ETC/7DT/029
PROGRAMME : Rafting & Canoeing Tour.
DURATION : 6 Nights / 7 Days.
PERIOD : Valid till 31-Oct-2006
Day 01 - Arrival & transfer to Kitulgala (HB)

SCHEDULE
• Arrival & Transfer to Kitulgala.
• At leisure after a long flight & drive.
• Dinner & night stay at Kitulgala. Value – Kitulgala Rest House or similar / Standard – Plantation Hotel or similar / Deluxe – Enduruella Bungalow (plantation Hotel) or similar.

Day 02 - In Kithulgala (FB)
Activities at Kitulgala

KITHULGALA 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.

As the river widens we pass the scenic location used for the film - “Bridge over the river Kwai” filmed in 1956-, which is also a good place to jump in for a refreshing swim. On a clear day, you may even dive to see the remains of the actual bridge and carriages used for the film (only for experienced divers with proper equipment.). Our journey, ends close to Kitulgala town where food and snacks are available.

BELILENA CAVE is a very famous one, where the 12, 000 year old skeletal remains of the Balangoda man (Homesepiens Balangodensis) was found. This is a very Large cave with a vast space inside where about a thousand people can gather easily. To reach this location one has to travel to Awissawella (60Km) and proceed towards Kitulgala about the same distance and walk through the jungle to the cave, which is close to the Inoya estate.

SCHEDULE
• Early morning rain forest trail at 6.00 am (location is good for bird watching too)
• White water rafting at Kitulgala after breakfast & the bird watching tour.
• Lunch at the rafting centre.
• Evening at leisure or optional activities like 4WD / cycling to Belilina Cave.
• Dinner & night stay at Kitulgala. Value – Kitulgala Rest House or similar / Standard – Plantation Hotel or similar / Deluxe – Enduruella Bungalow (plantation Hotel) or similar.

Day 03 - Kitulgala - Belihuloya (FB)
After breakfast, leave for Belihuloya.
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.

RIVER BATHING IN THE NATURAL POOL IN BELIHULOYA
This is an unique place where two streams namely “Belihuloya” and “Galagamaoya” meet together creating a natural bathing area with clear unpolluted water that flows down from “Horton Plains”, 2200 meters above the sea level.

SCHEDULE
• Leaving to Belihuloya finishing breakfast
• Arrival at River Garden Resort for lunch.
• Evening at leisure or optional activities like boating / cycling etc.
• Dinner & night stay at Belihuloya. Value – camping / Standard – Cottages or similar / Deluxe – Eco Lodge or similar.

 
Day 04 - In Belihuloya (FB)
After brekfast, Kinchigune nature trail & canoeing

KINCHIGUNE NATURE TRAIL
This diverse trail of approximately 6km begins at the River Garden Resort in Belihuloya, 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 where the Belihuloya river meets the Samanalawewa reservoir. From there, it is a short climb up through the forest to the Kinchigune Eco Lodge where you could extend your stay and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The whole journey takes between 2 and 4 hours,

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
• A nature trail to Kinchigune after breakfast.
• Lunch at Kinchigune Eco Lodge.
• After lunch, canoeing in the Samanalawewa Reservoir .
• Back to Blihuloya.
• Dinner & night stay at Belihuloya. Value – camping / Standard – Cottages or similar / Deluxe – Eco Lodge or similar.
Day 05 - Belihuloya - Ratnapura - Kiriella (FB)
Canoeing along the Kaluganaga. After breakfast, departure to Ratnapura Main Brigde around 10.00 am.

RATNAPURA TO KIRIELLA
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.

Packed lunch on the way at a suitable location

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. In the evening you can enjoy 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
• After breakfast, arrival at Ratnapura Main Brigde by 10.00 am.
• We will be starting this canoe / raft ride from Ratnapura – and end up the first day run at a place named Kiriella.
• Lunch will be provided.
• Dinner & night stay at Kiriella. Value – luxury camping / Standard – luxury camping / Deluxe – super luxury camping.

Day 06 - Kiriella - Walpita (FB)
Leaving Kiriella after breakfast. Continue canoeing to Walpita.

KIRIELLA TO WALPITA
From here 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
• Continue canoeing along the river.
• Packed lunch at a suitable location en route
• Dinner & night stay at Walpita. Value – luxury camping / Standard – luxury camping / Deluxe – super luxury camping.
Day 07 - Walpita - Kaluthara
Leave after an early breakfast to Kalutara canoeing
WALPITA TO KALUTHARA
Start the last section of the trip till you come to one of the most sacred places of worship in Sri lanka – Kaluthara. [Just by the Sea]
From the start to the end, the river is in constant speed (04 - 05 kms/h) without any rapids.
[Estimated finishing time 12.30pm]

SCHEDULE
• Continue canoeing along the river from Walpita.
• Departure to the next destination.
- End of Programme -
Our Rates
No of Pax
01 Pax
02 Pax
03 Pax
04 Pax
Value
        
Standard
        
Luxury
        
 

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.
Expectations ours and yours.