Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is Sri Lanka's last remaining virgin rainforest. The forest is totally isolated from the wider world. No vehicles are allowed in the reserve, so we can take easy walks in relative solitude. The giant canopy trees reach heights of up to 45 m, with nearly all the sub-canopy trees found being rare or endangered. Mammals include the leopard, sambar, barking deer and wild boar, and there are 45 species of reptiles, 21 of which are endemic.The 22 villages that circle the forest use the resources at the forest's edge: rattan creepers, fuel resins, kitul sap as well as plants for medicinal purposes and food. Around their traditional adobe huts, they cultivate sweet potatoes and manioc, breadfruit and jackfruit.

Our tour will take you to the forest. We'll stay overnight at Sinharaja Forest ecolodge (basic, but offers you a once-in–a-lifetime opportunity to sleep and wake up in the rainforest) and learn more about the conservation of the forest.From Sinharaja, we will make our way to Tangalla. Way beyond the conventional tourist spots, Tangalla is in the deep south of the country, the land of the traditional Sinhalese. Here we will find small coastal fishing villages and stroll along beaches of golden sand with not a single hotel or tourist as far as the eye can see. We will visit the homes of locals, see the work of local conservation groups, go cycling, and generally spend time absorbing the atmosphere and culture of these warm and hospitable people.

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Day 1-2:	Is your arrival in Colombo - colourful and bustling. You can either relax, or we'll take you on our off-the-beaten track tour of Colombo with its whirl of sights, smells and tastes. Much under-stated by the conventional tourist crowd, the tour will take you to the city's more intriguing neighborhoods. You can see the colorful bazaars and back streets of Pettah and visit the city's hauntingly beautiful temples and churches.Overnight: (2 nights), Galle Face Hotel. Inside the grand four-story colonial building, the sweeping staircase and threadbare red carpet bear witness to a glittering past. You can spend evenings on the marble-tiled veranda taking tea at sunset or wandering along the public promenade.
Day 3-4:	We'll make our way by car to Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The forest is totally isolated from the wider world. No vehicles are allowed in the reserve, so we can take easy walks in relative solitude. The giant canopy trees reach heights of up to 45 m, with nearly all the sub-canopy trees found being rare or endangered. Mammals include the leopard, sambar, barking deer and wild boar, and there are 45 species of reptiles, 21 of which are endemic.The 22 villages that circle the forest use the resources at the forest's edge: rattan creepers, fuel resins, kitul sap as well as plants for medicinal purposes and food. Around their traditional adobe huts, they cultivate sweet potatoes and manioc, breadfruit and jackfruit. We can learn more about the conservation of the forest and visit educational projects in the outlying villages.Overnight: (2 nights), Sinharaja Forest ecolodge (note that the eco lodge is very basic, but offers you a once-in–a-lifetime opportunity to sleep and wake up in the rainforest). Those wishing a more upmarket experience, may enjoy Boulder Garden Hotel, built around a series of huge boulders and streams.
Day 5-9:	We'll make our way to Tangalla, one of the nicest towns along the southern coast. The place is easy-going and the beach a mixture of shimmering white sands and small intimate bays. Here, you will have ample chance to relax - sunbathing, swimming and diving. Those looking for more action will also be happy. Getting up early, we can see the days catch being unloaded at the quayside in Tangalla's fishing habour. Fish are auctioned, gutted and cut up on the dock to be carried by pedal cycle and motorbike to inland villages. We can take you to meet the local fishermen and cook a traditional Sinhalese meal in their homes. Or take a catamaran trip on the lagoon.We can take a midnight expedition to watch the turtles at Rekawa, an old fishing village 10km east of Tangalla. Or cycle (or take a three-wheeler) 16 km north to Mulkirigala rock temple, where large reclining Buddhas, wall paintings and figures are protected by a series of caves in the huge rock. Walking barefoot up to the top of the rock, we'll get an amazing view of the surrounding countryside.We can take a day trip to Kiralakella Wetland Project in Matara (one hours drive from Tangalla). The Kiralakelle Wetlands Project lies 2 miles outside Matara and is the SLEF's most developed community conservation project. The 1,630 hectare nature reserve consists of marshlands, canals, scrub forest, paddy lands homesteads and a belt of mangroves. The area is home to rich marsh flora and fauna including 68 species of birds, 9 species of snake and 47 species of butterfly.Overnight: (5 Nights), Gayana Guest House – set back from the beach, rooms spotless and simple, bicycles for hire.
Day 10:	We'll take you to back to Colombo and the airport.