Sri Lanka aktiv

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

Day 1:
Negombo. Members of our tour group will be arriving at different times throughout the day. So, after you have arrived in Negombo and checked into our hotel, the day is free for you to spend as you wish. We suggest you might like to take a look at some of the local areas of interest. Negombo is a busy town with an interesting historical past. It stretches along the west coast shoreline of Sri Lanka and one of the main things it is known for is fishing. The fisherfolk - known as Karavas - take out their oruvas/canoes onto the Indian Ocean for their catches. These are then sold in the local markets. You can walk along the coastline to visit the old Dutch fort, which was built in the 17th century. Nearby is a green where cricket is played. Dutch colonisers built canals in the area and if you feel energetic, hire a bicycle for a ride along the towpaths. But if you feel like taking things easy today you can laze on the beach.

The tour leader will give a Pre Departure briefing on your trip at 18.00pm. After that there is time for dinner.

Day 2:
Pinnawela. After an early breakfast at the hotel, we head to Pinnawela.

En route we visit an Elephant Orphanage to see the world’s largest herd of domestic elephants, including young who are still being fed by bottle. This is your first opportunity to get close to these wonderful animals, which are so important to Sri Lankan culture. Centuries ago all elephants belonged to the Crown and to kill one was a terrible offence. Elephant imagery can be found throughout Sri Lankan art and the animal is a much-loved creature. Today there are 2,700 wild elephants in Sri Lanka’s National Parks and although it is a protected species it is still at risk.

In the afternoon we cross the river and start hiking through coconut estates, paddy fields, rubber plantations and typical villages to reach the main road. We cross a bridge and walk up to our hotel in Pinnawela.

Day 3:
Hiking Seven Virgins Mountain Range and to Dalhouise. After breakfast we transfer to Laxapana. From here we start hiking in the Seven Virgins Mountain Range for 3-4 hours. This area became famous in the 70's when a DC10 plane crashed, killing abut 200 Haj pilgrims from Indonesia.

Later we are picked up and transferred to Dalhouise - near the base of Adam's Peak. The afternoon is spent relaxing in and around our Guesthouse.

Day 4:
Adam's Peak to Ingiriya. Today we have a very early start - we rise at about 2am to begin our trek to the summit of Adam's Peak. Adam's Peak is the Holy Mountain in Sri Lanka, on top of which there is a footprint which is worshipped by people of all faiths. Thousands of pilgrims make the ascent during the season from the day of the full moon in December, to the day of the full moon in May. But it is interesting at any time. The trek to the summit takes 4-5 hours. We aim to arrive in time to witness the spectacular sunrise.

The descent takes 3-4 hours, after which there is time to relax. We are transferred to our campsite in Ingiriya. The campsite is in a rubber plantation, with a canal deviating from the main river close by.

Tasty local food will be prepared and served at the campsite.

Please note that tents are provided whilst camping, as well as mattresses and sheets. Sleeping bags are not generally needed due to the tropical weather. Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow if you require them.

Day 5:
Canoeing on Kalu Ganga (Black River). After breakfast at the camp site, there will be a briefing about the canoeing. We then start canoeing down the Kalu Ganga - which is one of Sri Lanka's four major rivers, flowing from Adam's Peak to the Indian Ocean. As you canoe, you will see different lifestyles of people living by the river - sand extraction and illegal river gem mining for example.

Tonight we overnight at a campsite in Anguruwatota. The campsite is again in a rubber plantation, bordering the mighty Kalu Ganga.

Day 6:
Bentota. After breakfast at the campsite, we leave for the beautiful beaches of the south coast of Sri Lanka, and the coastal town of Bentota. We start cycling through typical low country habitats, passing through coconut plantations, cinnamon plantations, paddy fields, home gardens and small townships.

We arrive into Bentota, where the balance of the day is free to relax.

Days 7-8:
In Bentota. Now you have time to spend on Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline at Bentota, where there are fine beaches and many things to do. You can relax on the beach or try out some of the many water sports available here, or, if you fancy, go for a walk to some of the local fishing villages. We include a visit to the monastery across the river, near the river mouth one evening, and there attend a "Pooja" - a short meditation session, in an effort to reconcile the mind to attain spiritual purity!

Day 9:
To Negombo. Today we drive to Negombo where the tour ends on arrival.

If you are extending your stay in Negombo at the end of the tour, you will be dropped in Negombo. For those who are flying out you will be transferred to the Airport.