Wilderness Survival, 180 M Waterfall Abseiling & Surf Escape - Sri Lanka
Wilderness Survival, 180 M Waterfall Abseiling & Surf Escape
28 November – 3 December 2025
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Fitness Level: Moderate to High
Ideal For: Adventure seekers, thrill lovers, nature enthusiasts & ocean dreamers
Why This Trip?
This isn’t just another holiday — it’s a life-changing adventure.
Imagine trekking through misty highland forests, setting up camp beside a secret jungle waterfall, learning how to light a fire with nothing but damp wood and your determination. Picture yourself standing at the top of Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall, heart racing as you lean back into your harness, and then descending safely down its sheer cliff face with roaring water at your side.
And just when you think it couldn’t get better… you’ll swap jungle boots for surfboards, heading to Sri Lanka’s laid-back southern coast. Here, warm waters and perfect waves will welcome you to the surf lifestyle. Sunrise surf lessons, golden beaches, sunset seafood feasts, and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers make this trip the ultimate balance of adrenaline and ocean escape.
This is raw wilderness meets coastal bliss — and it’s only happening for a small group of explorers.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Highland Nature Immersion in Ohiya
- Transfer to your guesthouse and settle in. Take time to unwind and soak in the crisp mountain air.
- Guided nature walk through tea estates and cloud-kissed forests — a chance to admire the region’s breathtaking landscapes, spot colorful birdlife, and get acquainted with the unique flora of the highlands.
- Relax with a warm cup of Ceylon tea while enjoying sweeping valley views.
- Evening group orientation with your wilderness guide: introduction to the adventure ahead, safety briefing, and overview of survival principles.
- Dinner at the lodge and an early night to prepare for the trek the following day.
- Overnight: Ohiya (Guesthouse/Basic Lodge)
Day 2 – Survival Trek & Jungle Camping
Morning: Highland Trekking
- Starting point: Ohiya Railway Station at 7:00 AM.
- Begin your survival trek from Ohiya through cloud forests, open grasslands, and hidden jungle trails. (~5–6 hours).
- Learn about flora, fauna, and terrain as your guide interprets the highland ecosystem.
Afternoon: Wilderness Survival Training at Lanka Ella
- Arrive at Lanka Ella, a secluded waterfall tucked deep into the forest, by ~2:00 PM.
- Workshops include:
- Shelter building: Choosing safe, elevated ground, pitching tents, and constructing makeshift shelters using natural resources.
- Fire-making skills: Learn how to start and maintain a fire even with damp wood, vital for warmth, cooking, and safety.
- Wilderness cooking: Prepare simple but hearty meals using limited ingredients, edible plants, and natural utensils.
Evening: Campfire & Safety Awareness
- Wildlife briefing: How to identify snakes, insects, and animals, plus techniques for avoiding encounters safely.
- Campfire dinner: Share stories under the starlit sky, the soothing sound of the waterfall in the background.
- Overnight: Jungle camping beside Lanka Ella waterfall .
Day 3 – Abseiling at Bambarakanda Falls
Morning: Highland Hike to Bambarakanda
- Early breakfast and camp pack-up.
- Trek through tea estates and pine forests, arriving at Bambarakanda Falls (8:30 AM).
- On the way, enjoy panoramic views across valleys and ridgelines.
Abseiling Adventure
- Training session:
- Introduction to technical gear: harness, helmet, ropes, and belay device.
- Safety protocols, knot-tying, posture, and communication signals.
- Ground-level practice run to build confidence.
- Main descent: Step off the edge of Sri Lanka’s 263-meter-high waterfall, experiencing the rush of controlled abseiling under the supervision of certified instructors. A 180 m waterfall absail, double-belay safety system ensures maximum security.
- Capture breathtaking photos and videos as you conquer this natural giant.
Afternoon: Wrap-Up
- Lunch at a local rest stop.
- Certificate ceremony: recognition of your participation in Survival & Abseiling Basics.
- End of tour by 4:00 PM.
Day 4 - Ride the Waves – Surf Lessons & Coastal Bliss
- Wake to the sound of waves crashing.
- Morning surf lesson with professional instructors: learn to paddle, stand, and ride your first wave, or refine your technique if you’re intermediate.
- Afternoon free to enjoy the coast:
- Relax on golden beaches.
- Explore UNESCO-listed Galle Fort with its cobbled streets and ocean views.
- Optional yoga or massage to stretch sore muscles.
- Sunset drinks and a beachside seafood barbecue.
Overnight: South Coast (Hotel/Surf Camp)
Day 5 - Sunrise Surf & Departure
- Optional sunrise surf session for one final thrill on the waves.
- Breakfast with the group.
- Private transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward journey.
- Trip concludes — with memories of jungles, waterfalls, and waves that will last a lifetime.
Inclusions
- All airport transfers.
- Accommodation:
- 1 night in Colombo/Negombo (hotel).
- 1 night in Ohiya (guesthouse).
- 1 night jungle camping (Lanka Ella).
- 2 nights on the South Coast (surf hotel/camp).
- Meals:
- Colombo & Ohiya: breakfast only.
- Survival trek: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, snacks.
- South Coast: daily breakfast.
- Guided trek with professional wilderness experts.
- Full survival workshops & training.
- Abseiling instruction and descent at Bambarakanda Falls.
- All camping & abseiling equipment (tents, mats, helmets, harnesses, ropes, etc.).
- Surf lessons (2 sessions) with instructors + board rental.
- All permits & entrance fees.
- 24/7 first aid & safety support.
Exclusions
- International flights.
- Travel insurance (mandatory).
- Lunches & dinners (except during trek).
- Personal expenses, drinks, optional excursions.
What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support.
- Warm clothes (temperatures can drop sharply in the highlands).
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Backpack (30–40L capacity).
- Headlamp/torch with spare batteries.
- Personal toiletries & medications.
- Refillable water bottle (water refills provided).
- Personal snacks (optional but recommended).
About Bambarakanda Falls
At 263 meters, Bambarakanda is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka and ranks 299th worldwide. Located in the Badulla district, it’s a dramatic natural wonder, dropping in a slender silver ribbon from the Haputale mountains. Fed by the Kuda Oya, a tributary of the Walawe River, the falls are most spectacular during the monsoon season (May–September), when the water flow is at its peak and the surrounding forests are at their greenest.
Access to the falls requires navigating a narrow, rugged road, best managed with a 4x4 vehicle or a van with high clearance.
WHY THIS TRIP?
· Trek through Sri Lanka’s untouched central highlands.
· Learn essential wilderness survival skills from expert guides.
· Learn real survival skills that could serve you for life.
· Experience the thrill of camping by a hidden waterfall.
· Abseil down Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall.
· Train and surf on the southern coast’s best beaches.
· Enjoy a perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation.
· Small group adventure ensures safety, camaraderie & authentic connection.
· Because this trip is more than a tour — it’s a rite of passage for true adventurers. You’ll challenge yourself in the wild, bond with like-minded explorers, and end by celebrating your triumphs on the waves of the Indian Ocean.
Spaces are strictly limited to keep the experience personal and safe. If you’ve ever dreamed of combining mountains, waterfalls, survival, and surfing in one unforgettable journey — this is your chance.
Expedition facts
DATES
Bookings open