Itinerary

Day 1 - Airport – Negombo (Approx. 12 kms / 30 min) [B]

SCHEDULE

• Arrival to Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Negombo

• Check in at Suriya Arana Guest House

• Spend a relaxing afternoon on the beach.

• Overnight stay at Suriya Arana Guest House in Negombo

NEGOMBO 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 canals make for a good exploring.

The Dutch captured the town from the Portuguese in 1640, lost it again in the same year, and then captured it again in 1644. The British then took it from them in 1796 without a  struggle. Negombo was one of the most important sources of cinnamon during the Dutch era, and there are still reminders of the European days.

 

Day 2 - Negombo – Kithulgala –  Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 167 kms / 5 Hours) [B]

SCHEDULE

• Visit Negombo fish market early in the morning.
• Transfer to Nuwara Eliya after breakfast.
• White Water Rafting Expedition in Kelani River in Kithulgala
• Visit a Tea Factory and continue to Nuwara Eliya.
• Check in at Cheltenham Bungalow in Nuwara Eliya. Evening at leisure.
• Overnight stay at Cheltenham Bungalow in Nuwara Eliya.

WHITE WATER RAFTING IN KITULGALA, located in western Sri Lanka, is considered to be one of the most important holdings of the country’s biodiversity. Recently, Kitulgala has started attracting outdoor enthusiasts to its beautiful setting, used in 1956 for the filming of the Academy Award-winning 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'. Trek along its nature trails and forests ideal for bird watching, or go canyoneering through rocky gorges.

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.

CEYLON TEA - Sri Lanka is one of the biggest and best tea producers. Tea is an integral part of the culture since it goes hand in hand with hospitality, every household offers tea to guests every time, no exceptions. It has been said that the British Royal Family drinks Sri Lankan Tea.

 

Day 3 - Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains –  Belihuloya (Approx. 95 kms / 3.5 hours) [B]

SCHEDULE

• After breakfast at the bungalow, leave for Horton Plains.

• Go for a Nature Trail in Horton Plains National Park. Visit Bakers Falls & World’s End

• Back at  Horton Plains National Park entrance and drive to Belihuloya.

• Check in at the Campsite overlooking Samanalawewa.

• Dinner and overnight stay at the Campsite in Belihuloya.

The famous HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK is a nature reserve characterized by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, forests, and grassland. The highest plateau in the island, spanning approximately 10,000 hectares, is home to 24 species of mammal - such as elk, deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, wild hare, porcupine, and leopard. The park also hosts unique vegetation and offers a perfect ground to observe many rare and endemic highland birds (87 species, 14 of which are endemic). An impressive physical feature in Horton Plains is the escarpment that falls 880 meters to the lowlands. Aptly known as the "World’s End", the precipice boasts a fabulous view of the tea estates below and all the way out to the distant southern coastline.

 

Day 4 - Belihuloya

SCHEDULE

• Breakfast at the Campsite.

• Go for a cycling Trail in Kosgama Village after breakfast.

• Canoeing in Samanalawewa Reservoir in the evening.

• Dinner and overnight stay at the Campsite in Belihuloya.

KOSGAMA CYCLING TRAIL - The nature trail leads to a village called Kinchigune, which has engaged in the ancient steel industry where people have made steel weapons for the Army of the Great Sinhala King Dutugemunu (2nd Century BC). During this diverse nature trail, we will walk 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. Witness some beautiful birds, butterflies and a couple of small but charming waterfalls along the way.

CANOEING IN SAMANALAWEWA RESERVOIR - 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’ .The still and calm waters of the reservoir offer a great location for canoeing. You can take your time and go for a leisurely paddle for a couple of hours.

 

Day 5 - Belihuloya – Colombo (Approx. 160 kms / 5.5 hours) [B]

SCHEDULE

• Breakfast at the Campsite.

• Leave for Colombo via Rathnapura.

• Visit a Gem Mine in Rathnapura and experience the extracting of most precious stones.

• Check in at Fairview Hotel.

• City tour in Colombo in the evening.

• Overnight stay at Fairview Hotel in Colombo

COLOMBO is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital. It’s an important port in the Indian Ocean since ancient times. Traders from the middle-east used Sri Lanka as an exchange center while Arab traders came to gather the ivory, precious stones and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and pepper, which were highly priced in Europe. There are many locations relating to the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial times in Colombo. Ever a commercial city, the needs of leisure travellers can be fulfilled with the range of activities available in the city. The city tour will be conducted in way that students may experience the melting pot of cultures that make up Sri Lanka and learn about its history, trade and communities.

 

Day 6 - Colombo - Departure [40 Km – Approximately 1 hour]

SCHEDULE

• Breakfast at the campsite.

• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport to connect with the departure flight.