Sinharaja Trekking is an absolutely awesome activity to do for nature lovers. It is a world famous rain forest situated in Sri Lanka. In this guide we will explain all the information about Sinharaja Forest and how you can plan a trek to Sinharaja with Mahaweli Tours and Holidays.

Here’s what’s amazing about Sinharaja:

Sinharaja is full of flora and fauna that are endemic to Sri Lanka. According to research, more than 60 percent of the forest’s trees are considered rare and endemic. How amazing is that? A lot of natural elements are hidden inside this forest. There are waterfalls, rainforest vegetation, streams, and canopies. It is situated in the south-west lowland of Sri Lanka and is surrounded by local villages.

History and formation of the forest

According to some old folklore, the territory was once royal, belonging to ancient kings during the colonial era.It also has a name called “Rajasinghe Forest.” Nonetheless, this rainforest is untouched by any alteration by humans. Trekking in this virgin rainforest, which is the last viable one in Sri Lanka, is truly an exquisite experience. The forest gets thicker with every step you take. Once the trekking starts, you will feel yourself detaching from your world and attaching yourself to nature with every step you take. Sinharaja still has many places where a single human foot has not yet stepped in. It is full of biodiversity.

Calling out all nature lovers to join trekking at Sinharaja Rainforest

If you are a nature lover who loves seeing the beautiful diversity, Sinharaja is the best place in Sri Lanka. When you start venturing into the forest, you will understand that the forest consists of only the sounds of nature. There is no human intervention whatsoever. It is beautiful to experience endless birds chirping and see snakes and reptiles in their truest element. You will even hear leaves falling off the trees because there is no other sound other than the dominating sound of nature. It is the truest dimension of natural beauty.

There is no such thing as “the best time to go” to Sinharaja forest. But if you need to avoid the monsoon, then it is better to avoid February, March, May, and July. Depending on the amount of it you want to see, the time duration varies. There is a research center inside the forest. So for all you nature lovers and researchers, you have everything you need to know right inside the forest. We will take you on an unforgettable trekking session where you will get to see the endemic amphibians and birds of Sri Lanka. The Sinharaja Rainforest is one of its kind. So come with your backpack prepared to go trekking at this majestic site.

Sinharaja Trekking with Mahaweli Tours

Sinharaja is none other than the last sustainable rainforest on this small island. Trekking in a place as prestigious as this is a privilege. This tour is uniquely constructed and designed to give you an experience of the natural world at its best. We will provide you with a guide who will communicate with you effectively in English. If you require language-specific guides, they can be arranged upon request. This is a forest reserve that has been declared a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. It is amazing to know that this tiny island has so many natural treasures, such as Sinharaja.

Duration: Approximately 6 hours

Inclusions: Snacks, Lunch, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes

Meeting Point: Mederipitiya Bus Station, Poddana, Mederipitiya Dombagoda Rd, Deniyaya

End Point: The activity concludes at the meeting point.

Pickup Details: Kindly send us a message or WhatsApp message with the name of your hotel. If your hotel is in close proximity to the Sinharaja Forest entrance gate, our guide will personally visit your hotel for the meetup.

 

Additional Information:

  • Confirmation will be provided upon booking.
  • Please note that this tour/activity is not wheelchair accessible.
  • The location is conveniently located near public transportation.
  • Infants must be seated on laps during the tour.
  • Participants are recommended to have a moderate level of physical fitness.
  • This is a private tour/activity, exclusively for your group’s participation.

 

Cancellation Policy

A full refund will be provided if you cancel the experience at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled start time.

  • To receive a full refund, please ensure that you cancel your booking no later than 24 hours prior to the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel within 24 hours of the experience’s start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.
  • Please note that any changes made to the booking within 24 hours of the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • All cut-off times are based on the local time of the experience.

 

So, it’s your time to book your Sinharaja Trekking Tour with us. For more information, please contact +94777 111553 or info@mahaweli.lk

 

 

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Read More About Safaris:

Kumana National Park Safari

(Sinharaja Rain Forest Cover Image by: Walk Through Sri Lanka)

Gregory Lake is an attractive place to visit in Nuwara Eliya. It was built by Sir William Gregory in 1873. The place is very popular among local and international travelers. There are many activities to do based on this reservoir. It covers 90.2 ha and the surface elevation is 1874 m.

Gregory Reservoir: History

Britain controlled Sri Lanka during the period of 1796–1948. In 1872, Sir William Gregory was appointed as the new governor of Ceylon. His ruling time was from 1872 to 1877. After seeing wet land there, Sir Gregory went to Nuwara Eliya and decided to build this reservoir. The dam was constructed after damming the Thalagala Stream.

During the British era, the lake was used for recreational and water activities. The water in the lake decided to direct itself into a tunnel for hydropower generation. That happened in 1913. The major aim of that hydro station was to generate essential electricity for the town.

Activities in Lake Gregory

The lake has been very popular for water activities in the past. You can do speed boat riding, swan boat riding, dinky boat riding, normal boat riding, and windsurfing. As well, there is a nice park around the lake. It is very beautiful because of the flowers on it. Furthermore, you can do pony rides, cycling, and leisure walks.

The seaplane can take you to Gregory Lake. You can book your seaplane tour from Colombo and it will take around 30 minutes to get to Nuwara Eliya. There are many hotels, restaurants, and other facilities out there for visitors.

More facts about the Area

Nuwara Eliya is beautiful city that is situated on the central highlands. The cool and wet climate attract many visitors to the location. April month considered as the best time to visit the Nuwara Eliya and Gregory Lake.

If you are planning Nuwara Eliya City Tour, then you can arrange it with Mahaweli Tours and Holidays. We are a leading tour agency in Sri Lanka. Call: 0777 111553 or email: info@mahaweli.lk for more details.

(Gregory Reservoir Cover Image Credit: OviCourt)

Do you love to experience a cool and gloomy atmosphere? Then Nuwara Eliya city tour becomes your first option to explore. 

Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean is a versatile tourist destination which is surrounded by attractive coastal line and hill country in the middle. Therefore, you can enjoy typical tropical weather as well as non-tropical climate. 

 

Nuwara Eliya- Once a colonized city

Nuwara Eliya is located in Central Province and there is approximately 170 Km of distance from Colombo. There is a subtropical highland climate due to its highland geographical features. The average temperature is 16 °C. As one of the centers for tea plantation in ancient Ceylon, environment and culture of the city are better indication of an ancient British colony.

The city was founded by Samuel Baker who was an English explorer. During the period between 18th to early 19th century, it was under the British rule. Due to its similar atmosphere to England, the city was highly favored by the English civil servants as well as the planters. It is well known as ‘ Little England” in nowadays also. 

If you can reach the city accompanied by a professional guide, it will save your time and you can gain the utmost historical information about the Nuwara Eliya City.  

 

Places to enjoy during your city tour

Since this is an ancient English colony, you are absolutely amused by its traditional British constructions and architecture. There are several remarkable buildings in the city like the Grand Hotel, the colonial-style post office, the Hill club, Queen’s Cottage, St. Xavier’s Church.  The emerald green gardens with full of roses drag your imagination to a fairly tale. 

Are you looking for a place to relax with natural beauty? Victoria Park is the ideal to spend your time as one of the main attractions of the city. There is a variety of flora and even you can enjoy bird watching. Nanu Oya River flows through the park creating small lakes and it brings more eye-catching sceneries. 

If you need more adventure, you should visit the Lake Gregory surrounded by the lush countryside. It was constructed during the period of the British Governor William Gregory. You can have a boat ride or enjoy fishing. Even bicycle riders are allowed around the lake.

Make your time to visit Nuwara Eliya Golf club, one of the oldest Golf club and Nuwara Eliya Racecourse, the one and only horse racing venue in the island. 

Having pleasant weather there are many fruits and vegetable farms around the city. Not only that but also the picturesque tea plantations in all over the highland also offers you serenity. 

The friendly and multicultural community always encourages you to roam around the city. You can taste delicious food visiting to a luxury hotel or restaurant. If you love to taste street foods, there are plenty of cost-effective food stores. Finally, do not forget to visit Bale Bazaar and buy something to remember.

It’s time to ready your Nuwara Eliya City Tour with us!

 

Nuwara Eliya City Tour with Mahaweli

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations:
Nuwaraeliya,Hatton,Kandy,Ella, (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Duration: Our Nuwara Eliya city tour will take around 04 on average.

Tour Type: A private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. Safari tour will be done by an off-road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach

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(Cover Image Credit: Basilis Corcino)

With natural beauty, ancient value and modern adventures, Sri Lanka is a finest destination in South Asia. Travelers can easily reach the island from any part of the world as it locates in the middle of the Indian Ocean and it is well known as Pearl of the Indian Ocean. 

If you are a lover of safari tours, there are many places to visit in Sri Lanka. Yala National park, Wilpaththu, Udawalawa and Kumana are some of them. 

The Background Story

Kumana National Park is the most popular bird sanctuary in Sri Lanka and it is located in southeast coastal line in Sri Lanka. Actually, it is a part of Yala National park and earlier it was known as Yala East National Park.

The park has an ancient historical value also that it becomes a part of an ancient civilization belonged to 3rd century BC. When we consider the most recent history, it was closed from 1985 to 2003 due to the civil war in Sri Lanka. Not only was that but the park affected by Tsunami also in December 2004

Things to do

As a huge national park and there are plenty of wilderness and natural beauty, Safari tour at Kumana National park is the ideal option to do. However, you may wonder what is the best season to visit there? As there is no hard a strict rule to visit that this is the best month, you should be careful on the rainy season. It will disturb your entertainment and you may miss the beauty of wildlife. Therefore February to July is the best time to visit. From April to July you can watch many species of birds that they are nesting and breeding during this period. 

There is a private safari tour dedicated to you or your group where will be allocating a comfortable vehicle depending on the size of the group. Accordingly, you can enjoy Wildlife safari, Full day safari, Private safari or a Jeep safari. You can decide the time of your safari whether it is morning or afternoon depending on what types of animals and birds you need to watch.

Only thing you should do is book your tour in advance. It is better to accompanied by a guide also, because there are several obstacles in the park. More tricky roads may confuse you and without the knowledge and experience of them, you may not spot the birds and animals as you wish. 

You can see birds like pintail snipes waterfowl and wading birds, storks, moorhens, ducks, and ibis. During the nesting season, they migrate from all over the world. Therefore bird watching is a major activity. At the same time, this is a home for turtle, otters, crocodiles, elephants, wild boars, peacocks and many more species.

There are few camping sites are also available in the park. 

During your visit to this place always be quiet and patient to enjoy the maximum and for the safety, because you are entering a world of wildness. And do not forget your camera.  

Kumana National Park Safari with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations:
Arugambay, Ella, Thissamaharama, Udawalawa or any other nearby location. (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Duration: Safari Tour will take around 3 ½ on average.

Tour Type: A private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. Safari tour will be done by an off road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach.

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Read More:

Ella City Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

(Kumana National Park Cover Image Credit: Surf Ali on Instagram)

Situated in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is considered one of the most visited tourist places in the world for its many characteristics. Here we talk about Sri Lanka’s best kitesurfing spots. Kitesurfing is for anyone who is daring. If you are adrenaline obsessed, kitesurfing is for you to get your hype in control. Sri Lanka is one of the best kitesurfing destinations in the world and there are specific places where kitesurfing is taught, guided, and shown. Amongst the many adventurous sports in Sri Lanka, I believe kitesurfing tops the chart. It is a sport that really gives you an adrenaline rush while giving you a calming sensation from the breeze at the same time.

There are many places in Sri Lanka where this activity is conducted. Our guides will take you to one of these locations when and if you need to participate in this activity. Our guides are thorough with local knowledge, about weather and about the sport as well. If you require language specific guides, it can be arranged upon special request.

Kitesurf? Let’s see what it is

This activity in layman’s language is, tying you to a huge kite and being pulled on a surfboard with the help of the wind. This is the simplest explanation of this activity which sounds quite cool and exciting. But this aquatic sport requires training. Generally in Sri Lanka, there are short trainings provided to amateurs who would like to participate. If you are an expert, welcome to Sri Lanka! But nothing to worry, with our excellent trainers and instructors, usually everyone successfully surfs like a pro!

Where to go…

Best kitesurfing spots in the country

Kalpitiya is said to be the most famous and visited place for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka. There are a number of kitesurfing schools and spots in Kalpitiya. It is best if you book it in advance and make sure your sessions are booked. May to September is the ideal season for this activity. The basic idea is the weather needs to be a bit windy. Some go in October if it is windy. It is required to be able to swim because it involves being on a surfboard in the sea. A short training period of about fifteen hours is required. Mannar is another famous spot for kitesurfing. This city also has many kitesurfing areas with instructors.

There are shops where you can get one and repairing stores are available too. All kite lessons follow International Kiteboarding Methodology. It is equally loved and participated by both locals and foreigners.

For a good hype!

It is indeed an exhilarating sport where your nerves are put to test. It is an international aquatic sport and to be one of the top-notch places in the world to practice it is a privilege. Therefore, do not hesitate, we have gotten the best of the bests and they will instruct you with international standards to fly over a surfboard by the wind. Come down to Sri Lanka if you eagerly wait to experience in kitesurfing.

 

Read more about our tours;

Day Tour at Anuradhapura Ancient City

Day Tour at Polonnaruwa Ancient City

 

( Image Source & Credit goes to: Lusie Travels Sri Lanka Facebook Page

 

 

 

 

 

Pettigala Mountain is a famous travel destination around Kandy City. It has been widely popular among local and international travelers recently. This single little mountain is situated in the Teldeniya area, about 20km away from Kandy. The beautiful view of the Victoria Reservoir and the amazing panoramic view have attracted many tourists here.

Pettigala Mountain consists of 760m of elevation from sea level. You first need to come to Digana town, which is 15km away from Kandy. Then you need to follow the Senarathwela-Digana road to reach the final location. That will all take one hour from Kandy City. Before reaching the mountain, you will enter the Bamabaragala Temple.

Bambaragala Temple is a culturally and historically valuable place in the Kandy area. History says that the area consists of 79 caves. These caves were built in 2-3 centuries A.C. Bambaragala Old Temple was modified in the 18th century by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. You can see some old paintings in this old temple. But you will not be allowed to take photographs of them.

The footpath to Pettigala Mountain starts from the Bambaragala Old Temple. The trek is not very hard and it’s through a forest with moderate difficulty. Some parts are much more difficult to cross because of their steep slopes. You will pass two caves during the trek; they are called “Situwam Lena and Indrasala Guhawa. One hour of trekking will carry you to the summit of Pettigala Mountain.

The top of the mountain consists of manabushes and big stones. There is no water source at the top. You have a large area to walk in and that will give you a few viewpoints. These viewpoints will provide different views of the surrounded areas. The large stone that is situated at the edge of the mountain is actually called “Pettigala. It’s the best viewpoint of the mountain. You can sit there and watch a clear picture of Victoria Reservior. As well, you can see some prominent peaks of the Knuckles Massif.

The view from the top is absolutely amazing and beautiful. From here, you can observe a lot of areas of the Kandy district. Evenings are the best time to visit Pettigala Mountain, and that will generate some amazing photographs of the sunset.

(Cover Photo Credit: SL Traveler )

Nilaveli Beach is another popular and beautiful coastal area in Sri Lanka. It is situated in Nilaveli village in the Trincomalee District of Eastern Province. The distance from Tricomalee to Nilaveli is 16km. It takes around 25 minutes to reach there. The distance from Colombo to Nilaveli Beach is 280km.

Trincomalee is a major city in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. It is very popular due to its natural harbour. The majority of the people in this area are Tamil. You need to turn your vehicle on to Pulmoddai road in Tincomalee to reach the Nilaveli beach. Google Maps will direct you to the final location.

Nilaveli is a beach with white sands and moderate waves. It is much wider than other beaches in Sri Lanka. A suitable place for surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, boat tours, and sunbathing. That has attracted many local and international tourists to the place. But it is less crowded than the other beaches in the south of Sri Lanka.

From the beach, you can see an island around 2 kilometers away. It is called Pigeon Island National Park” and is a rich place for bio-diversity. It is further considered as one of the two marine national parks in the region. A boat safari to Pigeon Island is another awesome activity that you can experience in Nilaveli. You can see many species of plants, different fish types, and corals around the island.

October–February is the rainy season in the Eastern Province. Average annual rainfall is around 1250mm–1500mm, and the average annual temperature is around 27°C–34°C. Wind speeds are much higher in the June and December months.

There are a few vendors, hotels, and restaurants around Nilaveli Beach. A hot and humid climate is ideal for enjoying a fresh coconut. So, don’t forget to visit this beach if you love to travel in eastern Sri Lanka.

Read More:

Beautiful Beaches of Sri Lanka

(Cover Image Credit: Vithurshan Photography from Facebook)

Sembuwatta Lake is one of the must-visit travel destinations in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. It is situated near Elkaduwa, a small town in the Ukuwela divisional secteriant area. The distance from Kandy to Sembuwatta is 31 km, and from Matale it is 22 km. The place has become widely popular among local and international travelers in the last decade.

There are two major routes to reach Sembuwatta. first route from Kandy via Wattegama. The next route is from Matale via Ukuwela. You can easily find the location with Google Maps. Since its opening in 2005, the area has been managed by Elkaduwa Plantation Company. You should buy a ticket to enter the location.

Sembuwatta Lake and its surroundings are absolutely beautiful and nice to see. The cold breeze will bring amazing feelings to anyone. There is a forest near the lake, and it’s called “Campbell Lane Forest.” The majority of the forest is pine trees. You can also see tea estates in the area. The elevation of the area is 1072m. So, you will feel the cold weather. The average annual temperature is around 20C and the average annual rainfall in the area is around 2000 mm.

Sembuwatta Lake was built in 1949. It was a polo ground in the British Era of Sri Lanka. Later, it became a lake to generate essential electricity for the tea factory. The lake has been made up with natural water streams. It is 9–12 m deep and not allowed for bathing. Anyhow, it is open for many water activities. There is another small pool near the main lake for bathing activities. So, you can bathe there.

Summer huts are available for those who would like to spend the night in Sembuwatta. are also available for those who don’t like to stay in them. But you need to get permission to do that. So, we request that you visit this place if you love to travel in central Sri Lanka.

Read More:

Hakgala Botanical Garden

(Sembuwatta Lake Image Source: @diskdimuth from Instagram)

Did you know that this small island called Sri Lanka is full of great natural treasures? Even though it is a very small country, it is filled with numerous mountains, plains, waterfalls, rivers, and exciting nature adventures. With a tropical weather in most part of the island, it is easy to adapt to the weather and enjoy the tour. This tour is designed to accompany you with a guide to Horton Plains. You will be provided with a proficient guide who is fluent in English and thorough with local knowledge. We ensure that the guides are informative and supportive. Language specific guides can be arranged upon request too. The tour is carefully constructed to give you the best experience of Horton Plains.

 

Horton Plains: The beautiful heritage

Horton Plains National Park is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is protected by the Department of Wildlife Conservation because the wildlife is very condensing in the area. The original name of the place is “Maha Eliya Thenna” which means “Great Open Plain.” Later the Plains were renamed after a British Governor. Sri Lanka has a lot of non-recorded history and people have come up with many folk stories regarding this place. Horton Plains are blessed with opulent flora and fauna and hikers and trekkers find this place quite amusing.

 

A must in the travel itinerary: Trekking at the Horton Plains

Are you up to seeing one of the most stunning places in Sri Lanka on a higher altitude? This is for you.

Wander across the cloud forests, green pastures and scattered pools while listening to nothing but the sounds of nature!

Your ears will be filled with the sound of birds chirping, water gushing, and fresh breeze sweeping across your face. For those for you who love trekking, why not inhale all the fresh experience that is in store for you!

The main attraction of the place is a drop called “The World’s End” from where you can see the farthest of Sri Lanka. You can see the most beautiful waterfall from top of the plains called The Baker’s Fall which runs from the very top of stony mountains down to the greeny valleys. The whole trekking experience will give you an adventurous thrill while soothing your tired self with cold breeze and perfect peace offered by nature. There is nothing more tranquil than receiving every ounce of nature’s fresh air and breeze from the trees while listening to buzzing bees.

 

Best of the Bests

This is the place for all candid photographers to capture as many memories as you want. The higher you climb, the better the view, the fresher the breeze, and more beautiful the feeling. Trekking at the Horton Plains has thus far become one of the favorite spots of backpackers, trekker, and globetrotters who love adventures. Our guides will guide you through this miraculous hike explaining the endemic species of trees and animals the place is blessed with. Come and see for yourself!

So, you can plan a horton plains trekking with us. Here are the details of the tour;

 

Horton Plains Trekking with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations :
Nuwaraeliya, Haputhale, Bandarawela, Ella, Ohiya, Kandy, Hatton  (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Duration : It will take around 4 – 6 hours to complete the tour depending on the weather condition and the desire of the travelers.

Tour Type : A private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. Safari tour will be done by an off road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach

 

Read more about our other tours:

Hanthana Trekking

Ella City Tour

(Cover Image Credit: Evic Kushan)

Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara is one of the most famous travel destinations in Sri Lanka. Most of the travelers who come to the Ella region will not forget to visit this place. It’s an old bridge that was built in the British Era in Sri Lanka. The bridge is also called the “Bridge in the Sky.

The Nine Arch Bridge is 300m in length and 80ft in height. There you can see nine spans. The width of the bridge is 25 ft and the elevation of the place is 3100 ft from sea level. This is located halfway between Ella and the Demodara Railway Station.to the Nine Arch Bridge from Demodara Railway Station is 9km and from Ella it is 4km. If you are starting from Ella town, you can easily hire a tuk tuk to reach this place. But you have to walk a few meters to meet the bridge.

The bridge connects two mountains and the Badulla–Colombo Railway. It was opened in 1921. This construction demonstrates the excellence of the architecture and engineering of the early 20th century. During the construction of this project, the First World War happened. It has affected the import of steel from abroad. The British rulers then decided to finish the project without using any steel or metal.The only materials used were stones, bricks, and cement.

P.K. Appuhami and D.J. Wimalasurendra are two Ceylonese who vastly helped to succeed in this project. Then they finished the work and opened the Nine Arch Bridge in 1921. Laterally, they finished the Colombo–Badulla Railway in 1924.

The Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara is normally crowded during holidays. The best time to go is between 9 and 11 a.m. in the morning.It’s an ideal place to take some beautiful photos. A few of the cafes are available in the area for visitors. The train journey between Colombo and Ella is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. So, you should not miss it.

Read More: Ella City Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

(Cover Image Credit:@choineczkaa from Instagram)