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Two weeks exploring the best that Sri Lanka has to offer, the perfect family destination
We arrive in the afternoon at Colombo's Bandaranike Airport and transfer to our hotel at Chilaw on the coast, approximately an hour and a half north of the airport. Those not flying with the group will join us at the hotel in time for the welcome briefing. *Carolina Beach Hotel or similar*
Today we drive out to Sigiriya. This can take approximately 3½ hours but there will be two stops, including a rest by the lake in the historic city of Kurunegala. The town is famous for its impressive 5th century rock fortress, which rises 600 feet from the plains and overlooks the surrounding countryside, giving far reaching, magnificent views. The afternoon is free to enjoy the town, relax at the hotel and jump in the pool! *Sigiriya Village Hotel or similar*
After breakfast we take a short drive to the 10th century capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa. Here there are many Buddhist relics and ruins dating from a thousand years ago when Sinhalese culture reached its zenith. In the afternoon we will go on a safari at Minneriya National Park where we should see elephants in their natural habitat. *Sigiriya Village Hotel or similar*
Sigiriya is our base for the next two days. We will climb ‘Lion Rock’ in the morning whilst its cooler (the return trip usually takes around three hours). Once used as a safe haven from invaders, the route to the top is up a series of steep steps and gangways. Crowning the flat summit of the rock are extensive remains of the King’s Summer Palace from where there are breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. The descent is much easier and will take a lot less time. Please make sure that your children are accompanied at all times as there are some steep drops on this climb. It is of course optional and you may not wish to climb to the top of the fortress itself. In the afternoon we include the opportunity to cycle slowly through local villages and soak up the atmosphere, which is usually a great experience for everyone (if you do not wish to participate you can hire a tuk tuk locally for approximately £10 per tuk tuk and follow the group but not cycle). *Sigiriya Village Hotel or similar*
Today we visit the magnificent Cave Temple at Dambulla, for some, the most impressive sight in Sri Lanka. There are colourful, and very well preserved, paintings and statues of the Buddha inside the caves, which date back to the 1st century BC. After lunch we stop at a spice garden near Matale where we can smell the various spices and herbs growing and the resident expert explains their uses. There's a chance to stock up on massage oils, spices and Ayurvedic medicines. Before we drive to Kandy we stop by a rope making factory – which is a local house in the Matale area. The group will be able to visit the facility on the way to Kandy and witness the traditional process of rope making. Children will also be able to witness – and even experience – how interesting masterpieces are carved out a busy machine that strings out ropes of all colors and sizes. The activity lasts for approx. 30 minutes and the process could be a rewarding sight for both children and adults. We then drive to Kandy. *Royal Kandyan Hotel or similar*
Kandy is a picturesque hill town situated on a lake and home to Temple of the Tooth, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic. We begin with a visit to the temple during the ceremony. The Tooth of Buddha was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. There are normally hundreds of worshippers who visit the temple each day and it is open to the public. We then visit a sari factory, where we learn about these traditional garments that have been worn in Sri Lanka for thousands of years. We will watch how the silk is weaved into rolls of beautiful coloured fabric and there's even time for some dressing up! The rest of the day is free to wander round Kandy, by the lake or take a taxi up to the surrounding hills for wonderful views over the town. *Royal Kandyan Hotel or similar*
Today we make the spectacular drive through the tea plantation district to Nuwara Eliya. This was the favourite hill station for the British during the colonial era, situated in the cool highland air at 1890m, it has a very British feel to it. Known locally as 'Little England' it is dotted with British style houses, hotels and even a racecourse. The area is famous for its high quality tea and we visit a working plantation later in the day. This will also include a short tea picking session in a working tea plantation, depending on the weather condition. We stay in the hill country overnight at Bandarawela. *Bandarawela Hotel or similar*
This morning we continue on to the Ella Gap where we have spectacular views of the coastal plain nearly 1,000m below. Almost the entire southern part of the island should be in view and on a particularly clear day the shimmering silver of the ocean is visible. We then head south out of the hills to Kataragama down on the plains, which is our base for visiting Yala National Park. After lunch we will have a game drive; the park is best known for its elephants but we may also see deer, monkeys, buffalo and a wide range of bird life. If you are lucky you may also see a leopard as Yala has one of the highest concentrations of these beautiful animals in the world (Please note that the sanctuary is closed for 4-6 weeks from September to October allowing the park authorities to check the animals. We therefore go to an alternative area close by, usually the Udawalawe National Park). *Mandara Rosen or similar*
Today we leave for the coast and its beautiful palm fringed bays. On the way we stop at Tangalle and walk through a rice field to a village where you can try some unusual local delicacies such as boiled manioc served with coconut and a spicy mixture of chillies, onions, peppers and lemon. You will see daily life and may even take part in some traditional Sri Lankan games. We then head back to our bus in little tractors used by the farmers. We will arrive at Ahangama in the afternoon and the rest of your time here is free with a chance to swim, relax on the beach or by the pool or do any one of numerous optional activities that your leader can organise for you. *Insight Resort or similar*
We set off today and drive along the coastal road to the historic port of Galle, which dates back to the 17th century, and now a UNESCO world heritage site. On the way we stop at a small folk museum inspired by the local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum is a typical house from the Koggala region and is set amongst beautiful gardens. We continue along the expressway to Colombo reaching our hotel in the late afternoon. *Hotel Mirage or similar*
We have a relaxed breakfast before those flying on the group flight transfer to the airport for an early afternoon flight. Arrangements for those not flying with the group will end after check out. **
* Two weeks exploring the best that Sri Lanka has to offer, the perfect
family destination
* Transport minibus, jeep and bicycle
* Some long drives
All breakfasts and 1 lunch included.
We suggest allowing about GBP15 (USD25) p/p per day for meals.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage;
there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the
island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch,
Portuguese and English. Despite, or perhaps because of, these influences Sri
Lankan cuisine is often referred to simply as ‘Rice and Curry’; this is
the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice
accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various
pickles, ‘sambols,’ and a handful of tiny poppadum’s – all using the
contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic .
The variety is constant and this along with the abundance of fresh seafood
and fish ensures the cuisine is a constant highlight of the trip.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any
special dietary requests. Please note that in Sri Lanka the availability of
certain products is minimal or non-existent, for example wheat or dairy-free,
please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home.
Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western
options alongside traditional food.
* Two weeks exploring the best that Sri Lanka has to offer, the perfect
family destination
* Transport minibus, jeep and bicycle
* Some long drives
This trip is graded Level 3, moderate. It is designed for 9 to 12 year olds
but is also suitable for ages 13 to 16yrs. Our family activity levels are
aimed at children in the primary or ‘Designed for’ age group. We are
confident it is also suitable for those in the ‘Also for’ age range,
however note if your child is in this secondary category they may find it a
little easier. Please see the family activity levels on our website for
further information.
When grading our trips we consider multiple factors, the pace — how busy an
itinerary is — and the level of activity involved. Then there’s the
amount of time a family will spend travelling. The weather is an important
factor too.
This holiday aims to show you the best parts of Sri Lanka by bus, foot and
bike. Although this is not a particularly demanding trip, three of
the drives are long (over 3 hours with one drive of up to 5 hours) and are
on windy mountain roads that can be affected by the rains, which occasionally
can cause short delays. The longer drives are broken up with many chances to
stop for a view or a refreshing drink. Temperatures can be hot on the plains
and chilly in the hills, but because we use an air-conditioned bus, this is
not normally a problem.
Hotels
You will spend 12 nights in hotels all with en suite facilities. The hotel at
Sigiriya, where you will be spending 3 nights is surrounded by lush jungle
and commands stunning views of the magnificent rock fortress. The hotel
features a swimming pool and a luxury sauna.
Single accommodation (available on request).
Our Sri Lankan team of leaders have proved very popular with their incredible
knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is
no better way to experience Sri Lankan culture than letting a local leader
show you around their country.
All breakfasts and 1 lunch included.
We suggest allowing about GBP15 (USD25) p/p per day for meals.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage;
there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the
island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch,
Portuguese and English. Despite, or perhaps because of, these influences Sri
Lankan cuisine is often referred to simply as ‘Rice and Curry’; this is
the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice
accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various
pickles, ‘sambols,’ and a handful of tiny poppadum’s – all using the
contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic .
The variety is constant and this along with the abundance of fresh seafood
and fish ensures the cuisine is a constant highlight of the trip.
Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any
special dietary requests. Please note that in Sri Lanka the availability of
certain products is minimal or non-existent, for example wheat or dairy-free,
please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home.
Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western
options alongside traditional food.
We use an air-conditioned minibus or coach depending on the size of the
party. In Yala National Park we are normally split into two or three jeeps
depending on the size of the group.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 14 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Sri Lankan Airlines (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot
be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 13 days starting in Chilaw and ending in Colombo *
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Chilaw in the afternoon of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before
departure. Accommodation check-in times are normally from around Noon.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two distinct wet seasons or monsoons.
The SW monsoon brings rain to that area of the island between May and August.
The NE monsoon takes place from October to January and only really affects
the north and east coastal regions.
Generally, you should expect rain at some time but with plenty of sunshine.
On the plains, day and night time temperatures are warm to hot with Colombo
having an average daytime temperature of 30ºC. The temperatures drop as we
go higher into the hills and especially at Nuwara Eliya and Bandarrawella
where daytime temperatures are between 10 - 25ºC and night time temperatures
will be chilly (about 10ºC minimum) and a warmish jacket will be needed.
Small day pack
Sunhat
Sun cream
Water bottle
Light casual clothing
Warm sweater/fleece
Sandals
Trainers
Light waterproof
Swimming costume
Hand washing gel
Small personal first aid kit
Torch
Insect repellent
Especially when visiting temples mens and womens clothing should cover
shoulders and be on or below the knee. Women especially should always dress
conservatively to avoid unwanted attention and not to cause offence; vests,
tight fitting trousers, short skirts and short shorts are not recommended.
To improve your chances of seeing game neutral coloured clothes are best for
Yala National Park as bright colours can scare the animals.
Pair of dark coloured socks (for visiting temples as the ground is often hot)
Umbrella
It is recommended that you allow at least £5 (US$8) per person per day for
personal expenditure such as stamps, postcards and soft drinks. Shopping
opportunities throughout this tour are endless and we suggest that you take
money for souvenirs - even if you are generally not a keen shopper we have
found that most people succumb to some of the wide variety of handicrafts on
offer.
*Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes)*
All entrance fees and activities described above are included except for the
optional activities mentioned in the trip notes.
*Whale Watching* – please note if you choose to enjoy this excursion on
your free day we strongly advise booking a private charter boat through your
leader. The more members of the group who wish to join the charter the more
cost effective it will be. We do not recommend the larger, commercial boats,
they may be cheaper but they do not always respect the welfare of the animals
or operate in an environmentally responsible way. We have also had reports of
overcrowding on the boats. Please ask your leader for further details on how
to book a private charter. Whale watching is only possible between November
– April.
The whale watching trip by private boat should cost between £40 and £80
(approx. US$50-100) per person depending on the number of participants.
Boat ride in Koggala lake visiting Cinnamon Island & Temple - £10 per person
Watch sunset from Dutch fort in Galle - £5 per person
Train Ride to Galle and back - £5 per person
Stilt fishing - £3 per person
Surfing - £20 per person
Diving - £40 per person
Snorkelling - £5 per person
Tipping is a way of life in Sri Lanka and we suggest you allow about £3
(US$5) pe person per day for this. With the permission of the group, your
tour leader may collect a kitty to cover tips for hotel staff, toilet
attendants, porters and bus drivers etc. Tipping of the leader is at your
discretion.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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