Sri Lanka
Trek Sri Lanka – with optional White Water Rafting
A spectacular, tropical island of contrasts from its landscape and climate, to its ancient cities cool hill stations and adventurous activities, Sri Lanka has so much to offer. Trekking and white water rafting this Challenge incorporates arguably the finest of these experiences. Including climbing the mighty rock fortress at Sigiriya, trekking through the beautiful forested area of Naula, beside dry zone lakes and scrub jungle. Visit the Royal city of Kandy and White water raft on the Kelani river in Kitulgala.…As if that’s not enough, it adds an extra dimension by spending 2 days helping at the Shantha Sevana Hospice.
Day 1: Fr 18th Sept: London Heathrow – Colombo
Depart London Heathrow Airport for your scheduled economy class flight to Colombo.
Day 2: Sat 19th Sept : Colombo – Habarana
Arrive into Colombo Airport and transfer to Habarana the hub of the Cultural Triangle (approx 4 hrs). The drive will take you through small villages interspersed with paddy fields, coconut and rubber plantations and forests. Arrive at the hotel in time for dinner and briefing on the following days trek.
Dinner, Briefing and Overnight: Sigiriya Hotel or similar (D)
Day 3: Sun 20th Sept:Trek- Sigiriya & Kandalama - Damulla
Leave after an early breakfast to climb the 1200 steps of the famous Sigiriya rock fortress ahead of the midday heat.
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, 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.
Having descended the rock transfer (approx 15 mins) to the starting point of todays trek – the12 km trail through scrub and along the Kandalama tank is the best way to explore this wilderness…the trail winds through forest and local farmland bringing you to a large rocky outcrop. Scale the rock for a breathtaking view of the surrounding plains and Sigiriya Rock in the distance. From here you must cross a series of streams so you will have to remove your boots and wade through sometimes thigh high water! – It’s all part of the challenge! Transfer to the lodge (approx 30 mins) for a late lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure – a great chance to relax by the pool or take an optional visit to the cave temples of Dambulla.
The city of Dambulla dates back to the 01st century BC, this complex of 05 caves was used as refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock. Later kings made further improvements and most of the paintings are from the early 19th century – A UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dinner, Briefing and Overnight: Pelwehera Village Resort or similar, Dambulu (B,L,D)
Trek Distance & Estimated duration: 16km / approx 6hrs
Terrain: The days trek is through scrub and along the Kandalama tank, with a short climb and a series of stream crossings (dependent on rainfall).
Difficulty level: Moderate
Day 4: Mon 21st September :Trek, Naula - Kandy
Today you head to the hill capital Kandy. Stop en route in Naula (after approx 45 mins transfer) for a trek in one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
The trail begins at the home of our local trek guide – in a small farming village. As you trek through the farm land you come to a river where you will need to remove your shoes and wade across. From here you leave the low lying dry zone plains behind and head to the wet zone as you ascend in to the central hills. The vegetation, climate and of course the breathtaking views will vary markedly as you climb higher.
The final descent is through a pine forest to a little tea estate village. An estate lorry will be waiting here to transfer you to where you meet the coaches - bouncing along on the back of a truck while it expertly navigates through the estate roads is sure to be a memorable experience! Once you reach the coaches the journey continues to Kandy (approx 2 ½ hrs drive). This evening there is an opportunity for sightseeing of the hill capital Kandy including a visit to the much revered Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Dinner, Briefing and Overnight: Topaz Hotel or similar, Kandy (B,L,D)
Trek Distance & Estimated duration: 10 kms / approx 5-6 hrs
Terrain: The days trek starts with flat terrain through farm land and on forest pathways, followed by steep uphill on sometimes narrow paths. The descent is through a Pine forest where the trail is uneven under foot. Difficulty level: High
Day 5: Tue 22nd Sept: White water rafting, Kitulgala - colombo
Leave after breakfast for the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela (approx 1 ½ hrs transfer) to witness the herd of over 80 elephants as the graze in their enclosure. Watch them bathing in the river which rushes by the orphanage.
Continue on to Kitulgala - the film location of David Lean’s masterpiece ‘The Bridge On the River Kwai’ for a 01 – 02 hour White Water Rafting excursion on the Kelani River. This short but exhilarating rafting is ‘Level 3’ and is suitable for most people.
Change into some dry clothes before enjoying lunch at Kitulgala Rest House then proceeding to Mount Lavinia.
Dinner, Briefing and Overnight: Mount Lavinia Hotel, Columbo (B,L,D)
Day 6: Wed 23rd Sept: Project work Shantha Sevana Hospice
Spend the Day at Shantha Sevana Hospice – Project TBC
Dinner, Briefing and Overnight: Mount Lavinia Hotel, Columbo (B,D)
Day 7: Thur 24th Sept: Project work Shantha Sevana Hospice
Spend the Day at Shantha Sevana Hospice – Project TBC
This evening, celebrate your achievements with a gala dinner.
Dinner, Briefing and Overnight: Browns Beach, Negombo (B,D)
Day 8: Fri 25th Sept: Free Day
Full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the sun, sea and sand
Dinner, Briefing and Overnight: Browns Beach, Negombo (B,D)
Day 9: Sat 26th Sept: Colombo to London (B)
In the morning transfer to the airport (approx 2 hrs) for your flight back to UK arriving into London Heathrow in the evening
B = Breakfast L= Lunch D = Dinner
N.B This is a complicated itinerary and is subject to change. Therefore timings will be confirmed daily by the Local Guide. Trekking duration will also vary according to the group's ability. Please also note that the road conditions in Sri Lanka often mean that transfers can be long and slower than you may be used to.
Challenge Grade: MODERATE (see DESTINATIONS homepage for a general guide)
This trek is graded as ‘Moderate’ and requires a good standard of fitness. It is imperative that participants follow a reasonably serious course of training in order to get the maximum benefit.
During the course of the trek you will cover a huge variety of terrain; from flat forest pathways and gravel roads, through forest Scrub, to undulating hilly terrain, rocky paths and the steep steps of Sigiriya Rock. You will be briefed daily on the type of terrain to be expected the following day.
Over 6 days you will cover approximately 77 kms, trekking for anywhere between 4-8hours a day (average approx 6 hours a day) you also have two White Water Rafting opportunities (up to grade 3 rapids, no experience required).
