Arrive the River Garden Resort, Belihuloya.

BELIHUL OYA

This is a climatically transitional area, which links the dry and wet zones at an altitude of less than 1500m. As a result, the vegetation it consists is  moist semi-evergreen forests, tropical savanna forests, dry patana grasslands and montane temperate forests. The vegetation in this environment has made this location an exciting one for the serious as well as the casual nature lover. The average temperature in the area is about 28.3 degrees Celsius and the mean annual rainfall is between 1,875 and 2,500mm.

RIVER BATHING IN THE NATURAL ROCK POOL IN “BELIHULOYA”

This is a unique place where two streams namely “Belihul Oya” 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.

ACTIVITIES IN BELIHULOYA

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 Belihul Oya, and runs 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 a couple of small but charming waterfalls.  The trail  ends 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, depending on how often you want to stop for rest, photos, or simply to take in the wonderful surroundings.

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 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, and a proper orientation will be offered for those who are new to canoeing.

KINCHIGUNE BIKING TRAIL

The interesting feature in this cycle trail is that, it offers you a considerable diversity taking you along the main road, by roads, gravel roads through small towns, villages, paddy fields, forest patches and so on with short ups and downs and a steep uphill ride.

The easy first section of about 9km of this trail from River Garden to Ambalantenna, along the main road and past the Sabaragamuwa University will warm you up for the rough ride ahead. From Ambalanthenna onwards the ride, mostly through the thick forest is interesting and rough. The road, washed off at places will make your ride more interesting by being eventful. As you enter the village of Kosgama you will be greeted by beautiful paddy fields and small village houses. This section is about 4km. Then comes, the challenge! This stretch of about 6km up to the main road at Marangahawela is one steep uphill climb. Do not despair for; the beautiful forest will give you enough of cool shade and serenity to make you keep riding.

After the tiring climb, the final phase, a downhill ride of about 12km along the main road from Marangahawela back to River Garden, will help to cool you off gradually before end of the trail.
Total cycling distance 26km.[3 ½  Hours- Moderate to Hard Cycling Route ]

HIGH ROPE COURSE

Set in the forest overlooking the Samanalawewa Reservoir, the HIGH ROPE COURSE at our adventure camp consists of 7 main challenges to complete. Suspended 20 – 30 feet above the surrounding wilderness setting, the ropes cover a distance of more than 500meters. The 7 sections of the course include Balancing log walk, Plank walk, single rope, tody taper’s walk, Himalayan Bridge, Tyre walk and Flying Fox [Areal rope].

This is Sri Lanka’s longest and the most adventures challenge course and it’s been built by ex Navy  personnel who are trained and certified in building overhanging structures. Each rope / cable  used are imported with a certification for quality.[Certificates are available for any safety audit ]

This course is being maintained by a team our own staff headed by an ex-military commando who is  trained for safety and maintenance of High Adventure Training structures.

Branded safety equipment imported from Italy , specially made for Adventure Activities and well trained instructors are provided.

This is an ideal activity for you and your team to create a bond and enhance self confidence.

Lunch at River Garden.

Good Bye and departure.