HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

Transcription

1 +44 (0) With a heritage that can be traced back over three and a half millennia, Sri Lanka is a land filled with magic and mystery. Steeped in the myths and legends of the Ramayana, it has been home to the Sinhalese since the late 6th century BC. Colonised by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, it was once described as the finest island in the world. This classic, luxury adventure takes in many of its cultural and natural highlights including the old capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya, the wildlife of Wilpattu National Park and the Buddhist treasures of Kandy and Dambulla. Staying in luxury lodges and exclusive beach resorts you ll delve deeper into this fascinating country through taking part in a tea making experience in Hatton and witnessing an evening performance of Kandyan dancing. Enjoy the opportunity to explore the colonial splendour of the country and enjoy some time relaxing besides the waters of the Indian Ocean in a charming boutique hotel in the southern city of Galle. HIGHLIGHTS: Experience some of the finest boutique hotels in Sri Lanka. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Galle. Climb to the summit of the famous Sky Fortress of Sigiriya. Relax amongst the lush tea estates of Hatton. Enjoy the golden sands and azure waters of the Indian Ocean. TOUR INCLUDES: 14 nights in boutique hotels 14 breakfasts Private driver-guide and vehicle Local English speaking guides for sightseeing on a private basis, including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown above are per person based on two persons sharing a double room

2

3 ITINERARY DAY 1: COLOMBO Arriving in Colombo today, you will be driven on to Kaleliya, to spend the next two nights at the lovely Casa Heliconia. Rest of the day at leisure. DAY 2: COLOMBO Today provides a chance to make the most of Casa Heliconia's stylish pavilions and manicured surroundings. Located on the outskirts of a farming village, the hotel is surrounded by plantations and jungle, providing the perfect setting to relax and unwind before set out on your romantic Sri Lankan adventure. (B) DAY 3: COLOMBO - ANURADHAPURA Following breakfast this morning you will head north, driving towards Anuradhapura, site of the country's first capital and one of the greatest monastic centres of the ancient world. After checking in to your resort, this afternoon has been set aside to enjoy a safari in the nearby Wilpattu National Park. The largest park in the country, Wilpattu is sprinkled with some 60 lakes, which provide an ideal haven for an array of wildlife including elephants, leopards, sloth bears and a rich collection of birds. (B) DAY 4: ANURADHAPURA A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura lay at the heart of Theravada Buddhism. Dating back to the 5th century BC, it is home to some of the most revered religious sites in Asia including the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, believed to have been grown from a cutting from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. You'll also have a chance to visit the Ruwanveliseya Stupa, the largest on the island, as well as the extraordinary settings of Jethawanaramaya, Abhayagiri and the Isurumiya Temple. Afternoon at leisure. (B) DAY 5: ANURADHAPURA -POLONNARUWA- SIGIRIYA This morning you'll visit the old medieval capital of Polonnaruwa, a city that reached the height of its glory during the 12th century. Another of Sri Lanka's wonderful World Heritage Sites, the city is filled with a rich collection of ancient buildings and monuments. You'll visit the magnificent ruins of its Royal Palace, with its Audience Hall, Bathing Pool and Quadrangle and take in the curious Circular Relic House and the colossal carved figures of the Galvihara, hewn out of solid granite. From here you then continue on to Sigiriya. (B)

4 DAY 6: SIGIRIYA Sigiriya's famous Sky Fortress sits on top of the imposing granite monolith of the Lion Rock, some 200 metres above the surrounding countryside. Built during the 5th century, it is one of Sri Lanka's major attractions and from its lofty heights the views are truly spectacular. The journey to the summit takes you past the vividly colourful frescoes of the Sigiriya Damsels and on to the ruins of the old palace of King Kassapa. For wildlife lovers there is also an opportunity to take a safari in the Minneriya National Park. (B) DAY 7: SIGIRIYA - DAMBULLA - KANDY The journey to Kandy takes you by way of the UNESCO caves at Dambulla, where you'll find a remarkable collection of temples and statues that date back to the 1st century BC. Filled with images of the Buddha and sculptures of the Hindu gods, the caves have become an important pilgrimage site for countless thousands of worshippers, with the largest of the caves containing some 48 statues of the Buddha. Continuing on to Kandy, you'll spend the next two nights at the exquisite Stone House. (B) DAY 8: KANDY The last capital of the ancient Sri Lankan kings, Kandy is one of the country's cultural jewels. Home to the revered Temple of the Tooth, the city still retains a sense of its old world charm and a guided tour of some of its highlights includes the beautiful Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, renowned for its collection of orchids. This evening you'll enjoy a performance of Kandyan dancing, after which you pay a visit to the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist shrine. (B) DAY 9: KANDY - HATTON A beautifully scenic train journey today takes you from Kandy to Nanu Oya, where you will be collected and driven on to your captivating resort, situated high amongst the lush hills of Hatton. Lying in the heart of Sri Lanka's verdant tea country, you'll spend the next three nights enjoying the comforts of an engaging colonial era tea planter's bungalow and the gourmet delights of a range of delicious cuisine. (B) DAY 10: HATTON The next two days have been left free to enjoy at your leisure, with a choice of excursions available from the lodge. There are scenic walks and hikes on offer, mountain biking trails to explore and spa treatments to indulge in. You can even join the estate's resident tea expert on an engrossing 'Tea Experience', a fascinating insight into Sri Lanka's age-old tea making process. (B)

5 DAY 11: HATTON Day at leisure. (B) DAY 12: HATTON - GALLE After breakfast this morning you'll leave the green hills behind and head for the beaches of Sri Lanka's south west coast, to spend your final days amongst the captivating landscapes of Galle. A wonderful fusion of Dutch colonial architecture, aromatic spices and the glittering azure waters of the Indian Ocean, Galle provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing end to your Sri Lankan journey. Once you have checked in to your luxurious beachside hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish. (B) DAY 13: GALLE Today you will enjoy a half-day visit to Galle Fort, the largest European fortress left in Asia. Colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it is still infused today with a graceful charm that perfectly encapsulates its European heritage and a wander through its meandering streets reveals a wealth of ageing colonial buildings. The rest of the day is then free to relax and enjoy the facilities back at the hotel. (B) DAY 14: GALLE Your final day has been left to enjoy at your leisure. You could spend a relaxing day soaking up the tranquillity of this romantic setting, or perhaps take one of the excursions on offer. There are wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls and whale watching trips to experience, or nearer to home you can indulge in a massage or a yoga session. (B) DAY 15: GALLE - COLOMBO Drive back along the coast to Colombo today, in time for your return flight home. (B)

6 ACCOMMODATION ANURADHAPURA ULAGALLA RESORT Set amongst 58 lush acres bordering two ancient reservoirs Ullagalla and Wannamaduwa, cultivated paddy fields form the heartland of this breathtakingly beautiful resort. 20 luxurious chalets each with its own private plunge pool; are secluded amidst the wilderness, blending perfectly with the surroundings and offering the comforts of 21st century living. COLOMBO CASA HELICONIA The small boutique Casa Heliconia hotel is tucked away on the outskirts of a rural village and surrounded by plantations and manicured jungle. With only two rooms on separate parts of the grounds, guests can relax in complete privacy and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Both the Temple Angkor and the Pagoda Gold guestrooms have their own unique character and colourful décor, and both have been fitted with air conditioning, king sized beds and a private bathroom. Guests are welcome to relax in the hotel s pavilion styled sitting room known as the Doll s House where you will find comfortable sofas, Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV, or you can lounge by the small outdoor infinity pool. KANDY STONE HOUSE Built in the 1940s, the Stone House hotel is a renovated colonial mansion that offers just the right balance of traditional and modern to ensure that guests have a characterful stay without compromising on comfort. The three en suite standard rooms and two suites are all tastefully decorated and have modern comforts such as air conditioning, satellite TV, a safe in the room and views of either the gardens or nearby mountains. The Stone House serves a variety of international and traditional Sri Lankan dishes which can be served either in the dining room or in the gardens, or guests can enjoy the peace and quiet by the outdoor swimming pool. KOGGALA THE FORTRESS The five star Fortress Hotel is a luxury resort right on the beach on the southern coast of Sri Lanka at Koggola, just a mile away from the historical city of Galle. The architecture of the Fortress is styled after Galle's famed Dutch Fort, and its walls enclose a garden area sheltering hammocks, daybeds and water features. All of the guest rooms feature king-size beds, open plan bathrooms and state of the art entertainment systems. There is a tea room, a Lime spa with choice of Ayurvedic, homeopathic or international therapies, a Yoga pavilion, gym, pool and poolside pizzeria. Restaurants serve a wide variety of different international foods. NUWARA ELIYA

7 CEYLON TEA TRAILS In solitude, at an elevation of 4000 feet above sea level, lies Ceylon Tea Trails. Four colonial era tea planters' bungalows with a new and decidedly gourmet vibe. Each villa, built between 1890 and 1939, offers a taste of gracious living thanks to butler service & authentic period furnishings, accompanied by gourmet meals. The four bungalows offer the upscale traveller both traditional and modern comforts in a "non-hotel" atmosphere. Each bungalow has a Manager, Chef, Butler and support staff to welcome guests as at a planter's home. Meals are based on fresh produce, cooked to order and range from western fare to tea infused dishes and of course traditional Sri Lankan classics. Scenic walking trails link the properties [which are from 5 to 15 km apart], offering views in all directions. Trekking along the Tea Trails takes you through the heart of the magic Ceylon tea country. SIGIRIYA VIL UYANA 'Vil Uyana', meaning a garden of ponds, is an evocative lifestyle hotel with splendid eco credentials located just minutes away from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Spread over 24 acres, at its heart is a wetland system consisting of paddy fields, marshes, and waterways reintroduced by the hotel. Individual dwellings, luxuriously appointed and blending seamlessly into the rural landscape, are located over lakes, marshes and paddy fields. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com