Kinchigune is an ancient village which is almost totally submerged in the waters of the Samanalawewa Reservoir which came to being about two decades ago. The people of this village has been has been engaged in the Steel Industry in addition to Agriculture in the early days. This village has a very important history that goes back to 2nd Century BC where these people have made steel weapons to the Army of the Great Sinhala King Dutugemunu who reigned over the Country during that time. Not stopping at that they have even supplied steel to the makers of “Damascus Steel”.

First section of our trail leads through a typical Sri Lankan village passing paddy fields, village houses, home gardens, canals etc. before falling on to a more difficult terrain and dirt tracks. At certain places we may even have to carry our cycles.
We will have to cross the Belihul Oya Stream to get to our Eco Lodge at “Kinchigune”.

CANOEING IN SAMANALAWEWA RESERVOIR
The still and 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. A proper orientation will be given to those who are new to canoeing.

KINCHIGUNE NATURE TRAIL
This diverse trail of approximately 06 kms begins at Kinchigune Eco Lodge running alongside the riverine forest and the Belihul Oya river itself. During the trail, we will walk 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 River 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
• Arrival at River Garden Resort in the morning.
• Start the Kinchigune cycling trail after a short break.
• Lunch at the Eco Lodge followed by canoeing in the Samanalawaw Reservoir.
• Finishing canoeing, start the nature trail back to River Garden.
• Arrival at River Garden Resort.
• Dinner & Over night stay at Belihul Oya.
• Accommodation :

Economy – Luxury Camping Standard – Cottage or similar Deluxe – Eco Lodge or similar. Day 2 - Belihul oya – Satan’s Steps - Maha Eliya(Horton Plains) – Ohiya - (FB)

Let's Leave after an early breakfast for the 4-WD Adventure along the “Satan's Steps”.

“SATAN'S STEPS” is the name given to this treacherous road by the English Planters of theColonial Days who, themselves made this road, because of its numerous hairpin bends, steep climb and the ‘devilish' nature. HORTON PLAINS is one of the country’s outstanding nature reserves. A very interesting feature here is the renowned World’s End with a sheer drop of 3700ft, which offers an awesome view of the souther part of Sri Lanka down to the coast, far away. Other attractions include Bakers Falls (Maha Eli ella) and Chimney Pool. Horton Plains Nature Reserve is approximately 10,000 hectares in extent. A remote, high plateau, 2000m high, 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. A few more species we would also be looking for, are 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. SCHEDULE • We leave Belihul Oya early around 7.00 am after breakfast for the 4 WD drive tour. • Drive up the “Satan’s steps” to the “World’s End” and return through Ohiya, Boralanda, & Haputale to Belihul Oya. • Lunch, at a suitable location of our choice. • Back to Belihuloya. • Accommodation : Economy – Luxury Camping Standard – Cottage or similar Delux – Eco Lodge or similar.

Day 3 - Departure

SCHEDULE • Leaving to your next destination after breakfast.

- End of Programme -

Transpotation cost

• Please note that the mileage has been calculated for 500km. Anything above same will be charged at Rs.22 per km for a van up to 5 pax and Rs 50 per Km for a micro bus , from 6 to 14 pax .

• Transportation throughout the tour, including airport pick-up and drop off in Air conditioned vehicle ( van / Mini bus ) with English speaking chauffeur / Guide

Our rates include

• Meals & Accommodation on FB (Full Board – Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast) basis throughout the tour.

• Cost of Cycling to Kinchigune Village , Canoeing at Samanalawewa, Nature Trail to Kinchigune & 4WD tour.

• All government taxes

• Transportation throughout the tour (Transport cost quoted above separately)

• Special supplements at Hotels

• Tips or poterage

• Any additional beverages or food, which would be ordered extra.

• Any personnel effects not mentioned herein

Payment Policy

• Full payment with Confirmation

• 90 Days or more - 200  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.

These /above /under mentioned/ attached, descriptions and programmes have been compiled after long, arduous, exploratory, and expensive work and hence is the property of the 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.

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.