Into the Wild, with Rustic Retreats
We will take you through the UNESCO listed rainforest, remote bush camps, tranquil lakes, art-filled jungle sanctuaries, off the beaten tracks, lesser-known national parks, and other rich biodiversity hotspots with this plan. In addition, you may get the chance to watch a movie under the stars, meet indigenous Vedda tribe, canoeing across butterfly-shaped lakes in Belihuloya, learn the art of ancient martial arts, treat yourself with ayurvedic treatment treatments while celebrating this wilderness and soulful wonders of the country.
Campfire dinners, mindful moments through yoga and off-the-grid stays these itinerary covers will certainly add a remark on your Sri Lanka tour with us. Along the way, you can enjoy overnight stays in jungle hideouts, eco-friendly retreats while learning about their sustainable practices, and mobile camping experiences that add a touch of thrill and authenticity to your tour. Do not hesitate to connect with one of the Blue Lanka Tours travel designers right away, to plan your customized tour and let Sri Lanka’s wild heart echo in your own.
1
BIA to Kalutara
- Welcome to Sri Lanka!
- Pickup and Assistance at the Airport.
- Transfer to Kalutara.
- Check-Into Hotel. Relax and Recharge After Your Flight.
- Overnight Stay in Kalutara.
2
Kalutara
- Spend the Day Enjoying the Resort Facilities and Activities.
- Facilities – The Colonial Spa | Swimming Pool | The Scottish Bar | Yoga Pavilion | Exquisite
Outdoor Dining | Sundown Picnic | A floating breakfast in the privacy of your villa. - Activities – Yoga for Beginners | Meditation to Soothe the Soul | The View Point Hike
The Cinnamon Field Trek | Glenross Rubber Experience | Traditional Sri Lankan
Cooking Experience | Board Games for Children | Learn ancient martial art form
of Angampora | Movie Night | ‘Dhyanavabodhya’ – The Mindfulness Stroll. - Overnight Stay in Kalutara.
3
Kalutara
- After having a hearty breakfast at the Hotel, Leave to Sinharaja, for a Guided Walk through
the UNESCO-listed forest, discovering unique flora (orchids, towering trees). - Spot endemic wildlife and rare birds (e.g. Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha).
- Enjoy Mid-day breakfast with a packed lunch while Relaxing in the tranquil rainforest setting.
- Transfer Back to the Property.
- Indulge in a Foot massage along with refreshing beverages upon arriving.
- Overnight Stay in Kalutara.
4
Kalutara to Belihul Oya
- Morning Transfer to Belihuloya.
- Upon Reaching the Meeting Point of the Campsite, Start a Short Welcome Trek Through the Lost World with a Campsite Naturalist!
- Check-Into Your Suite-Tent. Refresh and Relax | Alternatively You May opt for 2-3-Hour Adventure Bushwalk that will take you through the grassland and forest.
- Enjoy a Magical Sunsets at a Viewpoint Around the Campsite.
- Take a Relaxing Soak in Your Bush Bathtub and Spend Evening by the Campfire Stories Under the Stars.
- Spend a Restful Night Isolating with Billion Stars.
- Overnight Stay in Belihuloya.
5
Belihuloya
- Following Early Breakfast, Start the Activities Lined-Up for the Day. It’s Adventure Time!
- Cycle to an Old Village Named ‘Kinchigune’ Where Your Adventure Begins
- Fly Through the Forest with an Exciting Zip-Line Down to the Lake Bank
- Experience Canoeing in Beautiful “Samanala Wewe” (Butterfly Lake)
- Enjoy an Authentic Village Lunch
- Transfer Back to the Campsite by Vehicle
- Relax in your Day Bed / Star Bed, unwind in your Bush Bathtub, or Simply Fall Asleep in Your Private Garden Hammock
- Relish a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars by a Campfire
- Take a Relaxing Night Walk for an Immersive Experience of Nocturnal Wildlife
- Overnight Stay in Belihuloya.
6
Belihuloya to Gal Oya
- Early Morning Guide Nature Trail with an In-House Naturalist.
- Enjoy a Hearty Breakfast at the Campsite.
- Transfer to Gal Oya.
- Enjoy a Picnic Lunch Next to a Beautiful River.
- Go On a Jungle Drive Through Gal Oya National Park.
- Overnight Stay in Gal Oya.
7
Gal Oya
- Morning Enjoy a Boat Ride on Sri Lanka’s Largest Lake.
- With a Little Luck You Could Spot Elephants Swimming Between Islands or Bathing
at the Lake’s Edge. - Evening Explore the picturesque surroundings on a bike, discovering the Authentic
day-to-day routines of local communities. - Overnight Stay in Charming Gal Oya.
Optional Excursions – Enjoy a Walk of Discovery with Chief Veddha | Cycling Tour |
Partake in the Animal Monitoring Project | Jungle Night Walk to Spot Nocturnal
Neighbors |
8
Gal Oya to Maduru Oya
- Morning Transfer to Maduru Oya.
- Arrival at the Pre-Agreed Meeting Location in Henanigala (11:30 AM).
- Greetings by ‘Aadivasi (Vedda Community) of Henanigala’ and Walk in the Forests to
Experience the Traditional Livelihood of Vedda People. - Drive to Explorer by Mahoora Campsite Situated Inside the Maduru Oya National Park in a
4WD Safari Jeep. - Lunch at Campsite.
- Evening Jeep Safari at Maduru Oya National Park (03:00 PM).
- Encounter Traditional Practices of Aadivasi Prior to Dinner.
- Enjoy a BBQ Dinner Around a Campfire.
- Overnight Stay in Maduru Oya.
9
Maduru Oya
- Early Morning Go on a Safari at Maduru Oya National Park (05:30 AM).
- Enjoy a Picnic Style Breakfast During the Safari.
- Later Visit the Fishing Village inside the Maduru Oya National Park – Pick Day’s Catch!
- Return to the Campsite by Mid-Afternoon. Lunch at the Campsite.
- Evening Jeep Safari at Maduru Oya National Park.
- Overnight Stay in Maduru Oya.
10
Maduru Oya to Dambulla
- Relax at the Campsite and Enjoy Breakfast Prior to Leave.
- Transfer to Dambulla.
- Visit to Dambulla Cave Temple.
- Check-Into Your Eco Retreat. Refresh and Relax at Your Own.
- Overnight Stay in Dambulla.
11
Dambulla
- Early Morning Climb to Pidurangala Rock to Witness Stunning Views of Sunrise!
- Enjoy Picnic Breakfast on the Top of the Rock.
- Explore the Countryside of Sigiriya. Meet Locals and Partake in Local Experiences.
- Evening Experience Jungle Kayaking.
- Overnight Stay in Dambulla.
12
Dambulla
- Spend Full Day at Leisure Relaxing and Enjoying Hotel Facilities.
- Your May Experience the Activities Onsite
- Walk on the ‘’Healing Path’’
- Bird Watching
- Take time to draw, paint, sketch at Laki’s studio.
- Overnight Stay in Dambulla.
13
Dambulla to Makandura
- Morning Exploration of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Transfer to Makandura.
- Check-Into Your Resort and Relax.
- Alternatively, You Can Spend the Day Time Experiencing Following Activities
Bird-Watching | Countryside Cycling. - Overnight Stay in Makandura.
14
Makandura to BIA
- Transfer to Airport for Flight Home!
Journey Highlights
- Trip length: 14 Days
- Embrace luxury and serenity together during your stay at Glenross Living.
- Step off the beaten tracks while whispering the wilderness stories of wind in Belihuloya.
- Cruise through Sri Lanka’s best kept secret – Gal Oya and Senanayake Samudraya to witness elephant swim and roam.
- Enjoy a torchlight trail with a naturalist to meet Gal Oya’s mysterious nocturnal residents.
- Discover the wild frontier of Maduru Oya and spot majestic wildlife there.
- Let yourself indulge in the spiritual silence above Sigiriya’s shadow with the climb of Pidurangala Rock.
- Spend an overnight at a poetic hideaway in a forest.
Places you will stay
Belihuloya
Insightful Tips
- Though children of all ages are welcome to partake in this adventure, highly recommended for anyone from 16 and above and certain walks are not ideal for little ones.
- This tour focusses more into rustic stays and off-grid paths – so don’t forget your digital must-haves and a power bank to stay connected with the outside world, when you need to.
- It will be wise to wear long-sleeved shirts during the dusk and dawn to be safe from mosquitoes and other insects. Feel free to bring your own insect repellent, or try locally available Citronella oil to stay bite-free.
- No bright clothes during safaris! Stick to neutral colors, wear closed shoes, dust scarf, bring sunscreen and binoculars.
- A lip balm, a headlamp and a light raincoat will come in handy when trekking, just in case.
- Plan your holiday during March to September with warm temperatures and lower rainfall to enjoy the best in this route.
FAQ
Q: Do I have access to swimming pools at these chosen properties?
Certain properties like Glenross Living, Gal Oya Lodge, Diyabubula, The Barberyn Art and Jungle Hideaway and the Notary’s House do come with a swimming pool. On the same note, bathing pools are available in certain destinations like Belihuloya.
Q: Will I be able to communicate with the outside world once I check-into these rustic hideaways?
Yes, limited mobile coverage will be available. But there are CDMA lines which clients can use to contact family etc. in case of emergency.
Q: Are the roads to these properties or excursions fine for all the vehicles?
Mostly yes. However, a few properties like Ahas Pokuna, do offer alternative transportation options such as jeep or tuk-tuk services to reach the premises. Sometimes, road conditions may appear poor due to heavy rains which should be expected as after all, this is a getaway into the heart of nature!
Q: Is there air-conditioning rooms or tents in each property?
While the rooms, suites or cabanas in Glenross Living, Diyabubula and The Notary’s House are equipped with air conditioning; some tented accommodations only offer fans. This is often due to the minimal need for air conditioning and the nature of mobile camping, where fewer facilities are available.
Q: What should be in my packing list?
Pack light and only bring essentials for your stay as follows:
Clothing Essentials:
- Light, neutral-colored clothes
- Long trousers, track-bottom pants and comfy shorts
- T-shirts or breathable cotton shirts
- Sun hat for daytime walks
Footwear:
- Trekking or walking shoes with good grip
- Comfortable sandals and covered shoes for evenings
Personal Care:
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- Leech socks
Useful Extras:
- Binoculars
- Dust scarf or light jacket for variable weather
Weather Prep:
- Pack for warm, sunny, rainy, and windy conditions