Sri Lanka Package Tour- Culture 8 Days

YOUR SRI LANKA HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE -

Fortresses, Frescoes, Royal Palaces and the Authentic Sri Lanka! - 8 days

THE ISLE OF SERENDIDITY

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. Incredibly fertile and a great producer of exotic fruits and it was for centuries the spice producer of the world famous for its Cinnamon & Pepper. It is now best known for its tea plantations established by the British in the cooler, misty and 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 more 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. Although not known for Golf, believe it or not Sri Lanka has four world class golf courses and what more could one ask for but to have them all in a tropical paradise. Once you have played here you will realize that Sri Lanka’s golf courses are one of the world’s best kept secrets.

Whether you are just coming for the golf or whether you wish to combine it with some of Sri Lanka’s incredible sites and destinations. From a long weekend to a 14 day holiday our team will create an experience that you will never forget and that will leave you only wanting to come back for more. Our “Hole in One!” experience will give you an idea of the diversity of what the island and its golfing secrets has to offer.

YOUR HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE WILL TAKE YOU TO:


	Horathopala
	Dambulla
	Sigiriya
	Polonnaruwa
	Anuradhapura
	Kandy
	Colombo

OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO:


1.	Ride an elephant - it will make you feel like Asian royalty
2.	Join in a game of cricket - the cricket-mad locals are always happy for an extra pair of hands
3.	Trail your morning tea to its source in Sri Lanka's highlands - drink Sri Lanka’s finest tea and roam through the lush tea estates
4.	Stop on the side of the road to quench your thirst with a King Coconut (Tambili) and eat a hopper from a local street stall
5.	Fly high in a hot air balloon over the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and enjoy a champagne breakfast!
6.	Go on Safari and see leopards, elephants, wild bear, crocodile, deer, birds
7.	Get up close and personal with the world’s largest mammal – The Blue Whale
8.	Immerse yourself in the Esala Perahera in Kandy – a colourful festival involving huge processions of glittering elephants, dancers and drummers
9.	Eat the freshest chilli crab with your feet in the sand under the stars by the Indian Ocean
10.	Gem shopping – find that perfect semi precious stone to remind you of Sri Lanka forever
11.	Bicycle around the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa

Day	Destination / Drive time	Accommodation Details	Activities & Highlights	Optional Experiences	Supplements
1	Kurunegala (1 hour)	Horathopala Estate (Half Board) Maha Camera – Master Bedroom	On the way from the airport stop for a delicious Tambili (King Coconut) to quench your thirst and rehydrate after a long flight. Arrive in time for a delicious home cooked Rice & Curry and retire to your balcony with a good book and a cup of Ceylon tea.	You have just arrived so we suggest you take it easy today. Consider a bullock cart ride around the coconut estate - it’s a great experience.

2	Dambulla (3 ½ hours)	The Heritance Kandalama Hotel (Half Board) - 5 star Deluxe Suite – Sigiriya Wing	Set off to the Cultural Triangle. Lunch overlooking the Kandalama lake. Climb to the top of the UN World Heritage Site of Sigiriya at 4pm. An ancient rock fortress from the 5th Century. Amazing views of the Cultural Triangle! Dine under the stars whilst listening to the amazing night sounds of the surrounding jungle.	Already plenty to do so no time for extra excursions today. Top Tip #1: Ask your driver to stop in Kadjugama, the Cashew Nut town and purchase some of Sri Lanka’s finest nuts. A great gift for someone back at home.	Treat yourself to: The Heritance Kandalama Hotel (Half Board) – 5 star Suite – Sigiriya Wing Amazing views over the lake and jungle! Jetwing Vil Uyana (Half Board) – Boutique Hotel Paddy Dwelling Room #104

3	Dambulla - Polonnawura (3 hours return)	The Heritance Kandalama Hotel (Half Board) Deluxe Suite – Sigiriya Wing	Medirigiriya – 7th century Vatadage temple a top a rocky point. Polonnaruwa is a UN World Heritage Site and was the Capital of Sri Lanka from 11th - 13th Centuries. It contains some splendid and spectacular statues. Suggest stopping for a light lunch at the Polonnawura Rest House. It is superbly located on Sri Lanka’s largest man made lake and is famous for hosting Britain’s Queen Elizabeth in 1954. For foodies – this evening enjoy the a la carte menu in the fine dining restaurant at The Heritance Kandalama.	Early morning elephant ride around Kandalama Lake – spot the stunning Paradise Fly Catcher or the beautiful Kingfishers on elephant back! Take a bicycle and your very own guide and cycle through the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. A great way to see it! Top Tip #2: Pay the extra US$5 to take a ‘pump man’ with you. You may end up with a flat tyre and he will sort you out in no time at all. Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park to see wild elephants. Home to the largest gathering of elephants in the world each Aug – Oct.	The Heritance Kandalama Hotel (Half Board) – 5 star Suite – Sigiriya Wing Jetwing Vil Uyana (Half Board) – Boutique Hotel Paddy Dwelling Room #104

4	Dambulla – Anuradhapura (3 hours return)	The Heritance Kandalama Hotel (Half Board) – 5 star Deluxe Suite – Sigiriya Wing	Discover the Dambulla Caves Rock Temple dated from First Century B.C. Arrive into the last stronghold of Sinhala Kings & UN World Heritage Site – the Hill Country capital of Kandy.	Optional visit to an exotic Spice Garden in Matale where you can be treated to a garden tour and cooking demonstration to understand the taste and aroma of the world famous spices. For lunch we suggest stopping at Aluwihare Kitchens and The Matale Heritage Centre. Eat delicious home cooked Rice & Curry in the centre’s restaurant which supports over 35 villagers. Get an insight into the incredible work of Ena de Silva – one of Sri Lanka’s prominent artists who started the centre.	Villa Rosa (Half Board) – Boutique Hotel Room #3 with amazing views The Kandy House (Half Board) Admiral Super Deluxe Gallery

5	Kandy (3 hours)	Hotel Theva (Half Board) – Boutique Hotel	Discover the Dambulla Caves Rock Temple dated from First Century B.C. Arrive into the last stronghold of Sinhala Kings & UN World Heritage Site – the Hill Country capital of Kandy.	Optional visit to an exotic Spice Garden in Matale where you can be treated to a garden tour and cooking demonstration to understand the taste and aroma of the world famous spices. For lunch we suggest stopping at Aluwihare Kitchens and The Matale Heritage Centre. Eat delicious home cooked Rice & Curry in the centre’s restaurant which supports over 35 villagers. Get an insight into the incredible work of Ena de Silva – one of Sri Lanka’s prominent artists who started the centre.	Villa Rosa (Half Board) – Boutique Hotel Room #3 with amazing views The Kandy House (Half Board) Admiral Super Deluxe Gallery

6	Kandy	Hotel Theva (Half Board) – Boutique Hotel Superior Room	Explore the city’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Wander around the lake and the streets of Kandy getting a feel for this wonderful city. For those interested in shopping for gems, antiques, clothes and leather use our shopping guide and explore the local markets and shops. For an authentic lunch eat traditional Rice & Curry at the Olde Empire Hotel, a UN Conserved Designated Building. Ask to sit upstairs for a great view over the lake! In the afternoon visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens and see its treasures of tropical flora. Keep an eye out for the amazing fig tree! Early evening enjoy a superb performance of Kandyan dancing and drumming.	Gem Museum & Factory tour Art & Craft Village Private Performance of Kandyan dancing and drumming An evening drink at the eclectic Helga’s Folly Boutique Hotel – situated high above the lake. The owner Helga is one of Kandy’s social luminaries If you are not staying at The Kandy House then we recommend dinner at this 200 year old manor house – once the home of the King’s Chief Minister. Try to get there in the daylight to see the magnificent pool over the paddy fields. Top Tip #4: At The Kandy House ask for the Manager Mendis to make you an Arrack Sour. They are the best cocktail in Sri Lanka.	Villa Rosa (Half Board) – Boutique Hotel Room #3 with amazing views Click here for more information The Kandy House (Half Board) – Boutique Hotel Admiral Super Deluxe Gallery

7	Kandy to Colombo (3 ½ hours)	The Park Street Hotel (Bed & breakfast) – Boutique Hotel Deluxe Room	Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage – home to 100’s of abandoned or injured elephants. Lunch & shopping at Barefoot Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple & Simamalaka Shrine designed by Sri Lanka’s leading architect Geoffrey Bawa. Sunset Cocktails on the checker board of the Galle Face Hotel - Asia’s oldest hotel located on the Indian Ocean in the centre of Colombo. Superb dinner at Sri Lanka’s most stylish restaurant Gallery Café – once the office of the world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. Top Tip #5: Try the Prawn Curry at Gallery Café and remember to keep room for dessert. The Chocolate Nemesis is to die for!	Colombo National & Dutch Museums Old & New Parliament Houses Visit the worlds leading tea auctions Town Hall Independent Square If in Colombo on a Sunday suggest an early morning bike ride around Colombo’s market and trading area Pettah exploring old churches, museums, Hindu & Buddhist temples.	Treat yourself to an upgrade: The Park Street Hotel (Bed & breakfast) – Boutique Hotel The Beghum Suite which boasts its own large terrace and private garden

8	Colombo to Airport (40 minutes)	Homeward bound! Or perhaps you would like to stay on and continue exploring our incredible island. Some time on the beach or how about exploring our incredible Tea Country? We can tailor make an experience of a life time that you will never forget. Let us know!	Its time to leave the isle of Serendipity! Stop for your last Tambili on the way to the airport!	Fancy your last bit of shopping – enjoy the Duty Free shops at the airport. We love Odel and Stone & String. Top Tip #6: Prepare for your long journey with a fantastic foot or back massage at Foot Rub for only US$10 – US$15. A good way to spend your last lot of Sri Lankan Rupees. Up, up and away!

LET THE PICTURES DO THE TALKING

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