Day 1 - 2: Horathapola Estate
Approximately one hour drive from the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Horathapola is the most special place to begin your tour as it gives you a perfect introduction to Sri Lanka. Horathapola Estate is located on a 50-acre coconut estate, therefore, there are many activities to do in and around the area. The estate itself with its large agricultural area invites you for strolls beneath coconut trees through the pepper gardens and paddy fields.
You'll be amazed at the diversity of spices, fruits, and vegetables that are grown organically at Horathapola. You can also learn about the many uses of the coconut tree which suffices as a livelihood for the local people in these areas. In addition, Kulu Safaris offers bullock cart rides, a visit to the virgin coconut oil factory, cycling, traditional cookery lessons, and bird watching.
Day 3 - 4: Kulu Safaris
The safari starts on the booked day at 12 noon and the team will pick you from the meeting point close to your campsite. You are then taken to the camp for a late lunch. Once you arrive at camp, one of the guides will give you a quick briefing that covers safety, nuances of camp, and inquire about any special requests that you may have. You will leave the camp at approximately 3:00 p.m. for an afternoon safari. The safaris take place at Yala National Park. Yala is renowned for being home to the world’s densest leopard population.
However, it will not be only leopards that you will see as there are elephants, buffalos, deer, and a vast variety of birdlife to be viewed as well. For the safaris, you will be riding on land cruisers which are very quiet in the park and is modified to optimize both wildlife viewing and photography. Morning game drive starts at the crack of dawn so you will see the abundance of wildlife at sunrise. Wake up is at 5:00 a.m., with your choice of tea or coffee. Leave the camp by 5:20 a.m., shortly before sunrise.
Mornings can get slightly chilly, especially during December and January. While Kulu Safaris does provide a blanket, you are advised to bring a cap and maybe a scarf. You will explore the park well off the beaten track, taking you to some of the most beautiful places on earth, under the guidance of experienced drivers-naturalists, who are renowned for their deep understanding and knowledge of the parks and the amazing diversity of wildlife viewing that the unique park has to offer.
You are back to camp for a leisurely breakfast and you may relax around camp or are taken on a stroll by experienced trackers. After lunch, you will have an afternoon game drive. You will leave camp by 3:30 p.m. for an afternoon safari and usually return at about 6:30 p.m., just in time for a sundowner. The spirit of Kulu is camaraderie as much as it is an adventure and a passion for wildlife. Guests are warmly invited to have a drink around a bonfire or in the lounge tent and mingle with the guides and fellow guests.
But if you choose a bit of solitude, that’s completely fine as well, and you’re more than welcome to sip a drink on the deck of your tent until dinner is ready. Dinner is served between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Day 5 - 8: 3 Sister Beach House
3 Sisters are located on the southern tip of the island just beyond the town of Matara and are one of the South's most beautiful and inviting beach houses. The property is perched on a secluded beach that is accessed from a private staircase in the property’s coconut grove. The beach is one of the most popular in the area for surfing with its clean waves breaking over sandbars just a short paddle from the ocean.
During your stay in Matara, you can also visit the Matara Fort (1645 AD) and the Star Fort (1765 AD) remaining the mute witness to the days of the governance by Dutch. Another memorable site would be a large number of fishermen fishing on stilts erected close to the shore.
Day 9: Departure
Check out is at 11:00 a.m. and you will be driven to a pickup point to meet your chauffeur or guide.
