DISCOVER SRI LANKA
16 days from GBP1,578 to GBP1,913 including flights
Tripcode: AIL
Ancient Buddhist cities, cool highlands, jungle walks, national parks, abundant wildlife and superb beaches
Lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a natural paradise; a landscape of verdant mountains, rainforests, paddy fields, tumbling waterfalls and sweeping gorges. Hidden amongst this are the ancient Buddhist city of Polonnaruwa and the impressive 'Lions Rock' fortress at Sigiriya, testaments to the country's rich history. In contrast there's the religious centre of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya in the Central Highlands as well as the chance to climb Adam's Peak (Dec to Apr) for sunrise. Descending from the hill country we visit the elephant centre at Udawalawe and safari in Yala National Park, before spending our last few days lazing on the idyllic palm-fringed beaches and visiting the old Dutch city of Galle.
Esala Perahera Festival
The Esala Perahera festival has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka, held during August in 2008. People give thanks in song, dance and pageantry for a bountiful harvest. The significance of this perahera dates to 310 AD when the tooth relic was brought from India. Before then there was an annual procession to pay tribute for the harvest and to ask the gods for sufficient water for the next crop. Asking for water is still the main reason for the Esala Perahera.
During the festival the hill town of Kandy is transformed to the way it was before it fell to the British in 1815. Elephants, adorned with lavish garments, parade the street at night, officials and chieftains wear traditional costume and dancers leap to the timeless rhythm of the drums. It is known as one of the world's grandest and most spectacular street parades.
Trip code: AIL831 - Saturday, 2 Aug departure will visit Kandy during this celebration.
SRI LANKA SPECIALS
Book a place on this trip leaving in July, August or September and you'll also get: 2 free trips to stunning areas of natural beauty – Knuckles Rainforest and Namal Uyanma; a free boat trip in Udawalaewa National Park; a free upgrade to a deluxe room in Kandy PLUS free seated-tickets for the annual festival of Perahera in Kandy to get a ringside view of the colourful world famous elephant procession (Departure: AIL831 only).
What makes this trip responsible?
Responsible Travel
Back to Life, Sri Lanka
After the devastating Tsunami of 2004 Exodus helped set up a project to rebuild some of the areas that our clients had been visiting for years. This included re-housing some of the families who had lost their homes. With the first 11 houses now finished we will be continuing with assistance and look forward to completing the project this year.
| Day 1 | Depart London. |
| Day 2 | Arrive Colombo; to Marawila Beach. |
| Day 3 | Visit cave temples at Dambulla; to Sigiriya. |
| Day 4 | Optional elephant ride, afternoon climb the rock fortress. |
| Day 5 | To Giritale; bike ride through country villages. |
| Day 6 | Visit ancient capital of Polonnaruwa. Drive to Kandy via spice gardens and Aluvihare Temple. |
| Day 7 | Visit Temple of the Tooth, Botanical Gardens and a gem factory. |
| Day 8 | Free time in Kandy to explore or relax. |
| Day 9 | To Kitulgala, optional river rafting. |
| Day 10 | Morning jungle walk. Optional Adams Peak climb (Dec-Apr only). Afternoon to old colonial hill station of Nuwara Eliya. |
| Day 11 | Early morning to Horton Plains, walk to World's End viewpoint. To Bandarawela, visit tea plantation. |
| Day 12 | Visit elephant centre at Udawalawe, then scenic drive through Ella Gap to Kataragama. To Yala N.P. |
| Day 13 | Early morning game drive; coastal drive to Ahangama; relax on beach. |
| Day 14 | Free day to relax or optional nature walk at Rumassala. |
| Day 15 | To Galle, visit old fort and turtle hatchery; to Colombo. |
| Day 16 | Fly to London. |
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Images from DISCOVER SRI LANKA
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Client at buddhist ruins in Sri Lanka
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