Experiential East
The Eastern part of the island is a treasure trove of
History, Culture, Food, Adventure, Wildlife and Nature.
However, this region of the island is much less explored
than the rest. We have put together an itinerary that
will take you on these paths less explored to the sights
and sounds of the east.
07 Days/ 06 Nights
Wellawaya, Gal Oya, Pottuvil, Pasikudah
Jetwing Kaduruketha |
Wild Glamping Gal Oya |
Jetwing Surf |
Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa
- Visit to the Rajagala Monastery
- Leopards in Kumana National Park
- Boat safari in the Senanayaka Samudraya
- Elephants of Gal Oya National park
- Veddahs and their culture
Day 01
From your previous destination arrive at Wellawaya and check in to Jetwing Kaduruketha. “Wellawaya is the perfect location for the travelers who are looking for calm and quiet experiences, where culture, agriculture and nature are all found nestled together”. “Jetwing Kaduruketha is an icon of agro tourism and combines luxury accommodation with Sri Lanka’s agricultural legacy. The hotel is modeled after a traditional village home combined with rustic luxuries to make your stay comfortable and luxurious. We open our doors and invite you to this wonderful world where nature and agriculture blend as one and thrive together”.
Enjoy a scrumptious Sri Lankan meal before you get some time to rest and relax after the journey. In the evening we have arranged an excursion to the Buduruwagala temple complex. The complex consists of 7 statues that date back to the 10th century. 51ft tall Buddha Statue is the highlight and still bares traces of its original robe and the remnants of the orange colour suggests that the statue was brightly coloured.
Jetwing Kaduruketha
Full Board basis
Day 02
Before breakfast, head out with the hotels naturalist on a
bird watching tour of the property and its surroundings.
With good agriculture practices together with an emphasis
on protecting the environment, the hotel grounds and the
surrounding areas are a haven for birds and bird watchers
alike. Grab a pair of binoculars and head to see birds such
as the endemic Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Hanging
Parrot and the Sri Lanka Small Barbet.
You’re back to the hotel for breakfast, a short break before
you head out to explore the local village. Here you get to
meet the local people going about their daily lives and not
to forget the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals.
The village visit is highlight by a home cooked meal full
of customary Sri Lankan flavours, followed by hot tea and
sweets. Well-deserved rest in the evening as the eastern
adventure continues.
Jetwing Kaduruketha
Full Board basis
Day 03
A lovely breakfast awaits you before you check out from
Jetwing Kaduruketha and take the 2 hour drive towards the
Gal Oya region where you check in to Wild Glamping Gal
Oya by Themed Resorts.
“The Gal Oya region is steeped in history, culture that
includes the Veddah’s (aborigines) the true owners of the
island and plenty of Wildlife”
When you reach the entrance to the campsite the staff
together with the Veddah chief of the area, will then escort
you to light a traditional oil lamp and offer a small prayer
to bless your stay at this wonderful property. Check in and
a scrumptious meal will be followed by a nature walk to a
nearby forest patch. Your guide will be none other than the
chief of the Veddah tribe who’s in-depth knowledge of the
forest is a treat to anyone to listen to. The walk will start off
with a visit to a cultural center for the Veddah people to
share their stories and way of life with visitors. The forest
too is special that it is said to have been grown with various
medicinal plants and trees by one of the ancient Kings of the
era. You’re back to the hotel for a quick dip and then dinner.
10 min drive from the hotel to the cultural center.
Wild Glamping Gal Oya
Full Board basis
Day 04
Second day at the luxurious Wild Glamping Gal Oya.
The Gal Oya region is a great destination for bird watchers
and the highlight for any bird watcher who comes to the
area are the Painted Francolin and the Yellow Footed Green
Pigeon. Together with your very own naturalist head off
on a 4km bird watching trail that takes you through the
properties organic farms towards a beautiful lake. Stop and
take in these fantastic sights while your naturalist explains
the birds and plant life that you come across.
Back to the campsite for breakfast. Spend some time
enjoying the sights and sounds of the hotel area and enjoy
a scrumptious lunch.
In the evening you then take an hour’s drive to reach a section
of Gal Oya National Park that connects to the Sennanayaka
Samudraya (Samudraya Mean Ocean in Sinhalese). This is
the largest man made reservoir in the country and it not only
provides water to people for irrigation but also to numerous
wildlife such as elephants and crocodiles.
You hop on a boat and head out in the waters of the reservoir
in search of the famous swimming elephants of Gal Oya and
also various species of water birds and large crocodiles. Your
naturalist will be on hand to answer all your questions and
interpret the sights and sounds you see. You will be served
tea and sweet meats on one of the numerous islands you
find dotted on the reservoir.
Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes
Full Board basis
Day 05
- On day 5 we head out of Wild Glamping Gal Oya and make
our way to the eastern coast and the township of Pottuvil.
But before that we stop over at the Rajagala monastery
complex. This ancient complex is found on top of a hillock
where you do a 1.4km trek to the top.
“Said to be purely a monastery complex it does not have any
ruins such as royal palaces. The complex is said be created
by King Lajjathissa and presented to the sanga, the exact
dates are not specific but the complex is said to have been
inhabited by monks in the early 1st century BC. The complex
houses several structures of significance such as two stupas
or pagodas, multiple caves that are said to have been used
by meditating monks and a rock inscription that speak of the
arrival of Arahath Mihindu (Mahinda) to the country and the
site of burial of his relics. This is said to be the only written
proof of the arrival of Arahath Mahinda.
You explore the monastery after a picnic breakfast and then
take a 2 hour drive towards the Pottuvil town. Check in to
Jetwing Surf for lunch. In the evening enjoy a boat ride on
the lagoon with the hotels naturalist and take in the sights
and sounds of the Lagoon.
Back to the hotel for a rest and you will have a dinner
arranged for you on the beach.
Jetwing Surf
Full Board basis
Day 06
Another action packed day awaits you! Early morning we
head off towards Kumana National Park and the Kudumbigala
Monastery. After an hour’s drive you arrive at the entrance
to the monasteries complex which is still used by monks
for meditation so keeping quiet here is paramount. The 1st
stop of the tour takes you to what is known as Belumgala or
view point where you scale a rock face (it can be said to be
a medium to hard climb and requires a certain amount of
fitness, hand rails and shallow steps are present). The view
point gives you a 360 degree view of the area. The next part
of the tour takes you towards the locations where monks
stay while they meditate.
Climb down form the top and take a short drive to the
Panama Lake where the hotel team is ready for you with a
local breakfast spread. Enjoy the meal and rest for a short
time before heading back towards Kumana National Park.
Even on the drive towards the park entrance you might come
across Elephants, numerous birds and herds of Spotted
Deer. You can choose to have your picnic lunch by the park
entrance or it can be served to you within the park at the
designated stop over point.
Inside the park the hotel naturalist will explain what you can
see and hear. The park is known for its bird life but now
has become a second hot spot for leopard activity after Yala
National Park. So keep a look out for the islands biggest cat
and top predator. Sloth bears too are numerous in the park
and the period between June and August is the best time to
see them as they gorge themselves on the Palu Fruit.
Jetwing Surf
Day 07
You can end your adventure of the east coast from here or
if you wish to continue, the next stop will be the Malu Malu
resort in Pasikudah, Batticaloa. This section of the stay will
be one which you enjoy the sun and the pristine beach.
Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa
Full Board basis
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