Off The Beaten Track
10 Nights & 11 Days
Including stays within Mud Huts with local rurally based excursions to scenic nature walks through the pristine Knuckles ranges and its remote villages to scenic boat rides in the Senanayake Samudraya and guided bush walks with picnic lunches in the remote Gal Oya National Park, guided walks and interactions with local farmers in Wellawaya and beach stays in the secluded Tangalle beaches in the south coast, this itinerary is designed to include some unique travel experiences that are not prominently featured in the standard tours and travel brochures. It is also suitable for families traveling with older children.
Day 01
The Mud House, Anamaduwa
Mud Hut – All Inclusive
Upon arrival, you will be met by your chauffeur guide and travel to the Mud House in Anamaduwa for an authentic rural Sri Lankan experience.
In the late afternoon, go on a short cycle or tuk-tuk ride to the majestic Paramakanda Temple, a towering rocky outcrop with spectacular 360 degree views, stunning shrine rooms and fascinating frescoes
The Mud House, Anamaduwa
Mud Hut – All Inclusive
Travel with a packed breakfast to Kalpitiya and go on a dolphin watching excursion where large pods of over a thousand spinner dolphins maybe encountered.
Afterwards, return to the Mud House and join the resident chef and learn how to cook a traditional village Sri Lankan rice and curry the traditional way – with clay pots and firewood hearths, which you can enjoy for lunch.
Afternoon at the Mud House for locally based excursions which include birdwatching, kayaking in the local lake, guided nature walks and scenic cycling rides.
Day 02
Day 03
Sir John’s Bungalow, Knuckles
Deluxe Room – H/B
Morning, leave for the Sir John’s Bungalow, an old colonial bungalow turned hotel which is located in the Knuckles mountain ranges. This is a great location for exploring the outdoors with stunning landscapes, sweeping views, adventurous hikes, and unique eco-systems.
In the late afternoon, go on a short trek to Mini World’s End escarpment at Pitawala Pathana, from where you can get a panoramic views of the Knuckles mountain ranges and some of its valleys below.
Day 04
Spend the day exploring the Knuckles region and commence the trek from village of Rathkinda situated at the base of the elephant shaped rock “Manigala”. This scenic trek goes through the foot paths of the villages, past terraced paddy fields and then enters the forest canopy of the valley to the sound of rushing streams which teams with endemic flora and fauna.
Sir John’s Bungalow, Knuckles
Deluxe Room – H/B
Day 05
Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya
Bungalow, F/B
After breakfast, leave for the Gal Oya Lodge, which is hidden away in a remote corner of Sri Lanka.
In the afternoon, go on a boat safari at the Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka where you can see herds of Asian Elephants, Mugger Crocodiles, large flocks of water birds such as Greater Cormorant, Spot-billed Pelicans, raptors such as White-bellied Sea Eagle and Grey-headed Fish Eagles.
Day 06
Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya
Bungalow, F/B
Spend the day exploring Nilgala, which is accessed by jeep where a variety of wildlife including Elephants, Spotted Deer, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jackal and Wildboar along with over 200 bird species have been recorded. There are also a number of walking trails available within the national park. The Makara trek is about an hour long walk through the jungle passing through a series of rocky outcrops and caves. The trail leads to a viewpoint known as the Dragon’s mouth along the Nilgala River, where the river flows under a layer of boulders and emerges from the other side. You can also enjoy a picnic inside the park. Enjoy a cooked lunch next to the Gal Oya river, a waterfall or overlooking one of the park’s many scenic look out points and have the entire place to yourself. For those wishing to while away the hours in one of the park’s most beautiful spots, swim and relax, a delicious picnic lunch can be prepared on site by the hotel’s chef.
Day 07
Jetwing Kaduruketha, Wellawaya
Deluxe Dwelling – H/B
Morning, go on a guided nature walk with the local Veddah chief in the forest visiting their ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings.
Afterwards, leave for Jetwing Kaduruketha in Wellawaya stopping en-route at Buduruwegala ,a hidden gem of an archeological site near Wellawaya comprising of seven large precisely cut rock sculptures which are believed to date back to the 10th century AD. Jetwing Kaduruketha is a unique agro-eco luxury resort which is renowned for its rustic charm, character and stylish simplicity.
Spend the afternoon with a local farmer and get a hands-on experience of everyday life in a traditional farming village. Providing a feast for the eyes, a village in Sri Lanka is the unfolding of a panoramic view of fields, farms, hills and rivers.
Day 08
Jetwing Kaduruketha, Wellawaya
Deluxe Dwelling – H/B
Morning, travel by road to see the majestic Diyaluma Falls, which is a sight not to be missed and is located close to the town of Koslanda on the road to Wellawaya, it is the second highest waterfall in the country, with a sheer drop of 171 meters.
Afternoon at leisure, where you can go on a cycle ride or go on a guided nature walk with the resident environmentalist at the hotel.
Day 09
Anantara Peace Heaven Tangalle Resort, Tangalle
Premier Ocean View Room – H/B
After breakfast, leave for Tangalle on the south coast and check-in at the Anantara Peace Heaven Tangalle Resort and spend the remainder of the day at leisure by the beach.
After dark, you have the option of visiting nearby Rekawa Beach where you may see nesting sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Green Turtles and Olive Ridleys are the most encountered species while the Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback may also be seen sporadically.
Day 10
Anantara Peace Heaven Tangalle Resort, Tangalle
Premier Ocean View Room – H/B
After breakfast, visit the Mulkirigala Rock Temple, which is a collection of ancient cave temples on the summit of a 200 metre high rocky outcrop. Going back to the 2nd century AD, this is a monastic site where the temples are carved out of a huge rock outcrop reminiscent to Sigiriya form the exterior. From the summit, which is 200 metres above sea level, there are panoramic views of the surrounding jungles and countryside.
Remainder of the day at leisure by the beach.
Day 11
BIA, Katunayeke
Morning, leave for the Bandaranaike International Airport by road. You have the option of flying on a scheduled Cinnamon Air flight on a fixed-wing aircraft to either Colombo or the Airport directly.