Arrival…. meet & greet and transfer to Colombo.
Check-in at Sovereign Hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure to relax or City Tour.
 COLOMBO is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital with Great shopping arcades, luxury hotels & restaurants, Karaoke Bars, Casinos- which has the highest winning percentage in the world, night-clubs and other entertainment facilities
Colombo is an important port in the Indian Ocean since ancient time. The traders from the middle-east used Sri Lanka as an exchange center. The Arab traders came to gather the ivory, the precious stones and spices such as cinnamons, cardamom, cloves and pepper, which were highly priced in Europe.
Even a commercial city, the needs of the leisure travellers can be fulfilled with the range of activities available in the city. Great shopping arcades, luxury hotels restaurants, Karaoke Bars, Casinos, nightclubs and other entertainment facilities available within the city limits.
There are many locations relating to the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial times. The Colombo Museum, Vihara Maha Devi Park, Old Parliament, World Trade Center, Zoo, Dutch Museum, Kelani Viharaya, National Art Gallery. Folk Art Center- Kotte, Natural History Museum, BMICH, Municipal Museum, Fort Railway Station dates back to 1904, Wolfandhal Church and Vaneshwara Kovil and main tourist attractions in Colombo.
Dinner and overnight stay at Sovereign Hotel.
SCHEDULE
- Arrival transfer from the airport to Colombo.
- Check in at Sovereign Hotel.
- After a long journey leisure and relax or City Tour in Colombo.
- Dinner and overnight stay at Sovereign Hotel.
Proceed towards “Kithulgala” after breakfast.
 KITHULGALA is one of the most scenic locations in the island and also a centre for many nature and adventure related activities which include White Water Rafting, visits to rainforests and the Belilena prehistoric cave. It is also one of the gateways to the hill country.
White Water Rafting in Kelani River.
“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 Rafter’s Retreat.
Proceed to Kandy.
Check in at the Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast leaving to Kitulgala for White water rafting.
- White Water Rafting Expedition in Kelani River.
- Lunch at the Rafters Retreat.
- Proceed to Kandy.
- Dinner & stay at Kandy.
After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya, enroute visit a tea factory and plantation.
 NUWARA ELIYA has a cool sparkling climate with the temperature changing around 13degC this is an exquisite and healthy city famous for its wide range in flowers. With buildings of English architecture everywhere in the city, it is affectionately called little England. The Victoria Park in the center of Nuwara Eliya, the highest town in Sri Lanka. Yellow-eared Bulbul, Blackbird, in winter Pied Thrush and Kashmir Flycatcher are very common.
En-route, visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the best tea in the world is produced. Here you could observe all about the process of manufacturing tea. You can also see how tea is graded. Taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory.
Lunch to be taken at suitable location.
Check in at Alpine Hotel. Evening Free walk in the Nuwara Eliya City.
Dinner and overnight stay at Alpine Hotel.
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya, en route visit a tea factory and plantation.
- Lunch at suitable location.
- Check-in at Alpine Hotel.
- Evening free to walk around the town and market place in Nuwara Eliya
- Dinner and overnight stay at Alpine Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.
Leaving after breakfast to Horton Plains Gate entrance in your vehicle.
Start trekking inside the park (6km).
 HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK is undoubtedly one of the world’s best nature reserves. It is characterized by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, covered in upper montane forest and wet patana grassland. In general, the forests are seen on the hilltops or upper slopes the grasslands in the valleys and lower slopes, eventually giving way to wetland habitats. Spanning approximately 10,000 hectares the park is also home to a wide variety of flora (57 species, 29 endemic to Sri Lanka) and 24 species of mammal such as elk, deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, wild hare, porcupine and leopard. For bird enthusiasts, there 87 species (14 of which are endemic), including many migratory birds. The Plains also feature many interesting attractions such as ‘Bakers Falls’, ‘Chimney Pool’ and the famous ‘World’s End’ (a 3700 ft sheer drop that offers fabulous views of the tea estates below and all the way out to the distant southern coastline).
SATAN’S STEPS BIKING TRAIL STARTING FROM THE HORTON PLAINS ENTRANCE.
You have two options where you can travel in the vehicle for about 6 km up to "Udaweriya" estate junction & then start Cycling or start the trail from the gate entrance itself. Distance to the Bambarakanda Falls from the junction is 14km.Along this trail you will cover Kingslyn estate, West Haputale estate then Bambarakanda Falls. From the falls you can either trek for another 6km & get in to your vehicle at Kalupahana to be driven to River Garden or get in to the vehicle near the falls itself.
 BAMBARAKANDA FALLS
Within a majestic basin-shaped valley bordered by huge steep rocks and dark green forests of pines and tropic trees the highest waterfall of Sri Lanka [240.8m] plunges with two silver ropes over a vertical dark grey wall from the green saddle between Mt.Welihena and Mt. Bambaragala into a deep pool only 500m walking distance from the trail.
SCHEDULE
- Leaving to Belihuloya around 6.00 am after breakfast in a vehicle via Horton Plains.
- Trekking inside Horton Plains Park.
- Lunch will be provided at a suitable location.
- Biking trail through Satan’s Steps to Bambarakanda and proceed to Belihuloya.
- Dinner & overnight stay at the River Garden Cottages.
After breakfast leave the cottages for a Nature Trail.
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, depending on how often you want to stop for rest, photos, or simply to take in the wonderful surroundings.
Lunch at Kinchigune.
Canoeing in Samanalwewa Reservoir for 2 Hours in the evening.
 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.
 Back to the Cottages for Dinner.
Overnight stay at River Garden Cottages.
SCHEDULE
- After early morning breakfast leave for a Nature trail to Kinchigune Village
- Sight seeing & many inhabitants of the villages.
- After lunch proceed to Samanalawewa reservoir for Canoeing activity.
- Returning to the cottages leisure and relax.
- Dinner and overnight stay at River Garden Cottages in Belihuloya.
 Proceed to Udawalawa National Park after having breakfast.
Arrive at the Park entrance around 12 Noon [or evening].
Get into the 4WD Jeep at the park entrance to be driven to your campsite.
The MAHOORA SAFARI CAMP is situated about 16 km inside the park next to the Walawe Ganga River (which feeds the nearby Udawalawe reservoir). Forget any ideas about cramped tents and sitting on the ground for meals – this is camping in style! 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. On your return from the afternoon safari, you will be welcomed with 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.
After the lunch we will be starting the safari in Udawalawa National Park by 4WD Jeep.
 UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK is located approximately 200 km south-east of Colombo city. The 30,821 hectare dry zone game park has an annual rainfall of 1,524 mm and an average temperature of 29.40C. It is most famous for the many elephants that live there (about 400 in total). During a visit, it is not unusual to see whole herds – adults and young, feeding and bathing or playing in the water! In addition to this main attraction, the park is home to many water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard, as well as being an exciting location for bird enthusiasts.
A 4WD open-top safari is the only way to see all the wonders this protected reserve has to offer, and our experienced and knowledgeable nature guides will make this an unforgettable experience.
 Finishing the evening jeep safari, return to the Mahoora Standard Campsite which lit by, lanterns and the campfire.
Enjoy the dinner around the campfire and overnight stay at the Mahoora Standard Camp in Udawalawa National Park.
SCHEDULE
- Arrive at the Park entrance and driven to Mahoora Safari Campsite by 4WD Jeep.
- Enjoy the Sri Lankan lunch at the campsite.
- Evening safari at Udawalawa National Park
- Back to Mahoora Standard Camp for Dinner.
www.srilankaecotourism.com/camping_standard.htm
- Overnight stay at the Mahoora Standard Camp.
 We will leave for a morning safari in Udawalawa National Park after an early breakfast and proceed to Sinharaja.
Arrival at “Sinharaja” gate office around 12.00 in the noon for lunch.
Check in at the Basic Forest Lodge bordering the Rainforest
Leaving for the forest exploration after lunch around the vicinity. (Any no. of hours)
 Sinharaja Rain Forest is a world heritage site, which can also be described as a Tropical Lowland Rainforest or Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest. Whatever its ‘technical’ name, it is undoubtedly a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka’s endemic species found nowhere else in the world.
Bird Watching in this ecosystem is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka! Named as a world heritage site in 1989, this lowland evergreen rain forest is steeped in deep legend and mystery. The word ‘Sinharaja’ means, Lion (Sinha) King (Raja), and it is popular belief that the legendary origin of the Sinhala people is from the union between a princess and the lion king who once lived in the forest!
The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988. The reserve's name translates as Kingdom of the Lion.
The reserve is only 21 km from east to west, and a maximum of 7 km from north to south, but it is a treasure trove of endemic species, including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
 Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala. There are no elephants and the 15 or so leopards are rarely seen. The commonest larger mammal is the endemic Purple-faced Langur.
An interesting phenomenon is that birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks, invariably led by the fearless Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and the noisy Orange-billed Babbler. Of Sri Lanka's 26 endemic birds, the 20 rainforest species all occur here, including the elusive Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal and Sri Lanka Blue Magpie.
Reptiles include the endemic Green pit viper and Hump-nosed Vipers, and there are a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. Invertebrates include the endemic Common Birdwing butterfly and the inevitable leeches.
Back to the Lodge in the evening.
Dinner & overnight stay at Martin’s Lodge.
SCHEDULE
- Leave for Sinharaja after a morning Safari in the Udawalawa National Park.
- Reach the Lodge in Sinharaja for lunch.
- Forest Exploration after the lunch.
- Back to the Lodge for Dinner.
- Overnight stay at Martin’s Lodge bordering the Sinharaja Rainforest.
After breakfast leave for Airport for Departure. |
