NINA’S PATHWAYS – 2020 Wellness Itinerary 12 DAYS / 11 nights from US$3,220*, dates flexible.

Travel gives us perspective. It helps us reflect on our lives and allows us to see new possibilities. It reconnects us with ourselves. It helps us overcome the stresses and challenges of home life. It offers us new friends. It opens our eyes to different cultures’ religions and spirituality.

The Wellness Itinerary was created especially with these things in mind. Combining visits to Sri Lanka’s inspiring ancient temples, talks with priests and practitioners, yoga and meditation with a Buddhist monk, exquisite food experiences, breathtaking accommodation locations and plenty of free time to rest and relax, this trip will have you returning home feeling nourished and rejuvenated.

Day 01 Arrival – Negombo

• Upon arrival, you will be met by Nina and escorted to the hotel. • Check in, dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at Arie Lagoon – Deluxe Room www.arielagoon.com/

Day 02 Negombo – Visit Anuradhapura Ancient City Anuradhapura –

• Breakfast at hotel • Transfer to Anuradhapura • Lunch at local restaurant • Anuradhapura city tour • Proceed to Dambulla and check into hotel in Dambulla • Dinner and overnight stay at hotel

Anuradhapura Once the kingdom of kings and queens of ancient Ceylon, Anuradhapura is a historical city filled with beautiful ruins of rock fortresses, gardens and temples that have been preserved over time.

Dinner and overnight stay at Amaya Lake – Superior Room www.amayaresorts.com/amayalake/

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Day 03 Amaya Lake Hotel - Climb Sigiriya Sigiriya – Habarana Village tour Habarana – Amaya Lake Hotel

• After early breakfast, visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress • Village tour followed by a traditional Sri Lankan lunch • Dinner and overnight stay at hotel

Sigiriya One of my favourite days on the tour: today we venture to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) to protect him from his rivals, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is known as the 'Fortress in the Sky'. We tighten our laces and head to the top, taking in water gardens and frescoes along the way.

Village visit We have an interesting excursion available in Habarana. Experience the traditional Sri Lankan rural village style, where you will travel in a bullock cart to a rural village through lush green paddy fields where you will be served tea and "juggery" along with lunch made to authentic Sri Lankan style. Traditional cooking methods and a visit to a paddy field will be demonstrated. The finale of this excursion is a canoe ride in a lake in Habarana.

Dinner and overnight stay at Amaya Lake

Day 04 Amaya Lake Hotel – Dambulla Visit Dambulla Cave Temple Dambulla – Temple of the Sacred Tooth

• Early morning yoga session for one hour before breakfast • Visit Dambulla Cave Temple • Transfer to Kandy, lunch at local restaurant • Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth and meet a priest • Check in to the hotel in Kandy

Dambulla Cave Temple A rock mass 500 feet high and a mile around the base, the Dambulla Rock Temple dates to 1 BC. The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagamba during his years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent rock temple to be found in the island. The ceiling is covered with frescoes that depict great events in the life of the Buddha and landmarks in the history of the Sinhalese people.

2 Dating as far back as the 14th century, the Royal Palace of the Kandyan Kingdom lies tucked away near the valleys of Kandy as a memory of the last Kandyan King, Wickrama Rajasinghe. Steeped in ancient history that’s seen the palace burned down and rebuilt a number of times, this is a very important religious site for Sri Lankans and International visitors.

Dinner & Overnight stay at Amaya Hills – Superior Room www.amayaresorts.com/amayahills/

Day 05 Kandy – Ella Visit Nine Arch Bridge Ella – Jetwing Kaduruketha Hotel

• After breakfast transfer to Ella • Visit Nine Arch Bridge • Lunch at local restaurant • Transfer to hotel

Nine Arch Bridge The Nine Arches Bridge (also called the Bridge in the Sky) is one of Sri Lanka’s best examples of colonial-era railway construction.

Jetwing Kaduruketha Nestled in the midst of lush paddy fields and rolling hills, Jetwing Kaduruketha is a luxurious eco agro-resort with dwellings that are a tasteful juxtaposition of comfort and sustainability. The vegetable garden onsite promotes the ‘field to fork’ concept, providing fresh produce straight to the hotel’s kitchens.

Dinner and overnight stay at Jetwing Kaduruketha – Deluxe Room www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingkaduruketha/#gref

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Day 06 Jetwing Kaduruketha – Kataragama Visit Kiri Vehera Temple Kataragama Devalaya Temple

• After breakfast transfer Kataragama • Lunch in a local restaurant • Check into hotel • Evening visit Kiri Vehera Temple and meet the priest • Visit Kataragama Devalaya Temple for the evening pooja

Kiri Vehera This structure dates to around 3 BC. According to the Dhatuvamsa the Buddha stopped here briefly during his third visit to Sri Lanka. The 95-foot-high stupa was renovated in 1912 and sits on a platform 130 feet square and 10 feet high.

Kataragama Devalaya A pilgrim town sacred to Buddhist and Hindus alike, and where you will find gods of both religions in one abode. From the many shrines in the area, the Kathragama Devalaya is the most frequented, dedicated to the god Skanda Kumar. A visit to this temple and taking part in the morning pooja (prayer ritual) and blessings is very special.

Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Wild – Deluxe Room www.oakrayhotels.com/wildyala/

Day 07 Oak Ray Wild Hotel - Kirinda Temple

• Breakfast at hotel • Visit Kirinda Temple • Return to the hotel, afternoon at leisure

Kirinda Temple The legend of the heroine Vihara Mada Devi is common knowledge among Sri Lankans. The princess was the daughter of King Kelanitissa who ruled the Kingdom of Kelaniya. He had angered the gods with his ill-judged actions and as punishment, tsunamis wreaked havoc in his kingdom. To the people’s dismay, the princess was offered as an appeasement to the gods and set afloat in the turbulent waters. It is said that the instant the vessel bearing the princess set sail the waves diminished and a placid sea was returned. It is this vessel carrying the princess that finally landed in a point in Kirinda. And this is where the temple stands today.

Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Wild

4 Day 08 Kataragama – Kurulu Estate, Rakwana

• After breakfast transfer to hotel in Rakwana • Check in to the hotel and enjoy full day of leisure • Evening meditation programme

Kurulu Estate in Rakwana This is the perfect place to escape everyday stress and enjoy some time out. Situated in the picturesque mountain ranges next to Sinharaja UNESCO protected rainforest, in between spice gardens and tea plantations, one finds an old tea and cinnamon estate turned into a beautiful and peaceful resort. The main building is inspired by the ancient Buddhist temples and the architectural methods of Geoffrey Bawa and built entirely from the granite found on the property itself. The air is cool and the views are breathtaking. Enjoy a delicious vegetarian menu made from local and home- grown organic ingredients, a rain shower, birdwatching, sumptuous rooms, jungle-walking tours and optional excursions to interesting sites in the area. One-hour meditation session offered in the evening.

Dinner and overnight stay at Kurulu Estate kuruluestate.com/

Days 09 and Meditation and yoga at Kurulu Estate, Rakwana 10

• Breakfast at hotel • Meditation and yoga • Afternoon at leisure

Kurulu Estate in Rakwana As a peaceful break in our itinerary, we will enjoy two special days at the sanctuary that is Kurulu Estate. After a delicious breakfast we will enjoy a morning of yoga and meditation led by a Buddhist monk. Afterwards enjoy another delightful lunch followed by time to yourself to read, walk, sleep or visit the local market.

Dinner and overnight stay at Kurulu Estate – Standard Forest Lodge

5 Day 11 Kurulu Estate – Galle city tour Galle – Galle Hotel

• After breakfast transfer to Galle • Galle city tour • Check in to the hotel, lunch • Afternoon at leisure

Galle Fort Today we explore my favourite city, magical Galle, built by the Portuguese in 1619 and expanded upon in subsequent centuries by the Dutch and the British. You’ll discover imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. Wandering its rambling lanes you'll pass stylish cafes and quirky boutiques owned by foreign artists, writers, photographers and designers.

Dinner and overnight stay at Yara Galle Fort – Deluxe Room yarahotels.lk/

Day 12 Yara Galle Fort Hotel – Airport

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure.

6 We hope you can join us!

Inclusions Eleven nights accommodation, applicable taxes, breakfasts and dinners. Sightseeing, activities and entrance fees as specified in itinerary. Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver/guide. Land content only.

Terms & Conditions Price is US$3220 per person twin share, with a US$620 supplement for single travellers. Price is correct as at 4 January 2020. Pricing will be confirmed at time of reservation. Strict deposit and final payment details apply (see below). For more information please contact Nina's Pathways. Visas and international airfares are not included – visit www.eta.gov.lk for more information. For full terms and conditions click here.

Payment 50% deposit is required three months prior to travel. Balance due 30 days prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.

Payments to be made to: Golden Isle Travels (PVT) LTD; US Dollar Account NR: 71743975 Bank of Ceylon, 02ND City Branch, Kandy, Sri Lanka Swift code: BCEYLKLX

General cancellation policy For a full refund, cancellation must be made up to 60 days from departure. For a 25% refund, cancellation must be made 59 to 20 days from departure. Cancellations of less than 20 days from departure will unfortunately not be applicable for a refund.

BOOK AND CONTACT

Call 0419 213 327, 8am to 8pm 7 days a week, to speak Nina

Email [email protected] Visit www.ninaspathways.com.au Join Nina’s Pathways Facebook page

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