14 DAYS CYCLE THE BACK ROADS OF

DESTINATIONS —

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1

Destination Meals included Lunch Accommodation N/A

The group flight typically arrives at Bandaranayake International Airport around lunchtime and we transfer to Sigiriya (approximately 4 hours) where we stay for the next 2 nights.

DAY 2

Destination Sigiriya  cave temple  Sigiriya Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

After breakfast we ride along gravel roads following an old irrigation canal to Dambulla, the 2nd Century BC Buddhist cave temple. It is well worth the walk to view the five caves, which contain many ancient Buddha statues, some carved from the solid rock. Returning via the busy market town we take another quiet back road riding through chilli and rice fields before cycling back at our hotel for lunch and a relaxing swim in the pool. In the late afternoon we climb the 5th Century rock fortress of Sigiriya to see the beautiful frescoes painted onto the rock face (not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo). The ruins of the palace on the summit are surpassed only by the magnificent aerial view of the surrounding jungle. Stay as long as you like, as it's only 10 minutes walk back to our hotel.

DAY 3

Destination Sigiriya  Polunnaruwa Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

A long morning ride along a quiet back road which is part of the Sigiriya nature reserve, before joining the highway travelling east towards , riding all the way to our lunch stop and overnight stay. For those who fancy a swim, the hotel also has a swimming pool, a pleasant place to spend the hot early afternoon. Later we tour the old ruined city of Polonnaruwa, which dates from the 10-13th centuries.

DAY 4

Destination Polunnaruwa  Spice Growing Region Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

We follow the local lake's man-made 6km dam and feeder canal to its source, the Amban Ganga River. The afternoon ride is flanked by the stunning Kalanduwa hills on one side and the borders of Wasgomuwa Wildlife Park on the other. As the jungle gives way to plantations, we enter the spice growing region of Sri Lanka. The night is spent in a family- run guest house with small cabanas dotted around the estate. It’s basic but the home cooking in clay pots on wood fired stoves gives you the real flavour of Sri Lanka. If you would like to find out more about the spices used in the piquant Lankan curries, the owners can arrange a visit to one of the renowned spice gardens a short walk down the road.

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com P1 TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 5

Destination Spice Growing Region  Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

Today is tougher as we head for the hills and Kandy, the spiritual and cultural capital of the hill country. Those who feel like an easy day can jump onto the bus for the 50km trip to Kandy, while the rest of us pedal away, riding through the Moorish town of . Its inhabitants, descendants from Arab spice traders, still control most of the spice market, which is a good place to pick up some freshly ground curry powder. As Kandy's roads are as old as the city itself, we may have to drive the last few kilometres to avoid the traffic. Surrounded by hills, the town is centred around a small lake and the . The afternoon is free to wander through the streets and markets.

DAY 6

Destination Kandy Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A

A free day to explore the town. Kandy has many interesting attractions including the wonderful Botanical Gardens, the famous Temple of the Tooth, and streets lined with interesting curio shops. The surrounding hills are dotted with wonderful temples.

DAY 7

Destination Kandy  Nuwara Eliya Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

For anyone who doesn't do hills, we strongly recommend the train ride to Nuwara Eliya. For those who feel like a challenge, it’s 84km, climbing up to 2000m above sea level to reach this most favoured hill station. For the first part of the ride we take the old road, a far more pleasant route, and one of the few places where you see terraced paddy fields. Beyond the paddy fields is tea country and the area is reputed to produce the finest teas on the island. Tickets for the train journey are dependent on availabilty on the day (although usually available, there may be the chance that the bus will need to be used instead for those who don't fancy the hill).

DAY 8

Destination Nuwara Eliya  Ella Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

In the morning we visit a tea factory on the edge of the town, and then cycle through hilly country towards Ella, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant and later tea in Bandarawela, a trading centre where exotic fruits from the east coast are traded for hill-country vegetables. Arriving in the late afternoon, we watch the sunset from the famous view point, Ella Gap. On a clear day you can see the coast shimmering in the distance.

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com P2 TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 9

Destination Ella  Buduruvagela  Tissamaharama Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

Descending 1000m we leave the breathtaking scenery of Uva Province for the gentle rolling hills of the dry zone, stopping at the impressive rock-cut Buddha Statues at Buduruvagala. The giant 15m rock carving of Buddha is flanked by small figures depicting his helpers and a very rare image of Maitreya, the future Buddha, which dates from the 10th Century. The tranquillity of the place is enhanced by the lotus-covered lake where we will relax on the banks and enjoy some fresh fruit before riding on to lunch. Here we can retreat from the heat of the day, before the final 30km to Tissamaharama, the capital of the old Ruhuna Kingdom.

DAY 10

Tissamaharama  Temple  Yala N.P.  Destination Tissamaharama Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

In the morning we cycle to , which lies 16km northeast of Tissa. People of all faiths come to seek favour with the god Skanda, who is reputed to restore people's health. The colourful and noisy pooja is always busy, with thousands of pilgrims during the festival season from July - August. Tissa is close to Yala National Park, the best park in Sri Lanka to see leopard. After lunch we have a safari in the park, when we may see elephant, deer, wild boar, sloth bear, asian jackal, lots of birdlife and if very lucky a leopard. We return to Tissa for the night (please note that the sanctuary may be closed for 4-6 weeks from September to October allowing the park authorities to check the animals. We therefore go to an alternative area close by, usually Lunugamvehera or Udawalawe National Park).

DAY 11

Destination Tissamaharama  Bundala N.P.   Ahangama Meals included Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation N/A

Leaving early to avoid the heat of the dry zone, we ride along the boundary of Bundala Bird Sanctuary. During certain times of the year thousands of flamingos can be seen wading in the brackish shallows, eyed up by crocodiles, basking in the early morning sun. We hit the main road for the final 30km to Hambantota, a series of sandy bays fanning out from this typical coastal town. Transfer from Hambantota to Ahangama by coach. For the next 2 nights we stay in Ahangama.

DAY 12

Destination Ahangama Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A

Relax at the hotel or join a late morning ride along rural roads to the village of Wandurugama before returning via Koggala Lake and back to the hotel to end our riding. This afternoon is free to explore the beach area or swim and laze by the pool. In the late afternoon we can view the stilt fishermen climb their poles to catch a few bites for supper. From November to April we can also go whale watching off Dondra head, near Mirissa, which is one of the best places in the world for seeing Blue and Sperm whales. Huge pods of dolphins are also often seen accompanying the boats.

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com P3 TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 13

Destination Ahangama  Galla  Colombo Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A

Leaving mid morning, we will stop to visit . The Old Dutch fort was built in 1663 after the Dutch took the island from the Portuguese. The old ramparts and small back streets bring alive some of the history of the fight for colonial domination of this prized island. You’re free to find your own lunch, meeting back at the bus at around 2.30pm for the 2 hour drive to Colombo. The rest of the day is free to relax by the pool or shop along the main street. For the last evening meal we can choose from one of the many restaurants in Colombo.

DAY 14

Destination Colombo Meals included Breakfast Accommodation N/A

If you are travelling on the group flight we will have a morning transfer to the airport for the daytime flight home. The arrangements for those not flying with the group end after check out.

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com P4 TOUR ITINERARY

Inclusions

WHATS INCLUDED All breakfasts and 10 lunches All accommodation (11 nights hotels, 2 nights guesthouses, all en suite) All transport and listed activities Tour leader throughout Airport transfers (for group flights only) Local bike hire Superior twin share accommodation Sightseeing and transportation as per the itinerary

Fine Print

HOW TO BOOK & Deposit & Payments PAYMENTS Book now and secure your package with only a $400 deposit per person. Pay a 2nd instalment of $561 per person within 28 days. You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Booking Process

Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password) Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment. You may also pay via BPAY (not available within 70 days of departure) Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfil your booking Your position on the tour will be confirmed within 48 hours of completing your order. If your place cannot be confirmed, a full refund of the deposit will occu"

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com P5 TOUR ITINERARY

OPTIONAL TOURS Optional ride to Koggala while in Ahangama - On Request

EXCLUSIONS Airfares Personal Expenses Travel Insurance Optional activities Anything not mentioned in the itinerary or optional

HOTEL LIST Sigiriya - Hotel Sigiriya or alternative accommodation in the area Polunnaruwa - The Village Hotel or alternative accommodation in the area Spice Growing Region - The Village Hotel or alternative accommodation in the area Kandy - Hotel Thilanka or alternative accommodation in the area Nuwara Eliya - Mirage King's Cottage or alternative accommodation in the area Ella - Hotel Country Comfort or alternative accommodation in the area Tissamaharama - Chandrika Hotel or alternative accommodation in the area

IMPORTANT Accommodation INFORMATION The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement A single supplement is available on all nights of this trip from an extra $718 subject to availability.

Triple Share Not available.

Children Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Documentation Final documentation will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

The information provided in this document is subject to change and may be affected by unforeseen events outside the control of Inspiring Vacations. Where changes to your itinerary or bookings occur, appropriate advice or instructions will be sent to your email address.

Call 1300 88 66 88 Email [email protected] www.inspiringvacations.com P6