Embark on a carefully designed 2-night river expedition along Sri Lanka’s Mahaweli River, the island’s longest and most iconic waterway, with CCT Sri Lanka. This journey combines adventure kayaking, wilderness camping, and immersive wildlife encounters, offering a raw and authentic experience through Sri Lanka’s floodplains and river ecosystems.
As you paddle through sections of the Flood Plains National Park and Somawathiya National Park, you’ll move through rich biodiversity zones filled with wetlands, forest edges, and open river channels. Along the way, expect frequent wildlife sightings, birdlife activity, and ever-changing natural scenery that makes each stretch of the river unique and memorable.
This shorter expedition is ideal for travelers who want a compact but fully immersive river adventure, ending at one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist sites.
Manampitiya to Somawathiya Temple
Best Season: Mid March – December
Availability: All year around
Advance Booking Required: 14 days (Wildlife Department permit required)
Starting Point: Manampitiya Bridge
Start Time: 9:00 AM
Trip Duration: 2 Days / 2 Nights
Total Distance: Approximately 30 km
Minimum Participants: 2 kayakers/expedition guests
Tenting Options: Shared or individual tents available
Price Includes
- All kayaking and camping equipment
- Full safety gear and life jackets
- Professional expedition guides and river crew
- 2 nights camping along the Mahaweli River
- Wildlife Department permit coordination
- Pickup from Somawathiya Temple at the end of the expedition
- Drop-off to selected accommodation in Polonnaruwa
- All government taxes
Discounts
- Groups of 4 or more qualify for a 10% discount. Contact us for details
Restrictions
- Minimum age: 10 years (younger experienced kayakers may be considered)
- Weather and river conditions may affect routing or timing
- Do not leave plastic or litter behind
- Do not feed wild animals
- Guests must follow all safety instructions from guides
Itinerary
- Day 1: Paddle through Flood Plains National Park and set up camp in the wilderness
Day 2: Continue river journey and camp near Somawathiya Temple
Day 3: After breakfast, conclude the expedition at approximately 9:00 AM at Somawathiya Temple
Experience Highlights
- 2-night expedition along Sri Lanka’s Mahaweli River
- Kayaking through floodplains and national park ecosystems
- Close wildlife encounters in untouched natural habitats
- Camping in remote riverside wilderness locations
- Journey ending at the sacred Somawathiya Temple
- Guided river exploration with experienced crew
- Peaceful, low-impact adventure experience
- One of Sri Lanka’s most unique short river expeditions
Recommended to Bring
- Hat & sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Mosquito repellent
- Waterproof bag for valuables
- Camera
- Fishing gear (optional)
- Change of clothes
Your Feedback Matters
Our drivers and service providers are instructed not to promote unrelated activities or encourage unnecessary shopping stops. We appreciate your feedback and reviews on Google after your experience.
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