“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine: It’s Lethal.”
Description
The 335 km long Mahaweli is Sri Lanka’s longest river. This wilderness adventure journeyed by kayaks and/or canoes is a 50km, 3 nights and 4 days paddling trip through the untainted Wasgamuwa National Park, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. It begins 20 km downstream from the town of Mahiyanganaya and ends near to Manampitiya. The park is home to large herds of wild elephants and a rich and diverse birdlife. It’s quite likely that you will spot some crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river on certain stretches, so the trip is not for the faint hearted! This is generally a flat water expedition however there are a couple of Class I and II rapids to navigate which will add to the excitement. No prior experience is necessary, but participants must have a reasonable level of fitness and be willing to pitch in with camp set up, as well as cooking, cleaning and packing up camp every morning.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrival at Manampitiya Bridge
You will begin your 4 day expedition by first arriving at the Manampitiya bridge. There you will meet your eco-team river guide and you will begin your rafting or canoeing tour along the Mahaweli River while our staff will follow you either by boat or vehicle carrying your camping equipment and clothing. After a few hours of canoeing, you will enjoy a packed lunch in a suitable spot; a river bank and continue forward. You will end your day with an overnight stay at a participatory campsite in the banks of the Mahaweli River close to the Somawathi National Park and retreat back to your tents after a delicious dinner. - Day 2 & 3 – River expedition down the Mahaweli River
After an early breakfast on both days, you will begin continuing your rafting or canoeing expedition. You will be passing Somawathiya National Park, which lies in a deltaic floodplain of the Mahaweli River that has a tributary that forks into two branches. We will be taking the branch which is the Mahaweli River that flows north into Koddiyar Bay. The other branch is the Verugal Oya that flows north east into the sea. On both days you will stop for lunch again at a suitable place down your river expedition and end the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a participatory campsite in the banks of the Mahaweli River. - Day 4 – Ending your expedition at Koddiyar Bar. After an early breakfast on your fourth and final day, you will continue your final stretch of the rafting expedition and end it at the Koddiyar Bay in Trincomalee. Your transfer vehicle will be ready at that point for your departure to your next destination
Inclusions
- All the Meals/Snack/Tea during the tour
- A comprehensive training before the expedition on a similar environment at no extra cost
- Transportation from your hotel and back to your hotel after the expedition.
- All the camping and kayaking gears will be provided. Get your own sleeping bag and pad, or you can rent an air mattress/pillow combo for an additional fee.
Preparations
Wasgomuwa NP is in the Central part of Sri Lanka and is in the dry zone. Our tours run rain or shine, so we ask you to wear quick-dry rash guards and tight leggings during the day that will cover your entire body. You can change to cotton wear at night. We advise avoiding shoes and flip-flops, ideal footwear for this expedition is a pair of sandals with straps. Because the storage is limited, we request you to travel light. Sunglasses and shades must be strapped. Hats and caps are a must as the sun can get you during the day.
Sun Blocks: We kindly request you to keep it away if possible or use a natural or organic-based one.
Toiletries: Avoid single-use plastic containers, you could accompany organic soaps or dry shampoo bars or purchase an organic soap bar from us to support our rural development and women empowerment initiative.