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This "Bounce
Back Sri Lanka Tour" aids the recovery of the island’s
tourist industry, especially
the small hotels and guesthouses, after the Boxing Day tsunami
and, in addition, 50% of the profits generated from the holiday
will be donated to three specially selected small community-based
charities that are playing important roles in the post-tsunami
recovery period, helping children through the trauma and aiding
reconstruction work.
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Day
1:
Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer to Ranweli Lodge. At Ranweli,
a short ferry ride a cross a scenic river glides you to an eco-hotel
situated in a peninsula surrounded by two rivers, a lagoon and
the Indian Ocean.
Accommodation profile: Ranweli is situated
in a coastal wetland estuary, amid mangroves, about 10 miles
north of the beach resort of Negombo. This isolated wooden environment
is reached by a short paddle-ferry trip which glides you to
a peninsular surrounded by two rivers, a lagoon and the Indian
Ocean. Its ecological commitment has been officially recognised
by the World Tourist Organisation. Its 72 chalet-style bungalows
and 12 family rooms blend sensitively with the natural environment.
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Day 2 & 3:
Sri Lanka's famous cultural triangle offers plenty to fire both
mind and body over the next two days. The ruined capitals of
Polonnaruwa, and the lion rock of Mount Sigiriya are all UNESCO
world heritage sites and all are included in your package.
Accommodation profile: Kaladiya is located
in the heart of Raja Rata (King's Country), an area steeped
in history and culture, surrounded by shimmering tanks (lakes)
and verdant paddy fields. The three-bedroom bungalow, situated
in a 140-acre mango orchard in a small village called Dambewatana,
is a stones throw away from the picturesque Lake Kalawewa and
the adjoining Dambulu Oya river. Kaladiya is a contemporary
interpretation of a traditional country-style house. The three-bedroom
house can be rented as a whole or by the room. |
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Day 4:
The journey from the cultural
triangle to Sri Lanka's hill capital - the small lakeside city
of Kandy - will occupy most of the morning. In the afternoon,
explore such delights as the fabulous botanical gardens and
the Temple of the Tooth, which is said to hold a holy relic
of the Lord Buddha.
Acommodation profile: Castle Hill Guest
House has barely changed in 30 years -- a lick of paint here,
a small repair or update there – and the result is a much-loved
family home where time drips backwards to a simpler, less demanding
era. ``To change Castle Hill would be to ruin it, the old look
has to remain,’’ says Ayoni Senanayake, who oversees
this simple property with gentle charm. Sloping gardens are
well-stocked with trees, bushes and flowers. A footpath near
to Castle Hill offers a short cut to the lake -- only 10 minutes
for the fleet of foot. |
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Day 5 & 6:
The morning railway journey
upwards towards Haputale through the dramatic landscape of the
southern highlands stirs the senses, a land of lush tea plantations,
majestic peaks and rushing waterfalls. The journey will take
about 6 hours and in the early afternoon you will arrive at
Kelbourne Cottages. Spend your time there savoring the views
and walking in the tea plantations.
Accommodation profile: On a ridge
close to Haputale, blessed by one of the most breathtaking vistas
that Sri Lanka - can offer stands the Kelbourne Cottages. On
a clear day, majestic views south and east can stretch for more
than 50 miles. The cottages date from the turn of the 19th/20th
century and each comes with cosy furnishings, books and magazines,
and tv, as well as chef to prepare meals at any time of day.
Here is a chance to unwind in the hill country at its most serene.
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Day 7 &
8:
Time to leave the cool highlands and twist your way down to
the southern tropical dryzone, a terrain of rocky hills, scrub
jungle and lakes, north west of Yala National Park. This area
is off the tourist trail and allows you to really experience
Sri Lanka’s wilds. You will spend two nights at Tree Tops,
the leading eco-retreat in the island.
Accommodation profile: At Tree
Tops you will live a natural life.. The Weliara Wilderness is
sparsely populated - the nearest shop is 15kms -- and visitors
are advised to arrive by mid-afternoon to avoid meeting an elephant
on the way. Tree Tops opened in 2002 and is seriously committed
to eco-tourism and protecting the birds, animals and habitats
that make this part of Sri Lanka so special. Sleep in a thatched
clay hut,, a tree house, or even outdoors on bunks or tables.
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Day 9:
After breakfast head to
Sri Lanka's south-east corner, and Yala game park. Yala, the
most famous of Sri Lanka's game parks, offers prospects of elephants,
other mammals and abundant bird life. The park is best visited
at dusk or dawn. Considering your long journey down from the
hills you might prefer the leave the following morning.
Accommodation profile: Yala Village opened
in 2003 as a much-needed deluxe addition to the sprinkling of
hotels serving visitors to Sri Lanka’s finest game park.
It blends subtly into scrub forest, close to Yala game park,
overlooking the historic Yala lighthouse. Forty well-appointed
chalets, which come in three different sizes (single, twin and
quad) enjoy a scenic location, stretching from a lagoon to the
border of Palatupana-Kirinda beach, which boasts some of Sri
Lanka’s finest unspoilt sand dunes. Animals may wander
through the village unhindered.
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Day 10 & 11:
After a dawn game drive
in Yala National Park and breakfast, perhaps a plateful of steaming
string hoppers with potato and coconut milk curry, we travel
along the south coast towards Galle. You will pass a few villages
and towns that were severely hit by the Boxing Day tsunami and
the drive could well be emotional. You will spend two night’s
in Unawatuna. We are working with two projects in the Galle
area and, if desired, invite you to witness or even participate
in their assistance and reconstruction work.
Accommodation profile: Legend
says Mount Rumassala was formed when the God Hanuman accidentally
dropped a patch of land, replete with medicinal herbs, on Unawatuna.
Thambapanni perches in this wooded retreat like a large, luxurious
tree house. This is a shady and secluded place, guarded by bamboo,
mango and kitul trees, sounding only to resplendent birdsong.
Monkeys, butterflies, and squirrels are often seen in the trees,
and tortoises and iguanas are common visitors.
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Day 12 and 13:
During the morning, you
have the option of a walk around the fortifications of the south-coast
town of Galle, and through its increasingly thriving fort area.
Then, it is on to your west coast beach hotel, one of the highlights
of the trip, the magnificent Taru Villas on the quiet end of
the fine wide Bentota beach. Spend two days of sheer indulgent
relaxation before your flight back home.
Accommodation profile: Conceived by Taru,
Sri Lanka’s foremost fashion designer, as a source of
inspiration and a means of escape from the stress and tensions
of contemporary living, Taru Villas is a wonderful addition
to Sri Lanka’s growing choice of boutique hotels. Cool
cement floors, a garden full of frangipani blossoms, a turquoise
pool, individually designed antique-furnished rooms, king size
beds and an uncrowded beach just a few steps out of the garden,
all combine to make Taru Villas a very special hideaway. |
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Day 14:
Depart in good time for
your flight back to London Heathrow. The journey to the airport
will take approximately 2 hours although it can take 3 hours
during peak traffic hours. |
| Cost:
£565 per person - [Currency
Converter] Package
price includes:
- 13 night’s BB accommodation on twin-sharing basis
- Airconditioned car and English-speaking driver for tour
and transfers
- First-class train tickets from Kandy to Ella
- Entrance fees: Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa, Temple of the
Tooth, Yala
- Jeep and tracker hire for one game drive in Yala
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