Sri Lanka - 12 Days Tour By: CHARIKA TRAVELS Tel: (03) 8804 1488, Email: tours@charikatravels.com Web: www.charikatravels.com Celink Australia Pty Ltd t/a CHARIKA TRAVELS P a g e 1
INTRODUCTION Sri Lanka is truly the wonder of Asia and the Pearl of Indian Ocean. This tropical island paradise is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the world. For centuries, travellers around the world enticed by its breath-taking beauty, pristine beaches, unique wildlife, history and heritage. Holiday in this isle of paradise is not just a tour package, but an exciting, unforgettable & amazing adventure of a lifetime. Our 12 days tour is specially designed for you to provide a longremembered experience in this small wonder. This tour will take you to seductive pristine beaches, heritage archaeological sites & ancient kingdoms which display the grandeur of thousands of years old history & culture, lush green mountains shrouded by mist and covered by tea plantations produce world s best Ceylon Tea, rivers & streams, silver lined waterfalls, wild-live parks reigned by majestic elephants of Sri Lanka & abundance of wild-life, unique eco-systems, inspiring and vibrant culture and unique traditional villages of Sri Lank a. You will experience the world-renowned Sri Lankan hospitality, welcome of charming friendly people and spicy Sri Lankan cuisines which enticed international travellers for many centuries. The beauty of Sri Lanka is grossly intensified by the hospitalit y of its inhabitants. For centuries, this island nation was the apple of their eye among early travellers. These friendly & welcoming qualities of Sri Lankans, positioned Sri Lanka at the centre-point on the worlds tourist map. This tour of a lifetime will provide you with unforgettable memories and unique experience which you will only get in this isle of paradise. P a g e 2
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Tour Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days Overnight Destinations: Negombo (1 Night), Anuradhapura (1 Night), Habarana (2 Nights), Passikudah (2 Nights), Kandy (1 Night), Nuwara Eliya (2 Nights), Ella (1 Night), Colombo the Commercial Capital (1 Night). Main Tour Attractions & Activities: Anuradhapura Ancient City tour, Sigiriya Lion Rock Climb, Minneriya National Park Wildlife Safari, Polonnaruwa Ancient City tour, Tropical Beach retreat at Passikudah, Kandy City tour, Kandy Temple of the Tooth, Cultural Show at Kandy, Tea Factory & Plantation visit, Nuwara Eliya City tour, Hakgala Botanical Gardens tour, Nuwara Eliya to Ella Train Journey, Colombo City tour This Program covers Four (04) UNESCO World Heritage Sites Accommodation: Room Sharing in Budget or Mid-Range Hotels Meal Plan: Half Board (Breakfast and Dinner included) Transport: All Hotel and Airport transfers are in Private A/C Vehicle driven by an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide P a g e 3
NEGOMBO Day 1 Hotel Suggested: Budget: GOLDEN STAR BEACH HOTEL Mid-Range: JETWING SEA (Breakfast, Dinner) Arrival to Colombo international Airport (Evening arrival) Upon your arrival to Colombo, the Chauffer-guide will meet you at the Airport & transfer you to a hotel in Negombo for an overnight stay. You will relax and revive after a long flight. P a g e 4
ANURADHAPURA Day 2 Hotel Suggested: Budget / Mid-Range: RAJARATA HOTEL (Breakfast, Dinner) After Breakfast, you will be heading to Anuradhapura. Upon hotel check in relax for a while, you are ready to embark on another exciting adventure to witness 2000 years old history of Sri Lanka tour to the Anuradhapura Ancient City Anuradhapura Ancient City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Anuradhpuraya was considered as the capital of Sri Lanka from 04th Century BC to the beginning of the 11th Century AD. The city s greatest treasures include: Sri Maha Bodhiya: The original Southern branch (right wing branch) of historical Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred fig/peepal tree) at Bodhgaya under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. Brought by Ven. Arihat Sangamitta therani (the daughter of the Emperor Aoska of India) in the year 288 BC (3rd Century BC) and planted in Anuradhapura holy city. Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura is considered and venerated as one of the most precious and sacred relics, by Buddhists all over the world and is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world. Ruwanwalisaya: is also known as the Maha Stupa (or the Great Stupa) is the most prominent Buddhist Stupas in Sri Lanka. Built by King Dutugemunu in 140 BC to enshrines a large portion of Buddha s Relics. Ruwanwelisaya stupa is considered as one of the world's tallest monuments, standing at around 103 m (338 ft) and with a circumference of 290 m (951 ft). P a g e 5
Tuparamaya: Considered as the first Buddhist Stupa in Sri Lanka, built by King Devanmpiya-Tissa (247-207 BC), in 3rd Century BC in which enshrines the sacred Right Collar Bone of Lord Buddha. The Stupa was built in the shape of a bell and the compound was paved with granite. Jethawanaramaya: Built in Anuradhapura by King Mahasena (273 301). With a high of 122 metres (400 ft) with a base-area of 233,000 m2 (2,508,000 sq ft). This is an ancient engineering marvel and approximately 93.3 million bricks were used in the construction. It is believed to be the world's tallest stupa and perhaps one of the tallest structures in the Ancient world. Associated monasteries and structures within the compound said to be housed approximately 10,000 Buddhist Monks. and This stupa represents a period of Buddhist History of Sri Lanka as it represents the tension between two Buddhist schools i.e. Theravad and Mahayana sects. Abhyagiriya: Built in Anuradhapura by King Valagamba during the period of his second reign, from 89-77 BC. This was the stupa for a monastery complex for Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist schools. Abhyagiriya site was one of the most extensive Archaeological sites in the world with ruins of a complex of great monasteries considered as an international teaching institute for Buddhism by 1st Century AD, which attracted many international scholars from all over the world. Other significant sites and attracts in Anuradhpura includes Isurumuniya Vihara, the world famous Samadhi Budhha Statue, Kuttam Pokuna or the twin ponds, Mirisavatiya stupa, Lankarama Viharaya etc. Note: Above attractions involve walking and climbing of steps to reach upper levels/heights. P a g e 6
HABARANA Day 3, Day 4 Hotel Suggested: Budget: FRESCO WATER VILLA After breakfast, you will leave for Habarana for 2 nights stay. Mid-Range: HABARANA VILLAGE BY CINNAMON (Breakfast, Dinner) Habarana is a destination situated between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. It is a focal point for many internationally renowned tourist attractions. We use Habarana as an overnight-stay destination to cover Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park Safari. In the Afternoon, you will go on a breath-taking adventure of a lifetime a wildlife safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park P a g e 7
Minneriya National Park One of the main Safari parks situated in North Central Province, close to Sigiriya/Habarana. The National Park surrounds the Minneriya Reservoir/tank, which was built by King Mahasen in 3rd Century AD. Minneriya National Park which was designated as a National Park in 1997 after it had been declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. Large number of Elephants migrate to the Minneriya reservoir during the dry season. They Migrate from surrounding National Parks and forests, for food, water. This Elephant Gathering is a world-renowned spectacle. Many tourists attract to Minneriya to go on a well-remembered thrilling Private Jeep Safaris and to witness the great Sri Lankan Elephant Gathering during the dry season. Note: This attraction involves open Safari Jeep ride in rough Jungle Terrain with bumpy roads. Next day (Day 4) After Breakfast, you will go to see one of the Wonders of the Ancient World the Sigiriya Lion Rock and witness the ancient engineering ingenuity. Sigiriya Lion Rock (Sigiriya Fortress) Sigiriya is a 5 th Century man-made fortification situated on a majestic column of rock and known as the Fortress in the Sky. This 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. Sigiriya Lion Rock is a UNESCO listed world Heritage Site. The Lion Rock Fortress palace and fortifications were built by King Kasyapa (477 P a g e 8
495 CE) on Sigiriya Rock. Within its 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 palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways, the only known ancient work of secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour. Another attraction of Sigiriya is its Mirror Wall, this wall is filled with ancient inscriptions which considered to be poems. Further, Sigiriya is considered as a marvel of ancient urban planning and landscaping skills. Note: This attraction involves climbing of many steep steps / stairs In the Afternoon, you will embark on another exciting adventure to see the Polonnaruwa Ancient City. Ancient City of Polonnaruwa The second most ancient city of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa was first declared as the capitol by King Vijayabahu I, in 1070. Polonnaruwa s Goldern age was dawned during the period of King Parakramabahu I (1153 1186. During this period Polonnaruwa was flourishing to become a trade and agricultural hub. King Parakramabahu build a sophisticated irrigation system based on Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakramabhahu) a man-made gigantic reservoir. Today, Polonnaruwa Ancient City is a UNESCO world heritage site and a famous archaeological site visited by tourists around the world. Historical archaeological attractions in the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa include: Ruins of Royal Palaces, Watadage, Hatadage, Nissanka Latha Madapa, Rankoth Vehera, Lankatilaka Temple, Statues of Gal Vihara, Kiri Vihara, The statue of Kind Parakramabahu, and Shiva Devalaya. Note: This attraction involves walking and climbing of steps to reach upper levels/heights. P a g e 9
PASSIKUDAH Day 5, Day 6 Hotel Suggested: Budget: MARINA BEACH Mid-Range: AMAYA BEACH (Breakfast, Dinner) After breakfast, you will leave for Passikudah to start your Tropical Beach Escape at Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka. During day 5 & 6, you will enjoy the aquamarine blue wavers of Indian ocean, pristine epic golden sandy beach shaded by wind-whispering Coconut trees, world renowned Sri Lankan Hospitality and exquisite cuisines. Relax and enjoy the taste of Paradise. P a g e 10
KANDY Day 7 Hotel Suggested: Budget: SERENE GARDENS Mid-Range: AMAYA HILLS (Breakfast, Dinner) After breakfast, you will leave for Hill Station - Kandy. At Kandy, your Chauffeur Guide will take you to see the Kandy City including picturesque Kandy Lake. Kandy is the second largest city and the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka. The Kingdom of Kandy was formed in 15 Century. The Kandyan royal dynasty was ended in 1815. Main Tourist attractions in Kandy include The Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Museum. You will be visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic. In the evening you will enjoy the rhythm of traditional drams and dances of Kandy at the Cultural Show. P a g e 11
The Temple of the Tooth Relic Sri Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth Relic) is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. This is situated at the Kandy Royal Palace compound. Temple of the Tooth Relic houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, and one of the holiest places for Buddhists around the world. The sacred tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka in Anuradhapura Era during the reign of Sri Megavanna Dalada Maligawa (301-328 CE). Thereafter the custodianship of the sacred tooth relic was considered as the right for rule for reigning monarchs of Sri Lanka. Kings of Sri Lanka protected the tooth relic in their kingdoms and capitals. Finally, the Tooth Relic was brought to its present shrine at last Kingdom of Sri Lanka Kandy, by King Vimaladharmasuriya I (1592-1603). Note: Above attractions involve walking and climbing of steps to reach upper levels/heights. P a g e 12
NUWARA ELIYA Day 8, Day 9 Hotel Suggested: Budget: HILL PRIDE CITY HOTEL Mid-Range: ARALIYA GREEN HILLS (Breakfast, Dinner) After Breakfast, you will leave for Sri Lanka s Hill Country - the land of the world famous Ceylon Tea, filled with unparalleled scenic beauty which cannot be explained by words. Romantic landscapes, rising mountains covered by lush green tea plantations, gushing waterfalls, and picturesque grasslands mingling with shimmering sunlight take the traveller to an entirely different dimension. Nuwara Eliya Hill station is your next stop. On the way, you will visit a Tea plantation & Factory to see how world famous pure Ceylon Tea is produced and enjoy a cuppa. Later you will see the Nuwara Eliya town & other landmarks of Nuwara Eliya including Lake the Gregory (which was constructed in 1873, during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory). Nuwara Eliya hill city was founded by Samuel Baker in 19th Century, and later nicknamed as the little England as it became a holiday retreat for British Civi l Servants and Planters during Colonial times. Nuwara Eliya is around 1,868 m above the Sea Level. Surrounded by mountains, valleys, waterfalls, Tea plantations and cottage like houses, it reminds a fine spring day in England. The temperature might drop in the night The next day, after breakfast you will visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens and the Sita Amman Temple. Hakgala Gardens was established in 1861 and situated at an elevation of about 1745 m above mean sea level, Hakgala Botanic Gardens s around 2 8 hectares in extent P a g e 13
Ella Day 10 Hotel Suggested: Budget: ELLA MOUNT HEAVEN Mid-Range: 98 ACRES RESORT & SPA (Breakfast, Dinner) After the Breakfast, Chauffeur Guide will take you to the Nanu-Oya (Nuwara Eliya) train station to board the train to Ella. Train Journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is a one of the most popular world-renowned train trips, often referred as the Train Journey Through the Clouds. This is an extremely spectacular & scenic train journey through misty hills, tea plantations and villages. Chauffeur Guide will travel by road to meet you at Ella Station, and to take you to the Ella hotel to enjoy the breath-taking sceneries, and during rest of the day. Ella is a small town in the Badulla district Uva Province, surrounded by Hills. This hamlet with spectacular scenic beauty and breath-taking sceneries, is ideal for hiking and climbing mountains. Ella hills covered by lush green tea plantations, paddy fields and other vegetation. Ravana falls, little Adams peak are some of the surrounding attractions in Ella. (Please note: the above Train Journey is subject to availability of Trains and Seats on the Journey date) P a g e 14
COLOMBO Day 11 Hotel Suggested: After breakfast, you will leave for Colombo. You will do the Colombo City Tour with our Chauffeur Guide to see prominent landmarks including temples & churches, old colonial & historical parts of the City, busy shopping malls and souvenir shops. The City of Colombo the Commercial Hub of Sri Lanka Budget: GRAND ORIENTAL HOTEL Mid-Range: OZO COLOMBO (Breakfast, Dinner) This Port city linked Sri Lanka with ancient Indian Ocean trade routes and the rest of the world for over 2000 years. In 1505, Portuguese explorer Lourenco de Almeida visited Colombo, which changed the course of Sri Lankan history to a new era. The Portuguese realised the commercial and maritime significance of Colombo which resulted trade missions to became invasions. Soon, Colombo as well as coastal areas of Sri Lanka were under the control of Portuguese. They built administrative, residential buildings as well as fortified military structures in Colombo with st rong military and naval presence. Colombo fort was attacked and sieged several times by Sri Lankan kings, but they were unable to break-through. After the Portuguese, Dutch captured Colombo in 1656 and controlled under the Dutch East India Company. In 1796 British captured Colombo and in 1815 Ceylon (Sri Lanka) became a crown colony under the British rule, until 1948 when Ceylon gained independence. Island s largest city Colombo and its metropolitan suburbs have a population exceeding 5.5 million. Colombo is a tourist destination with many colonial and modern landmarks including Fort, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, Independence Square, Colombo Town Hall, National Museum, Beira Lake, BMICH, Colombo Racecourse, and many other interesting places. Note: Above attractions involve walking and climbing of steps to reach upper levels/heights. P a g e 15
Day 12 Departure & End of Tour The last day of the tour. After checkout, you will be transferred to the Airport, and your Chauffeur guide will bid you Bon Voyage at the Airport. You will leave Sri Lanka with memories of an amazing and unforgettable holiday, with the intension of returning to Sri Lanka soon, for anther exciting adventure. ** END OF TOUR ** Note: This itinerary is subject to undergo modifications & revisions without further notice. The itinerary is prepared for late night flight arrival and morning departure. Changes to this itinerary including additional days, destinations, excursions can be included at a cost. If above mentioned hotels (in this itinerary) are not available at the time of booking, similar standard hotels will be provided. Rooms allocated will be Standard Rooms. Please contact us to upgrade rooms at a cost. Activities / Attractions indicated in this itinerary are optional (you can omit), and entry fee and activity costs are indicated separately. Please see below Tour Summery section for Activity costing / Entry Fee per Person. P a g e 16
TOUR SUMMERY Days Destinations 01 Arrival, Airport Pick up - Negombo Optional Activities (Add-ons) Activity / Entry Fee: in USD - Per Person basis 02 Negombo - Anuradhapura Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour (USD 25) 03 Anuradhapura Sigiriya / Habarana Minneriya National Park Safari (USD 45) 04 Sigiriya / Habarana 05 Sigiriya / Habarana to Passikudah Sigiriya Lion Rock Tour (USD 30) Polonnaruwa Ancient City Tour (USD 25) 06 Passikudah 07 Passikudah Kandy, incl. Kandy City Tour 08 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Incl. Tea Factory Visit, Temple of the Tooth Relic visit (USD 10) Cultural Show (USD 5) 09 Nuwara Eliya, incl. Nuwara Eliya City Tour Hakgala Botanical Gardens (USD 10) 10 Ella Nanu Oya Ella Train Journey (USD 20) * 11 Ella to Colombo, incl. Colombo City Tour 12 Colombo Airport, Departure (Optional activity costs / Entry Fee is in USD and per Person basis) * Subject to availability TOUR PRICING ESTIMATE All Pricing in USD $ - Per Adult Person Basis Person Sharing a Room on Half Board Basis Minimum number of Adults per Group: 2 REQUEST TOUR PRICING Tour Cost Inclusions Accommodation at mentioned Hotel on Half-Board basis Breakfast and Dinner at above hotels as indicated (11 Breakfasts, 11 Dinners) Airport Transfers (pickup & drop-off) Airport and Hotel Transfers as per the program in an Air-conditioned vehicle, driven by an English-speaking Chauffeur Guide / National Guide Applicable local government taxes at hotels City Tours at Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Colombo. Tea Factory & Tea Plantation visit at Nuwara Eliya P a g e 17
Tour Cost Exclusions Airfares, VISA charges, Airport Taxes Early check-in or late check-out at the hotels Lunches, Snacks & beverages during the tour Tips or gratuities Video or camera permits. Laundry, room service, telephone calls, mineral water bottles, restaurant/bar charges All expense of personal nature. Entrance Fees / Activity Costs for optional activities (add-ons). Any other costs or services not mentioned under above Tour Cost Inclusions. OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS Transport Airport & Hotel Transfers: Air-Conditioned vehicle driven by English speaking Chauffeur / National guide. Minneriya/Kaudulla Safari is done by special open Safari Jeeps (non A/C) modified for easy wildlife viewing. Currency of this Itinerary Customers in overseas must use only USD for all payments to us. For Australian Customers: This is a wholesale tour plan. All Prices indicated / quoted in this tour itinerary are in United States Dollars (USD) due to the frequent changes of exchange rates. Customers in Australia can pay us in Australian Dollars (AUD) for our invoices. We use the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of the invoice date, based on the Westpac Banking Corporation s currency conversion rate to convert AUD (currency you have) into USD (currency you want). Sundry Expenses for Meals, Beverages, tips and Shopping Please bring adequate funds to cover extra expenses including meals & beverages, (lunches, snacks), Tips etc. Further, you may wish to take a reminder of Sri Lanka as souvenirs which may include jewellery, precious stones, traditional & cultural handicraft decorative items, garments, traditional batik items etc. Extra Nights at Colombo Extra night/s accommodation before or after the tour can be arranged at Colombo. Additional costs will apply. Please contact us for details. P a g e 18
Travel Insurance (mandatory requirement) All passengers travelling in this tour package must obtain and maintain a comprehensive, suitable and valid Travel Insurance during this tour period, to cover all Travel related incidents including (but not limited to) loss of personal valuables, flight misses, third party & public liabilities injuries, sicknesses and death. Passenger Fitness Passengers travelling in this tour package must be medically fit and healthy t o participate in the tour. Some hotels require walking & climbing steps to reach rooms and hotel facilities. Most of the sights & attractions will be access by foot and climbing steps & walking on uneven ground is involved. Some sights include climbing of many steep stairs/steps and reaching heights and Passengers can choose not to visit these sights, as they are optional. Minneriya Safari is done in a rough jungle terrain and bumpy roads. Inside the Wildlife park roads are rough, dusty, and muddy during the rainy season with many pit holes. Passengers who are 70 and over may be required to obtain a doctor s clearance before Travelling. Please Note Minimum number of Passengers for the group: 02 Adults. Tour Price Estimates valid till end of the respective tour period. Tours booked for a tour period must end within that respective validity tour period Prices we indicated are based on persons sharing a double bed room or triple bed room as per the indicated meal plan Tour Costing, Optional Activities charges, and other details indicated in this document are subject to revise, delete or change by CHARIKA TRAVELS at any time.. Therefore, you are kindly reminded to confirm your bookings at your earliest We do not arrange any special meals for specific dietary requirements. Hotels we offer may situate at close by/bordering cities to destinations me ntioned in the itinerary In the event of above suggested Hotels and/or room types are not available at the time of your booking, alternative hotels and/or rooms will be offered. This may increase / change the above Tour Price. Changes to this itinerary including number of passengers, travel dates, routine changes, meal plans, activities, change of accommodation/rooms/hotels, or other modifications will change above Tour Price. Some Optional Activities must be selected by the entire group due to itine rary and logistic difficulties This tour, tour bookings and purchasing of this tour are subject to our Tour booking Terms and Conditions (at http://www.charikatravels.com/terms-conditions). Booking and purchasing of this tour is considered as you have agreed to our Tour booking Terms and Conditions (at http://www.charikatravels.com/terms-conditions) All passengers should medically fit and healthy to participate for above indicated Tour Passengers below 18 years of age must always accompany their Parents or Legal Gradians during this tour All passengers booking/purchasing this tour package must obtain and maintain a comprehensive, suitable and valid Travel Insurance during this Tour period. Charika Travels does not provide any kind of t ravel & liability insurances to passengers. P a g e 19
CHARIKA TRAVELS Tel: (03) 8804 1488, Email: tours@charikatravels.com Web: www.charikatravels.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/charikatravels Celink Australia Pty Ltd t/a CHARIKA TRAVELS (ABN 52 600 731 191) P a g e 20