Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Day 01 - Airport - Kitulgala (Approx. 85 kms / 2h30)
SCHEDULE
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Meet and greet at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
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Transfer to Kitulgala.
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Check in at a hotel.
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Spend a relaxing afternoon in Kitulgala.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel (HB).
Kitulgala is a pretty little town located in western Sri Lanka. The climate is humid throughout the year which makes it an ideal destination for whitewater rafting and other water-based adventure sports. Kitulgala attracts outdoor enthusiasts to its beautiful setting, used in 1956 for the filming of the Academy Award-winning 'The Bridge on the River Kwai', but it is also one of the most important holdings of the country’s biodiversity and endemic bird species.
Trek along the nature trails and forests ideal for bird watching, or go canyoneering through rocky gorges. From breathtaking sceneries to the dazzling array of wildlife, Kitulgala has it all for the most thrilling outdoor activities!
Day 2
Day 02 - Kitulgala
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the hotel.
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White water rafting in the Kelani River (approx. 2h).
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Lunch at the hotel.
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Cycling trip (approx. 7 km) to Beli Lena Caves in the afternoon.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel (FB).
Kitulgala’s climate is humid throughout the year which makes it an ideal destination for whitewater rafting. 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 professionally trained 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 paddling techniques and river rescue procedures. During this wilderness adventure, paddle down pristine water and exciting, class 2 to 3+ rapids.
The prehistoric Beli Lena Cave is a huge cavern that lies upon a steep path surrounded by breathtaking views of rubber plantations, jungles and rolling hills. Its damp and dark depths are famed for the discovery of the 12,000 year-old skeletal remains of the Balangoda man (Homosapiens Balangodenis). Today the cave is home to the thousands of bats that inhabit its cool interior, and colourful butterflies that are dancing around the entrance to the cave.
Day 3
Day 03 - Kitulgala - Belihuloya (Approx. 140 kms / 4h)
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the hotel.
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Transfer to Belihuloya.
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Check in at the River Garden Resort / Kinchigune Campsite.
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Enjoy a refreshing river bath in Belihuloya.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the River Garden Resort / Kinchigune Campsite (HB).
Nestled amidst the beautiful hill country, Belihuloya is a picturesque little town located in Sabaragamuwa province, 616 metres above sea level. The beautiful hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country and making it one of the richest biodiversity spots in Sri Lanka - and an ideal location for nature lovers! Belihuloya is perfectly in tune with nature and provides a gorgeous setting for all sorts of adventures from climbing to canoëing and trekking. Here, you can enjoy the scenic waterfalls, historic sites, and nature trails.
In the afternoon, you will have a chance to enjoy a refreshing river bath in a natural rock pool. This unique place is located in the area where two streams, Belihuloya and Galagama Oya, meet. These crystal clear waters have their origin in Maha Eliya (Horton Plains), 2200 meters above the sea level.
Day 4
Day 04 - Belihuloya
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the River Garden Resort / Kinchigune Campsite.
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Nature trail to the Kinchigune village.
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Packed lunch in a suitable location along the way.
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Canoeing in the Samanalawewa Reservoir in the afternoon.
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BBQ dinner and overnight stay at the campsite in River Garden Resort / Kinchigune (HB).
TREKKING DISTANCE: 6 km (from River Garden Resort to Kinchigune)
DURATION: 3 hrs
GRADING: Soft / Moderate
Kinchigune is an ancient village which is almost totally submerged in the waters of the Samanalawewa Reservoir which came to being in 1980s. The people of this village have been engaged in the steel industry in addition to agriculture since the early days. The 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 with their extensive vegetable plots. Here, you will have an ideal opportunity to learn a bit about the local agricultural systems and simple way of life in the countryside. Along the way, you will witness several types of beautiful birds and butterflies, and charming little waterfalls. The trail ends where the Belihuloya river meets the Samanalawewa reservoir.
Surrounded by rugged mountain sceneries, the still calm waters of the Samanalawewa reservoir offer an idyllic location for canoëing. The reservoir’s name is derived from the Sinhalese word ‘samanala’ that means ‘butterfly’ and refers to the terrific number of butterflies of this area, and also to the shape of the reservoir. Whether you want to go for a relaxed little paddle for a couple of hours, venture 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. A well-experienced guide will provide you with the right technics, safety instructions and modern life jacket.
Day 5
Day 05 - Belihuloya - Ratnapura (Approx. 65 kms / 2h)
SCHEDULE
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Early breakfast and transfer to Ratnapura.
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Safety briefing and departure at 10:00 am.
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Canoëing to Kiriella.
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Packed lunch along the way.
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Arrival at the campsite in Kiriella
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Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite (HB).
CANOËING DISTANCE: 16 km
DURATION: 3-4 hrs (depending on the water level and wind conditions)
GRADING: Moderate
Your canoeing journey will start from Saman Dewalaya in Ratnapura, the City of Gems, with an easy 16 km section. Passing densely populated town area, you will enter the peaceful and serene countryside in a low valley. Sometimes on the riverbanks, you will little houses surrounded by thick vegetation and palm trees. Here, in the calm waters, the calls of the birds and the sound of your paddle are the only noises you will hear.
Located right next to the river in Kiriella, the Eco Team Canoëing Campsite is an ideal place to enjoy a refreshing river bath after a day of canoeing. And we do camping in style! Forget about sleeping in cramped tents and sitting on the ground for mealtimes. Our site is set up prior to your arrival, with everything from the kitchen sink, chairs and tables, toilets, showers and cold beer being transported in. In the evening you can enjoy 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.
Day 6
Day 06 - Kiriella - Walpita / Anguruwatota
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the campsite early in the morning.
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Canoëing to Anguruwatota.
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Packed lunch along the way.
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Arrival at the campsite in Anguruwatota / Walpita.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite (HB).
CANOËING DISTANCE: 28 km
DURATION: 6-7 hrs
GRADING: Moderate
Today, the canoeing adventure starts to building up, and some previous canoeing experience will be needed. In this section, the river is flowing faster, creating waves and swirls making your canoe shaky and unsteady.
Your dinner and overnight stay will be arranged at a fully serviced canoeing campsite in Walpita / Anguruwatota.
Day 7
Day 07 - Walpita - Kalutara
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the campsite early in the morning.
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Canoëing to Kalutara.
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Packed lunch along the way.
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Arrival in Kalutara.
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Departure to your next destination.
CANOËING DISTANCE: 32 km
DURATION: 7-8 hrs
GRADING: Moderate / Hard
Today, your journey will start with canoëing through very still waters to Thebuwana. Here, forests and rubber estates will start changing to coconut plantations, and you might be able to spot a few monkeys swinging on coconut branches. Then, the riverbanks will get more crowded with fishermen coming ashore and sand miners in long ferries. This last stretch of 20 km will take you to Kalutara through a calm and meandering river, flowing very slowly into the ocean.
The ending point of your journey is Kalutara, a little town by the shimmering Indian Ocean. Upon arrival you will pass the majestic Dagoba of the temple as well as railway and road bridges that go across the river.
