WILD SRI LANKA ADVENTURE 15 Days/ 14 Nights

Transcription

1 WILD SRI LANKA ADVENTURE 15 Days/ 14 Nights Visit us at

2 Itinerary Overview In 3rd century BCE, King Devanampiya Tissa, one of the earliest rulers of Sri Lanka, founded what is widely considered to be the world s first wildlife refuge. Since then, this small nation has focused on continuing what King Tissa started. On our Wild Sri Lanka Adventure we travel by sea plane, foot, bicycle, boat, and 4x4s to explore four national parks and many of Sri Lanka's premier UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From mountain highlands to some of the richest marine habitats in the world, the diversity and density of flora and fauna within this tiny island nation is stunning. Sri Lanka has the highest density of leopard in the world and share their habitat with sloth bears, herds of elephants, and diverse and colorful endemic birds. Driving the back roads and cycling through small towns and farmlands, friendly residents invite us into their home to share their daily life. Local guides take us to contemplate little-known Buddhist temples and sacred natural areas of enlightenment rarely visited by outsiders. Designed to minimize our footprint and bring benefits to local communities, we travel in fuel efficient vehicles, stay at certified eco-lodges, and collaborate with local people who graciously receive us as their welcome guests to share their daily lives and who become local proponents of conservation and more sustainable, community-based travel. DAY OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 NEGOMBO 2 3 WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK The Mudhouse Mahoora Tented Camp Mahoora Tented Camp D 4 SIGIRIYA Vil Uyana BL 5 SIGIRYA Vil Uyana B 6 KANDY GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK YALA NATIONAL PARK YALA NATIONAL PARK 11 UDAWALAWE 12 GALLE 13 GALLE 14 GALLE Earl s Regency Gal Oya Lodge Gal Oya Lodge Mahoora Tented Camp Mahoora Tented Camp Banyan Ecolodge Kahanda Kanda Kahanda Kanda Kahanda Kanda B BL BL B B Airport arrival and transfer to hotel. Morning activity, transfer to Wilpattu National Park and afternoon safari, tree planting. Morning and afternoon safari, BBQ dinner and optional evening safari. Cycle Anuradhapura and the Tree of Enlightenment, picnic lunch. Polonnaruwa primate research station, Thalkote Wewa community hike, slender loris night safari Sigirya UNESCO citadel, Kandy city tour, traditional dance experience. Transfer to Gal Oya (including optional sea plane), night safari. Vedda tribal nature walk, boat safari on Gal Oya National Park. Rhhuna jungle ruins, nocturnal safari in Yala National Park. Morning and afternoon safaris in Yala National Park. Elephant rehabilitation camp, afternoon safari in Udawalawe National Park. Galle Fort city tour. Biking through coconut and pineapple plantations among local villages, and tea tour. Whale watching and turtle hatchery. 15 DEPARTURE B Free day until transfer for international departure. -2-

3 Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVE SRI LANKA Arrive at Colombo and transfer to The Mudhouse (2 hrs). Spread throughout a large expanse of forest on the outskirts of a small village in Sri Lanka, The Mudhouse is a private retreat, far away from the beaten track. Flanked by lakes and blessed with abundant birdlife, wildlife and natural beauty, The Mudhouse is the perfect place to relax and get your bearings in Sri Lanka. Settle in and spend the afternoon exploring the area, embarking on one of their excursions (kayaking, bird watching, nature hikes etc), or simply relaxing in your bungalow until dinner is served. Dinner never fails to disappoint as the menu changes daily depending on what s in season. Often, almost the entire meal is sourced from the organic garden on the grounds! You won t find any wi-fi here but that s the best way to start off this trip that explores some of the most beautiful natural areas our world has to offer! Overnight at The Mudhouse. [D] DAY 2: THE MUDHOUSE WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK Have breakfast at the main house. You have the option of immersing yourself in Sri Lankan life and nature by choosing a morning excursion such as biking, visiting local temples, or taking a cooking class or you can start your drive to Wilpattu National Park. Otherwise known as the Land of Lakes, this park is home to nearly 60 natural sand rimmed lakes and is also the largest and oldest of the national parks in Sri Lanka. It provides habitat for leopard and the Sri Lankan sloth bear as well as elephant herds. Transfer to the Mahoora Luxury Tented Camp, your base for day and night safaris in the park. On an afternoon jeep safari in Wilpattu with a resident naturalist guide you may be the only 4x4 roaming through park in search of game due to the low density of other travelers who come to this vast wildland reserve. On your way back, pause to join local villagers and plant a tree in the park. This is one way you can give back and express your gratitude for Sri Lanka s commitment to conservation. Overnight at Mahoora Luxury Tented Camp. [] DAY 3: WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK SAFARIS Rise and shine! This early morning drive will be one of your best chances to see both leopards and sloth bears. Leopards are perhaps the most elusive and hard to spot wild cats on the planet. As Sri Lanka has the highest density of them this is an excellent opportunity to spot these magnificent creatures. Return to camp for lunch and then relax, read, or nap in the beautiful setting surrounding your luxury tent before heading back out in the afternoon. Ask about joining a night game drive if interested, and enjoy a traditional BBQ around the fire with your guides and fellow guests. Overnight at Mahoora Luxury Tented Camp. [] DAY 4: ANURADHAPURA AND THE TREE OF ENLIGHTENMENT Today you ll explore this UNESCO complex by human power on a bicycle! Home to the tree of enlightenment, Anuradhapura is one of the most sacred places for Sri Lankan Buddhists. The past glories of this vast city are still evident through the ancient architecture that dates back to the 3 rd Century BCE. One of the draws is to see what is considered to be the oldest tree in the world the sacred Bo Tree under which it is said Buddha reached enlightenment. Have a delightful picnic lunch prepared by Niuksha and his wife who live nearby and make some of the best pol sambol (a traditional coconut dish) that you ll have in Sri Lanka! Drive to Sigirya and overnight at Vil Uyana. [BL] -3-

4 DAY 5: MONKEYING AROUND AT POLONNARUWA JUNGLE HIKE- SLOW LORIS NIGHT SAFARI Visit the UNESCO site of Polonnaruwa with local guides who have spent the last 20 years researching the primates in Sri Lanka (since 1968 one of the longest continuous study of vertebrate population dynamics). Explore the mighty 10 th C ruins while witnessing firsthand the soap-opera lives of famous monkey characters that have starred in such popular TV and movie classics as The Temple Troop and Dark Days in Monkey City. We have promoted and participated in film documentaries on the premise that the public will conserve only that which they love, and love only that which they understand. - Wolfgang Dittus, head of the Smithsonian Project on why it s important to film the monkeys You'll see three primate species: toque macaques, hanuman langurs, and purple-faced langurs. Guides trained by the American Smithsonian Research Institute show you a variety of social behaviors and organization including maternal care, play, food competition, grooming - and everyone s favorite - a rich repertoire of facial gestures, body postures, and vocal signals. You may also see territorial disputes (warfare) and learn how monkeys (just like us) differ as individuals particularly related to their family and friendship relations and their often-dramatic social histories. On an afternoon walk to the Thalkote Wewa reservoir, hike through the jungle, farms, and paddy fields where you observe the way of life of local villagers living under the back drop of the ancient Sigriya Rock Fortress and sacred Pidurangala Monastery Rock. For hundreds of years this reservoir has provided a life line of water for many villagers in the area to cultivate their crops. Visit a village house and enjoy a snack shared by the family. [As you will be a guest in their house, tipping in cash is considered offensive. However, a simply momento from your home or country is appeciated.] Return to Vil Uyana for dinner before heading out after the sun sets to track the elusive slender slow loris nocturnal primate of Sri Lanka. After an in-depth wildlife briefing by a trained naturalist, don your night vision goggles and walk off into the dark. Beside the slow loris, with luck you may see other nocturnal wildlife such as the Indian civet, fishing cat, mouse deer, and certainly the bats. Overnight at Vil Uyana. [B] DAY 6: SIGIRYA CITADEL- KANDY Sigirya is perhaps Sri Lanka s most famous UNESCO site and an icon of this island nation. The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya was built on a giant rock that rises out of the plains below. Climb through the lion s paws and ascend the stairs to the fortress above. As you make your way up the 1200 steps your local guide will surprise you with shady rest spots complete with various tasty Sri Lankan delicacies to keep you going! -4-

5 Drive to Kandy and jump right in with an exploration of this impressive UNESCO World Heritage city, unconquered for centuries. Walking with a local expert guide is the best way to experience the intricacies of this picturesque city and to fathom the history and culture that made Kandy a bastion of Sri Lankan culture. Amongst other fascinating sights, Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. You will also visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, 147 acres instated in 1374 as leisure gardens for the Kings of Kandy, today a refuge of nature within the city. Conclude at the Queen s Hotel for a cup of Sri Lankan tea where the Queen of England used to reside when in Kandy. In the evening, watch a Kandian dance performance that features 12 different folk and traditional dances. Afterwards, we have arranged to step back stage to meet the dancers, try on a piece of the headgear, and learn the signature wrist twist. Overnight at Earl's Regency. [B] DAY 7: GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK Drive (3 hrs) or take to the skies this morning on a sea plane for breathtaking views of Sri Lanka as you fly from the mountains down to the east coast and make a wet landing right in front of the Batticaloa Fort (optional flight cost $250 per person). The Batticaloa fort was built by the Portuguese in 1628 and was the first to be captured by the Dutch. Situated on an island it is without a doubt one of the most picturesque of the Dutch forts of Sri Lanka. Drive further to Gal Oya (1 hr), the most untouched of all of Sri Lanka s National Parks. It encompasses the country s largest inland body of water, the Senanayake Samudraya Lake. Many small islands provide one of the best places in the world to see the Asian elephant in its natural habitat. Check-in and relax at the beautifully perched Gal Oya Lodge. In the evening take a nature walk around the lodge or simply enjoy the peace and quiet of this beautiful national park and revel in the amount of stars and constellations you can see after the sun goes down. Overnight in Gal Oya Lodge. [] DAY 8: VEDDA TRIBE JUNGLE WALK - GAL OYA BOAT SAFARI Today experience the fascinating history and traditions of Sri Lanka's indigenous inhabitants, the Veddas ('forest-dwellers'). The local chief of the Vedda tribe leads a walk through his village and the surrounding jungles of his ancestors. The Veddas were originally hunter-gatherers who believe in the cult of the dead by worshiping Nae Yakka evoking the spirit of their ancestors in rituals and daily life. You gain insights into their age-old lifestyle and discover how this tribal group has adapted today with a contemporary mix of animism and nominal Buddhism walking through ancient hunting grounds and into cave dwellings in the jungles of the park. Proceeds from this tour support the tribe through a community based tourism initiative. Later this afternoon a boat safari on Gal Oya Lake reveals an abundance of local wildlife including crocodiles, deer, elephants and many rare and endemic species of birds. Watch out for elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the shoreline. Overnight in Gal Oya Lodge. [] -5-

6 DAY 9: RUHUNA RUINS - YALA NATIONAL PARK The drive today between Gal Oya National Park and Yala is more than just a transfer; it s a day of exploration of the ancient Kingdom of Ruhuna. Take off on an overland journey stopping at seldom visited ruins from the Ruhuna Kingdom. Off limits for years due to the civil war and enveloped over centuries by the forest, these ancient dagobas (stupas), Buddha statues, temples, and other ruins, are rarely visited by tourists yet are stunning representations of the might of the Ruhuna Kingdom. Mahigawila is one of the largest free standing limestone Buddha statues in the world! Continue on to Yala National Park, habitat for the best sightings of elephant herds, fine-feathered peacocks, sloth bears and leopards in the country. Embark on a nocturnal safari that will take you along the buffer zone outside the park perimeter where animals cross freely, scouting along jungle trails where elephants, leopards, and bears are known to roam in the dark. Overnight in Mahoora Luxury Tented Camp. [] DAY 10: YALA SAFARIS Leave early for a full day jeep safari and keep an eye out for leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and birds. Yala is leopard country! With a density higher than anywhere else on Earth, these predators prowl the grounds of Yala while elephants roam in vast numbers and cautious deer scamper by their side. Overnight at Mahoora Luxury Tented Camp. [] DAY 11: ELEPHANT HOME UDAWALAWE Relax this morning and then transfer to Udawalawe National Park. The Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, run by the Born Free Foundation, is a must-visit. Located about 5 km away from the Udawalawe National Park, it is a halfway house that cares for wounded adult elephants and orphaned baby elephants. Apart from caring for the sick and orphaned animals, it also rehabilitates them before they are released into the wild. Although visitors are not permitted to be with the elephants up-close and personal, the feeding times of baby elephants are scheduled four times daily and are both informative and lots of fun! After getting your fill of baby elephants, head to Udawalawe where you will embark on a jeep safari into the park. Home to scenic landscapes and rare wildlife, the Udawalawe National Park is a treasure of this emerald isle. Nourished by the Udawalawa reservoir, the park stretches over 30,000 hectares, a vast area of grasses and water for sight many of the 500 elephant inhabiting this area. There are also flocks of sambar deer, wild buffalos, bandicoots, foxes, water-monitor lizards, crocodiles, sloth bears, the occasional leopard, and a wealth of reptiles and birds that can also be observed in their natural habitats. Settle in for the night at the Banyan Camp Ecolodge, located just outside Udawalawe National Park on the banks of the Hambegamuwa Lake. Built with harvested timber, recycled doors & windows, palmyra leaf roof, mortar floors & walls, this tranquil solar powered camp sleeps just 6 and is truly the definition of an ecolodge. Overnight at Banyan Camp Eco Lodge. [B] -6-

7 DAY 12: STAKE FISHING -- GALLE FORT Arise early to visit a fishing village. You not only watch the famous stilt fishermen at work, but you have a chance to try yourself! Perch on one of the tall stakes 2 meters over the water to try your hand with a rod and line guided by a local fisherman. After getting a hang of stake fishing, your fisherman guide will accompany you to the local market and you can grill up a delicious meal together (maybe even with fish that you caught!). Drive to Galle to visit the Galle Fort, one of the best preserved examples of 17th C colonial fortifications in the world. The quaint narrow streets of this living museum still thrum with life even though the pace has slowed considerably since Galle s heyday as the island s premier port two centuries ago. The fortifications of Galle began with the Portuguese in 1587 when they built the Black Fort as a lookout post. The Dutch arrived in 1640 and considerably expanded the fort and added the imposing bastions and thick rampart walls. In 1796 the British took control and their rule marked the final chapter of almost four centuries of European domination which has resulted in the fascinating hybrid architecturally, culturally and ethnically that Galle is today. Overnight in Kahanda Kanda. [] DAY 13: BIKING AND TEA TASTING Embark on a full day biking and tea tasting tour as you experience the lives of the Sinhala people cycling among many small farming villages harvesting coconuts, plantains, and pineapples. The terrain is mostly flat making for a peaceful easy ride along vast stretches of paddy fields and coconut farms, with vehicle support as needed. Enjoy lunch with a local family, and conclude with a tour of a tea factory, including a tasting and opportunity to purchase some to take home. Overnight in Kahanda Kanda. [BL] DAY 14: WHALE WATCHING (NOV APR) TURTLE HATCHERY Have you ever seen the largest mammal on the planet? This is the perfect opportunity to look for them! Drive to Mirissa, one of the best locations in the world to see blue whales. Sri Lanka is situated within the International Whaling commission s protected zone in the Indian Ocean. Of the 80 species of cetaceans identified worldwide, 26 are found in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Dondra Head is one of the best locations in the world for seeing blue and sperm whales together. Sea turtles and pods of hundreds of dolphins are also frequently spotted. Seasonal, from November to April. Continue to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery which was established in 1981 and is one of the first conservation projects to safeguard local turtles from extinction. Since then, the hatchery has released more than 3.5 million baby turtles into the wild! Managed by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Protection Society, the hatchery offers tours and you will have the opportunity to release some hatchlings into the ocean yourself if they are ready! October to April is the main laying season. Overnight in Kahanda Kanda.[B] DAY 15: GALLE COLOMBO DEPARTURE Free morning before transfer to the Colombo Airport for your departure flight. [B] -7-

8 END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. PRICING AND DATES: For pricing click here For dates click here INCLUDED SERVICES Accommodations on single-occupancy, bed and breakfast basis as listed English speaking driver-guide and A/C vehicle Guided tours and excursions including entrance fees to sites and national parks Complimentary water during all transfers, drives and sightseeing Assistance at airports/ hotels at the time of check in and check out at all major cities Meals as specified [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner] Transportation as described including airport-hotel transfers, land, boat, and jeep Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES Airport taxes Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Camera or video fees Any other items not mentioned above -8-

9 Accommodations THE MUD HOUSE Spread throughout a large expanse of forest on the outskirts of a small village in Sri Lanka lies The Mudhouse a private and seductive retreat, far away from the beaten track. Flanked by lakes and blessed with abundant birdlife, wildlife and natural beauty, The Mudhouse offers a range of accommodations in private and individually designed huts. Run with environmental sustainability as its core focus, The Mudhouse aims to be a positive force for the people and nature with whom we co-exist. Locally guided excursions are included in the price of your stay and include kayaking, nature trails, cycling and much more! Meals are also included and prepared according to what is in season and most fresh, often almost entirely sourced from their on site organic garden. You won t find any wifi here but that s the best way to start off this trip that explores some of the most beautiful natural areas our world has to offer! MAHOORA LUXURY TENTED CAMP Mahoora brings you a world class, "pack in - pack out" all inclusive private tented safari camp experience. All safaris are in custom-made jeeps exclusive to Mahoora, and will always be accompanied by a professional naturalist and ranger. The tents are handmade locally and each tent boasts an outer living area, an intimate bedroom and a private en suite bathroom. The bathroom has a flushable commode, hot/cold shower and a washbasin and mirror. Mahoora has been offering carbon neutral tented safaris provide in Sri Lanka since VIL UYANA Jetwing Hotels created a private nature reserve consisting of a wetland system with lakes and reed beds. Jetwing Vil Uyana was built within these environs with rooms which have been placed within the paddy fields itself. You have the option of staying in water, marsh, forest, or garden dwelling and all have unique characteristics that are solely their own. All dwellings do have teak floors, air conditioning, and wifi and there s a swimming pool on the grounds. EARL S REGENCY Live like royalty at the Earl s Regency, located in the heart of the island s cultural capital, Kandy. Your accommodation in Kandy has a view of flowing rivers, lush hills, and looming mountains. Each of the rooms extends out to a balcony with a stunning vista of your surroundings. Spacious and stylish, the 134 rooms at the Earl s Regency are uniquely designed to portray the city of Kandy from the wooden floors to the furniture each piece displays the local influence. Free wifi, A/C, and in room safe. There is a swimming pool and restaurant on site. -9-

10 GAL OYA LODGE Gal Oya Lodge specializes in high-end, environmentally responsible tourism. The nine-room wildlife lodge is constructed from natural materials that have all been locally sourced. Each bungalow is nestled in the forest canopy with jaw dropping views of the park. The bungalows also have private verandas as well as both indoor and outdoor showers and the lodge itself has a swimming pool. Spread across 20 acres of private forest, it s the ideal place to get back to nature. At Gal Oya Lodge, you can enjoy boat safaris, jungle drives, naturalist walks, or just relaxing by the pool. BANYAN CAMP ECO LODGE Banyan Camp is located just outside Udawalawe National Park, on the banks of the Hambegamuwa Lake. Built with harvested timber, recycled doors & windows, palmyra leaf roof, mortar floors & walls this lodge is truly the definition of an ecolodge. Oil lamps & lanterns provide a warm glow in place of electricity with solar power to recharge phones and cameras. The Banyan Camp sleeps up to 6 people, providing accommodation on full board basis. Comfortable Queen-size mattresses are laid in an open plan setting and you ll love trading a 5 star hotel for 5 thousand stars once the sun sets. KAHANDA KANDA Kahanda Kanda is one of southern Sri Lanka's most charming boutique hotels. Nine air-conditioned individual suites boast breathtaking panoramic views of palm fringed jungle and tea estates. With views overlooking Koggala Lake and the surrounding lush greenery of a working tea estate, this retreat offers discerning travelers a unique escape with quick access to the major sites in Galle, including the beach. Each bedroom suite is in a stand-alone building thus ensuring maximum privacy and peaceful surroundings. Each suite is decorated in a different style, filled with an eclectic and individual melange of antiques as well as more contemporary pieces. As part of our Responsible Tourism policy, all suites have solar power heating for the hot water, we re-cycle our waste and we ask that you also act responsibly towards the planet we inhabit. -10-

11 BOOKING YOUR WILDLAND ADVENTURE HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $700 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions -11-