NATURE TOURS IN SRI LANKA
Observe the intricacies of tea making or better yet, why not savour a cup of Ceylon Tea? For something more action-packed, visit Kitulgala where the pastime of white water rafting can be enjoyed. Experience thrilling adventure tours in Sri Lanka and the chance to explore this magical island with Lanka Leisure Travels.
KNUCKLES
Located in the districts of Matale and Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, the Knuckles Mountain Range has been enthralling nature lovers since time immemorial. The beauty that envelops the lush green vastness of this mountain range is indeed unsurpassed. Its great appeal is heightened by the knuckle shaped peaks that are visible from many locations across the city of Kandy. The name that the locals have given to this enchanting destination is ‘Dumbara Kanduvetiya’ which roughly translates to ‘misty mountain range’.
Enter its magnificent terrains to lose yourself in a glorious cloud forest, that softly embraces the emerald-hued treetops in an eternal embrace. The dream-like beauty of the skies unites with the unspoiled beauty of earth within the majestic mountains, making it a place that is truly extraordinary. Knuckles Range trekking is indeed a rewarding experience as the area is resplendent with glistening waterfalls, rising mountain peaks, and flowery valleys too.
The Mini World’s End is one of the major attractions here that many trekkers love. It is located at the southern end and affords spectacular views of the sprawling mountain range as well as the many small villages that encircle the region.
You will also find an abundance of flora as well as a rich variety of fauna here when you hike. The cool atmosphere makes a trek a truly delightful exercise.
HORTON PLAINS
The picture-perfect Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka is a place where time itself seems to stand still in awe of the surpassing splendour of nature. Ethereal mist engulfs the vast spaces of the national park so beautifully while flourishing foliage adds gorgeous hues of green to every slope and valley. The cold mountain breeze carries the faint fragrance of a thousand blooms that gently open in the sunshine. A tour across the majestic territories of the plains will surely give you memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Horton Plains boasts an altitude of 2,100 to 2,300 metres. The enchanting cloud forest and the lush greenery greatly appeal to trekkers here. The region is rich with flora and fauna too. Many endemic species of plants and animals can be found within the territories of the national park, making it a veritable paradise for nature lovers.
Quite a number of travellers visit Horton Plains National Park to witness the outstanding beauty of World’s End and Baker’s Falls. World’s End is a sheer precipice that has a drop of around 1,200 metres! There is yet another sheer drop located adjacent to World’s End which is smaller in size and so is aptly called Mini World’s End. Baker’s Falls which glistens like liquid silver amidst the verdant green growth of the surrounding landscape is also an enchanting attraction that possesses remarkable beauty.
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RAFTING-KITHULGALA
The town of Kitulgala that lies quietly in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka is a place that many adventure sports enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies steadily visit. While the lives of the locals unfold at a steady pace around the region, at the heart of this little town, the Kelani River offers spectacular thrills to adventure seekers. Today, Kitulgala has become synonymous with white water rafting.
Large numbers of locals and tourists visit the town to enjoy the epic thrills on offer along the frenetic waters of the Kelani River. White water rafting in Kitulgala is a well-established industry and the services provided can truly be called world-class. Safety briefings always precede such adventurous activities and state-of-the-art equipment that adhere to international standards are used by the majority of the service operators.
The Kelani River has five major rapids and four minor rapids. Choose a package that suits your level of skill and confidence. The rides are suitable for anyone above the age of 10.
If the rushing river waters fail to quench your thirst for thrills, you can try adventure jumps and waterfall abseiling while on a tour in Kitulgala. And for those who like to use milder ways to connect with nature, this charming town offers plenty of opportunities like bird watching, jungle trekking, and mountain biking too.
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SINHARAJA
Sinharaja Forest Reserve which lies in the Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka is one of the most remarkable attractions in the island. It is estimated that over 60% of the trees that the forest reserve has, are endemic to the island. There is also an abundance of endemic animals roaming free within the emerald-tinted territories of the jungle which makes this place a haven of perfect delight for nature lovers.
There are many gorgeous little birds gaily chirping amidst the arching branches of the trees here. Mixed with the gentle whisper of the trees, the sweet music they create in unison is indeed quite soothing. Sri Lanka boasts of 26 endemic species of birds. In Sinharaja National Park, you will find all 20 of the rainforest species of birds that are included in this list. It’s quite common to see mixed feeding flocks here too.
You will most likely come across groups of endemic purple-faced leaf monkeys, but given the thickness of the vegetation, it will be quite hard to spot them during day tours.
Sinharaja roughly translates to the ‘Lion Kingdom’. The grandeur that densely envelops the glorious territories of the forest reserve makes this quite a fitting name indeed. Within the hushed silence of the forest, you will certainly enjoy the relaxing sensation of being at one with nature.
HIRIWADUNNA
The ‘Classical tour’ of Sri Lanka is an interesting tour filled with beautiful, exciting and awe-inspiring destinations and experiences you never knew of. This thrilling tour is an incredible journey following the less-travelled paths and includes the true essence of the tropical island’s attractions – ancient cities, temples, ruins, cultural sites, scenic routes and wildlife. Prepare yourself for the ultimate travel plunge to a land of unforgettable experiences, whilst you witness a fantastic blend of history, culture, traditions, architecture and landscapes at each of our picked destinations. You will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience as you will see the mist capped peaks of the central hills, pristine valleys weaving through lush green mountains, learn the historical past of the magnificent temples and colossal statues, rock climbs to explore caves, admire the spectacular panoramic views, embark on an adrenaline-packed jeep safari into the wilderness and much more. Sri Lanka is home to a bounty of spectacular destinations and scenic attractions, each with a story of its own. Embark on our carefully curated tour with signature experiences from start to finish, exclusively designed with you in mind.
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