Detailed Trekking Itinerary
Day 1
Day 01 - Airport - Colombo (Approx. 40 kms / 1h30)
SCHEDULE
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Arrival transfer from the airport to Colombo.
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Check in to a hotel in Colombo.
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Leisure time and relaxing after a long journey.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Colombo (HB).
A melting pot of cultures and commerce, Colombo is a lively city with a fascinating history. Ancient Arab sailors frequented these ports to trade with the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists that occupied the city. Visit exciting cultural sights, Buddhist Temples and Hindu Kovils are scattered throughout the city and experience the diversity of religion, ethnicity and customs of the people. Drive through the city's commercial centre known as the “Fort”, where grand colonial era buildings stand alongside modern office structures. Explore the vibrant markets and bazaars in Pettah, and discover the National Museum with its fine collection of antiques and art of Sri Lanka. Or indulge in shopping and tasting Sri Lankan delicacies.
Day 2
Day 02 - Colombo – Sinharaja (Approx. 220 kms / 4h30)
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the hotel.
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Transfer to Sinharaja and check in to a local guest house.
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Half day trek in Sinharaja Rainforest in the afternoon.
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Dinner and overnight stay in the guest house (HB).
TREKKING DISTANCE: Approx. 7 km (Sinharaja Rain forest - Mulawella trail and back)
DURATION: 3 - 4 hrs
GRADING: Soft / Moderate
From the calls of birds and the rumbling noise of the Gin Ganga River to the fresh air filtered by its ancient trees, the colourful species of frogs and the bright flowers, Sinharaja leaves you in awe of nature and how species have evolved to suit the environment. Sinharaja rainforest has been designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and also a Biodiversity Hotspot by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is said that in Sinharaja one square mile may have higher biodiversity than the entire North American continent. Birding in Sinharaja is particularly interesting since it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka!
Day 3
Day 03 - Sinharaja – Adam’s Peak (Approx. 190 kms / 6h30)
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the guest house and transfer to Siripagama that is the starting point for the trek to the Adam's Peak.
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Light and snacks dinner on the way.
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Hike up to the summit.
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Rest before the sunrise.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 10 km (from Siripagama to the top of the Adam’s Peak)
DURATION: 6 - 8 hours (depending on the pilgrimage season)
GRADING: Moderate / Hard
The island's fourth highest peak at 2243 meters, Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s Peak, has been a pilgrimage site for more than 1000 years. Legend has it that the mountain features a footprint originally made by the Buddha on his third visit to the island. Some Christians believe it may be the spot where Adam first set foot on earth after he was banished from the Garden of Eden. Others claim it to be the footprint of St. Thomas, the Apostle. Hindus believe it to be Lord Shiva’s footprint.
The majority of climbers arrive in the summit at night to witness the magical sunrise from the summit. The pilgrimage season runs from Unduwap poya (Full Moon Day of December) to Wesak poya Festival (in May). At this time, there is a constant stream of pilgrims and the top can get very crowded, and especially from January to February.
Day 4
Day 04 - Adam’s Peak – Maskeliya
SCHEDULE
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Witness the magnificent sceneries from the top of the mountain.
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Walk down to Nallathanniya and transfer to a guest house in Maskeliya.
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Late breakfast and lunch at the guest house.
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Optional excursion (2 to 3hrs) to a local tea estate in the afternoon.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 5 km from the top of the Adam’s Peak to Nallathanniya.
DURATION: 2-3 hrs depending on the pilgrimage season
GRADING: Moderate
At the time of the sunrise, Adam’s Peak offers the most spectacular views of jungle-covered hills and clouds lying 500 meters below. The memory of a magical sceneries over the mystic peak will outlive the aches and pains you may feel from the climb!
Day 5
Day 05 - Bogawantalawe – Galpothuthenna
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the guest house and transfer to the starting point of the day's trek.
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Full day trek from Bogawantalawe to Galpothuthenna.
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Packed lunch in a suitable location on the way.
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Transfer from Galpothuthenna to Eco Team’s Adventure Center in Belihuloya.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the River Garden Resort / Kinchigune Camps in Belihuloya (FB).
TREKKING DISTANCE: 18 km (from Bogawantalawe to Galpothuthenna)
DURATION: 8 - 10 hours
GRADING: Hard / Moderate
The trail from Bogawantalawa to Galpothuthenna takes you through the most diverse landscapes: forests, jungles, tea plantations, grasslands, desolate areas, changing vegetation types, and spectacular landscape vistas. The 18-km trail begins by the tea plantations in Bogawantalawe and climbs up steep jungle terrains to flatter grasslands. This open landscape is similar to the sceneries of the famous Horton Plains, located at a higher elevation. Here, look for prints of leopards and sambhur deers, or with luck you may spot the animals themselves.
From the grasslands, the trail continues through scrub jungles to the Non-Pareil tea estate, pass tea farmers’ houses, home gardens and a small nursery school before taking you across the Belihuloya River. These peaceful surroundings by fresh water provide you with a beautiful location for a lunch break.
After lunch, the trail descents through tea plantations to a sparse and rocky area before continuing through a forest that is home to many monkeys and birds. Here, the descent is rather steep and offers the most panoramic views of the surrounding region. Finally, the trek leads you through a dense pine tree plantation before ending at the small village of Galpothuthenna, a short drive from Belihuloya.
Day 6
Day 06 - Belihuloya
SCHEDULE
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Start the trail from Kinchigune village at 6.00 am.
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Lunch in a suitable location along the trail.
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Dinner and overnight stay at a participatory campsite by a river.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 12 km starting from Kinchigune
DURATION: 5 - 7 hrs
GRADING: Moderate / Hard
The trail starts in the small village of Kinchigune, overlooking the Samanalawewa Reservoir. You will venture through paddy fields and vegetable gardens to a narrow gravel road that takes you to a small village school and local blacksmith's workshop. From there, you will continue to a tarred road, surrounded by typical shrub vegetations (consisting mainly of 'Maliththa' - Woodfordia fruticosa). After a couple of kilometers, you will arrive in a Buddhist Temple. This 350-year-old wooden temple is well worth a visit, and the local monks will happily answer your questions about it’s history.
The trail will then take you through uninhabited forests to Walawe River and to the rocky lands across it. Apart from some small groups of local gem miners, it is rare to meet any people in this desolate area that is home to many animals and birds - such as sambhur deer, Indian munjak, flying and giant squirrels, changeable hawk eagle, brown fish owl, stork-billed kingfisher, gray hornbill, and various species of lizards and butterflies. Sometimes, even the migratory elephant can be spotted here.
The campsite will be set by the river, where you can have lunch and enjoy a refreshing dip in cool water. The dinner will be cooked by the campfire, in the most beautiful setting under the stars! And your guides, taking care of the lookout duty, will assure you a peaceful sleep throughout the night.
Day 7
Day 07 - Belihuloya – Duwili Ella Falls – Yala (Approx. 100 kms / 2h30)
SCHEDULE
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Early breakfast at the campsite.
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Continue the trail to Duwili Ella.
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Lunch and transfer to Yala.
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Check in to the Big Game safari campsite in Yala.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the Big Game campsite (HB).
TREKKING DISTANCE: 8 km ending by Duwili Ella Waterfall
DURATION: 3 - 4 hrs
GRADING: Moderate / Hard
After decamping in the morning, the trek will continue in the cool shade of riverine forests to 'Thunkinda' where the river divides into three streams that rejoin after about 300 metres. The 100 kms trail will end by the majestic Duwili Ella, also known as the 'Walawe Ganga Falls'. It plunges a dramatic 25 meters into a large deep pool creating a misty cloud. Hence the name 'Duwili Ella' - in Sinhalese 'Duwili' means 'dust' and 'Ella' is 'waterfall').
These impressive sceneries offer a perfect setting for a delicious lunch, brought fresh from our River Garden Restaurant in Belihuloya. Before the departure to Yala, you may enjoy an invigorating river bath too.
Day 8
Day 08 - Yala
SCHEDULE
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Early morning safari in the Yala National Park with packed breakfast.
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Return to the campsite and lunch.
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Visit the Kataragama temple in the evening and participate in the traditional blessing ceremony.
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Dinner and overnight stay at Big Game campsite in Yala (FB).
Yala National Park, situated in the southeast region of the country, covers almost 1000 square kilometers and is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, along with Wilpattu, it is one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka. Leopards are the stars here, but the park is also home to the large herds of elephants as well as to the spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, wild buffaloes, sloth bear, jackal and mongoose. The bird life is also fantastic, and numerous species such as rosy starlings, paradise flycatchers, crested hawk eagles, blue-Tailed bee-eaters and common loras inhabit this natural wilderness.
Day 9
Day 09 - Yala – Galle (Approx. 200 kms / 4h30)
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the campsite and transfer to Galle.
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Check in to a hotel in Galle.
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Visit the Dutch Fort in the evening.
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Overnight stay in the hotel in Galle (BB).
The bustling provincial capital and administrative center of the south, Galle, was Sri Lanka's first international commerce and trade center. The ancient port city is famous for Unawatuna Bay, a lovely cove protected by a reef. The Galle Fort overlooking the ocean is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in 1587 and reinforced again by the Dutch. The 36-hectare fortress is surrounded on three sides by the ocean, its ramparts protecting the harbour, old houses, churches, warehouses and the Arab quarter. Even as the city of Galle modernizes, its remarkable collection of ancient structures transports visitors to another time.
