Nature and adventure lovers cannot afford to miss a breathtaking and unwinding experience in the ambience of an intermediate zone in the country. Belihuloya offers that idyllic setting for trekking, hiking, walking, rambling in forests, elephant and bird watching and a plethora of wildlife experiences, while being tented in the midst of the woods.
The Ahaspokuna Bush Walks Camp and the Kinichigune Campsite of the Eco Team, a company that provides nature, wildlife and adventure tours to discerning travellers is a gateway to a mesmerizing world that brings people back to nature.
The picturesque site nestled in the wooded hills offers a panoramic view of rivers that meander through foggy mountains, encapsulating a waste terrain that spans across several regions in the country.
The 28-acre cap perched amidst a range of green hills provides trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts a charming view of the Samanala Wawa, a glimpse of the Horton Plains, Udawalwe and Jala.
Elephants, leopards, the sambar, wild boas, peacocks, reptiles, red hornbills, the yellow fronted barbet, the brown capped and orange billed babbler, rock squirrels, primates native to the area and many more elusive species adorn the location, perfect for mingling and immersing oneself in nature.
A tailor made program with dwellings in a fixed or makeshift luxury tent in the thick of the forest, enables siting endemic and rare species that sneak out at dawn and dusk which are unique to many beasts. Not a cloud obscures the deep serene and tranquil atmosphere that pervades the area. The pin drop silence is not only ideal for honeymooners but also for those who intend absorbing themselves in soothing meditation, reflection, study and creative work, such as, painting and composing a piece of art. Nature and adventure is not all that is up for grabs. The camp and its surrounding vicinity has some of the unique locations for movies and film makers.
The mini caves, medicinally rich exotic plants and mineral filled land enhances the value and beauty of the area which needs to be explored. Eco Team Sri Lanka Consultant New Projects and Business Development, Channa Jayasundara, who accompanied journalists to the camp site last week was confident that sooner or later the location would be a prime source of attraction for escapades and daring adventure.
“We are looking at setting up more suites at all camps and increasing the number of mobile tents to cater to the high end market,” Jayasundara said.
The camp is patronized by long staying western travellers who are being cared and guided by well trained trackers and staffers who meticulously attend to the needs of the holiday maker to ensure a memorable stay.
“All the locations are geared to cater to the needs of the visitors who are delighted with pleasant surprises,” Jayasundara said.
Visitors are taken aback by the high tea offered in the dense forest. Tour guides take trekkers to a world of imagination. Elaborate explanation provokes visitors to probe into the unknown world.
“Our occupancy rate is currently around 60 percent and during the peak season there is full occupancy,” Jayasundara said.
Belihuloya, a village in the Ratnapura district in the Sabaragamuwa Province is home to the pre historic man known as the Balangoda Man. This hilly location is a climatically transitional area, linking the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country.
Evidence proves that there had been a high tech industry in Balangoda that manufactured metal, said to be one of the first places to produce iron using wind directions.
The Eco Team offers wildlife, nature and adventure tours across the country along with trekking, cave tours, mountain biking, hiking, cycling and hot air ballooning, nature weddings and honeymoon tours.