Best of Lanka - 13 Nights / 14 Days (Private Group Tour)

Departure: 19 March 2018 Accommodation: Deluxe Hotels (4*)

Marco Polo considered Sri Lanka “the finest island of its size in the world”. We invite you to explore this superb destination, visiting the ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sigiriya and Dambulla. Travel to the bustling city of Kandy where you may explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the magnificent Peredeniya Botanical Gardens. Travel to Nuwara Eliya and enjoy the misty experience of the tea garden. Finish your holiday by leopard spotting amongst many other wild animals, reptiles and birds in Yala National Park, and a beach stay covering all major highlights of Sri Lanka.

Day 01: 19 March 2018: Arrive Colombo (Flight: TBA) Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Please clear immigration & visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS Executive will page you by your name. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to the hotel, check in at the hotel and stay overnight in Negombo. (No Meals)

Day 02:20 March 2018: Negombo – Dambulla (Approx. Travel Time: 06hrs) Drive to Habarana after leisurely breakfast. En-route, stop at the Rambadagalla Samadhi Buddha statue. Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country with the majority being devoted followers of Buddhism. What makes it interesting is that Sri Lanka also has the record for the World’s Tallest Samadhi Buddha statue. At Rambadagalla, a village close to Kurunagala, this giant Samadhi Buddha Statue is open to the public.

With years of history, a story of unity and inspiration by the people brings out this Buddha statue. The details of the statue and the story behind it are quite a wonder. Continue your drive to Dambulla. On arrival check-in at the hotel for four nights in Dambulla. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the in-house restaurant, serving Sri Lankan and International cuisine. (B, L, D)

Day 03: 21 March 2018: Dambulla - Excursion Sigiriya – Minneriya National Park - Excursions After breakfast we visit the very impressive 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress. After a short climb up a wide staircase, you will reach the base of the rock fortress which was once used as the capital by King Kasyappa in the 5th century AD. It is said that the entire rock of Sigiriya was once carved in the shape of a lion. The ravages of time have blurred the lines and now only the vaguest likeness remains. Another visible feature is the entrance, which is flanked by two enormous lion paws carved into the rock. From there, the actual climb begins. Traverse precarious looking staircases that hug the sides of the rock face.

Proceed in the afternoon for a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park. Being part of the elephant corridor which joins up with Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa parks, Minneriya National Park gives the opportunity to see herds of Elephants throughout the year. May to October is the best period to view the famous Gathering of the wild elephants. It is the largest known meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world. During this period, herds of up to 200-300 elephants are seen at the 8,890-hectare park within a few square kilometres of the Minneriya Reservoir. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (B, L, D)

As you climb the rock, you will see various gardens, parkland and features, such as the mirror wall on various rock platforms. After your guide shows you these ruins, you will climb further up. Here on the western rock face and in some of the caves, you will see the colorful frescoes that give Sigiriya its fame. They are still bright, over one and a half millennia after being painted. After gaining a clearer understanding of King Kasyappa, you will climb back down with your guide, who can also help on the climb if required. The entire climb up and down will take approx. 2.5 hours. Note:(wear comfortable clothes and shoes if you wish to climb the rock Fortress)

Day 04: 22 March 2018: Dambulla - Excursion to Dambulla Wholesale Vege Market & Hiriwaduna Village This morning after a leisurely breakfast we visit the Economic Center of Dambulla - a wholesale vegetable market which is opened 24/7 except Poya day (full moon night). This market buys the fresh produce from the local farmers and distributes it across Sri Lanka.

After lunch, visit the Hiriwaduna Village. Our activities will begin with a 15-minute ride in a traditional cart hitched to oxen (bullock cart). The ride will end at an artificial reservoir. A 15-minute catamaran safari awaits you on your arrival at the reservoir. The experienced navigator will show you some of the amazing plant life and wildlife that call theses waters home. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars. The catamaran ride will disembark you at the inner village with rural mud houses.

Day 05: 23 March 2018: Dambulla – Excursion to Anuradhapura After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Anuradhapura - an ancient mighty Singhalese Kingdom - and explore the ruins which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, return to the hotel & enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B, L, D)

We then proceed to Topical Village for a cooking class/demonstration for an hour. You also get to try your hand at local cooking as you help make one of the dishes. After the demo, your traditional Sri Lankan lunch will be ready. It comes cooked over wood fires in clay pots. You will be eating on plates made of clean lotus leaves placed on woven trays. The buffet menu will be as follows: Main: Rice with 6 curry sides, meat/fish, green salad and papadam. Dessert: Seasonal fruits/ Curd with kithul treacle.

Explore the village by foot and learn about their way of life which has not changed much when compared to the modern technology used for agriculture. Later enjoy aromatic Ginger Tea and Jaggery in one of the farmer’s mud huts in a rustic setting. Return to the hotel for overnight stay. (B, L, D)

Day 06: 24 March 2018: Dambulla – Kandy (Approx. Travel Time: 04hrs) After breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel towards Kandy. En-route, visit Dambulla Cave Temples - vast isolated rock mass 500 feet high and a mile around the base. Here is found the famous Rock Temple dating to the First Century B.C. The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne, he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples to be found in the Island.

Day 07: 25 March 2018: Kandy After breakfast at hotel visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden – 147 acres in extent. These gardens started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists.

Next, visit Matale Spice Plantation. Walk into a garden full of spices and herbs. The spice gardens are a fine specimen to observe various types of herbs and plants that could be used for different purposes. The guide will walk you through the spice garden, showing the plants and explaining the uses and the products that can be produced from them. Finally, browse the shop - a great location to purchase different types of products that are produced from the plants and herbs.

Continue your drive to Kandy. On arrival check-in at the hotel for two nights. Rest of the evening is at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore the town on your own. (B, L, D)

There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens. The earliest and tallest Palm Avenue (Royal Palm Avenue) was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world is one such avenue. Return to Kandy and visit a Gem Museum as well as the Temple of the Tooth Relic where the Buddhists visit daily for holy rituals. Also, enjoy a ride near Kandy Lake.

In the evening experience the cultural dance show. Sri Lanka is famous for its culture. Kandy holds a prominent place when it comes to Kandyan Dancing and there are a lot of variations associated with Kandyan dancing too. The music composed from generation to generation is performed during the dances and it is quite eccentric. It’s not only the dancing and music, but activities such as walking on fire, balancing plates and dishes on sticks are also performed at this Cultural Club from time to time. Stay overnight in Kandy. (B, L, D)

Day 08: 26 March 2018: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (Train Ride – Approx. 04½hrs) With packed breakfast, leave for the railway station in Kandy. Travel to Nuwara Eliya by train. Experience the excitement of boarding the hill-country train ride in Sri Lanka! This train ride passes mountain tops full of mist, tunnels echoing with the hooting of kids who shout from the trains, the rhythmic swinging and breath-taking views of the surroundings. Upon arriving visit a Tea Plantation and factory to witness the complete process of turning raw green leaf into the finished product. Tea is a huge industry in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Tea is world famous for its taste, quality and the health benefits as well. You will also get the chance to taste a fresh cup of tea straight from the factory and you will definitely love it. You can purchase some fresh tea from the gift shop as a souvenir.

Later travel toward Nuwara Eliya Town. This was once a favourite holiday resort for the British, as evidenced by the colonial mansions and their perfectly manicured lawns, the 18-hole golf course, and the Tudor-style post office complete with a clock spire one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka. Explore Lake Gregory, created by the British governor Sir William Gregory in 1873, and the beautiful Queen Victoria Park founded in 1897, which give Nuwara Eliya a sense of being displaced from time. On arrival check into the hotel. Stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya. (B, L, D) ** Please carry a few snack items before boarding the train.

Day 09: 27 March 2018: Nuwara Eliya – Yala (Approx. Travel Time: 05hrs) After breakfast, the day is free to explore the town or play a round of golf at your own expense. After lunch check out and travel towards Yala National Park. Yala is all about convergence of magnificence and endurance, painting a picture of eternal beauty and mystery. Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. On arrival, check-in at the hotel for two nights. (B, L, D)

Day 10: 28 March 2018: Yala With packed breakfast, leave for the safari at the Yala National Park. The most familiar is Block I (14,101 hectares) and this was established in 1938. Yala is famous for its big herds and large number of Elephants, Leopards, SpottedDeer, Sambar, Crocodiles, Mongoose, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, and many other animals. More than 130 bird species are recorded, including the resident and winter visitors. Yala is also the most famous in Asia with the highest concentration of Leopards per square kilometer.

Sri Lanka boasts the only Big Five in the world outside Africa; which is the Leopard, Elephant, Sloth Bear, Sperm Whale and Blue Whale. Three of these can be spotted at Yala National Park. Later return to the hotel with the rest of the day free at leisure to explore your surroundings. Evening visit to Kataragama. According to legendary history Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya was built by King Dutugemunu around 160 years B.C. in fulfillment of a vow to defeat King Elara in battle. It was endowed with a large extent of land by King Dutugemunu for its maintenance, and subsequent monarchs did likewise. The building is a simple structure of two apartments with no embellishments or show of grandeur. It has not undergone any major structural alterations, since its construction over 2,000 years ago. Overnight in Yala. (B)

Day 11: 29 March 2018: Yala – Beruwela (Approx. Travel Time: 05hrs) After breakfast travel to Beruwela. En-route enjoy Gall city tour. At approx. 13:00hrs you will be having lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you’ll will be taken on a guided walk through Galle’s historic 17C Dutch Fort - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Galle’s natural harbor has long been a hub of trade dating back to ancient times. The accidental arrival of the Portuguese Lorenzo de Almeida in 1505, when his fleet of ships steered off course following a storm at sea, changed the history of this island nation. The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch and then the British in 1796. With each occupation, Galle’s landscape changed and the cultural influences remained.

Day 12: 30 March 2018: Beruwela After breakfast visit the Mask Factory at Ambalangoda. Masks are a world famous ornament and even in Sri Lanka, it is a famous art and tool used in stage- dramas, and public events such as dances. The mask factory visit will give you access to learn the art where the crafts are made from the raw or dried wood. Mask making is a very difficult process that takes years to master. You can witness the skilled staff doing a fantastic job making various

Galle Fort covers nearly 04sq.km. and is protected by 12 bastions and connecting ramparts. Wander the maze of narrow cobblestone paved roadways lined with colonial period buildings still in use and old merchant houses where generations of Moorish families still live. Take a walk along the sturdy ramparts looking out to sea and visit colonial period churches, the lighthouse and museums.

Along the way, stop by for a cup of Ceylon Tea or fresh king coconut. This fascinating excursion will give you a memorable glimpse into life within Galle Fort – one of the best- preserved Colonial Forts in Asia. After a nice couple of hours spent experiencing its glory, we continue our travel towards Beruwela. On arrival, we check-into the hotel for three nights. (B, L, D)

types of masks. Related to the Sri Lankan folklore, masks depict various characters from ancient times, such as the Village Head, the Doctor, the farmer, workers and also different types of demons that are considered to bring various types of diseases and disasters to the people. These are all beliefs, but quite interesting to learn the folklore and cultural value in the masks. Then we will enjoy the Madu River Boat Ride. The wonderful and exciting boat ride along the Madu River in Balapitiya is one of a kind. With the boat ride covering the areas and interests such as mangroves and plants, it also gives a shed of light into the fish spas, the temple in the village and also the Cinnamon Island where the native family shows their colours.

The exciting experience of the fish spa is a must-try. With the Cinnamon Island visit, one can discover the whole process of making cinnamon products and purchase products here as well.

This 1½hr activity showcases the fine experiences you can find in Sri Lanka (B, L, D)

Day 14: 02 March 2018: Bentota – Colombo Departure (Flight: TBA) After a leisurely breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Colombo. On arrival enjoy an exciting Tuk Tuk ride through Colombo. Colombo in a Tuk-Tuk!!! No seat belts, no steep charges, no regrets. Hop on the eccentric three-wheeled taxis and get the rawest experience of the life, history, beauty and heritage of chaotic Colombo. Sit back as this mini-sized taxi maneuvers through tangled Colombo streets to its biggest attractions, friendliest shops and the best kept secrets guided by our English speaking, friendly driver.

The creepy antiquity of the Old Town Hall Museum Post-gothic beauty of Wolvendaal Church Colorful Hindu faith of the Sri Kailasanthar Swami Devasthanam Temple The Jail cell of the last king of Sri Lanka The queer Coin Museum of Sri Lanka Colombo Fort Clock Tower that tells the time- sometimes. The Galle Face Lighthouse-home of the best Colombo selfies

Day 13: 01 March 2018: Beruwela After breakfast, enjoy the day free at leisure to relax by the beach. (B, L, D)

Some locations visited in the Tuk-Tuk ride:

During the evening, enjoy a complimentary farewell dinner at the Raja Bojun restaurant sponsored by THO. The art of gastronomy is a main attraction for Sri Lanka. With spices, varieties of vegetables, different styles of cooking, Sri Lankan food makes everyone fall in love with food in a short time. This dinner at a local restaurant specializes in Sri Lankan menus where you can select any food from the Buffet and dine as much as you want to. Various types of dishes are kept ready for you and you can keep your taste-buds alive with pure Sri Lankan dishes. After dinner, tour finishes with wonderful memories and direct transfer to Colombo Airport to board onward flight. (B, L, D)

Cost Per Person in NZ$

Deluxe Hotels – 4*

Double / Twin Rooms

Single Rooms

NZ $7525 per person

NZ $8700 per person

Following or similar category hotel to be used:

City

Negombo Dambulla Kandy Nuwara Eliya Yala Beruwela Colombo

Deluxe Hotels – 4* (Room Category)

Jetwing Sea (Deluxe Rooms) Paradise Resort & Spa (Deluxe Rooms) Earl’s Regent (Deluxe Rooms) Jetwing St Andrew’s (Superior Rooms) Jetwing Yala (Superior Rooms) Eden Resort & Spa (Superior Rooms) Ramada Colombo (Standard Rooms)

Nights

010402010203

Day Use

*** Sri Lanka Tour Ends***

What’s included? Return Economy Class Airfare Auckland to Colombo Fully Escorted from New Zealand by Alyson Wilcock Accommodation in hotel with private facilities (Check-in: 1400hrs & Check-out: 1200hrs) Private air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking National Guide Meals as mentioned above. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) Entry tickets to the monuments/ sights as below: Rambadagalla Samadhi Buddha statue Dambulla Cave Temples Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa Ancient cities Minneriya National Park – Exclusive Jeep Safaris Hiriwadunna Village Experience Cooking Demonstration at Tropical Village Sigiriya Rock Fortress Matale Spice Garden Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden Temple of Tooth Relic Cultural show in Kandy Train ride from Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (Nanu-Oya) Tea Plantation & Tea Factory visit Yala National Park – Exclusive Jeep Safari’s Galle city sightseeing Madu River Boat ride Colombo city sightseeing by Tuk-Tuk Farewell Dinner at Raja Bhojun local restaurant (Complimentary: courtesy of Alyson) A wall-hanger with Sri Lanka images (01 each – Complimentary: courtesy of Alyson) Meet and greet at the airport Return Airport transfers All current applicable taxes

What’s excluded? Porterage at the Airports / Railway Stations, Airport taxes and Visa fee, Early check in or late checkout, Meals other than specified above, Tips & Gratuities, Travel & Medical Insurance, Camera and video permits, Expenses incurred due to flight / train cancellation or delay, Any expense of a personal nature, like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, camera fees, mini bar, etc., any optional excursion or tour, any other expense not mentioned in the prices include column. For Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details / submit your individual visa application.

Terms & Conditions The price quoted for the land, airfare and taxes are subject to change without notice until final payment has been received in full and tickets are issued. Price validity mentioned in the quote means you must start and end tour within those dates. Deposit is non-refundable and due within 7 days of the invoice dates (unless otherwise stated) Receiving confirmation of the booking means you have read and agreed on NZ Travel Brokers booking conditions Please check all the dates are correct and ensure that the name given is the same as mentioned in the passport, resulting not to do may cause penalties and increase in cost. No early check-in or late check-out is included If you are carrying large items i.e. surf board or anything which require large vehicle, please advise us at the time of quoting. Failing to inform may cause inconvenience and delay. Any extra cost incurs due to change of vehicle will need to pay directly to our local office. Transport is subject to availability at the time therefore pre booked is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Activities mentioned above are subject to availability and changes can be made if necessary for any reason till the last moment. Driving time mentioned in the itinerary is approx. and is for guidance only. Travelling may take much more time than mentioned in the itinerary as it varies according to season, area of your tour and road conditions or the region. Picture shown in the itinerary and website is for reference only and may not be actual picture of your room, services or activities. Every hotel is different in room size, services, location, category and decor. We take utmost care while selecting and suggestion hotels so every traveller can have comfortable stay. All travel agent and client is also responsible to ensure they do research and satisfy themselves with the hotels and its services at the time of quotation and request for alternative if any concern. Due to any unforeseen circumstance if changes are made at the last moments than client had to pay any additional cost in full at the time of changes. There will not be any refund for unused hotel or services. NZ Travel Brokers booking conditions apply.

Alyson Wilcock Travel Broker – Auckland p: +64 9 292 4400 | m: +64 21 948 508 e: alyson@nztravelbrokers.co.nz