At The Abode Trust we wholeheartedly support eco-tourism and ethical tourism which helps provide funding for resources to help villages in the most remote areas of Sri Lanka.

We have split our tours between those which can be taken on a single day – and those for the more adventurous, which are quite arduous and not for the unfit!

Short day trips

Bible Rock

There was clanking of chains, a few heavy sighs and a dragging of feet. Turning to look as we thought we were alone on this steep incline, we saw an elephant.  It was probably the last thing we expected on the walk up to Bible Rock at 3.30pm, but elephants have to eat too.

 

 

The view from Bible Rock above…

Read more about this spectacular site by following this link:  Bible Rock Feb 2012 The Abode Trust

Mulkirigala Rock Monastery

The 533 uneven and steps to the summit, in the full glare of the sun and against the white of the buildings, can be a challenge, so it is best to go early, before 9am.  You start on a stone path near where the Buddhist priests (bhikkus) live and up climb to the first level by stepping over a half moonstone.

Read more: Mulkirigala Monastry Jan 2012 Abode Trust

Gal Oya Boat Safari:

Dondra Head, south coast

Dondra Head is a cape on the extreme southern tip of Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean, near the small town of Dondra near Galle. It was a gorgeous day, blue waters, clear skies with an occasional puff of white, bright and crisp for the camera, with nothing between us but the sea and Antarctica. It  was once the capital of the country.

A gentle stroll takes you along the coast, past very tall palm trees, and on the day we went, someone mending the power lines by propping their ladder against one.

Now read on by following the link below….Dondra Head Feb 2012 The Abode Trust

To go to Dondra Head contact:

Sidabode.hibernation@gmail.com  in Sri Lanka

Sue@theabodetrust.com  in the UK

Arduous treks

Which is why we only offer opportunities for fit people who want to experience life with village people, are happy with very basic facilities and are adventurous enough to take things ‘on the bump’ as they say in Sri Lanka.

Westminster Abbey Peak

In the middle of the December 2007 monsoon season we set off to climb Westminster Abbey – a remote peak in the southeast of the country. The adventure started with the floods… and ended before dawn when we saw what we had climbed for the first time.

A return visit here in 2010 showed that the local had cut steps into the rock face to make it easier for people to get up, so sadly this trek is not now the challenge it used to be – which you can read about below….

Read all about it here: Westminster Abbey

The Knuckles Waterfall Trek

The magnificent Knuckles Mountains near Kandy in the central region are now a World Heritage Site. Within it are untouched passes, tremendous waterfalls and stupendous scenery.

In March 2011 we undertook the arduous Waterfalls Trek through virgin forest, crossing many tumultous rivers, braving insects and wildlife, to sleep under the second of four waterfalls which cascade down sheer cliffs.

Read all about it here:

http://www.theabodetrust.com/wp-content/uploads/Waterfall-Trek-Feb-11.pdf

And one of our guests who did this trek with Sid and three friends in September 2011 has given us permission for you to see his photo record.  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150440645084358.470264.763729357&l=d3f71147f4&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.10150440645084358.470264.763729357&l=d3f71147f4&type=1

Annual Kataragama Pilgrimage

This is not a tourist event but a serious religious and spiritual experience. As such we do not take just anyone on this pilgrimage. It is not an excursion.

Only those who are can convince us of their sincerity by their attitude and general behaviour in religious settings are considered.  And only when we are satisfied do we seek the permission of the Hindu leaders, local people and communities. We are very selective and rightly so…..

But you can read about our experiences on this pilgrimage in 2009 below:

Kataragama Hindu Pilgrimage