Sri Lanka holiday, island explorer

country:	Sri Lanka
departures:	2009: 19 Dec
price:	From £2125 - £2425 (16 days) including flights from the UK, from £1250 excluding flights. Half board basis. Price includes all transport, accommodation & activities specified in itinerary.
late availability:	Late availability for Christmas departure
vouchers:	Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday

Sri Lanka holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

Our Ceylon adventure will take you from the spectacular, ancient cities of the Central Plains through Kandy and the scenic hill country and tea estates, to the beautiful and undeveloped Southern Coast.

With the wildlife and scenery of Yala West and Horton Plains National Parks, plus ample time for relaxation and opportunities to 'do your own thing', this tour makes for an ideal introduction to the magnificent island of Sri Lanka!

Highlights include Kandy, Polonnaruwa ancient city, Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla cave temples, Hill country, Horton Plains National Park, Yala West national park, Tangalle beach stay, Galle, local food.

Trip details: Maximum trekking time is 4-5 hrs on day 8. Accommodation is in hotels, guesthouses, camping and beach chalet. Transport is by train, jeep and minibus. Half board basis throughout – breakfast and evening meal. Travellers not taking up the flight option will join the tour on day 2 in Colombo and depart in Colombo on day 16. Various extension options are available to the Maldives after the tour.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	Departure from London.
Day 2:	Morning arrival in Colombo (depending upon flight schedules), meet your tour-leader and transfer to a hotel in the nearby coastal town of Negombo. Afternoon at leisure to relax, recover from your jet lag or test the Indian Ocean’s waters.
Day 3:	Afternoon departure with a train journey through spectacular scenery to Kandy, capital of the Hill Country where we’ll stay in a lakeside, colonial era hotel.
Day 4:	Morning tour of this charming hill town; visit the superb Botanical Gardens, the Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist site, with the afternoon at leisure to wander the lively streets and colourful markets.
Day 5:	Set off North to the Cultural Triangle, or Ancient Cities region, where we’ll begin our two day tour at Polonnaruwa, World Heritage Site and Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, before continuing to Sigiriya for an overnight stay at the foot of the imposing rock fortress.
Day 6:	Early morning ascent of this dramatic site – a fortified city hewn out of the solid rock of a towering limestone outcrop. Wander the paths and rock gardens at the foot of the mountain, admire the famous rock paintings as we wind out way to the summit and take in the stunning view of the surrounding green plain. Brunch at the rest-house and on to the day’s second World Heritage Site – the incredible cave temples of Dambulla. Late afternoon return to Kandy.
Day 7:	Time to head South with a drive through the scenic hill country to the old colonial town of Nuwara Eliya. Mountain views, tea covered terraces and an opportunity to visit a tea estate itself. Overnight in a 19th century, teak floored hotel.
Day 8:	Early morning departure for the Horton Plains National Park where we’ll trek through the cool upland heath and forest to the incredible World’s End site where the hill country abruptly drops 1000 m to the southern plains below. Waterfalls and wildlife before a scenic afternoon drive to the small hill town of Ella for accommodation in a local family-run guesthouse.
Day 9:	Day free to explore this picturesque town or for the energetic, try out one of the areas numerous hiking trails.
Day 10:	Leisurely drive, through the hills and on to the South Eastern coastal plains to the famous Yala West National Park for an afternoon safari through the park and overnight camping by a water hole.
Day 11:	Up early for a morning jeep safari – birdlife, deer, elephants and crocodiles abound in Yala West and with luck, we’ll see one of the rarer species such as clouded leopards. In the afternoon we’ll continue along the picturesque southern coast road to the small fishing port of Tangalle.
Day 12:	A secluded chalet resort set in gardens by a beautiful bay is our base for the next two days. Chill out on your verandah, swim, discover other nearby secluded bays and beaches or try out the famous Ayurvedic massage.
Day 13:	Excursion to discover the area – the traditional fishing port of Tangalle - friendly town and bustling market - or Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary.
Day 14:	Morning departure for the old fortified Dutch port & UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle and afternoon hike along the ramparts or check out the town’s former Arab quarter, narrow lanes and curio shops. Overnight in Closenberg Hotel - a converted colonial villa overlooking Galle Bay.
Day 15:	Transfer north up the scenic coastal road for a return to our starting point at Negombo.
Day 16:	Morning at leisure on the beach before an afternoon return flight from Colombo to London. Evening arrival.

small group holiday

This is a 'small group adventure' - you will be sharing your experiences with like minded people. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 11 persons, a genuinely small group. Experience has taught us that smaller groups are less intrusive to local cultures and environments whilst allowing more interaction with local people. Furthermore it means greater flexibility on a day to day basis and on a social level it proves to be fun. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends/family its good value, and a great way to meet new people! The intention is to travel as a group of friends rather than a typical tour group, so don't expect stick-on name badges or any following the umbrella.

how this holiday makes a difference

The Sri Lanka Island Explorer tour introduces travellers to the culturally rich and environmentally diverse island state of Sri Lanka, with an emphasis on contributing to the local economy and community projects while respecting local traditions and the natural environment. Sri Lankan guides are at the heart of the tour, whether driving visitors around the island, taking treks at Horton Plains or leading safaris in Yala West National Park. Some of the guides come from community-led projects such as the Woodlands Network, which helps local people gain access to education and employment. Visits to the Turtle Conservation Project at Rekawa are also encouraged. The tour stays in family-run guesthouses and eats at local restaurants, which not only enables visitors to meet local people and enjoy authentic home cooking, but also contributes directly to the local economy and provides much needed employment. Travellers are also encouraged to be aware at all times how to create a positive impact on the environment and local people.

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