- 1. Selective Journeys SRI LANKA
2. HOW WE DEFINE TRAVEL TODAY It is all too easy to travel to
the main centres of a destination and consider having seen it.
However, the true backbone of Sri Lanka's culture and society is
found in the unknown, the unaware, the places and areas where
throngs of tourists do not tread because, quite simply, the
knowledge and insight is not there to begin with. This is where we
come in. As tourism in the country expands and develops most of us
yearn for a travel experience away from the commercial centres. We
have therefore carefully researched and created a series of select
journeys that best represent another side of Sri Lanka ... a Sri
Lanka that will enrich a trip with memories, an experience and an
education. A travellers delight, with echoes of ancient cities
still dominating the pulse of the country. Rich in cultural
treasures and breathtaking vistas it never fails to enchant the
senses. Serendipity, an ancient name, describes this country to
perfection unexpected discoveries and pleasure. Ranging from the
exclusive to the moderate these selective journeys are either half
or full day excursions and are therefore easily placed into your
itinerary. AN INTRODUCTION TO SELECTIVE JOURNEYS 2 indus
experiences SRI LAnka 3. COLONIAL GEMS OF COLOMBO Spend an
afternoon on a guided tour exploring the capital city searching out
historic colonial gems. Head off to the busy city of Pettah look
out for colonial architectural gems such as the Dutch Museum. This
17th century building was originally the residence of a Dutch
Govenor and it is very easy to imagine him sitting upon the veranda
looking down to the port below whilst having a cup of tea or gin
and tonic. Continue along the countrys largest wholesale bazaar
which transports you to St. Peters Church, an Anglican church
established in 1821. After a short break for iced lemonade in a
local cafe, head up to York Street from the Grand Oriental Hotel,
an institution that in its heyday would rival the Ritz. Onwards
comes the preeminent colonial emporium, Cargills. As you wind your
way through the streets you will eventually come to the lighthouse,
designed by the same man as Big Ben, and the Galle Face Green,
which on a weekend is bustling and heaving with local people
enjoying the seaside and street food served here. It is great to
end with a sundowner at the Galle Face Hotel, the perfect place to
sit back, relax and reminisce on your experience. Selective
Journeys indus experiences 4 4. 6 Time your Sri Lanka trip to
coincide with any of the country's festivals - there are plenty to
choose from & the event will likely be a highlight of your
visit. The holy city of Kandys Esala Perahera, however, is that
little bit extra-special. The focus of this Buddhist festival,
occurring in July or August, is very much on elaborately decorated
elephants. Also expect dancing of all sorts, plus unique cuisine
& delicacies. The festival concludes with 'diya-kepeema', a
traditional water cutting ceremony on the Mahaweli riverbank.
Selective Journeys indus experiences THE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR 5.
Experience Sri Lanka like nobody has done before come on a journey
that will delight your senses, enrich your knowledge and leave you
with an appreciation of Sri Lankas rich culture and culinary
traditions. Some of Sri Lankas best Chefs will mentor you in the
preparation of exotic meals and share their knowledge of the
culture and traditions that influence Sri Lankan food. Your mentors
will also lead you on expeditions to local markets to pick the
finest fresh fruit, vegetables and produce specific to that region.
After your master class you have time at each destination to
explore the heritage, beauty and culture that Sri Lanka has to
offer all with your own driver and car. At the end of the day relax
in your 5 star accommodationeach venue will take you on a memorable
experience that you can only dream of. Join us on a one in a
lifetime experience that will tantalize your taste buds, mind and
heart. 8 Selective Journeys indus experiences CULINARY ODYSSEY 6.
Cycling in Sri Lanka is an excellent way to enjoy the lovely
sceneries of Sri Lanka. The network of main roads and innumerable
country roads, gravel paths, foot paths, cart tracks, dirt tracks
and estate tracks make the all corners of the small island
accessible to the cycling enthusiasts holidaying in Sri Lanka. Sri
Lanka's varied landscapes also bring about the perceptions on
cultural heritage and experiences in rural village life to the
visitors cycling in Sri Lanka. Cycling through rice fields and
rural villages; through tea covered hill country, taking the
coastal roads of the south western and southern coastal belt,
riding over the cultural triangle studded with monuments, renovated
monuments and ruins of ancient Sri Lanka reward all the cycling
enthusiasts in invaluable scale and scope. Buddhism was introduced
to Sri Lanka in the third century B.C and become an integral part
of the countrys culture with a majority of Sri Lankans following
the Buddhas teachings. Meditation is an integral part of Buddhism,
practiced to achieve a balance of mind which helps alleviate the
stresses of modern life. Meditation sessions can be arranged at
most Temples and Buddhist centres across the country while some of
the Ayurveda and Yoga retreats conduct guided meditation sessions
as an integral part of their holistic wellbeing programmes.We have
put together several journeys that will give you a glimpse of Sri
Lankas Buddhist heritage which includes ancient ruins dating back
to the 3rd century B.C. as well as Buddhist temples and shrines
that are very much a vibrant part of todays life. 10 Selective
Journeys indus experiences Selective Journeys indus experiences
CYCLING THROUGH SRI LANKA THE ART OF MEDITATION 7. Sri Lankas
iconic rail network dates back to the period of British colonial
rule a charming, antiquated system much the same today as it was
then. Winding its way majestically through some of the islands
least hospitable mountain paths, there is arguably no better or
more relaxing way to experience this incredible part of the
country. Passing densely covered tea plantations, remote villages
and spectacular waterfalls, the train journey from Kandy up into
the highest corners of the hills often stands out as one of Sri
Lankas most unforgettable journeys. A trip on the train can be
incorporated into your itinerary at many points throughout the
mountains. We would recommend a ride in the Expo or Observation
Cabin. Securing the limited number of tickets available remains a
fine and unpredictable art (British ticketing culture perhaps?) but
we shall endeavour to get those tickets before others. A trip in
the 2nd or 3rd class is also worth recommending from a human
perspective. Sharing the carriage with musicians, food vendors and
kids hanging out of the doors, this is the kind of train experience
no longer available in most parts of the world. 12 Selective
Journeys indus experiences TRAIN TRAVEL THROUGH THE CLOUDS 8. Sri
Lankas dwindling Vedda population are directly descended from the
Neolithic humans who arrived in the area as early as 18,000 BC - in
other words, about as indigenous as it gets. Spend a fascinating
few hours with them, making bows, harvesting wild honey, and
witnessing genuinely ancient hunter-gatherer rituals. Most
remaining Vedda live in Maduru Oya National Park, and you can visit
them on your journey between Sri Lankas east coast and Kandy or Tea
Country. For a more immersive (and arguably more exciting!)
stopover, camp overnight in a luxurious safari tent, surrounded by
Maduru Oyas wildlife and only minutes from the nearby Vedda
village. 14 Selective Journeys indus experiences CAMPING WITH THE
VEDDHA'S 9. With its extensive coast-line and numerous reservoirs
and lakes, Sri Lanka is an excellent place to cast your line and
participate in the exciting sport of inland and deep sea fishing.
Inland fishing can be arranged at any time of year due to the
constant smoothness of the water on inland waterways and reservoirs
located around Sri Lanka. However, as with all sea-based
activities, Sri Lankas deep sea fishing is dependent on the season,
with western and southern coasts accessible from November to April
and the east coast being more suitable from May to September. You
can choose to fish from the beach itself or go further out to sea
in an in-built or out-board fibre- glass motor boat and try troll
fishing. All safety jackets, rods and bait, and other equipment
will be supplied. Fishing tours can be arranged on a day basis or
as part of a longer itinerary. Selective Journeys indus experiences
16 FISH FOR YOUR DINNER 10. For the ultimate holiday souvenir, how
about taking home a packet of tea that you picked yourself? Dress
in local attire saree for the ladies, sarong for the gentlemen and
with basket in hand visit one of the organic tea fields where you
will be shown which leaves to pluck. It takes a bit of practice to
make sure the leaves end up in your basket rather than on the
floor! Then return to the Tea Factory, where our chief tea taster,
will inspect your efforts. He will reject any leaves that are
unsuitable. Take a tour of the Tea Factory and understand the whole
process, from the initial drying (withering) of the leaves, through
rolling, fermenting and sifting, to produce the different types of
tea. Finally, you can taste the different teas, from flowery pekoe
to green tea and teabag dust, to appreciate for yourself the
differences in colour, flavour and strength. The next day, a packet
of your very own tea will be ready for you to take home. So every
time you have a cuppa you will be reminded of your wonderful visit
to Sri Lanka. 18 Selective Journeys indus experiences PLUCK YOUR
OWN TEA 11. A walk by an ancient reservoir, birds and lily trotters
rivalled by a myriad
ofbutterflies,AChenacultivationandwayoflifethatisalmostextinct.A
gentle bullock cart ride through the forest, lets you indulge in
nature like never before. The backdrop is green, lush rice fields
spread to infinity
whilethesilentwatersofthereservoirisrippledonlybyalonefishermen
mounted on his catamaran. As you walk further, the sight of the
Sigiriya rock fortress can be awe inspiring and its already time to
take a catamaran ride!. Arrive at a chena farmers humble home, a
setting that takes you back a few decades to enjoy a black tea
brewed by the farmers wife. Experience the pleasures of
village-life as you walk through the woods and mount yet another
ancient mode of the humble mans transportation bullock carts. The
Hiriwadunna nature trek is a true
villageexperiencethatwindsbacktimeandletyouexperiencethisisland
inadifferentera.Unspoilt,innocentandrefreshing. 20 Selective
Journeys indus experiences VILLAGE & LAKE ADVENTURE 12.
Kitesurf over the turquoise seas that surrounds this paradise
island or skim the waters of a tranquil lagoon. Sri Lanka has
excellent kite surfing spots for beginners as well as the more
experienced. From May to October, Kalpitiya is the ideal place to
get your adrenaline pumping with this extreme sport. A private or
group lesson is the best way to inject some extra excitement into
your holiday. Equipment including the board, kite, harness, and
boots are available for rent. With more than a dozen spots and wind
blowing at an average of 18-20 knots 24 hours a day, Kalpitiya
kitesurfing is perfect for beginners, freestylers and are ideal for
free-ride & wave riding. The Puttalam lagoon is also great for
downwind trips. Soar high in the sky from 500 feet to 2000 feet
above untouched wilderness, rock temples and ancient ruins in the
Cultural Triangle. A Hot Air Ballooning trip in Sri Lanka is an
once-in-a- lifetime experience never to be forgotten! The Cultural
Triangle Ballooning Trip starts from the Sigiriya area. A typical
trip would start sometime after dawn and last for approximately one
hour depending on the prevailing winds. The exact route of a Hot
Air Ballooning flight cannot be predicted as the wind direction
must be followed. Ballooning trips are offered daily throughout the
season from November to April when the winds are light and the sky
at its bluest. The hot air balloon adventure lasts approximately 3
to 4 hours which is followed by a Champagne Breakfast22 Selective
Journeys indus experiences Selective Journeys indus experiences
KITESURFING IN KALPITIYA A VIEW FROM ABOVE 13. Selective Journeys
indus experiences Avatnta Harrow 79 College Road Harrow - HA1 1BD
Tel: +44 (0)20 8901 7320 [email protected]
www.indusexperiences.co.uk
