INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS...Indian Subcontinent and is compulsory for any group tour with Incredible Indian Tours. visas All foreign nationals require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS

Incredible Sri Lanka

Trip Notes

Sri Lanka, the ‘Wonder of Asia’, has something to offer everyone, and this trip has it all. Ancient ruins, tea plantations, wildlife safaris, World heritage sites, natural beauty, amazing beaches, fabulous food, spices and ayurveda, not to mention standout shopping. We meet up at the beach resort town of Negombo before exploring the ancient capital of Annuradhapura and checking out the wildlife in Wilpathu National Park. We then head over to the east coast for 3 nights, experiencing some of the stunning coastal areas and beaches of Sri Lanka. Heading back to the ancient cities of Sigiriya and Dambulla we take a trip into the Elephant reserve of Minneriya NP before exploring the hills and tea plantations around Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Heading south, we have a night at a beach resort on the South Coast before checking out the colonial history in charming Galle. We finish up our journey in Colombo, full of fabulous sights and amazing shopping. With many more hidden surprises, our travels around Sri Lanka will bring you face to face with fascinating culture, a beautiful people, fabulous food and an ancient and varied history just waiting to be discovered.

Trip Notes: 2017 - 2018

Highlights

• explore the Dutch canals and fishing village in Negombo • keep your eyes peeled for wild leopards in Wilpattu National Park • discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura • snorkel the pristine Pigeon Island reef near Trincomalee • laze the afternoon away on an impossibly beautiful beach in Passikudah • be on the lookout for herds of wild elephants in Minneriya National Park • climb the unique monolithic rock fortress at Sigiriya • be amazed at the interiors of the remarkable Buddhist cave temples at Dambulla • explore the charming city of Kandy • wander the hills and tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya • recharge your batteries on a south coast beach in Tangalle • ramble through the quaint narrow streets of Galle Fortress • shop till you drop in the outlet stores in Colombo

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www.incredibleindiatours.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Ph: +91 95490 02876

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS Incredible Sri Lanka

group size minimum 4, maximum 10 days 18 days and nights starts in Negombo, finishes in Colombo price includes

Arrival and departure transfers All accommodation as specified All transportation between overnight stops and to and from included sightseeing Entrance fees for all sites listed as part of the itinerary Kandy Esala Perahera Festival viewing seats Meals as specified Bottled drinking water (2 x litres per person per day) Gratuities for hotels, drivers and guides price does not include

Visa costs Meals other than those listed Drinks, meal tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature International flights accommodation

Hotels (18 nights) optional single supplement

If you are a single traveller, you are not required to pay a single supplement as we will match you up with other

travelers. However if you do not wish to share accommodation, but would like to guarantee your own room throughout the tour a single supplement of USD955 will be payable. transport

Private Mini-bus, Jeep, Boat, Train

activities included

The following is a list of included activities on this trip. Other activities are optional and will be at your own expense. Fish Markets, Town tour (Negombo) Ancient City, Wilpattu National Park, Mihintale (Anuradhapura) Pigeon Island, Trincomalee Town Tour (Trincomalee) Mineriya National Park, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Village Tour, Dambulla (Sigiriya) Botanical Gardens, Spice Farm, Dance Program, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Esala Festival (Kandy) Tea Factory, Hortons Plains National Park, Town tour (Nuwara Eliya) Town Walk (Galle) Boat Cruise, Turtle Hatchery (Madu Ganga/Kosgoda) Gangarama Temple, National Museum, Pettah Markets (Colombo) meal inclusions

18 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners, 1 Lunch meals

Traveling with Incredible Indian Tours we ensure that you will experience a vast array of the gustatory treats available in Sri Lanka. Many hotels we stay are a little away from the town, and when this is the case, we have included dinner in the hotel, which is usually buffet style. Where there are a choice of eating options nearby we have not included dinner. This allows you to choose where, and what to eat. More often than not however we eat together as a group.

general tour information

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Tipping is an integral part of life on the Subcontinent and is essential to a smooth trip. To make things easier we cover tips for hotel porters, local guides and for drivers of private transport we use. This does NOT cover restaurant tips (allow 10% on top of your restaurant bill).

physical rating ***** There will be plenty of walking around towns or sites, which due to the hot climate of Sri Lanka will make general sightseeing a little more strenuous.

culture shock rating ***** Conditions in Sri Lanka are not always as comfortable as in other countries. You will be exposed to some poverty and chaotic road traffic. Bargaining is a way of life in Sri Lanka, so come prepared.

money exchange As at September 2017 AUD1 = 122LKR CAD1 = 123LKR EUR1 = 182LKR GBP1 = 199LKR NZD1 = 110LKR USD1 = 152 LKR There are many ATM machines (which accept both Cirrus/Maestro debit cards and Visa and MasterCard) throughout Sri Lanka. This is a safe and convenient way to access money, however we suggest that you bring a small amount of money in cash ($100) in case there are times that ATMs are not available. The major currencies, including AUD and CAD are no problem in general to exchange. Travellers cheques are no longer commonly accepted. Visa & MasterCard credit cards are accepted in major shops and restaurants in the bigger cities. spending money

Although entrance fees to specified sites are included in the tour price, there are additional sights that you may like to visit. Some sites levy camera and video fees. Spending money requirements will differ from one person to the next. You will need to take into consideration your spending habits when allowing for drinks, shopping, and optional activities You will need to allow enough money for the following: Meals – USD200 (or equivalent) Optional Activities – USD50 (or equivalent) Money for drinks, shopping and incidentals.


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travel insurance

Travel Insurance is highly recommended whilst traveling to the Indian Subcontinent and is compulsory for any group tour with Incredible Indian Tours.

visas All foreign nationals require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to enter Sri Lanka. For information and to apply, visit the following website: http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp health We recommend that you consult your doctor for current medical travel information about before departure. Your leader will be carrying a basic first aid kit, but we suggest you bring along your own as well as any personal medical requirements .

The following websites have up-to-date information about health requirements.

Australia https://www.travelvax.com.au/ New Zealand http://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/travelling USA https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ UK http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/ Canada https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/vaccines

communications

Most of our hotels will have Wifi. You can also purchase a local prepaid sim card (for unlocked cell phones) easily and inexpensively in Sri Lanka. We recommend you purchase a sim card at the airport on arrival.

your tour manager & tour guides

Your tour manager is there to organise and streamline your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Whilst they are not a guide per se, they will share their local knowledge, give you suggestions for your free time and manage the day to day running of the tour. They will introduce you to their local friends and recommend great local restaurants and experiences. They will have a broad general knowledge of Sri Lanka, so do feel free to tap into their wisdom. We also have a full-time local tour guide in addition to your tour escort.

responsible travel

We believe strongly in responsible travel. This includes being respectful to the local culture (ie dressing appropriately, and learning a few basic cultural do’s and don’ts), being mindful of the environment, and leaving a positive image behind. Remember we are ambassadors for our country. Bringing a few photos of your family and home with you is a great way to interact with the locals by giving them a glimpse of your world whilst you visit theirs. joining hotel

Goldi Sands Hotel Porutota Road, Negombo, Sri Lanka Ph: +94 31 227 9021


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strapless tops.. Unless we are visiting temples, shorts or skirts above the knee are suitable attire.

laundry

Laundry facilities will be available in locations we have a two night stay. weather

The weather during our journey should be great. Daytime temperatures will be warm to hot, in the range 23-35oc and humid. Bring an umbrella and also sun protection and a hat. checklist

Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance (don’t forget your emergency insurance contact details), air tickets. Photocopy of above documents Day pack Health vaccinations/medication First aid kit Money: ATM card (widely available and easy to access); credit cards (widely accepted in big cities); cash (for emergencies) Money pouch Alarm clock and torch/flashlight Mosquito repellent (hard to find in Sri Lanka) Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper Lock for your bag or suitcase We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt to store your passport, air tickets, credit cards and cash. Avoid bringing valuable jewellery with you. Most hotels we use have safety deposit boxes. Updated on: 9th November 2017


transfer/joining instructions

Your airport transfer pickup will await you holding a sign with your name when you exit the baggage claim area of the arrivals hall. There may be large crowds here so please look carefully for your transfer. arriving early

Negombo is a popular beachside retreat situated just minutes away from the International Airport. It boasts some of the finest beaches in the country. The Muthurajawela Marshes are home to many varieties of fauna, flora and birds. The 100km long canal network, the Dutch Fort and the second largest fish market in the country and nearby Whale & Dolphin watching provide much to see and do here. Our hotel is situated on the beach with a pool, watersports, an excellent restaurant and an ayurvedic spa. Rooms contain a refrigerator, tea & coffee making facilities, hair dryer and electronic safe. early arrival information

If you are arriving earlier than day 1, extra accommodation in Negombo is available at USD TBA Single/Double per night per room. Please notify us as early as possible if you require extra accommodation as this hotel can be booked up well in advance. finishing point

Galle Face Hotel 2 Galle Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka Tel: +94 11 254 1010 staying on

If you are staying on in Colombo after the tour, extra accommodation at the Galle Face Hotel is available at USD TBA Single/Double per night per room. what to take

We will be on the move a lot, so try to pack as lightly as possible. Additionally you will want to leave space in your bag for all that shopping. Sri Lanka is conservative and we ask that you dress accordingly. Although locals are used to seeing tourists wearing skimpy clothing we would ask that you do not wear short shorts and

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Documents

INCREDIBLE INDIAN TOURS...Indian Subcontinent and is compulsory for any group tour with Incredible Indian Tours. visas All foreign nationals require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)