• Day 1. At leisure in Kitulgala
• Day 2. White Water Rafting followed by a Cycling trail to Beli-Lena Caves.
• Day 3. Drive to our Main Activity Centre at Belihuloya 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.

Arrival… meet, greet and transfer to Kithulgala.

KITHULGALA is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka 110 km away from the Colombo. It is in the wet zone rainforest, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in the country. The Academy Award-winning "The Bridge on the River Kwai" was filmed on the Kelani near Kitulgala, although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge (and, supposedly, the submerged train cars that plunged into the river in the climactic scene). Kitulgala is also a base for white-water rafting, which starts a few kilometers upstream.

Check in at Kitulgala Rest House overlooking the Kelani River.

At leisure after a long flight & drive.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Kitulgala Rest House.

Breakfast at the Rest House.

White Water Rafting in Kelani River for 2 Hours.

“An interesting affair between currents & rapids”…………

This thrilling adventure on the white water sections of the Kelani River is suitable for amateurs as well as professionals alike. During the river 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 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 great place to jump in for a refreshing swim. On a clear day, you could even dive in 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.

For those who would like to enjoy the river and its wonderful scenery without the thrills and spills of large rapids, we could raft through the flatter section of the lower gorge, suitable for children over six and family groups.

Rafting in the white water sections of the river and through the boulders and rocks create grade 3/4 rapids, which are exhilarating and scenic. On certain occasions, you may encounter even grade 5 rapids……  A briefing is given prior to the river run with instructions on paddling techniques and “man over board” procedures. At the end of the trip an optional riverside lunch buffet could be arranged for groups and large parties.

Lunch at the Rest House (optional)
Evening Cycle Tour to Beli Lena Caves.

A seven kilometer bike ride takes you to Beli Lena, the caves of shells, a huge cavern once inhabited by pre-historic Stone Age people. Its floor strewn with shells of river snails which seem to have a major part of their diet.

BELI LENA CAVE This beautiful cave is located up a steep path on the hillside inside from a ledge that looks down over a breathtaking vista of rubber plantation, jungle and hills. Its damp, dark depths are famed for the discovery of the 12,000 year-old skeletal remains of the Balangoda man (Homosapiens Balangodenis) though all you'll see now are the thousands of bats that inhabit its cool interior as they flit about to the discomfort of your torchlight. Colourful butterflies can be seen dancing around the entrance to the cave. 

Back to the Rest House.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Kitulgala Rest House.

Leave for Belihuloya after the breakfast at the Rest House.

BELIHULOYA is a very picturesque little hamlet situated in the “Sabaragamuwa” province of Sri Lanka, approximately 160 km from Colombo. This beautiful hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country at an altitude of less than 1500m. As a result, the vegetation consists of moist semi-evergreen forests, tropical savanna forests, dry patana grasslands and montane temperate forests, making it one of the richest bio-diversity spots in Sri Lanka – a perfect location for nature lovers.

In the ancient times people living in this area were engaged in the agriculture and steel industry.  If we were to look further back in time, even the presence of pre-historic settlements were proved by the finding of skeletal remains of the 29,000 year old pre-historic man “Homosapien balangodensis” in this area.

Another very important aspect of this location is that as it is situated in the middle of the Hill and Low Countries, there are a large number of beautiful locations and so many waterfalls not forgetting the forests, grasslands, caves etc.

Check in at River Garden Resort.

RIVER BATHING IN THE NATURAL ROCK POOL IN “BELIHULOYA”.

This is a unique place where two streams namely “Belihuloya  and “Galagama Oya” meet together creating a natural bathing area with clear unpolluted water that flows down from Maha Eliya (“Horton Plains”), 2200 meters above the sea level.

Evening at Leisure.

Dinner and overnight stay at River Garden Resort (Cottages/ Campsite/ Eco Lodge)

After breakfast take part in a Nature Trail of Kinchigune.

KINCHIGUNE NATURE TRAIL

Kinchigune is an ancient village which is almost totally submerged in the waters of the Samanalawewa Reservoir which came to being in 1980s. The people of this village 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 at the time. Not stopping at that they have even supplied steel to the makers of “Damascus Steel”, makers of the finest steel in the world.

This diverse trail of approximately 6km begins at the River Garden Resort in Belihuloya, and runs alongside the riverine forest and the Belihuloya 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 a couple of small but charming waterfalls.  The trail ends 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, depending on how often you want to stop for rest, photos, or simply to take in the wonderful surroundings.

Lunch at Kinchigune

Canoe Safari in Samanalawewa in the Evening.

CANOE SAFARI 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.

Back to the River Garden.

Dinner and overnight stay at River Garden Resort.

After breakfast leave for Rathnapura to the starting Point of the Canoe Ride along the Kalu Ganga – Which the River becomes black.

Departure from the starting point near Rathnapura Maha Saman Devalaya around 10.00am.after an orientation.

We will be starting this canoe/raft ride, from “Rathnapura”- known for its gems, and end up the first day run at a place named “Kiriella”.

RATHNAPURA 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.

Diner and overnight stay at a fully serviced movable camp in Kiriella.

THE CANOEING 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.

Leaving Kiriella after breakfast.

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.

[Reminder -We will be doing an orientation for those who do not have previous canoeing experience]

Early in the morning after breakfast you will start the last section of the trip till you come to one of the most sacred places of worship of Sri Lanka – Kuluthara. [Just by the ocean] 

From the start to the end river is constant in speed (~4-5km/h) without any rapids.

[Estimated finishing time 12.30pm]

Leave for your next destination.

RATES FOR THE PROGRAMME:

• Accommodation at Hotels/ campsite as mentioned in the above itinerary.
• Meal plan to be on full board basis during the whole programme starting from lunch on day 1 till breakfast on day 7.
• Charges for White Water Rafting in Kelani River with safety equipment.
• Cost of the Cycle Trail to Beli Lena Caves.
• Charges for Nature Trail in Belihuloya with well experienced local guides.
• Kalu Ganga River expedition.
  • Professional / Experienced River guides.
• Life Jackets and other required accessories.
• Full time backup vehicle parallel to the canoe with Radio Communication.
• Lunch at the stop over point.
• Required emergency and crisis management plans.
• All government and other stakeholder approvals
• All government Taxes.

• Any transportation.
• Tips to the staff.
• Any beverages including water. 
• Any personal effect which not mentioned herein.

• Personal effects for Warm/Windy/Rainy conditions should be carried by clients.
• It is advisable to wear shorts and t-shirt with soft shoes - either river sandals or sports shoes.
• Insect repellent, Sunburn lotion etc. are recommended.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

• 90 Days to 30 Days - 250 US $ Administrative fee or 10% of the tour fee whichever is higher.
• 14 Days to 29 Days - 250 US $ admin fee will be charged and 50 % of the tour cost will be kept to be utilized for a future booking. Balance will be refunded.
• 8 Days to 13 Days - 250 US $ admin fee will be charged and 75 % of the tour cost will be kept to be utilized for a future booking. Balance will be refunded. 
• Less than 7 days - 250 US $ admin fee will be charged and 100 % of the tour cost will be kept to be utilized for a future booking.

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.