Your journey starts here - TravelManagers · 2018-01-09 · B.C. The caves of Dambulla sheltered...

To find out more call Laura Barrow your personal travel manager

0420 997 606E: [email protected]

facebook.com/travelandyogawithlaura

travelmanagers.com.au/LauraBarrow

Part of the House of Travel Group ACN: 113 085 626 Member: IATA, AFTA, CLIA

Ancient Culture meets Unique Wildlife Adventure

14 days / 13 nights from $2900* pp | Departs Cairns 21st April 2018

•Private Small Group Adventure

• 13 night boutique accommodation with your

own private ensuite

• 12 Breakfast and 4 Dinners

•Air-conditioned Mini Van

•English speaking National Guide

•Return Airport Transfers

•Yoga with Laura

•Dambulla Cave Temple Visit

PACKAGE INCLUDES

•Ancient city of Anuradhapura sightseeing

•Sigiriya Rock fortress

•Scenic Train from Kandy to Nanu Oya

•Morning & evening safari at Yala National

Park

•Tea plantation visit

•Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

•Colombo city sightseeing in Tuk-Tuks

•Optional Safari at Minneriya National Park

Your journey starts hereSri Lanka Discovery

* Conditions apply. Advertised price is per person in AUD, in complete twin accommodation inclusive of all government taxes

and fees (which are subject to change). Prices are correct as of December 2017 and are subject to availability and change

without notice. Single supplement of $875 is available for your own room.






Sri Lanka Discovery14 Day Private exploration of this unique Country

Day 1 – 21 April: Cairns to Colombo

Flights are at your own leisure but feel free to join us, Laura and Tommy your hosts, departing Cairns at 10:55am bound directly for

Singapore at 3:25pm. During our 6 hour transit we will enjoy the included Singapore City Sights Tour. This 2.5 hour tour showcase

the best of the city including Merlion Park, Marina bay Sands and the magical Gardens by the Bay. Board our next flight at 10:40pm

arriving into Colombo at 11:55pm where we will be met at the Airport and taken to our hotel to begin the adventure in the morning!

Stay at the Paradise Beach Hotel in the beachside own of Negombo, near the Airport.

Day 2 – 22 April: Colombo – Habarana

After breakfast we travel to Habarana the hub of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. En route visit to 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. Thereafter proceed to

Habarana. Located in the north central part of the island, Habarana is a part of Sri Lanka’s dry zone. Thanks to the genius of our

ancient kings dating as far as the 05th Century AD, the Sri Lankan Dry Zone is anything but dry, with hundreds of lakes and

reservoirs which are connected by an elaborate network of canals making up an old but great irrigation system. Aside from the

benefit for agriculture and industry, the waterworks of the dry zone provide some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery and

fertile habitat for the islands incredible bio-diversity. Remaining of the evening is free to relax and enjoy. We will be based at this

hotel, the Sorowwa Resort by the lake for the following four nights. Enjoy the group Welcome Dinner together. (B, D)

Day 3 – 23 April: Excursion to Anuradhapura

Depart after breakfast for Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital. A UNESCO World Heritage Site this was the first capital (5th

century BC - 9th century AD), centre of the island's Buddhist civilization and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka! Visit

the oldest historically documented tree on earth (over 2,200 years old). The Sri Maha Bodhi brought this sampling from the tree

under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Visit the island's oldest Buddhist shrines, some dating back to the 3rd century

BC, relics and monuments embellished with handsome stone carvings or sculpture, pleasure gardens, beautifully executed stone

baths and ponds. The superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals are a main attractions of Anuradhapura. Other places we

visit are the Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C.), 1600 significant stone columns are the remains of a magnificent multi-storied

residence for monks. Other interests we visit are the Samadhi Buddha (3rd century B.C.) regarded as the finest rock sculpture in

the island depicting the Buddha in a state of deep meditation, Isurumuniya Rock Temple (3rd century B.C.) known for its rock

carving of “Lovers”, Kuttam Pokuna, Twin Ponds (3rd century B.C.) which were used by monks of this era as a bathing pools,

Your

itineraryColombo – Dambulla – Anuradhapura – Sigirya – Minneriya NP –

Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Yala NP – Galle – Colombo






Thuparama (3rd century B.C.) the oldest dagoba in the island which enshrines the right collarbone of Buddha, Ratnaprasada with

the best preserved Guard Stone, Mahasena’s Palace with its renowned Moonstone and lastly Abayagiri and Jetevanarama, a

huge temple said to the largest brick built structure in the world. After a busy day, enjoy a Yoga session flowed by the evening at

your leisure. (B)

Day 4 – 24 April: Excursion to Sigiriya

This morning we visit the very impressive 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress after breakfast. This world heritage site consists of the

remains of a palace on the top of the rock, amid level terrace that includes the Lion Gate and the mirror wall with its frescoes of the

'Heavenly Maidens’. The lower palace on the slopes below the rock surrounded by it’s moats is a beautiful place to explore its

walled and water gardens that extend for some hundreds of meters out from the base. OPTION to return back to the hotel if you

would prefer to enjoy a relaxing afternoon or join us on an OPTIONAL Village Experience with lunch ($35 pp). Enjoy an easy walk

for 2.5 hours around the small villages to see the daily life of farmers. The guided walk goes along side Hiriwadunna lake giving

chance to spot birds and land monitors and cross a little jungle rivulet by Catamaran and reach a farmers simple “wattle and daub”

house to enjoy your lunch cooked by the villagers of this rural area. The bullock cart ride through the paddy fields is an interesting

experience, traveling back in time where the early Sri Lankans used the bullock cart rides as a main mode of transportation here in

Sri Lanka. Evening at leisure. (B)

Day 5 – 25 April: Habarana

Today starts with a Yoga class by the lake and breakfast. Enjoy a free day to explore the town, use resort Spa facilities or join us in

more incredible sightseeing options for both the morning and afternoon. (B)

MORNING OPTION: Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa ($50 pp) Built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, Polonnaruwa is another

World Heritage Site. It comprises the Brahmanic monuments built by the South Indian Cholas and the ruins of the fabulous garden-

city created by Parakramabahu I during the golden age of Polonnaruwa in the 12th century. Irrigation systems are far superior to

those of the Anuradhapura age were constructed, which to this day still supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the

dry season. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya (4 huge statues of Buddha carved out of rock), the

Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, King Parakramabahu statue, and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic.

AFTERNOON OPTION: Load into Jeeps and head off on a Safari in the beautiful Minneriya National Park ($60 pp). Home to

favourites such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants! The central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rd

century AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe

and graze, as well as the huge flocks of birds that come to fish in the shallow waters.

Day 6 – 26 April: Habarana – Kandy

Start the day with a Yoga session and breakfast before heading off to travel to Kandy. En route, we stop at a Spice Garden in

Matale. The spice gardens are a fine example of various types of herbs and plants that could be used for different purposes. The

guide will walk us through the spice garden, showing the plants and explaining the uses and products that are made from them.

Continuing to travel to Kandy, upon arrival we check-in for a two night stay at The Hotel Senani. (B)






Day 7 – 27 April: Kandy

Enjoy a morning Yoga session at the hotel. After breakfast we travel to Kandy City to visit the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic.

Temple of the Tooth Relic houses the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha and is an important landmark in Kandy. The Tooth is kept in a

two storey shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks and rests on a gold lotus flower, encased in jewelled casket that sits on a

throne. The temple is decorated with beautiful local paintings and architectural features. In the evening, visit a culture centre to see

a Traditional Dance Performance famous in Sri Lanka. 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 generations to generations are

performed during the dances and it is quite eccentric as well. It’s not only the dancing and music but the activities such as the

walking on fire, balancing plates and dishes on sticks are also performed at this Cultural Club from time to time. (B)

Day 8 – 28 April: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Starting the day in beautiful Kandy with another Yoga session and breakfast, we then travel to Nuwara Eliya. This famous Hill

country town was a popular Summer Retreat of the British. The route from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is one of the most scenic routes

in the country. We board a train for part of this journey which is said to be one of the most scenic train rides in the World! With tea

plantations on either sides and the far-away mountains draping the skyline, we marvel at the beautiful scenery. Continuing via

vehicle children are often seen runing all over the roads trying to sell colourful bundles of flowers and fruits as well. Upon arriving in

Nuwara Eliya we visit a Ceylon Tea planation. Tea is a huge industry in Sri Lanka with Ceylon Tea being world famous for its

taste, quality and the health benefits as well. You will see how the tea pluckers with their baskets and bags pluck tea leaves from

the plantations. With women of various ages engaging in this activity, seeing the tea plucking activity is fun and exciting. The trick

is to pluck the right tea leaves with the correct properties. These tea leaves are then taken into the factories where the selection

process starts. The fresh and best leaves are put into the machines for the processing. The rolling, withering, processing is all done

with the help of the machines and a lot of helping hands gather around to do the packaging, storing activities 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. Overnight stay at the Jetwing

St. Andrews with an included group Dinner. (B, D)

Day 9 – 29 April: Nuwara Eliya to Yala

Yoga amidst mountains that are swathed in mist and dotted with tea plantations is the way we start the day today. Enjoying an

easy morning and breakfast at this quaint old mansion of Jetwing St. Andrews, before we make our way to Yala National Park. En

route we stop at the small mountain town of Ella to take in the stunning views before meandering back down to the coastline. We

arrive at Yala in the afternoon, checking in for a two night stay at the stunning Jetwing Yala by the beach. A group dinner is

included this evening ahead of a big day exploring Sri Lankas incredible wildlife (B, D)

Day 10 – 30 April: Yala National Park

Setting off for an early Safari after breakfast we make the most of this stunning Park. Yala’s famous for its big herds of Elephants,

Leopards, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Crocodiles, Mongoose, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo and many other animals. More than 130 bird






Species are recorded which includes the resident and winter visitors. Yala is the most famous Park in Asia as it boasts the highest

concentration of Leopards per square kilometre! After an amazing morning we head back to the hotel for lunch. Make us of the

beautiful facilities and beach area before heading back into the Park for an afternoon Safari adventure.Dusk can be a terrific time

to spot wildlife and Yala won’t disappoint! After a big day of wildlife tracking we share a group dinner over the highlights of the day.

Feel free to participate in either or both Safari’s today or enjoy the hotel and beach. Dinner is again tonight. (B,D)

Day 11 – 01 May: Yala to Hikkaduwa/Galle

After breakfast drive to Hikkaduwa. En route, stop at Ahangama / Koggala for the Stilt Fishermen watching. The Stilt fishermen are

an icon for Sri Lanka and also a very picturesque scenery. We arrive in Hikkaduwa for our overnight stay at The Citrus Hikkaduwa

in the beach town of Hikkaduuwa, close to Galle. Join an afternoon Yoga session or explore Galle city at your leisure. There are

many restaurants to choose from serving fresh local seafood or a traditional Galle rice and curry! (B)

Day 12 – 02 May: Hikkaduwa/Galle to Colombo

This morning we enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Galle after breakfast. Galle was the most ancient and important harbour of the

country, until the Colombo harbour was established. This was captured by the Portuguese in 1587 A.D, Dutch in 1640 A.D, and

British in 1796 A.D. Most of the existing buildings dates to Dutch period. The Bastians are still using Dutch names such as Zwart,

Akesloot, Aeloes etc. Galle is famous for lace making, Ebony carving, Gem cutting & polishing. We also explore the Bazaar for

local hand-crafted souvenirs. In the afternoon we drive onto Colombo for our overnight stay at the Steuart by Citrus. (B)

Day 13 – 03 May: Colombo

Today starts with Yoga and breakfast at the hotel before jumping into Tuk Tuk’s to explore our Colombo City sightseeing tour.

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 taxis manoeuvre through tangled Colombo streets to its biggest attractions, friendliest shops

and the best kept secrets guided by our English speaking, friendly driver. Some locations visited in the Tuk-Tuk ride 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 and The Galle Face Lighthouse-home of the best Colombo selfies! Return back to the hotel

and thereafter evening at leisure or stay in town for some last minute shopping. We check-out from the hotel at late night (around

9pm) and travel to the Colombo Airport to connect with our departure flight. (B)

Day 14 – 04 May: Colombo to Cairns

All good things must come to an end, saying good buy to Sri Lanka we board our flight at 00:10am bound for Singapore. Arriving in

at 7:30 we transit for an hour before boarding our last flight at 8:30am back to Cairns. This direct service lands us back in Cairns

safe and sound at 5:10pm.

We hope your Sri Lanka journey has touched your heart and enriched your soul, thanks for joining us!

(Items in bold are included)






Terms and Conditions

1. Advertised prices are per person in AUD, in complete twin accommodation inclusive of all taxes, government fees and charges (which are subject to change).

2. Single supplement for own room is available at an additional cost of $875. Solo travellers may elect to share a room with a fellow traveller if available. Otherwise

they will be charged the single rate.

3. Deposit of $500 per person required at time of booking (deposit is non refundable). All deposits are non‐ refundable for changes of mind or cancellations by you

(subject to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law).

4. Comprehensive Travel Insurance is required and is advised to take out at time of booking to protect your deposit.

5. Exclusions include: International Airfare, porterage at the Airports / Railway Stations, Visa fee, early check in or late checkout, meals other than specified above,

tips & gratuities, Travel & Medical Insurance, 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.

6. Visas are required for Sri Lanka, it is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid visa - For Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details /

submit your individual visa application. Please inquire if you would like assistance with this.

7. Activities mentioned are subject to availability and changes can be made if necessary for any reason till the last moment. Travelling may take more time than

mentioned in the itinerary as it varies according to season, area of your tour and road conditions or the region.

8. 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. It is your responsibility to ensure you do research and satisfy yourself 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 by the you as the client, than you will have to pay any

additional cost in full at the time of changes. There will not be any refund for unused hotel or services.

9. It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport, with at least an additional 6 months validity from your return date.

10. We recommend that you contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or visit their website at www.smartraveller.gov.au for general travel advice, as well

as specific advice (including safety alert levels) relating to the destination you wish to visit. You can also register your travel plans with DFAT, so that you may be

more easily contacted in an emergency.

11. You must ensure that you are aware of any health requirements and recommended precautions relevant to your travel and ensure that you carry all necessary

vaccination documentation. We recommend that you consult with your local doctor, travel medical service or specialist vaccination clinic before commencing your

travel. General health advice for the destination you wish to visit is also available from DFAT (see smarttraveller.gov.au). Please advise the Agent if you have any

medical, dietary or mobility issues

12. Participation in the Yoga offered on this trip is at your own choice. You accept that neither the instructor, nor the hosting facility, is liable for any injury, or

damages, to person or property, resulting from the taking of the class. If at any time during the class, you feel discomfort or strain, gently come out of the posture.

You may rest at any time during the class. It is important in yoga that you listen to your body, and respect its limits on any given day.

13. To the extent permitted by law, neither TravelManagers nor any of its related bodies corporate, directors, employees or agents accept any liability in contract, tort

or otherwise for any injury, damage, loss (including consequential loss), delay, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by the acts,

omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of third party providers over whom we have no direct control, force majeure or any other event which is

beyond our control or which is not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part.

14. Final payment is due 20th February 2018

15. Cancellation schedule:

• Deposit – non refundable.

• 60 days out from departure – non refundable. Please ensure your Travel Insurance is comprehensive.

16. Travel documents will be released 30 days prior to our trip!

Your journey starts here - TravelManagers · 2018-01-09 · B.C. The caves of Dambulla sheltered...

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