Itinerary Include flights Expand all London to London Day 1 Depart London. The group flight usually departs in the evening from London Heathrow. Day 2 Arrive Colombo; transfer to Wattala. The group flight arrives at Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport and transfer to our hotel at Wattala on the coast. The rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel and recover from the flight. Those not flying with the group will meet us at the hotel.Pegasus Reef Hotel or similar Day 3 Game drive near Giritale to see elephants in their natural habitat. Today we travel to Giritale, where we will stop in one of three parks, either the Kaudulla or Minneriya National Park or the Hurulu Eco Park for a game drive. We will take to jeeps to explore the park and observe elephants in their natural habitat. We then continue onto Giritale where we stay overnight. Our hotel overlooks the Giritale Tanks – the island’s early inhabitants solved the dual problem of heat and lack of water in this dry area by constructing these large tanks to act as reservoirs and to help cool the air. Nowadays these provide an important habitat for birdlife, particularly between April and August.Giritale Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Cycle trip to Dambalawewa Lake with a village lunch. Today we cycle at a leisurely pace through a series of small villages to Dambalawewa Lake. We should see plenty of birdlife including Egrets, Brahmany Kites, Kingfishers, Bulbuls. We stop for lunch in a traditional village which will break up the journey. In the late afternoon we return to our hotel in Giritale. If you do not wish to participate you can hire a tuk tuk locally for approximately £10 and follow the group but not cycle. Giritale Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 5 Visit ancient capital city of Polonnaruwa; to Sigiriya; evening visit to rock fortress. After breakfast we take a short drive to Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of the Sinhalese. There are many Buddhist relics and ruins dating from a thousand years ago when Sinhalese culture reached its zenith. Polonnaruwa flourished in the 12th century after the decision was made to move the capital from Anuradhapura so it was further away from the incursions from southern India. We visit many of the temples, palaces, huges dagobas and remarkable Buddhist sculptures. After lunch we drive to Sigiriya about an hour away. This impressive 5th century rock fortress rises 180m from the plains overlooking the surrounding countryside giving far-reaching views. Used as a safe haven from invaders, the route to the top is up a series of steep steps and gangways. From the base, where a moat surrounds impressive water gardens, we ascend 200m, passing an overhanging rock under which superb portraits of native maidens holding flowers and temple offerings still adorn the rock wall. Crowning the flat-topped summit of the rock are remains of the King's Summer Palace from where there are breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The descent is much easier and you can cool off in the hotel pool at dusk.Hotel Sigiriya or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 To Kandy via the cave temples at Dambulla; visit Temple of the Tooth. Today we head into the hills to the picturesque town of Kandy. On the way we stop at Dambulla, famous for its cave temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive sights. There are colourful, well preserved paintings and statues of the Buddha inside, some of which date back as far as the 1st century BC. Kandy is located on a small lake and we spend time in and around the town. Visiting the Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic. The Tooth of Buddha which was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BC and only found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. There are literally hundreds of worshippers who visit the temple each day and in July/August the most spectacular ceremony takes place. Some of our trips in July/August should coincide with the Kandy festival, but the exact dates, decided by priests (depending on the auspicious time), are not known until 5 months prior to the event. We drive to a beautiful viewpoint to get a great view of Kandy and its environs that are overlooked by a huge Buddha and visit a gem museum where you can see the products of the traditional methods of gem extraction. In the evening we may have the chance to attend a performance of the athletic Kandian Dancing and fire walking.Hotel Topaz or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Free day to explore Kandy; optional day excursion to Knuckles Mountain Range. Today you are free to explore Kandy at your leisure or take an optional excursion to Knuckles Mountain Range (including Lunch). This mountain range is named due to its formation that resembles the knuckles of a clenched fist. They loom 1860m above the Dumbara Valley. The surrounding areas have been declared as a strict natural reserve. A large variety of indigenous plants are found in this area. We return to Kandy in the evening.Hotel Topaz or similar Please note: If there has been a lot of rain it is generally not advisable to do the optional excursion in the Knuckles mountain range as it can be very slippery underfoot. If this is the case a visit to Nuwara Eliya is generally offered as an alternative. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 To Colombo via Peradeniya Botanical Gardens then the tour ends in Colombo An early departure to Colombo as the drive is approximately 3 ½ - 4 hours (115km). En route we’ll stop at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with its vast array of orchid species endemic to Sri Lanka. The lunch stop will also be a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry . On arriving in Colombo our guided walking tour commences in the Galle Face Green area focussing on Colombo’s colonial architecture . It includes the old Parliament, Old Fort City area and the Old Dutch Hospital. We will walk through Chatham Street to a famous colonial hotel close to the harbour and finally end the tour near Pettah bazaar. Here, there will be some free time to explore the market before transferring to the hotel to freshen up. In the evening there will be farewell dinner at a seafood restaurant in the Mt Lavinia area. Ramada Hotel or Similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 9 After breakfast those on the group flights will be taken to the airport in time for their flight home. Meals included: Breakfast
Maldives If you are keen to end your holiday on a very relaxed note, we can arrange a visit to the Maldives for you. The flight from Colombo is around 1 hour and upon arrival you will be transferred by speedboat (approximately 20mins) to the Paradise Island 4* resort. Paradise Island is a beautiful coral island with a total land area of 178,900 square metres, covered with lush tropical vegetation, numerous palm trees, surrounded by a wide sandy beach and the crystal clear waters of an azure lagoon. You can choose to add on as many extra nights to your trip as you wish; your time on the island will be at leisure for you to do as you wish. The accommodation used has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, room service and all rooms are air‐conditioned and have en suite facilities. As well as the modern amenities of the resort, there is also access to scuba diving and snorkelling or for the less active the chance to swim in these wonderful, calm waters. Either way it is a veritable paradise and a memorable end to the trip. If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity then we can arrange flights for you to Malé as well as booking the hotel and speedboat transfer to the island.
Sri Lanka A visa (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required if you are British and for most other nationalities. If you do not hold a British passport, please check the visa requirements with your local Sri Lankan Embassy or the ETA website www.eta.gov.lk. Passengers should also be aware of local laws and customs in Sri Lanka (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/local-laws-and-customs). The mistreatment of Buddhist images and artefacts is an offence; please note that people have been refused entry to Sri Lanka because of visible tattoos of Buddha. Those British passport holders who travel to Sri Lanka before 30.04.2020 for tourist purposes are exempted paying ETA fee (applicable for 30 days). ETA application for pre approval is required before the journey. Exodus visa information sheet for British passport holders.
Sri Lanka There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Hotels Hotels on this trip of are generally of a good standard, all with swimming pools and with good facilities. Our property in Sigiriya is of a particularly high standard with a lovely pool, looking out over the famous Lion Rock. Single accommodation available on request. Please note paying the single supplement may not mean that you receive a double or twin room for sole use. The room you are allocated may differ from hotel to hotel , and on some nights a smaller room for ‘one person’ may well be allocated.
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Reviewed June 2019 Leslie Polidoro Trip: AIA: Sri Lankan Highlights Love Sri Lanka! Hotels, meals all very good. You can tell the country is still developing their tourism business, but they are doing a great job. Unfortunately the bombings will have put a stop on travel there, however I have fallen in love with this country and will be quick to recommend it. Excursions and tours were excellent, I felt like I had a good overall visit to Sri Lanka, yet not enough so I am keen to return. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Lion Rock Fortress What did you think of your group leader? He was very knowledgeable, however I found that he tended to poke "fun" at certain people a little more than was necessary. I felt a bit more history and explanations of sites could have been provided "on-site". Most tours were a bit rushed, fine for those in excellent physical condition, difficult for those who were not. I would have rather it was a bit more leisurely when out on site. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take a battery pack/charger -- you will want to take alot of pictures and sometimes your camera/phone will not make it through the day. Tip well to all those that help with your journey.
Reviewed May 2019 Condon Corbett Trip: AIA: Sri Lankan Highlights Amazing Sri Lanka! From the private pick up at the airport in Colombo to drop off at the airport things could not have gone more smoothly. The pace of the tour was excellent given its short duration. Accommodations were very good-clean, comfortable and well located. Sri Lanka is a stunning country with friendly people, beautiful scenery and an abundance of wildlife. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Climbing to the top of Lion Rock (Sigiriya) to view the remnants of the ruined palace and the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from 200 metres above. Magical! What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader, Suresh was excellent. Very well organised, knowledgeable of his home country, it's history and different cultures which he imparted to us in an interesting and fun manner. I appreciated his somewhat sarcastic sense of humor as well. Schedules were well kept and adjusted as necessary based on the group consensus. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Take part in all of the included sightseeing and activities, especially the bike tour through the villages where you will be warmly greeted by the local children as you cycle by. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was a trip of a lifetime!
Reviewed May 2019 Penelope Hansen Trip: AIA: Sri Lankan Highlights Sri Lanka fam The trip was great. Short, but a good introduction to the country. I look forward to going back and seeing more. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I enjoyed the day we spent cycling through local villages and meeting locals. What did you think of your group leader? Suresh was great. He was diligent in assisting passengers whatever hour of the day/night and adjusted our itinerary to adapt to changing circumstances like weather and traffic. Taking hundreds of photos and sharing them with the group (even if some were shockingly unflattering) was a nice touch.
Reviewed May 2019 ANITA MICHALCZEWSKI Trip: AIA: Sri Lankan Highlights SRI LANKA - A SMALL COUNTRY THAT HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER. GREAT HOTELS, SIGHTSEEING, FOOD, PEOPLE. SRI LANKA HAS ALL OF THIS. OUR TRIP WITH EXODUS TRAVELS WAS GREAT. WE HAVE SEEN SO MANY GREAT TEMPLES, CLIMBED THAT AMAZING SIGURIYA ROCK, OBSERVED MONKEYS AND ELEPHANTS IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS, TASTED SO MANY YUMMY DISHES. OUR BUS DRIVER DARMAN WAS A VERY SKILLED DRIVER (THAT YOU NEED SO MUCH IN SRI LANKA). HIS HELPER SAMAN WAS ALWAYS READY TO GREAT US WITH A SMILE AND ALWAYS MADE SURE THAT WE WERE WELL HYDRATED, AS HE SUPPLIED US WITH WATER THRUOUT OUR JOURNEY. THE HOTELS WERE ALL OF A VERY GOOD STANDARD AND SOME OF THEM DID OFFER A BREATHTAKING VISTAS. MY FAV. WAS THE HOTEL GIRITALE IN GIRITALE AND ALSO THE HOTEL TILANKA IN KANDY, AS THEY HAVE OFFERED MOST AMAZING VIEWS. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? VISITIG A BUDDHIST TEMPLE ON THE BUDDHIST NEW YEAR AND GETTING A SPECIAL BLESSING FROM A MONK WITH A THREAD TIED ONTO MY WRIST. AND ALSO STANDING ON TOP OF THE MIGHTY SIGURIYA ROCK AND FEELING PROUD THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET THERE, AS NOT EVERYONE WAS ABLE TO CLIMB IT. What did you think of your group leader? SURESH WAS OUR AMAZING WISH MASTER! NOTHING WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO DO FOR US. I WISH EVERYONE TO ENCOUNTER SUCH A GREAT TOUR GUIDE. HE WAS VERY PASSIONATE AND PROUD OF HIS COUNTRY. HE MADE OUR JOURNEY A VERY PLEASANT ONE. HE ALSO SHOWED US HOW ONE SHOULD STAY IN SHAPE, AS HE WOULD TAKE US FOR MORNING WALKS AND WE COULD SEE HIM EXERCISING EVERY MORNING. HE ALSO HAS GIVEN US A HONEST ADVICE WHEN IT CAME TO SOME GREAT SHOPPING PLACES. I HOPE TO STAY FRIENDS WITH SURESH IN THE FUTURE AND ALSO HOPE THAT HE CAN VISIT US IN CANADA, NEXT YEAR, AS HE LOVES TO TRAVEL. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I WOULD SAY: LIVE YOU LIFE AND DO NOT GET SCARED OF SOME POTENTIAL TROUBLE IN ONE COUNTRY, OR THE OTHER. UNFORTUNATELY BAD PEOPLE ARE EVERYWHERE AND I REFUSE TO STOP TRAVELING, BECAUSE OF THEM. SRI LANK IS STILL A RELATIVELY SAFE DESTINATION AND IF YOU FEEL NERVOUS - JUST STICK TO THE SMALLER PLACES AND AWAY FROM THE BIG CITIES - AND YOU WILL BE OK. THERE ARE PLENTY OF THEM IN SRI LANKA. Is there anything else you would like to add? THANKS EXODUS TRAVELS FOR ORGANISING SUCH AN UNFORGETABLE TRIP!
Reviewed May 2019 Kathryn Walker Trip: AIA: Sri Lankan Highlights Fantastic way to get a taste! This 8 Day journey gives you a very quick taste of Sri Lanka. There is so much more you will want to explore. Definitely an experience to remember. There is a reason that Sri Lanka is called ' The Pearl of the Indian Ocean' Full of Biodiversity! Breathtaking truly! The people are amazing, kind & full of pride for their country! I can not wait to go back and explore what else this hidden gem has to offer. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temples... Really any temple in general. But the Cave temples were so beautiful and the detail was amazing. What did you think of your group leader? Suresh was great! He had the information everyone needed and he took care of us. he always made sure everyone was happy. Is there anything else you would like to add? The only thing that wasn't up to the standards of the trip was the Cultural Evening in Kandy. I found it difficult to see some of the performances and we weren't sure which one was what based off the brochure we received. not sure If there is an alternative to the location we were at but it was very hot and uncomfortable. other then that! it was fantastic
Reviewed May 2019 Rhonda Struthers Trip: AIA: Sri Lankan Highlights Sri Lankan Highlights April 2019 Exodus does an excellent job in showcasing this jewel off the tip of India. This tour gives you the highlights of Sri Lanka in a short amount of time. The itinerary is varied with sightseeing, hiking, biking with a little down time thrown in. You do need a basic level of fitness even though this trip is rated 1. Accomodations are mostly 3.5*. Super clean, friendly and unique accomodations. The food at the hotels were plentiful and very good. Focus is on Curry and Rice dishes with many vegetarian options. Our guide Suresh directed. The Elephant Safari, Lion Rock and biking were some of my favourite activities. Sri Lanka is suited for all including families. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I am not sure there was a moment. But the people of Sri Lanka are beautiful people. They are a kind and gentle people. It was lovely seeing the families including several babies at the temple. Families enjoying the beach together. The children running out to say hello to us when biking. What did you think of your group leader? Our leader Suresh was A-One! He was well organized but laid back. He imparted much information. A lovely man who is approachable, kind and funny. He truly made our trip wonderful. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is a great stepping stone before visiting India. You will have some of the influences without the craziness. Some level of fitness is required if you would like to bike, hike etc.. January and February are peak seasons. The off season of April was a wonderful time to travel. Not as many people and weather still pleasant. Sri Lanka has it all: Beaches, Temples, Elephants, Monkeys, Lion Rock, beautiful Scenery. Is there anything else you would like to add? Go to Sri Lanka!. Please do not take this destination off your list because of recent events.
Reviewed March 2019 Aggie Johansson Hartley Trip: AIA: Sri Lankan Highlights Sri Lanka a dream holiday A fantastic holiday. Well organised our guide Roshan was informative, helpful and very calm and he together with his team looked after us exceptionally well. A busy holiday but still well paced, amazing sights and I can’t wait to go back. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The manicured hills of the tea plantations and Horton plain. What did you think of your group leader? As I said above Roshan was very good and exceptionally calm Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just book a trip to Sri Lanka don’t wait!
Reviewed November 2018 jill clark Trip: AIA: Sri Lankan Highlights Wonderful Holiday Although classed as level 1 adventure you do need to be fit. One day cycled 15kms, another climbed all 1100 steps up Lion Rock. You did not have to do these things but would have missed interesting fun experiences. I travelled with my sister. We are both in our early 70's and managed all the included activities. Enjoyed the age group varying from late teens upward. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Its hard to decide what was the most inspirational event on the trip as we saw so many special things. Wild elephants, ruins, temples in use and the beautiful countryside. What did you think of your group leader? Dileepa stepped in at last minute and did a superb job guiding us all. He knew so much history and other information about his country. Is there anything else you would like to add? I had independent flights and enjoyed a few days relaxing before the trip which meant I was not 'jet lagged'. If this is possible I do recommend this.
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