PROGRAMME : Soft Adventure Trekking Programme
DURATION : 07 Days / 06 Nights
PERIOD :Valid till 31-10-2005

TOUR ITINERARY

Day - 01 -

SCHEDULE
Arrangements by Travel Agent

Day 02 : Colombo / Ratnapura / Adam’s Peak

RATNAPURA

City of gems. A land of stirring myth and legend, for you raise your eyes. This area has a long history for finest gems in the world specifically best rubies in the world. The extent to which Ratnapura still yields its fabulous gems is sufficient to account for the early tales of their profusion and splendour. Yes, Ratnapura (also called the city of rubies) remains to this day the convergence of Sri Lanka's mineral wealth, the place to which the detritus of the rocks sweep down and are held lovingly in the dips and rises of a land that seems to stir in its sleep, then pulls the coverlets of green and gold around it.

ADAM’S PEAK



Begin the arduous 08 km climb to the misty mountaintop with 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. 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.

SCHEDULE

Morning, leave for Ratnapura Lunch at Ratnaloka Hotel, Ratnapura Afternoon, relax After an early dinner, ascend the Adam’s Peak from Ratnapura Witness the sunrise from the top of the mountain

Day 03 : Adam’s Peak / Maskeliya

SCHEDULE
Morning, descend from Adam’s Peak to Delhouse (Nallathanniya) Proceed by vehicle to Maskeliya Eco Team Bungalow for breakfast Morning and afternoon, relax at the Bungalow Lunch, Dinner and night stay at Maskeliya Eco Team Bungalow
Maskeliya Bungalow is located at a beautiful location surrounded by Tea Plantations overlooking the Castlereigh Reservoir and the mighty Adam’s Peak. (For more than 08 pax, it will be ladies / gents separate sharing accommodation).

Day 04 : Maskeliya / Belihuloya

BELIHBULOYA

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. River Garden Resort is built in this little hamlet.

RIVER BATHING IN THE NATURAL ROCK POOL IN “BELIHULOYA”. This is an 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.

NATURE TRAIL TO “PAHANTHUDA ELLA”.

Normal scheduled time from 2.30 to 7.00 pm. The trail starts from the Hotel Restaurant where a briefing about the trail is given and goes to the main road, 200m towards Colombo along same, up through the village (Seelogama) to the moist semi evergreen forest, to the next village (Binthenigolla), through same and terraced paddy fields to the channel, along the channel about 200m, up to a small patana, up again to a moist semi evergreen forest, through the forest to the summit where there is an abandoned chena, down the other side of mountain through the forest, across the Belihuloya river to visit the waterfall (“Pahanthuda Ella”), climb up to the village of Pahala Galagama, down along Pahala Galagama Road to the main road and back to the campsite.

SCHEDULE

Breakfast at Maskeliya Bungalow After breakfast, visit an Hindu Temple in the vicinity. Leave for Belihuloya River Bathing in the natural rock pool before lunch Lunch at River Garden Resort At 2.30 pm, embark on a nature trail to “Pahanthuda Ella” Return to River Garden Resort by 7.00 pm Dinner and night stay at River Garden Cottage / Camp or Eco Lodge, Belihuloya

Day 05 : Belihuloya / Horton Plains / Belihuloya

HORTON PLAINS

Horton Plains is one of the countries outstanding nature reserves. It covers the renowned World’s End, a sheer drop of 3700ft which offers an awesome view. Other attractions include Bakers Falls and Chiminini Pool. Horton Plains Nature Reserve is approximately 10,000 hectares in extent. A remote, high plateau, 2000m, supports grassland fringed and interspersed with patches of dense montane cloud forest. This locality is famous among bird watchers for the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush. You will also be looking for the endemic Yellow-eared Bulbul, the fantailed warbler, the Ashy headed babbler and the Sri Lankan Blue Magpie. There are three varieties of lizards located here including the horned lizard.

SCHEDULE

After breakfast, leave for Horton Plains. (Optional, Bambarakanda trail) Picnic lunch or return to River Garden Resort by vehicle for lunch Afternoon, relax Dinner and night stay at the River Garden Cottage / Camp or Eco Lodge, Belihuloya

Day 06 : Belihuloya

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.

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.

SCHEDULE

After breakfast, trekking on the Kinchigune Village Nature trail and canoeing in Samanalawewa Reservoir Return to Kinchigune Eco Lodge for lunch Evening, relax Dinner and night stay at River Garden Cottage/Camp or Eco Lodge, Belihuloya

Day 07 : Departure from Belihuloya

SCHEDULE

Breakfast at River Garden Resort, Belihuloya After breakfast, departure

- END OF TOUR -

Rates No of Pax 06 pax 08 pax 12 pax Rate per person in US$

PRICES INCLUDE:

Accommodation on full board basis as specified in the itinerary Trekking fees. Services of an Eco Team, team leader. Entrance fee to Horton Plains All government taxes & service charges

PRICES DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Transport Charges and Guide Airport tax in Sri Lanka (Rs. 1500/- as at present). Christmas and New Year eve supplements at hotels. Perahera period supplements at hotels. Expenses of personal nature. Any other services not specified above.

PAYMENT POLICY Full payment with the confirmation.

CANCELLATION POLICY

90 Days or more - 200 US $ Administrative fee 60 to 89 Days - 15 % of the tour cost will be charged 30 to 59 Days - 25 % of the tour cost will be charged  14 Days to 29 Days -  50 % of the tour cost will be charged. 8 Days to 13 Days - 75 % of the tour cost will be charged. Less than 7 days no refund.  

- End of Programme -