Celink Australia Pty Ltd trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (ABN 52 600 731 191)

Tel : +61 3 8804 1488 | Email : [email protected]

Web : www.charikatravels.com

Facebook : www.facebook.com/charikatravels YouTube : www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2PAfTZ8M_w Victoria, Australia

Disclaimer: The information contained in this document is general in nature and provided as reference material only. Web-links & Hyperlinks contained in this document will connect you to third party websites, data sources & Video clips which are not uploaded, managed/owned by CHARIKA TRAVELS. Celink Australia Pty Ltd trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS disclaims and deny all responsibilities, liabilities, ownership and accuracy of contents associated with information & contents in these third-party websites, data sources and Video clips.

1 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

We are pleased to forward this E-Brochure for your information. We have compiled this E-Brochure to provide you some information about and CHARIKA TRAVELS.

Sri Lanka is truly the wonder of Asia and the ‘Pearl of Indian Ocean’. This tropical island paradise – one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the world, offers you all the excitement, joy and comfort for an unforgettable holiday. For centuries travellers around the world enticed by its breath-taking beauty, pristine beaches, unique wildlife, history and world renowned Sri Lankan hospitality. Holiday in this ‘isle of paradise’ is not just a tour package but an exciting & joyful adventure of a lifetime. Watch: Sri Lanka at a Glance

Upon arrival to Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka, CHARIKA TRAVELS representative at the arrival lounge will meet our Guests. They will be travelling in a private Air-Conditioned vehicle with a friendly, able English speaking Chauffeur-Guide, who will drive them to their tour destinations in Sri Lanka, as per the tour itinerary.

Watch: Journey of a lifetime awaits …

2 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

Weather Patterns in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is a tropical island and the climate is affected by two separate monsoons (rainy seasons). These two monsoons activate in different times of the year bringing rain to different parts of the country. Below is a basic pattern of monsoons. However, please keep in mind that these patterns can significantly vary due to global & regional weather conditions, and global warming. • South-West monsoons bring rain to West, South West coast and Hill country during May to September • North-East monsoons bring rain to North and East coast of the country during December to February • There are also inter-monsoons activate bringing rains in any part of the country during March to April and October to November

The beauty of Sri Lanka is grossly intensified by world renowned hospitality of its inhabitants. For centuries, this island nation was the ‘apple of their eye’ among early travellers. These friendly & welcoming qualities of Sri Lankans positioned Sri Lanka at the centre-point on the worlds tourist map.

Many internationally recognised hotel chains have already opened their mega-sized and boutique type resorts in Sri Lanka, especially along the coast line. These hotels provide luxury accommodation, highest quality services, exquisite cuisines and facilities. Sri Lanka offers a wide spectrum of hotels for any budget, ranging from budget back-packer lodges to mid-range, deluxe semi luxury, and highest end 5-Star Luxury hotels.

3 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

For centuries, ancient civilisations cherish by Buddhist doctrines of peace and harmony, ruled Sri Lanka converting vast wilderness into mega cities, gigantic reservoirs and cloud-touching Pagodas. Their enormous irrigation projects still provide water for cultivation and nourished the nation for centuries. These mighty kingdoms had crumbled, reigns vanished yet their legacy is still alive. Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms have a long-documented history which expands over 2000 years. Their architectural monuments and irrigation marvels still challenge the modern-day technology. These grandeur ancient kingdoms and monuments make Sri Lanka a destination with one of the earliest civilisations in the world. Watch: Sri Lanka Heritage

Anuradhapura Anuradhapura Ancient City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the earliest capitols of Sri Lanka and considered as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Additionally, Anuradhapura stands as one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was established as a major city in 4th Century BC. The city’s greatest treasures include: • Sri Maha Bodhiya : original Southern branch of historical Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at Bodhgaya under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment. Brought by Ven. Arihat Sangamitta therani (the daughter of Aoska the great of India) in the year 288 BC and planted in Anuradhapura holy city.

4 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

• Ruwanwalisaya: Situated in Anuradhapura, Ruwanwalisaya is also known as the Maha (or the Great Stupa) is one the most prominent Buddhist in Sri Lanka. Built by King Dutugemunu (161-137 BC), enshrines Relics of Buddha. • Tuparamaya: Considered as the first Buddhist Stupa in Sri Lanka, built by King Devanampiyatissa in 3rd Century BC in which enshrines the sacred Right Collar Bone of Lord Buddha. • Jethawanaramaya : Built in Anuradhapura by King Mahasena (273–301) this is considered as the tallest stupa in the ancient world (height of the stupa 400 feet (122m) • Abhyagiriya : Built in Anuradhapura by King Valagamba during the period of his second reign, from 89-77 BC. Watch: Anuradhapura

Sigiriya – The Lion Rock Sigiriya is home to the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. Within its triple-moated defence the huge rock rises almost to a sheer height of 500ft. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour. Sigiriya Lion Rock is a UNESCO listed world Heritage Site a most visited historical site in Sri Lanka. The Lion Rock Fortress palace and fortifications were build by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) on Sigiriya Rock. Another attraction of Sigiriya is its’ ‘Mirror Wall’, this wall is filled with ancient inscriptions which considered to be poems. Further, Sigiriya is considered as a marvel of ancient urban planning and ancient landscaping skills. Watch: Sigiriya

5 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

Dambulla Cave Temple Dambulla Cave Temple or the Golden Temple of Dambulla is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka, famous for its five cave temples on a rock. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The first 03 caves are better, older and larger than the other two. Some caves dates to 1st C.B.C. All the 5 cave walls and ceilings are covered with Buddhist murals and there are more than 130 Buddha statues, statues of Gods and Kings are also found here Watch: Golden Temple of Dambulla

Ancient City of The second most ancient city of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa was first declared as the capitol by King Vijayabahu I, in 1070. Polonnaruwa’s Goldern age was dawned during the period of King Parakramabahu I (1153–1186) - who was as a national heroes of Sri Lankan history.

During this period Polonnaruwa was flourishing to become a trade and agricultural hub. King Parakramabahu build a sophisticated irrigation system based on Parakrama Samdra (Sea of Parakramabhahu) – a man-made gigantic reservoir. This irrigation system provides water to this day, for irrigation and paddy cultivation in Polonnaruwa. Today, Polonnaruwa Ancient City is a UNESCO world heritage site and a famouse archaeological site visited by many tourists around the world. Many historical archaeological attractions include ‘The statue of Kind Parakramabahu’, Polonnaruwa Watadage, Hatadage, Nissanka Latha Madapa, Rankoth Vehera, Lankatilaka Temple, Statues of , Kiri Vihara and Shiva Devalaya. Watch: Polonnaruwa

6 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

Kandy Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka. The Kingdom of Kandy was formed in 15 Century as the Senkadagalapura and Kandyan royal dynasty ended in 1815. Tourist attractions in Kandy includes; The Temple of the Tooth Relic, Peradeniya Royal Botonical Garden (Peradeniya gardens, with an extent of around 174 acres, maintains more than 4000 species of plants. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens was formally established in 1843 and currently it attracts many local and international visitors)

The Temple of the Tooth Relic - Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth Relic) is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. This is situated at the Kandy Royal Palace compound. Temple of the Tooth Relic houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, and one of the holiest places for Buddhists around the world. The sacred tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka in Anuradhapura Era during the reign of Sri Megavanna Dalada Maligawa (301-328 CE). Thereafter the custodianship of the sacred tooth relic was considered as the right for rule for reigning monarchs of Sri Lanka. Kings of Sri Lanka protected the tooth relic in their kingdoms and capitals. Finally, the Tooth Relic was brought to its present shrine at last Kingdom of Sri Lanka – Kandy, by King Vimaladharmasuriya I (1592-1603).

Watch: Kandy Esala Dalada Perehera Magical Creation of Rhythm

7 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

Sri Lanka is blessed with its own kind of tropical rainforests securing it as one of the top bio-diversified hotspots in the world. Sri Lanka is considered as a prominent destination in Asia for wildlife Safaris with a range of natural wildlife parks. Asian mighty Elephants, sloth bear, leopards, sambar deer and wild buffaloes are key attractions. Theses national parks are home to many species of mammals, birds and reptiles Watch: Land of Lakes Forest of Clouds Coast of Giants Wild Sri Lanka

Wilpatthu National Park Wilpattu National Park one of the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka, declared and established in 1938. It is located on the north-west coast of Sri Lanka close to the historical city of Anuradhapura. Wilpattu National Park is home for many ‘villus’ or natural lakes which dot the landscape of Wilpattu Park. Many species of mammals have been identified in Wilpattu including several threatened species such as; Elephants, Leopards, Sloth Bear, Water Buffalo, spotted deer. Many bird species and reptiles including crocodiles inhabit Wilpattu sanctuary.

Minneriya National Park One of the tourist attractions which is close to Sigiriya/Habarana is Minneriya National Park which was designated as a National Park in 1997 after it had been declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. Due to large number of Elephants attracted to the Minneriaya reservoir and surrounding grass fields, the main attraction of this park is the magnificent sceneries of ‘Elephant Gathering’.

8 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

Yala National Park Yala is the most visited national Park in Sri Lanka and the second largest. This has a diverse ecosystem consist with dry and wet monsoon forests, thorn forests, grasslands, wetlands & lagoons and sandy beaches which provide habitat to many fauna species some are unique to Sri Lanka. Yala provides the habitat to around 215 bird species including native bird species such as Sri Lankan Jungle fowl, Sri Lankan wood pigeons and Sri Lankan Grey Hornbill and many other migrated inhabitants. Yala has the highest Leopard density in the world. Yala is a statuary for many threatened species including Leopards, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri Lankan Elephants, and wild water Buffalo. Around 44 mammal species are in Yala. Other rare mammals include Toque Macaque, Golden Palm Civet, Red Slender Loris, and Fishing Cat Yala provides the safe sanctuary to many species of reptiles including Sri Lankan Krait, Boulenger's Keelback, Sri Lankan Flying Snake, Painted-lip Lizard and Wiegmann's Agama, Mugger crocodile and Saltwater Crocodile. In addition to these fauna, Yala is the habitat for around 18 amphibians species and 21 fresh water fish species. Yala National Park is one of the best places to see a wide range of animals including Elephants, Leopards, Monkeys, wild Boars, Deer, Buffaloes, Bears, Crocodiles and various kinds of birds.

Udawalawe National Park Udawalawe is famous for Sri Lankan wild elephants. Many wild elephantsare attracted to Udawalawe reservoir and believed to be around 250 Elephants permanently reside. Other wild life include Sri Lankan leopards, Sri Lankan sloth bear, Sri Lankan sambar deer & axis dear, wild boar, water buffalo and golden jackal. Udawalawe also a residence for many rare bird species including Sri Lankan spurfowl, red-faced malkoha, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, brown-capped babbler, and Sri Lanka junglefowl. Many varieties of reptiles lizards, mugger crocodiles and around 30 species of snakes are found in the Park.The reserve covers 30,821 hectares (119.00 sq miles) of land area and was established on 30 June 1972 Watch: A breath-taking journey awaits …

9 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

Sri Lanka’s hill country, the land of the world famous ‘Ceylon Tea’ is filled with unparalleled scenic beauty which cannot be explained by words. Romantic landscapes, rising mountains covered by lush green tea plantations, gushing waterfalls, and picturesque grasslands mingling with shimmering sunlight and rising mist takes the traveller to an entirely different dimension. Watch: Scenic Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya hill city was founded by Samuel Baker in 19th Century, and later nicknamed as the ‘little England’ as it became a resting and holiday retreat for British Civil Servants and Planters. Nuwara Eliya is around 1,868m above the Sea Level. All around Nuwara Eliya evidence of the British influence can be seen. Surrounded by mountains, valleys, waterfalls and Tea plantations and house like country cottages, it reminds a fine spring day in England, although the temperature might drop in the night

Ella Ella is a small town in the central province (Hill country) of Sri Lanka surrounded by Hills. This hamlet with spectacular scenic beauty and breath-taking views is ideal for hiking and climbing mountains. Ella hills covered by lush green tea plantations, paddy fields and other vegetation. Ramboda falls, Ravana falls, little Adams peak are some of the surrounding attractions. Train Journey from Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) to Ella is a one of the world renowned train rides, passing tea plantains, villages, waterfalls and misty mountains.

10 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

Your Amazing beach escape at pristine beaches of Sri Lanka Golden sandy pristine beaches embraced by aqua marine waters of the Indian Ocean create the perfect exotic Beach line for anyone dreaming of a tropical beach escape.

Passikudah (East Coast) Ideal times to visit: April/May to September Passikudah is a coastal resort located at Eastern coastline of Sri Lanka. This destination is internationally renowned for its stretched shallow coastline and the finest pristine beach, which make Passikudah a beach paradise.

This is a very popular tourist destination with star class hotels and luxury accommodation. Passikudah is an investors’ attraction as well, due to the ever booming tourist industry. Other East Coast Destinations: Tricomalee, Nilaweli

11 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

West, South West and Southern Beaches of Sri Lanka Ideal time to visit : December to March Pristine golden beaches embraced by Indian Ocean. Perfect exotic beach for anyone dreaming of a tropical beach escape. Most down south beach destinations are popular for exciting water sports including swimming, water skiing snorkelling, scuba diving and wind surfing.

Main Beach locations include: Bentota, Ahungalla, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Ahangama, Tangalle, Mirissa, Hambantota, Arugam bay

Stilt Fishermen of Sri Lanka a fishing technique unique to Sri Lanka and can be seen in Southern coast line. Here the fishermen sit on a cross bar tied to a vertical pole which is fixed into the sand a few meters offshore.

Watch: Romantic journey awaits …

12 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

Colombo This Port city linked Sri Lanka with ancient Indian Ocean trade routes and the rest of the world for over 2000 years. Chinese, Arabs, Romans, Greeks, Indians and European traders travelled to Sri Lanka via ancient Colombo port mainly for trading. In 1505, Portuguese explorer Lourenco de Almeida visited Colombo, which changed the course of Sri Lankan history to a new era. The Portuguese realised the commercial and maritime significance of Colombo which resulted trade missions to became invasions.

Soon, Colombo as well as coastal areas of Sri Lanka were under the control of Portuguese. They built administrative, residential buildings as well as fortified military structures in Colombo with strong military and naval presence. Colombo fort was attacked and sieged several times by Sri Lankan kings but they were unable to break-through. After the Portuguese, Dutch captured Colombo in 1656 and controlled under the Dutch East India Company. In 1796 British captured Colombo and in 1815 Ceylon (Sri Lanka) became a crown colony under the British rule, until 1948 when Ceylon gained independence. Located at the west coast of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the largest city and the Commercial . Colombo and its metropolitan suburbs have populations exceeding 5.5 million. Colombo is a tourist destination with many colonial and modern landmarks including Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, Independence Square, Colombo Town Hall, National Museum, Beira Lake, BMICH, Colombo Racecourse, and many other interesting places.

13 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a nursery and a breeding ground for displaced Elephants. First established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation of Sri Lanka, Pinnawala is a sanctuary which provides care and treatments for orphaned baby elephants and elephants abandoned and wounded in the wild. Pinnawala attracts many local and overseas visitors and income generated through admission is used to maintain the orphanage and look after the elephants. Today, visitors can see a large herd ranging from baby elephants to fully grown / aged Elephants, bathing at nearby river, feeding and interacting with each other.

Galle Fort

Situated in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built by the Portuguese in 1588. Later the Fort was fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. It is a historical and archaeological monument, and a national heritage with over 420 years of history. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

14 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017

Jaffna Jaffna or the Yalpanam is the main city of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, located in Jaffna Peninsula. Like Colombo, Jaffna also was occupied and controlled by the Portuguese (in 1619), Dutch (in 1658) and British (in 1796) until Sri Lanka gained independence from British rule in 1948. In recent history from 1983 - 2009 Jaffna witnessed the agony of civil war and armed conflicts. The majority of Jaffna’s population consists of Tamils, significant number of Moors and Indian Tamils. Important religious places in Jaffna include Nallur Hindu Temple, Kadurugoda Viharaya, Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre, Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple and many other Hindu & Cristian places of worship. Other attractions include Jaffna Public Library, Jaffna Town etc.

is an independent, Business-to-Business (B2B) wholesale tour provider, specialised in tours to SRI LANKA. Word ‘CHARIKA’ in Sinhalese dialect means travel or tours. CHARIKA TRAVELS is an Australian Business and based in Melbourne Australia. Our Vision is to become the world’s leading wholesale tour provider to Sri Lanka. We invite Australian and International tour operators to join hands with us and to receive our best and most reliable professional services. Our Objective is to provide quality, affordable group tour packages to our customers, for an unforgettable holiday in the ‘isle of paradise’ Sri Lanka. We customise our packages to cater specific tour needs. As a wholesale tour supplier, we always focus on ‘affordability’ without compromising the tour ‘quality’. CHARIKA TRAVELS has a very strong & efficient ground handling team in Sri Lanka, to organize and manage its’ tour packages and to cater to a diverse spectrum of requirements ranging from budget to luxury. All services of CHARIKA TRAVELS are based on its’ 3 main principles, i.e. Reliability, Affordability and Exceeding Customer Expectations. The Management ensures that these cardinal values are always included and delivered in every aspect of its’ services. CHARIKA TRAVELS always ready to provide best professional services to our International & local customers

Watch: Paradise Calling !!!

15 | P a g e CELINK AUSTRALIA PTY LTD trading as CHARIKA TRAVELS (E&OE) May 2017