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  YOUR SRI LANKA HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE -
  Golfing: A Hole in One! – 7 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:
 
 
   
Airport
Kandy
Victoria Golf & Country Resort
Nuwara Eliya
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. Seeing leopards, elephants, wild bear, crocodile, deer, birds within arms reach!
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. Eat many Mangosteens – they are truly the most exquisite fruit in Sri Lanka
   
 
Day Destination / Drive time Accommodation Details Activities & Highlights Optional Experiences Supplements
1 Digana – 40 minutes from Kandy
Victoria Golf & Country Resort (4 hours)
The Victoria Chalets
(Bed & Breakfast Basis)– Boutique
Ayubowan - you have arrived in Sri Lanka!

On the way from the airport stop for a delicious Tambili (King Coconut) to quench your thirst and rehydrate after a long flight.

Victoria Golf Course was voted as one of Asia’s Best Golf Courses in 2005 by Asian Golf Monthly Magazine and ranked by Golf Digest in the Top 100 Beautiful Golf Courses in the World. It is truly located in tropical paradise and has stunning views of the Victoria Reservoir, coconut groves and the surrounding hills. It is also one of the most challenging 18-holes in Sri Lanka. You will not be disappointed.

Depending on your flight arrival time you may get there in time for your first round of Golf. If not try the putting green and practice range or visit the Pro Shop.

A good night sleep in a seriously comfortable bed.
 
If you love elephants then we suggest that you drop into the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela. Home to many abandoned or injured elephants. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited sites. Our guests love it!
Supplement : US$ 30 per person

In addition to Golf, the Victoria Golf & Country Resort offers a wide range of other sports such as a tennis, horse riding, mountain biking and there is an outdoor infinity swimming pool.

Top Tip #1: Treat yourself to a massage at the Clubs Ayurveda Wellness Centre. The perfect solution in assisting you over come your jetlag
Tamarind Lodge (Bed & Breakfast Basis)– Boutique Hotel Suite
Supplement ; US$ 127 per room per night

Clingendael (Half Board) – Boutique Hotel Green Room Suite
Supplement ; US$ 410 per room per night
2 Kandy
Victoria Golf & Country Resort
The Victoria Chalets
(Bed & Breakfast Basis)– Boutique
A hearty breakfast and 18 holes this morning!

You have just arrived so we suggest you take it easy today. After all it is your holiday!

Swim, read, relax or perhaps 9 holes in the afternoon or some time at the driving range.
  Tamarind Lodge (Bed & Breakfast Basis)– Boutique Hotel Suite
Supplement ; US$ 127 per room per night or

Clingendael (Half Board) – Boutique Hotel Green Room Suite
Supplement ; US$ 410 per room per night
 
  Kandy
Victoria Golf & Country Resort
(1 hour 20 mins return trip into Kandy)
The Victoria Chalets (Bed & Breakfast Basis) – Boutique Back out on the course for another 18 holes!

In the afternoon head into the city of Kandy and explore the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.Wander around the lake and the city streets 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

If you would like to dine somewhere else this evening we suggest you head up the hill to the stunning boutique hotel Clingendael. Call in advance and the chef will cook up a storm for you! Or alternatively if you are staying at Clingendael head to the Kandy House, a 200 year old manor house – once the home of the Kandyan King’s Chief Minister. Try to get there in the daylight to see the magnificent pool over the paddy fields.

Top Tip #2: At The Kandy House ask for the Manager Mendis to make you an Arrack Sour. They are the best cocktail in Sri Lanka.
 
If you are in Kandy in time for a late lunch we recommend you try the Olde Empire Hotel, a UN Conserved Designated Building for an authentic lunch eat traditional Rice & Curry. Ask to sit upstairs for a great view over the lake!

For garden lovers - visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens and see its treasures of tropical flora. Keep an eye out for the amazing fig tree!
Supplement ; US$ 06 per person

Early evening enjoy a superb performance of Kandyan dancing and drumming. US$ 03 per person
Tamarind Lodge
(Bed & Breakfast Basis)– Boutique Hotel Suite
Supplement ; US$ 127 per room per night

Clingendael
(Half Board) – Boutique Hotel Green Room Suite
Supplement ; US$ 410 per room per night
4 Nuwara Eliya
(4 hours)
Jetwing Warwick Gardens – White Room (Half Board) Boutique Hotel, Colonial Tea Planters Bungalow

Jetwing Warwick Gardens in 30 minutes from Nuwara Eliya.
Train journeys in Sri Lanka are an absolute must. Take the most magical trip through Sri Lanka’s tea country with prime seats in the observation carriage. A fabulous way to see Sri Lanka’s hill villages, tea country and see the daily lives of the local people.
Depart from Kandy’s Peradeniya station and arrive at Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya’s railway station). Your driver will take your clubs & luggage & pick you up at the other end - you don’t have to worry about a thing. We will pack you up with some snacks and drinks for the train.

Rug up as you are now in cooler climbs at 6,500ft in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country.

If you are up for it – how about a round of golf this afternoon at The Nuwara Eliya Golf Course. Described by UK’s Golf Today as a tight, challenging hilly course with scenic surroundings, tight fairways, dense rough and water which comes into play on 6 holes. Good luck!
 
If you would prefer to have a relaxing afternoon we suggest you nestle down by a cosy fire with a good book and a cup of Ceylon Tea or put your walking shoes on and stride out into the picturesque tea country. It is right at your doorstep – with so many incredible walks from 20 minutes to 4 hours. The choice is yours.  
5 Nuwara Eliya Jetwing Warwick Gardens (Half Board) – Boutique 18 holes today!

No better way to introduce yourself to what was labeled “Little England” than to have afternoon tea on the verandah of the British Colonial Hill Club built in 1876 – it is a huge part of Sri Lanka’s history.
 
See how Ceylon tea is made and learn the art of becoming a discerning tea taster at one of the local tea factories.  
6 Colombo (5 hours) Galle Face Hotel Regency Wing (Bed & Breakfast) – 4 star Oceanic Friends of the Galle Face Afternoon round of Golf at Sri Lanka’s oldest course - Royal Colombo Golf Course. Although within the city limits it is amazingly tranquil and calm. A relatively flat course with broad fairways the course has many hazards including water and on the 6th at certain times of the day the train runs across the fairway.

For serious Foodies we recommend you head to Sri Lanka’s most stylish restaurant Gallery Café for dinner– once the office of the world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa.

Top Tip #1: Try the Prawn Curry at Gallery Café and remember to keep room for dessert. The Chocolate Nemesis is to die for!
For those that want to see some of Colombo’s sites we suggest choosing from the following:

Start at Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple & Simamalaka Shrine designed by Sri Lanka’s leading architect Geoffrey Bawa.

Be blessed by the local monk. A spiritual end to your holiday.

In addition choose from:
Colombo National & Dutch Museums
Gangarama Temple
Old Parliament House
Oldest Hindu Kovil in Colombo - Sri Kailawasanthan Swami Devasthanam.
Town Hall & Independent Square

For those wanting to shop – we will give you our fantastic shopping list which lists our favourite shopping spots. Let us know what you are interested in and we can make sure your needs are looked after. US$ 15 per person
 
The Park Street Hotel (Bed & breakfast) – Boutique Hotel Deluxe RoomSupplement ; US$ 170 per room per night
7 Airport (40 mins) Homeward bound!
Or for those wanting an extra day in Colombo we can arrange for you to play at Waters Edge Golf Course just 30 minutes from Colombo’s centre.

Or perhaps you would like to stay on and continue exploring our incredible island. Some time on the beach or how about heading to the amazing Cultural Triangle, filled with ancient cities?
We can tailor make an experience of a life time that you will never forget. Do 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
   
 
     
     
   
 
   
  Note: © 2010 Diethelm Travel Sri Lanka All rights reserved. No part of this tour may be reproduced without our written permission.