Drive to Knuckles Range. The Knuckles Range has 5 climatic conditions within 62 km. There are over 200 birds endemic to Sri Lanka, 15 of those are found within the Knuckles area. Out of 16 butterflies endemic to Sri Lanka, there are 8 species found in Knuckles. There are 17 mountains found within Knuckles. It has been reported that the first village was founded here some 35,000 years before the written history of Sri Lanka began. In the afternoon, you will do a 7km trek from Kobonilla to Loolwatte to Corbet’s gap. Enjoy the panoramic views, unique rock formations and different vegetation types from the Corbet’s Gap-sphinx rock, Kalupanaha, Lakegala to the North-east and Dumbara valley to the east which are breathtaking. Overnight at Corbet`s View.
Day 10
In the morning, do a 7km trek from Kobonilla to Deenston to Mini World’s End. Enjoy the panoramic view from the Mini World’s End located opposite Deenston forest office. This area is within the Knuckles Conservation Area. After lunch, you can either have free time to sit and enjoy the magnificent views from Corbet`s View or you could walk down to the little village and take a look at the paddy fields. There are also a number of other treks that you can arrange locally with the caretaker at Corbet’s View, if you so wish. Overnight at Corbet`s View.
Day 11
Drive to Dambulla. On the way visit Aluvihara Temple. We will also visit a Spice Garden where you will see how spices and herbs grow. You will learn about Ayurvedic medicine and buy some spices, if you wish. Visit Dambulla Cave Temple. This is the largest painted cave temple in the world which was built in the 1st century BC. There are over 200 statues of Lord Buddha. Dambulla temple is one of the few living World Heritage sites in the country. After lunch, drive to our hotel. Free time to lie by the pool. Overnight in Dambulla.
Day 12
Drive to Habarana elephant camp. You do an elephant ride which takes about 2 hours. Elephants will cross a lake and go in to the forest. The trekkers will spot some birds, lizards and if you are lucky, crocodiles, for you. Drive Rose Quartz Mountain, the biggest Rose Quartz rock in South East Asia. It covers an area of about 500 acres, comprising 7 peaks reaching over 300 metres high. It is said that stone from here was used for the decoration of the many motifs and inlays found in the Taj Mahal. To reach it, we walk through an Ironwood Forest. This was planted in the 8th Century AD by King Dappula and as such is the oldest man-made forest in Sri Lanka. It covers an area of over 200 acres. It would take about an hour to get to the top. In the late afternoon, you will climb Sigiriya. Sigiriya is a rock which stands approx. 200 metres high and was a capital of Sri Lanka in the 5th century. This was a rock fortress of a king who was hiding away from his brother. Apart from the panoramic view from the top, there is a lot to see in Sigiriya - mirror wall, oldest unpreserved frescoes, lions paws, water gardens, ruins of the kings palace, kings pool, moats, ramparts and the cobra head cave are a few to mention. Overnight in Dambulla.
Day 13 and 14
Drive to beach hotel in Negombo. Rest of the day to lie by the pool or on the beach.
Free day to lie by pool or beach.
**please note that there are two optional activities in trip:
White water rafting and the elephant ride will cost you £ 20 (for each activity) per person.
Other optional activities
Climbing Adam's peak from December till April. It's a sacred mountain to the Buddhists and thousands of pilgrims visit the holy shrine on the top of the mountain. However you need to be very fit to do this climb because it takes about 6 hours.
There is a chance of taking a hot air balloon ride in Sigiriya (optional).
Accommodation
We use star class hotels with character. However, there are two nights on the trip where you stay at rest houses because of non-availability of hotels. Most of the hotels you stay at have pools (see *)(10 nights).Single rooms are available at a supplement of £150. Please advise us at the time of booking.
Transport
We use an air-conditioned mini-bus during the trip. We take jeeps to Yala National Park.
Group size
Minimum 2 pax. Maximum 16 pax + guide and driver
Food
Breakfast is included throughout except the day you arrive in Sri Lanka. Lunch at the village on the day you cycle is included. We suggest you allow about £150 for all other meals.
Currency information
Sri Lankan unit of currency is the Rupee. At the time of writing, £1= 185 Rupees. You need to change some money at the airport. ATMs are available in towns. All hotels accept credit cards.
What to take
Cotton t-shirts and shorts. Trousers to visit temples. Sandals. Trainers for walks. A fleece. Umbrella. Waterproof jacket.
Visa
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. A free 30 day Visa is obtained on arrival for most nationalities. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your Visa, if necessary.
Vaccinations
Please consult your doctor for up to date information before you travel.
Flights
Flights are not included.
Tipping
Tipping is part of the way of life in Sri Lanka and you need to allow about £2 per day per person for this.
Trip profile
**please note that there are two optional activities in trip: White water rafting and the elephant ride will cost you £ 20 (for each activity) per person.
Other optional activities Climbing Adam's peak from December till April. It's a sacred mountain to the Buddhists and thousands of pilgrims visit the holy shrine on the top of the mountain. However you need to be very fit to do this climb because it takes about 6 hours.
There is a chance of taking a hot air balloon ride in Sigiriya (optional).
Accommodation We use star class hotels on availability. The nature of this trip restricts us from using hotels throughout. However, you have access to pools on 7 nights. Accommodation at Knuckles is basic but has character.
Transport We use an air-conditioned mini bus during the trip. We take jeeps to Uda Walawe National Park.
Group size Minimum 2 pax. Maximum 16 pax + guide and driver
Food Breakfast is included throughout except the day you arrive in Sri Lanka. Lunches at Lipton Seat, Rainforest, 2 days at Knuckles are included. We suggest you allow about £150 for all other meals (excluding drinks).
Currency information Sri Lankan unit of currency is the Rupee. At the time of writing, £1= 165 Rupees. You need to change some money at the airport. ATMs are available in towns. All hotels accept credit cards.
What to take Cotton t-shirts and shorts. Trousers to visit temples. Sandals. Trainers for walks. A fleece. Umbrella. Waterproof jacket.
Visa All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. A free 30 day Visa is obtained on arrival for most nationalities. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your Visa, if necessary.
Vaccinations Please consult your doctor for up to date information before you travel.
Flights Flights are not included.
Tipping Tipping is part of the way of life in Sri Lanka and you need to allow about £2 per day per person for this.
