Day 1 - Airport - Bolgoda [HB]

Arrival and transfer to Bolgoda.

Arrival. meet & greet and transfer to Bolgoda. Check-in at Medagama River Retreat.

Rest of the day at leisure & relax.

MEDAGAMA RIVER RETREAT - BOLGODA

Bolgoda Lake is the largest and most beautiful fresh water lake with the highest bio-diversity in the island. The added advantage is that it is situated not more than 20km from the commercial capital Colombo . It is full of mangroves giving rise to a rich diversity in aquatic fauna and flora.

By the water's edge of this lake is a private holiday bungalow named The Medagama River Retreat. The calmness and tranquility of the area adds to the charm of the bungalow and its surrounds. The River Retreat with an experienced chef to cater to the taste buds of discerning guests has three air-conditioned rooms and a spacious garden. The expansive lawn is an ideal play ground for kids of all ages. Furthermore, the Retreat has its own swimming pool & for adventure lovers, its own Mini boat-house where supervised canoe & boat rides can be arranged.

Bolgoda Lake spread out over a very large area was extensively used during the Dutch & British occupation periods as a bird hunting ground. The location is also popular as a traditional lake fishing area. Although angling is a common way of fishing in this lake, a very prominent and a primitive method is by installing fences erected on the lake as a kind of native trap. The lake is also a popular destination for water sport lovers.

SCHEDULE

• Arrival transfer from the airport to Bolgoda and check-in at the hotel.
• After a long journey leisure and relax at the hotel.
• Evening Canoeing at Bolgoda Lake exploring nature. [You are free to do this canoeing journey at your own pace exploring biodiversity & Sri Lankan culture.]
• Dinner and overnight stay at Medagama River Retreat.

Day 2 - Sinharaja Rainforest - [FB]

In the morning, you will be transferred to the Sinharaja Rainforest.

Dense, Dark, Wet and mysterious 11187 Ha "Singharaja" primeval forest is a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka's endemic species found no where else in the world. Named as a world Heritage site in 1989, this lowland evergreen rain forest is steeped in deep legend and mystery.

The world "Sinharaja" means, Lion (Sinha) King (Raja) and the popular beliefs that the legendary origin of Sinhala people in Sri Lanka is the descendants of the union the lion king who once lived in the forest and a princess.

SINHARAJA is the last major undisturbed rainforest in Sri Lanka . Of the plant species found in this forest 70% are endemic to Sri Lanka , out of which 32% are endemic to Sinharaja. The canopy trees reach heights up to 45 metres, with the next layer canopy trees reaching about 30m. There are 45 species of reptiles, 21 of which are endemic. The venomous snakes include 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.

Dinner and overnight stay in a basic lodge operated by a villager at the border of the forest. [Martin's Lodge]

Day 3 - Singharaja - Adams Peak - [FB]

Arriving at the foot of "Sri Pada" / Adam's Peak around 8.00 pm .

Begin the arduous 08 km climb to the misty mountaintop with our experienced local guides.

You may reach the 2,240 metre high peak - the island's fourth highest - at dawn to witness a glorious sunrise and the mountain's shadow, cast by the rising sun on to the clouds below. Legend has it that, the footprint originally carved in the rock, and, now covered by an oversized reproduction set in cement, was made by the Buddha, on his third visit to the island.

Some believe it is the spot where Adam, from Christian creation myth, first set foot on earth, after being banished from the Garden of Eden. Other Christians believe, it belongs to St. Thomas , the Apostle. To Hindus, the footprint is 'Lord Shiva's.

Adam's Peak is also known as the "butterfly mountain", because large numbers of butterflies visit and perish there each year.

The mountain, on the western edge of the island's central massif, looms over the surrounding hills, covered with lush, green jungle. (Peak wilderness sanctuary)

Peak wilderness sanctuary is among the best areas for birds and butterflies in Sri Lanka as well. It usually takes three to four hours to reach the top, but during the pilgrim season, which begins in December and lasts till May , the throng is sometimes so great, it can take over - 30 minutes to move from one step to the other.

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! How ever its' possible only from Full Moon day of December to Full Moon Day of May. During other you have the option of doing a day climb and stay at the peak till the sunrise.

Day 4 - Adams Peak - Maskeliya [FB]

Vehicle will pick you up at the base and drive you to a Guest House in Maskeliya.

Late breakfast at the Guest House.

Relax for rest of morning.

Lunch at the Guest House.

Afternoon visit/short trail through tea plantation for 2 to 3hrs. - This will be an ideal opportunity for you to learn the total process of making world renowned Ceylon Tea first hand.

Day 5 - Bogawanthalawa - Galpothuthenna [FB]

After breakfast, drive to the starting point for the day's trek.

This is a trail of incredible diversity - it will take you 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 Bogawanthalawa tea plantation itself, you then start a rapid ascent up through 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 slightly higher up). You are sure to see the footprints of the leopards and sambhur deer that roam here (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.

When you come out of the 'jungle tunnel', you can see for miles beyond, including the 'Samanalawewa' reservoir and the dam itself. You will pass the tea pluckers' homes, vegetable plots, and a small nursery school before reaching the 'Non Pareil' tea plantation itself.

Heading down through the tea plantation, you will get to a 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).

You will be met by the vehicle at Galpothuthenna and driven to River Garden Adventure Center - Belihuloya for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6 - Belihuloya - Kinchigune - Hulan Ella Falls [FB]

Early morning Breakfast at River Garden .

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.

After breakfast you will get into canoes from the western end of the lake and peddle across to the Eastern end.[4/5km and max 1 ½ hours.]. From here you will bike along the cycling trail to the point that you will start the Kinchigune - Hulan Ella Falls trekking Trail. Please note that some of the sections of this trail is tough and you may have to carry your cycle.[Baggage will be transported separately]

Lunch will be arranged at Kumbalagama village temple.

N.B. Trekkers are expected to carry their own necessities in a comfortable backpack so that our staff is able to carry tents/provisions etc. This is camping/trekking on a very participatory basis!

Beyond the temple, the trail 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 the next part of the trail, we will not come across any human habitations, 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 fauna in this area consists of the occasional elephant, sambhur Deer, Indian Muntjak, 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.

Dinner and overnight stay at Camp at Hulan Ella. N.B. This will be camping on a 'participatory basis' where trekkers will assist our staff in the setting up of the camp and cooking.

Day 7 - Hulan Ella - Duwili Ella Falls - Yala [FB]

After breakfast we will break camp and continue through the forest, passing a place where the river divides into three and flows down as three streams for about 300 metres before rejoining. Always remaining in the cool shade of the Riverine Forest , we will reach our final destination in time for lunch. At the end of 10km walk from 'Hulan Ella' we come to the 'pièce de resistance' - the majestic, breathtaking and awesome ' Duwili Ella Falls '. This waterfall is also called the 'Walawe Ganga Falls (East)'. It plunges a dramatic 80 ft from a level rocky ground into a large deep pool at the base. The falling of the water creates a cloud of spray, resembling a cloud of dust (hence the name 'Duwili Ella' - in Sinhalese, 'Duwili' means 'dust' and 'Ella' is 'waterfall').

Lunch at the Duwili Ella Falls .

After lunch there is a short climb up some steps where you will be met by your vehicle.

Drive down to Yala Village Hotel via Hambegamuwa on narrow bi-roads passing through typical Sri Lankan villages.

Day 8 - Yala - Colombo [ BB]

After an early breakfast leaving to Yala National Park for a Safari.

YALA NATIONAL PARK lies 24km northeast of Tissamaharama and 290km from Colombo on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka , spanning a vast 97,878 hectares over the Southern and Uva Provinces . The vegetation in the park comprises predominantly of semi-arid thorny scrub, interspersed with pockets of fairly dense secondary forest. Small patches of mangrove vegetation also occur along the coastal lagoons. The park is renowned for the variety of its wildlife (most notably its many elephants) and its fine coastline (associated with beautiful coral reefs). It also boasts a large number of important cultural ruins, bearing testimony to earlier civilizations and indicating that much of the area used to be populated and well developed.

SCHEDULE

• Early morning Safari in the park with packed breakfast.
• After the safari transfer to Colombo along the beautiful coastal line.
• Dinner & over night stay at the Trans Asia Hotel or similar. [ 5 star ]

Day 9 - Departure

Transfer to the Airport.

- End of the Tour -

OUR RATES INCLUDE

• Accommodation at Guest House/ Cottages/ Campsite during the entire itinerary.
• Meal plan to be on FB basis on during the whole tour.
• The transportation during the tour in Micro Van/ AC Car with a chauffeur
• Charges for Adam's Peak trekking with experienced guides.
  • Local guide's fees.
  • Coffee & Snacks on the way
  • Sleeping bags while you wait for the sunrise at the top.
• Charges for Kinchigune Nature trail with Experienced guides.
• Experienced Oarsman/Guide and Life Jackets for canoeing.
• Charges for Duviliella Trail with experienced guides.
  • A competent team of trekkers and local guides. (Not less than 3)
  • All meals throughout the entire journey. (Even though our staff will prepare food, clients' participation is very much appreciated).
  • Unlimited snacks and water.
  • All camping gear required for the overnight stay. (Even though our staff will prepare the site and the tents clients' participation is very much appreciated).
  • Transport from Kalthota to Belihuloya.
  • Backup standby vehicle for the entire trail for an emergency.
• Transport for clients during the tour. [ When ever required ]
• Service charges and all Government taxes.

OUR RATES DO NOT INCLUDE

• Any extra beverages or food.
• Any tips to the staff.
• Guide Fee.
• Transportation.
• Any personal effects not mentioned here.

• Accommodation - Twin sharing in a cottage / Camp.
• Personal effects for Warm/Windy/Rainy conditions should be carried by clients.
• Insect repellent, Sunburn lotion etc are recommended.
• Clients are to carry their own personal effects as the staffs are carrying all supplies. A hardy spacious back pack, correctly positioned on the back is a must.
• “Adam’s Peak Climb will be a day climb if it is during off season (May to December) and spend overnight at the top of the mountain to witness the sun rise”

Full payment with the confirmation

CANCELLATION POLICY :

• 90 Days to 30 Days - 250 US $ Administrative fee or 10% of the tour fee which ever 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.