Worldwide Escorted Tours

the Central Hills of Kandy and head to the famous Temple of the Tooth which houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of Buddha. You will arrive in time for ‘pooja’ when the heavily guarded room housing the relic opens to both pilgrims and travellers. Day 10: Kandy B/L/D Cradled amongst misty hills, the small city of Kandy exudes history, culture and beauty. Explore the famous botanical gardens of Peradeniya, full of exotic palms, colourful orchids and home to over 4,000 species of trees and plants. Then, enjoy a tourof Kandy followed by an afternoon and evening at leisure. Day 11: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya B/L/D Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest exporters of tea and today you will travel to Nuwara Eliya, which has been the capital of this industry since the 19th century. En route to your hotel, stop at a tea plantation and inhale the heavenly scent of the Ceylon tea brand. Day 12: Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe B/L/D A morning tour of Nuwara Eliya begins today, driving through the lush, green tea plantations dotted with the colourful saris of the women working in them. Lunch will be served in a local village, Ella, with far-reaching views over the misty landscapes beyond. Day 13: Udawalawe to Kataragama B/L/D Rising early this morning, embark on a thrilling Jeep safari within Udawalawe National Park, with the possibility of seeing elephants, deer, water buffalo, monkeys and a variety of native bird species. Just outside the park is the Elephant Transit Home, an inspirational project started to rehabilitate injured elephants. The rest of the day is at leisure. Day 14: Kataragama and Yala National Park B/L/D After some free time this morning, enjoy a Jeep safari in the nearby Yala National Park awaits. Seek elephants, sloths, deer and, with the highest density of leopards in the world, you may even be lucky enough to spot one of these elusive animals. Day 15: Kataragama to Mirissa B/L/D Departing Kataragama, you will travel to the Mirissa. The idyllic crescent of beach, fringed with coconut palms and soft golden sands, is the perfect place to crack open a coconut and relax. Day 16: Mirissa and Galle B/L/D This morning, you will travel to Galle, an ancient fort and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national treasure has been inhabited by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, all of whom left their distinctive marks, visible through the sleepy streets strewn with colonial buildings, restaurants and small boutique shops. Day 17: Mirissa to the UK B After breakfast, transfer to Colombo for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. PLEASE NOTE: Yala National Park may be closed for 30 days each year commencing around the month of September. The tour will visit Lunugamwehera National Park instead. What’s included ✔ Return flights Heathrow to Sri Lanka with Sri Lankan Airlines. See p130-131 for regional flights ✔ Where you’ll stay Colombo, 4 H Ramada Colombo Dambulla, 4 H Amaya Lake Passikudah, 4 H The Calm Resort Kandy, 4 H Amaya Hills Nuwara Eliya, 4 H Araliya Green Hills Udawalawe, 4 H The Grand Udawalawe Safari Hotel Kataragama, 4 H Mandara Rosen Mirissa, 4 H Mandara Resort ✔ 44 meals ✔ 16 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Challenging Kerala Nuwara Eliya Udawalawe National Park Departures & from prices Jun 24 £2,399 Apr 25 £2,699 Jul 24 £3,449 May 25 £2,499 Aug 24 £2,999 Jun 25 £2,599 Sep 24 £2,749 Jul 25 £3,599 Oct 24 £2,749 Aug 25 £3,299 Nov 24 £2,799 Sep 25 £2,799 Jan 25 £3,199 Oct 25 £2,699 Feb 25 £3,199 Nov 25 £2,899 Mar 25 £2,899 • Lead-in price based on 5 Jun 24 • A single supplement starts from just £669 • Tipping paid locally £112 pp per tour Extend your tour Colombo city stay, 2 nights, 4 H from £179 Sri Lanka beach stay, 4 nights, All-Inclusive, 4 H from £299 or 5 H from £365 Highlights of Kerala, 5 nights, B&B from £349 Maldives beach stay, 4 nights, 4 H All-Inclusive from £795 Includes: Private vehicle & driver/guide or driver and local guides; return flights; accommodation, meals & excursions as per Group Tour PRIVATE TOURING FROM ONLY AN EXTRA £349 PP • AVAILABLE DAILY • Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 to book or for further details Central Asia, India & Sri Lanka  27