Srilanka : The Wilds of Sri Lanka

Arrival and transfer to Negombo, a busy seaside resort and fishing village.

The afternoon/evening will be at leisure to explore Negombo with it’s multitude of churches, fish markets and crowded streets. Or simply relax by the pool or on the beach.

Overnight The Beach, Negombo

Leave after an early breakfast or with a packed breakfast for Alankuda a breathtaking stretch of coast located 50 km north of Negombo for perfect introduction to Sri Lanka. Disembark from the coach and be met by your local Dolphin Specialist who will guide you on board our dolphin watching vessels. We use 19 foot boats powered by outboard engines. The boats have a seating capacity of 06 – 08 persons depending on sea conditions. Take a 02 – 03 hour boat excursion to see Spinner Dolphins. If you are lucky you may have a school of over 200 dolphins to spinning and jumping out of the water to give you an official welcome to Sri Lanka!

The ocean off the coast of Alankuda is often still like a sheet of glass on calm days. The early morning light will be provide perfect conditions to capture these flawless acrobats on film as they show off their tricks with an eternal grin, as if posing specially for you.

After lunch yet again embark on another session of dolphin watching. The crimson effect of the setting sun will set an unbelievable backdrop on the horizon, giving another dimension to create that perfect picture.

Return to the hotel. Overnight The Beach, Negombo

After an early breakfast we return to the seas for a final photo shoot of the dolphins and to spend a few more hours with them before biding them farewell.

After a short break transfer to Habarana the hub of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle

Located in the north central part of the island, Habarana is a part of Sri Lanka’s dry zone. Thanks to the genius of our ancient kings dating as far as the 05th Century AD, the Sri Lankan Dry Zone is any thing but dry, with hundreds of lakes and reservoirs which are connected by an elaborate network of canals making up an old but great irrigation system. Aside from the benefit for agriculture and industry, the waterworks of the dry zone provide some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery and fertile habitat for the islands incredible bio-diversity.

In the evening you can take a walk in the hotel Gardens where you will find a one of a kind butterfly garden which you will undoubtedly enjoy. A variety of birdlife can be found within the garden and by the lake which adjoins it.

Overnight Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana

Leave after an early breakfast for the rock fortress of Sigiriya.

Sigiriya - 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 glory.

We visit Sigiriya early in the morning when the surrounding forests and gardens are awakening in the clear, crisp air. The panoramic view of the surrounding forests from the summit of Sigiriya is breathtakingly beautiful.

In the afternoon take an optional Elephant Back Safari through the forests and villages of Habarana. A wooden platform large enough to hold four people is secured atop an elephant. From this unique perch enjoy Habarana and the surrounding wilderness as the elephant ambles through. An early night is suggested as tomorrow’s exciting programme requires a very early start!

Overnight Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana

Leave at approximately 0500 hrs with a packed breakfast for the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The drive passing the Minneriya National Park at dawn, through mist covered plains is invigorating. The experience can only be topped by the sight of a wild elephant ambling along beside the main road!

Drive by the ancient ruined city catching a glimpse of what lies ahead to be discovered later in the day. For now, head off to a secluded cove along the banks of the Parakrama Samudraya ‘Sea of King Parakrama’, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest man made lakes which still is and has been for the past 900 years, the life blood of Polonnaruwa.

Arrive at the lake by approximately 0600 hrs. Watch the sun fight its way over the horizon as dark pools of water appear through the mist that has settled on the water. The cove is used by the local fishing community. It’s great fun to join the women and young children at the edge of the lake as they await the return of the fisherman who’ve gone out at dawn in their homemade catamarans to retrieve the nets which were laid out the evening before. The atmosphere is somber or jubilant depending on the value of the days catch. The adventurous few may assist the women as they disentangle fish from the nets and collect them in large buckets (Watch out for spines as many of these lake fish are equipped with menacing spines around their mouths which can render painful injuries!).

Our adventure only begins when we cast off on a local fisherman’s catamaran. The days work complete, he is more than happy to oblige as he effortlessly guides the catamaran through the water. You are welcome to try your hand at navigating the boat, but you’ll soon realize that it’s not as easy as it looks!

As the catamaran glides soundlessly along the water lookout for White bellied Fish Eagles and Brahmini Kites and a host of other exciting birds. The catamaran soon arrives at a little island in the middle of the lake. The island is largely a rock outcrop with a fringe of scrub along its edge. Prepare yourself for a breathtaking sight as thousands of Ibis and Cormorants materialize from the shrubbery and take to flight disturbed by the approaching catamaran. We dock at the island and make our way up the rock to the summit for breakfast with a 360 degree view of the lake and the forest beyond. As they realize that these intruders mean them no harm, the birds soon return to providing noisy accompaniment to an unforgettable breakfast!

After breakfast return to shore and bid the fisherman and his family farewell. (Lifejackets will be provided to the ride)

Proceed to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to explore the ruined palace and temple complex. The ancient rock carvings and majestic monuments will provide an interesting change in focus from wildlife to ancient history. However, another interesting facet of Polonnaruwa are the thriving populations of Torque Macaques and Gray & Purple Faced langurs. These distinctly different species of monkeys live in perfect harmony among the ruins of Polonnaruwa. Their amazingly human interactions are sure to thrill any nature lover.

Polonnaruwa rose to fame as the capital after the decline of Anuradhapura. Its period of greatness was from the 10th - 12th centuries AD. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, veritable inland seas the most famous of which is the Prakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbor. The monuments of this medieval city are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past. See the Royal Palace complex, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite – a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving.

Return to Habarana Overnight Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana

Leave early morning with a packed breakfast for Hiriwaduna (05 minute transfer) for a 03 hour trek through this archetypal Sri Lankan village. 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. With the guidance of the farmer and his family, pick some of the fresh vegetables from their plot and join in the preparation of a simple meal prepared in the traditional method using earthenware pots and firewood as fuel. A great opportunity to sample authentic local cuisine.

To still these unique moments in time, to capture what the laymen will miss and take for granted, to create images that will thrill adventurers… is every photographers dream…

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

Meet the vehicle and proceed to Kandy.

In the evening take a walk through the bustling streets of Kandy teeming with locals who noisily go about their business. Walk along the Kandy Lake which is the center-point of the town – it provides a window to the past. Also visit the Temple of the much revered Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha in time to witness the evening pooja.

Overnight The Chaaya Citadel, Kandy

Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, home to one of Asia’s largest collections of Orchids. The also provides an excellent habitat for the islands birdlife.

After a short rest and once refreshed, proceed to Nuwara Eliya driving past the breathtakingly beautiful Ramboda falls. Also drive through some of the best tea plantations in the island.

The rest of the day is at leisure to take a walk around the town where you will see coulorfully manicured gardens and remnants of colonial architecture preserved and maintained to date.

Overnight The Tea Factory Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

Leave with a packed breakfast for the Horton Plains. Walk through the plains and then through the cloud forest with its mysterious stunted trees adorned with a myriad multi-coloured lichens to ‘Worlds End’ where the cliff falls away in a sheer vertical drop of one thousand feet. Proceed through the plains to capture the breathtaking Bakers Falls. Sri Lanka's highest plateau 7200 ft above sea level in the central mountain country. This ‘Fen” is a very scenic region with an astounding variety of scenery from mountains to grasslands, from marshes to trout streams.

Sri Lanka's best-flavored high grown teas are grown in the surrounding areas. Spectacular view from 'Worlds End' where the plateau plunges a thousand feet in a straight sheer drop. Cool and bracing climate, excellent for trout fishing and very good hiking country. Distinctive flora (many English field flowers grow on the plains) colourful butterflies and many rare highland birds.

Return to Nuwara Eliya and visit a Tea Factory to witness the process manufacture where the green leaf is transformed in to the familiar black-brown finished product.

Overnight The Tea Factory Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

Leave after breakfast for the Udawalawe National Park, the best park in the island for Elephant.

Evening Jeep Safari of Udawalawe National Park – prime Elephant time. The elephants of Udawalawe are among the most aggressive in Sri Lanka. Brace yourself – nerves of steel will help to remain calm and focused when a lone bull elephants charges your vehicle bringing to you the drama of the wild outdoors.

Udawalewe National Park is an area of 31,800 hectares, which was declared a protected sanctuary with full national park status in 1972. The park area which falls within two provinces of Sri Lanka has a annual rainfall of 1,520 mm and an average temperature of 29.4 C. Surrounded by mountain ranges, the terrain of the park is a mixture of grassland, which of all Sri Lanka’s wildlife reserves, best rivals the Savanna of Africa and shrub jungle. Teak plantations, water holes and two important factors make this park special - the large Udawalewe Reservoir and the Walewe River, which ensure a supply of water for the fauna within. Internationally renowned for its large herd of elephants, the park is also known for several species of Deer, Wild Boar, the dangerous Wild Buffalo, Jackal and very rare sightings of Leopard.

 Overnight at Centuaria Hotel, Embilipitiya or Campsite Udawalawe National Park

Leave after an early breakfast for a jeep safari of Udawalawe National Park – the morning safari is good for birdlife, particularly raptors. The patient may be rewarded with the savage and fleeting moment when an eagle swoops down to the lake and captures an unfortunate fish in its steel claws.

The park supports approximately five hundred elephants and herds of over 50 individuals are not uncommon, the forest cover is also limited by their de-barking of the trees.

Leopard sightings although rare in this park do occur with some regularity, but you have to be very lucky to see one. There are five good locations worth visiting for leopard sightings; they consist of rocky outcrops where the leopards rest to enjoy the warmth of the first rays of early morning sunshine.

Another evening jeep safari of Udawalawe…

As well as elephant and leopard Udawalawe is home to many other animals including sambar, barking deer, water buffalo, jackals, sloth bears and three varieties of mongoose. Amongst the 30 or so reptile species water monitor lizards reach up to six feet in length. This is also a great park for birds, in particular raptors such as the Crested Serpent Eagle and the Grey Headed Fishing Eagle as well as arid-country specialists including the Malabar Pied Hornbill and Blue-faced Malkoha.

Overnight at Centuaria Hotel, Embilipitiya or Campsite Udawalawe National Park

Proceed to Yala for your leopard experience……..

The biggest of the wildcats in Sri Lanka – Though shy by nature the Leopards of Yala have an air of confidence and nonchalance – if you have the privilege of meeting them.

Afternoon jeep safari of The Yala National Park.

Yala – Sri Lanka’s best known national park is popular for Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Crocodile and Wild Boar. More than three times larger than Udawalawe at 97,800 hectares, this is the second largest of Sri Lanka’s national parks. Its open undulating terrain made it famous for elephants for many years, but recently the park has also received much fame through publicity by National Geographic and the Discovery TV channels, which focused on a leopard research/conservation and identification project. Claims have subsequently been made that Yala National Park has the world’s highest concentration of leopard per square kilometer. This park is primarily shrub jungle with several salt and fresh water lagoons. The areas popular with leopard are rock strewn hillocks with dense shrub in which the animals hide.

Overnight The Yala Village (This is a chalet style hotel located at the border of the Yala National Park. As the national park has no boundary, guests can literally enjoy the wildlife of the park from the sanctuary of their rooms).

Option 01

Leave early morning with a packed breakfast for “ Debara Wewa”, a man-made reservoir which is now the cornerstone of the village community as well as an ecosystem rich in biodiversity. The fist part of the walk will take you past village homes, each of which is a hive of activity with most of the family at work at crafting pots and lamps etc from clay which is collected at the lake.

Proceed along the bund of the lake where you join the local community and the wildlife as they wake up and go about their early morning activities – be it fishing, washing of clothes or simply preening and drying one’s feathers after an early morning swim!! If you are lucky you may encounter a monstrous crocodile basking in the early morning sun. The lake is a buzz with birdlife, butterflies and dragonflies….

Stop to have breakfast at a shady spot with a serene view of paddy fields on one side and the lake on the other.

Continue trekking through the village to meet the vehicle and transfer to hotel. (This option can be taken year round)

Option 02

Leave after an early breakfast for Palatupana, a quite beach located 35 minutes away from the hotel. Here you will join the local fishermen as they draw in their “Maadal” or large net, which were laid early that morning. The arid air is punctuated with the calls of Hela, Hellai as the men tug on the net as the surf breaks on the sand. They then slacken their hold as the waves roll out again dragging the net with it. The chanting helps maintain rhythm and is a means of reminding them that they are sharing the labour of hauling in the fish.

Once the net has been pulled in and the catch sorted your support is sure be appreciated by the fishermen, who will insist that you take away your share of the catch. You can politely decline or accept and have the hotel chef BBQ it for you when you get back!

Take a second evening jeep safari of Yala National Park to track the leopard

Overnight Yala Village

Take an early morning jeep safari for another chance to track the illusive leopard.

Afterwards proceed to Galle.

In the evening visit the Dutch fort where the 17th century ramparts still stand proudly facing the ocean.

Overnight at Light House Hotel, Galle

The morning is at leisure to relax and enjoy the sun, sea and sand

Leave for Colombo

In the evening explore the city of Colombo visiting the commercial and residential areas.

Overnight The Cinnamon Grand, Colombo