Paddle Sri Lankas longest river on the Mahaveli River Expedition. Explore pristine rivers and National Parks by Canoeing in Sri Lanka
This Mahaveli River Expedition, journeyed by kayaks and/or canoes, is a 50km, 3 night and 4 day paddling trip through the untainted Wasgamuwa National Park, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
It begins 20km downstream from the town of Mahiyanganaya and ends near to Manampitiya.
The park is home to large herds of wild elephants and a rich and diverse birdlife. It’s quite likely that you will spot some crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks of the river on certain stretches, so the Canoeing in Sri Lanka trip is not for the faint hearted!
This is generally a flat water expedition however there are a couple of Class I and II rapids to navigate which will add to the excitement.
No prior experience is necessary, but participants must have a reasonable level of fitness and be willing to pitch in with camp set up, as well as cooking and cleaning and packing up camp each morning.
Itinerary for the Mahaveli River Expedition - Canoeing in Sri Lanka
Day 1 – Arrival at Manampitiya Bridge
You will begin your 4 day expedition by first arriving at the Manampitiya bridge.
There you will meet your Eco Team river guide and begin your rafting or canoeing tour along the Mahaweli River while our staff will follow you either by boat or vehicle carrying your camping equipment and clothing.
After a few hours of canoeing, you will enjoy a packed lunch in a suitable spot; a river bank and continue forward.
You will end your day with an overnight stay at a participatory campsite* in the banks of the Mahaweli River close to the Somawathi National Park and retreat back to your tents after a delicious dinner.
Day 2 & 3 – River expedition down the Mahaweli River
After an early breakfast on both days, you will begin continuing your rafting or canoeing expedition.
You will be passing Somawathiya National Park, which lies in a deltaic floodplain of the Mahaweli River that has a tributary that forks into two branches.
We will be taking the branch which is the Mahaweli River that flows north into Koddiyar Bay. The other branch is the Verugal Oya that flows north east into the sea.
On both days you will stop for lunch again at a suitable place down your river expedition and end the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a participatory campsite in the banks of the Mahaweli River.
Day 4 – Ending your expedition at Koddiyar Bar
After an early breakfast on your fourth and final day, you will continue your final stretch of the rafting expedition and end it at the Koddiyar Bay in Trincomalee.
Your transfer vehicle will be ready at the ending point of the expedition for your departure to your next destination.