Fully Escorted Sri Lanka
17 Nights

Package Details

Details

22 September – Home to Brisbane Airport 
Today you will be picked up from your home and transferred to the ibis Brisbane Airport where will be stay 1 Night.
Overnight ibis Brisbane Hotel or similar

23 September – Brisbane to Colombo (B)
This morning we will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport to catch our flight to Colombo via Hong Kong. On Arrival at Colombo Airport met & transferred to the hotel.
Overnight Jetwing Blue or similar

24 September – Negombo (B, D)
This morning after breakfast we will head enjoy a Negombo city tour, covering the best places to visit in the coastal town of Negombo. There are many things to see in Negombo which include the Negombo Lagoon, the fish market, St. Mary’s Church a landmark edifice, a Roman Catholic church in the heart of Negombo (it is one of the largest cathedrals in Sri Lanka) and more. Despite it being a popular beach destination, there is significant history behind the town.
We then head to Jasmin Spa & Villa for an original Ayurvedic treatment (30-minute head and food massage included, however an upgrade to a full body massage may be available).
The rest of the day will be free to enjoy the hotel swimming pool and/or the beach. Perhaps you may want to explore all the local shops around the hotel.
Overnight Kubura Resort or similar

25 September – Negombo to Anuradhapura (B, D)
We then continue approximately 114kms to Anuradhapura. Wasgamuwa wildlife safari in the evening. Wasgamuwa National Park boasts a variety of habitats, from dry and dense forests to grasslands. This diverse ecosystem is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna. It’s home to 23 species of mammals, 35 reptile species, 15 species of amphibians and 52 species of butterfly. Out of these many animals, you have a higher chance of spotting herds of Asian elephants, the notoriously shy sloth bears, golden jackals and leopards among others. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by over 140 bird species, including the elusive Sri Lanka Frogmouth and the Chestnut-winged Cuckoo.
The park is also an important cultural heritage area with ruins such as a Buddha statue and stone pillars dating back to the 2nd Century AD can be found here. So, it’s not just an amazing wildlife spot but also a great historical location.
With Wasgamuwa mostly overlooked by tourists for other national parks like Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks, it can get quiet, making it the perfect place for undisrupted exploration.

26 September – Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree (B)
After breakfast we will visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred Bo tree, that stands in the Mahamewna Gardens. Not only is it the closest authentic living link to Gautama Buddha, it is also the oldest human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date and a recorded history.
Please see notes to enter the temple under Information and Documents. You must be pants that go below your knees and you shoulders must be covered (no singlets).
After our visit to Jaya Sri Maha Bodi we drive the 63kms to Dambulla.
This afternoon we will enjoy a safari in the Minneriya National Park. Explore the captivating landscapes of the park, spanning vast open grasslands to lush, dense forests. Be vigilant in observing the array of wildlife that inhabits this diverse terrain, placing special emphasis on encountering the magnificent Asian elephants for which these parks are celebrated.
Overnight Sigiriya Jungles or similar

27 September – Sigiriya Lion Rock and Hiriwadunna village tour (B, L, D)
After breakfast we will head to Sigiriya Lion Rock. Sigiriya Lion Rock is an ancient rock fortress known for its massive column of rock that reaches nearly 200 meters high. The site dates back to the reign of King Kasyapa (477-495 AD), who chose this site as his new capital. He decorated the walls with frescoes, and built an impressive palace right on top of the rock column, accessible only through the mouth of an enormous carved lion.
The next activity is a Hiriwadunna village tour.
The tour starts with a Bullock cart ride to the village. Then a walk through the tiny village of Hiriwadunna while enjoying the views and the cooling breeze.
At a house in the village relax & taste a delicious Sri Lankan Lunch, that you helped prepare. After a relaxed time in the village house, return back to the hotel where we will have dinner

28 September – Dambulla to Kandy (B, D)
After breakfast we depart from Dambulla to Kandy. It is approximately 73kms. Once in Kandy, we will will visit the Kandy Tooth Temple. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa, a Buddhist temple. It is located in the royal palace complex which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. The temple of the tooth is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple and the relic.
Please see the requirements to enter the Temple under Information & Documents.
This evening enjoy a traditional Kandy dance show, a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance & Cultural Heritage Show that is a must see for any visitor who visits the historic city of Kandy. It is a cultural dance performance bringing together all Sri Lankan dance types to one platform. It is the first Cultural Dance Show of its kind to be established in Sri Lanka. It has since become a tourist attraction for many people visiting the country and keen on a glimpse of its rich cultural heritage.
Overnight Mahaweli Reach or similar

29 September – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Kandy (B, L, D)
This morning after breakfast we will head to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.In 1978 the orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens from the Department of Wildlife. A captive breeding program was launched in 1982. Since the inception of the program over 20 elephants have been bred here. The aim of the orphanage is to simulate a natural habitat to these elephants. However, there are some exceptions: the elephants are taken to the river twice a day for a bath, and all the babies less than three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers.
We will have lunch at the Pinnalanda Hotel.
We will head back to Kandy for city tour including Kandy Lake, Kandy city view point and a Gem Museum. We will then enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance performance. Sri Lankan traditional music and dance have a blend of Indian and indigenous traditions that celebrate the folklore of Sri Lanka. Featuring dancing, drums, fluting, and songs, Sri Lankan traditional dancing is often a raucous performance, however, in Sri Lankan traditional dancing audience participation is not
encouraged. Dinner at the hotel.

30 September – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (B, D)
After breakfast check out from the Hotel and travel to Kandy railway station. We board the train to Nanu Oya (train station of Nuwara Eliya). The train ride is approximately 3 and a half hours during which you will have some of the best views of the beautiful Sri Lankan country side and vast tea plantations. You will also mingle with every day Sri Lankans, a cultural
highlight!
We will be picked up at the Nanu Oya railway station and head to Nuwara Eliya. We will have a Nuwara Eliya city tour including the pink post office, Gregory Lake and upper lake drive.
Overnight The Golden Ridge Hotel or similar

01 October – Hakgala Botanical Garden, Tea Factory & High Tea (B, High Tea, D)
This morning we will explore the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Situated at an elevation of about 1745 m above mean sea level, Hakgala Botanic Gardens, about 28 hectares in extent, lie under the shadow of the Hakgala Rock (meaning “Elephant’s jaw rock”). This massive rock towers to a height of about 2,200m behind the gardens and the surrounding forest reserve like a solitary giant. The gardens take the shape of several terraces upon the lower slopes of the rock and
face the Uva Valley, across which some magnificent views of the Madulsima and the Namunukula range of mountains are seen in the distant landscape. The flora of the gardens is distinctly sub tropical and consists of representatives of the indigenous, montane flora intermingled with those introduced from other subtropical countries, systematically planted in various sections of the gardens.
Later we visit Pedro Tea factory and tea plantation. At Pedro Estate factory you will be shown the full process of how tea is manufactured and then graded and packed for export to all corners of the world. It is located on a landscape with the blue sky as the background with green pastures of tea and water falls cascading, which is a sight never to be missed.
We return to the hotel to enjoy the FAMOUS High tea at the Grand Hotel.
Tonight we gain have dinner at the hotel. Please note that this hotel requires men to wear long pants and closed shoes to dinner (jeans and sneakers are acceptable)

2 October – Ella Gap, Ravana Waterfall & Thissamaharama (B, D)
After breakfast check out from the Hotel as we travel to Thissamaharama via Ella. We stop to visit Ella Gap. It is situated at an elevation of 1,041 metres (3,415 ft) above sea level and offers views across the southern plains of Sri Lanka. Next stop is the RaVana Waterfall. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals. We continue to Thissamaharama.
On arrival we check into our asccommodation and in the early evening have our first wildlife safari in the Yala Wildlife Safari Park. We return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight Cinnamon Wild Yala or similar

3 October – Yala National Park (B, D)
This morning enjoy an early morning game drive Yala National Park. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
In the afternoon we will enjoy an afternoon/evening safari in the Yala National Park.
Yala National park is leopard country, and they are the Lords of the Jungle! With a leopard density that’s higher than anywhere else on this planet, these menacing predators prowl majestically in Yala, while elephants roam in their numbers with cautious deer scampering by their side.

4 October – Udawalawe Elephant Transit Camp and Galle (B, D)
After breakfast we depart for Galle. On the way we stop at the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.
The Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home is a facility within Udawalawe National Park established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for ultimate release back into the wild.
Supported by the Born Free Foundation (www.bornfree.org.uk), this complex is a halfway house for orphaned elephants. After rehabilitation, the elephants are released back into the wild, many into the Uda Walawe National Park.
There are normally between 40 to 60 orphaned elephants and visitors can watch them being fed, from the safety of a viewing platform about 8m away, at one of the four daily feeding sessions, held every three hours from 9am until 6pm.
The elephants are never chained, but are free to roam around and play as they wish. Human contact is kept to a minimum in order to maximize their chance of survival when they are returned to the wild. There is no touching, washing or posing alongside them for photos.
We drive to Galle where we will visit Stilt Fishermen. The stilt fishing method of fishing is unique to the island country of Sri Lanka, known as “the Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. The fishermen sit on a cross bar called a ‘petta’ tied to a vertical pole and driven into the sand a few meters offshore. From this high position, the fishermen casts his line, and waits until a fish comes along to be caught. Tonight we have dinner at the hotel.
Overnight Cinnamon Bey Beruwala or similar

5 October – Galle (B, D)
After breakfast we head out for a Madu boat safari.
Madu River, a wetland estuary spreading over 900 hectares of which 770 hectares are covered with water and inhabited with 64 islands.
The boat ride is a wonderful way to take a closer look at this complex wetland ecosystem, a world heritage site protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, being one of the last wetlands in Sri Lanka to contain a pristine mangrove forest.
Journey past massive mangrove forests, glide under the canopy of the forest tunnels as they curve playfully towards the watercourse.
It’s certainly going to be a memorable day-out on the serene waters of the unforgettable Madu River! After an exciting Madu riverboat trip, we drive down to Galle on the highway and visit a Turtle hatchery near Galle to see various species of Sea Turtles, if you are lucky, you could even release a baby Turtle to the Ocean.
We then head for a walking tour of Galle Dutch fort. It was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 432 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.
The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world.. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique exposition of “an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of
European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

6 October – Galle to Colombo (B, D)
We enjoy a leisurely morning at our hotel before driving along the highway to Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. When arriving in Colombo we will embark on a city tour including Gangarama temple, Independence Square, Galle Face Green, Red Mosque, Pettah market and Old Parliament.
Overnight Marino Beach or similar

7 October – Colombo (B, D)
Enjoy a leisurely in the morning before going on a Colombo shopping tour including The One Galle Face and Lakmedura. We head back to the hotel where we will have dinner at the hotel. We will check out at about 8:00PM and travel to the airport to arrive at 9:00PM.

8 October – Colombo to Brisbane (B)
Today we will farewell Sri Lanka and board our flights back to Brisbane via Hong Kong. Once arrived in Brisbane we will transfer to our hotel for the night.
Overnight ibis Brisbane airport or similar

9 October – Brisbane to Home (B)
After breakfast we will be met by our drivers and transferred home

Inclusions

• Spa treatment at Jasmin Villa – Negombo
• Anuradhapura Sri Maha Bodhi
• Sigiriya lion rock
• Minneriya wildlife safari
• Hiriwadunna village tour
• Polonnaruwa ancient city
• Wasgamuwa wildlife safari
• Kandyan dance,
• Pinnawala elephant orphanage
• Kandy city tour
• Kandy Tooth Temple
• A Train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya
• High tea at the Grand Hotel
• Hakgala botanical garden
• Tea Factory visit
• Nuwara Eliya city tour
• High tea at the Grand Hotel
• Rawana waterfall
• Ella Gap
• Yala wildlife safari (2 Evening and One Morning)
• Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home Visit
• Stilt Fishing Viewing
• Galle Dutch fort tour
• Madu river boat safari
• Kosgoda turtle hatchery
• Colombo city tour
• Double / Twin shared accommodations – HB basis – Hotels per itinerary or similar
• English-speaking driver/guide service
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Lunches including the village tour lunch
• 2 x 500ml bottles of mineral water per person per day.
• On arrival a refreshing towel for every passenger
• Tips and porterage (excluding for drive guide)
• Fuel & road charges and All government taxes
• Transfers from Northern Rivers and surrounds to Brisbane Airport return
• Return international airfares

Exclusions:

• Beverage and all expenses of personal nature
• Meals not stated in the itinerary
• Sri Lanka Visa Fee (approximatelyUS$50.00)

Terms

Price Per Person Twin Share -$5,895.00

Single Supplement – $1,665.00

Non-Refundable Deposit – $1,750.00

**Please note that comprehensive travel insurance is required for this tour.

GUIDELINES WHEN VISITING RELIGOUS SITES
Please note to enter a temple you will need to enter wearing socks (no shoes allowed). It is recommended you take soles from an old pair of shoes, or purchase a pair of inner soles from one of the local stores in Australia to put inside the socks, as sometimes the pathways may be hot underneath your feet. You must wear pants (o dress or skirt) that go below your knees and you shoulders must be covered (no singlets).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Tour Cost: Total tour cost reflected in this brochure is per person twin share. (minimum 10 passengers to be guaranty departure fully escorted)

Single Supplement applies.

(All costs are subject to change until your tour has been paid in full.)

Deposit:
A non-refundable deposit per person is required within 7 days of confirmation of your reservation.

Final payment:
The final payment, plus single supplement (if applicable) must be received 90 days prior to departure or as advised at the time of the booking.

Payment methods:
Payment can be made by cash, cheque, direct deposit and credit card. Credit Cards incur a 1.0% surcharge above the tour cost. The following credit cards are accepted: Visa and MasterCard. Please note no foreign credit cards can be accepted for payment.

Cancellations: In the event of cancellation, you agree to pay the cancellation fees listed on the Casino Travel Shoppe Schedule of Service Items and Fees. In addition, you agree to be liable for all supplier cancellation fees.

Travel insurance:
It is compulsory and provides protection against most legitimate reasons for cancellation. Your deposit is non refundable. Once you have made the final payment, the full payment is non-refundable. The client is responsible for cancellation fees immediately confirmation of arrangements is conveyed verbally or in writing to you as the client.

Refunds:
Once the departure is reached, cancellations for unused services/vouchers are not refundable. Refunds cannot be authorised by service providers.

Amendment Fees:
Once tour reservations are confirmed changes will attract a minimum fee of $330 per client file, plus fees applied by airlines and other service providers.

Late bookings:
Bookings made within 25 days of departure may require an additional fee. Details of the fee if applied will be advised at the time of requesting your reservation. Additional airfare costs may also be necessary and will also be passed on at the time of your booking request.

Late payment:
In some instances suppliers impose a late payment fee, should the late payment be due to the failure of the client to pay by the due date this fee may be passed on as an additional amount payable above the tour cost advertised.

Document reissue:
A fee of $330 dollars will apply to reissue and dispatch of documents

Departure date:
The departure date is the date selected for this tour. The tour will be operated by a Supplier/s commencing on the date stipulated in the itinerary and the Casino Travel Shoppe group will form part of the overall Supplier departure for this tour. Should this tour date change, clients will be offered alternate departure dates. Where a client is affected by a departure date change, then the client’s consent as to alternatives will be sought.

Prices:
All prices and amounts quoted are current at the time of publication. Airfares, taxes, fuel surcharges, and currency fluctuations as well as land content costs from suppliers can change at any time and are beyond our control and the control of suppliers of product offered. Any changes in price affecting the client will be advised immediately they become known. Regrettably in some instances the change is not advised in time to protect the client from additional cost for the tour.

Not included:
Charges for excess luggage, personal services, gratuities (unless stated in the departure itinerary), laundry, drinks, meals except as specified, pre travel documentation unless stated in the departure itinerary), personal accident and medical expenses including all communication charges incurred on the passengers behalf

Tour operator’s responsibility:
The supplier/s and its/their associated companies or agents act in the capacity as agent for the suppliers of transportation and tour operation services. Seasonal variation in airline, transport and accommodation services may necessitate minor variations to itineraries and hotel standards. Any variation inconsistent with the applicable tour described in this brochure or the Supplier’s brochure/website will be discussed and agreed with the client

Quotations for tours are subject to tariff and exchange rate variations and may differ from prices quoted in this brochure and that of the Supplier.

The Supplier/s and other eligible parties shall not be responsible for any injury, damage, accident, loss, and delay in respect of any person or property. In this clause “eligible parties” shall include any carrier, tour operator or other provider of any service in respect of a tour and for the purpose of conferring the benefit of this clause upon eligible parties. The exclusion of liability contained in this clause shall be subject to all statutory warranties. These conditions of booking shall form part of the contract between the client and the Supplier/s. Where a carrier notifies conditions of carriage on any ticket, coupon or brochure, then the client shall be bound by those conditions.

Cancellation:
The Supplier/s reserves the right to cancel or withdraw at any time any booking made for any client and in such an event the Supplier/s shall be under no liability in respect of any loss or damage to a client provided that the client shall be entitled to a full refund in respect of any monies paid.

Holiday costs:
Tour costs are a gross amount including all services stipulated and itinerary planning, currency transfers, booking procedures and communication costs. Unless agreed by the Supplier/s, no itemized costing will be provided

Conditions of booking: By instructing Casino Travel Shoppe or the Supplier/s directly, either verbally or in writing to proceed with Reservations on your behalf, you, the client shall be taken to have accepted these conditions of booking as binding.

Fully Escorted Conditions**
A member of the Casino Travel Shoppe staff will accompany this tour as long as the minimum number of passengers (between 8 and 14) are booked on this tour. Should the required numbers not be reached the tour will operate as normal with national and local guides. All items mentioned in the itinerary will be provided however you will complete the international flights unaccompanied. All transfers will be provided within Australia and at your destination.

Product Descriptions: Descriptions and information on products and services are based on information supplied by our third party suppliers and are subject to change at any time. The standard of accommodation and other services are based on various factors, which are generally accepted as indicative of a certain class; however, we do not guarantee the standard, class, or fitness for purpose of that accommodation or service.

Limit of Liability:
We do our best to make sure your arrangements are satisfactory, however many of the goods and services offered by Casino Travel Shoppe are supplied by third parties and we act as an agent only for those suppliers. To the extent permitted by law, Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd excludes all liability for any loss or damage whatsoever (including but not limited to physical and psychological injury, and loss or damage to property of whatever nature) that may arise in any way in connection with the offer or supply of goods or services through Casino Travel Shoppe or any third parties, or in connection with the supply of such goods or services.

If the Trade Practices Act 1974 or any similar law implies a condition of warranty that cannot be excluded, the liability of Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd for a breach of the condition or warranty will be limited as determined by Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd in its absolute discretion to:

In the case of services: The supplying of the services again; or the payment of the cost of having the services supplied again.

Events beyond our control:
Casino Travel Shoppe Pty Ltd does not accept any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by any events which are beyond its control including, but not limited to, war, civil disturbances, fire, floods, acts of God, acts of Government or any other authorities, accident to or failure of machinery or equipment or industrial action.

Destination passenger enquiries:
Casino Travel Shoppe makes no representations as to the safety, conditions or other issues that may exist at any destination. International travel advice can be obtained from various sources, including local government, local consular offices and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (www.smartraveller.gov.au)

Travel Insurance:
On all Casino Travel Shoppe Group tours, purchasing a travel insurance policy of your choice to cover loss, damage, illness, injury or other unexpected circumstances is compulsory. In all instances Travel Insurance is compulsory before you are accepted on a tour. You can not insure against changing your mind about your journey.

Health and immigration:
You should familiarise yourself with any health or visa requirements that may be applicable in the areas you intend visiting. You are responsible for all exit, entry, health and other documents required by laws, regulations, orders, demands or requirements of the countries visited or transited. Each person travelling internationally shall carry a valid passport with at least 6 months validity at all times. Passports and Visas are your personal responsibility. In some instances the staff at Casino Travel Shoppe can arrange visas.

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