Detailed Trekking Itinerary
Day 1
Day 01 - Arrival in Sinharaja
SCHEDULE
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Arrival in 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 kms (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 2
Day 02 - Sinharaja – Adam’s Peak (Approx. 190 kms / 6h30)
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the guest house and arrival in Siripagama that is the starting point for the trek to Adam's Peak.
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Light dinner and snacks on the way.
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Hike up to the summit.
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Rest before the sunrise.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 8 km (from Siripagama to the top of the Adam’s Peak)
DURATION: 8 - 12 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 Legend has it that the mountain features a footprint originally made by the Buddha on his third visit to the island.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 3
Day 03 - 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 to a local tea estate in the afternoon.
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Dinner and overnight at the guest house in Maskeliya (FB).
TREKKING DISTANCE: 5 km from the top of the Adam’s Peak to Nallathanniya.
DURATION: 2-3 (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 4
Day 04 - Bogawanthalawa – 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 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 5
Day 05 - Belihuloya
SCHEDULE
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Breakfast at the hotel / campsite.
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Kinchigune Nature Trail with packed lunch.
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Canoëing in Samanalawewa in the afternoon.
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Dinner and overnight stay at River Garden Resort / Kinchigune campsite (FB).
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 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. This will be an ideal opportunity to learn a bit about the local agriculture 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 reservoir 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.
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 – Departure
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 by the waterfall.
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Departure.
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 your next destination, you may enjoy an invigorating river bath too.
