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)

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.

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

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 Belihuloya.
• Night dinner & stay in Belihuloya. Value – Luxury Camping / Standard – Cottage or similar / Deluxe – Eco Lodge or similar.