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Follow in Jane Daniels footsteps Explore Sri Lanka and discover this amazing island’s hidden secrets…..
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Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com
Ancient Kingdoms Holidays will help you discover Sri Lanka’s countless wonders.
Travelling in Sri Lanka can be complex and if you try and do it independently, your holiday
can literally unravel.
There are many benefits in choosing an Ancient Kingdoms Holiday for your Sri Lanka
experience. The expertise and professionalism of our local representative will make your
holiday seamless. With offices across the country, you will benefit from fantastic local back
up and knowledge. Your guides are professionally qualified and our English speaking
driver is ready to share Sri Lanka’s secrets, from the incredible history to the best local
markets or restaurant.
Private bespoke holidays, culinary tours or wildlife tours …our menu of options in Sri
Lanka is large and all our programs may be customised to suit your interests, budget and
timeframe, whether you are travelling solo, with family, as a couple or with friends.
Discover Sri Lanka’s mysteries and history with Ancient Kingdoms Holidays…leading the
way to the world’s best kept secrets
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Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com
Day 1 Colombo – Negombo (35km)
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by a
local representative and transferred to your to hotel in Negombo for
immediate check in. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Explore the incredible richness of Sri Lanka – the island Marco Polo described as
a “Pearl in the Indian Ocean” – its ancient kingdoms submerged into lush
vegetation, its exceptional wildlife and its palm-fringed golden beaches front azure
waters. Start your discovery with the cultural centre of the island and immerse
yourself in the peaceful atmosphere reigning over this land of rich history and deep
Buddhist tradition. Continue your journey to the beautiful Central Highlands and
visit its capital Kandy, the island’s most vibrant and colourful city. Embark on a
scenic ride by train through the “Tea Country” and enjoy sights of lavish tea
plantations rolling upon hills, dotted by the colourful saris of the leaf picking
women. After a safari in search of the elusive jaguar at the Yala National Park,
explore the colonial gem city of Galle, influenced by successive waves of traders
from Portugal, Holland and Britain, before finishing your incredible journey in
Colombo.
Highlights
• The rich heritage of the ancient cities of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and
Dambulla
• A scenic train ride to admire the stunning hill scenery of Ceylon’s lush tea
plantations
• A safari in search of the elusive leopard in Yala National Park
• The colonial charm of Galle and Colombo
Accommodation: Jetwing Beach Hotel – Deluxe Room
Jetwing Beach is a landmark hotel designed by the internationally
renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. The hotel is a wonderful
example of Sri Lankan design amidst a tropical paradise. A magnificent
pool to swim in, a spa full of wellness treatments and elegant rooms to
escape to at the end of a fabulously invigorating day are all on offer. With
five dining options to choose from, guests are assured of delectable
cuisine, both local and international.
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Day 2 Negombo – Pinnawala – Sigiriya (150km)
Drive to Sigiriya. Stop en route to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
The orphanage was originally founded in 1975 by the Sri Lanka
Department of Wildlife Conservation. It is aimed at providing care and
protection for many of the orphaned baby wild elephants found wondering
in the forests of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage also places an
emphasis on breeding and ongoing research for these gentle giants. (B)
Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama – Superior Room
Welcome to a very special Sri Lanka hotel. A hotel that doesn’t sit on the
landscape but is part of it. Where monkeys climb your balcony pillars as if
they were trees, swifts nest in the corners of corridors as if they were cliffs,
granite crags erupt into the sinuous white walkways. Where you can float
in the infinity pool while gazing across at the Sigiriya rock fortress, the
eighth wonder of the world. Welcome to Heritance Kandalama, one of the
premier 5 Star hotels in Sri lanka.
Day 3 Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya
Visit the mighty Sigiriya Rock Fortress which dominates the surrounding
landscape. One of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
was built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) for the purpose of protecting
him from his rivals. It is an UNSECO World Heritage listed site, also
known as the “Fortress in the Sky”. The climb up to the top of the fortress
doesn’t only offer the reward of breathtaking views but there is so much to
discover during your climb to the top.
Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa and visit
the former capital’s royal buildings and Buddhist shrines. (B)
Day 4 Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy (100km)
Today drive to Kandy. Stop en route to visit Dambulla Cave Temple, also
known as “The Golden temple.” This sacred pilgrimage site is the largest,
best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka and contains numerous
statues and images of Buddha, including a colossal reclining Buddha.
Proceed to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s most vibrant and colourful city, and visit
_________________________________________________________________________________
Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com
the sacred Temple of the Tooth. This sacred temple is also home to the
palm-leaf transcripts and its history dates back to 1687. This stunning
piece of architecture is instantly recognised by its octagonal shape and
golden roof.
In the evening, enjoy a colourful and acrobatic Kandyan performance. (B)
Accommodation: Kandy House – Deluxe Room
The Kandy House hotel is a beautiful example of luxury Kandy hotels and
resorts. This ancestral manor house was built in 1804 and its rich history
and exquisite restoration, with nine rooms to choose from. Enjoy your stay
at this Kandy hotel the aim is to give guests an experience of staying more
in a private house.
Day 5 Kandy
After breakfast, spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Optional: In the evening you will be picked up at approximately 17:00 to
witness the "Kandy Perahara" (07-17 August 2016).
Kandy Esala Perahera Pageant Procession of Sri Lanka, the most
spectacular religious procession in Asia, that last ten days, is held
annually at the medieval royal city of Kandy, beginning with the full moon
poya day on the Buddhist month of Esala. It is very grand with elegant
costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique
symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist festival consisting of dances and
richly decorated Elephants. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian
dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually
adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-
kepeema'.
The significance of this Kandy Esala Perahera Pageant Procession is to
invoke blessings of the gods to give the farmers rain to cultivate their
crops. This ritual is performed by carrying the sacred tooth relic of the
Buddha through the city streets which is done with great ceremony.
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Day 6 Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Morning drive to Peradeniya where you will board a train to Nuwara Eliya.
Enjoy this scenic and comfortable ride and take in the beautiful views of
the lush rolling tea plantations dotted by the colourful saris of the Tamil
women working in them. Later stop at a local tea factory to learn about the
manufacturing process and taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea. (B)
Accommodation: Heritance Tea Factory – Superior Room
Where else in the world can you stay in a converted tea factory, pluck your
own tea and take it home with you as a souvenir? At 2km above sea level,
the views over our lush green organic plantations as the sun mingles with
the mist are truly unforgettable. Enjoy them as you tuck into high tea on
the terrace or a delicious tea-themed menu in the restaurant. Welcome to
Heritance Tea Factory, where the kettle is always on.
Day 7 Nuwara Eliya – Ella Gap – Tissamaharama (145 km)
Today drive to Tissamaharama stopping en route at the Ella Gap – a
spectacular sight in the southern mountains where the land falls to a
dizzying drop of 3000ft into the southern sea. Overnight in
Tissamaharama, gateway to the Yala National Park. (B)
Accommodation: Cinnamon Wild – Jungle Chalet
Cinnamon delivers an altogether different side of paradise with our Yala
wildlife resort – Cinnamon Wild. The rustic resort is located 335km from
the airport and sits on the border of the Yala National Park, complete with
a tribe of resident grey lemurs who might just think it fun to jump on your
roof in the wee hours of the morning!
Day 8 Yala National Park – Weligama – Galle
This morning, depart for a Jeep safari at the Yala National Park, home of
sloth bear and Asia’s densest population of the elusive leopard! Other
highlights of Yala include the herd of wild elephants, bears, wild boars,
buffalos, deer, crocodiles and many species of birds. The vegetation ranges
_________________________________________________________________________________
Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com
from open parkland to dense jungle. There are also an abundance of water
supply for animals and birds ranging from waterholes, streams, small lakes
to lagoons.
Later journey along the picturesque south coast to the fishing village of
Weligama where you can enjoy the sights of local fishermen going about
their daily routines. In chest-deep water just few meters off-shore, you will
find the stilt fishermen, perched on a cross bar off a single pole planted
into the sea-bed. This is a common method of fishing amongst the locals in
the Southern part of Sri Lanka. (B)
Accommodation: Kahanda Kanda – Garden & Tea Room
Kahanda Kanda (KK) one of southern Sri Lanka's most stylish boutique
hotel, offers the indulgent luxuries of a private villa, with five star service.
Ten air-conditioned and very individual suites (3 with private pools), with
breathtaking panoramic views of palm fringed jungle and the KK tea estate
promise stylish, spacious interiors, ideal in which to unwind. Also an
amazing location near world heritage site the Galle Fort.
Day 9 Galle
Morning tour of the fortified port city of Galle. Classified as a UNESCO
Word Heritage Site, Galle is a veritable colonial gem – initially built by the
Portuguese, expanded by the Dutch and later the British. Visit the Fort and
the Old Dutch Church. Afternoon at leisure to walk along the ramparts and
soak up the atmosphere of this charming town. (B)
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Accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse – Deluxe Room
Jetwing Lighthouse exudes an old world charm of elegance and
minimalism that is combined with fantastic service, scrumptious cuisine
and a wide selection of facilities and activities. The hotel terrace is ideal
for a drink and a chat while overlooking a spectacular Sri Lankan sunset.
Day 10 Galle
After breakfast, spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 11 Galle – Lunuganga – Colombo (125 km)
Drive to Colombo visiting Lunuganga en route.
Lunuganga Estate was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan
architect Geoffrey Bawa. Started in 1947, the garden led Bawa a lawyer
called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1940, to decide to become an
architect. As he went on to become Sri Lanka's and one of Asia's most
prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate
remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas.
He continued to change and experiment with its spaces and structures
throughout his life until his final illness in 1998. Left to the Lunuganga
Trust in 2003, the gardens are now open to the public and the buildings on
the estate are run as a country house hotel.
Later stop at Mount Lavinia Hotel for a refreshment stop (at own expense).
On arrival in Colombo and set off on a sightseeing tour of Sri Lanka's
effervescent capital city, time permitting.
This evening a table has been booked for 7:30pm for Dinner at Galley Café
(at own expense) (B)
_________________________________________________________________________________
Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com
Accommodation: Paradise Road Tintagel – Executive Suite
Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo is a unique and private hotel, situated in
the heart of Colombo’s most elite neighborhood. Offering 10 individually
designed suites with all modern amenities and services, our hotel is housed
in a stunning heritage residence that was previously home to three of Sri
Lanka’s political leaders.
Day 12 Colombo
Today visit the Goldsmith Quarters, the bazaar, Geoffrey Bawa's House,
the Colombo museum and the Gem museum.
The house in 33rd Lane is an essay in architectural bricollage. In 1958
Bawa bought the third in a row of four small houses which lay along a
short cul-de-sac at the end of a narrow suburban lane and converted it into
a pied-à-terre with living room, bedroom, tiny kitchen and room for a
servant. When the fourth bungalow became vacant this was colonised to
serve as dining room and second living room. Ten years later the
remaining bungalows were acquired and added into the composition and
the first in the row was demolished to be replaced by a four-storey tower.
(B)
Day 13 Colombo
Today you will checkout and be transferred to the airport for your
departure flight. (B)
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TOUR INCLUSIONS:
12 night accommodation in a carefully crafted selection of Deluxe
hotels
Daily buffet breakfast
Services of a professional private English speaking driver/guide
Transportation in a private air conditioned vehicle
Sightseeing including entrance fees to Pinnawela Elephat
Orphanage, Sigiriya rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa City Tour,
Dambulla, Yala National Park, Galle Museum, Ganagarama
Temple , Colombo museum, Kandy Temple, cultural show,
Peradeniya, Lunugana Bawa Gardens, Geoffrey Bawa’s House
Number 11 in Colombo
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
Porterage
Meals other than specified
Any expense of personal nature or any other expense which is not
mentioned in inclusions
Tickets to the Kandy Pageant (07-17 August 2016)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
GENERAL
Itineraries are prepared as a guideline only. Some variations may apply due to prevailing local
conditions in a country. All cruise ship itineraries and embarkation times may be subject to change,
due to local conditions (including weather) and/or possible port congestion and the final
requirements of the cruise companies. Final embarkation timings will be confirmed to clients prior to
embarkation. Transfer times, ferry schedules and flight schedules booked by Innovative Travel may be
reconfirmed by the local operators upon arrival and are subject to change. Vouchers will be
exchanged for valid travel documentation.
Hotel check-in/out times are normally IN: 2pm/OUT: 12noon the only way to guarantee an early
check-in or late check-out is to pre-book the night before (early check-in) or night after (late check-
out). Otherwise early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability when you are there.
Double Beds Please note we have requested a double bedded room but cannot guarantee one will be
available. Please ask on check-in to see what is available.
Itinerary descriptions and photographs: All photos and hotel descriptions are general impressions of
the property booked. These do not necessarily represent the room or view you will receive.
Non Smoking Rooms: As a policy Innovative Travel request non-smoking rooms for all guests. These
rooms are requested and are subject to availability.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com
Transfers (if prebooked): For transfers from the airport or port to your hotel you will be met in the
arrivals hall area by the local transfer company who will either have a sign with your name and or
company name. Prior to departing with the transfer driver please check they are collecting you as
they will have your name listed on their documentation. If you are unable to find your transfer please
refer to your travel documents as an emergency contact number will be listed.
Tipping
Tipping is an accepted practice throughout the world. In the majority of countries tipping acts as a
supplement to a basic wage. It is however discretionary. If you believe you have received efficient
service, then service should be rewarded. In order to assist you in determining a fair and reasonable
tip Innovative Travel have provided guidelines in the comprehensive travel notes provided in your
documentation. These guidelines have been determined in consultation with our local operators to
minimise the potential stress tipping may cause. In some countries guides talk openly about tipping
and will suggest a higher sum is required. This is not the case unless you feel it is appropriate.
On a lighter note Please remember that religious beliefs, traditional customs and daily manners may differ from
country to country, these may seem quite strange at first. These idiosyncrasies are part of what makes
travelling a special experience. Please be patient if you think things are happening at a different pace
than you are used to and respect the differences in culture.
If you need assistance relating to travel arrangements provided, please contact our Local Agent
immediately as they are there to assist you. The Local Agents details are listed on your itinerary and
vouchers. Please note it is easier and often faster for them to assist you initially.
Tour conditions, cancellation and amendment fees as per Ancient Kingdoms brochure.
Travel Advisory Information can change at any time and we suggest clients refer to The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Travel Trade Advisory website at www.safetravel.govt.nz prior
to departure for the latest up to date information and general advice regarding the countries
you are visiting.
100% cancellation fees will be charged for all bookings cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
No refund is available for cancellation after commencement or on any services not used.