Day 1

Day 1 - Belihuloya

SCHEDULE

• Arrival in Belihuloya.

• Typical Sri Lankan lunch at the River Garden Resort.

• Village trail to Kinchigune.

• Relaxing river bath at the end of the trail.

• Dinner and overnight stay at the Eco Lodge.

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.

KINCHIGUNE ECO LODGE has fabulous views of the surrounding mountains and the Samanalawewa reservoir. This more than 100-year-old village house has been restored using traditional architectural methods such as cadjan (weaved coconut palm leaf) to cover the clay tiled roof. It still has its mud walls, mud spread floor, kithul poles in windows and it is furnished with the traditional chairs and beds. Set in a shady garden interspersed with a variety of herbs and trees, guests will have a chance to pick jackfruits and learn to cook it the traditional Sri Lankan way!

The Eco Lodge has a single room and a Double room [which could be converted to a triple] providing enough space even for a family ! Additional bedding could be requested in the main living area. The bathroom with toilet is attached to the lodge and it has a wash basin and a shower with hot water hot water.