Bufferfly Trail (11 Days)

Bufferfly Trail (11 Days)

The intention of this tour is to observe and identify butterflies in the wild. The collecting of specimens is not permitted on Naturetrek tours, and furthermore is illegal in Sri Lanka. Any tour member discovered procuring butterfly specimens will be asked to immediately leave the tour and could be subject to prosecution in Sri Lanka. In principle we have no objection to the catching of insects for the purpose of identification as long as they are not harmed and released as quickly as possible but tour members should be aware that this practice is not allowed in any of the Protected Areas in Sri Lanka, nor is it permitted to take nets into these areas. Please do not consider travelling on this tour unless you are prepared to abide to these conditions.
(SKU: LK10102000)

Itinerary

Day 1: Airport > Colombo

Stop At: Colombo, Colombo, Western Province
Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Colombo and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 30 to 40 mins)
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star Hotel.

Day 2: Colombo > Sinharaja

Stop At: Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sinharaja Access Road, Mederipitiya, Deniyaya, Galle 81524 Sri Lanka
Get the greatest opportunity of benefiting from a natural fish spa therapy in a natural water steams. This temperature will create a relaxing feeling to the customer where they could receive a tingling massage from the dozens of toothless fish in natural water steams in the Sinharaja Rainforest. These type of fish are known as doctor or nibble fish. They suck and gently nibble away at dry and dead skin. The end result will leave your feet feeling refreshed and healthy.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star Hotel.

Day 3: Sinharaja

Stop At: Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sinharaja Access Road, Mederipitiya, Deniyaya, Galle 81524 Sri Lanka
Go on a jungle safari to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Experience the virgin forest with its dense evergreen type vegetation. Feel the adventure as you listen to the screeches of monkeys and see the glimpses of colorful forest birds. Feel the spine-thrilling chill as you watch a green pit viper wind itself amongst the foliage. A wonderful opportunity for those who wish to see Mother Nature at her wildest.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sinharaja Access Road, Mederipitiya, Deniyaya, Galle 81524 Sri Lanka
Our principal focus will of course be on the wonderful variety of butterflies inhabiting Sinharaja. Among the most spectacular of the long list of potential species are the black and yellow Sri Lanka Birdwing (Troides darsius) and the equally impressive Red Helen (Papilio helenus) but there are many jewels to look for in this very special forest including; Common Mormon (Papilio polytes), Blue Mormon (P.polymnestor), Sri Lankan Rose (Pachliopta jophon),Common Bluebottle (Graphium sarpedon), Psyche (Leptosia nina), Common Jezebel (Delias eucharis), Sri Lankan Tree Nymph (Idea iasonia), Common Leopard (Phalanta phalantha), Commander (Moduza procris), Clipper (Parthenos sylvia) and Tailed Jay (Graphium agamemnon), Great Crow (Euploea phaenareta), Sri Lankan Blue Oak Leaf (Kallima philarchus), Club Beak (Libythea myrrha), Gladeye Bushbrown (Mycalesis patnia), Sri Lankan Cerulean (Jamides coruscans), Restricted Demon (Notocrypta curvifascia).


Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star Hotel.

Day 4: Sinharaja > Kandy

Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star Hotel.

Day 5: Kandy > Matale

Stop At: Pitawala Pathana, Rattota-Illukkumbura Road, Matale 21000 Sri Lanka
Pitawala Patana offers excellent habitats for more hill country butterflies. In addition to species already mentioned, insects in this area could include: Banded Peacock (Papilio crino), Painted Sawtooth (Prioneris sita), Common Albatross (Appias albina),Sri Lankan Lesser Albatross (Appias galene) Indian Fritillary (Argynnis hyperbius), Great Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina), Ceylon Forester (Lethe dynaste), Red Pierrot (Talicada nyseus), Common Silverline (Spindasis vulcanus), Plumbeous Silverline (Spindasis schistacea), Great Orange Tip (Hebomoia glaucippe), Sri Lankan Tiger (Parantic taprobana), Beak (Libythea Laius), Tamil Treebrown (Lethe drypetis), Monkey-puzzle (Rathinda amor), Tropic Dart (Potanthus confuscius).
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sera Ella falls, Pothatawela Pothatawela village, Matale 21000 Sri Lanka
Sera Ella Waterfall in Sri Lanka is a waterfall located in Pothatawela village, a place near Laggala in Matale District’s, Sri Lanka. It is formed by the waters of Kitul Canal which runs down Kaudagammana peak and Hunumadala River which flows from the mountains of Gonamada and Deyuthu Gammmaduwa combining to form the Puwakpitiya River, a waterway which joins Thelegam River to create the waterfall at its point of joining. The magnificient waterfall separates into two sections as it falls down the rockface, both falling down a height of 10m and which is visible from the Dumbara Jungle.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Bambarakiri Ella Falls, Rattota, Matale 21000 Sri Lanka
Bambarakiri Ella Falls in Sri Lanka or Bambarakele Waterfall is a tall waterfall in Sri Lanka. Dropping down a sheer vertical rockface down a height of 263m (863 feet), Bambarakanda waterfall takes the position of the world’s 299th tallest waterfall.

Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star Hotel.

Day 6: Matale > Wasgamuwa > Matale

Stop At: Wasgamuwa National Park, Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Discover the opulence of the flora and fauna in the dry tropical forest setting, overlooking the stunning landscape of the park. Enjoy a Wasgamuwa safari ride filling your lungs with the refreshing air of the pristine wild and listening to the symphony of crickets and birds. Rest assuring you the sights of mighty elephants in a Wasgamuwa safari ride, the national park is also a home for a diverse of mammals including leopard, sloth bear, purple-faced langur monkey, wild boar, sambar, spotted deer, buffalo, and endemic yellow fronted barbet.
Duration: 3 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star Hotel.

Day 7: Matale > Sigiriya > Habarana

Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ' the Lion Rock'. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your tastebuds with a home cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. Enjoy the life of a Sri Lankan villager, just this day.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star Hotel.

Day 8: Habarana

Stop At: Habarana Lake, Habarana Sri Lanka
After breakfast at the hotel spend just about ninety minutes of bliss tracking and watching the sheer beauty of the feathered kind in the company of our experienced naturalist. Many nests are hidden among the floating lotus leaves and the branches of the gigantic "Kumbuk" trees. Across the ramp and up the wooden stairway is an observation desk - a platform that overlooks a myriad of birdlife strewn across the reflecting waters.

The past continues into the farm that ends amidst the spellbinding Butterfly garden. A riot of clour affixed in petals awaits the nature lovers while the bird trail ends as a truly enriching experience.

Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star Hotel.

Day 9: Habarana > Sigiriya > Habarana

Stop At: Ritigala Forest Monastery, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
This rocky outcrop, emerging like Sigiriya from the dry lowlands, exhibits several distinct types of forest vegetation becoming progressively moister with increases in elevation until the forest around the summit resembles that of the hill country. There is a very ancient archaeological site within the forest, which we can visit during our afternoon exploration.
Duration: 3 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star Hotel.

Day 10: Habarana > Negombo

Stop At: Negombo Beach, Negombo Sri Lanka
Enjoy the sun on the sandy beaches of Negombo on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Watch the flourishing fish industry, which is a centuries-old tradition. Ride an adrenaline high with some fun water sports. Enjoy the corals and underwater life while diving. See the 50-year-old ship-wreck just off the coast, where many varieties of fish make their home.
Duration: 5 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star Hotel.

Day 11: Habarana > Negombo

Pass By: Katunayake, Katunayake, Negombo, Western Province
After a relaxed morning and breakfast at the hotel check out and, drive to the Airport for your flight back home.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.