If you have already seen
the most popular sights - and sites - of Sri Lanka, or if you simply
want to enjoy in a uniquely private and unforgettable way the special
magic of this exotically beautiful island - then here is an itinerary
with a genuine difference. It doesn't take you to Kandy or the ancient
cities, but instead visits smaller and more remote spots where you
can enjoy on foot some of the island's most scenic landscapes and
natural attractions on carefully planned walks. Exotic birdlife, tea
gardens, rainforests, stunning flowering trees, friendly villagers
- all are yours to enjoy on this reflective and deliberately slow-paced
holiday. Walks are mostly 3 - 4 hours in duration along tracks and
estate roads and a local guide will accompany you each day to ensure
you gain the most enjoyment from each walk. The tour ends with a 2
- night rest (or longer by arrangement) beside the superb beach at
Bentota, in architect Geoffrey Bawa's delightful small hotel with
courtyard swimming pool.
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Day
1 London/Colombo
Depart
London-Heathrow by Sri Lankan/Emirates overnight flight.
Day
2 Colombo/Ratnapura
On arrival in Colombo, you will be met and transferred to Ratnapura. This is Sri Lanka's 'City of Gems', the centre of its gem industry, and lies amid tea and rubber country, with excellent views of lofty Adam's Peak. Here you spend two nights at the Ratnaloka Inn (Room & Breakfast). In the evening there's time to walk up to the nearby waterfall of Katugasella.
Day
3 Ratnapura
Drive south to Weddagala for a walk through the unique Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve - a 'World Heritage' site and Sri Lanka's last remaining rainforest - renowned for its endemic bird, insect, plant and animal life and one of the top ten 'Bio Diverse' rainforests in the world. Travel on to Singhagala to look out over the canopy of forest giants to the Rawana Hills before returning to Ratnapura.
Day
4 Ratnapura/Bandarawela
After breakfast drive to Kalupahana for a 3-mile walk to the Bamabarakanda waterfalls - the highest (863 ft) in the island, located on the edge of the Horton Plains amid the fertile tea country of the Kelburne Estate. Afterwards, transfer to the Bandarawela Hotel for a 3-night stay (Room & Breakfast)
Day
5 Bandarawela
Drive this morning to Belihuloya to explore on foot a long and peaceful uphill trail, passing from tropical rainforest into submontane vegetation, ending at Ohiya, on the south-eastern boundary of the Horton Plains. After your walk return by road to the Bandarawela Hotel
Day
6 Bandarawela
After breakfast drive to Badulla to see Muthiyangana, supposedly visited by the Buddha, and the 190 ft Dunhinda Falls, returning to Bandarawela via the Rawana Ella Falls.
Day
7 Bandarawela/Embilipitiya (Kuda Oyas Camp)
Morning departure for Udawalawe National Park on a winding road via Beragala, with views to the north of the southern boundary of Horton Plans. Stay in the jungle at Kuda Oyas Camp for two nights (Full Board). In the evening take a guided nature walk to see flying squirrels, paradise flycatchers and dry zone vegetation.
Day
8 Embilipitiya
After breakfast travel by jeep to the starting-point of your guided jungle trek at Debara Ara, on which you may see elephant, deer and wild buffalo, as well as much colourful bird life.
Day
9 Tissamaharama
Morning drive to Tissamaharama to stay one night at the Priyankara Hotel (Room & Breakfast). Evening jeep safari through the Yala National Park.
Day 10 Tissamaharama/Galle
This morning drive along the coast to the old Dutch port of Galle and the Lady Hill Hotel for an overnight stay (Room & Breakfast). In the evening walk through the old Fort, exploring the ramparts and visiting the Dutch church.
Day 11 Galle/Bentota
Morning visit to a turtle hatchery before driving further along the coast to Bentota, where the Lihiniya Surf is your base for a final two nights in Sri Lanka (Room & Breakfast).
Day 12 Bentota
A day free on the beach or by the pool at this delightful small hotel.
Day 13 Bentota/London
Transfer to Colombo Airport for your overnight Sri Lankan Airlines flight to London.
Day 14 London
Arrive London-Heathrow early morning. |
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INCLUSIVE
PRICES (valid until 31 March 2012) from £1586
per person
Supplements
apply for July/December departures - details on request
Price
Includes: Economy class round-trip Sri Lankan/Emirates Airlines flights from London-Heathrow to Colombo • Current Airport Departure Tax, Airline Insurance and Fuel Surcharges (all subject to change - please check with us for details) • 11 nights in shared twin/double accommodation, with full breakfast daily (Full Board at Kuda Oyas Camp Transfers and tours as detailed by air-conditioned private car or microbus with English-speaking driver/guide and visits to places of historical and cultural interest en route (including entrance fees) Porterage, Service Charges and Government Taxes Assistance of our local representatives when required.
Price
Excludes: Personal insurance and any special insurance for activity sports Meals other than those specified above Air fares Colombo/Malι (if extending to the Maldives) Entrance fees and sightseeing and any other expenses not specified above Tips, and expenses of a personal nature Any mandatory gala Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinner supplements.
For Bookings & Enquiries please call us on: 020 8893 1781 or email: tours@goldendays.co.uk
All our tours can be tailor made to meet your exact requirements.
Back to: Our Sri Lanka Tours
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