incredible indian tours · • recharge your batteries on a south coast beach in tangalle •...

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS

Incredible Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, the ‘Wonder of Asia’, has something to offer everyone, and this trip has it all. Ancient ruins, tea plantations, wildlife safaris, World heritage sites, natural beauty, amazing beaches, fabulous food, spices and ayurveda, not to mention standout shopping. We meet up at the beach resort town of Negombo before exploring the ancient capital of Annuradhapura and checking out the wildlife in Wilpathu National Park. We then head over to the east coast for 2 nights, experiencing some of the stunning coastal areas and beaches of Sri Lanka. Heading back to the ancient cities of Sigiriya and Dambulla we take a trip into the Elephant reserve of Minneriya NP before exploring the hills and tea plantations around Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Heading south, we have a night at a beach resort on the South Coast before checking out the colonial history in charming Galle. We finish up our journey in Colombo, full of fabulous sights and amazing shopping. With many more hidden surprises, our travels around Sri Lanka will bring you face to face with fascinating culture, a beautiful people, fabulous food and an ancient and varied history just waiting to be discovered.

Dossier validity: 2021

Highlights

• explore the Dutch canals and fishing village in Negombo • keep your eyes peeled for wild leopards in Wilpattu National Park • discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura • snorkel the pristine Pigeon Island reef near Trincomalee • be on the lookout for herds of wild elephants in Minneriya National Park • climb the unique monolithic rock fortress at Sigiriya • enjoy a traditional lunch during a village tour near Sigiriya • be amazed at the interiors of the remarkable Buddhist cave temples at Dambulla • explore the charming city of Kandy • take a ride one of the most picturesque train trips in the world to Nuwara Eliya • wander the hills and tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya • recharge your batteries on a south coast beach in Tangalle • ramble through the quaint narrow streets of Galle Fortress

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INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible Sri Lanka

18 Days / 17Nights

Days 1-2 Negombo

On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met and driven the short distance to Negombo and our hotel by the beach to spend the rest of the day at leisure. At 6pm we will have a short group briefing before heading out for dinner. Day 2 we will take a city tour of Negombo. Located close to the international airport, Negombo is the principle beach resort north of Colombo. It has a picturesque lagoon, numerous Catholic churches and an impressive network of canals built by the Dutch which are currently being restored. The true life of Negombo can be easily observed at its fish markets. These markets are always full of life and are at their peak with much action taking place in the early hours of the day when the fresh catch is brought in, as the vendors voice their prices at the top of their lungs and the buyers bargain for the best deals.

We will also take a boat ride down one of the Dutch canals to the Muthrajawela Lagoon spotting some of the bird and water life in this beautiful wildlife area. Hotel: Hotel Goldi Sands

Itinerary

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Days 3-4 Anuradhapura

Travel time: 4 hours After breakfast, we head northeast to Anuradhapura. In the afternoon we have a tour of some of the sites in the Ancient City. Aptly appointed the heart of the Sri Lankan history and Buddhism, Anuradhapura is the largest and oldest of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities and dates back to the 6th century BC. It was made capital in 377 BC and remained an important centre of power till the 12th century AD. Most memorable are its gleaming white dagobas – large bell-like structures some 60 meters high which house Buddhist relics. However, it is best known for the Sri Maha Bodhi, which is the oldest documented tree in the world (2200 years). This was grown from a cutting of the Bo tree in India under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. On the morning of day 4 we head off early with packed breakfasts for Wilpattu National Park. The largest national park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu was closed to the public for many years being on or near the frontline of the war. However the dense jungle scrub has remained home for many elephants and leopards (which are becoming more commonly spotted), deer,

sloth bears, crocodiles and many birds. We spend the morning on a jeep safari where we will have a chance at spotting some of these fabulous creatures. In the late afternoon after a break back in town for lunch, we head back into town to visit some of the awe-inspiring temples, stupas and dagobas. Hotel: Palm Garden Village

Itinerary

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Day 5-6 Nilaveli

Travel time: 3 hours Departing Anuradhapura today, we first head to nearby Mihintale, the holy mountain. This temple complex is where Buddhism first came to Sri Lanka with the meeting of Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka from India and the Sri Lankan King. Mahinda had been sent to Sri Lanka by his father to spread the word of Buddha. After lunch we head to the sunny and beautiful east coast of Sri Lanka. We will be staying on Nilaveli Beach, just north of Trincomalee. This afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the facilities at the hotel - swimming in the pool or at the beach, having a treat at the spa. This morning we take a boat across to Pigeon Island Sanctuary, a haven for snorkeling the shallow and clear reefs. The afternoon is free to relax, stroll the beach or watch the fishermen bring in their nets.

Hotel Nilaveli Beach Hotel


Itinerary

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Days 7-8 Sigiriya Travel time: 3 hours This morning we visit Trincomalee’s Fort Fredrick and the fascinating Koneshwaram Hindu Temple. Later we head back inland to the Ancient cities located in the heart of the island. Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8,890 hectares of Minneriya National Park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to sambhar deer and elephants. However the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rd century AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season (August to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the hundreds of elephants who come to bathe and graze, as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants and painted storks to name but a few) that come to fish in the shallow waters. The legendary sky citadel of Sigiriya, the “Lion Rock” famous for its frescoes of ‘Celestial Maidens’ is possibly the most impressive

site in Sri Lanka. Built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century on top of a vast 200m granite rock it took seven years to build and was abandoned after ten years of occupation when the King, defeated by his brother, committed suicide. Although it is a steep climb, the views and frescoes are definitely worth the effort. Sigiriya is best visited first thing in the morning or just before sunset when it is cooler and less crowded so we will be heading out early after breakfast from the hotel. After our hike up the hill, we take a tour of a local village nearby, enjoying the walks through paddy fields and the cool breeze. It is an opportunity to get acquainted with the typical village life, as you meet village folk and their families. We will enjoy a typical Sri Lankan lunch today at a Chena cultivation (farm). Hotel: Sigiriya Village

Itinerary

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Day 9 Kandy Travel time: 6 hours First stop today is Dambulla renowned for its Cave Temples, which were built by King Valagam Bahu in the 1st century BC in gratitude for the shelter he sought in the caves when fleeing from Indian invaders. Sited on a gigantic granite outcrop, which towers more than 160m above the surrounding land, the caves are completely

covered by ancient frescoes depicting religious and secular scenes. Protected within the caves are hundreds of statues of Buddha, many carved out of the rock itself, of which the largest is the 15m long Dying Buddha. On reaching Kandy, founded in the 16th Century, we head to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The temple houses one of the most sacred relics of Buddhism – a tooth of Lord Buddha collected from his funeral pyre and which is now protected within the gold-roofed Temple of the Tooth. We will witness the blessing ceremony with all the fanfare, drums, trumpets and brightly coloured Monks performing their rituals. We will also enjoy a thoroughly entertaining and colourful cultural dance performance before enjoying dinner at a restaurant in town. Hotel: Hotel Suisse

Itinerary

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Day 10 Kandy This morning we visit the 60 hectare Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Initially a royal park, in 1821 under British rule it became a botanical garden. Here, exotic crops such as coffee, tea, nutmeg, rubber and cinchona (quinine) – all of which were to become important to the country’s economy were first tested. The Botanical gardens are fantastic with an excellent orchid house and a wide variety of plant species from all over the world. Later, we visit Kandy town, the old capital of Ceylon and the seat of the last Singhalese kingdom. It is a charming city set around an ancient artificial lake amongst rolling hills that are covered by forests and tea plantations. Wandering about in Kandy is a fun experience, with crossroads and interconnecting byroads – all forming an intertwined complex. The main market area in the heart of the town is renowned for its array of

fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meat stalls, sweets and clothes. Kandy is famous for its gemstones. Sapphires of all colours, rubies and tourmalines can all be found here. You have the option to visit a gem factory, where you can look around the workshop, and see the design, cutting, polishing and setting process. Hotel: Hotel Suisse

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Days 11-12 Nuwara Eliya

Travel time: 6 hours This morning we head higher into the hills to Nuwara Eliya. Built by the British in the 19th century as an escape from the sweltering heat of the lowlands Nuwara Eliya comes complete with half-timbered mock-Tudor houses with inglenook fireplaces & billiard tables, a golf course, race track, gentlemen’s clubs and botanical gardens. Now a bustling town and the vegetable garden of Sri Lanka it nonetheless gives you a glimpse into life in the colonial heyday. We will travel most of the way on one of Sri Lankas famous trains. This is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. Our bus will travel ahead with our luggage to pick us up and transfer us to our hotel, the stunning St Andrews, a grand and glorious heritage property located at the northern edge of town.

We have an early start on day 13 with packed breakfasts, as we head off to Horton Plains, which is home to many endemic purple-faced and loris monkeys. We trek along a 9 km stretch and visit the breathtaking Bakers’ Falls and the proverbial ‘World’s End’ which offers one of the best panoramic views in Sri Lanka. Whilst we are in Nuwara Eliya, we will visit a tea plantation and factory. A tour of the factory will give you an insight into how tea is produced and we will try some of the famous Ceylon tea. Hotel: St Andrews Hotel

Itinerary

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Day 13 - Tangalle Travel time: 6 hours We have a half day drive south to the coast with a stop at the friendly little village of Ella for lunch before driving down through Ella Gap to the south coast where we stop for the night on the stunning Sri Lankan south coast beaches near Tangalle. Hotel: Green Parrot Beach Resort Days 14 - 15 Galle

Travel time: 3 hours This morning we drive west to Galle. The coastal town of Galle, the capital of the Southern Province, is best known for its impressive fort: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best preserved colonial sea fortress in Asia. The fort was built and modified over 4 centuries; started by the Portuguese in the late 16th century it was later taken over by the Dutch and eventually by the British. Protected within its walls, bastions and ramparts is a complete town with narrow streets, churches and cloistered inner courtyards of shuttered mansions, which clearly bear testament to their colonial past. On the way, we will stop by the Stilt Fishermen around Koggala to catch some photos of them doing their thing. This afternoon we will have a short guided walk around Galle Fort. The rest of your stay here in Galle is free time to enjoy the shopping, restaurants, cafes and bars of this quaint and charming town steeped in history. Hotel: Heritage Galle Fort

Itinerary

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Day 16 - Colombo

Travel time: 4 hours This morning, we head north towards Colombo. On the way we stop off at Balapitiya and take a boat ride on the Madu Ganga river, famous for its Mangrove tunnels and birdlife. After lunch we visit a Turtle hatchery in

Kosgoda, set up to save and conserve the turtle population. Four of the five endangered species of sea turtles lay their eggs on the sandy beaches of Sri Lanka. We then continue on to Colombo, arriving in time for an afternoon drink at our hotel by the sea. Hotel: Galle Face Hotel

Itinerary

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Day 17 - Colombo

Facing the Indian Ocean and stretching along 14 km of the island’s western shores Colombo used to be called the Garden City of the East. Things have changed, overcrowded buses and minivans have replaced the bullock carts and the once quiet roads are now bustling with people and traffic. Yet the city still has its charms with its complex assortment of tree-lined boulevards, colonial buildings, parks, open air markets, temples, lakes, churches and now even skyscrapers. Colombo is the natural entry and exit point from the country and if not for its own charms its excellent shopping, great restaurants and a thriving art scene make it an enjoyable stop. We visit the famous Gangarama Temple and Independence square as well as take a walk around the colourful Pettah Market area.

Sri Lanka has a large clothing export industry and many of the seconds find their way into the outlet stores in Colombo. There are also many other wonderful buys, from homewares and textiles to gems and of course, Sri Lankan souvenirs. Hotel: Galle Face Hotel Day 18 - Departure Day

Today is departure day. There are no activities included. You can depart at any time.

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group size minimum 5, maximum 10 days 18 days and 17 nights starts in Negombo, finishes in Colombo price includes

Arrival and departure transfers All accommodation as specified All transportation between overnight stops and to and from included sightseeing Entrance fees for all sites listed as part of the itinerary Meals as specified Bottled drinking water (2 x litres per person per day) Gratuities for hotels, drivers and guides price does not include

Visa costs Meals other than those listed Drinks, meal tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature International flights accommodation

Hotels (17 nights) optional single supplement

If you are a single traveller, you are not required to pay a single supplement as we will match you up with other travellers. If we are unable to match you up with another traveller of the same sex, we will pay your single supplement

for you. Should you not wish to share accommodation at all, but would like to guarantee your own room throughout the tour a single supplement of USD910 will be payable. transport

Private Mini-bus, Jeep, Boat, Train

activities included

The following is a list of included activities on this trip. Other activities are optional and will be at your own expense. Muthrajawela Lagoon boat ride, Fish Markets, Town tour (Negombo) Ancient City, Wilpattu National Park, Mihintale (Anuradhapura) Pigeon Island, Fort Fredrick (Nilaveli/Trincomalee) Mineriya National Park, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Village Tour and lunch, Dambulla (Sigiriya) Botanical Gardens, Dance Program, Temple of the Tooth Relic (Kandy) Tea Factory, Hortons Plains National Park, Town walk (Nuwara Eliya) Stilt fishermen, Town Walk (Galle) Boat Cruise, Turtle Hatchery (Madu Ganga/Kosgoda) Gangarama Temple, Independence Square, Pettah Markets (Colombo) meal inclusions

18 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 10 Dinners meals

Traveling with Incredible Indian Tours we ensure that you will experience a vast array of the gustatory treats available in Sri Lanka. Many hotels we stay are a little away from the town, and when this is the case, we have included dinner in the hotel, which is usually buffet style. Where there are a choice of eating options nearby we have not included dinner. This allows you to choose where, and what to eat. More often than not however we eat together as a group.

general tour information

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essential to a smooth trip. To make things easier we cover tips for hotel porters, local guides and for drivers of private transport we use. This does NOT cover restaurant tips (allow 10% on top of your restaurant bill). physical rating

There will be plenty of walking around towns or sites, which due to the hot and humid climate of Sri Lanka will make general sightseeing a little more strenuous. culture shock rating

Conditions in Sri Lanka are not always as comfortable as in other countries. You will be exposed to some poverty and chaotic road traffic. Bargaining is a way of life in Sri Lanka, so come prepared.

money exchange As at May 2019 AUD1 = 121 LKR CAD1 = 130 LKR EUR1 = 196 LKR GBP1 = 224 LKR NZD1 = 115 LKR USD1 = 176 LKR There are many ATM machines (which accept both Cirrus/Maestro debit cards and Visa and MasterCard) throughout Sri Lanka. This is a safe and convenient way to access money, however we suggest that you bring a small amount of money in cash ($100) in case there are times that ATMs are not available. The major currencies, including AUD and CAD are no problem in general to exchange. Travellers cheques are no longer commonly accepted. Visa & MasterCard credit cards are accepted in major shops and restaurants in the bigger cities. spending money

Although entrance fees to specified sites are included in the tour price, there are additional sights that you may like to visit. Some sites levy camera and video fees. Spending money requirements will differ from one person to the next. You will need to take into consideration your spending habits when allowing for drinks, shopping, and optional activities You will need to allow enough money for the following: Meals – USD200 (or equivalent) Optional Activities – USD50 (or equivalent) Money for drinks, shopping and incidentals. Tipping is an integral part of life on the Subcontinent and is


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travel insurance

Travel Insurance is highly recommended whilst traveling to the Indian Subcontinent and is compulsory for any group tour with Incredible Indian Tours.

visas All foreign nationals require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to enter Sri Lanka. For information and to apply, visit the following website: http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp?locale=en_US health We recommend that you consult your doctor for current medical travel information about before departure. Your leader will be carrying a basic first aid kit, but we suggest you bring along your own as well as any personal medical requirements .

The following websites have up-to-date information about health requirements.

Australia https://www.travelvax.com.au/ New Zealand http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/travelling USA https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ UK http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/ Canada https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/vaccines

communications

Most of our hotels will have Wifi. You can also purchase a local prepaid sim card (for unlocked cell phones) easily and inexpensively in Sri Lanka. We recommend you purchase a sim card at the airport on arrival. Dialog and Mobitel are both recommended.

your tour manager & tour guides

Your tour manager is there to organise and streamline your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Whilst they are not a guide per se, they will share their local knowledge, give you suggestions for your free time and manage the day to day running of the tour. They will introduce you to their local friends and recommend great local restaurants and experiences. They will have a broad general knowledge of Sri Lanka, so do feel free to tap into their wisdom. We also have a full-time national tour lecturer with us for the entire vduration of our tour.

responsible travel

We believe strongly in responsible travel. This includes being respectful to the local culture (ie dressing appropriately, and learning a few basic cultural do’s and don’ts), being mindful of the environment, and leaving a positive image behind. Remember we are ambassadors for our country. Bringing a few photos of your family and home with you is a great way to interact with the locals by giving them a glimpse of your world whilst you visit theirs. joining hotel

Goldi Sands Hotel Porutota Road, Negombo, Sri Lanka Ph: +94 31 227 9021


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strapless tops.. Unless we are visiting temples, shorts or skirts above the knee are suitable attire. For visits to temples, you will need to have your knees and upper arms covered. Socks are useful to save walking barefoot on rough and hot pavements around some of the temples/stupas.

laundry

Laundry facilities will be available in locations we have a two night stay.

weather

The weather during our journey should be great. Daytime temperatures will be warm to hot, in the range 23-35oc and humid. Bring an umbrella and also sun protection and a hat. checklist

Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance (don’t forget your emergency insurance contact details), air tickets. Photocopy of above documents Day pack Health vaccinations/medication First aid kit Money: ATM card (widely available and easy to access); credit cards (widely accepted in big cities); cash (for emergencies) Money pouch Alarm clock and torch/flashlight Mosquito repellent (hard to find in Sri Lanka) Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper Lock for your bag or suitcase We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt to store your passport, air tickets, credit cards and cash. Avoid bringing valuable jewellery with you. Most hotels we use have safety deposit boxes. Updated on: 7th March 2020


transfer/joining instructions

Your airport transfer pickup will await you holding a sign with your name when you exit the baggage claim area of the arrivals hall. There may be large crowds here so please look carefully for your transfer. arriving early

Negombo is a popular beachside retreat situated just minutes away from the International Airport. It boasts some of the finest beaches in the country. The Muthurajawela Marshes are home to many varieties of fauna, flora and birds. The 100km long canal network, the Dutch Fort and the second largest fish market in the country and nearby Whale & Dolphin watching provide much to see and do here. Our hotel is situated on the beach with a pool, watersports, an excellent restaurant and an ayurvedic spa. Rooms contain a refrigerator, tea & coffee making facilities, hair dryer and electronic safe. early arrival information

If you are arriving earlier than day 1, extra accommodation in Negombo is available from USD 135/145 Single/Double per night per room. Please notify us as early as possible if you require extra accommodation as this hotel can be booked up well in advance. finishing point

Galle Face Hotel 2 Galle Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka Tel: +94 11 254 1010 staying on

If you are staying on in Colombo after the tour, extra accommodation at the Galle Face Hotel is available from USD 210/225 Single/Double per night per room. what to take

We will be on the move a lot, so try to pack as lightly as possible. Additionally you will want to leave space in your bag for all that shopping. Sri Lanka is conservative and we ask that you dress accordingly. Although locals are used to seeing tourists wearing skimpy clothing we would ask that you do not wear short shorts and

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