White Water Rafting Tours in Sri Lanka |
PROGRAMME |
: Rafting & Canoeing Tour. |
DURATION |
: 06 Nights / 07 Days |
PERIOD |
:Valid till 31st – Octomber -2008 |
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| HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR |
- Day 1. At leisure in Kitulgala
- Day 2. White Water Rafting followed by a Nature Trail and perhaps, a short 4WD or Cycling to Beli-Lena
- Day 3. Drive to our Main Activity Centre at Belihul Oya for Lunch and optional activities in the evening.
- Day 4. Nature Trail to and lunch at the “Village of Steel” and Canoeing in Samanalawewa in the evening.
- Day 5. Start the long River Journey by canoe and Camp for night by the river at Kiriella.
- Day 6. Continue Canoeing and Camp for the night at Walpita..
- Day 7. Arrival at Kalutara, the town of the famous Bodhi and Temple. Departure for the next Destination.
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Day 01 - Arrival & transfer to Kitulgala (HB) |
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SCHEDULE
- Arrival & Transfer to Kitulgala.
- At leisure after a long flight & drive.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at Kitulgala.
- Accommodation:-
- Economy – Kitulgala Rest House or similar
- Standard – Plantation Hotel or similar
- Deluxe – Enduruella Bungalow or similar
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Day 02 - In Kitulgala (FB) |
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Activities at Kitulgala
KITULGALA WHITE WATER RAFTING
 This thrilling adventure on the white water sections of Kelani River is suitable for amateurs and professionals alike. During the run you will experience the thrill of shooting rapids and the 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 Kitulgala.
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) were 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
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An early morning Nature cum Bird Watching Trail in the Rain Forest
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It’s time for the White Water Rafting Adventure after the Rain Forest Trail.
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Lunch at the Rafting Centre.
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Evening at leisure or optional activities like 4WD / Cycling to Belilina Cave.
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Dinner & overnight stay at Kitulgala.
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Accommodation:-
- Economy – Kitulgala Rest House or similar
- Standard – Plantation Hotel or similar
- Deluxe – Enduruella Bungalow or similar
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Day 03 - Kitulgala - Belihul Oya (FB) |
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 BELIHUL OYA 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. |
 RIVER BATHING IN THE NATURAL POOL IN BELIHUL OYA
This is a unique place where two streams namely “Belihul Oya” 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 Belihul Oya after breakfast
- Arrival at River Garden Resort for lunch.
- Evening at leisure or optional activities like boating / cycling etc.
- Dinner & overnight stay at Belihul Oya.
- Accommodation:-
- Economy – Camping
- Standard – Cottages or similar
- Deluxe – Eco lodge or similar.
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Day 04 - Belihul Oya (FB) |
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After breakfast, Kinchigune nature trail & canoeing.
 KINCHIGUNE NATURE TRAIL
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”.
This diverse trail of approximately 6km begins at the River Garden Resort in Belihul Oya, running alongside a riverine forest and the Belihul Oya 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 Belihul Oya 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 calm and still 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 Belihul Oya 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 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 Belihul Oya.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at Belihul Oya.
- Accommodation:-
- Economy – Camping
- Standard – MAHOORA STANDARD CAMPING
- Deluxe - MAHOORA LUXURY SAFARI CAMPING
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Day 05 - Belihul Oya - Ratnapura - Kiriella (FB) |
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Canoeing along the Kalu Ganga. After breakfast, departure to Ratnapura Main Bridge 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 quiet 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 of your paddling.
Packed lunch on the way at a suitable location
THE CAMP is set up prior to your arrival, with 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 Bridge by 10.00 am.
- Start the Canoe / Raft ride from Ratnapura – and end up the first day’s run at Kiriella.
- Lunch will be provided at a suitable location.
- Dinner & overnight stay at Kiriella.
- Accommodation :-
- Economy –Camping
- Standard – MAHOORA STANDARD CAMPING
- Deluxe - MAHOORA LUXURY SAFARI CAMPING
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Day 06 - Kiriella - Walpita (FB) |
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KIRIELLA TO WALPITA
From here the adventure starts to build up 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 & overnight stay at Walpita.
- Accommodation :-
- Economy – Camping
- Standard – MAHOORA STANDARD CAMPING
- Deluxe - MAHOORA LUXURY SAFARI CAMPING
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Day 07 - Walpita - Kaluthara |
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Leave after an early breakfast to Kalutara - canoeing
 WALPITA TO KALUTHARA
Start the last section of the trip and canoe 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.
- Arrival at Kalutara
- Departure to the next destination
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-End Tour- |
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| Rafting Expeditions available : |
| Option 1 |
| 7 Kms River Run - over a period of 2 Hours |
| Our Rates |
Foreign clients :
With lunch = US$ 25
Without lunch = US$ 22 |
Sri Lankans & Expatriates :
With lunch = RS 1800
Without lunch = RS 1500 |
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| Option 2 |
| 30 Kms River Run - over a period of 7 to 8 Hours |
| Please contact us fro rates |
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| Cost Includes: |
- Welcome drink
- Safety Jackets and Helmets
- Rafting tour
- Changing Room
- Sri Lankan lunch / If applicable
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| Cost does not include: |
- Transport up to the point of start
- Any additional food or beverages
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Important Factors
- It is advisable to wear shorts and t-shirt with soft shoes - either river sandals or sports shoes.
- Sun protection is recommended
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| Payment policy: Full payment with confirmation. |
The above mentioned descriptions and programmes have been compiled after long, arduous, exploratory, and expensive work and hence is the property of 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.
On certain occasions our standard programmes could be cheaper than a tailor made programme for a specific client. But rest assured that we are flexible enough to effect minor changes to a standard programme as required by you, our valuable clients & offer same at no extra cost. Please contact us at reachme@srilankaecotourism.com we will do the needful.
You also have the facility of designing your own programmes by visiting our location and activity pages on the website and accessing the mini tours segment in those pages & selecting an appropriate combination. Our experienced travel consultants will then add the finishing touches to the programme & provide a costing based on same. |
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