Sigiriya Rock Fortress

The Jewels of With Jax Comyn 12th – 26th February 2016 With an optional post-tour extension to Yala National Park 26th – 28th February 2016

The Ultimate Travel Company Escorted Tours

Gal Vihara, The Jewels of Sri Lanka With Jax Comyn 12th – 26th February 2016 With a post tour extension to Yala National Park 26th – 28th February 2016

Contact Flora Scott-Williams Direct Line 020 7386 4643 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Fax 020 7386 8652 Email [email protected]

Jax Comyn Born and brought up in East Africa, Jax´s peregrinations have taken her all over most of the globe, with extended spells in the Far East and Middle East, Ethiopia and Turkey. Passionate about people and places, she loves to share her insights and enthusiasm with like-minded souls, who like colour, vitality and travelling a little ‘off the beaten track’!

Detailed Itinerary

This tour of the beautiful island of Sri Lanka focuses on ancient and medieval architecture, as well as the achievements of contemporary artists and architects including the late Cambridge-educated Geoffrey Bawa, Ena de Silva and Barbara Sansoni.

With its ancient past, colonial traditions and spectacular scenery our journey encompasses visits to impressive rock-hewn fortresses, magnificent temples dating from the second and third century BC – many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ethereal religious sites and ruined cities, along with botanical gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, tea plantations and an unspoiled Victorian hill station.

Throughout the trip we can enjoy the wonderful culinary and colourful dishes this spice island has to offer as well the friendly and gentle charm of its people.

National Museum, The Gallery Café, Colombo

Day 1: Friday, 12th February London / Colombo Depart London Heathrow on a Sri Lankan Airways overnight flight to Colombo.

Day 2: Saturday, 13th February Colombo On arrival, transfer to the charming Face Hotel, a 5-star colonial hotel located in the heart of Colombo overlooking the Indian Ocean, where two nights are spent.

Lunch at the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Early evening transfer to the famous Paradise Road for a visit to the gallery and shop followed by dinner at the Gallery Café, which used to be Geoffrey Bawa’s office. Return to the hotel.

Day 3: Sunday, 14th February Colombo Morning city tour of the old town with resident host, Mark Forbes, including the 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings, the famous Pettah open air bazaars and markets, the National Museum and the Sampumal Foundation, which was once the home of Sri Lankan artist Harry Pieris. Today this rambling tile-roofed bungalow is packed with some of the best examples of Sri Lankan art from the 1920s onwards.

Lunch at the Old Dutch Hospital. In the afternoon enjoy a glimpse of the famous Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa’s creations including his house and also the Buddhist temple of . Geoffrey Bawa, who died in 2003, is considered to be one of the most influential and important Asian architects of the 20th century. Although he is best known for his private houses and hotels, his portfolio also included schools, universities, factories and offices, public buildings and social buildings, as well as the new Sri Lankan Parliament. He is the principal force behind what is today known globally as ‘Tropical Modernism’. Visit the textile shop, ‘Barefoot’ (there is also a shop in Galle) which was started by the artist, writer and designer Barbara Sansoni 40 years ago. Return to the hotel late afternoon for the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Evening drinks followed by dinner at the hotel.

Two Heavenly Maidens Ancient Polonnaruwu temple

Day 4: Monday, 15th February Colombo / Habarana Drive (with luggage) to Habarana and stop en route at the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation the orphanage was originally founded in order to provide protection and care to many orphaned and unweaned wild elephants found wandering in and around the forests of Sri Lanka. Today it is not only an orphanage but also a nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village.

Lunch at Pinnalanda Restaurant overlooking the lake where the elephants bathe. Continue to Habarana and check into Cinnamon Lodge, surrounded by 27 acres of lush forested land, where three nights are spent. Cinnamon Lodge not only offers beautiful gardens, including a butterfly garden, but there is also a swimming pool, tennis and badminton court and a spa. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Tuesday, 16th February Habarana & Sigiriya Morning visit to the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress, a World Heritage Site. Optional walk to ‘Lion Rock’, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD), an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. Visit the frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens of Sigiriya which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock. (Please note that the climb to the top of ‘Lion Rock’ can take up to 90 minutes. Certain parts of the walk are quite steep and should not be attempted by anyone with mobility issues, a heart condition, or breathing difficulties. You may wish to walk part of the way or tuk tuks will also be provided to take you around the fortress). Transfer to Kandalama.

Lunch at the Kandalama Hotel. Return to the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Optional evening elephant safari (at a supplementary cost). Dinner at the hotel.

Day 6: Wednesday, 17th February Habarana & Polonnaruwa Early this morning, weather permitting, there will be a unique opportunity (at additional cost) to enjoy magnificent views of Sigirya rock from a hot air balloon followed by a champagne breakfast. Visit Polonnaruwa, the beautifully preserved medieval capital which was established in 11th century AD by King Parakramabahu I (1153-86) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ruins of the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu and the Parakrama Saumdraya. Also visit the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilare, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of the former Relic. Finally visit the ruins of the Royal Palace and the Gal Vihara which has four statues of Buddha carved out of rock. Visit a batik and wood carving factory.

Lunch at Polonnaruwa Rest House. Return to the hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Special BBQ dinner by the lake at the hotel.

Dambulla Cave Temple Temple of the Tooth,

Day 7: Thursday, 18th February Habarana / / / Kandy Drive (with luggage) to Kandy with a stop en route at Dambulla rock temple. Dambulla was built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC and is a World Heritage Site. It contains over 150 images of Buddha. Continue to the Heritage Matale Centre, the workshop of Ena de Silva, the legendary batik artist and great friend of Geoffrey Bawa. Her workshop in Matale is built in the hills where her ancestors lived for generations, hidden amidst a garden full of flowers and trees. Visit a spice garden where there will be a cookery demonstration.

Lunch at Ranweli Spice Garden. Continue driving to Kandy and check-in to the Earl’s Regency Hotel, which overlooks the Mahaweli River, and where two nights are spent. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s facilities including a swimming pool and Ayurvedic spa. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 8: Friday, 19th February Kandy Morning visit to the Royal Peradeniya Botanical gardens which were first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King and then expanded by the British. City tour of Kandy including Kandy Lake, Kandy town bazaar, the arts and crafts centre, the gem museum and lapidary.

Lunch at Ellerton Hotel in the hills above Kandy with spectacular views. Afternoon visit to a nearby local Tea Factory. Continue to the beautifully restored Garrison Cemetery housing the gravestones of many British nationals who played a key role in the development of Sri Lanka in the 19th century including Lady Elizabeth Gregory and Sir John D’Oyly. Return to the hotel. Early evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth

Relic, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist temple, followed by an evening cultural show. Dinner at Helga’s Folly. Return to the hotel.

Day 9: Saturday, 20th February Kandy / Nuwara Eliya Morning at leisure before an early afternoon transfer to Kandy train station for an afternoon (time to be confirmed) to Nanu Oya enjoying the spectacular scenery of tea plantations and thick jungle along the way.

Lunch on board the train. On arrival in Nanu Oya transfer to the Heritance Tea Factory Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, which was built in the days of the British Raj and has preserved much of its original style and machinery, and where two nights are spent. Enjoy a unique dining experience aboard an old Railway Carriage at the hotel. The TCK 6685, was a third-class carriage of the Udapussellawa narrow-gauge railway line that used to transport tea but closed down in 1950 and has now been converted to a fine-dining restaurant.

The Hill Club, Nuwara Eliya Galle Fort, Galle

Day 10: Sunday, 21st February Nuwara Eliya Morning visit to the Hakgala Gardens which were established in 1860. The gardens started life as an experimental plantation of cinchona trees, from which the anti-malarial drug quinine is derived, but they are now best known for their roses, ferns and orchid house – and for their beautiful views. The gardens are also home to some interesting wildlife, including bear monkeys and sambur, as well as an outstanding array of montane birdlife.

Lunch at the Hill Club, an old English colonial hotel, its interior complete with cracked leather furniture, stag’s heads, time-worn books, and a men-only bar – a perfect little period piece. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s facilities or enjoy a round of golf at the famous 18-hole golf course. Dinner at the hotel.

Alternatively there is optional full day excursion (at a supplementary cost) to visit Adisham Monastery Bungalow, a country house near Haputale, which was built in 1931 by an English aristocrat and planter Sir Thomas Villiers, former Chairman of George Steuart Co, a trading and estate agency based in Colombo. Adisham Hall played host to many prominent personalities of the colony until the retirement of Sir Thomas, after which it was sold to Sedawatte Mills in 1949. In 1961 it was purchased by the Roman Catholic Church and was subsequently converted to a monastery. The house is well preserved along with its period fittings and furniture. Lunch included at a local restaurant en route. Please note that the journey time is a 3 hour drive there and a 3 hour drive back. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 11: Monday, 22nd February Nuwara Eliya / Kitugala / Galle Drive (with luggage) to Galle via Kitugala.

Lunch at the Plantation Hotel restaurant on the banks of the Kelani River. Continue to Galle and check into the Lighthouse Hotel and Spa in Galle, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, where three nights are spent. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 12: Tuesday, 23rd February Galle Morning excursion to Galle, which was once the chief port of Ceylon and is still renowned today for its hand-made lace. During the tour of the city you will see the port area and visit the Galle Fort, which covers some 90 acres and was originally built by the Portuguese, though later extended by the Dutch in 1663. There is also a very interesting Dutch Museum.

Lunch at Kahanda Kanda surrounded by tea plantations and offering spectacular views. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore Galle’s timeless streets with jewellery shops spilling with gems; ancient ramparts for sunset walks; and dusty antique shops. Dinner at Amangalla at Galle Fort.

Day 13: Wednesday, 24th February Galle Morning visit to the SOS Children’s Village designed by architect, Chelvadurai Anjalendran, a student of the influential Geoffrey Bawa. Visit to the Martin Wickramashinghe Folk Art Museum, which provides an insight into the carefree life of the great Sri Lankan writer whose formative years were spent amidst the flora and fauna and the background of a rich village life. Visit to Miles Young’s house, Mount Cinnamon, in Marissa which was designed by Chelvadurai Anjalendran. Return to the hotel.

Lunch under own arrangements or optional afternoon cookery lesson including lunch (at a supplementary cost). Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Evening transfer to dinner at The Sun House, an old colonial house built in 1860 and once was the home to a Scottish spice merchant. Return to the hotel.

Lunuganga Brief Garden

Day 14: Thursday, 25th February Galle / Bentota Drive (with luggage) to Bentota and visit Geoffrey Bawa’s country house in Lunuganga. The house and gardens at Lunuganga, were lovingly created over several decades and show Bawa’s vision of a tropical garden idyll. The Italian inspired garden with spectacular views over lakes and tropical jungle together with a simply designed plantation house are one of the lasting legacies of Asia's most famous architect.

Lunch at Lunuganga. Afternoon visit to the nearby ‘Brief Garden’, the house of Bawa’s brother’s, Bevis Bawa. Bevis spent 40 years growing and shaping ‘Brief’, the 2.5 hectare plot of land, north of the Bentota River, which was his home for the greater part of his life. He cleared the surrounding rubber plantation and went on to create a verdant romantic folly of inviting alcoves, nooks, and bowers. The house is even more appealing, a beautiful colonial villa stuffed full of miscellaneous artworks including a stunning mural of Sri Lankan life by Australian artist Donald Friend, which dominates the hall. It also houses artefacts, as well as assorted mementoes of Bevis Bawa’s life and times, including photographs of some celebrities who visited, such as Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh. Transfer to the Avani Beach Hotel which was influenced by Geoffrey Bawa and where one night is spent. Evening transfer to Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery where there will be an opportunity to hopefully see the nesting endangered green turtle. Special candlelit farewell dinner on the beach at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. Return to the hotel.

Day 15: Friday, 26th February Bentota / Colombo /London Morning transfer (with luggage) to Colombo International Airport for an early afternoon flight to London Heathrow arriving in the evening.

N.B Please note that this trip does involve a substantial amount of walking and a certain level of fitness is required.

Tour Price

COST PER PERSON: £4,595 Single supplement: £825 Visa fees: Currently USD 30 per person (subject to change) A fee of £95 per person will be charged for those who would like to travel out or back separately from the main group. Tour cost less international flights: £3,648 per person Room Upgrades (subject to availability): Luxury Room at Earls Regency, Kandy (King beds only): £65 per person (for the two nights) Single supplement: £40 Executive Room at Heritance Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya (King beds only): £45 per person (for the two nights) Single supplement: £35 Super Deluxe Room at the Lighthouse Hotel, Galle: £65 per person (for the three nights) Single supplement: £40 Optional Excursions (please let is know if you would like to do any of the optional excursions): Elephant Back Ride on 16th February: £20 per person Hot Air Balloon ride ride from Dambulla over Kandalama Reservoir towards Sigiriya Rock on 17th February: £150 per person Full day excursion to Adisham Monastery including lunch on 21st February: £95 per person (based on 4-6 people sharing a car/mini bus) Cookery Lesson in Galle including lunch on 24th February: £40 per person

The tour cost includes:  economy class scheduled flights as per the itinerary  air passenger duty, passenger service charge, airline security charges, airport taxes and fuel surcharges where applicable - currently £345 (based on 2015 rates and subject to change)  accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary  breakfast daily; 12 lunches; 13 dinners; bottled water included at meals.  Limited wine is included at the welcome dinner on 23th and the farewell dinner on 25th February  all entrance fees, visits and excursions as per the itinerary  all transportation as detailed in the itinerary  local English-speaking guide/s  gratuities in restaurants for included meals  gratuities to driver/s and guide/s  porterage

 the services of your tour leader throughout the tour

The tour cost does NOT include:  drinks with meals (except bottled water at all meals, and limited wine with dinner on 23rd and 25th February)  visa fees  travel insurance  items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.)  government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 19/11/2014

Changes to the Itinerary Please note, that certain elements of this itinerary, and/or the order of events, may well be subject to alteration due to circumstances beyond our control.

Fitness to travel Whilst we do not impose any age limitations on joining a tour, participants must be reasonably fit. The very nature of the sightseeing involved in our tours (and the difficulties of direct access by coach in various places) means that a considerable amount of walking and standing is unavoidable on almost all tours. We regret that our tours are not suitable for people who have difficulty in walking, may require wheelchair assistance at any time, or are unable to keep pace with the group. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of a tour, please make this known to us before you book and we will advise you accordingly. The Ultimate Travel Company reserves the right to decline a reservation without necessarily giving a reason. Your tour leader may also refuse to take participants on particular excursions if they feel that the rest of the group will be held up.

Airline Tickets As a tour operator we have access to special airfares. While these offer good value, they do carry certain restrictions applied by the airline. Please ask us for details.

Note: If you are thinking about using air miles to upgrade to a premium cabin on the flights, please check with us first as fare restrictions might not permit this.

Health Requirements As we are not medical experts we advise that you contact your doctor or local health authority for up-to-date medical advice.

We would advise that all your routine vaccinations are up-to date prior to travel. No special precautions are required for travel to Sri Lanka, and no inoculations are compulsory, although a Yellow Fever certificate is required if you have travelled within an infected area recently.

A number of inoculations are ‘recommended’ in certain circumstances – hepatitis A and B, polio, tetanus, typhoid, diphtheria & TB and Japanese B encephalitis.

Passport and Visa Information Passengers should hold a full passport, which should have at least six months validity after the date of your return. British nationals need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can get a short stay visa through an online visa application process with the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

FCO Advice Travel advice issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office can be viewed at www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.

Post tour extension to Yala National Park

Chaaya Wild Hotel, Yala Leopard in Yala National Park

Day 15: Friday, 26th February Galle / Yala National Park Morning transfer (with luggage) to Yala National Park (approximately 4 hours drive) and check-in to Chaaya Wild which is situated at Kirinda, bordering the Yala Wildlife Sanctuary and the Indian Ocean, on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka, and where two nights are spent. Spanning 10 acres of jungle and endless miles of beach, the Chaaya Wild is truly a nature resort of untamed beauty and unmatched luxury. Step out into the jungle from your luxury chalet to watch the elephants walking by or the illusive leopard sunning itself on the rocky outcrop close by. Enjoy a sip at the resort’s watering hole (the Pool Bar) and a ‘bite’ the Restaurant of Chaaya Wild. The observation deck at Chaaya Wild is available for those who wish to get a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking area.

Lunch under own arrangements. Afternoon (15.00hrs) game drive by jeep. Your chauffer will be with you as will your Yala naturalist guide. Dinner at the lodge.

Day 16: Saturday, 27th February Yala National Park Early morning game drive by jeep (04.00hrs). Before sunrise the animals are more active due to cooler temperatures. Breakfast at the lodge. Remainder of the morning at leisure.

Lunch under own arrangements. Afternoon (15.00hrs) game drive by jeep. Dinner at the lodge.

Day 17: Sunday, 28th February Yala National Park / Dickwella / Colombo / London Early morning transfer (with luggage) for a morning Sri Lankan airways domestic sea plane to Colombo to connect with Sri Lankan Airways lunch-time flight to London Heathrow arriving in the evening.

Extension Price

EXTENSION COST PER PERSON (in a Jungle Suite): £780 Single supplement in a Jungle Suite: £180 Supplement to upgrade to a Beach Chalet: £30 per person (for two nights) Please note that accommodation at Chaaya Wild Hotel, Yala is subject to availability.

The extension cost includes:  domestic flights as per the itinerary  accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary  breakfast daily, 2 dinners  all transportation as detailed in the itinerary  Entrances to Buduruwagala & Yala National Park  Yala Jeep  English speaking National Guide

The extension cost does NOT include:  lunch daily  drinks with meals  items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.)  gratuities to guide/s, gratuities at meals, tips to drivers  government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 19/11/2014  services of your tour leader

Changes to the Itinerary Please note, that certain elements of this itinerary, and/or the order of events, may well be subject to alteration due to circumstances beyond our control.