy and do
not require any special canoeing skills. Along
the route you will be able to see many vegetation
types / changing landscapes. Just passing
populated “Rathanapura” town area, riverbank
environment becomes more scenic and quite
with lonely sand collectors’ houses surrounded
by thick vegetation and palm trees! During
most of the ride only noises you are going
to hear are the birds’ calls and the sound
that will make by your paddle until you reach
Kiriella. SCHEDULE
• After an early breakfast proceed to Rtnapura.
• Arrival at the Ratnapura main bridge for
an orientation.
• Start peddling by 10 am
• Lunch will be provided at a suitable location.
• Finishing lunch continue peddling.
• Night dinner & stay at Kiriella. Value
– luxury camping / Standard – luxury camping
/ Deluxe – super luxury camping. |
|
| Day 15 - Kiriella
- Kaluthara river run - Wadduwa (FB) |
|
| Continue canoeing to
Kalutara. |
| From this
point, the adventure starts to buildup and
you may need some previous canoeing experience
to negotiate this section of the river. River
bends will make the water flow rough and your
canoe also will be bit shaky and unsteady.
SCHEDULE
• Leaving the camp after an early breakfast.
• Arrival at Kalutara in the morning .
• Proceed to Wadduwa
• Night dinner & stay at Wadduwa. Value
– A guest house or similar / Standard –
Villa Ocean View or similar / Deluxe – Villa
Ocean View (Cabanas) or similar. |
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SCHEDULE
• Departure to your next destination. |
| - End of Programme - |
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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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