Home>Itineraries>Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats

Tailored Sri Lanka Journey

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats

This adventure itinerary offers immersive wildlife experiences and eco-friendly stays in national parks, providing authentic encounters with Sri Lanka’s diverse flora and fauna in their natural habitats.

8 Nights – 9 DaysInquire About This Tour
Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats

Trip Overview

Looking for an exclusive plan to discover the untamed beauty of Sri Lanka?

Here’s the perfect plan for it as it features everything from rainforest walks, safaris in untouched national parks to soulful stays in just two weeks.

It’s not just travel – it’s a reconnection with the wild, rustic routes and rugged roads.

This is an itinerary which speaks all about wilderness and soulful wonders in this island paradise.

Embark on this 14-days tour to explore the ancient traditions, untamed beauty and back to nature experience with stays in rustic hideaways in the wild.

Anyone who is keen on wanderlust, nature calls, animal lovers and curious about soulful stays, you are welcome to be a part of this adventure.

We will take you through the UNESCO listed rainforest, remote bush camps, tranquil lakes, art-filled jungle sanctuaries, off the beaten tracks, lesser-known national parks, and other rich biodiversity hotspots with this plan.

In addition, you may get the chance to watch a movie under the stars, meet indigenous Vedda tribe, canoeing across butterfly-shaped lakes in Belihuloya, learn the art of ancient martial arts, treat yourself with ayurvedic treatment treatments while celebrating this wilderness and soulful wonders of the country.

Campfire dinners, mindful moments through yoga and off-the-grid stays these itinerary covers will certainly add a remark on your Sri Lanka tour with us.

Along the way, you can enjoy overnight stays in jungle hideouts, eco-friendly retreats while learning about their sustainable practices, and mobile camping experiences that add a touch of thrill and authenticity to your tour.

Do not hesitate to connect with one of the Blue Lanka Tours travel designers right away, to plan your customized tour and let Sri Lanka’s wild heart echo in your own.

Day1

BIA to Kalutara

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Pickup and Assistance at the Airport.

Transfer to Kalutara.

Check-Into Hotel.

Relax and Recharge

After Your Flight.

Overnight Stay in Kalutara.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day1

Day2

Kalutara

Spend the Day Enjoying the Resort Facilities and Activities.

Facilities – The Colonial Spa

Swimming Pool

The Scottish Bar

Yoga Pavilion

Exquisite Outdoor Dining

Sundown Picnic

A floating breakfast in the privacy of your villa.

Activities – Yoga for Beginners

Meditation to Soothe the Soul

The View Point Hike The Cinnamon Field Trek

Glenross Rubber Experience

Traditional Sri Lankan Cooking Experience

Board Games for Children

| Learn ancient martial art form of Angampora

Movie Night

‘Dhyanavabodhya’ – The Mindfulness Stroll.

Overnight Stay in Kalutara.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day2

Day3

Kalutara

After having a hearty breakfast at the Hotel, Leave to Sinharaja, for a Guided Walk through the UNESCO-listed forest, discovering unique flora (orchids, towering trees).

Spot endemic wildlife and rare birds (e.g.

Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha).

Enjoy Mid-day breakfast with a packed lunch while Relaxing in the tranquil rainforest setting.

Transfer Back to the Property.

Indulge in a Foot massage along with refreshing beverages upon arriving.

Overnight Stay in Kalutara.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day3

Day4

Kalutara to Belihul Oya

Morning

Transfer to Belihuloya.

Upon Reaching the Meeting Point of the Campsite, Start a Short Welcome Trek Through the Lost World with a Campsite Naturalist!

Check-Into Your Suite-Tent.

Refresh and

Relax

Alternatively You May opt for 2-3-Hour Adventure Bushwalk that will take you through the grassland and forest.

Enjoy a Magical Sunsets at a Viewpoint Around the Campsite.

Take a Relaxing Soak in Your Bush Bathtub and

Spend

Evening by the Campfire Stories Under the Stars.

Spend a Restful Night Isolating with Billion Stars.

Overnight Stay in Belihuloya.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day4

Day5

Belihuloya

Following Early Breakfast, Start the Activities Lined-Up for the Day.

It’s Adventure Time!

Cycle to an Old Village Named ‘Kinchigune’ Where Your Adventure Begins Fly Through the Forest with an Exciting Zip-Line Down to the Lake Bank Experience Canoeing in Beautiful “Samanala Wewe” (Butterfly Lake)

Enjoy an Authentic Village Lunch

Transfer Back to the Campsite by Vehicle

Relax in your Day Bed / Star Bed, unwind in your Bush Bathtub, or Simply Fall Asleep in Your Private Garden Hammock Relish a delicious BBQ dinner under the stars by a Campfire

Take a Relaxing Night Walk for an Immersive Experience of Nocturnal Wildlife

Overnight Stay in Belihuloya.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day5

Day6

Belihuloya to Gal Oya Early

Morning Guide Nature Trail with an In-House Naturalist.

Enjoy a Hearty Breakfast at the Campsite.

Transfer to Gal Oya.

Enjoy a Picnic Lunch Next to a Beautiful River.

Go On a Jungle Drive Through Gal Oya National Park.

Overnight Stay in Gal Oya.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day6

Day7

Gal Oya

Morning

Enjoy a Boat Ride on Sri Lanka’s Largest Lake.

With a Little Luck You Could Spot Elephants Swimming Between Islands or Bathing at the Lake’s Edge.

Evening

Explore the picturesque surroundings on a bike, discovering the Authentic day-to-day routines of local communities.

Overnight Stay in Charming Gal Oya.

Optional Excursions –

Enjoy a Walk of Discovery with Chief Veddha

Cycling Tour

| Partake in the Animal Monitoring Project

Jungle Night Walk to Spot Nocturnal Neighbors |

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day7

Day8

Gal Oya to Maduru Oya

Morning

Transfer to Maduru Oya.

Arrival at the Pre-Agreed Meeting Location in Henanigala (11:30 AM).

Greetings by ‘Aadivasi (Vedda Community) of Henanigala’ and Walk in the Forests to Experience the Traditional Livelihood of Vedda People.

Drive to Explorer by Mahoora Campsite Situated Inside the Maduru Oya National Park in a 4WD Safari Jeep.

Lunch at Campsite.

Evening Jeep Safari at Maduru Oya National Park (03:00 PM).

Encounter Traditional Practices of Aadivasi

Prior to Dinner.

Enjoy a BBQ Dinner Around a Campfire.

Overnight Stay in Maduru Oya.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day8

Day9

Maduru Oya Early

Morning

Go on a Safari at Maduru Oya National Park (05:30 AM).

Enjoy a Picnic Style Breakfast During the Safari.

Later

Visit the Fishing Village inside the Maduru Oya National Park – Pick Day’s Catch!

Return to the Campsite by Mid-Afternoon.

Lunch at the Campsite.

Evening Jeep Safari at Maduru Oya National Park.

Overnight Stay in Maduru Oya.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day9

Day10

Maduru Oya to Dambulla

Relax at the Campsite and

Enjoy Breakfast

Prior to Leave.

Transfer to Dambulla.

Visit to Dambulla Cave Temple.

Check-Into Your Eco Retreat.

Refresh and

Relax at Your Own.

Overnight Stay in Dambulla.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day10

Day11

Dambulla Early

Morning Climb to Pidurangala Rock to

Witness Stunning Views of Sunrise!

Enjoy Picnic Breakfast on the Top of the Rock.

Explore the Countryside of Sigiriya.

Meet Locals and

Partake in Local Experiences.

Evening Experience Jungle Kayaking.

Overnight Stay in Dambulla.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day11

Day12

Dambulla

Spend Full Day at Leisure Relaxing and Enjoying Hotel Facilities.

Your May Experience the Activities Onsite Walk on the ‘’Healing Path’’ Bird Watching

Take time to draw, paint, sketch at Laki’s studio.

Overnight Stay in Dambulla.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day12

Day13

Dambulla to Makandura

Morning Exploration of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Transfer to Makandura.

Check-Into Your Resort and

Relax.

Alternatively, You Can

Spend the Day Time Experiencing

Following Activities Bird-Watching

Countryside Cycling.

Overnight Stay in Makandura.

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day13

Day14

Makandura to BIA

Transfer to Airport for Flight Home!

Into the Wild with Rustic Retreats Day14

Highlights

Trip length: 14 Days Embrace luxury and serenity together during your stay at Glenross Living.

Step off the beaten tracks while whispering the wilderness stories of wind in Belihuloya.

Cruise through Sri Lanka’s best kept secret – Gal Oya and Senanayake Samudraya to witness elephant swim and roam.

Enjoy a torchlight trail with a naturalist to meet Gal Oya’s mysterious nocturnal residents.

Discover the wild frontier of Maduru Oya and spot majestic wildlife there.

Let yourself indulge in the spiritual silence above Sigiriya’s shadow with the climb of Pidurangala Rock.

Spend an overnight at a poetic hideaway in a forest.

Tips

Though children of all ages are welcome to partake in this adventure, highly recommended for anyone from 16 and above and certain walks are not ideal for little ones.

This tour focusses more into rustic stays and off-grid paths – so don’t forget your digital must-haves and a power bank to stay connected with the outside world, when you need to.

It will be wise to wear long-sleeved shirts during the dusk and dawn to be safe from mosquitoes and other insects.

Feel free to bring your own insect repellent, or try locally available Citronella oil to stay bite-free.

No bright clothes during safaris!

Stick to neutral colors, wear closed shoes, dust scarf, bring sunscreen and binoculars.

A lip balm, a headlamp and a light raincoat will come in handy when trekking, just in case.

Plan your holiday during March to September with warm temperatures and lower rainfall to enjoy the best in this route.

FAQ

Do I have access to swimming pools at these chosen properties?

Certain properties like Glenross Living, Gal Oya Lodge, Diyabubula, The Barberyn Art and Jungle Hideaway and the Notary’s House do come with a swimming pool. On the same note, bathing pools are available in certain destinations like Belihuloya.

Will I be able to communicate with the outside world once I check-into these rustic hideaways?

Yes, limited mobile coverage will be available. But there are CDMA lines which clients can use to contact family etc. in case of emergency.

Are the roads to these properties or excursions fine for all the vehicles?

Mostly yes. However, a few properties like Ahas Pokuna, do offer alternative transportation options such as jeep or tuk-tuk services to reach the premises. Sometimes, road conditions may appear poor due to heavy rains which should be expected as after all, this is a getaway into the heart of nature!

Is there air-conditioning rooms or tents in each property?

While the rooms, suites or cabanas in Glenross Living, Diyabubula and The Notary’s House are equipped with air conditioning; some tented accommodations only offer fans. This is often due to the minimal need for air conditioning and the nature of mobile camping, where fewer facilities are available.

What should be in my packing list?

Pack light and only bring essentials for your stay as follows: Clothing Essentials: Light, neutral-colored clothes Long trousers, track-bottom pants and comfy shorts T-shirts or breathable cotton shirts Sun hat for daytime walks Footwear: Trekking or walking shoes with good grip Comfortable sandals and covered shoes for evenings Personal Care: Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) Insect repellent Leech socks Useful Extras: Binoculars Dust scarf or light jacket for variable weather Weather Prep: Pack for warm, sunny, rainy, and windy conditions