15 Day Discover Sri Lanka Trip Notes (page 2)

		Day 9 After a short drive to the elephant camp, there is an opportunity to do an elephant ride (optional) which will take about 2 hours. The elephant camp is situated next to Habarana Lake, a really beautiful spot where over 130 species of birds have been recorded. The elephants will walk beside the lake for a while and will then cross the river which as you can imagine, is quite an experience and go in to the forest. The trekkers will spot some birds, lizards and if you are lucky, crocodiles, for you. In the late afternoon, when it's cooler, you can climb the Lion Rock at Sigiriya which stands about 650ft high and was a capital of Sri Lanka in the 5th century. This was a rock fortress of a king who was hiding away from his brother. From the base, you will walk through the royal pleasure gardens comprising the magnificent water gardens, and moat. You will then make your ascent, seeing the Boulder Garden, mirror wall and oldest unpreserved frescoes (dating from the 5th century AD), to mention but a few. Arriving at the two huge lions paws, this is all that is left of a gigantic lion statue which was the final staircase to the summit containing the Royal Palace and ramparts. The views from the top are stupendous and will take your breath away. Overnight at Jay's Holiday Resort, Habarana or Pelwehera Village Hotel*, Dambulla.
		Day 10 After breakfast, do the Hiriwadunna trek (this isnt a trek as such) but consists of a late morning bullock cart ride which will take you through the little dirt tracks of the unspoilt village of Hiriwadunna, to a banana plantation. The bullock cart was the traditional form of transport in Sri Lanka but has now become a very rare sight. Then take a peaceful boat ride by oruwa (traditional boat with outrigger), across Habarana Lake with its plentiful birdlife where you can see the local fishermen casting their nets. On reaching the other side of the lake, you can visit a “chena cultivation” (where the jungle is cleared for cultivation). Take a walk to see all the different crops being grown by the villagers. In the shade of a tree house of mud and thatched palm leaves, you will be served tea and jaggery in coconut shells. Learn how to make the plaited palm leaves for use on the roofs. On the return journey, guests will visit the local village and have a delicious lunch of local cuisine served on lotus leaves by a village family, in a traditional mudhouse. Return to hotel by late afternoon for free time to lie by the pool. Overnight at Jay's Holiday Resort, Habarana or Pelwehera Village Hotel,* Dambulla.
		Day 11 After breakfast, you can drive to Polonnaruwa, and do a bike ride at a very leisurely pace through a series of small villages and lakes. This is an amazing opportunity to get off the beaten track and see Sri Lankan life. After cycling for about an hour, you can take a break at a farmer's house where he will climb a coconut palm and pick some coconuts for you. After refreshments, you can cycle for about 40 minutes, and then have a delicious lunch at a farmer's garden. The rice and curry is very authentic and organic and eating in the forest seems to make it taste even better! There are many birds to spot as well as monitor lizards, water buffalo etc. After lunch, you can cycle for about a further 45 minutes. There is a back up vehicle travelling with you all the time so if you feel like stopping at any time, you can do so. On returning to the hotel, you can relax by the pool in the late afternoon. Those who can't or don't want to ride a bike can stay at the hotel. Overnight at Royal Lotus Hotel,* Giritale.
		Day 12 In the morning, there is an excursion to Polonnaruwa which was the 2nd indigenous capital of Sri Lanka. The temples, stupas and other monuments here date back to the 10th century AD. Polonnaruwa is the most visited ancient city in Sri Lanka. Everything here was built between the 10th and the 12th century and includes some of the Island’s most famous monuments. The ruins are well preserved and offer a fascinating snapshot of medieval Sri Lanka when Sri Lankan civilisation was at a real highpoint.  You can spend over two and a half hours here and then drive to your beach hotel on the west coast.  Overnight at Goldisands Hotel*, Negombo.
		Day 13 and 14 Free days to lie on the beach and relax. If you don't want to lie on the beach for two days there are some optional excursions -  a half a day's excursion to the Negombo fish market (this is highly recommended- you can watch the fish being landed and taken straight to the market -you will have never seen fish so fresh being sold or indeed the huge variety, many of which will be totally new to you); Hindu temple; Portuguese fort and some shopping.days excursion to Colombo; a boat ride. Overnight at Goldisands Hotel,* Negombo.
		Day 15 Transfer to Airport.
Back		Trip profile **please note that there are two optional activities in trip: White water rafting and the elephant ride will cost you £ 20 (for each activity) per person. Other optional activities Climbing Adam's peak from December till April. It's a sacred mountain to the Buddhists and thousands of pilgrims visit the holy shrine on the top of the mountain. However you need to be very fit to do this climb because it takes about 6 hours. There is a chance of taking a hot air balloon ride in Sigiriya (optional). Accommodation We use star class hotels with character. However, there are two nights on the trip where you stay at rest houses because of non-availability of hotels. Most of the hotels you stay at have pools (see *)(10 nights).Single rooms are available at a supplement of £150. Please advise us at the time of booking. Transport We use an air-conditioned mini-bus during the trip. We take jeeps to Yala National Park. Group size Minimum 2 pax. Maximum 16 pax + guide and driver Food Breakfast is included throughout except the day you arrive in Sri Lanka. Lunch at the village on the day you cycle is included. We suggest you allow about £150 for all other meals. Currency information Sri Lankan unit of currency is the Rupee. At the time of writing, £1= 185 Rupees. You need to change some money at the airport. ATMs are available in towns. All hotels accept credit cards. What to take Cotton t-shirts and shorts. Trousers to visit temples. Sandals. Trainers for walks. A fleece. Umbrella. Waterproof jacket. Visa All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. A free 30 day Visa is obtained on arrival for most nationalities. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your Visa, if necessary. Vaccinations Please consult your doctor for up to date information before you travel. Flights Flights are not included. Tipping Tipping is part of the way of life in Sri Lanka and you need to allow about £2 per day per person for this.

Trip profile

**please note that there are two optional activities in trip:
White water rafting and the elephant ride  are optional activities and will cost you £ 20 (for each activity) per person.

Other optional activities
Climbing Adam's peak from December till April. It's a sacred mountain to the Buddhists and thousands of pilgrims visit the holy shrine on the top of the mountain. However you need to be very fit to do this climb because it takes about 6 hours.

There is a chance of taking a hot air balloon ride in Sigiriya (optional).

Accommodation
We use star class hotels with character. However, there are two nights on the trip where you stay at rest houses because of non-availability of hotels. Most of the hotels you stay at have pools (see *)(10 nights).Single rooms are available at a supplement of £200. Please advise us at the time of booking.

Transport
We use an air-conditioned mini-bus during the trip. We take jeeps to Yala National Park.

Group size
Minimum 2 pax. Maximum 16 pax + guide and driver

Food
Breakfast is included throughout except the day you arrive in Sri Lanka. Lunch at the village on the day you cycle is included. We suggest you allow about £150 for all other meals.

Tour - Sun 18 Dec 2011 - Sun 1 Jan 2011 includes a New Years Eve dinner.

Currency information
Sri Lankan unit of currency is the Rupee. At the time of writing, £1= 173 Rupees. You need to change some money at the airport. ATMs are available in towns. All hotels accept credit cards.

What to take
Cotton t-shirts and shorts. Trousers to visit temples. Sandals. Trainers for walks. A fleece. Umbrella. Waterproof jacket.

Visa
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. A free 30 day Visa is obtained on arrival for most nationalities. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your Visa, if necessary.

Vaccinations
Please consult your doctor for up to date information before you travel.

Flights
Flights are not included.

Tipping
Tipping is part of the way of life in Sri Lanka and you need to allow about £3 per day per person for this.