sri lankan experience - northernbeachestc.com.au lankan tour 2016 2… · sri lankan experience ......

YOUR ITINERARY

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SRI LANKAN EXPERIENCE

A journey that is over flowing with the best of what the island has to offer!

YOUR ITINERARY

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THE ISLE OF SERENDIPITY

This extraordinary island set in the Indian Ocean, off the south-eastern tip of India, has thousands of years of

diverse culture. Still a predominantly Buddhist country, it also has strong Hindu, Christian and Muslim

communities as well. Incredibly fertile and a great producer of exotic fruits and it was for centuries the spice

producer of the world famous sand incredibly picturesque hill country. With a strong cultural past that now offers

over 7 UN World Heritage sites, Sri Lanka was once one of the richest countries in Asia. In recent times it has not

developed at the dramatic pace of its neighbours’ in the region adding to its charm and character. The relative

lack of development and gentle island pace make Sri Lanka the perfect destination for those looking for a varied

and stimulating holiday. From beautiful beaches, unbelievable flora and fauna (much endemic), amazing

architecture as well as a vast amount of historical & religious sites, white water rafting, cycling and many other

adventures for the more active and finally the friendliest of people who carry infectious smiles with them every

day!

Whatever you are looking for in Sri Lanka, it is an island of immense beauty, small enough to explore widely in

10 to 15 days yet large enough to offer infinite variety.

THE FACTS

Population 21 million

3 main languages - Sinhala, Tamil and English.

Buddhist majority (70%), with Hindu, Christian and Muslim minorities.

Gained independence from Britain in 1948

Democratic Socialist Republic since 1978

The top exports are: Tea, Textiles, Gems & Foreign Remittances

THE TRIVIA

Has the highest concentration of Leopard in the world

7 of the world’s UN World Heritage Sites

Is one of the world’s 25 Biodiversity Hot Spots

World’s 3rd largest tea producer

The Sinhalese name, Sri Lanka, means, "The Resplendent Land" or "Holy Ceylon.”

Is famous for its Ceylonese Sapphire

Has 1,340km of tropical coastline

OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO:

1. Enjoy a refreshingly hydrating king coconut known as ‘Thambili’ in Sri Lanka.

2. Keep your camera’s on hand to snap amazing pictures of all the beautiful scenery across the island.

3. By the beach, dig your toes into the sand or in the hills, sip on our famous Ceylon tea.

OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO EAT:

1. Eat the freshest chilli crab with your feet in the sand under the stars by the Indian Ocean

2. An egg hopper for breakfast with seeni sambol! Watch out of the ‘kata sambol’ - it’s a definite challenge

(spicy wise)

3. Buffalo Curd & Treacle - start and you won’t be able to stop!

4. Cashew nut curry – so rich and creamy you will never forget it

OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO BUY:

1. Hand woven Sarongs from Barefoot - they have the most incredible selection in the brightest of colours and

are reasonably priced. Great gifts if you can bare to give them away.

2. A bottle of local brew called ARRACK …a daring drink for the adventurous.

3. Cashew nuts from Kadjugama

4. Plenty of the best Ceylon tea to continually remind you of this amazing island and to give to those who

missed the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka

YOUR ITINERARY


YOUR ITINERARY


20th Feb 15’ – Airport/Negombo

“Ayubowan” On arrival at the recently refurbished Modern and State of the art International Airport, you will be

blessed to get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality; Representative from Diethelm Travels, will welcome

you at the Airport & takes you to Negombo.

Proceed to Negombo & Late night check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay at Jetwing Beach Negombo – 5 Star (Deluxe room) BB Basis

http://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingbeach/

21st Feb 15’ – Negombo

After breakfast leisurely stay at the hotel by the beach.

Overnight stay at Jetwing Beach Negombo – 5 Star (Deluxe room) HB Basis


22nd Feb - Negombo/Dambulla

After scrumptious Breakfast with Variety, transfer to Dambulla.

Proceed to Dambulla & check in at the hotel.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Heritance Kandalama – 5 Star (Superior room) HB Basis

http://www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama/

23rd Feb – Dambulla/Anuradhapura/Dambulla

After scrumptious Breakfast with Variety, leave to Anuradhapura & visit the ancient city.

For over 1000 years Sinhalese Kings with occasional South Indian interlopers ruled from the

great city of Anuradhapura. It is the most extensive and important of the Sri Lankan ancient

cities. Anuradhapura was found in the 4th century BC and is famous for its Dagabas

(Temples), Reservoirs, and beautifully landscaped gardens, the ruins of which still remain to

this day. The sacred Bo Tree "Jayasri Maha Bodhi" is one of Sri Lanka's most sacred places

found in Anuradhapura. This sacred tree is reckoned as the oldest surviving historical tree in the world.

It was brought to Sri Lanka by the Theri Sangamitta, daughter of Emperor Asoka and was planted in the

Mahameghavana Park in Anuradhapura in 249 BC by King Devanampiyatissa. It is said to be the southern branch

of the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. Isurumuniya

temple, built in the 3rd century B.C., was the first repository of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The temple

carved out of solid rock, houses a large statue of the seated Buddha. It is known best for its rock carvings, the

most popular being ‘The Isuruminiya Lovers’. There are many theories offered as to their identity. The style of the

sculpture resembles the Gupta Art of India. The lovers, therefore, may have been carved in the 5th century.




YOUR ITINERARY





24th Feb – Dambulla/Polonnaruwa/Sigiriya/Dambulla

After scrumptious Breakfast with Variety, leave to Polonnaruwa & visit the historical sites.

Polonnaruwa, situated 218 kilometers from Colombo is yet another well planned medieval

city defended by enclosed walls, graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks,

ponds and irrigation lakes which bears witness to a glorious past. A dominant feature of the

city is the vast irrigation lake of 5940 acres aptly named "Parakrama Samudraya" or the sea

of Parakrama after its royal builder King Parakramabahu depicted an example of the advanced

engineering and construction skills prevalent during the ancient times. This gigantic reservoir was built to collect

rain water, which did not permit a drop of water to go waste.

Then visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Sigiriya is home to the 5th Century ‘Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic

single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. Within it triple-moated defence the huge rock

rises almost to a sheer height of 500ft. On its summit are the foundations of what was once

a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of

frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original color.




25th Feb - Dambulla/Matale/Kandy

After scrumptious Breakfast with Variety, transfer to Kandy. En route visit Dambulla Rock Cave Temple.

Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass 500ft high and a mile around the base. Here is found

the famous Rock Temple dating to the First Century BC. The caves of Dambulla sheltered the King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne

he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples to be found on the Island. In the first Cave is

a recumbent image of the Buddha 47ft long cut out of the Rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism all around. The frescoes on the ceiling date back to the 15th - 18th

Centuries. In the Second Cave, the finest and the largest of all, there are 150 life-size statues of Gods from the Buddhist religion along with numerous images of the Buddha himself. The ceiling is also covered

with frescoes, which depict great events in the life of the Buddha and landmarks in the history of the Sinhala

people.



YOUR ITINERARY


Then visit a Spice garden in Matale.

Spice Gardens- at Matale – You will see many spice gardens at Matale and in Mawanella

on the Colombo-Kandy road where Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pepper Creepers and all other spice trees, plants and creepers are planted for visitors to see them. Spice products are also

available for those who would like to buy them. At all Spice Gardens visitors are taken round

explaining each tree and plant and at the end explaining the use of them in food preparations.

Overnight stay at Queens Hotel Kandy – 3 star Hotel (Standard room) BB Basis

http://www.queenshotel.lk/

26th Feb – Kandy / Pinnawela / Kandy City

After scrumptious Breakfast with Variety day visit to Pinnawela Elephant orphanage

En route visit Pinnawela Elephant orphanage

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage App. 55 miles from Colombo, off the Colombo - Kandy road is Pinnawela, where an orphanage was started in 1975 to house the abandoned and

the wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now; including Baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as the 23 babies born, as a

result of the captive breeding program. The best time to visit is the feeding time from 0930-

1000 hrs and 1330-1400 hrs and the bathing time from 1000-1030 hrs and 1400-1430 hrs when all the elephants are taken to the river close by.

Evening commence a city tour including visit to the Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Center &

Temple of sacred tooth relic.

Kandy the hill capital is another “World Heritage Sites”. It was the last stronghold of the

Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British

in 1815 after an agreement. To the Buddhist of Sri Lanka and the World, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa” - Temple of the Sacred

Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Close by are the remains of the Royal Palace (Maha Wasala), Palle Wasala- where the Queens stayed-now used for the National Museum, Meda Wasala

where other close relatives lived, Audience Hall, Natha Devala and Vishnu Devala are situated. The Bathing Pavilion (Ulpenge) is by the Lake and in the Center of the lake is the Island called “Kiri samudraya” (Milk white ocean) used

by the kings as the summerhouse. Today it is the center of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts, Dancing, Music and Culture.

Visitors can see these Dance & Music at the daily Cultural Performances held at several places in the city.

Temple of the Tooth Relic - To Buddhist of Sri Lanka and the world, Kandy is one of the

most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa” - Temple of the Sacred Tooth

Relic of Lord Buddha


YOUR ITINERARY


In the evening witness a colorful cultural show.

Then check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay at Queens Hotel Kandy – 3 star Hotel (Standard room) BB Basis


27th Feb – Kandy/Nanu Oya/Nuwara Eliya (Train Journey)

After scrumptious Breakfast with Variety, proceed for one of the most scenic train journey to Nuwara

Dinner & Overnight stay at Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya – 4 star hotel (Deluxe room) HB Basis

http://www.tangerinehotels.com/index.php?Itemid=37&id=61&option=com_content&view=article

28th Feb – Nuwara Eliya/Hakgala/Nuwara Eliya

After scrumptious Breakfast with Variety, pay a visit to a Tea Factory.

Then proceed to Hakgala & visit the Royal Botanical Garden.

Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of the three botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The other two being Peradeniya Botanical Garden and Henarathgoda Botanical Garden. It is the second

largest garden in Sri Lanka. The garden is contiguous to Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve.

Hakgala Botanical Garden is situated on the Nuwara Eliya-Badulla main road, 16 km from

Nuwara Eliya. The garden has a cool temperate climate because of altitude is 5,400 feet above the sea level. The

mean annual temperature ranges between 16°C to 30°C during course of a year. From December to February it

has a cold climate, while the warm climate persists from April to August.

Then proceed to Nuwara Eliya & commence a city tour.

Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest

places in the Island, but it is really just like an English spring day, although the temperature

does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. The Victoria Park, in the middle

of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for Birding as you get some rare birds in this Park. Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in

the spring (March to May) and the fall (August and September). These are the “seasons” when low-country folk

flock to Nuwara Eliya to escape the sea level heat and humidity.

Overnight stay at Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya – 4 star hotel (Deluxe room) BB Basis




YOUR ITINERARY


29th Feb – Nuwara Eliya/Yala

After scrumptious Breakfast with Variety, leave for Yala. En route witness the Ravana Falls.

The Ravana Falls (popularly known as Ravana Ella in Sinhala) is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. This

waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in high and cascade from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to

resemble an areca flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically. The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife

Sanctuary. It is located 2 km (1 mi) away from the local railway station.

Proceed to Yala & check in at the hotel.

Dinner & overnight stay at Laya Safari Yala – (Standard room) HB Basis

http://www.layahotels.lk/safari/

1st Mar – Yala/Galle

After scrumptious Breakfast with Variety, commence a half day jeep safari in the National Park of Yala.

YALA NATIONAL PARK - Also known as Ruhuna is an important national park on the

south east coast of Sri Lanka. The reserve covers 979 km², although only the original 141

km² are open to the public. Much of the reserve is parkland, but it also contains jungle,

beaches, freshwater lakes and rivers and scrubland. The latter zone is punctuated with

enormous rocky outcrops. The range of habitats gives rise to a good range of wildlife. Yala

has the world's highest concentration of Leopards, although seeing this largely nocturnal carnivore still requires

some luck. There are good numbers of Asian Elephants, crocodile, Wild Boar, Water Buffalo and Grey langurs

amongst other large animals. The open parkland attracts birds of prey such as White-bellied Sea Eagle and the

wetlands have waders, Painted Storks, and the rare Black necked Stork. Landbirds of course are in abundance,

and include Sirkeer Malkoha, Indian Peafowl and Sri Lanka Jungle fowl.

Then proceed to Galle & check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay at The Lighthouse Hotel & Spa – 5 star hotel – (Deluxe room) BB Basis

http://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwinglighthouse/

2nd Mar – Galle

After scrumptious Breakfast with Variety, proceed to Galle & commence a city tour including the Old Dutch Fort.

Galle is thriving. Galle owes its historic importance to its natural harbor and strategic location. It

has long been a hub of trade and commerce with ships from all parts of the world docking at the

ancient port to barter their goods for treasures from this island: precious gems, pearls, spices,

and scented woods. Galle is even referred to as the Biblical `Tar shish’ where King Solomon's

ships called at port to take aboard treasures. The accidental arrival of the Portuguese Lorenzo

De Almeida in 1505, when his fleet of ships steered off course following a storm at sea, changed

the history of this island nation. The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch in 1640 and then the British in 1796. With

each occupation, Galle’s landscape changed and the cultural influences remained. Colombo became Sri Lanka’s main port

in the 1870s and Galle’s influence waned, perhaps protecting its charm. The majority of Galle’s population is Sinhalese but

http://www.layahotels.lk/safari/


YOUR ITINERARY


not there are significant communities of Moors, Malays, Tamils and increasingly a scattering of Europeans, largely but

exclusively British, who have been attracted by the area’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches and laidback



3rd Mar – Galle

After scrumptious Breakfast with Variety stay leisure at the Hotel.



4th Mar – Galle/Colombo/Negombo

After scrumptious Breakfast with variety leave for Negombo Via Colombo doing city tour and shopping

Colombo is the business and commercial center and the new capital is Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte which is only a few miles away. Colombo was only a small seaport,

which came into prominence in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 and the development of it as a major Harbour during the British period and became the

capital in 1815 after Kandy was ceded to the British. The remains of the buildings during the

period and the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city. None of the Portuguese & Dutch fortifications are found today but some of their buildings and churches could be seen

in the Fort & Pettah areas. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate

stone carvings, the Kaymans Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of

Wolfendhaal dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple and Davatagaha Mosque are some of the sites to be visited. Also visit the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall).

Overnight stay at Jetwing Beach Negombo – 5 Star (Deluxe room) HB Basis


5th Mar – Negombo/Airport

After scrumptious breakfast proceed to the Airport for the Departure Flight.

END OF THE TOUR

Cost per person sharing DBL/TWIN Aud$4250.00

Cost per person sharing Triple Aud$3895.00

Cost for a Single room Aud$6250.00

Earlybird Saving

Save $250.00 Per Person if Booked and deposit paid by 30 April




YOUR ITINERARY


The above rates include:

Accommodation at hotels mentioned or similar in category.

All meals as per the mentioned basis.

Transportation in an air-conditioned 33 seated coach.

The service of an experienced English speaking National guide.

Government Tax & Service Charge.

Entrance fees as per the itinerary.

Train Ticket to Nuwara Eliya

The above rates exclude:

International Airfares to and from Sri Lanka. Travelmakers has access to special airfares at a reasonable cost to

and from Sri Lanka.

Any other meal not mentioned above.

Early check-in or Late check-out.

Additional transfers or entrance fees to locations not mentioned in the itinerary.

Expenses of personal nature.

Optional sites.

Notes:

1. Quote is subject to availability and price fluctuations prior to booking.2. All reservations subject to availability at time of booking.

3. The standard check in time in Sri Lanka is 1400 & check out time is 12 noon.

4. If the payments are made by credit card, the following charges will be added to the above invoice value- a) Payment facilitation fee locally – 1.5% Visa Mastercard 3.5% American Express/Diners Card

Payments/Deposits and Cancellation policy

A $750 per person Deposit is required upon booking

Cancellations after deposit paid : Deposit is non refundable

Full Payment is required 90 days prior to Tour commencement Cancellations within 90 days of the Tour Starting

are subject to a 100% cancellation fee. Travel Insurance is highly recommended to cover against unforeseen

cancellation and Medical emergency

Currency fluctuation the above costs were based up a currency rate of Exchange on the 1st of April 2015

Should our Dollar decline in value against the US Dollar by more than 5% we reserve the right to surcharge the

trip, Bookings paid in full will not be subject to the surcharge.

Reservations can be made by emailing [email protected] or by telephoning the Travelmakers office 02 6223 2780

mailto:[email protected]

sri lankan experience - northernbeachestc.com.au lankan tour 2016 2… · sri lankan experience ......

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