PROGRAMME :Wild life Tour
DURATION :14 Nights / 15 Days.
PERIOD :01st-May-2004 to 31st-Oct-2005.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 - Negambo

NEGAMBO
Bustling Negambo town is a historically interesting place strongly influenced by the Catholic Church. The narrow strip of land between the lagoon & the sea and the many cannals make for a good exploring. The Dutch captured the town from the Portuguese in 1640, lost it again in the same year, then captured it again in 1644. The British then took it from them in 1796 without a struggle. Negambo was one of the most important sources of cinnamon during the Dutch era, and there are still reminders of the European days.

SCHEDULE
Arrival & transfer from the airport to a hotel in Negombo. At leisure after a long flight. Night dinner & stay over at the same hotel in Negombo.

Day 2 & 3 - Negambo - Wilpattu (FB)
Leaving to Wilpattu via Chilaw / Munneswaram temple.

MUNNESWARAM HINDU TEMPLE
This Hindu temple, dedicated to the Lord Ishwara, is located on the outskirts of the coastal town of Chilaw. As one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka, it is reminiscent of other celebrated and renowned temples like Koneswaram and Thiruketheeswaram, in which three Sivalingams are enshrined. According to the legend, Rama, after slaying Ravana, was returning to India with Sita when he was overcome with guilt about his actions. Whilst passing Munneswaram, he decided to stop and worship there. While praying, Lord Siva and his consort Parvathy appeared before him and ordered him to enshrine three Sivalingams, one in each of the most sacred places: Munneswaram, Koneswaram and Thiruketheeswaram.
The main temple has been well restored, largely due to generous donations and assistance by religious devotees, especially Hindus who visit this shrine annually in August for the festive season. In the vicinity of the main temple, is the imposing temple of goddess Badra Kali. Visitors who explore the temple will not only experience its visual beauty, but also the smells of burning incense (purifying the environment) and a general aura of peace.
WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK is located 26 km north of Puttalam (approximately 180 km north of Colombo), spanning an area that runs inland from the northwest coast towards the ancient capital of Anuradhapura (50 km to the east of the park). Covering an impressive 425 sq miles, the park is Sri Lanka’s largest. Having reopened in 2003 it is now an increasingly popular eco-tourism destination. Wilpattu is a fairly thick dry zone jungle interspersed with a number of flood plain lakes banked with delicate white sands. It boasts an impressive variety of flora in huge expanses of forest, and varied wildlife, including deer, elephants, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards.

SCHEDULE FOR 1st DAY AT WILPATTU. Guests will arrive at the Wilpattu Gate Office around noon. From there the clients will be driven in a open top 4WD jeep to the camp inside the park. After the welcome, guests will be briefed on the campsite rules and what to expect at Wilpattu. Lunch at the Hotel. After a short break, leave for an evening safari. After the safari you will return to the Hotel for dinner.

SCHEDULE FOR 2nd DAY AT WILPATTU.
If the guest wish to do a full day safari, it will be provided. If not they can choose to do either a morning safari or one in the evening. Meals will be provided at the Hotel. After the safari you will return to the Hotel for BBQ dinner.

Day 4 - Wilpattu – Anuradhapura - Dambulla

ANURADDHAPURA
This sacred city was established around a cutting from the "tree of enlightenment", Buddha's fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns. Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in thick jungle for a long time, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, is once again accessible.

DAMBULLA, an ancient city, is known for its beautiful Cave temples and a huge Buddha statue. The history of the 5 caves containing over 150 images of Buddha goes back to 1st century BC when king Valagambahu took refuge here. This place is worth visiting not only for the cave temple, but also for the beautiful view over the countryside you can get from the hill.

SCHEDULE
Leaving Wilpattu to Anuradhapura for Sightseeing. Lunch in a hotel or restaurant in Anuradhapura. After lunch proceed to Dambulla. Night dinner & stay over at a hotel in Dambulla.

Day 5 - Dambulla – Sigiriya - Dambulla
The ancient city of SIGIRIYA was designated a cultural World Heritage Site in 1982. It is also proposed that the site should be named the eighth wonder of the world, indicating it is in the same league as other international wonders such as the Grand Canyon and Ancient Pyramids. Translated as ‘Lion Rock’ into English, the name of the monument indicates the way in which visitors used to begin their final ascent to the top – through the open jaws and throat (‘giriya’) of a lion (‘sinha’). Unfortunately, the only remains of this lion figure are the gigantic paws, sculpted into the side of the rock. The topography of the area is flat except for the massive rock outcrop of the fortress itself (which rises an incredible 600 ft up from the green scrub jungle). The unusual rock is particularly interesting due to its flat top (nearly an acre in size), that was used in its entirety to build King Kasyapa’s fortress complex, still evident by the presence of the extensive ruins.

SCHEDULE
Morning after breakfast, a visit to the Dambulla cave temple. Lunch at a hotel or restaurant in Dambulla. After lunch climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Night dinner & stay over at the same hotel in Dambulla.

Day 6 - Dambulla – Polonnaruwa - Wasgamuwa (HB)
Clients will proceed to Wasgamuwa via polonnaruwa.

WASGAMUWA NATIONAL PARK, located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the ‘Mahaweli’ and ‘Amban’ rivers, stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National Park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province. Home to a huge variety of flora and fauna (23 species of mammals – including elephants and bears, 143 birds, 8 amphibians, 17 fresh water fishes, 17 reptiles, 50 butterflies and 150 plants), this park is truly a paradise for the nature lover. With many small scale ancient tanks and several other ruins and ancient religious sites the park also has significant historical importance. For keen hikers, it is also home to the ‘Sudu Kanda’ mountain range (about 470m above sea level).

SCHEDULE
Guests will depart dambulla after breakfast to Polonnaruwa. Lunch on your own. Polonnaruwa visit & then proceed to Wasgamuwa National Park. Guests will arrive at the Wasgamuwa Gate Office in the evening. From there the clients will be driven in a open top 4WD jeep for an evening safari & then proceed to the Hotel.

Day 7 - Wasgamuwa – Knuckles (FB)
In the morning after breakfast a safari & then proceed to knuckles for trekking.

The KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE (so-called because its appearance resembles a set of knuckles in a closed fist) has been declared a conservation area, and is now known as the KNUCKLES NATIONAL HERITAGE AND WILDERNESS AREA. The region stretches an impressive 155 sq km that contains five major forest formations, a wide variety of rare and endemic flora and fauna and some breathtaking mountain scenery. It is a real paradise for those who love to hike or mountain bike, offering numerous trails that journey across clear rivers, through dense forests, past flowing waterfalls and lush tea plantations, and alongside terraced paddy fields and colourful Kandyan home gardens. The chance to visit traditional small mountain villages in the area gives an interesting insight into the close-knit atmosphere that such a local community fosters and provides a welcome departure from fast-paced modern day life.
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. Its architectural monuments date mainly from the 19th century, when Vikrama Rajashinha went on a building spree, the cost of which hastened the downfall and eventual surrender to the British forces.

DALADA MALIGAWA
The Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Malgawa dates from the 16th century, though most of the present buildings were built in the 19th century. Entering the shrine over a moonstone step, you pass a stone depicting the Indian goddess Lakshmi and a wall with frescoes illustrating the Buddhist conception of hell. The upper stories house the relic of the tooth, caged behind the gilded iron bars. Behind the tooth relic sanctuary is a hall with a number of golden Buddha statues and modern paintings, showing Buddha’s life and the arrival of Buddhism in the land. We end our tour just before the evening drumming begins, which precedes the ceremonious opening of the window for the public viewing of the casket with the tooth.

SCHEDULE
Early morning safri. Leaving the park after breakfast & proceed to Knuckles. Lunch – own arrangements. Guests will be met at Palegama. Trekking at the Knuckles range. After trekking proceed to Kandy. Dalada Maligawa visit. Night stay in a hotel in Kandy

Day 8 - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
In the morning after breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya

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.

SCHEDULE
Guests the camp after breakfast to Nuwara Eliya. Optional Train ride may be. Dinner & night stay in a hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Day 9 - Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains – Bambarakanda - Belihuloya (FB)
Leaving to Horton Plains in a vehicle after breakfast, guests will trek inside the Horton Plains Park (6km)

HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK is undoubtedly one of the world’s best nature reserves. It is characterised 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’, ‘Chimmini 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 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 trekking or start the trek 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.

BELIHULOYA is a very picturesque and romantic hamlet situated about 160km from Colombo in the historical “Sabaragamuwa” province. This zone is a climatically transitional area linking the wet & dry zones and the hill country & the low country. This very important location has made it one of the places in the country with the highest bio-diversity.

EVENING - RIVER BATHING IN THE NATURAL ROCK POOL IN “BELIHULOYA”.
This is a unique place where two streams namely “Belihuloya” and “Galagamaoya” meet together creating a natural bathing area with clear unpolluted water that flows down from “Horton Plains”, 2200 meters above the sea level.

SCHEDULE
You will rech the Horton plans gate entrance by 7.00am Start the trek from there, inside the park 6km. [Graded as a soft trail] Packed lunch will be provided at a suitable location at Horton Plans. Satan’s Steps Trail starting from the Horton Plains Entrance via Bambarakanda. (The guests can decide the distance they want to do) May be a river bath on arrival at Belihuloya. Dinner & night stay over at a Hotel.

Day 10 - Belihuloya – Singharaja (FB)
After a splendid breakfast Cycling in the region or canoeing in Belihuloya. Then proceed to singharaja

SINHARAJA RAINFOREST 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 no where 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!

SCHEDULE
After breakfast & a short break, You can do a cycling trail to kinchigune, for a feel of village experience. (sight seeing) or canoeing at “Samanalawawa” reservoir. Lunch at River Garden or Kinchigune. After lunch proceed to Singharaja Rainforest Arrival at the gate entrance & from there the clients can walk to the Hotel (10 minute walk) or travel in their own vehicles for 200m which is very close to the Hotel. After the welcome drink is served, guests will be briefed at the Hotel, rules and what to expect in a rainforest. leave for forest exploration. Dinner & night stay over at the Hotel.

Day 11 - Singharaja - Udawalawe (FB)
Leaving to “Udawalawe National Park. -

UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK is located approximately 200 km south-east of Colombo city. The 30,821 hectares dry zone game park has an annual rainfall of 1524 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 of adults and young – feeding or bathing and 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 that this protected reserve has to offer, and our experienced and knowledgeable nature guides will make this an unforgettable experience.

SCHEDULE -
Leaving to Udawalawe in the morning after breakfast. Guests will arrive at the Udawalawe Gate Office in time for lunch. From there the clients will be driven in a open top 4WD jeep to the Park for 16km. After lunch & a short break, (where the clients can refresh themselves in the river leave for an evening safari. After the safari you will return to the Hotel for a dinner. Dinner & night stay over at a Hotel.

Day 12 & 13 - Udawalawe - Yala

YALA NATIONAL PARK
Yala West (Ruhuna) National Park is now well recognised as one of the best parks in the world to observe and photograph leopards. The park covers an area of over 100,000 hectares and is divided into five blocks. Block one is easily the most visited part of the sanctuary as it contains the highest density of leopards in the park. However other areas of Yala such as Yala East are only now just re-opening and it will take some time to research leopard numbers in these less visited areas. Yala West consists of scrub jungle, brackish lagoons and stunning rock monoliths scattered throughout the park.

SCHEDULE – Day 12.
After the safri at Udawalawa & breakfast, proceed to Yala Arrival for lunch at the yala Gate entrance 4WD Jeep Safari inside the park. After the safari, leave to the Yala Village hotel or similar. Dinner & overnight stay at Yala village or similar.

SCHEDULE – Day 13. Full day safari Dinner & overnight stay at Yala village or similar.

Day 14 - Yala – Rakawa - Colombo Proceed to Colombo via Rakawa – Turtle Watch Conservation site visit.

RAKAWA TURTLE WATCH

Five out of 7 species of marine turtles come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka. The turtle Watch programme is a nature tourism initiative developed by the TCP (Turtle Conservation Project). “Rekawa” which is one of Sri Lanka’s most important marine turtle nesting where all 5 species come to nest throughout the year. The peak season takes place between February and July. Even though there isn’t any guarantee that marine turtles come to nest every night, you will be guaranteed an exiting nighttime adventure on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

COLOMBO
Like many capital cities in developing countries, the face of Colombo is quickly changing. Skyscrapers now tower over the streets where old buildings once stood and modern shopping malls attract locals and foreigners alike in search of a bargain. However, in some parts the ‘Old World’ charm is retained, such as the 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest include the Pettah markets, the old Parliament in the Fort district, the new parliament in Thimbirigasyaya, and a wide variety of churches, mosques and temples that are sentiment to the many different religions that dominate the country. In terms of shopping, there is a wide range of colourful fabrics, batiks, handicrafts and other souvenirs. Clothes are also especially good value and there are a number of specialised outlets sure to satisfy the most serious of shoppers!

SCHEDULE
Leaving to Colombo via Rakawa Visit the Turtle Conservation site in Rakawa Lunch on the way at a hotel or restaurant. Dinner & overnight stay at Galle Face Hotel or similar.

Day 15 - Departure

Deaprture to your next destination.
- END OF PROGRAMME -