Overview
This awesome tour takes you to some of the most magnificent trekking spots in Sri Lanka, where you will get 14 days to experience nature, culture and trekking adventure in Big Island. It may be a memorable experience in your life.
First, you will start your brief hike through Sigiriya ancient rock fortress. Sigiriya is a UNESCO WORLD heritage site and it dates back to 5th century AD. Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital cities and part of the famous ‘Cultural Triangle’.
You will observe vegetation in Sri Lanka through Ilulukubura to Riverston trekking. Riverston or Kirimatiyakanda peak is generally covered with mist and this area is exposed to strong winds, thus walking through is sometimes very difficult. You will meet many rare and endemic flora and fauna; such as, endemic Tennent’s Horned Lizard, Sri Lanka white-eye, rare Mountain frog ( polypedates eques ), Barnes Cat Snake etc
Kandy was the last stronghold of the Buddhist political power against colonial powers. It is also the home of the Temple of the Tooth relic. It’s Sri Lanka’s second largest city and home to a Sinhalese cultural tradition of which Sri Lankans are justifiably proud.
Rafting at Kitulgala is our main rafting location Kithulgala had a bout of fame, when it was chosen as a prime location in the filming of David Lean’s 1957 award winning film ‘Bridge on the River Kwai.’
you should reach the 2,240-meter high peak; Adam’s Peak – the island’s fourth highest – at dawn to witness a glorious sunrise and the mountain’s shadow, cast by the rising sun onto the clouds below. Legend has it that the footprint was originally carved in the rock, which is now covered by an oversized reproduction set in cement, made by the Buddha on his third visit to the island.
You can explore inhabited areas through Bogawantalawa-Galpothuyaya Trail, Exploring Kinchigune Village, Kinchigune – Duwili Ella trail and a private jeep safari in Yala National Park.
A visit to Galle Dutch will conclude your adventure trip in Sri Lanka.
Itinerary
The first couple of days of your private, trekking tour of Sri Lanka will be spent in cultural hub Sigiriya. You will be picked up from the airport by your private chauffeur and taken to Wewa Addara Hotel in Sigiriya . This is with the assumption that you will be having a flight which arrives in Sri Lanka in the morning hours. Depending on your arrival time, you can decide whether to explore the surroundings or just relax in the hotel enjoying the hotel amenities.
Hotel Wewa Addara
In the morning, you will be transferred to UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa, which was the Capital of Sri Lanka from 11th to 13th century. The ancient city defended by enclosing walls, is dotted with palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes that are in a resplendent state of preservation. In the evening you will visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a royal citadel built by the young King Kasyapa in the 5th century. Combining baffling architectural features and sensual artistic values, the Lion Rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as nominated to be the eighth wonder of the world — along with the Grand Canyon and Ancient Pyramids. Witness the sunset from the summit of the Rock Fortress and back to Wewa Addara Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Hotel Wewa Addara
After enjoying the breakfast at your hotel, you will start heading towards Knuckles Mountain Range. Enroute, you will have the option of visiting Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site with 5 caves full of hundreds of Buddha statues and frescos on the cave walls. Check in at Sir John’s Bungalow in Knuckles (Riverston Side). Evening you will be able to have a short trail in Mini World’s End with your Chauffeur Guide and enjoy the breathtaking views of the valleys below. Dinner and overnight at Sir John’s Bungalow in Knuckles.
Sir John’s Bungalow
The Elephant Spine Trail in Knuckles Mountain Range is a walk to remember. After breakfast at the bungalow, you will be transferred to the trailhead at Thelgamu Oya Forest Office. Enjoy the true beauty of nature, meet real local people and experience their traditional way of life connected with nature. A few hours walk through the villages, paddy fields, waterfalls and the breathtaking views of surrounding mountains will take you to the summit; a unique flat area which resembles the spine of an elephant. Diversity of vegetation, varieties of flora and fauna will take you to a different world. Dip in a waterfall after a tiring trail and chill yourself, a hearty Sri Lankan meal prepared in a village house would be ready by the time you come out of water. Back at your bungalow and enjoy the free evening.
TREKKING DISTANCE: Approx. 9 km
DURATION: 5 – 6 hrs
GRADING: Moderate / Hard
Sir John’s Bungalow
Enjoy your breakfast leisurely and transfer to Kandy; the capital city of the central highlands. Check in at Thilanka Hotel upon arrival and go for a nature walk in Udawattakele Sanctuary which is known as a birder’s paradise with its plethora of bird species and easy accessibility. It is home to species such as the Layard’s parakeet and yellow-fronted barbet. Many nocturnal birds including the brown fish owl can be spotted here too. Apart from the birds the forest is also home to other animals including toque macaque, wild boar, fishing cat and water monitor lizards. In the evening you will pay a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, the most venerated place of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Dinner and overnight stay at Thilanka Hotel in Kandy.
Thilanka Hotel
Another adventurous day of your trekking adventure tour in Sri Lanka. After breakfast at your hotel, you will be driven to Kitulgala, the only location in Sri Lanka for White Water Rafting adventures. Go for a thrilling white water rafting expedition in Kelani River in Kitulgala.The thrilling adventure on the whitewater sections of the Kelani River is enjoyable for both beginners and professionals. Whether you are 11 or 75 years, our well-experienced guides will make sure you have a safe and fun day on the river! Prior to the two-hour river run, you will be given instructions on paddling techniques and river rescue procedures.Completion of the experience, you will continue to Delhousie and check in at Slightly Chilled Hotel. Enjoy the dinner and wait till midnight to start the night climb of Adam’s Peak with your local trekkers.
Slightly Chilled Hotel
At dawn you can experience a spectacular sunrise and watch the light leap from peak to peak on the mountains around you. You can begin your descent soon after and head back to your hotel to refresh and tuck into a hearty breakfast. After a well deserved rest and a hearty Sri Lankan lunch, you will head out on an easy half-day trek. This trek will take you through some beautiful tea estates in Hatton and at the end of it, you will go on a tour of a tea factory, where you will find out how tea goes from being a leaf on a bush, to a warm cup of golden goodness! Dinner and overnight stay at Slightly Chilled hotel in Dalhousie.
(If your travel dates lie between full moon days of May & December, this would be conducted as a Day Climb on this day)
TREKKING DISTANCE: 11 km (From Slightly Chilled to Adam’s Peak & back)
DURATION: 7 – 8 hours (except during the weekends and full moon days)
GRADING: Moderate
Slightly Chilled Hotel
It’s another early morning start for you, and this time you will be heading to Bogawantalawa to begin the hike. The drive will take you to the start of the trail where your hiking guide will conduct a briefing on the trail, what to expect on the hike and the safety arrangements. There will be a few breaks during the 8 to 10 hour trek for you to rest, admire the scenery, capture photos, and of course, enjoy your breakfast and lunch. The descent towards the end is rather steep, but it comes with amazing views of the surrounding areas. The trail ends at Galpothuthenna, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you to your campsite in Belihuloya overlooking the Samanalawewa Reservoir.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 18 km (from Bogawantalawa to Galpothuthenna)
DURATION: 8 – 10 hours
GRADING: Hard / Moderate
Kinchigune Camp Site
Transfer to River Garden Resort after breakfast at your campsite. The 6 km nature trail begins at the River Garden Resort, and runs alongside the riverine forest of Belihuloya through paddy fields, across rivers, and past local village houses and their extensive vegetable plots. It is an ideal opportunity to learn a bit about the local agriculture and simple way of life in the countryside. Along the way, you will witness several types of beautiful birds and butterflies and some charming little waterfalls. The trail ends where the Belihuloya river meets the Samanalawewa reservoir. In the evening you will be able to explore the Samanalawewa Reservoir in a sit-on-top Canoe in the calm waters of the reservoir. Enjoy a hearty BBQ dinner at your campsite and overnight stay.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 6 km (from River Garden Resort to Kinchigune Adventure Camp)
DURATION: 2 – 3 hours
GRADING: Soft
Kinchigune Camp Site
After enjoying the breakfast at the campsite, you will start from the campsite with your local guides.A Small village of Kinchigune, overlooking the Samanalawewa Reservoir has a connection that dates back to 5th century BC. The people of this village have been engaged in the steel industry in addition to agriculture since the early days.You will venture through paddy fields and vegetable gardens to a narrow gravel road that takes you to a small village school and local blacksmith’s workshop. From there, you will continue to a tarred road, surrounded by typical shrub vegetations (consisting mainly of ‘Maliththa’ – Woodfordia fruticosa). After a couple of kilometers, you will arrive in a Buddhist Temple. This 350-year-old wooden temple is well worth a visit, and the local monks will happily answer your questions about its history. Back at the campsite and evening is free to have an alfresco bath in the river.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 8 km starting from Kinchigune Adventure Camp
DURATION: 3 – 4 hrs
GRADING: Moderate
Kinchigune Camp Site
Your early morning start will take place at the 350-year-old Kumbalgama wooden temple. After a chat with the monks and receiving their blessings, your trek will begin with the usual briefing by your guide. You will follow the Walawe river for parts of your journey, pass through varied landscapes and encounter plenty of animals and birds. Your trek will end at the spectacular Duwili Ella falls, where you will enjoy a river bath and a sumptuous lunch. A vehicle will pick you up from this point and take you the rest of the way to Yala National Park. Check in at Big Game by Eco Team Tented Safari Camp bordering the Yala National Park. At night you will be treated to an alfresco candle light dinner experience under the stars at your campsite.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 18 km (from Kumbalgama to Duwili Ella)
DURATION: 8 – 10 hours
GRADING: Hard / Moderate
Go for an early morning safari drive in Yala National Park with your packed breakfast in a private jeep. Leopards are the stars here, but the park is also home to the large herds of elephants as well as to the spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, wild buffaloes, sloth bear, jackal and mongoose. The birdlife is fantastic too. Over 215 species of birds have been recorded in Yala, with six being endemic to Sri Lanka. On completion of the safari, you will be transferred to Galle; the southern capital of Sri Lanka. Check in at Pedler 62 Guest House in Galle Fort. Evening is yours to enjoy on your own. Overnight stay at Pedler 62 Guest House in Galle.
Pedler 62 Guest House
Your last day of your adventure expedition in Sri Lanka will be spent at ease. You will be able to explore Galle Dutch Fort with your chauffeur either in the morning or evening of your choice. If you travel between November and March, a whale watching boat ride in the sea off Mirissa would be a good option. A visit to Handunugoda Tea factory which is famous for virgin white tea is a worthwhile experience that could be done on this day. Enjoy your dinner at any of the restaurants inside the fort and overnight stay at Pedler 62 Guest House in Galle fort.
Pedler 62 Guest House
After breakfast and check out, it is time for us to safely transfer you and your family to the airport, well in time for an unhassled check in and safe journey back home or your onward destination. The drive to the Bandaranaike International Airport from Galle will be approximately 2 hours via expressway.
Includes / Excludes
Includes
- Accommodation in the above mentioned hotels/ campsites/ guest houses on double sharing basis
- Half Board Basis on all the hotels/Campsite except Slightly Chilled Hotel on Full Board Basis.
- Meet & Greet Service at the Airport.
- All required transfers during the tour including Airport transfers.
- Trekking Trails
- Well Experience Local Trekking Guides for all treks
- Snacks & Water during the treks
- Management of all trekking trails including back up & First Aid services
- Entry Permits & Cost of other activities
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Polonnaruwa Historical Site
- Relevant entry permits at Knuckles Mountain Range
- Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Udawattakele Sanctuary
- Jeep Safari in Yala National Park in a private jeep with park entry fees included
- All Government Taxes and service charges
Excludes
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA fee. (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Christmas & New Year Eve dinner supplement. (24th & 31st December)
- Perahera Supplement at Kandy Hotel during the Perahera Period.
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check-in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
- Any tips to the staff.
- Any expense of personal requirements telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills etc.)
- Any additional expenses, other than mentioned in the inclusions list above.
- Any expenditure of personal nature like table drinks, laundry, tip, telephone calls, soft/ hard drinks, still/video camera fee (if any) etc.
- Tipping to the local Driver Guide.
When it comes to the accommodation, all the reservations are subject to availability at the time of confirmation, and as soon as we have received the payment, our Tour Operations Team will take in charge of your tour and proceed with the reservations. In case a hotel mentioned in your itinerary has no availability, we will find you an alternative. No changes will be done without your approval!
We will make a rough day-by-day schedule for your tour, but won’t set you exact timings for each and every activity – unless there is a an activity which start at a specific time. Since you will be traveling by private vehicle, with a knowledgeable driver-guide, we want you to have your part in decision making. With the help from him, you may tune the schedule to your rhythm.
Along the destinations included in your itinerary, you are free to take as many stops as you want to. When it comes to additional visits and destinations that are located out of the original route, the extra kilometers will be taken in consideration. For your journey, we will calculate a total mileage that is sufficient for the whole tour and mentioned in your itinerary. If this limit is exceeded, we will charge a supplement according the extra mileage.
We’ll do our best to accommodate the programme in your needs and wishes, if something urgent occurs during your tour. In a situation that requires changing the accommodation, the cancellation policies of the hotels concerned are to be taken on account.
Since the 1st of January 2012, all travelers must be in possession of a visa when arriving in Sri Lanka. Citizens from Singapore and The Maldives are the only exempt. Visitors can apply for the official Electronic Travel Authorization (visa) via www.eta.gov.lk, or upon arrival at the airport. There is a small fee to pay, and you must have at least six months left on your passport at the time of travel to obtain one.
MasterCard and Visa are widely used and accepted by many local shops, restaurants and hotels, but it’s always better to double check. Other major cards such as AmEx and DinersClub are accepted often also.
The Important Stuff
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
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