Introduction

India return to Sri Lanka for their first full Test and ODI tour since 2001. Sri Lanka won that tour 2-1, winning in Galle and again at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo with Muttiah Muralitharan wreaking havoc. This tour promises to be keenly contested and there will be some thrilling cricket between the two giants of Asian cricket. Red Dot is offering to set group packages for the tour. The first is to watch the second Test in the beautiful Galle International Stadium, one of the world’s most picturesque venues. It will be only the second Test played at Galle since the 2004 Asian Tsunami, which destroyed the stadium. The second package is for the two opening ODI’s in Dambulla, the centre of Sri Lanka’s historic Cultural Triangle. Aside from our group packages, our experience travel team can also organise tailormade trips.

Galle Test Package (30 July to 5 Aug)

Accommodation

Amaya Reef, Hikkaduwa

The gateway to the south is the historic town of Galle. Amaya Reef is situated in Hikkaduwa at the heart of the palm-fringed West coast. This small resort town sprang to prominence as a favourite hippy haunt on the Sixties backpacker trail. It is showing signs of regaining its youthful, informal feel, with one of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka, a good scattering of decent beachside bars, restaurants and sporadically-appearing nightclubs. Hikkaduwa lies about three hours south of Colombo and is conveniently placed for the historic town of Galle.

Sigiriya Village, Sigiriya

Sigiriya Village is a staple hotel of the cultural triangle, offering comfortable mid-range accommodation in a charming rustic setting. The accommodation is designed similar to a typical rural village where individual cottages or dwellings in clusters of about ten, are located in secluded landscaped gardens. Pathways along lotus-filled ponds connect each of the clusters with the main central area where dining facilities are located. Sigirya Village is an ideal destination for children who will enjoy the separate garden play area and the families of monkeys that hover on the tree tops.

Match Tickets

Red Dot is committed to offering its client choice, flexibility and value-for-money. Some of our clients like all-inclusive packages covering their flights, accommodation, transfers and match tickets. Others just want to book a hotel, utilizing our interesting portfolio of properties, or just a transfer or train here and there. Our packages include premium seating that includes fans and access to televisions for replays.

Flights

Red Dot is able to organise good-value flights through our Colombo office. We have not included flights in the group packages because we anticipate some supporters wishing to make their own flight arrangements. We also realise that travellers will be coming from various different regions in India

Tailormade Packages

At Red Dot we specialise in designing tailormade itineraries for clients coming to Sri Lanka on holiday. Our acclaimed service will be in full operation for the India tour. Perhaps you only fancy a day at the Test or you want to go to all India’s games. Please explore our website and please email us with your requirements; and one of our travel consultants will design a trip to suit your tastes and budget.

Venues

Galle's international Stadium

With the Indian Ocean visible on two sides of the ground and the famous clock tower of the 16th-century Dutch fort towering above, Galle's international stadium was one of the most scenic venues in the world, until it was devastated - along with the entire Southern coast of Sri Lanka - by the terrible tsunami that struck on December 26, 2004. For a time, the future of the venue was in some doubt - especially given the political schisms that had formed at boardroom level in Sri Lanka's cricket administration - but thanks to international support from such luminaries as Ian Botham and Shane Warne, who had taken his 500th Test wicket on the ground earlier that year, a pledge was made to rebuild the ground from scratch and that work was completed in time for the visit by England in 2007.

Dambulla International Cricket Stadium

Dambulla International Cricket Stadium is the newest cricket venue in Sri Lanka. The Stadium is situated in the North Central Province, close to Dambulla, an agricultural trading town also famous for its ancient UNESCO protected Buddhist Cave Temples which date back to 85 B.C. Built in a stunning location, looking out over the Dambulla Tank (reservoir) and the Dambulla Rock, the 30,000-seater stadium was constructed in just 167 days with the inaugural one-day international match being played between Sri Lanka and England in March 2000. Was later starved of international cricket after complications with the lease - the 60-acre site was leased from the Rangiri Dambulla Temple - and the contractors. Situated in the dry zone, the original rationale behind the project - which was funded by the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCSL) and championed by the then BCCSL President.

Why Red Dot?

Specialists – Anyone can put a few Sri Lanka hotels in a brochure, or design an attractive website, and proclaim themselves as experts. But Red Dot really does specialise in Sri Lanka holidays.

Value and commitment – Our holiday planning takes place primarily in Colombo. We can offer you such competitive prices that there is no point struggling on alone. And we like to think that our commitment to our customers has become widely appreciated.

Reduce the risk of fraud – Foreign office websites warn of increased dangers of credit card fraud for independent travellers in many parts of the world -- including Sri Lanka. Reduce that risk by booking your hotels with Red Dot. You can book either months or days in advance, paying on our HSBC secure servers.

Knowledge – We do not just visit Sri Lanka occasionally, whizzing around the island to check out a few new hotels. We live and breathe Sri Lanka. Our mix of Sri Lankan and English consultants knows the country intimately. We are always eager for new discoveries. We have a trusting and supportive relationship with accommodation owners and countless others involved in the holiday trade.

Fair policy on refunds – Red Dot values your personal safety and we have a clearly-stated refunds policy in the event of an outbreak of terrorism. If your Foreign office advises against travel to any of your destinations, we guarantee the following refunds in event of cancellation: One month or more before travel: 100 per cent. Less than one month: 90 per cent. During your holiday: All recoverable costs.

Flexibility and independence – Whatever your requirements, we always strive to tailor your itinerary to your own wishes. We recognise the yearning of many independently-minded travellers to experience Sri Lanka "unpackaged." We offer total flexibility. Whether you are looking for a full holiday package or just a night in a favourite hotel, we will provide knowledgeable and independent advice and committed personal service.

Ask Three Simple Questions?

Booking a holiday has never been more confusing. The Internet is awash with travel companies promising to end the days of the traditional High Street travel shop. The choice seems limitless.

But ask yourself these three simple questions:

(i) Does the company really have a specialist knowledge of Sri Lanka?

(ii) Does the company offer proper booking conditions and official licensing that you can trust?

(iii) Will the company respond flexibly to your individual needs?