• & THE ENCHANTED ISLE

SRI LANKA The captivating island of Sri Lanka is rich in cultural and archaeological treasures spanning some 2,500 years in history - from the sacred city of and the cave temples of , to the palaces of the royal city of . It has 7 World Heritage Sites including one natural one - the . Tea plantation © Shutterstock

Polunnaruwa, which was Sri Lanka’s medieval SRI LANKA - THE capital. B ENCHANTED ISLE Day 4 Cultural Triangle Drive to Kandy, touring the Dambulla Cave 10 days/9 nights Temple and Spice Garden at en route. From $2003 per person twin share Remainder of day at leisure. B Departs daily ex Colombo Day 5 Kandy Price per person from*: Cat A Cat B Cat C Excursion to the Royal Botanical Gardens at $2651 $2184 $2003 Peradeniya, a paradise for nature lovers. Later, *Based on two people sharing, singles on request. visit the Relic, one of the INCLUSIONS world’s most sacred Buddhist sites and enjoy an Transfers, excursions in superior air-conditioned private evening traditional cultural performance. B vehicle with English speaking chauffeur guide, entrance fees, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, 1 bottle of water per person per day included for all surface travel. EXCLUSIONS Camera fees. A Jetwing Beach/Cinnamon Lodge/Elephant Stables/ Heritance Tea Factory/Anantara Tangalle/Kingsbury B Suriya Resort/Aliya Resort & Spa/Mahawali Reach/ Grand Hotel/Coco Tangalle/ Face Golden Temple of Dambulla © Shutterstock C Goldi Sands/ Village/Amaya Hills/Jetwing St. Andrew’s Hotel/Buckingham Palace/Jetwing Colombo Days 7/8 Tangalle xplore the many historical, cultural Depart for Sri Lanka’s idyllic south coast via and natural attractions of Sri Lanka E Kithulgala, one of the wettest places on the including the cave temples of Dambulla, island and where the Academy Award-winning the royal city of Kandy, and the scenic movie The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed. valleys and dense forests around the hill The following day is entirely free for you to enjoy station of Nuwara Eliya. the beautiful beaches and old-world charm of Tangalle. B Day 1 Negombo Kandyan Dancing © Sri Lanka Tourism Arrival transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free Day 9 Colombo to explore this sleepy coastal town. Tour the many sights of the capital, including the Day 6 Nuwara Eliya vibrant Pettah bazaar, the clock tower, Buddhist Day 2 Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Early drive to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya, and Hindu temples. B Morning departure to the famous Pinnawela stopping en route at a tea plantation. In the elephant orphanage, established in the 1970s and afternoon, visit Victoria Park and take a guided Day 10 Tour ends Colombo now home to over 10,000 Asian elephants. B walk past the city’s fine colonial buildings. B Transfer to airport in Colombo. Tour ends. B Day 3 Cultural Triangle Explore the iconic 200m-high Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the World Heritage Site of

WILPATTU N.P. Trincomalee Anuradhapura Habarana Puttalam Sigriya Dambulla SRI Negombo Kandy LANKA Nuwara Eliya COLOMBO Horton Plains Beruwela YALA N.P. The Enchanted Isle Treasures of Galle Sri Lanka © Natural Focus Safaris Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage © Shutterstock

44 TREASURES OF SRI LANKA • SRI LANKA

Rock fortress of Sigiriya © Shutterstock

Day 6 Polonnaruwa most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. Enjoy an TREASURES OF Explore the impressive rock fortress of Sigiriya, evening cultural performance. On Day 8 visit the which rises 200m above dense jungle. Afterwards, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to view the herd SRI LANKA see the well-preserved ruins of Sri Lanka’s capital bathing in a river. Return to Kandy afterwards, 15 days/14 nights city, constructed in the 11th and 12th centuries. B and visit the exquisite botanical garden at From $3872 per person twin share Days 7/8 Kandy Peradeniya. Remainder of day at leisure. B Departs daily ex Colombo Drive to Kandy (6 hrs), stopping around the Days 9/10 Nuwara Eliya Tour cost per person from*: Cat A Cat B halfway mark to inspect the colourful frescoes of Early drive to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya. In $4388 $3872 the . Highlights of Kandy the afternoon visit Victoria Park before taking a *Based on two people sharing, singles on request. include the Temple of Tooth Relic, one of the guided walk to see some of the city’s fine colonial buildings. On Day 10, tour Horton Plains, a INCLUSIONS unique plateau famous for the cascading Bakers Transfers, excursions in superior air-conditioned private Falls and ‘World’s End’, a 1,000m sheer drop vehicle with English speaking chauffeur guide, entrance fees, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis overlooking banks of thick clouds. B except in Yala which is full board, 1 bottle of water per Days 11/12 person per day included for all surface travel. Drive to Yala National Park. This vast EXCLUSIONS reserve of dry woodland and open grasslands Camera fees. is famous for its variety of wild animals A Jetwing Beach/Forest Rock Garden/Cinnamon including leopards, its aquatic birds as well Lodge/Elephant Stables/Heritance Tea Factory/ as its conservation of Sri Lankan elephants. Jetwing Yala/Galle Fort Hotel/The Kingsbury Hotel Afternoon safari by jeep accompanied by an B Suriya Resort/Palm Garden Village/Aliya Resort experienced tracker. On Day 12 enjoy a full day & Spa/Mahaweli Reach/Grand Hotel/Jetwing Yala/ gameviewing in the national park. BLD Fort Printers/Galle Face Day 13 Galle ri Lanka is renowned for its cultural After breakfast depart for the coastal southern heritage, ancient temples and S port city of Galle. Visit the historic Dutch Fort, historic fortresses. The country is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. B rich in natural wonders with national parks where elephants, leopards and Day 14 Colombo Proceed to Sri Lanka’s bustling capital, where abundant birdlife can be seen. This skyscrapers rise above charming old British tour encompasses World Heritage colonial buildings. Bargain for a souvenir at the Sites, wildlife sanctuaries, an elephant Pettah bazaar and visit various temples. B orphanage, a working tea plantation and Day 15 Tour ends Colombo the famous World’s End view. Traditional stilt fishing © Shutterstock Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. B Day 1 Negombo Arrival transfer to your Negombo hotel with rest of day at leisure. Days 2/3 Anuradhapura Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura via Wilpattu National Park, which is renowned for its healthy wild leopard population. On Day 3 visit sacred Mihintale, cradle of , and tour the many attractions of Anuradhapura, including a holy 2,200 year-old bodhi tree and various magnificent Buddha statues. B Days 4/5 Habarana Depart for Habarana for overnight, with a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park (2hrs) en route. This reserve is popular with leopard and elephant, as well as huge flocks of birds. Next day, tour the east coast deepwater port city of Reclining Buddha, Anuradhapura © Shutterstock Trincomalee and the Kanniya hot springs. B

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Residence, Colombo © Uga Escapes Leopard sighting, Yala National Park © Uga Escapes

Day 1 Colombo Days 7/8 Kandy SRI LANKA IN STYLE Arrival transfer to Uga Residence, Colombo, a Discover Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, Kandy, a 14 days/13 nights grand Victorian mansion that once welcomed the cool, compact and laid-back city brimming with From $5752 per person twin share* cream of Ceylon society. sights, with the most remarkable being the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses a tooth Departs daily ex Colombo Days 2-4 Anuradhapura that belonged to Buddha. Accommodation at The *Based on two people sharing, singles on request. Morning Colombo city tour, to see its bustling markets and gracious colonial buildings before Kandy House, a 19th century manor where INCLUSIONS travelling to Ulagalla, a superbly restored historic modern luxury and age-old traditions seamlessly Transfers, excursions in air-conditioned private vehicle combine. B with English speaking chauffeur guide, entrance fees, residence offering stunning guest villas equipped accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis (full board with private plunge pools. During your 3-night Days 9/10 Haputale and local drinks at Thotalagala Plantation House and stay, visit the impressive dagobas and temples After breakfast, transfer to Thotalagala, a former Chena Huts), 1 bottle of water per person per day of Anuradhapura and admire the magnificent planter’s bungalow turned boutique hotel that included for all surface travel. rock citadel at Sigiriya, built in the 5th century boasts stupendous vistas over classic Sri Lankan EXCLUSIONS by a king who overthrew his own father. One hill country. Sip premium tea on the lawn, hike Camera fees. afternoon, trek through a traditional Sri Lankan up to Lipton’s Seat or learn about the journey xperience world-class luxury, village for an insight into rural life. B from leaf to cup at the historic Dambatenne Tea Factory. BLD Esuperb service and mouth- watering cuisine on this sensational Days 11/12 Yala National Park Depart for the country’s most visited national circuit departing from Sri Lanka’s park, located in the island’s southeast. Enjoy fascinating capital. Travel back in time, four game drives within Yala, providing plentiful visiting coastal cities and highland opportunities to observe Asian elephant, peacock tea plantations featuring beautifully and leopard in their natural habitat. Retire in the preserved colonial architecture. Tour evening to your glamorous thatched pavilion at enchanting ancient ruins and one of Chena Huts, a stylish hideaway situated where the world’s most sacred Buddhist sites. jungle meets the Indian Ocean. BLD There’s also plenty of time to enjoy Day 13 Colombo the country’s picturesque white sand Return to Colombo after a final morning combing beaches and search for its fabulous the park for interesting animals. Be welcomed wildlife. Throughout your journey, stay once again to the sumptuous Uga Residence. B at unique properties infused with the Day 14 Tour ends Colombo island’s rich history, vibrant traditions Traditional Sri Lankan fisherman © Shutterstock Your trip ends with a transfer to the airport. B and natural charm.

Days 5/6 Trincomalee Trincomalee Head to Trincomalee, a breezy coastal city Anuradhapura on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast with a recorded Hiriwadunna history spanning some 2,000 years. ‘Trinco’ is Sigiriya home to various interesting landmarks that bear testament to the importance of its natural deep water harbour including the alluring Portuguese- Kandy built Fort Frederick and the tidy British War Haputale Cemetery. Your accommodation is in the relaxed, COLOMBO YALA N.P. treehouse-themed Jungle Beach, which offers Yala secluded cabins, a lagoon-like pool and a wide SRI LANKA range of interesting activities including cooking classes and kite-making. B

Sri Lanka in Style © Natural Focus Safaris Beachside dining, Chena Huts © Uga Escapes

46 SRI LANKA • SECRET HIDEAWAYS

SECRET HIDEAWAYS SRI LANKA 3 days/2 nights Departs daily he enchanted island of Sri Lanka offers some of the most Tbeautiful boutique hotels you will find anywhere in the world. Discover the scenery and culture of this fascinating country whilst staying in one of these serene retreats. These unique hotels are found in the heart of picturesque tea country, close to wildlife sanctuaries, in tranquil forest groves or beside golden beaches fringed by swaying coconut palms. Enjoy warm hospitality, unrivalled luxury and ample opportunities to discover rural Sri Lanka. Call our travel specialists to help you incorporate one or more into your itinerary. *Based on two people sharing, singles on request. INCLUSIONS (FOR ALL HOTELS ON PAGES 47-50) 2 nights accommodation on a B&B basis^. ^Ceylon Tea Trails and Wild Coast on a FB basis. PARADISE ROAD THE TINTAGEL - COLOMBO Jungle Beach 3 days/2 nights from $465* Trincomalee Anuradhapura Set in one of Colombo’s most Ulagalla Water Garden Sigiriya prestigious neighbourhoods, this Dambulla Jetwing Vil Uyana stunning 10-room boutique hotel Uga Bay occupies a 1930s colonial building SRI LANKA that would later become a private Negombo Kandy Gal Oya Lodge Kandy House residence for Sri Lanka’s Prime Paradise Road Tintagel Mandira Bungalows COLOMBO Nuwara Eliya Ministers. Each guestrooms is Residence Ceylon Tea Trails individual in aspect and decor, yet Reef Villa & Spa Yala Serene Pavilions Beruwela 98 Acres Chena Huts all are exquisite. Facilities include a Wild Coast lap pool, a small day spa. a gym and Galle Tangalle restaurant, with options to dine Kahanda Kanda Amanwella Cape Weligama Residence Number One Mirrissa indoors in air-conditioned comfort © Natural Focus Safaris or out on the airy veranda.

KAHANDA KANDA - GALLE CAPE WELIGAMA - WELIGAMA 3 days/2 nights from $814* 3 days/2 nights from $841* A short tuk-tuk ride from Galle Half an hour outside Galle, this Fort, this serene small hotel Relais & Chateaux property sits nestles amid palm-fringed jungle on a promontory rising 40m over and working tea plantations. the Indian Ocean. Its 39 guest villas Each of the 10 standalone guest are designed by one of Asia’s most suites are individual in character, celebrated architects and boast containing antiques alongside some of the largest rooms in Sri more contemporary pieces. The Lanka. Also on Cape Weligama’s restaurant offers classic Sri Lankan 12 manicured acres are a range of and international flavours, as well as dining venues and 14 pools. Spend cooking classes. Things to do in the your time whale-watching, fishing or area include yoga, escorted cycling snorkelling. Alternatively, explore excursions and tea estate tours. the lush rural hinterland by bicycle.

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AMANWELLA - TANGALLE NUMBER ONE MIRISSA - MIRISSA 3 days/2 nights from $1302 per person twin share* 3 days/2 nights from $372 per person twin share* This beautiful beach resort on Sri This tranquil boutique hotel is Lanka’s idyllic south coast fronts set on half an acre of manicured a crescent of golden sand lapped gardens facing Mirissa Beach, a by the Indian Ocean. There are 27 popular departure point for whale- contemporary guest suites, each watching. Guest suites feature with a private terrace and plunge timber flooring, antique furniture pool. In the splendid main lodge and handmade four-poster beds, is a spectacular infinity pool, a and all provide easy access to the restaurant and lounge bar. Enjoy a sea. Aside from boat safaris, you massage in the Spa Suite or do yoga can visit Yala National Park, snorkel in a coconut grove. The Beach Club the house reef or go surfing. Back at the western end of the resort at the property, swim in the pool offers romantic private dining. or dine in the lovely restaurant.

98 ACRES - ELLA WILD COAST TENTED LODGE - YALA NP 3 days/2 nights from $360 per person twin share* 3 days/2 nights from $1530 per person twin share* Set upon 98 acres of tea plantations This Relais & Chateaux luxury in the misty, temperate highlands camp is adjacent to Yala National of Ella, this breathtaking resort Park, renowned for its high leopard accommodates guests in charming population. Situated where jungle chalets crafted from recycled meets the ocean, the 28 cocoon- railroad timbers and thatch. Trek shaped guest tents feature soaring to gushing waterfalls or panoramic ceilings, sumptuous four-poster viewpoints, tour ancient temples and beds and state-of-the-art amenities. learn about the journey from leaf to Go on a game drive each day in cup in this scenic region. Cooking search of wildlife, then enjoy a lessons and yoga can be arranged swim in the enormous pool and along with vehicle hire should you a decadent meal in the striking wish to explore on your own. bamboo-clad Dining Pavilion.

48 SRI LANKA • SECRET HIDEAWAYS

CEYLON TEA TRAILS - HATTON MANDIRA BUNGALOWS - HATTON 3 days/2 nights from $1266 per person twin share* 3 days/2 nights from $464 per person twin share* This Relais & Chateaux property Set amid lush, green tea lies in the green rolling hills of plantations, Mandira Bungalows central Sri Lanka. Guests enjoy offers a colonial-style getaway in gracious hospitality, gourmet food, Sri Lanka’s cool central highlands. personal service and an acclaimed Three quaint bungalows designed tea plantation experience. Each of in authentic British high country the 5 individual bungalows on the style await, with period trimmings estate has a distinctive theme and such as claw-footed tubs and contains a number of rooms and canopied beds. After a day out suites. All come with their own chef exploring on foot, by bicycle or and butlers. Take a walk, cycle, raft, kayak, home-cooked fare greets play tennis or enjoy a very civilised you at the restaurant, prepared by afternoon tea on the lawns. the estate’s own devoted cook.

THE KANDY HOUSE - KANDY GAL OYA LODGE - GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK 3 days/2 nights from $573 per person twin share* 3 days/2 nights from $470 per person twin share* This 19th century manor house is one of Sri Lanka’s finest boutique Specialising in high-end, establishments, with 9 sumptuous environmentally responsible guestrooms where modern and tourism, Gal Oya Lodge is a traditional luxuries seamlessly secluded upmarket property located blend. Take a dip in the beautifully in an isolated nature reserve. Its 10 landscaped infinity pool, feast on thatched ensuite bungalows feature local delicacies on your private huge floor-to-ceiling glass doors terrace or enjoy an indulgent to let in light and the soothing massage by an experienced sounds of nature. Gal Oya is the Ayurvedic therapist. You can also only place in Sri Lanka where boat explore neighbouring temples or safaris can be enjoyed, and where paddy fields on foot or by bicycle. Asian elephants are sometimes seen swimming from island to island.

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JETWING VIL UYANA - SIGIRIYA WATER GARDEN - SIGIRIYA 3 days/2 nights from $759 per person twin share* 3 days/2 nights from $641 per person twin share* In the cultural heart of Sri Lanka This magnificent hotel is situated close to the spectacular rock amid tranquil rural landscapes in monolith of Sigiriya, this lovely the shadow of the iconic Sigiriya hotel nestles within a lush wetland Rock Fortress. 30 immaculate guest brimming with birds. The 36 villas dot the property, appointed guestrooms are carefully designed with luxuries ranging from secret to blend into the environment, gardens and personal water views facing either garden, marshes, lake, to private plunge pools. Have a paddy fields or forest. Optional butler organise a buggy to the activities at this unique Jetwing central pool or restaurant. Other property include tea tasting, activities include cycling, archery cookery classes, spa treatments, and tours of Dambulla, Sigiriya and yoga, hiking and cycling excursions. Minneriya National Park.

SERENE PAVILIONS - WADDUWA REEF VILLA & SPA - WADDUWA 3 days/2 nights from $630 per person twin share* 3 days/2 nights from $851 per person twin share* Flanked by coconut palms and the This timeless resort has just 7 azure Indian Ocean, this exclusive lavish suites, located in the tasteful Balinese-style resort on Sri Lanka’s central Plantation House or set on laid-back southwestern coast invites the property’s three luxuriant acres relaxation. The 12 sophisticated facing either the Indian Ocean or guest villas have private plunge pools tranquil lily ponds. Be transported and round-the-clock butler service. back to the days of the British Raj The central pool is the focal point by the antique swings, canopied of this property, with submerged beds, punkah fans and cool tile Jacuzzi beds and a border of floors. Dine in the thatched- shaded sun loungers. There is also roof restaurant which overlooks a restaurant, bar, wellness centre, the sparkling central pool or be gym, tennis court and reading room. pampered in the Ayurveda spa.

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