TEA & TASTES of SRI LANKA Sri Lanka 07 Nights / 08 Days
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TEA & TASTES OF SRI LANKA Sri Lanka 07 Nights / 08 Days Let your imagination soar About &Beyond &Beyond is a pioneering, experiential travel company that offers forward-thinking, global travellers an exclusive experience of the world as it should be; a world that is in balance with itself. We go beyond mere luxury to enrich your guests’ experience through our core ethos of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, and Care of the People. &Beyond has 30 exquisite safari lodges and camps across Africa and South America, and we also design personalised, high-end tours in 15 African countries, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and Peru. Welcome to Sri Lanka The teardrop shaped island of Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean just off the southern tip of India. With its golden sandy beaches, azure blue waters and warm tropical climate, Sri Lanka is a year round destination for holidaymakers seeking sun, sand and sea. The island has a rich cultural heritage that dates back over 2,000 years which is linked to the origins of Buddhism in the country with magnificently constructed stupas and the ruins of ancient kingdoms. Controlled from the 16th century onwards by the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British prior to gaining full independence in 1948, the influences of colonial powers remain visible in architecture and a number of forts across the country. Sri Lanka is recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot with a rich variety of endemic flora and fauna, and incredibly for a small island, can boast of large iconic animals such as the Asian Elephant, Leopard and the largest animal to have inhabited our planet, the Blue Whale. From palm fringed beaches to scrub jungles and numerous man-made lakes in the lowlands to tropical rainforests, cloud forests and highlands laden with waterfalls at its centre, this resplendent isle is abundant in natural beauty. Highlights of the Itinerary: � Local cooking experience in Colombo & Galle � Tea experience in the Hills � Explore the Old Dutch Fort in Galle Specially created for Tea and Tastes Enthusiasts www.andBeyond.com Tea Tastes of Sri Lanka 2020/21 At a glance 07 Nights / 08 Days 1 – Colombo – Tintagel (Day 1,2) 2 – Hatton – Ceylon Tea Trails (Day 3,4) 3 – Galle – Amangalla (Day 5,6,7) www.andBeyond.com Tea Tastes of Sri Lanka 2020/21 AN &BEYOND CUSTOM-DESIGNED ITINERARY DATE SERVICE ACCOMMODATION Day 01 Met on arrival by an &Beyond representative and transfer to Colombo (approx. 1 hour drive) Arrive in Colombo and check-in to Tintagel Spend the rest of the day at leisure Overnight at Tintagel, Colombo – 02 Nights Executive Suite – BB https://www.paradiseroadhotels.com/tintagel/ Day 02 After breakfast, explore the city of Colombo with your guide Thereafter, engage in a traditional cookery demonstration at a private home in Colombo Return to the hotel and relax Overnight at Tintagel, Colombo Executive suite – BB Day 03 After breakfast at Tintagel, proceed to Hatton (approx. 4 ½ hours’ drive) Arrive in Hatton and check-in to Ceylon Tea Trails Spend the rest of the day at leisure Overnight at Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton – 02 Nights Garden Suite – AI https://www.resplendentceylon.com/teatrails/ Day 04 Morning, Tea Experience tour with a resident planter at Ceylon Tea Trails Thereafter, spend the rest of the day at leisure or enjoy the in-house activities offered by the bungalow Overnight at Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton Garden suite – AI Day 05 After breakfast at Ceylon Tea Trails, proceed to Galle (approx. 5 ½ hours’ drive) Arrive in Galle and check-in to Amangalla Spend the rest of the day at leisure Overnight at Amangalla, Galle – 03 Nights Bedroom – BB https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangalla Day 06 After breakfast, proceed with your chef to engage in a cooking class in the rice paddy Enjoy the lunch you have cooked Thereafter, return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure Overnight at Amangalla, Galle Bedroom - BB Day 07 After breakfast, spend the morning hours at leisure Late afternoon, explore the old Dutch Fort in Galle Overnight at Amangalla, Galle Bedroom - BB Day 8 Transfer from Hotel to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight (approx. 2 hour drive) We recommend you at the airport at least 03 hours prior to the departure flight ***End Of Service*** www.andBeyond.com Tea Tastes of Sri Lanka 2020/21 GLOSSARY BB = Bed and breakfast HB = Room + Breakfast + dinner FB = Full Board basis (please check itinerary for specific includes & excludes per property) AI = All Inclusive (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast with accommodation with extras) ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS � As for all international travel, the visitor to Sri Lanka is required to be in possession of a valid passport and visa. Travellers from all countries need a visa. � We highly recommend you to apply for online visas (US $ 35 for Tourist Visa) to avoid unnecessary delays in trying to obtain Visa on arrival, which can take an hour or so of waiting in line. SAARC Nationals pay US $ 20 online, and US $ 25 if applying on arrival. Please click here to apply online. � A valid passport not less than 6 months, a confirmed return or onward air ticket and sufficient funds for the stay are the entry requirements to the country. If obtaining a visa on arrival, please pay by cash (US $ 40 for Tourist Visa) since payment by credit cards can take longer to process. You must carry a passport-sized photograph if obtaining a visa on arrival. � Please note that the above details are subject to change, when the government authorities revise their policies. To keep yourself updated, please click here. � SATELLITE PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN SRI LANKA www.andBeyond.com Tea Tastes of Sri Lanka 2020/21 Expect the extraordinary Day 01 – Airport – Colombo Met on arrival by an &Beyond representative and transfer to Colombo (approx. 1 hour drive) Arrive in Colombo and check-in to Tintagel The Tintagel Colombo, Colombo The Tintagel Colombo is a unique and private boutique property, situated in the heart of Colombo’s most elite neighbourhood. Offering 10 individually designed suites with all modern amenities and services, Tintagel Colombo is housed in a stunning heritage structure of national importance that was previously home to three of Sri Lanka’s political leaders as well as where their royal highnesses, Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwal has stayed during their visit to Sri Lanka . With its close proximity to many embassies and places of business, Tintagel Colombo is a popular choice of accommodation for corporate travellers with its intimate atmosphere and is also a preferred choice by holiday makers. Overnight at Tintagel, Colombo for 02 Nights in an Executive Suite on Bed & Breakfast Basis www.andBeyond.com Tea Tastes of Sri Lanka 2020/21 Day 02 – Colombo After breakfast, explore the city of Colombo with your guide Colombo: Colombo is an open and attractive city with a fascinating mix of 19th and 20th century colonial buildings, and more recent modern architecture. In the last few years, considerable renovation and restoration work has been undertaken in the capital. During your stay in Colombo, we suggest driving through and visiting the Galle Face Green, Ganga Raama Temple Viharamahadevi Park and Independence Square. Thereafter, engage in a traditional cookery demonstration at a private home in Colombo This wonderful experience will teach you how to cook Sri Lankan rice and curry the traditional way! It will take place in a small house in the heart of Colombo, in a well-equipped spacious kitchen where each guest will get his or her own cooking station. The experienced host will not only teach you about cooking, but also give an insight in to the rich Sri Lankan culture and its customs. Once you arrive at the house, you will be taught how to open a King Coconut for a cooling drink. Thereafter you will move on to cooking a number of different curries ending with a grand meal including traditional desserts! Your hands- on cooking class will last about three hours before you enjoy the meal you have prepared with the help of your host. Overnight at Tintagel, Colombo in an Executive Suite on Bed & Breakfast Basis www.andBeyond.com Tea Tastes of Sri Lanka 2020/21 Day 03 – Colombo – Hatton After breakfast at Tintagel, proceed to Hatton (approx. 4 ½ hours’ drive) Arrive in Hatton and check-in to Ceylon Tea Trails Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton: Sri Lanka's first Relais & Chateaux resort comprises five luxurious colonial era tea planters' bungalows, connected by walking trails through stunningly beautiful Ceylon tea gardens. Each of the five bungalows is different. Summerville with an air of a country cottage, Castlereagh with an eclectic style of its own, the high colonial Tientsin, one of the first planter's residences to be built in Ceylon, the more modern Norwood abounding with 50's character and Dunkeld, the new bungalow offering spectacular views of Castlereagh Lake and the Great Western mountain range. Built between 1888 and 1950, the bungalows offer a taste of gracious living thanks to butler service & period furnishings, accompanied by gourmet meals. Follow the Tea Trail from one unique bungalow to the next, staying a night or two at each or just laze in one. Trek, bike or picnic at spectacular locations each day in cool comfort. You can book a room or the entire bungalow and relish a luxury holiday in the heart of Sri Lanka's breath-taking Ceylon tea country. Spend the rest of the day at leisure Overnight at Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton for 02 Nights in a Garden Suite on All-inclusive Basis www.andBeyond.com Tea Tastes of Sri Lanka 2020/21 Day 04 – Hatton Morning, Tea Experience tour with a resident planter at Ceylon Tea Trails The Tea Experience at Ceylon Tea Trails: After breakfast, go on the Tea Experience tour, which is a must-do activity when staying here.