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| BELIHULOYA |
Belihuloya is a very picturesque little hamlet situated in the Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka , approximately 160 km from Colombo . This beautiful hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country at an altitude of less than 1500m. As a result, the vegetation consists of moist semi-evergreen forests, tropical savanna forests, dry grasslands and montane temperate forests, making it one of the richest bio-diversity spots in Sri Lanka – a perfect location for nature lovers.
The total Wild Drift experience takes place in the vicinity of Belihuloya itself. Most of the activities are carried out in the beautiful valley where the 2 rivers (Belihuloya and Hirikatu Oya) meet.
The purpose built camp-site is situated at Kinchigune, a particularly scenic spot overlooking the surrounding mountains and the location at which the Belihuloya river falls into the Samanalawewa reservoir.
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| HANWELLA |
Nestled in the scenic valley of the Kelani River, the sleepy town of Hanwella is just an hour's drive from Colombo. This close proximity to the capital makes it an ideal location for shorter one-day Wild Drift programmes. Its lush and shady rubber plantations offer an ideal climate to carry out soft adventure-based programmes, and the mighty Kelani River presents various opportunities to challenge the team with water-based activities. For those who would like to experience a two-day programme in Hanwella, we can arrange suitable hotel or camping accommodation. |
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| KUDARAMA |
Kudarama demonstrates isolation in the wilderness in a non-touristic locality. Living under a canvas tent pitched on elevated wooden platforms over thatch canopies in the midst of dry zone vegetation is the perfect hideout to immerse yourself in total tranquility.
What does “Kudarama” stand for ?
A Canvas tent utilized as shelter during long jungle expeditions is known as a “Kudarama” in local lingo. Such means of shelter were not known or seen before the advent of European influence in Sri Lanka . The arrival of these explorers to the island brought about an awareness of same amongst the natives.
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Our concept
Kudarama demonstrates isolation in the wilderness in a non-touristic locality. Living under a canvas tent pitched on elevated wooden platforms over thatch canopies in the midst of dry zone vegetation is the perfect hideout to immerse in total tranquility. |
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| Medagama |
| Medagama River Retreat - BOLGODA |
Bolgoda Lake is the largest and most beautiful fresh water lake with the highest bio-diversity in the island. The added advantage is that it is situated not more than 20km from the commercial capital Colombo. It is full of mangroves giving rise to a rich diversity in aquatic fauna and flora.
By the water's edge of this lake is a luxurious holiday bungalow named The MedagamaRiver Retreat. The calmness and tranquility of the area adds to the charm of the bungalow and its surrounds . The River Retreat with an experienced chef to cater to the taste buds of discerning guests , has three air-conditioned rooms and a spacious garden. The expansive lawn is an ideal play ground for kids of all ages. Furthermore, the Retreat has its own swimming pool & for adventure lovers , its own Mini boat-house where supervised canoe & boat rides can be arranged.
Bolgoda Lake spread out over a very large area was extensively used during the Dutch & British occupation periods as a bird hunting ground . The location is also popular as a traditional lake fishing area . Although angling is a common way of fishing in this lake, a very prominent and a primitive method is by installing fences erected on the lake as a kind of native trap. The lake is also a popular destination for water sport lovers. |
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| SIGIRIYA |
The ancient city of Sigiriya was designated a cultural World Heritage Site in 1982. It is also proposed that the site should be named the eighth wonder of the world, indicating it is in the same league as other international wonders such as the USA 's Grand Canyon and Egypt 's Ancient Pyramids. Translated as ‘Lion Rock' into English, the name of the monument indicates the way in which visitors used to begin their final ascent to the top – through the open jaws and throat (‘giriya') of a lion (‘sinha'). Unfortunately, the only remains of this lion figure are the gigantic paws, sculpted into the side of the rock. The topography of the area is flat except for the massive rock outcrop of the fortress itself (which rises an incredible 600 ft up from the green scrub jungle). The unusual rock is particularly interesting due to its flat top (nearly an acre in size), that was used in its entirety to build King Kasyapa's fortress complex, still evident by the presence of the extensive ruins.
During Wild Drift programmes in Sigiriya, we carry out many exciting activities in the area. The rustic surroundings of the Sigirya forest reservation, 8th century ruins of the Pidurangala monastery and lush paddy fields (dotted about with tree-houses used as ‘look-outs' by the paddy farmers to protect their crop from roaming elephants) provide a diverse environment for a wide range of land-based activities. In contrast, the Thalakotewewa reservoir, which has fabulous views of the Sigiriya Rock itself is an exciting location at which to take part in some adrenaline-filled water-Kbased activities.
Suitable hotel or camping accommodation will be arranged according to your requirements.
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KITULGALA |
The small Kelani river community of Kitulgala made its mark on the map when it became the site of filming for the famous 1957 Oscar-winning film ‘Bridge over the River Kwai'. On the hill above the town lies the prehistoric Belilena Cave, which is of much interest to paleontologists and caving fanatics because it has been found to contain large middens of shells from some unknown civilisation.
However the town is most famous as THE location for white water rafting trips in Sri Lanka, offering some excellent rapids down the river.
Wild Drift programmes in Kitulgala may include white-water rafting if you want to experience some extreme adventure. Alternatively/in addition we can arrange a number of other co-ordinate soft-adventure activities in the area. Suitable hotel or guest-house accommodation will be arranged according to your requirements. |
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KALPITIYA |
Despite its natural beauty, the western peninsular area of Kalpitiya in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka is remarkably untouched by tourism. But for those lucky enough to visit, there's a plethora of things to see and do! With the small close-knit fishing community dominating the lives of the local people, as a visitor you can get a real insight into working life away from the city.
After watching the night fishing boats return in the morning, a visit to one of the fish markets offers you the opportunity to choose the evening meal direct from the fresh catch! The Dutch Fort and St Peter's Kerk church in the town itself are interesting examples of Sri Lanka 's rich history and colonial past.
Leisurely boat rides up the lagoon and canoe trips down the river are a pleasant way of exploring the coastline, whilst 4WD jeep rides along the deserted sand dunes between the ocean and the lagoon offer a unique way of watching the colourful evening sunsets.
For keen scuba divers and snorkellers, the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka (‘Bar reef') is only an hour's boat trip from Kalpitiya. This beautiful reef is home to an incredible variety of tropical fish as well as offering sighting of manta rays, reef sharks and the occasional turtle!
Situated near the small fishing village of Kandakulliya on the west coast of the Puttalam district, approximately 6 km from Kalpitiya itself, the Wild Drift campsite looks right out to the sea! During programmes, the Turtle Point Lodge provides a communal base for the campsite. Soft-adventure and learning based activities can be arranged in a variety of locations in the area. |
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