China Explored, Laterally

- Tim Bennett - China explored,Sri Lanka Laterally explored, - laterally

Because I’ve always wanted to... Colombo

= One way flight = Return flight = Drive = Train/Drive

In a Nutshell... Flights...

Date Airline & From Departs To Arrives Class Day 1 - Fly from London overnight Flight Number Day 2 - Arrive in Colombo. Rosyth Estate House SriLankan London Colombo Day 3 - 5 - At leisure. Rosyth Estate House Airlines Heathrow T3 Day 6 - Transfer to Ulagalla Resort, Anuradhapura SriLankan Colombo London Airlines Heathrow Day 7 - Anuradhapura by Bike. Ulagalla Resort T3

Day 8 - Morning Jeep Safari. Ulagalla Resort

Day 9 - Train to Ella. Nine Skies Bungalow Day 10 - Explore Ella. Nine Skies Bungalow Trains...

Day 11 - Transfer to Yala National Park. Chena Huts

Day 12 - Explore Yala National Park on Safari. Chena Huts Day 13 - Morning Jeep Safari, transfer to Mirissa. Sri Sharavi

Day 14 - Enjoy Sri Sharavi & Mirissa. Sri Sharavi Date From Departs To Arrives Class Day 15 - Morning Whale Watching from Mirissa. Sri Sharavi

Day 16 - Enjoy Mirissa. Sri Sharavi Kandy TBC Nanu Oya TBC TBC Railway Station Railway Station Day 17 - Transfer to The Owl & The Pussy Cat, Koggala

Day 18 - Galle Walking Tour. The Owl & The Pussy Cat Day 19 - Paddy Field Cycling Tour. The Owl & The Pussy Cat

Day 20 - Transfer to Colombo, City Tour. Uga Residence

Day 21 - Fly home

Welcome home!

Your Recommended Itinerary...

Day 1 - Fly from the UK to Colombo overnight Today you will be collected from home by your chauffeur and driven to Heathrow Airport for your overnight flight to Colombo.

Accommodation: Overnight flight Meals: On-board Meals

Day 2 - Arrive in Colombo, transfer to Rosyth Estate, Kegalle You will be met at the airport by your laterallife representative and introduced to your chauffeur guide who will be accompanying you on your tour. The guide will take and drop you at Rosyth Estate House.

Sandwiched between the bustling capital of Colombo and the city of Kandy in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, the attractive town of Kegalle serves as the main commercial centre of the Kegalle District and the gateway to the naturally beautiful central hill-country. The town offers panoramic views of this spectacularly scenic surrounding area which is characterised by lush rolling hills dotted with an array of unusual temples, many of which have been built around natural caves. Other popular attractions in the area include the exquisite Algama Falls, which feature lovely natural swimming pools, the Wewaladeniya Viharaya temple, located in the middle of town, a number of beautiful spice plantations, and the nearby village of Molagoda, which is renowned for its traditional clay-based handcrafts.

Accommodation: Rosyth Estate House, Cinnamon Meals: All meals

Day 3-5 - Rosyth Estate House These days are at leisure for you to relax and enjoy Rosyth Estate House.

Accommodation: Rosyth Estate House, Cinnamon Meals: All meals

Day 6 - Transfer to Ulagalla Resort, Anuradhapura This morning you will depart from Rosyth after breakfast and be transferred to Ulagalla.

After Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns, brought a sacred branch from Buddha’s ‘tree of enlightenment’ to Anuradhapura in the 3rd century BC, the city flourished as the island’s political and religious capital. It thrived for 1 300 years, becoming renowned for its colossal city walls, shrines, public buildings and complicated irrigation systems (which still function today). After an invasion by the Pandyans, Anuradhapura was abandoned, all but disappearing into the jungle until its rediscovery by the British in the 19th century. Subsequent restoration led to its being re-established as a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site, and more recently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the Sri Maha Bodhiya (Bodhi Tree) and the Ruwanwelisaya, one of the world’s tallest monuments, surrounded by walls that are spectacularly decorated with 1900 elephant figures.

Accommodation: Ulagalla Resort, Pool Villa Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Anuradhapura by Bike Anuradhapura was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Sri Lanka, It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Many places of histori- cal and archaeological interest are found here. However, given the one and half to two hour journey to reach Anuradhapura from most of the hotels in the Sigi- riya district and the scale of the ancient city, we recommend a full day is allocat- ed to this attraction and visitors who are restricted on time normally chose not to visit Anuradhapura. Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred bo-tree, was brought as a sapling of the tree under which prince Siddhartha attained to enlightenment and it is over 2,300 years old and is said to be the oldest historically documented tree in the world. At Brazen Palace, (2nd century B.C), the 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C) is the most famous of all the Dagobas.

It originally depicted the perfect 'bubble shape' that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce. The Samadhi' Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of 'Samadhi' or deep meditation. Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century B.C) is well known for its rock carvings of 'The Lovers'. Kuttam Pokuna – twin ponds (6th century AD) was used by the Buddhist monks as a bathing pool. Thuparama Dagoba (3rd century B.C) is the oldest Dagoba in the island, which enshrines the right collarbone of the Buddha. Close by, some 30 minutes by car, in Mihintale, is the site where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Found on this rock are many shrines and dwellings originally used by monks. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made of 15 feet wide granite slabs leads to the summit from where one can get a splendid view of the surrounding countryside.

Afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Ulagalla Resort, Pool Villa Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Morning Jeep Safari, Minneriya National Park (Optional) The Minneriya Tank was created by King Parakarambahu at the height of Pol- onnaruwa’s glory as the capital of Sri Lanka. The national park based largely around the huge tank (reservoir) was created rather more recently but serves as an important gathering place for Sri Lanka’s large population of elephants. It is a great place for elephant spotting all year round – though as the dry season makes water scarce between June and September, more and more elephants gather on the shores of Minneriya Tank.

Indeed by late August and September, the awe inspiring site of up to 300 elephants can often be seen, in a phenomenon known as ‘The Gathering’. It is the largest concentration and gathering of Asian elephants that can be seen any- where in the world. Watching baby elephants playing with each other, bull elephants tussling for dominance and the great matriarchs surveying the scene is not a sight you are likely to forget in a hurry. Aside from the elephant, Minneriya is also home to some 23 other species of mammals: some, like the Deer and Sambur you will see, some like the Leopard and the Sloth Bear will probably prove elusive. The arid dry zone is a paradise for many species of Lizard and you will see them here in all their technical colour brilliance if you look carefully enough, as well as snakes like the Indian Python and the Mugger Crocodile. Above all, of course, are Sri Lanka’s wonderfully varied bird population. Among the 150 or so species, particular favorites of ours you may see in Minneriya include the beautiful painted stork, and various other bird species.

Afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Ulagalla Resort, Pool Villa Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Train to Ella Today you will take a scenic train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya and then on by road to Ella. The train journey is on the bucket list of most travellers to Sri Lanka. Why is the Kandy to Nanu-Oya train journey so amazing? The views on both sides of the rail are breath-taking but it is a journey on one of the most charmingly decrepit railway systems in the world which reinforces the desire to travel in a modicum of discomfort!

The railway journey Service began in 1864 with the construction of the Main Line from Colombo to Ambepussa and was extended to the high tea country. At Rambukkana, the line begins a steep climb into the hills. From Rambukkana to Kandy, at Kadugannawa the track runs along the edge of sheer cliffs, allowing passengers a view of Batalegala (Bible Rock).

The Main Line from Colombo then continues climbing through tea country, con- necting market centers at Gampola and Hatton before reaching Nanu-Oya. This is the connection to the former colonial resort of Nuwara Eliya, still visited for its temperate climate, classic hotels and British-style gardens. The Main Line reaches its summit at Pattipola, 6,226 feet (1,898 m) above sea level, before descending via Ella and Bandarawela to Badulla. The spectacular tea gardens, mountains, valleys and waterfalls.

During the train journey, you can walk around the carriages, go to the toilet, visit the food stand or purchase some snacks from vendors who wander about. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the view via the open doorway, tea plantations, villages and bridges with eerily huge drop-offs.

The tickets for the train journey can only be booked 1 month prior to departure and as a result it has become increasingly challenging to obtain the tickets. To maximize our success we would look to purchase 1st , 2nd and 3rd class in that order as well as trying for portions of the journey. Your driver guide will have your tickets and would drop you at the train station and wait with you until the arrival of the train, help you to board the train and drive with your luggage to the station to meet you. Generally, the train is slower than driving on the road.

Resting on the southern edge of Sri Lanka’s picturesque Hill Country, the small, sleepy village of Ella is known for its exceptional natural scenery, its wonderfully tranquil atmosphere, and its pleasantly moderate climate. This popular backpack- er-hub has become a well-established, must-see tourist destination and an ideal base for travellers exploring the idyllic surrounding countryside cloaked in tea plantations and lush forest. With only a handful of essential stores and tourist facilities, Ella has managed to retain its rural charm and visitors will find a single street winding its way down the hillside past a few quaint cafés, guesthouses and cottages enclosed in neat, flower-filled gardens. At the edge of the escarpment you will find a classic view past the renowned Ella Rock on the right and through a cleft in the hills – the so-called Ella Gap – to the plains far below.

Accommodation: Nine Skies Bungalow, Demodera Bedroom Meals: All meals

Day 10 - Explore Ella Your driver guide will take you on an excursion to see the highlights of Ella.

Accommodation: Nine Skies Bungalow, Demodera Bedroom Meals: All meals

Day 11 - Transfer to Yala National Park Today you will transfer via Ella down to the South Coast and to Chena Huts. At lesiure on arrival.

Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public, and also adjoining parks. The blocks have individual names such as, Ruhuna Na- tional Park (block 1) and Kumana National Park or 'Yala East' for the adjoining area. It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi) and is located about 300 kilometres (190 mi) from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds.

You have 2 jeep safaris included during your stay at Chena Huts.

Accommodation: Chena Huts, Guest Cabin Meals: All meals

Day 12 - Explore Yala National Park on Safari This morning is at leisure.

Afternoon Jeep Safari in Yala National Park Located in the wild south-east part of the island, this region is a haven for flora and fauna and excellent game. The beaches are backed by large sand dunes giv- ing rise to lagoons, woodland and scrub bush. The premier wildlife location in Sri Lanka, Yala offers an almost African safari experience as well as an important Buddhist temple site. On game drives by jeep, one can usually view wild elephant, buffalo and boar, huge monitor lizards, macaque monkeys and many rare and endemic bird species: it is also the best place in south Asia to spot the elusive leopard, often seen and admired. Lazing on a treetop, blending in perfectly with its surroundings, the big cat is almost invisible, yet the absence of tigers in Sri Lanka makes for a leopard with real attitude. Usually tagged ‘Prince of the Night’, this cat is well out of its normally nocturnal closet. Confident, it will stroll in the open by day, to every ecotourist’s delight. There are believed to be about 600 leopards across Sri Lanka today, mostly in the protected parks and reserves. Yala National Park has one of the highest recorded densities of leopards in the world, The Sri Lanka Sloth Bear-shaggy, shuffling and rather hunch-backed black bears may be seen loping around even in daylight and are endemic to Sri Lanka. This park is famous for its high density of leopards, perhaps the highest in the world. You are also sure to see elephants – grumpy loan males during the dry months and large herds in the wet season. Sloth bears are also a big draw. You will also see mammal such as wild boars, several species of deer and wild buffalo. There is a plethora of reptilian species and platoons of crocodiles. As is common in Sri Lanka there is a huge diversity of stunning birdlife including migratory species such as the flamingo. It is also one of the few places in the world where the severely endangered black necked stork can still be seen. The uniqueness of the park is the sheer diversity of the habitat: dense jungles suddenly gives way to lagoons and open plain areas and the park has a simply beautiful sea front. Huge, stark boulders dominate the horizon and the elegant, languorous leopard can often be seen basking atop the sun baked rock.

Accommodation: Chena Huts, Guest Cabin Meals: All meals

Day 13 - Morning Jeep Safari, transfer to Mirissa In the morning, enjoy another jeep safari in Yala National Park. Later, transfer to Mirissa.

Located on Sri Lanka's beautiful southern coast, the little beachside village of Mirissa is renowned for its excellent whale watching opportunities and boasts a perfect crescent-shaped beach. This pristine beach is scattered with picturesque seaside shacks and little local eateries shaded by palm trees. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: enjoying the vibrant night- life, swimming and surfing in the crystal-clear warm ocean, soaking up the exquisite views from Parrot Rock, sampling some delicious local Sri Lankan cuisine, and watching the sunset from a hammock while sipping a pina colada out of a coconut. Don't miss the opportunity to jump on a whale watching tour and spend a few hours spotting a variety of marine life such as: dolphins, turtles and of course, whales.

Accommodation: Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa, Superior Deluxe Room Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Enjoy Sri Sharavi & Mirissa Today you are at leisure. Vehicles are available should you wish to make an excursion.

Accommodation: Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa, Superior Deluxe Room Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - Morning Whale Watching from Mirissa The best of the whale watching months are December/January and April. Febru- ary and March are also good. In the turquoise waters of Sri Lanka, the awe- inspiring presence of the Blue Whale and the Sperm Whale and Spinner Dolphins. The south of Sri Lanka beyond Dondra Head is considered one of the best locations in the world for spotting these magnificent creatures. They can be spotted in the deep seas off the southern coastal towns of Galle, Mirissa and Kirinda. You may also be luck to see Depart from your hotel in Galle or Mirissa area bright and early at 5:30am for this 6-hour whale watching cruise. Arrive at Mirissa Har- bor and board the comfortable 50-foot (15-meter) passenger vessel. Most boats are equipped with life jackets and all necessary safety equipment. Most of the boats provide breakfast. You may be disappointed by the number of boats in the water and the lack of consideration.

Afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa, Superior Deluxe Room Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 - Enjoy Mirissa Today you are at leisure to enjoy the hotel and Mirissa.

Accommodation: Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa, Superior Deluxe Room Meals: Breakfast

Day 17 - Transfer to The Owl & The Pussy Cat, Koggala Today you will be transferred to The Owl & The Pussy Cat in Koggala.

The village of Koggala on Sri Lanka’s south coast offers stretches of exquisite beaches – and good surf – for those seeking a quiet holiday surrounded by nature. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the little beach restaurants with the picturesque bay as a backdrop. Buddhist hermitages, situated on the islets of Koggala Lake may be visited with prior arrangement, or pop into the Martin Wick- ramasinghe Folk Art Museum for a sample of the local traditions. Alternatively, you can arrange a catamaran ride or fishing expedition on the lake with one of the villagers, or take a tuk tuk along the dirt tracks to the lake and enjoy the in- digenous flora, and fauna, including the elusive monitor lizard.

Afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: The Owl and The Pussycat Hotel, Bazaar Bedroom Meals: Breakfast

Day 18 - Galle Walking Tour Before the Dutch took Colombo from the Portuguese, Galle was their headquar- ters. Contrary to the Colombo Fort, the one in Galle was not only not demolished, but is one of the best preserved examples of 17th century colonial fortifications in the world, and is on the UNESCO list of World Monuments. The reason for its re- markable state of preservation is that this once busy trading town, visited by the East-India fleets and many regional traders, fell upon slack times after the Dutch had left. The development that did take place focused on the new town of Galle, outside the Fort.

The Fort is really a walled city, with a rectangular pattern of streets full of the low houses with gables and verandas in the Dutch colonial style. An irony of history is that most of the inhabitants of old Galle, occupying the houses of the Dutch, are the descendants of the Muslim traders that the Dutch despised so much for their petty trade that violated their monopoly. The Muslims have adapted many of the houses to their own likings, closing up the verandas with woodwork to prevent their women from being seen from outside. Recently it is no longer allowed to alter any of these houses, some renovation is taking place, and private museums with handicraft shops have even been established.

There are also several interesting buildings from early British times, and an early 20th century light tower. The fort was started by the Portuguese in 1588, but there is nothing recognizably Portuguese left. Probably parts of the thick walls, that you can walk on almost all around the town, in the sunshine and the cool breeze, with the red-tiled roofs of the houses on the one hand, and the blue ocean on the other.

Whales In the turquoise waters of Sri Lanka, the awe-inspiring presence of the Blue Whale and the Sperm Whale and Spinner Dolphins is not to be missed. The south of Sri Lanka beyond Dondra Head is considered one of the best locations in the world for spotting these magnificent creatures. They can be spotted in the deep seas off the southern coastal towns of Galle, Mirissa and Kirinda. The Whale watching season, when the seas are relatively calm is between De- cember and early April. However, please be aware that the boats often go some 20 kilometres offshore and the seas can be rough.

Afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: The Owl and The Pussycat Hotel, Bazaar Bedroom Meals: Breakfast

Day 19 - Paddy Field Cycling Tour Off the beaten tourist track and an opportunity to see part of rural Sri Lanka, the Paddy Field Cycling tour is a good alternative. You can cycle out into the paddy fields sticking to local paths and quiet lanes. The route winds through the paddy fields, into local villages and provides an opportunity to experience beautiful scenery. During the activity you will be able to experience the simple living styles of village people and see how farmers cultivate paddy fields. The classic ride covers 12 kms, takes 1 1/2 hours & is suitable for all levels, It is a gentle loop starting and finishing at our base near Wijaya Beach. It passes through Eluvila Bird Sanc- tuary and out into the paddy fields sticking to local paths and quiet roads. There is a half way stop for king coconuts served under an ambalama in a private and exclusive jungle garden. An extended 2 1/2 hour 26 km & a 4 hour 41 km route are also available for those.

Afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: The Owl and The Pussycat Hotel, Bazaar Bedroom Meals: Breakfast

Day 20 - Transfer to Colombo, City Tour This morning transfer to Colombo. In the afternoon enjoy a city tour.

Sri Lanka’s seaside metropolis of Colombo offers a laid-back atmosphere coupled with a mixture of crumbling colonial buildings and glinting skyscrapers. Stroll to Pettah, Colombo’s main market and be dazzled by the variety of gems, the bright- ly coloured fruit and vegetable stalls and the plethora of ayurvedic medicines on offer. Sample some of the city’s fine fare, from curries to crabs, in any one of the beachfront bistros or inner city dining rooms. Nature lovers should head to Galle Face Green, a grassy promenade along the Indian Ocean for a stroll or take a scenic train ride to Mount Lavinia Beach.

Colombo Situated on the West Coast, less than an hour from the International

Airport, Colombo the capital of Sri Lanka, is home to a thriving port, is the commercial and financial centre of Sri Lanka and by far the largest city. A bustling vibrant metropolis, Colombo is an attractive blend of old and new, it has the lazy charm of a bygone era combined with the verve and vivaciousness of a modern city. Colombo is renowned for its thriving arts and culture scene and has many extraordinarily talented artists, photographers, traditional dancers and fashion designers. Located east of the city centre the Pettah neighbourhood is famous for its open air bazaars and markets. Traditional businessmen gather here to ply their wares and the mudalali (shopkeeper), invariably sporting a stereotypical bushy moustache and pot belly, is a common sight here. For items such as sarees, shal- wars, Indian clothing, gold and other decorative items, Pettah has the best range and quality. Colombo is compact enough to travel around relatively easily. You can choose to hire a car and driver, take a radio-taxi or for a unique experience take a ride in the humble tuk-tuk (three wheeler) which is the workhorse of the city. Being relatively small, they effortlessly negotiate the traffic. However, most are not metered and always negotiate on the price. If you walk away and he drives away then you were probably aiming too low! Colombo is an ideal location to start your Sri Lanka sojourn or a perfect place at the end of your stay to shop, dine and relax before the short transfer to the airport.

Accommodation: Residence By Uga Escapes, Park Suite Meals: Breakfast

Day 21 - Fly home Today you will be transferred to the airport and it may not be with the same guide that you have been on tour with. Our local representative or driver will be in touch to confirm the pickup time a day before your departure. We normally recommend aiming to be at the airport 2 hours prior to departure.

Please ensure that you advise the driver guide that you are flying business class as there is a separate check in area - The Silk Route - for Sri Lankan business class passengers.

Accommodation: Flight Meals: Breakfast, In flight meals

Welcome home! We hope you loved Sri Lanka.

Laterally sleeping...

Rosyth Estate House, Kegalle The 1926 Colonial planter’s bungalow set in a 62 acre private tea and rubber estate offers excellent accommodation, exceptional food and an extraordinary experience. The Rosyth Estate House provides guests with the opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of rural Sri Lanka. Guests can explore the estate, visit the local tea factory or relax by the pool and take in the stunning views. The boutique hotel offers a spectacular accommodation choice in Sri Lanka.

Ulagalla Resort, Anuradhapura Ulagalla is a triumph of eco-friendly design that manages to blend genuine environ- mental practices with luxurious, fully-facilitated interiors meaning that comfort is not forgotten. This brand new resort south of Anuradhapura encompasses 58 acres of working paddy fields, organic vegetable plots and ornamental gardens that play host to 25 chalets, a sensitively-restored ancient wallauwa (manor house), a 30m swimming pool, a gym and a sensual sunken spa. The resort’s generosity of space coupled with its beautiful natural surroundings – not one tree was felled during construction whilst a mere 1,000 were planted – gives it a village atmosphere that along with con- certed efforts of the hospitable staff team make you feel at home the moment you arrive. All areas of the resort are linked by an eco-friendly transport system in the form of on-call golf buggies and pedal bicycles, two of which are provided for guests in each chalet. The activities offered at Ulagalla – archery, horse riding, kayaking and nature walks – have also been chosen for their minimal impact on the environment.

Nine Skies Bungalow, Ella Promising far-reaching hill country views, this stylishly refurbished five-bedroom tea bungalow hotel near Ella is majestically perched on a tea-fringed hill near Demodara. Dating back to the colonial era, the bungalow epitomises its legacy yet indulges dis- cerning guests with contemporary facilities and high-end personalised service – be pampered by butlers, feast on gourmet food and dip into a garden pool with stunning views across the valley and famous Demodara Loop.

...sleeping Laterally Chena Huts by Uga Escapes, Yala National Park Nestled among dunes and trees at the ocean’s edge, you will find Chena Huts. Over- looking a beach where sea-turtles come to lay eggs by moonlight and elephants wander down from the nearby jungle to play in the surf, Chena Huts is fringed on one landward side by the tropical jungle and on the other by a saline lake where ibises, painted storks and even flamingos may be seen, wading in the shallows.

At Chena Huts, easy access to these natural wonders involves no compromise with comfort or good taste. At this small, select property, the ‘huts’ are in fact luxurious detached, private pavilions offering fine views of the surrounding wilderness and sea- scape. Enjoy fine dining at the Basses restaurant and sip cocktails at the Bar. A swimming pool and other amenities for recreation are available. Each spacious 760Sqf Cabin is designed to echo the local architecture and harmonize with the jungle environment. Each comprise a living room, bedroom, en suite bathroom and shaded outdoor deck with a built in plunge pool. The luxurious bathroom boast free-standing bathtubs and twin vanity consoles. Free WIFI included.

Guest Cabins To intensify the wilderness experience, this spacious 7acre property accommodates only fourteen 1130sq ft guest cabins. This includes a 781 sq ft climate controlled living space. Exteriors, featuring design cues from the vernacular architecture of the region, are designed to harmonize with the jungle environment; interiors gently em- phasize the ‘safari’ theme, with log furniture, African-style and rustic motifs that belie the ultra-modern comfort and convenience within. Chena Huts by Uga Escapes truly stands out for the ambiance provided for the guests amongst the Yala hotels in Sri Lanka.

Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa, Mirissa Located on Sri Lanka’s rugged South West coast, facing azure ocean waters and a short drive from historic Galle is the peaceful hideaway of Sri Sharavi. Beach Villas, a blend of modern chic as well as the island’s charming traditional aesthetics, each of the spacious two storey beach villas feature three suites with en-suite facilities.

Laterally sleeping... Owl and the Pussycat Hotel & Restaurant, Koggala This small, luxury hotel sits at the water’s edge with 17 suites. The restaurant, The Run- cible Spoon, is set on an elegant dining terrace with superb wines and light, fresh food, including Sri Lankan specialities. Its flamboyant pastry chef will ensure you have sweet dreams. At its vibrant beach shack enjoy delicately-spiced cocktails at the bar next to the waves, tropical birdsong in the trees and live jazz at weekends. In the garden, a 17- meter pool looks out onto the ocean. There is a small gym and a yoga platform for early sun salutes. In a sumptuously-appointed Edward Lear Drawing room, hotel guests are invited to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or after-dinner drink. This space can also be booked for a private dinner or special event. The friendly staff will arrange cars, airport transfers and local sight-seeing or activities and will take care of your every need to make your stay very special.

Residence By Uga Escapes, Colombo Nestled between leafy Park Street and the lakeside Buddhist shrine of Gangarama, the Residence is a unique boutique hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. Built in the nineteenth century by a wealthy barrister, Sheikh Salehboy Moosajee, its halls and ball- rooms of this grand Victorian townhouse once welcomed British governors, Indian ma- harajas, European nobility and the cream of colonial Ceylon society.Its great halls, ex- pansive gardens and stables were designed to host receptions and entertainments on a grand scale.

The Residence is a unique eleven-suite luxury hotel in Colombo, owned and managed by Uga Escapes. Despite its central location, its atmosphere of secluded peace and quiet is pure balm for the weary, the city-drained and travel-stained. Its appointments are elegant, contemporary and comfortable, yet pay tribute to its rich history and that of the neighbourhood.

The Park Suites at the Residence by Uga Escapes are furnished in an opulent style along with warm lighting, ornate furnishings and Belgian rugs. This luxury hotel in Colombo exudes a sense of serenity and ease that a few hotels in Colombo can match. Every suite consists of a living room, bedroom, en suite bathroom and outdoor private courtyard for dining and relaxing. All suites at the Residence by Uga Escapes are equipped with 42” flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, mini-bar and tea/coffee station. The spacious bathrooms feature rain showers and over sized vanity consoles.

The Nitty Gritty...... Yours Laterally

What’s Included... laterallife specialises in... • All accommodation on a twin/double share basis with private facilities • Breakfast throughout, other meals as specified Executive Sabbaticals • Private excursions and transfers including entrance fees Complex itineraries worldwide English speaking guides on excursions Creative Honeymoons • Milestone birthdays & anniversaries Family reunions

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Contact Me... laterallife Planner: Nick Matthews 1-5 Offord Street, London N1 1DH W: www.laterallife.com E: [email protected] T: 0207 607 1943 M: 07800 591 586