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A combination of walking and exploring the delights of this diverse island
The group flight arrives at Colombo's Katunake Airport and we transfer to our hotel at Dambulla (160km, 4hrs drive). Those not flying with the group can meet us at the hotel or the airport in time for the transfer. Please be aware if you are meeting the group at the airport for a transfer you might need to purchase a ticket outside to enter the arrivals hall. *Pelwehera Village Resort or similar*
After breakfast we visit the magnificent Cave Temple at Dambulla, one of the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka. There are colourful and very well preserved paintings and statues of Buddha inside the caves, which date back to the 1st century BC. We then have a short, gentle, warm up walk which takes us through villages and rice paddies and on towards Sigiriya, where we have lunch. In the afternoon we visit the imposing 5th century rock fortress, which rises 180m from the plains overlooking the surrounding countryside giving far-reaching views. Used as a safe haven from invaders, the route to the top is up a series of steep steps and gangways. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens, we ascend 200m and pass an overhanging rock under which superb portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the walls. Crowning the flat-topped summit are extensive remains of the King's Summer Palace from where there are breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The descent is much easier and we have a final 35 minute drive back to our hotel in Dambulla. Approximate walking distance 6km. Alt. gain 395m, Alt. loss 395m *Pelwehera Village Resort or similar*
Distance in Km: 6
Distance in Miles: 3
The next two days takes us across the famous Knuckles Mountain Range. We start early with a three hour drive to the start of our walk, from where we begin with an easy descent past rice paddies and through the villages of Pitawala Patana and Etanwala. Descending to the river we cross a small bridge and start to climb up through more farmland. Finally emerging at the top of an escarpment we are rewarded with great views of the surrounding countryside. An easy trail takes us along the top of the escarpment to Manigala Top at 1115m, the high point of today. Next we descend to the Mahalakotuwa village area which leads to the main road and then it’s a 20 minute walk to our campsite by the river where we can bathe in the cool, refreshing water. Today is the longest walk and is approx. 7 hours walking, 15KM, Alt gain 900m, alt loss 100mAlt. gain 240m, Alt. loss 450m (Please note – occasionally due to high water levels we use an alternative campsite. The alternative campsite is about 40 minutes’ drive from Illikumbura). *Camping at Knuckles with Eco Team or similar*
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
We begin with a short half hour drive to the Narangamuwa Temple at Ranamuregama. We then pass rice paddies and coconut groves before entering a heavily forested area. The trail climbs gently for an hour and then levels out before undulating though this lush forest. The only sound we can hear is the birdsong all around us. Emerging from the forest in the village of Meemure, make sure to look back for a spectacular view of the peaks of Lakegala. Passing farms growing pepper and other spices, we come to a small tea shop where we have lunch. After lunch, we take a truck or rickshaws for a bumpy 90-minute ride to Corbetts Gap, a famous viewpoint. Our bus will meet us here for the 1.5hr drive to our hotel at Orutota overlooking the Victoria Reservoir. *Oruthota Chalets or similar*
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 8.7
Activity Hours: 5
Altitude Gain: 240
Altitude Loss: 450
A relaxing morning to enjoy the garden and pool at the hotel. Mid-morning we have a short 18km drive to Kandy and have the afternoon to explore. The town is located around a small lake and we can walk round to hopefully spot several varieties of water birds and large water monitors. Later we visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic - The Tooth of Buddha, which was taken from the funeral pyre in India in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. There are literally hundreds of worshippers who visit the temple each day and in July/August the most spectacular ceremony takes place. *Hotel Hilltop or Royal Kandyan or similar*
This morning we drive to Dickoya (3 hours), where we stay for two nights in simple colonial tea planters bungalows, with wonderful view of the Castlereagh Reservoir. On a clear day we can see the outline of Adams Peak in the distance. In the pilgrim season (December-May) we have the day to relax or you can take a short walk around the lake (approx. 6km). We leave around midnight for the walk up Adams Peak (approx. 14km). This will take around 4 hours and we should reach the top, with the many pilgrims at sunrise. In the off season (May – November) we spend Day 6 (Day 7 Ex London) at Dickoya and can walk around the lake and on Day 7 (Day 8 Ex London) we will climb Adams Peak during daylight hours. Total accent 1211m, decent, the same. (Day 6: B) (Day 7: B,L) *Glencarin Bungalows or similar*
Distance in Km: 14
Distance in Miles: 8
This morning we have a wonderful drive through tea plantation districts to Nuwara Eliya. This was the favourite hill station during the British era, situated in the cool highland air at 1890m and has a very British feel. Known locally as 'Little England' it is dotted with British style houses, hotels and a racecourse. There will be an optional walk into the hills around the town and also time to explore the bazaar. *Windsor Hotel or similar*
Today we drive to Horton Plains, a large plateau over 2,000m above sea level, overlooked by the second and third highest peaks in Sri Lanka. The scenery is beautiful and is best explored on foot. We trek through the rolling grasslands, seeing forest and unusual wildlife, such as the sambar deer and purple faced monkey, all the way to 'World's End', one of the most stunning sights in Sri Lanka. Here the ground drops 1050m to the plains below. We then catch the train from the highest railway station in the country; within two hours we’ve dropped from 1889m to 1097m. The train travels through the cloud forest into the tea plantations, the views are spectacular; we disembark at Ella. *Hotel Country Comfort or similar*
Distance in Km: 9
Distance in Miles: 5
We drive to Kithalaella and climb up to a rocky area to enjoy stunning views of the waterfalls. Continuing on to Ella Gap, we have dramatic views of the coastal plain nearly 1,000m below. Almost the whole of the southern part of the island is in view and on a particularly clear day the shimmering silver of the ocean is visible (approx. 12km walk). We return in the late afternoon to our hotel in Ella. *Hotel Country Comfort or similar*
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7
We now head south out of the hills to Tissamaharama down the plains stopping en route to visit the spectacular Ravana Waterfalls as well as the Kataragama Temple. This is a pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists, who come to worship here in the early mornings and evenings. Colourful and noisy, the temple is always busy. Tissamaharama will be our base for visiting Yala National Park. Its open undulating terrain made it famous for elephants for many years, but recently the park has become well known for leopard. The park, which is primarily shrub jungle with several salt and fresh water lagoons, has one of the highest concentrations of leopard per square kilometre in the world. We will have a game drive in the afternoon. (Please note that the sanctuary may be closed for 4-6 weeks from September to October allowing the park authorities to check the animals. In this instance we will go to an alternative area close by, usually the Udawalawe National Park). *Chandrika Hotel or similar*
This morning we drive to the beautiful Tissamaharama Lake where we walk for approximately 3.5 hours (approx. 5km). This is an opportunity to see the day to day life of the local people as well as a range of birdlife. In the late afternoon we drive for approximately 4 hours to the coast. *Insight Resort or similar*
Distance in Km: 5
Distance in Miles: 3
Free day to relax on the beach or by the pool. There are also numerous optional activities including a boat ride through mangrove swamps to a cinnamon plantation, or from November to April you can go whale watching off Dondra Head. This is one of the best places in the world for seeing Blue and Sperm whales. *Insight Resort or similar*
We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates back to the 17th century, and now a UNESCO world heritage site. On the way we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is a typical house from the Koggala region and is set amongst beautiful gardens. We continue along the expressway to Colombo reaching our hotel in the late afternoon (the drives takes around 2-3 hours, plus stops). *Hotel Mirage or similar*
If you are travelling on the group flight we will have a morning transfer to the airport for the daytime flight to London. The arrangements for those not flying with the group ends after breakfast. **
* 13 nights hotels, all en suite, 1 night full-service camping
* 8 full and half-day walks
* Full porterage throughout
* Maximum altitude 2243m
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 1 dinner is included.
We suggest allowing about GBP10-15 (approx. . USD16-24) per day for all other
meals and drinks. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the
island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with
spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as
well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of)
these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply ‘Rice
and Curry’. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a
serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as
various pickles, ‘sambols,’ and a handful of tiny poppadum’s – all
using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and
garlic.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any
special dietary requests. Please note that in Sri Lanka the availability of
certain products is minimal or non-existent, for example wheat or dairy-free.
Please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home.
Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western
options alongside traditional food.
Drinking water is provided in large containers where available so you need
only bring a re-usable bottle to top up along the way.
* 13 nights hotels, all en suite, 1 night full-service camping
* 8 full and half-day walks
* Full porterage throughout
* Maximum altitude 2243m
This trek is graded level 3 (Moderate) with some day walks and some half day
walks.
There will be a backup vehicle making all the walking optional (except for
the treks through the forest areas). Some days there will be options of
easier and more challenging walks. Most of the walks are between 4 and 6
hours, with one longer 7 hour walk. The trails are fairly well made and used
by locals. If it rains some of the trails can get slippery and there can be
leeches. It can be hot and humid on the lower walks.
The drives to the start of the walks and from the end of the walks to the
hotels are sometimes on narrow winding roads. Most of the accommodation is
comfortable with two nights spent in simple hotels and one night spent in a
fixed camp.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference:
"http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf
Hotels & Camping
You will stay 13 nights in hotels all of which have en suite facilities; all
hotels have twin bedded rooms with attached bathrooms. There will also be 1
night of full service camping. The tents have two camp beds with bedding.
There is a toilet tent with sit down toilet and a shower tent. A cook team
will prepare meals which are usually served outside. Wi-Fi is available at
the majority of places, either in the rooms or the communal areas.
Single supplements are available on request (not available for 3 nights).
*Please note, paying the single supplement may not mean that you receive a
double or twin room for sole use. The room you are allocated may differ from
hotel to hotel, and on some nights a smaller room for ‘one person’ may
well be allocated.*
Our Sri Lankan team of leaders have proved very popular with their incredible
knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is
no better way to experience Sri Lankan culture than letting a local leader
show you around their country.
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 1 dinner is included.
We suggest allowing about GBP10-15 (approx. . USD16-24) per day for all other
meals and drinks. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the
island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with
spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as
well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of)
these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply ‘Rice
and Curry’. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a
serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as
various pickles, ‘sambols,’ and a handful of tiny poppadum’s – all
using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and
garlic.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any
special dietary requests. Please note that in Sri Lanka the availability of
certain products is minimal or non-existent, for example wheat or dairy-free.
Please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home.
Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western
options alongside traditional food.
Drinking water is provided in large containers where available so you need
only bring a re-usable bottle to top up along the way.
We use an air-conditioned minibus but depending on the size there may be two.
The back up vehicles will drop us at the start of the walks and meet us again
at th end, transporting all our luggage. In Yala National Park we use smaller
jeeps. On the train to Ella, seats cannot be reserved in advance, so we just
sit where we can on the day.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Sri Lankan Airlines (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot
be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 15 days starting in *Dambulla *and ending
in *Colombo**
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Dambulla in the afternoon
of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are
provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks
before departure. Accommodation check-in times are normally from around 12
noon.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two distinct wet seasons or monsoons.
The SW monsoon brings rain to that area of the island between May and August.
The NE monsoon takes place from October to January and only really affects
the north and east coastal regions.
Generally, you should expect rain at some time but with plenty of sunshine.
On the plains, day and night time temperatures are very hot and humid with
Colombo having an average daytime temperature of 30ºC. It can be humid
whilst walking. The temperatures drop as we go higher into the hills where
daytime temperatures are between 15º - 25º C and night time temperatures
will be cooler (about 10º C minimum) and a warmish fleece will be needed.
Sunhat, Sun cream, Sunglasses
Water bottle
Light casual clothing for trekking and for evenings (light cotton or quick
wicking clothing is best for the walking due to the high humidity)
Warm sweater/fleece for evenings
Trekking sandals
Lightweight walking boots
Lightweight thin walking socks with wicking properties
Light waterproof jacket
Umbrella
Swimming costume
Hand washing gel, wet wipes
Torch - a red light doesn't attract bugs as a white light does
Insect repellent
Leech socks
Walking/trekking pole(s)
Daypack (approx 10 – 15 litre)
Especially when visiting temples men and women's clothing should cover
shoulders and be on or below the knee. Women especially should always dress
conservatively to avoid unwanted attention and not to cause offence; vests,
tight fitting trousers, short skirts and short shorts are not recommended.
We recommend that your main luggage consists of one soft kitbag. This will be
carried in the back-up vehicle. You will need a small daypack for your daily
requirements.
*Drinking Water*
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet
widely available; they often end up in landfill sites or get burnt, both
processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our
impact here. Drinking water is provided in large containers where available
so you need only bring a re-usable bottle to top up along the way.
This provides an alternative to individual single-use plastic bottles in our
aim to reduce the amount of plastic used.
If you are prone to travel sickness then you may want to bring some anti-sick
treatment with you for the boat and/or some road journeys.
Binoculars for wildlife spotting.
All entrance fees and activities described above are included. It is
recommended that you allow at least £5 per day (approx. US$7) for personal
expenditure such as stamps, postcards and drinks. There are some souvenir
shops in Kandy.
*Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes)*
*Whale Watching* – please note if you choose to enjoy this excursion on
your free day we strongly advise booking a private charter boat through your
leader. The more members of the group who wish to join the charter the more
cost effective it will be. We do not recommend the larger, commercial boats,
they may be cheaper but they do not always respect the welfare of the animals
or operate in an environmentally responsible way. We have also had reports of
overcrowding on the boats. Please ask your leader for further details on how
to book a private charter. Whale watching is only possible between November
– April.
The whale watching trip by private boat should cost between £40 and £80
(approx. US$50-100) per person depending on the number of participants.
Tipping is a way of life in Sri Lanka and we suggest you allow about £3
(approx. US$4) per day for this. With the permission of the group, your tour
leader may collect a kitty to cover tips for hotel staff, toilet attendants
and porters etc. Tipping of the leader, driver and driver's helper is at your
discretion but we suggest around £2-3 (US$3-4) per person per day.
* Travel insurance
* Single supplements are available on request (not available for 3 nights).
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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