In the Nature Tour of Sri Lanka let us take you there, where you can leave your footprints in white velvet sands, rock gently in sparkling turquoise waves, walk through the grand ruins of ancient kingdoms, feed orphaned baby elephants, sip the world's finest tea and explore precious gem mines.

Arrival and transfer to Habarana the hub of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. The drive will take you through small villages interspersed with paddy fields, coconut and rubber plantations and forests.

Leave the hotel at approximately 0715 hrs after an early breakfast for Hiriwaduna for a trek through this archetypal Sri Lankan village (05 minute transfer). The trek begins with an awesome walk along a bund of a Wewa or man made reservoir. The reservoir itself, the surrounding scrub jungle, marshland and village are a hive of early morning activity. The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of seeing the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing, or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake.

You wade through a shallow stream and the sense of adventure heightens when you need to get a Chena Cultivation via a somewhat wider tributary which needs to be crossed on an obliging farmer’s catamaran!!

At the Chena cultivation you will stop to enjoy the farmer’s humble hospitality.

The journey continues through dense shrub forests, home to many forest birds and other wildlife including monkeys, bear, python and even elephant.

Meet vehicles at approximately 1000 hrs and take a 05 minute transfer back to Chaaya Village.

After lunch leave the Chaaya Village for a 20 minute transfer to the starting point of the afternoon’s trek.

Proceed, trekking through scrub jungle towards the world famous Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. The walk will take you along village paths and beside dry zone lakes. As the trek unfolds and takes trekkers around the rock fortress a new and exciting view of Sigiriya is revealed from each different angle.

Arrive at Sigiriya at approximately 1530 hrs and begin climb after a short water & fruit break.

This World Heritage site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, and the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory.

(The days trek is on flat terrain on forest pathways and gravel roads. The climax of the trek is the climb of the rock fortress. Difficulty level – Moderate)

Leave after breakfast for our campsite in the pristine Knuckles Range of mountains. The camp is located high on a mountain slope over looking the Knuckles Valley. After settling in at the campsite, take a 03 – 04 hour trek through the villages which surround Sphinx Eyrie. This trek though forest paths and village tracks is through the rich foliage of the Knuckles range with a breathtaking view of the valley as the backdrop.

Overnight Sphinx Eyrie Campsite, Knuckles

To ensure very low impact in this pristine region we do not operate a permanent campsite and the facilities provided are very basic. Two person insect and waterproof tents and simple, but wholesome hot meals (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast) are provided by the camp crew.

The day’s trek will take you to a small village which is only accessible by foot. A trek of approximately 03 – 04 hours through scrub jungle and forests will bring you to the little farming village of Meemure, deep in the Knuckles Valley. The trek is on rough trails and a few streams need to be forded en route.

Break at the little village shop for a cup of hot tea, sweetened with “juggery”, made of coconut sap.

After a short break explore the village – See and appreciate the simplicity of life enjoyed by its people. Swim in the cool mountain water of a stream which rushes by the village.

Continue trekking (Approximately 03 hours); climb out of the valley from Meemure Village back to our campsite.

After an early breakfast you will proceed down to Kandy.

You will proceed to the Mahaweli River, close to the Royal Botanical Gardens to enjoy a session of Flat Water Rafting!

This is a peaceful and enjoyable ride down the Mahaweli River which goes through Kandy and the country side. This experience opens your eyes to the unique view of the Kandyan country side.

The evening is at leisure to explore the bustling town of Kandy including a visit to the much revered temple of the tooth relic and a cultural dance performance.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your departure transfer.

Starts in: Colombo
Ends in: Colombo
Grade: Adventure

• 05 Nights accommodation. Half board basis at all hotels except while in Colombo where accommodation will be on bed and breakfast basis
• All transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with the services of an English speaking chauffeur guide
• All entrance fees to national parks and places of interest as per the itinerary
• Special trekking guide for treks
• Hotel Service Charges and VAT

• Departs daily
• Itinerary can be customised to suit your requirements
• Order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions
• Ask for pre and post accommodation

• Any meals other than specified, drinks, laundry, Mineral water, telephone calls or other expenses of a personal nature.
• Camera fees (Video or still) at the monuments
• Tips/gratuity

 

For Comfort and Deluxe options, up to date pricing and bookings please contact TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS or ask your travel agent. Please refer to our Booking Conditions for further information

 

Private Tours Departs Daily Per person NZ$ (from Colombo) Deluxe (Twin/Single) 01 Oct 08 - 30 Nov 08 1699 / 2149 01 Dec 08 - 15 Jan 09 1875 / 2299 16 Jan 09 - 30 Sep 09 1699 / 2149