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Country: SRI LANKA
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| Go Differently |
19 West Road
Essex
UNITED KINGDOM
CB11 3DS
Phone: +44 (0) 1799 521950
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Program description: |
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Travelling from ancient cities, through mountainous regions and wildlife parks to experience the diverse cultures and natural wonders of Sri Lanka. This adventure offers you the cultural and natural wonders that made 13th Century Italian world traveler Marco Polo to declare Sri Lanka as “undoubtedly the finest island of its size in all the world.
The ancient city of Anuradhapura
Sunset at Sigiriya rock fortress
Explore the Dambulla cave monasteries
Spice tasting in the spice gardens at Matale
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
Visit the Tea Factory
Wildlife safaris at Yala and Uda Walawe parks
Two days relaxation at Bentota Beach
Day 1 - Colombo
Pick up at airport and transfer to Colombo. During the dinner, we will walk you thorough the rest of the holiday and answer any queries you may have. We will also teach you a few basic Sinhala phrases. Using these phrases in villages you will visit will go a long way with the local folk. Overnight in Colombo.
Day 2 - Anuradhapura via Yapahuwa
After breakfast we travel to Yapahuwa, a rock fortress and capital of Sri Lanka in the 13th century. Then on to Anuradhapura to spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing by the pool set beside the 2nd century irrigation tank Nuawara Weva.
Day 3 - Anuradhapura
Explore Anuradhapura, first capital of Sri Lanka. Well before the birth of Christ this tropical island was already a highly advanced civilisation and one of the key trade centres of the world with well-ordered cities linked by fine roads and nourished by an efficient irrigation system.
Now recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site, the city is home to the Sri Maha Bodhiya grown from a sapling brought from the tree under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Visit the Jethawanaramaya stupa, the largest in the world, the Abayagiri Monastery, the Kutam Pokuna bathing pool and the house of the Isurumuniya lovers. After the tour, travel to Polonnaruwa arriving in time for dinner.
Day 4 - Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya
After breakfast tour of this ancient city the ruins of which have only fairly recently been excavated and are therefore well preserved. We then move on to Sigiriya. Watch the sunset from this 200m high rock fortress which is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world and is renowned for its frescos of bare breasted maidens as well as its magnificient views.
Day 5 - Dambulla and Kandy
Visit the Dambulla Cave monasteries, home to 167 Buddha statues and then on to Matale, the spice capital of Sri Lanka. We stop at the spice gardens to sample the spices and maybe a quick herbal massage. We arrive in Kandy in time for dinner.
Day 6 - Kandy
Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lanka and was home to the last king of Sri Lanka Sri Wickrama Rajasingha. The most famous site is the Temple of the Tooth or the Dalada Maligawa. We leave for the Pinnawela Elephant Orpahanage which houses over 60 baby elephants where you will be treated to an unforgettable experience of watching these animals bathing and being fed. We then return to Kandy where we visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the Kandy Museum. We then proceed to the Temple of the Tooth and surrounding temples.A cultural show which includes drummers and fire walking is the finale to a exciting day of sightseeing
Day 7 - Nuwara Eliya
The next day we depart Kandy and proceed up to Nuwara Eliya. The journey up is spectacular with mist covered mountains, lush tea estates and tea pluckers. Nuwara Eliya is also known as the Little England for its architecture and climate. Situated at an altitude of 2040m this picturesque town is very popular with locals who want to escape the heat of Colombo. On the way we visit a tea factory and are guided through the process of making tea. We arrive in Nuwara Eliya and then do a tour of Nuwara Eliya town - after which we check in for the night.
Day 8 - Kuda Oya
This part of our journey takes us through one of Sri Lanka's most scenic areas as our steep descent to Kuda Oya offers incredible views and a good chance of sighting elephants. Overnight stay at the Tasks Safari Camp.
Day 9 - Uda Walawe and Yala
Uda Walawe is famed for its elephant population and after breakfast we board 4WD jeeps to set off into the Park. Whilst nothing can be guaranteed, herds of over 200 elephants are not uncommon. Visit to the Elephant Transit Camp before continuing to Yala Safari Game Lodge for the night.
Day 10 - Yala
Yala is Sri Lanka’s second largest wildlife park and has the largest population of leopard in Sri Lanka. We proceed to the park after a very early breakfast. Morning inside the park is the ideal time to see a variety of animals including the elusive leopard. Yala is famed for its leopard population of 35 and considered to be one of the best places in the world to observe and photograph these magnificent animals. We return to the hotel where we spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 11 - Bentota via the coastal road
This route along the coast is very picturesque. We encounter the stilt fisherman at Weligama (season based). The stilts are considered family possessions and are passed from father to son. We also visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery which is in the forefront of turtle conservation in Sri Lanka. We then proceed to Galle and visit the fort which is a World Heritage Site. This 16th century Portuguese fort reached the height of its development in the 18th century. We arrive in our hotel for a well earned 2 day beach break.
Day 12 and 13 - Bentota
Bentota is a haven for watersports in the lagoon and has excellent swimming from the beach. Laze in the sun or enjoy the numerous activities available. (NB. If you wish, you can extend your stay here for a longer break.)
Day 14 - Colombo
We leave for Colombo after breakfast and visit the Pettah Bazaar as well as some of the Clothing shops. Designer labels are very cheap here and you can buy anything from t-shirts to Parkas. We also visit some Handicraft shops and Jewellery stores. We then proceed to lunch with the tour ending after lunch.
Small group departures of this itinerary run throughout the year and it can also be run as a tailor-made trip to suit your requirements.
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
What are the dates of this program: Small group departures of this itinerary run throughout the year and it can also be run as a tailor-made trip to suit your requirements.
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Cost or price of this program: |
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From GBP 1010 per person on twin sharing basis
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