Detailed Caving Itinerary
Day 1
Day 01 - Waulpane – Udawalawe – Belihuloya (110 Kms / Approx. 3h30)
SCHEDULE
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Meet and Greet your guide in Pallebedda at 8:00 am.
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Explore the Waulapane Cave, known as the Cave of Bats.
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Picnic lunch in a suitable location.
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Transfer to Udawalawe.
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Evening safari (from 2:30 to 5:30 pm) at Udawalawe National Park.
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Transfer to Belihuloya after the safari.
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Dinner and overnight stay at River Garden Cottages / Camp in Belihuloya (HB).
Set against the eastern slopes of the Rakwana Range, Waulpane Cave is an isolated cavern that contains a large number of stalactites and stalagmites. The impressive 100 feet high cave is estimated to be approximately 500 million years old, and it reveals a prehistoric world with ancient fossils in the cavern walls. Waulpane is a river cave with a stream running through it and feeding the stunning waterfall located towards the centre. These dark and moist depths of the cavern are inhabited by numerous bats, water monitors, amphibians and fish.
Located on the boundary of Sri Lanka's wet and dry zones, Udawalawe National Park, is one of the best places in the world to see wild elephants. With approximately 400 elephants residing within the area of 31,000 hectares, it is not unusual to see big herds gathering to feed and bath by the waterholes.In addition to this main attraction, Udawalawe is home to many water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer and monkeys. The bird enthusiasts shall be in their own winged paradise with not only the variety, but the quantity of bird species in the park.
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 bio-diversity spots in Sri Lanka. Perfectly in tune with nature, Belihuloya provides a gorgeous setting for all sorts of adventures from climbing and canoeing to cycling and trekking. Here, you can enjoy the scenic waterfalls, historic sites, and nature trails.
Day 2
Day 02 - Belihuloya
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the River Garden Resort.
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Kinchigune nature trail and village lunch.
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Canoëing in Samanalawewa in the afternoon.
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Dinner and Overnight stay at the River Garden Cottages/Camp (HB).
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 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 with their extensive vegetable plots. It is 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 some 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 offer an idyllic location for canoëing. 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.
