Colombo, Caves & Kandy

TRIP NOTES

Colombo, Caves & Kandy 8 days | Starts/Ends: Colombo

Discover Sri Lanka's famous • Kandy - Take in the highlights of Kandy • All relevant transfers and transportation in cultural triangle and visit the rock including the famous Temple of the private air-conditioned tourism vehicles fortress of Sigiriya, the exquisite Tooth, enjoy a tuk tuk ride and watch a cultural performance What's Not Included Dambulla cave temple and the • Giragama Tea Factory - Take a tour of a • Tipping Kitty: USD$50-$60pp, paid in historic Temple of the Tooth in working tea factory with a long history local currency Kandy. Add a scenic train journey • Take a scenic train ride passing waterfalls • Entrance Fees: USD$120-$140pp, paid in through the verdant tea plantations and tea plantations en route from Kandy local currency and go in search of Sri Lanka’s to Nuwara Eliya and drive though Nuwara • International flights and visa abundant wildlife at Udawalawe Eliya's 'Little England' • Tip for your tour guide. We recommend • Udawalawe National Park - Go in search you allow USD$3-7 per day, per traveller. National Park, all this and more in of wildlife on a game drive in Udawalawe, Tipping your guide is an entirely personal an exciting one week holiday. home to the nation's largest herd of Asian gesture Elephants HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS What's Included COVID SAFE GUIDE Trip Highlights • Breakfast daily and 1 lunch DETAILED ITINERARY • • Colombo – Enjoy a guided tour of the 7 nights 4-5 star hotels and heritage city including the Old Fort area and properties Day 1 : Colombo - your way • impressive Gangaramaya Temple Guided sightseeing - Dambulla, • Polonnaruwa - Explore the remarkable Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, ruins of the ancient capital city of Ceylon Udawalawe and Colombo • • Sigiriya - Climb to the top of the iconic 5th Scenic train trip from Kandy to Nuwara century Lion Rock fortress and see the Eliya, canoe ride and tuk tuk trips • Heavenly Maidens Jeep safari/game drive in Udawalawe • Dambulla - Discover over 150 images National Park • of Buddha in the incredible complex of Escorted by an English-speaking caves at Dambulla Rock Temple national guide for groups of 6 or more • Kayanwala Village - Canoe to the village (professional chauffeur guide for groups and help cook a delicious traditional lunch of 5 or fewer) Saturday. Welcome to Sri Lanka! Airport arrival • with a Sri Lankan family Airport arrival and departure transfer on transfer and remainder of the day at leisure. • Matale - Learn all about Sri Lanka's herbs days 1 and 8 Our start hotel located on the seafront is and spices at the spice gardens in Matale a short walk from Galle Road and many of the city highlights. Choose to head out and

Colombo, Caves & Kandy - 8 days updated on 23-09-2021 03:31:25 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 TRIP NOTES

Colombo, Caves & Kandy explore, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a beautiful citadel stands 200 meters high in the cocktail whilst you watch the perfect sunset middle of verdant jungle and was an important This afternoon we visit a working tea factory at over the Laccodive Sea. Overnight - Colombo stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. Geragama. Geragama Tea Factory is located It can be viewed from miles around and is in close proximity to the city of Kandy was Day 2 : Dambulla & definitely one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic and established in the year 1903, manufacturing Polonnaruwa famous sites. You’ll be able to view the world 'Low Grown' and 'Long Leaf' tea. famous paintings of the Heavenly Maidens This evening, we watch a cultural which stand in a sheltered pocket of the rock performance of traditional Sri Lankan music approached by a spiral stairway. and dance. Overnight - Kandy (B)

From Sigiriya we take a bullock cart ride and Day 5 : Scenic train trip & tea short canoe trip to the village of Kayanwala. plantations Here, at Kayanwala Village we take part in a cookery demonstration in a mud brick home of a local woman and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of curry, dahl, spiced rice, pickle and Colombo - Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - more. En route to Kandy we stop off a spice Dambulla. Bidding farewell to Colombo garden in Matale, to see the different herbs this morning we drive inland to Dambulla, and spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. stopping en route at a fruit and vegetable You will be introduced to different spices and market in Naramwela Town. Dambulla Rock shown how some of these spices are grown Temple is an incredible ancient complex of and processed. caves which date back to the 1st Century Overnight - Kandy (B, L) Kandy - Nuwara Eliya. This morning offers BC. The five caves contain over 150 images free time before transfering to Peradeniya of Buddha including an impressive 14 metre Day 4 : Kandy Temple of the railway station for our scenic train journey carved statue. Tooth though tea plantations and waterfalls up to Nanu Oya. On arrival at Nanu Oya Railway After exploring this ancient site, we continue Station we transfer to Nuwara Eliya - Sri to Polonnaruwa. This fascinating 11th century Lanka’s most popular hill resort because of city is home to many interesting ruins its invigorating mountain climate and scenery. and famous monuments including the Royal Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s Palace and the Gal Vihara. Polonnaruwa was tea country producing a significant share once the capital and is also the second most of the world’s best tea. Sri Lanka’s highest ancient city in Sri Lanka. It is now a UNESCO mountain Pidurutalagala is located here and World Heritage Site. This evening we return to can be seen on the trip. Dambulla for an evening at leisure. This morning we take a sightseeing tour of This afternoon we take a sightseeing tour Overnight - Dambulla (B) Kandy - the last capital of the Sri Lankan of Nuwara Eliya on a beautiful drive through 'Little England'. Day 3 : Sigiriya & Kandy kings. The name Kandy conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of Please note: There are two trains departing the legends, traditions and folklore are still from Kandy, due to availability we cannot lovingly kept alive. Our first stop will be the guarantee which departure in advance. Temple of the Tooth Relic. Legend has it that Overnight - Nuwara Eliya (B) one of Buddha's teeth was taken from him as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was then smuggled into Sri Lanka in 313AD. It now attracts daily pilgrims who come bearing lotus flowers and frangipani. After driving around Kandy Lake - built by the last Sinhala king Dambulla - Sigiriya - Kandy. This morning Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798, we visit the we explore Sigiriya and the famous ‘Lion local bazaar and a gem museum, we hen take Rock’ fortress. Built over 1500 years ago, this a Tuk Tuk ride up into the hills to look down upon the city.

Colombo, Caves & Kandy

Day 6 : Udawalawe National and it's also a great place to shop. Fashion, while away their free time. There is also a Park jeep safari both branded and unbranded is widely restaurant, which serves sumptuous meals. available in the capital, as are souvenirs, books, arts and crafts and electronics. Overnight - Colombo (B) Day 8 : Goodbye Sri Lanka Saturday. Today offers free time for you to independently explore the city, before your included departure transfer to the airport. (B) OZO Kandy Hotel

HOTELS The stylish OZO Kandy prides itself on its smart facilities and stunning mountain Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe National Park. surrounds. Its highlight being the rooftop Today we head south to Embilipitiya, our Highlighted below are some of the hotels pool and BOMMU Bar where you can soak base for exploring Udawalawe National Park. which we frequently use on this tour, though up panoramic views over Kandy whilst This national park is probably one of the we reserve the right to substitute these enjoying a cocktail or two. The hotel’s best places to spot the famous Sri Lankan hotels to ones of a similar standard. all-day dining restaurant serves a tasty Elephant, the biggest of all the Asian Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your array of Asian and international cuisine Elephants. It is thought that there are around confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival using only fresh and handpicked produce. 400 elephants here. The park is also home information. Other amenities include a fitness centre to the elusive leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth OZO Colombo and complimentary WiFi, with guestrooms bear and varies types of deer. We take an boasting signature soft beds and rain afternoon game drive here before returning OZO Colombo is a modern and stylish hotel, showers. to our hotel for the night. Overnight - with sweeping Indian Ocean views from its Udawalawe National Park (B) rooftop infinity pool and many of its rooms. There's free WIFI access throughout the Day 7 : Colombo city tour hotel and the guestrooms are bright and airy with all modern amenities. To top it off, there's also a fantastic fitness center and a restaurant serving delicious, authentic Sri Lankan cusine. OZO is centrally located on Marine Drive, near Galle Road and just a 10 Jetwing St Andrew's minute drive from the city centre. Jetwing St. Andrew's is a unique colonial retreat set in a former country house and surrounded by landscaped gardens. All the spacious rooms are classically furnished with Udawalawe National Park - Colombo. We elegant wood and offer free WiFi and flat- begin our final journey back to Colombo this screen TVs. The grounds of the hotel give a morning with a visit to the Gem Mine and great feel of colonial splendour and guests can wake up to a typical English breakfast Museum at Ratnapura. Sri Lanka is famous for Jetwing Lake its gem industry and is home to 40 out of the and enjoy a stiff brandy at the bar later in 85 types of gems in the world. The Jetwing Lake hotel is a brand new the day. Fine dining is offered at the Old property with spacious and comfortable Course Restaurant and the hotel also boasts Arrival Colombo, we commence a city tour rooms that enjoy a contemporary design an antique snooker table, which is the oldest seeing the Fort area in the north of the blended with splashes of Eastern influenced in Sri Lanka. city, famous for its government buildings and decor. The ensuite facilities are magnificent interesting shops. Taking a stroll along Galle and in keeping with the luxurious feel of the Face Green we'll see kite flying and informal property as a whole. Each room also comes games of cricket being played before heading with a balcony, from which guests can get over to the somewhat unique Gangarama some fresh air and enjoy the spectacular Temple. Colombo has a lot of beautiful views. Within the complex there is a pool, temples which are all are intricately-carved spa and fitness centre, where guests can

Colombo, Caves & Kandy

Araliya Green Hills the vaccine was administered. This includes Tip kitty vaccines such as AstraZeneca, Covaxin, Tipping is not a natural part of many Western Recently opened, the Araliya Green Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer- cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, Hills is a modern property with beautiful BioNtech, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik. or unsure about when or how much to tip. mountain views. Rooms are spacious However in Sri Lanka tipping makes up a and well appointed with slightly garish In all instances, you must be fully immunised. significant part of many people’s wages so it’s carpets. Sumptuous buffets are served in the This means you must receive the full dosage important that we get it right. For this reason restaurant - look out for the hoppers - perfect of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow a minimum we’ve developed a very simple system on our to have your eggs in! Wi-Fi is available of 14 days before travelling in order for Group Tours to take the hassle out of tipping. throughout the hotel and there is even a immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 pool table for you to challenge your friends vaccine has different dosages and timeframes With our ‘tipping made easy’ policy, a nominal on. Perfectly located close to the centre of for immunisation, so please check the related pre-determined amount is collected from all Nuwara Eliyah. medical advice associated with your vaccine. group tour participants to cover tips en Children under 18 years are not required to route. This then saves you the hassle of provide evidence of vaccination to travel at when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage this time. handlers, local guides and other support staff throughout the tour. The tipping kitty amount If you are unable to be vaccinated due is noted under 'Exclusions' on the first page of to medical reasons, you may apply for an this document. exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on Grand Udawalawe Safari a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must PLEASE NOTE: The tipping kitty is to be paid provide supporting documentation from a Resort in LKR and it will be collected on day 2 of medical professional. your tour. If travelling to India on our Delhi to Situated on 7 acres of land, the Grand Colombo tour, the tipping kitty for that section Proof of COVID-19 immunisation must Udawalawe Safari Resort is the only hotel of your tour will be collected by your guide in be provided to us no less than of its class in the area. Rooms are spacious India and payable in India Rupees (INR). 4 weeks prior to travel. We accept with beautiful hard wood flooring and COVID-19 digital certificates, NHS Covid artwork depicting the wildlife of Udawalawe. Our ‘tipping kitty’ doesn’t include a tip for Pass or Vaccination Record Cards e- Food here is delicious and plentiful with your group tour guide. For a job well done, mailed to [email protected] or you an extensive breakfast menu. The outdoor we would suggest for your tour guide: USD can upload your vaccination history pool is a great place to relax by and enjoy $3-7 per traveller, for each day of sightseeing. yourself via our traveller login. https:// a refreshing splash in after a good day on Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and www.onthegotours.com/Login safari. Well located just a few minutes drive ultimately the amount is up to you. from Udawalawe National Park. The information you will need to upload Note: We do not collect a tipping kitty on our includes: Administering national authority or Safari in Sri Lanka tour, where you can tip at government, document No, name of Vaccine, your own discretion. date/s of vaccination. Guides & groups Entrance fees Our longest group tour in Sri Lanka is our Sri Entrance fees are not included within the cost Lanka Northeast Explorer – 12 day tour. All of our Group Tours and needs to be paid other group tours that we offer are sectors locally in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). Entrance of this larger tour. As such on your holiday KNOW BEFORE YOU GO fees will be collected on day 2 of your tour. you may have travellers join you part way through your tour or end their holiday when If travelling to India on our Delhi to Colombo COVID-19 Vaccination you continue on. You also may have a number tour, entrance fees for the India section of of escorting guides throughout your tour, ie Requirements your tour will be collected in INR, then for the one guide escorting days 1-5 then another for As of 01 November 2021 it is a condition of Sri Lankan section of your holiday in LKR. travel, as detailed in our Terms & Conditions the remainder of the holiday. that all travellers over 18 years provide proof Note: Entrance fees are included on our Safari Whenever there is 6 persons of more of COVID-19 vaccination. in Sri Lanka tour. on your holiday you will have a tour We recognise any vaccine that has been guide escorting/ travelling along with you. authorised for use in the country where Your guide will conduct the sightseeing

Colombo, Caves & Kandy arrangements, or accompany you where the ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 Shopping local law dictates that a local guide must months from your planned date of departure Sri Lanka is excellent for gemstones conduct the sightseeing in this region. Where from Sri Lanka. especially sapphires, moon-stones and cats- the group number is less than 6 persons eye. Other items to look out for include spices, After booking your holiday, please provide us you will travel from place to place with a wood carvings and other handicrafts, clothing with your passport details as soon as possible driver and meet a local guide at each new of types, batik and hand-woven textiles, so that we can proceed to book all services. destination that will conduct your sightseeing brassware, handmade lace from Galle and of Please be advised visa requirements are arrangements in this location. course tea. Tea varies in quality, so if you’re subject to change, therefore it is essential that buying in bulk, ask for a tasting! If seeking If traveling on our family tours, the longest you check current visa requirements with the modern local chic, Colombo offers a selection is the Wild Sri Lanka & Beach for Families - embassy before travel. For information about of department stores and stylish boutiques. 13 day tour and the other tours we offer are visas, head to www.onthegotours.com/Sri- Refrain from buying souvenirs made of coral sectors of this larger tour. As such on your Lanka/Visas (creation of this sort of tourist that contributes holiday you may have travellers join you part greatly to the destruction of Sri Lanka’s reefs), way through your tour or end their holiday Health requirements ivory or the hides of endangered animals. when you continue on. You should seek medical advice for vaccinations and about medications before In the tourism industry it’s common practice Sri Lanka Country Guide travelling. for commission to be offered in exchange for recommending particular shops or suppliers. Water Welcome to Sri Lanka - Arrival This can become an issue when clients feel As tap water is not safe to drink in Sri obliged to purchase. We do our best to avoid transfer Lanka, only drink bottled mineral water which A complimentary airport arrival transfer is this by monitoring all shopping experiences is readily available in hotels, shops and included. Upon arrival at Colombo Airport offered. restaurants. You should also avoid salads you will be met by a representative from which may be washed in unhygienic water. All shopping experiences on your tour On The Go Tours. The prominent sign have been noted in the itinerary and they depicting our company logo easily identifies What to pack been carefully selected based upon positive our representative, please have your Tour Please check local temperatures so feedback from On The Go travellers. You Voucher handy and make it available to our you can pack accordingly. Visit are under no obligation to partake in a representative. Our representative will assist www.worldclimate.com listed shopping experience and you are you with your luggage and escort you to our most welcome to wait inside or outside the vehicle for your transfer to your hotel. • Suitcase or frameless backpack/rucksack if preferred premises. If, for any reason you have trouble locating • Small day bag for your camera, water, Although we only visit reputable retailers, our representative (after waiting 20 minutes sunglasses, i-Pod etc. please note that we cannot explicitly in the arrival hall) or your flight to Sri Lanka is • Please see go to www.onthegotours.com/ guarantee the quality of their products. All delayed, please call or send a text message Sri-Lanka/Travel-tips-and-useful-info for purchases made whilst on holiday with us are (standard text message, not Messenger or recommendations on what/what not to wear at your own discretion. Please make sure that WhatsApp) to the emergency contact number • Personal first aid kit you are completely happy with your purchase. as stated on your Tour Voucher. Please do not • Sunglasses, hat, umbrella, money belt, DEET On The Go cannot be held responsible for leave the airport or go to the hotel on your - based industrial strength mosquito/insect any items that you buy if they fail to meet own. Call our emergency contact number and repellent. High factor sunscreen and bathers/ expectation, or any shipping arrangements. follow the advice given by our local team. swim costume Proceed with caution. • Anti-bacterial hand gel/wet wipes and flat Pre and post tour accommodation can be pack toilet paper/tissues arranged upon request, please contact us for It's not like home & what to • Universal travel adaptor rates. If you are arriving early and book pre expect • Tour Voucher and a copy of your travel tour accommodation with us then you will still Please visit www.onthegotours.com/Sri- insurance policy, spare passport photos and a qualify for our complimentary airport arrival Lanka/Travel-tips-and-useful-info for local photocopy of your passport transfer. customs, currency, WiFi and other helpful • Spare camera batteries, memory cards information to prepare you for an enjoyable • Pack as light as possible to leave room for Visas & passports holiday. Visa requirements are subject to change and the souvenirs! visa procurement is the responsibility of the Travel to far - flung corners of the earth traveller and not On The Go Tours. Please also involves lifestyles and conditions that are

Colombo, Caves & Kandy sometimes very different from what you are used to back home. You must come prepared to cope with unusual situations, local inadequacies and unpredictable events as and when they occur. Foreign travel is definitely not suitable for people who expect or demand everything to go exactly as planned. With the greatest respect and in the interest of your ultimate enjoyment you must understand this. Things can and do change in foreign countries.