TREK #1: Wepathana Walk 2km walk (soft-medium level)
Explore our nearest village, Wepathana, where many of our team members live! You will start at Polwaththa Eco Lodges and then walk through the village where you will see and learn about the beautiful Kandyan Forest Gardens. During this walk, you will meet local people attending to their daily chores who will often gladly invite you into their homes. Your guide will explain about the local customs, plants, spices and wildlife that you encounter during this experience!
DURATION: Approximately 2 hours.
IDEAL FOR: Those wanting to experience rural life and nature at a leisurely pace.
TERRAIN: A bit up and down and mostly on narrow paths on firm ground. Elevation between 650 - 700 meters above sea level.
PRICE: US$ 8.00 p.p. including our local Guide and a bottle of water. * 10% discount applicable for groups of 4 or more.
TREK #2: Village Walk & Waterfall swim 6KM walk with a ride back in our tuk-tuk or jeep (soft-medium level)
As our most popular trek, this is ideal for everybody, especially for families with children or those looking for a soft/medium hike with so much to see. At the end of the hike a waterfall-swim is the highlight!
The walk starts at our Lodge and passes through quaint villages with Kandyan Forest Gardens where you will see the villagers go about their daily chores. You will often be invited to visit their houses and on certain days you can even see how local arts and food items are made. For example, you may be able to see how local villagers make treacle and jaggery (syrup and sugar blocks made from the sap/nectar of a palm tree).
Your Guide will point out various trees on the way, such as Cloves, Pepper, Nutmeg, Coffee, Cocoa, Jackfruit, Arecanut, mango, banana, papaya and more. You will also see rice-fields, and time permitting, a glimpse of our nearby reforestation program – life in harmony with nature……and a breath-taking view of the lake surrounded by majestic mountains. Whilst at the waterfall you can enjoy a tasty picnic lunch. You will hike the first 4 km through jungle and villages, take a ride in our jeep or tuk tuk a short distance, and then walk 1 km down to the waterfall itself. After your time at the waterfall you will walk 1km back up and return to the Lodge in our jeep.
DURATION: Approximately 4-5 hours.
IDEAL FOR: Those wanting to combine a longer walk with a great village and jungle experience ending with wild swimming and a picnic lunch.
TERRAIN: 4km mostly down-hill on village paths and 2,5km on a jungle path to and from the water-fall.
PRICE: US$ 24.00 p.p. including packed lunch, our local Guide and a bottle of water. *10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person.
Trek #3: Village walk & River swim 4KM Walk (soft level)
The walk begins from our Lodge and passes through quaint villages with Kandyan Forest Gardens where you will see the villagers going about their daily chores. You will often be invited to visit their houses and see, for example, how they make treacle and jaggery (syrup and sugar blocks made from the sap/nectar of a palm tree). Your Guide will point out various trees on the way, such as Cloves, Pepper, Nutmeg, Coffee, Cocoa, Jackfruit, Arecanut, mango, banana, papaya and more.
Closer to the river there are several rice fields that are still worked by water-buffaloes. After about 2 hours of walking, you will be at Naranpanawa by Huluganga, at the exact place of the river where the advertisement for “Sunlight” soap was filmed and where the kings of Kandy used to bathe (Naranpanawa comes from the local language ‘ne-ran-panawa’ meaning “no golden comb”. It is said that this is where the ancient King lost his golden comb while bathing here. The villagers bathe, wash their clothes (and their buffaloes) and draw sand from the river. You will have the opportunity to join them if you wish! A large and deep pool of water up-river is on offer for you to enjoy a swim and a picnic lunch.
If you prefer more privacy and more of a swim you can also opt to go slightly further up river where there is a private hut with a changing room. It is ideal for a family or a group.
DURATION: Approximately 3 hours including a river-swim.
IDEAL FOR: Those wanting an educative soft trek mixed with nature and adventure. The river swim requires competency in swimming. It is also ideal for families with children (under supervision).
TERRAIN: You start with a short climb and thereafter, it is mostly flattish and downwards on fairly broad pathways on firm ground with about 70 steps down. After the river-bath and picnic lunch you will be taken back to the lodge by jeep.
PRICE: US$ 24 p.p. including lunch, a guide, bottle of water and transport back to the lodge.*10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person.
Trek #4: Five-in-one Total 4.5km (medium level)
Experience the best of our surroundings with this fantastic hike that within a few hours shows you a bit of everything of daily life here in this area! You will enjoy a visit to a school, trek through the jungle, experience a local bus ride, a tour of Kandyan Forest Gardens ending with a refreshing wild swim in a hidden waterfall!
The walk takes a 2-km path to the local school which most of the village children use every day. You will distribute pens, exercise books and more to the school children and participate with the class and their teacher in a short lesson followed by personal interaction with the children.
A 20-minute ride in the local bus (which is not crowded) or in our jeep will take you close to the jungle-path leading to a beautiful water-fall hidden in the jungle - you will feel like Tarzan & Jane! You can enjoy swimming in the natural pool which is large and fairly deep with a gradual drop. The water is clean and safe to bathe in with a temperature of around 20ºC. You can choose to have a tasty picnic lunch at the water-fall. When you are ready you will hike 1km back to the vehicle and return to our Lodge by tuk-tuk or by safari jeep.
DURATION: Walk totally 4.5KM in 3 sections and parts by jeep & bus
IDEAL FOR : Those wanting to experience a wide range of village life and true nature.
TERRAIN: Somewhat up-hill at times, narrow foot-paths approaching waterfall, the rest easy.
PRICE: US$ 24 p.p. including lunch, a guide, transport, pens & exercise books (if group smaller than 7 pax the group pays totally US$ 15 for books and pens) and a bottle of water. *10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person.
Trek #5: Bambaragala Rock Total 4.5km (medium-hard level)
If you are looking for a short but intense climb for spectacular views of the surrounding area including the Victoria Lake, then this is the hike for you! After a short 20 min drive you will reach the bottom of the Bambaragala Temple also called Bambaragala Rajamaha Viharaya. This temple is a hidden gem that is very special to local people. It is partly built into the Bambaragala Rock itself. After climbing up a few steep stairs you can explore the Temple and continue hiking up through a forest for another 45 minutes before reaching the top of the Rock.
Once at the top you can soak in the beautiful views of the Victoria Lake. On sunny days we strongly advise to take sun lotion, good walking shoes and plenty of water. Please stay away from the edge of the cliff!
DURATION: Total approximately 3.5 hours including climb and transport.
IDEAL FOR: Those wanting a medium/ challenging climb with spectacular views of the Victoria Lake.
TERRAIN: Steep climb including stairs leading up to temple followed by steep patches of forest and rock. Peak elevation is 760 meters above sea level.
PRICE: US$ 21 p.p. including guide, picnic lunch, transport and bottle of water. *10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person.
Trek #6: Village walk, Tea and River swim 4km walk + 14KM by tuk-tuk or jeep (one-way) (soft-medium)
The walk begins from our Lodge and passes through quaint villages with Kandyan Forest Gardens where you will see the villagers going about their daily chores. You will often be invited to visit their houses and see, for example, how they make treacle and jaggery (syrup and sugar blocks made from the sap/nectar of a palm tree). Your Guide will point out various trees on the way, such as Cloves, Pepper, Nutmeg, Coffee, Cocoa, Jackfruit, Bread-fruit, Arecanut, mango, banana, papaya and more. Closer to the river are several rice fields that are still worked by water-buffaloes.
After about 2 hours of walking, you will be picked by the Jeep or Tuk Tuk and drive to the Hathale Tea Factory to learn about all things ‘Tea’. You will drive through some stunning views of tea plantations, learn about the industry and also learn how tea is processed; from growing and harvesting to processing and tasting!
From here you will drive back towards the lodge but stop by the famous Naranpannawa river for a swim and picnic by the water.
DURATION: Approximately 5-6 hours.
IDEAL FOR: Those who prefer a smaller walk, learn about the local life and the famous tea industry.
TERRAIN: You start with a short climb and thereafter, it is mostly flattish and downwards on fairly broad pathways on firm ground with about 70 steps down.
PRICE: US$ 34 p.p. including Guide fees, packed lunch and a bottle of water. *10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person.
Trek #7A: Knuckles Base 16-18KM Walk + 26KM by tuk-tuk or jeep (hard level)
This is a spectacular hike that starts from here and takes you through the diverse landscape of this region including quaint villages, temples, jungle, tea estates and bathing places. Fantastic views and plenty of rural life to be seen, including the famous “Line-rooms” of the tea-pluckers. You will climb up to the base of the Knuckles mountains and end at a natural pool created by cascading water where you can swim (water temp. ca. 18C). You have the option of taking the local bus from here or you can walk another 4 KM through forest cover to a modern tea-factory. From this point you will take a bus or tuktuk (depending on schedules) to come back to Polwaththa.
This is a very challenging trek which requires good walking shoes and a sun-hat to minimize the effects of the midday sun in open places.
DURATION: Approximately 6-7 hours
IDEAL FOR: Those seeking a fairly challenging trek and wanting to see typical rural life.
TERRAIN: A steady climb most of the way through village roads and jungle paths on firm ground. Elevation 1,050 meters above seas level.
PRICE: US$ 37 p.p. including Guide fees, packed lunch and a drink. *10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person. MUST BE BOOKED 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE
Trek #7b: Mini World’s End 12KM Walk + 33KM by vehicle; one-way - Via Hunasgiriya (medium-hard level)
This hike starts with a drive in our jeep or tuktuk that offers breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, lakes and tea estates. Once you reach the start of your walk, you will begin a medium/ hard hike that takes you through the amazingly diverse landscape found in the Knuckles. Known as the most biodiverse area of Sri Lanka, you will see not only experience stunning views of forest and streams but also a wide range of birds and rare lizards. The walk is a total of 12km of which about 3km is by the 'mini Worlds End'.
DURATION: Approximately 7 hours
IDEAL FOR: Those wanting a fairly challenging walk mixed with great views of mountains in jungle surroundings.
TERRAIN: Parts of dense forest, uphill and flattish by Mini World’s End and a climb thereafter - on mainly firm ground. Peak elevation is 1,400 meters above sea level.
PRICE: US$ 42 p.p including Knuckles entrance ticket, transport, packed lunch and guide fees.*10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person. MUST BE BOOKED 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE
Trek #7C: High Knuckles 20km walk + 32km by tuk-tuk or jeep (one-way) (very hard level)
This is your chance to reach the top of the Knuckles Mountain Range! After an early morning drive (approx 1 hour) you will start with a climb up to the Knuckles Reserve. Thereafter you will walk through dense forest on fairly flat ground before the real climb starts; this bring you to the top of Peak 1! The hike to the top will take approx 3 hours. From here, you can continue to summit Peak 2 for more breathtaking views and a tasty, deserving picnic lunch on the very top of the Knuckles. After lunch you will start your descent which will take another 3 hours before reaching a waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim. The last stage is an easy walk through tea plantations on fairly flat land.
This hike offers you the opportunity to explore one of most biodiverse regions in Sri Lanka. It is home to a range of unique flora and fauna including the endemic Leaf-nose lizard, purple-faced leaf monkey and over 1000 different flowers and trees including the wild orchid!
DURATION: Approximately 9-10 hours.
IDEAL FOR: Those seeking biodiversity and a rewarding and challenging trek through tea plantations and steep climbs through dense forests with stunning views.
TERRAIN: A steady climb through dense forest with some steeper climbs as you approach the peak. Peak elevation is 1,860 meters above sea level.
PRICE: US$ 51 p.p. including Transport, Guide fees, packed lunch and a bottle of water. *10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person. MUST BE BOOKED 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE
Trek #7D: Seven Waterfalls 14km walk + 28km by tuk-tuk or jeep (one-way) (very hard level)
If you are an adventure junky and love waterfalls then this one’s for you. The cluster of 7 waterfall is approx 100 meters high. After an early morning drive (approx 1 hour) you will start the climb from the bottom of the first waterfall where you can also take a quick dip. The steep climb starts here. You will pass in and out of each waterfall, climbing up the side of the waterfalls through dense forest. Once you have reached the top of the final waterfall called “Kotanganga” you will walk out to a stunning view of the Kandyan Hills. Here you will stop for lunch where you can also have a small refreshing dip.
After a little break you will climb down and through the dense Knuckles Forest towards Thangappuwa. This walk is approx 7km ending by a Line-House where you the jeep will be ready to take you back to the lodge.
DURATION: Approximately 5-6 hours.
IDEAL FOR: Those seeking an adventure and a challenging climb with rewarding views.
TERRAIN: A steep, rocky climb with dense forest, waterfalls, rocks and jungle. Peak elevation is approx 1,100 meters above sea level.
PRICE: US$ 48 p.p. including Guide fees, packed lunch and a bottle of water. *10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person. MUST BE BOOKED 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE
Trek #7E: Overnight in Knuckles 12km through Heeloya (15km by tuk / jeep) and 6km towards Rangala (hard)
Experience a whole other side to Sri Lanka with our overnight trek in the Knuckles Mountain Range. You will walk through diverse landscapes with stunning views, through quaint villages, rice fields jungle and tea estates. The first section will take you through the village of Heeloya which a traditional village surrounded by rice fields where you will see villagers attend to their daily chores. As you keep climbing into the tea plantations you will experience the rural life of the tea pluckers including the “Line-rooms”.
The 12km hike will end at a rustic Camp Site on the border of the Knuckles Mountains. Here you have the option to stay in a tent or a little wooden cabana. After a traditional meal you have the chance to sit by a bonfire and even sing a few songs!
The following morning, after a fresh breakfast you will continue on a relatively shorter walk at about 8.30am which will take you towards Peru Village with breathtaking views of the mountains including the Lake Victoria in the distance. Your legs may feel heavy but this walk is totally worth it! After a short windy road down you can hop back in the jeep which will take you back to the lodge.
DURATION: 2 days (Day 1; 6-7 hours, Day 2; 4 hours).
IDEAL FOR: Those seeking a challenge, breathtaking views and a campsite adventure.
TERRAIN: A steady climb through paddy fields, jungle, tea plantations and forest. Elevation approx 1,200 meters above sea level.
PRICE : US$ 67 p.p. including a Guide, packed lunch, water, overnight stay with dinner and breakfast. *10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person. MUST BE BOOKED 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE
#8: Waterfall Tour (72km driven tour of Waterfalls & Tea Plantations)
This option is ideal for exploring the local area during bad weather conditions. In case of rain where trekking is impossible this a good way of exploring this beautiful area.
You will ride in either a tuk tuk or Jeep and visit a series of 4 stunning waterfalls including the famous Jodu Ella and Saree Ella (Ella translates to Waterfall). On your way you will also travel through tea plantations, local villages, breathtaking views of the mountains and natural pools where you can also swim.
DURATION: Approximatly 5-6 hours.
IDEAL FOR: Those who prefer to use the jeep or tuk to visit area’s waterfalls, tea plantations and Knuckles Mountains.
TERRAIN: Mainly paved roads.
PRICE : US$ 37 p.p. including transport, packed lunch and a bottle of water. 10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person.
#9: Birdwatching 3km Walk (soft level)
Explore the area around Polwaththa which is home to over 62 species of birds including 17 endemics. Some of the endemic birds include the popular Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Layard’s Parakeet, Ceylon Wood Pigeon and the Chestnut-backed Owlet.
The walk will take approx 2 hours on mostly flat ground but with some short climbs uphill. You will also walk through Bululand, our first reforestation project, Bululand is also home to the Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon which is legally protected and is classified as a vulnerable species
DURATION: Approximately 2 hours.
IDEAL FOR: Birdwatchers!
TERRAIN: Mostly flat with a short climb towards Bululand.
PRICE: US$ 15 p.p. including locally trained guide. *10% discount applicable for groups of 4 or more.
#10: Yoga (beginner-medium level)
Imagine waking to the sounds of birds from your cabin nestled deep in the jungle. You take a 10 min jungle trek to the yoga shala, roll out your mat, and say hello to the monkeys welcoming you in for your morning Yoga practice...
Please join us for an energising morning Yoga practice (Vinyasa/Hatha) and a slow and restorative evening practice. It is a perfect opportunity to connect to your body, your breath, and the stunning nature around you.
The yoga classes are very flexible and they are welcoming to everyone including beginners and families. Please speak to our Yoga Teacher to find out more and we will be happy to meet your needs!
DURATION: 60-90 minutes per class
IDEAL FOR: For anyone that wants some exercise, stretch or is simply curious to learn more. It is a perfect way to start your day!
TERRAIN: 10 minute walk through the forest on mostly flat land.
PRICE: Rs. 2,000 p.p. including mat, bolster and pillow.
#11: Tree Planting (beginner-medium level)
Reduce your carbon footprint and help us protect our wonderful Kandyan Forests that have existed for over 2000 years.
Kandyan Forest Gardens is an ancient agrofrestry method designed to sustainably grow a whole range of fruits and spices in amongst the native forest trees. Originating many centuries ago, this style of farming can be found across the wet areas of central Sri Lanka including Kandy and Matale.
This practice is inherently organic and is home to an abundance of spices, fruits and wildlife including deer, giant squirrels, the endangered toque macaque monkeys and over 60 species of birds, making it one of the most biodiverse forests in the world.
The unfortunate reality is that due to a lack of finances, farmers and landowners are selling their land for development or resorting to unsustainable farming methods. This is one of the root causes in the disappearance of these biodiverse forests that have existed for centuries.
DURATION: 60 minutes
IDEAL FOR: For anyone wants to give back to nature and learn not only about tree planting but also nurturing and protecting it from wildlife.
TERRAIN: 5-15 minute walk through the forest of fairly flattish land, depending on location
PRICE: $10,- per plant plus any donation towards The Forest Healing Foundation.
#12: Organic Farming (beginner-medium level)
Learn and experience the traditional ways of farming at our Organic Farm. This is a 1 acre abandoned piece of land that we have taken to try and go back to traditional methods of farming that include the use of organic fertiliser and natural water ways.
Together with the villagers you will be ploughing the soil, creating water ways, planting seeds and learning about how we use the natural ecosystem.
The work schedule will depend on the season and could be anything from preparing the land to reaping the harvest. The program ends with a traditional lunch cooked in the hut on a hearth – mostly rice and vegetables grown on the very land they have worked. Participation in the traditional cooking is an option – so is bathing in the sprout within the farmland.
DURATION: 3 hours
IDEAL FOR: Anyone that is interested in traditional farming and getting their hands dirty!
TERRAIN: Slightly steep farmland with a stream.
PRICE: $25,- per person including a traditional lunch. 10% Discount applicable for groups of 4 or more, 30% more for single person.
#13: Traditional Cooking Class (beginner level)
Learn to cook local Sri Lankan curry the traditional way while being immersed in nature just outside Kandy by our very own villagers.
A local cooking lesson offers the choice of 3 vegetable curries including Beans, Aubergine, Dhal, Sweet Potato and Pumpkin, some of which are grown organically on our very own land. Here you will learn about the signifance of coconut, fresh spices and how they used in a traditional village
DURATION: 2-3 hours
IDEAL FOR: Those who want to experience and learn how to cook Sri Lankan food the traditional way while surrounded by nature.
PRICE: US$ 17.00 p.p. including meal (min 2 persons) / US$ 14.00 p.p for In-House guests (min 2 persons)
#14: Kandy & other Activities
A tour of Kandy city can easily be arranged by our jeep, tuk tuk or local bus. We encourage guests to take the bus as it is an experience of its own besides also being very cheap. In Kandy you are free to walk about in the town, visit the Maligawa - Temple of the Tooth (of The Buddha), go shopping, visit the Central Market, or have a cup of tea or coffee or even a cool beer in an old cafe overlooking the busy streets. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is only 6 KM away from the city. FEEL FREE TO ASK US FOR RECOMMENDATIONS!
By Car/Van
Leave at 08:15 after breakfast to be on time for the ceremony at the Temple of The Tooth (Rs. 2.000,- entrance) which begins at 09:30 and ends at 10:30. Walk through the city center to the Municipal Market and the Botanical Gardens (6 KM from the city: Rs. 3.000,- entrance). Return to the Lodge at around 16:00.
By Public Transport
Leave by at 07:45 after an early breakfast if you wish to see the start of the ceremony. The walk to the bus halt is approx. 1,5 km downhill and the bus journey to Kandy is approx. 45 minutes and costs about Rs 120 to Kandy. A tuk tuk from the lodge to Kandy is approx Rs 3,000.
Other Activities
Sigiriya and Wasgamuwa National Park (100km, 2.5 hours). In the surrounding area you can also visit the local weaving mill, school and the Naranpannawa Temple.
