This journey takes you to some of the most remote jungles in Sri Lanka, with the aim of disconnecting from the rest of the world and reconnecting with nature. The mountains and the jungles that run as far as your eye can see create an ambiance of stillness to let your mind wander free from distractions. As you breathe in the fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature, explore the enigmatic jungle and enjoy the breathtaking views, you will reconnect with yourself.
This adventure is probably one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka if you are looking to connect with locals and go completely off the tourist trail. However, it does come with a few challenges for some travellers as accommodation is at local houses with very minimal facilities. Have a look at the ‘Important to know’ section for more information.
Day 1 :
This morning around 10am, meet your charismatic host at the Rattota town, a small town in [PLACE] with an old charm. After a brief introduction, visit a few local shops and get to know more about the exotic spices and vegetables that will go into your meals during this adventure.
Set off on a 1.5hr drive with different panoramic views around every corner. Enter the Knuckles Mountain Range and then continue to a rural village. Take a pit-stop at a local shop for tea and snacks if you prefer to break the windy journey.
Reach the village and settle in at the local house with your hosts. Being at this modest home enables you to truly get to know the local way of life and see the world through the eyes of your hosts. After conversation over a cuppa and a homecooked lunch, set off to explore this idyllic village and see their subsistent farming techniques. To bathe like a local, take a dip in the river. Embrace the slow pace of life here.
As the sun sets, settle in at the house for the night.
Day 2 :
We recommend starting the day at around 7.30am. Starting early means you will have more time in the jungle to explore or relax. After breakfast, set off through the village with your host and his friend.
This 5km trek is through a relatively thick jungle with a clear pathway. Take a break at the viewpoint to gain an idea of the expansive jungle surrounding you that runs right into the horizon.
Tonight’s accommodation is at a deserted village in the middle of the jungle, in one of the abandoned houses which has been renovated so that it can accommodate guests for a couple of nights. Your host will make you feel right at home as you acclimatize to your new remote setting, totally cut-off from the rest of the world.
At the house, take some time to take in the stillness and the fresh air whilst tea and lunch is being prepared. Take a stroll to see the impressive mountain range in the area, read a book or meditate.
After lunch, we recommend exploring the jungle and having a dip in a stream. This trek goes through the thick jungle without a clear path at times but it has some stunning viewpoints. After a bath in the cold, refreshing stream, head back to the house before sunset.
A bonfire will be setup by the house for the long conversations that might overrun into dinner and tea. Over dinner, connect more with your host and his friend, and get to know the history of the abandoned village and their interesting life stories.
Day 3 :
We recommend waking up early for sunrise over the mountain range or rise a little later to the sound of birdcall. After breakfast and spending a morning at leisure, head back to the village.
Back at the house in the village, have the last meal with the locals and bid farewell to the good friends and memories made on this exceptional journey.
Location:
Closest town is Rattota/Matale
Meal plan:
Home-cooked Sri Lankan meals cooked on an open fire included from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3. Meals in the abandoned village will be vegetarian.
Important to know:
- This journey is recommended for adventurous travellers as it is designed to provide the best local experience.
- It can get a little chilly in this part of the island, we recommend bringing a sweater.
- There is no electricity or phone reception in the abandoned village.
- Locals bathe from streams and there aren’t any proper showers in both places. We recommend bathing in these streams.
- There can be leeches during the rainy season.
- Both houses which provide your overnight accommodation are very basic. The stay is focused more on the experience and less on comfort.
- The loo in the remote village is French-style (hole-in-the-ground) and in the abandoned village, you have bushes with a great view for when nature calls!
What to bring:
- Toiletries
- Walking shoes
- Comfortable clothing
- Activewear
- Swimwear
- Towel