Tours Couples Wild Camps – Active
11 Days from $ 3,800 per person

Wild Camps – Active

OVERVIEW

Wild Camps invites you on an adventure beyond the usual path, delving into the diverse climates and vegetation zones of this tropical island. Trek through ancient village footpaths and the high mountain cloud forest of the Knuckles region, where you can choose to stay at a charming trekkers' lodge or a luxury bush camp.

Visit Gal Oya National Park, nestled in Sri Lanka's dry Zone. Encompassing the vast Senanayake reservoir, it's surrounded by granite hills, lush grasslands, and dry evergreen forests. Home to iconic mammals like elephants, deer, leopards, grey langur, and sloth bears. Spot reptiles like mugger crocodiles and over 150 bird species, both endemic and migratory. Experience a boat safari and bush walk guided by a Vedda tribesman.

Experience Ahaspokuna, the only all-suite accommodation facility in the country, accessible solely by foot, ensuring tranquility for wildlife and the environment. Enjoy two days of guided walks with a naturalist and unwind at your safari camp, where the attentive staff will pamper you.

Conclude your journey at a boutique hotel nestled on a tranquil beach along the south coast. Indulge in a few leisurely days lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun by the ocean.

This tour is designed for nature enthusiasts who relish active exploration amidst the wonders of the natural world. Additionally, it focuses on venturing off the beaten path and avoiding crowds, all while maintaining a vibrant ambiance and positive energy at each destination.

Journey Highlights

  • 10 Nights accommodation
  • 10 Dinners & breakfasts + 4 lunches
  • Knuckles Mountains: Kumbukgolla Trek or Heel Oya Trek with guide
  • Gal Oya national park: Boat tour
  • Gal Oya national park: Jungle walk with indigenous veddha tribesmen
  • Gal Oya national park: safari
  • Ahaspokuna: Adventure bushwalk approx. 3 hours
  • Ahaspokuna: Morning bushwalk approx. 4 hours,
  • Ahaspokuna: Evening bushwalk – approx. 3 hours
  • Talalla Beach: Evening yoga class – approx. 3 hours
  • Negombo: Massage at Ayurveda Spa
GLAMP
SAFARI
TREK
BEACH

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1 NEGOMBO

Arrive at airport
Drive to beach front resort | 30 mins | 13km
Hotel : Glodi Sands Beach Resort
Meal : Dinner & Breakfast

Highlights

Arrive in Sri Lanka and meet your local representative.

Transfer to your beach front hotel in Negombo

You’re probably exhausted after the long flight. That’s why we’ve chosen a beachfront hotel near the airport. You can relax by the warm Indian ocean, surrounded by coconut trees, and take a refreshing dip in the pool. And when the evening comes, simply unwind with a drink, soaking in the tropical atmosphere.

Day 2 KNUCKLES MOUNTAINS

Drive to Knuckles | 4.5 hrs - 5 hrs | 165 km
Hotel Included : Wild Glamping Knuckles | Default option included in tour price
Hotel Option 2 : Coberts Rest
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlights

After breakfast leave your hotel and transfer to Knuckles Mountains.

Today, we embark on a journey to the northern boundary region of Sri Lanka’s central mountains, a terrain characterized by winding roads that ascend through scenic vistas. As we traverse, the landscape transforms, with dense vegetation and terraced paddy fields set against the backdrop of lush green mountains.

Taking a break for a drink of king coconut is an excellent opportunity to pause, stretch your legs, and refresh yourself along the way.

Before the 1800s, much of this region was cloaked in primary rainforests and cloud forests. Even today, the Knuckles Mountain Range stands as a testament to this heritage, preserving remnants of these pristine forests. Here, a diverse ecosystem thrives, encompassing semi-evergreen, sub-montane, montane, riverine, and pathana and savannah grasslands. Nestled within these verdant landscapes are ancient villages, their existence shrouded by the dense foliage, connected by footpaths that meander through the jungle.

You are here o trek through these mountains, to explore these ancient footpaths, forests, and encounter the vibrant life of butterflies, birds, and villages, immersing yourself in their rich tapestry of nature and culture.

You have the option to stay at Coberts Retreat, a rustic hiker’s lodge nestled deep in the Knuckles Mountain Range, surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery. The views from this lodge are breathtakingly beautiful. Managed by Mr. Sarath and his wife, Ms. Sundari, along with other friendly staff, this lodge offers a simple yet cozy and comfortable stay in the remote mountainous area. Here, you can enjoy delicious local cuisine prepared by Ms. Sundari, and Mr. Sarath will be your guide for exploring the surrounding area on hikes.

Choose to stay at Wild Glamping Knuckles, a luxurious camping retreat nestled among the lush tea plantations of the Knuckles Mountains. Wake up to the sounds of birdsong and breathtaking views from your safari tent. With attentive staff and modern amenities, you can relax in tranquility and enjoy nature’s beauty. Whether you’re lounging by the campfire or exploring the wilderness, Wild Glamping Knuckles offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.

Day 3 KNUCKLES MOUNTAINS

Today is a day of activities
Hotel Included : Wild Glamping Knuckles | Default option included in tour price
Hotel Option 2 : Coberts Rest
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlights

Today is a day for outdoors and walking and to get right in the middle of these tropical forests.

Coberts Rest – Kumbukgolla Trek – 10 km or 16 km loop

The descent begins under the watchful eye of “The Sphinx Rock” leading to the forest path to Kumbukgolla village. Here, hidden peaks are replaced by a lush canopy, home to butterflies and Giant Wood Spiders. Breaks in the forest reveal waterfalls, rice terraces. You will be walking along creeks and crossing rivers walking along footpaths that have connected these villages for generations.  At Kumbukgolla, the Village Headman or the Schoolmaster will talk to you about old village traditions and beliefs over a cup of tea with kithul juggery or a home cooked meal.

You could trek back to Corberts Rest or go further to Nitre Caves along narrow paths with isolated huts and its Chenas until you come to the Na Ela stream with its white water cascading down into the deep crevices and rock pools formed by its force. After a refreshing dip, the path to Niter caves is a steep climb of approximately 400 meters through fairytale virgin forest.

Wild Glamping Knuckles – Heel Oya Trek – approx. 4 hours

Trod along a comfortable and gentle downhill trail that takes you to the rural village of “Heel Oya” at the foothills of the Knuckles which is still unscathed by mass tourism.

Make your way through tea estates, pine forests, terraced paddy fields, waterways, misty hills and several viewpoints that are sure to revive the poet inside you. On your way to the village, treat yourself to a refreshing dip in the cooling waterhole. This is the ideal stop-over for those who are already in Knuckles, trekking their way into nature’s bliss. Experience the authentic Sri Lankan lifestyle of locals and learn traditional terraced paddy cultivation which uses farming methods that are still without the use of machinery.

Return to the hotel.

DAY 4 GAL OYA

Drive to Gal Oya | 3.0 to 4.0 hrs | 120 km
Hotel Included : Wild Glamping Gal Oya | Default option included in the tour price
Hotel Option 2 : Gal Oya Lake Club
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

After breakfast leave your hotel and transfer to Gal Oya.

You will be descending the hills past 17 hairpin bends with splendid views, heading further east along the highway.

As you journey forward, you’ll transition into the dry zone, where the terrain flattens and the climate grows notably warmer. Here, the forests differ from those of the wet zone, with trees adapted to the predominantly dry and harsh seasonal conditions. While wet zone rainforests and cloud forests boast remarkable biodiversity, many iconic species of large mammals are more commonly found in the dry zone forests.

In addition to differences in flora and fauna, villages in the dry zone also exhibit variations in lifestyle and farming techniques compared to those in the wet zone. This shift in environment and culture promises a unique and enriching experience as you continue your exploration.

Your destination is Gal Oya National Park, one of the last remaining areas in Sri Lanka with primary forests typical of the dry zone. These include tropical dry evergreen forests, savanna-like grasslands, and mountainous grasslands. Despite its remarkable landscape and rich biodiversity, Gal Oya National Park is less frequented by visitors compared to other parks in Sri Lanka. It offers a unique opportunity to explore pristine wilderness and experience the natural beauty of the dry zone ecosystem.

Gal Oya National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, mugger crocodiles, spotted deer, mouse deer, sambar deer, sloth bears, grey langurs, leopards, fishing cats, rusty spotted cats, and jungle cats. Park is also home to around 15o species of birds that animals thrive within it’s park’s unique ecosystems.

For the next two days, your accommodation will be at a luxurious safari camp-style lodge, immersing you fully in the environment of this unique area.

Evening Boat Tour – 3 hours approx,

This lesser-frequented park stands out as the sole location in Sri Lanka where visitors can embark on a boat safari along the reservoir bordering its expanse.

During the green season from January to May, the park comes alive with lush foliage and abundant rainfall. The reservoir swells to its fullest, attracting migratory birds and creating a picturesque vista of cloud-covered mountains. It’s also the perfect time to witness the graceful spectacle of elephants swimming in the serene waters.

As the dry season unfolds from June to December, the landscape undergoes a transformation, revealing expansive grasslands that draw in large herds of elephants. This period presents prime opportunities for wildlife encounters amidst the changing scenery.

Embarking on a boat tour offers a splendid opportunity to delve into the natural marvels of this national park.

DAY 5 GAL OYA

Today is a day of activities
Hotel Included : Wild Glamping Gal Oya | Default option included in the tour price
Hotel Option 2 : Gal Oya Lake Club
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

Breakfast at the hotel.

 Learn The Ways of The Indigenous People Of Sri Lanka

Head deep into the foliage to spend a few hours with the Vedda community – the last remaining forest-dwelling people of Sri Lanka. Let the Vedda chief show you through the jungle as he makes the forest come to life, detailing how his tribe hunts and lives in the untamed forests. Explore cave dwellings, learn about medicinal plants, and discover the hunting techniques of these proud yet welcoming tribes.

Rumble Into A Forgotten Section Of The Park

After lunch it’s time to headout on a safari. Gal Oya National Park was once part of a vast property controlled by ancient royalty and is now home to thriving wildlife, including herds of wild elephants, four species of deer, wild boar, Sri Lankan leopards, toque monkeys, mugger crocodiles, and star tortoises. Reach the mouth of the serene Makra River on a scenic hike and listen in awe at the varied calls of over 150 species of bird.

DAY 6 AHASPOKUNA

Drive to Ahaspokuna | 4.5 hrs | 165 km
Hotel : Ahaspokuna Bush Walks Camp
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlights

After breakfast, transfer to Ahaspokuna.

Your accommodation is nestled deep within the forest in a remote and tranquil area, offering a secluded retreat amidst nature’s embrace. Despite its remoteness, the dedicated staff provides excellent company and takes care of all your needs, ensuring you feel comfortable and welcomed throughout your stay.

Ahaspokuna is also the only all-suite accommodation facility in the country, where there is no motorable route, giving peace to wildlife, the environment, and to you as well. Hotel staff will meet you at a pre-designated point and take you on a short, 20 minute trek to your new home in the wild. All your luggage will be taken care of by the staff.

Check into the hotel.

Post-lunch: The Naturalist will discuss the evening program with you. You are free to take it easy and explore the large campsite and the surrounding area at your leisure, or you may opt for the 2 ½ to 3-hour adventure bushwalk that will take you through the grassland and forest.

In the evening, meet up around 6pm at a unique viewpoint that lets you enjoy a magical sunset so vivid, no camera in the world can do it justice.

Dinner & Drinks: Take a relaxing soak in your Bush Bathtub and meet up near the campfire for drinks, dinner and campfire stories under the stars.

Post-dinner: Wrap up a day of adventure and bliss with a relaxing night walk. If you’re up for it, bundle up and visit the “Hide” near the waterhole for an immersive experience of nocturnal wildlife as the chilly forest breeze sweeps across the grasslands or simply retire to your suite-tent or Star Bed and enjoy the rest of the night isolated with nothing in-between you and a billion stars.

DAY 7 AHASPOKUNA

Today is day of activities
Hotel : Ahaspokuna Bush Walks Camp
Meal : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Highlights

Pre-breakfast: We start the pre-breakfast guided nature trail at 6:30 am. This bushwalk takes about an hour – you are free to brave it, or you may sleep-in and meet us for breakfast at 7:30 am.

Post-breakfast: We depart for a late-morning, 3-hour bushwalk that cuts through the grasslands and goes deep into the forest. If the weather permits, a refreshing shallow dip on the top of the Gan Ella Waterfall is also included.

Lunch: We arrive back at camp for lunch at around 1 pm. Sunbathe on your Day Bed, unwind in the Bush Bathtub or simply fall asleep in your private garden hammock and use this time to rest up for your evening excursion.

Evening: Our evening trek will take approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours which goes through an elephant-made path into the grasslands and forest.

OR

You can skip the trek and take in the beauty of Ahaspokuna and its surroundings at your leisure.

DAY TALALLA

Drive to Talalla | 3.5 hrs - 4 hrs | 150 km
Hotel : Talalla Retreat
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

After all that walking and exploring you must be ready for a sea change so  let’s head to Talalla Beach after breakfast.

On the south coast of beautiful Sri Lanka, find yourself amongst the palm trees on the peaceful and secluded beachfront property. With panoramic views of the clear blue Indian Ocean, natural sea breeze, and idyllic sunsets, you will be transported to an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In the evening join a Yoga class.

Join Talalla Yoga for a nourishing escape into paradise that will cultivate self-reflection, healing, and relaxation. During your retreat, you will get the opportunity to dive into Sri Lanka’s rich culture while also furthering your yoga practice. Through unique workshops, learn about the different aspects of yoga and make like-minded souls along the way.

DAY 9 TALALLA

Day at leisure.
Hotel : Talalla Retreat
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

Spend the day by the pool or the ocean.

DAY 10 NEGOMBO

Drive to Negombo | 3 hrs | 200 km
Hotel Included : Jetwing Lagoon | Default option included in the tour price
Hotel Option 2 : Ging Oya Lodge
Meal : Breakfast & Dinner

Highlights

After breakfast leave your hotel and transfer to Negombo. Check into your room at Lagoon front Hotel.

Massage at Ayurveda Spa

Sink into the warmth and care of the trained therapists and in-house Ayurveda doctor at the hotel, who will recommend personalized treatments that uplift your overall well-being. Inspired by the ancient science practiced on our land for centuries, the Ayurveda Spa is a tranquil haven designed to share the healing energies of our traditional art with you, in the form of herbal massages and holistic packages among various other therapeutic experiences.

DAY 11 AIRPORT - DEPART

Drive to Airport | 30mins | 15 Km
Departure Flight

We Say Goodbye

PRICE & INCULSSION

Prices listed by the departure date. Prices are per-person sharing double or twin room.

1st Nov - 16th Dec 2024

$3800 /Person

17th Dec - 20th Dec 2024

$3880 /Person

17th Dec - 20th Dec 2024

$3960 /Person

21st Dec - 31st Dec 2024

$4020 /Person

1st Jan - 13th Jan 2025

$3930 /Person

14th Jan - 30th April 2025

$3800 /Person

Price Inclusions

Accommodation in the mentioned hotels on Half board Basis (Breakfast & Dinner)
  • Coberts Rest Knuckles: Day 2 & Day 3
  • Gal Oya Lake Club: Day 4 & Day 5
  • Ging Oya Lodge: Day 6
Lunches on Day 2, 3, 6 & 7
  • Wild Glamping Knuckles: Day 2 & Day 3
  • Gal Oya Lake Club: Day 4 & Day 5
  • Jetwing Lagoon: Day 6
Transportation by an Air-conditioned Vehicle
  • Wild Glamping Knuckles: Day 2 & Day 3
  • Wild glamping Gal Oya:Day 4 & Day 5
  • Jetwing Lagoon: Day 6
Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide
Entrance fees and activity costs for all activities specified above

Price Exclusions

Any activities/excursions which are not mentioned in the program (optional excursions)
Hotels and transfers not mentioned above
Water on tour
Early check in & late check-out charges
Any expenses of personal nature such as Tips, Porterage, Laundry, IDD calls, etc
Costs related to health protocols & guidelines
Air fare & Visa Charges

ITINERARY SUMMARY

DAY LOCATION HOTELS
DAY 1

Negombo
Highlights:  Relax at beach front hotel upon arrival

Goldi Sands
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 2

Knuckles Mountains
Highlights:  Day at leisure

Wild Glamping Knuckles or
Corberts Rest
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 3

Knuckles Mountains
Highlights:  Kumbukgolla Trek at Coberts Rest or Heel Oya Trek at Wild Glamping

Wild Glamping Knuckles or
Corberts Rest
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4

Gal Oya
Highlights:  Boat tour Gal Oya national park

Wild Glamping Gal Oya or
Gal Oya Lake Club
Breakfast & Dinner

 

DAY 5

Gal Oya
Highlights:  Learn the ways of the Indigenous people of Sri Lanka, Rumble into a forgotten section of the park

Wild Glamping Gal Oya or
Gal Oya Lake Club
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 6

Ahaspokuna
Highlights:  Adventure Bushwalk – approx. 3 hours

Ahaspokuna Bush Walks Camp
Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

DAY 7

Ahaspokuna
Highlights:  Morning activities– approx. 4 hours,
Evening activities – approx. 3 hours

Ahaspokuna Bush Walks Camp
Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

DAY 8

Talalla
Highlights: Evening yoga class – approx. 3 hours

Talalla Retreat
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 9

Talalla
Highlights: Day at leisure

Talalla Retreat
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10

Negombo
Highlights: Massage at Ayurveda Spa

Jetwing Lagoon or
Ging Oya Lodge
Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 11

Airport:  We Say Goodbye.

MAPS

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