SRI LANKA - Pearl of the Indian Ocean

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Bruce Welch
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SRI LANKA - Pearl of the Indian Ocean 14 Days / 13 Nights Fully Escorted by Trade Travel Tour Departs: Thursday 05 April - Wednesday 18 April 2018. Tour Cost: $5,235.00 per person Twin Share ($1280.

Tour prices are valid for travel in 2018 but are subject to International currency fluctuations until fully ticketed.

On arrival at Colombo International Airport we are greeted by our English speaking Sri Lankan tour guide who will remain with us for the duration of our Sri Lanka tour.

Overnight Negombo: Gateway Hotel or similar Day 2: Negombo After a leisurely breakfast we board our coach mid-morning and enjoy a highlights tour of Negombo which will include the famous Fish

We arrive back early afternoon and will have plenty of time to relax or take a stroll amongst the expansive gardens and pool area surrounding the hotel.

1 SRI LANKA - Pearl of the Indian Ocean 14 Days / 13 Nights Fully Escorted by Trade Travel Tour Departs: Thursday 05 April - Wednesday 18 April Tour Cost: $5, per person Twin Share ($ single supplement) (Includes Airport Taxes, Levies & Fuel Surcharges) - Airport taxes/levies/fuel surcharges are subject to change until fully ticketed. Tour prices are valid for travel in 2018 but are subject to International currency fluctuations until fully ticketed. Minimum 20 Paying Passengers The Itinerary Day 1: Australia - Sri Lanka - Negombo Flight Meals Today we fly from Australia to Colombo with our Trade Travel Host. On arrival at Colombo International Airport we are greeted by our English speaking Sri Lankan tour guide who will remain with us for the duration of our Sri Lanka tour. After our late evening arrival we transfer to our hotel for check in. Overnight Negombo: Gateway Hotel or similar Day 2: Negombo After a leisurely breakfast we board our coach mid-morning and enjoy a highlights tour of Negombo which will include the famous Fish Markets, fishing port and several buildings that date back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial days. We arrive back early afternoon and will have plenty of time to relax or take a stroll amongst the expansive gardens and pool area surrounding the hotel. Early evening we will gather for drinks (own cost) before dinner at the hotel. Overnight Negombo: Gateway Hotel or similar Day 3: Negombo - Pinnawala - Sigiriya Today we depart early from Negombo and travel up to the Central Province Region which is dominated by Sigiriya Rock. We stop in Pinnawala, home to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where we will see elephants at close range, in a natural setting bathing in the Maha Oya River. This 24 acres large elephant orphanage is also a breeding place for elephants. From 5 baby elephants since opening in 1975, the orphanage now has the greatest herd of elephants in captivity in the world. We enjoy lunch overlooking the Maha Oya River and the bathing elephants. After leaving Pinnawala we continue our drive into the Central Province Region arriving at the iconic Sigiriya Rock for photos. Here we visit the Sigiriya Museum which has a diorama of the site and provides an excellent overview and explanation of Sigiriya s cultural importance. After leaving Lion Rock we check into the beautiful Aliya Resort and Spa which offers wonderful views of Sigiriya in the distance and the sprawling paddy fields. Sigiriya "Lion Rock" is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred by locals as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance. The palace is located on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above sea level and includes remnants of a ruined palace,

2 Day 4: Ancient City of Anuradhapura After breakfast we continue to one of the better kept ruins of Ancient Ceylon - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura. Re-founded in 4th Century BC, Anuradhapura became the capital of Ceylon and the sacred city of Buddhism, home to the most renowned relic, the sacred Bodhi tree, planted in 3rd Century BC. Our guide will introduce us to some of Anuradhapura s sacred sites such as the Siri Maha Bodhi, Ruvanveliseya Dagaba, Samadhi Buddha and the Twin Ponds, all rich in Buddhist faith culture and practices. We then return back down to our resort for late lunch and a relaxing afternoon poolside before meeting up for dinner. Day 5: Ancient City of Polonnaruwa - Elephant & Wildlife Jeep Safari After breakfast at the hotel we proceed to the ancient City of Polonnaruwa which was built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and which is a world heritage site. We take a drive up to the Parakrama Samudraya - a lake built by King Parakramabahu the great. We then visit the sites such as the Royal Palace, Audience Hall, Pool, Sacred Quadrangle The Vatadage, Shiva Temple, Lankathilake, Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Our last stop is at the Gal Viharaya where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in Upright, Sedentary and Recumbent postures carved out of rock can be seen. After leaving the ancient city we visit the Nishantha Woodcarving Factory for an interesting demonstration and then wander through the amazing display. We then make our way to Jaga Food for a unique Sri Lankan dining experience amongst the paddy fields. After lunch we proceed to the Minneriya National Park where we experience an Elephant and Wildlife Jeep Safari. The extent of the Minneriya National Park is about 8,889 hectares. Dry zone plant and animal species are common and elephants are in plenty. Unlike in other national parks, elephants could be spotted at a very close range. About 160 species of birds, 09 amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more than 78 butterfly species have been found in this area. There are also rare bamboo trees in this park which are not found in other parks. After our safari we return to our hotel to freshen up before dinner. Day 6: Sigiriya - Matale - Kandy An early start today as we travel to the spiritual city of Kandy, surrounded by greenery and the great Mahaweli River. On the way to Kandy we stop in Matale, where we visit the extraordinarily colourful and ornate Sri Muthumariamman Hindu Temple. Next we visit the Baba and Island Batik Factory to see true quality design, artistry and workmanship of Batik. Batik has been an ancient art of painting cloth, and today Sri Lanka is among the world leaders in the design of batik. Batik galleries and factories offer batik from simple single coloured designs to intricate multi-coloured masterpieces. We then get to experience the traditional spices that Sri Lanka is renowned for at the Ranweli Spice Garden. For centuries, spices have been one of Sri Lanka s celebrated exports. Spices are mostly grown in home gardens and used not only to flavour food but also in medicine and cosmetics. Take the opportunity to sample such scents and flavours as cinnamon, ginger, pepper, vanilla, cardamom etc. After lunch at the gardens we continue our journey down into the cultural city of Kandy, where we check into our hotel. Late afternoon we enjoy a Cultural Kandyan Dance and Fire Eating performance. After the performance we make our way back to our hotel for dinner. Overnight Kandy: Earl`s Regency Hotel Day 7: Botanical Gardens - Tooth Relic Temple This morning we take a guided stroll through the lush Royal Botanical Gardens of Peredeniya. The gardens were established in 1821 and now cover 140 acres, snuggled in a loop in the Mahaweli River, the longest river in Sri Lanka. Its primary purpose was the testing and acclimatizing of plants for commercial use in Sri Lanka. Today the Gardens have one of the largest collections of around 4000 species of flora from sub tropical climates around the world. Among them, the Giant Bamboo, Double Coconut, over 180 species of gorgeous Orchids, and the Ehetu tree which spreads its branches and foliage out to a staggering 2000 square metres. Leaving the gardens we travel up to E.W Balasuriya & Co Gem Factory, where we enjoy a wonderful insight into the history and mining of gemstones in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has been famous for its gems for more than 2000 years. The National Gem of Sri Lanka is Blue Sapphire, one of the most celebrated gem varieties in the world. The world biggest Blue Sapphire was recently found in a Sri Lankan mine, weighing an astonishing 1404 carats. After our audio visual and museum tour we have a chance to check out the beautiful stones and set jewellery pieces in the showroom. We then enjoy lunch in the restaurant while enjoy wonderful views across the valley. After lunch we take a stroll past the beautiful Kandy Lake on our way to the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa), the most important shrine in the country, which houses a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre in 543 BC. It is renowned for its daily Thewawa ceremony. Each evening, the day s worship culminates when the casket containing the tooth relic is put on display for devotees who have travelled from all over the Buddhist world. Later in the day we make our way back to our hotel for dinner. Overnight Kandy: Earl`s Regency Hotel Day 8: Labookellie Tea Centre - Hakgala Gardens - Nuwara Eliya After breakfast we depart Kandy and proceed to Nuwara Eliya via the stunning Ramboda Falls and Labookellie Tea Centre. Our drive to Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque journey through the mountains and Sri Lanka s tea growing centre, where we will relish the endless views of tea carpeted valleys and the bright flash of the tea pluckers in their pimento, fuchsia and cerise coloured saris. We stop at Ramboda Falls which is the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. After taking in the spectacular views and enjoying lunch above the falls we continue our scenic drive through the tea county before arriving at the Labookellie Tea Centre for a short factory tour and cuppa in the tearooms. We then continue through the delightful township of Nuwara Eliya before arriving at the Hakgala Botanical Garden. (Please note seasonal flowering must be taken into mind when visiting - best in Spring - March, April and May although there is plenty of colour to see all year around).

3 Day 8 continued Heading back into Nuwara Eliya we pass by Lake Gregory, Nuwara Eliya Race Course and the picturesque 18-hole golf course. We also pass by stunning English styled country homes and gardens before checking into our hotel before dinner. We will have time to take a stroll across to the Grand Hotel where we are able to admire the beautiful gardens surrounding the Elizabethan-era style hotel. Overnight Nuwara Eliya: Araliya Green Hills Hotel Day 9: Nuwara Eliya - Ella Gap - Yala National Park Wildlife Safari From Nuwara Eliya descend down through the panoramic hill country via Ella and down into the jungles of Yala. Our route takes us through some stunning countryside that is littered with valleys of colourful houses, terraced veggie gardens, glorious waterfalls and amazing gorges. We arrive in the small village of Ella where we enjoy beautiful views of Ella Gap and Adams Peak. We enjoy a comfort stop at the Ella Mountain Heaven Hotel before stopping again at Ravana Falls for a photo shoot. We then continue down in to Yala where we enjoy a late lunch at our hotel, Jetwing Yala. Mid-afternoon we visit one of the foremost places to visit in Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park. The Park is famous for the elusive leopard, and has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. While there, we can also spot the Sloth Bear, Crocodiles and the Asian Elephant. With good luck we may witness all these creatures and more on our Jeep Safari accompanied by a naturalist guide. After our safari its back to Jetwing Yala to refresh before a relaxing dinner while looking out across the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Overnight Yala: Jetwing Yala Hotel Day 10: Yala - Galle - Bentota After breakfast and check out we travel up to the historic seaport of Galle via Matara. Along the way, the road reveals new and unexplained beauty. At the end of the south coast railway line lies Matara, the most important settlement on the south coast. The town contains many remnants of Sri Lanka s colonial past and is divided by the island s third longest river, the Nilwala Ganga a beautiful wide expanse of water that splits the old town from the new. On arrival into Galle we proceed passed the marina, small fresh fish markets and then onto the historic Galle Fort precinct where we enjoy lunch at the historic Rampart Hotel Restaurant. Galle was once the chief port of Ceylon and a town rich in history. It was the centre of the Dutch regime in the 17th century and the majestic Galle Fort (spanning 90 acres) bears testimony to this fact. The city of Galle is one of the most well preserved colonial-era cities in Southeast Asia and has been declared a World Heritage Site. The Dutch museum & the Dutch church are two famous tourist attractions within the Galle Fort. We then enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the cobbled stone pathways of the Galle Fort, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This afternoon we visit the Tsunami Photo Museum and also the Tsunami Monument. On the 26th of December 2004 the tsunami hit different countries across the Indian Ocean with Sri Lanka also in its destructive path. It is impossible to tell all the tsunami stories, but by telling some the realisation of what took place on and after this devastating event will become evident. We also visit Amarasena`s Turtle Hatchery where several species of turtles, especially the endangered hawksbill are hatched, raised and released back into the sea. Most vulnerable of all are the turtle eggs which are left exposed and vulnerable to predators on beaches all around the coast. These eggs are brought to the hatcheries by the fishermen and volunteers. Visitors are shown the various stages of natural incubation, hatching, feeding and releasing. Late afternoon we check into the Centara Ceysands Resort with plenty of time to relax before dinner. Overnight Bentota: Centara Ceysands Resort Day 11: Tuk Tuk by Brief Gardens - Half Day Free After breakfast we will get to experience a unique part of Sri Lanka as we board our Tuk Tuk with Sri Lankan driver/ guide and depart inland to the unique Brief Gardens and House, which was the former home of landscape architect Bevis Bawa, brother of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. The estate was formerly a rubber plantation, but in its current form sits as a hillside garden. The state offers excellent views and unique artwork ranging from erotic sculpture to wonderful murals of Sri Lankan life in the style of Marc Chagall, which were created both by Bevis himself and other artists. The mural was created by Australian artist Donald Friend, who originally came for six days but stayed six years. Other guests Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier stayed here during the filming of Elephant Walk in Later in the morning we return to our resort by Tuk Tuk enjoying some very special commentary and sightseeing with our Sri Lankan driver/guide. The remainder of the day is at leisure where we can take a stroll along the beach, enjoy some downtown shopping, spa treatments or just relax by the pool. Tonight we all meet for dinner at the resort. Overnight Bentota: Centara Ceysands Resort Day 12: Bentota - Colombo After breakfast we make our way up to the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo. After a short intro tour of Colombo we arrive at the old Dutch Hospital Precinct comprising cafés, restaurants and retail shops. (Please note lunch is at own cost). This afternoon we check into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon free. Tonight we enjoy our farewell dinner back at the hotel. Overnight Colombo: Movenpick Hotel l

Day 13: Colombo - Australia Breakfast This morning after breakfast we enjoy the sights of Colombo by coach where our guide will

Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre plus a stop at the famous Cricket Club Cafe for lunch (own cost split bill).

30pm for check in and a safe return flight back home.

Anuradhapura; Ancient City of Polonnaruwa; Minneriya National Park Elephant & Wildlife Safari; Sri Muthumariaamman Hindu Temple;

Hakgala Botanical Garden; English Styled Country Homes & Gardens of Nuwara Eliya; Ella Gap; Ravan Water Falls; Yala National Park

House; Colombo Dutch Hospital Precinct; Colombo City Highlights Tour & much more.

4 Day 13: Colombo - Australia Breakfast This morning after breakfast we enjoy the sights of Colombo by coach where our guide will introduce us to some of Colombo s curious sites such the Vibrant markets of Pettah, Independence Memorial Hall, Town Hall, Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre plus a stop at the famous Cricket Club Cafe for lunch (own cost split bill). The rest of the day is at leisure before our late evening check out. We transfer to the Colombo International airport at 8.30pm for check in and a safe return flight back home. Day 14: Australia After our overnight flight, we arrive back in Australia after our wonderful highlights tour of Sri Lanka with Trade Travel. Tour Highlights: Negombo Highlights & Fish Markets; Elephants of Pinnwalla; Sigiriya Rock Museum; UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura; Ancient City of Polonnaruwa; Minneriya National Park Elephant & Wildlife Safari; Sri Muthumariaamman Hindu Temple; Matale Spice Garden; Matale Batik Factory; Cultural Kandyan Dance & Fire Eating/Walking Performance; Royal Botanical Gardens of Peredeniya; E.W Balasuriya & Co Gem Factory; Kandy Lake; Temple of the Tooth Relic; Lunch Ramboda Falls; Labookellie Tea Centre & Plantation; Hakgala Botanical Garden; English Styled Country Homes & Gardens of Nuwara Eliya; Ella Gap; Ravan Water Falls; Yala National Park Wildlife Safari; Galle Fort Precinct; Tsunami Photo Museum; Amarasena`s Turtle Hatchery; Unique Tuk Tuk Tour Brief Gardens & House; Colombo Dutch Hospital Precinct; Colombo City Highlights Tour & much more. The Tour Price Includes: Return economy flights - Australia to Colombo and Colombo to Australia (conditions apply) Luxury air-conditioned coach travel - Bottled water daily 12 Nights luxury accommodation + late checkout day 13 (4 & 5 star hotels) Breakfast, lunch & dinner as per itinerary (31 meals) All touring, entry fees, English speaking guides & attractions as per the Itinerary Gratuities for driver, helper & tour director. The Tour Price Excludes: Visa - approx $50.00 AUD Tips to porters, hotel staff, tour operators & safari drivers

Deposit: A deposit of $500 per person is due now to secure your place on the tour and no later than Friday 27 October 2017 along with a signed and completed booking form Final Payment: Due no later

com Jaffna Mannar Wipattu Day 4 Anuradapura Nilaveli Pigeon Island Trincomalee Kalpitiya Yapahuwa Kaudulla Ritigala Minneriya Giritale Day 3 Sigiriya Kandalama Dambulla Wasgamuwa Pollonnruwa Day 5

5 Deposit: A deposit of $500 per person is due now to secure your place on the tour and no later than Friday 27 October 2017 along with a signed and completed booking form Final Payment: Due no later than Friday 15 December 2017 For information, bookings & travel insurance contact: adrian@tradetravel.com Jaffna Mannar Wipattu Day 4 Anuradapura Nilaveli Pigeon Island Trincomalee Kalpitiya Yapahuwa Kaudulla Ritigala Minneriya Giritale Day 3 Sigiriya Kandalama Dambulla Wasgamuwa Pollonnruwa Day 5 Passikudah Kalkudha Batticaloa Day 1-2 Negombo Day 13 Muthurajawela Day 12 Colombo Mt Lavinia Pinnawala Kurunegala Matale Knuckles Day 6-7 Kandy Gampola Kitulgala Nuwara Eliya Hatton Day 8 Horton Plains Bolgoda Adams Peak Maduruoya Mahiyanganaya Gal Oya Ella Lahugala Kitulana Potuvil Arugambay Wadduwa Kumana Day Bentota Sinharaja Udawalawa Lunugamvehera Day 9 Yala Hikkaduwa Galle Kaneliya Unawatuna Koggala Tangalle Weligama Mirrissa Matara Polhena Bundala

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