OVERVIEW
Accommodation
This itinerary is purely "Off The Grib" for Adventurous ONLY with local accommodation, traditional tent camping, government resthouse with limited to NO Commodity. For this adventure trip certains nights will be fixed as no other property exist in the area and thoses lodging will be simple to basic. For the Beach Retreat, let us know what service expectation you desire from 2* to 5* property)
Simple Local Lodge 1* aside Maduru Oya - Basic Double or Twin Beds Room with Sharing Toilet & Shower Room
Government Resthouse or Simple Local Lodge 1* aside Galoya - Basic Double or Twin Beds Room with Sharing Toilet & Shower Room
Pure Bush Camping in the heart of Galoya National Park - Simple Tent with no toilet & shower
Downsouth Beach Retreat - Belong to you to let us know the property category you desire to live in (from Beach Retreat 2* to Private Villa 5*)
Bush Beach Camp in the heart of Kumana National Park - (Let us know the level of the service & prestation expectated for your camp property as simple tent with yoga mat or simple glamping 1* with bed can be arrange)
ITINERARY
Day 1 (L-D) Sigiriya/Dambulla/Pollonaruwa - Sunset Birding in Maduru Oya National Park Countryside
From your property located between Sigiriya, Dambulla or Pollonaruwa area, after your breakfast, you get ahead to Maduru Oya National Park (about 3h30min drive), on the way you will be able to stop on the road when some wildlife, birds can be spotted or some sceneries can be contemplate.
At your arrival at the lodge, proceed to your check in before running around your property for a sunset birding session around reservoir where multiple birds types, bats can be observe. Back to your property for your dinner. Rest of the night free & easy
Night in a Simple Local Lodge aside Maduru Oya
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Birds Encounter can be spotted: Woolly-Necked Stork, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Crested Treeswift, Indian Swiftlet, Pheasant-Tailed Jacana, Green Imperial-Pigeon, Purple Sunbird, Streaked Weaver, and many more ... Some Endemic: Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Red-faced Malkoha, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Scimitar-babbler, Spot-winged Thrush
Day 2 (B-L-D) Sunrise Safari Game Drive in Maduru Oya National Park - Sunset Birding in Gal Oya National Park Countryside
By 5am, you will depart to the entrance of Maduru Oya National Park (about 1h-1h30min drive), on the way across the night & its myst can spot some wild as Asian Elephant, Golden Chacal,... At your arrival at the park entrance, take sometime to enjoy your take away breakfast with hot coffee and tea before embarking into 2h Safari Game Drive into one of the most wildest & un-explore national park build up with huge reservoir surrounded by evergreen forest, huge & stunning grassland sceneries & the rare and endemic tree vatica obscura, the only species of the Dipterocapaceae to occur in the dry zone can be seen here. Open your eyes during this ride along superb dusty or muddy road (depend of the climatic condition), and spot Asian Elephant, Wild Buffalo, Chacal, get lucky if any Jungle Cat, Sri Lankan Leopard show themself, multiple birds species will show along your way to enlight the experience. After your safari ride you will get back to your lodge for your lunch before getting back on the road to Gal Oya National Park (about 2h ride).
At your arrival at your Simple Lodge, take some time to rest before heading for another Sunset Birding Session across farm land & lakes in diverse location
Night in a Simple Lodge or Government Resthouse aside Gal Oya
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Birds Encounter can be spotted: Alexandrine Parakeet, Plum-Headed Parakeet, Tickell Blue Flycatcher, Oriental White-Eye, Red-Vented Bulbul, Ceylon Paradise Flycatcher, Small Minivet Crested and many more ...
Day 3 (B-L-D) Sunrise Boat Safari inside Senanayake Samudra Wildlife Lake Sanctuary - Sunset Safari & Camping in Gal Oya National Park
Discover an ancient land untouched by time, a haven of serenity in which to reconnect with the rhythms of the earth. Immerse yourself in nature. Soak yourself in local culture. Explore the rich wildlife of Gal Oya, one of Sri Lanka’s most remote and least visited wilderness areas where secluded wildlife paradise and some of the most beautiful landscapes can be experience.
One of the aspects that make Galoya National Park truly special is that it is the only place where you can take the only boat safari in Sri Lanka and, if you are lucky, see the Asian elephant swimming in its natural habitat. Imagine the thrill of being out on the water in a NP, watching these magnificent creatures swimming from island to island, foraging and socializing at the water’s edge of the largest manmade lake in Sri Lanka . But also being lucky to spot some of the 32 species of mammal including elephants, wild boar, leopards, sloth bears as well as 100s of bird species.… an absolute experience to live in! The memory will stay with you long after your return home.
By 5am, you will depart to the Wadinagala Reservoir for 2h on an unique sunrise boat cruise on the Senanayake Samudra Sanctuary for some water birds & wildlife watching as pelican, black cormorant, Black-Headed Ibis and with a little luck you could spot elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge, Mugger Crocodile chilling by the sand bar surrounded by superb sceneries of islands & sharp mountain range. Back to your lodge for breakfast and sometime free and easy.
By 2-3pm, we depart to enter Galoya National park by jeep for a 3h safari and set up the camp where you will be staying overnight in the heart of the National Park. During the ride tufted Grey Langur, herds of White Spotted Deers & wild Buffalo, Asian Elephant can be spotted with multiple tropical birds. Enjoy the most esthetic sunset scenery Galoya can offer.
At your arrival at the camp side, set up your tent before enjoy a local dinner in the wild of Gal Oya National Park with its wildlife sound intensify upon the night move on. “Be aware this is a pure camping experience, no toilet and shower has been set up”, we will show you where you can take care of you. Rest of the night free & easy
Night in a Pure Bush Camping in the heart of Galoya National Park - Simple Tent with yoga mat with no toilet & shower
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Birds Encounter can be spotted: Galoya recorded than 150 species of birds. The Alexandrine Parakeet, Plum-Headed Parakeet, Spot-Billed Pelican, Red-Faced Malkoha can seen even if they are very shy. The Indian cormorant, Oriental Darter, Grey Heron, and Lesser Whistling Duck are among the common water birds you will be able to spot around the Senanayake reservoir. The white-bellied sea eagle, and grey-headed fish eaglewill be more visible in the grassland part as well as the indian roller.
Day 4 (B-L-D) Sunrise Safari in Gal Oya National Park - Pottuvil - Kudumbigala Wildlife & Monestary doorstep of Kumana National Park 4x4 Sunset Ride
An early morning start as by 5:30am we jump into our 4x4 jeep to ride the park dusty road for 3h sunrise jeep ride into the Gal Oya National Park for you get more opportunity to spot the morning wildlife as elephant, fox, chacal, grey langgur … as well as multiple birds species and get lucky to appreciate the sunrise and a very specific sceneries which only Gal Oya National Park offer. We will be back to the camp side for breakfast and pack up before we head to the entrance of the national park the government hostel for a shower and toilet before depart for the next destination.
By latest 9.30- 10.00am, you will embark for 2h transfer to your beach lodge aroung Arugam Bay (40km North of Kumana National Park). At your arrival, you will be enjoying your lunch prior your check in and enjoy some freetime for you to rest a bit or walk around the property.
The only dirt road access to Kumana cross over its buffer zone who owned an ancient a forest hermitage called Kudumbigala, dates back to the 3rd Century and has always been a reputed Buddhist hermitage. Number of caves, with rock inscriptions and ruined temple complexes cover by tick evergreen tick forest shared by wild animals (Sri Lankan Leopard, Sloth Bear, Asian Elephant, Crocodile, Golden Chacal and many more...) stick by reservoir, lagoon & padi fields where farmers, fisherman, monks live to share the same land.
Kudumbigala Wildlife Sanctuary is an incredible place to experience by walk & 4x4 to go deep into the wild cultural spot. Multiples migratory & resident birds can be spotted as well as numerous of wildlife.
By 2.00pm you will head off
for a 3-4h 4x4 ride within Kudumbigala Wildlife Sanctuary located on the way to Kumana National Park where you could spot Sri Lankan Elephant, Golden Chacal, Crocodile, multiple birds and of course hiking through the bush to go to some monestary offering astonishing & rare sceneries (keep your geat at all time, you could be surprise). At your way back to your beach property, refresh yourself away from the dust cought during the ride then join us for your dinner. Rest of the evening free & easy.
Night at Downsouth Beach Retreat - Belong to you to let us know the property category you desire to live in (from Beach Retreat 2* to Private Villa 5*)
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Birds Encounter can be spotted: Waterbirds inhabiting wetlands of Kumana & Yala is 90% are migrants - Waterfowl, cormorants (little cormorant, Indian cormorant), large waterbirds (grey heron, black-headed ibis, Eurasian spoonbill, Asian openbill, painted stork), medium-sized wader and small wader are among the most common waterbirds. Black-necked stork and lesser adjutant are many of the rare birds that can be seen in the park. The migrant great white pelican and resident spot-billed pelican, lesser flamingo, pelicans, and rare species such as purple heron, night herons, egrets, purple swamphen, and Oriental darter. Crested serpent eagle and white-bellied sea eagle are the raptors of the park. The forest birds are orange-breasted green pigeon, hornbills, Old World flycatchers, Indian paradise flycatcher, Asian barbets, and Orioles.
Day 5 (B-L-D) Camping in the heart of Kumana National Park & 4x4 Sunset Wildlife Safari Ride
After your breakfast, you will enjoy a free & easy morning before embarking in a 4x4 and from the asphalt to the dust road to Kumana National Park until you get to your camp (around 2-3h driving), during this drive, open your eyes and observe all wildlife and birdlife can be encounter. Upon arrival at the Camp, proceed to your check in your tent, then enjoy an home made lunch (depend of your arrival time). After lunch take some time to chill and appreciate the camp site, before by 3pm joining an afternoon game drive of 3hrs ride on divers dusty roads Kumana could offer. By sundown, you will drive baco to the camp located in the heart of Kumana National Park, were your simple dinner under stars and surrounded by oil lamps & Bonfire will be served. Take the time to commune with the nature and the people you are with. Your rest of your night will be free and easy. (No night walk will be allowed outside of the camp due to possible wildlife around).
Night in a Bush Beach Camp in the heart of Kumana National Park - (Let us know the level of the service & prestation expectated for your camp property as simple tent with yoga mat or simple glamping with bed can be arrange)
Day 6
(B
) 4x4 Sunrise
Wildlife Safari Ride - Arugam Bay/Pottuvil
Very early in the morning wake up around 5:30am, enjoy some coffee & tea (around 5:30am), you will then depart at 6am for a 3h morning drive where you will embark yourself into a 4x4 in others roads Kumana offers for you to be able to spot the morning crowded which some species can be only seen during sunrise time. Get the opportunity to walk into the wild and reach Bambaragasthalawa Ancient Temple (name given by the huge trees around the sacred site holding Bambara giant bee hives) which owned a giant reclining Buddha unfortunately has been damaged due to various acts of vandalism and nature as well as other caves close by where numerous rock inscriptions can be seen. Those caves night time are refuge to sloth bear, leopard has it wont be a surprise to see some poop and foot step on those species. Back to the camp for breakfast, then you will packed up for us to depart back to Arugam bay where your transport will be awaiting for you to leave for your next destination.
INCLUDED / EXCLUDED
What is Included?
All transfer
depart from Sigiriya/Polonnaruwa and ended in Arugam Bay/Pottuvil with a licenced national guide driver, all accommodations, full board meals, all entrances fees of National Parks, Forest Reserve & Sanctuary, 4x4 jeep safari games with Rangers as mentioned in the itinerary in Maduru Oya, Galoya & Kumana National Parks with experience 4x4 driver, one Boat Safari in Galoya Nationa Park with Rangers, drinking water, coffee & tea,
What is Excluded?
Additional 4x4 Safari, all chargeable water activities & surf lesson and board rental at your beach property in Arugam Bay, sodas and alcoholic beverages (none are available at some sites, we will let you know, need to buy by yourself prior arrival), tipping and gratuities to your licenced guide driver, Naturalist & 4x4 driver.
ADD INFO
What to Bring?
Head lamp, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera (if you have a DSLR with one 300mm lense to capture some wildlife & bird close up will be a plus), dry bag, money, change of clothes, swimwear, Pareo, water bottle/flask, toiletries, own medical treatment, basic first aid kit, very good light trekking shoes (Salomon X trail for example), anti-transpirant socks, light clothes for the treks easy to dry fast, one sweater for the night in case temperature drop down and the rain fall, Sleeping bag (15-20 degree), Floor/Yoga Mat
Things you should know!
Cell phone coverage could be sometime not available.
Outdoor activities are subject to weather conditions, and may be re-organised in the event of bad weather.
Departure
Daily based on a minimum booking of 2 pax per departure. Solo traveler will incur single supplement charges. For nature lover, wildlife & birding watcher & photographer, active family, groups of friends and others in good physical condition and good stamina.
BE AWARE: This trip will depart from Sigiriya/Plonnaruwa Area and will be ended at Arugam Bay/Pottuvil Area.
Guide
Our Licenced National Guide Driver will be welcoming you onboard and will make sure you will be carefully taking care for your first to your last day.
Recommended for
Adventurous Family, couple, nature enthusiast, birder & wildlife lover wanting to get away from the mass and close to nature. Willing to experience traditional Camping in various National Parks in simple tent with yoga mat in the middle of the Nature with limited or NO Commodity at all.
This program can be suitable for children 10 years and above if stamina is prepared as the trails surrounding the area (No challenging trail)
Do we accept children
Minimum age required will be 10 years old Teenager
Responsible Traveler
Be aware that you will be in a reserved area and a sensitive environment. Consider your actions:
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Cut out plastic – remove and recycle plastic packaging before coming into the area
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Bring rechargeable batteries as disposable batteries leach toxic chemicals as they degrade in a landfill, and recycling facilities are scarce in areas like Sri Lanka
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Bring your own water flask (metal will be better) – you can fill up at the eating area instead of purchasing bottled water
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If you smoke, never throw your cigarette butts on the ground or in the forest – dispose of them in ashtrays or bins
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During outdoor and nature activities, take your cues from the expert local guides. Follow their instructions when observing wildlife. Be aware that you may need to take extra care in these areas to respect the natural environment.
