Follow in Jane Daniels footsteps Explore Sri Lanka and discover this amazing island’s hidden secrets…..

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Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com

Ancient Kingdoms Holidays will help you discover Sri Lanka’s countless wonders.

Travelling in Sri Lanka can be complex and if you try and do it independently, your holiday

can literally unravel.

There are many benefits in choosing an Ancient Kingdoms Holiday for your Sri Lanka

experience. The expertise and professionalism of our local representative will make your

holiday seamless. With offices across the country, you will benefit from fantastic local back

up and knowledge. Your guides are professionally qualified and our English speaking

driver is ready to share Sri Lanka’s secrets, from the incredible history to the best local

markets or restaurant.

Private bespoke holidays, culinary tours or wildlife tours …our menu of options in Sri

Lanka is large and all our programs may be customised to suit your interests, budget and

timeframe, whether you are travelling solo, with family, as a couple or with friends.

Discover Sri Lanka’s mysteries and history with Ancient Kingdoms Holidays…leading the

way to the world’s best kept secrets

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Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com

Day 1 Colombo – Negombo (35km)

Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by a

local representative and transferred to your to hotel in Negombo for

immediate check in. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Explore the incredible richness of Sri Lanka – the island Marco Polo described as

a “Pearl in the Indian Ocean” – its ancient kingdoms submerged into lush

vegetation, its exceptional wildlife and its palm-fringed golden beaches front azure

waters. Start your discovery with the cultural centre of the island and immerse

yourself in the peaceful atmosphere reigning over this land of rich history and deep

Buddhist tradition. Continue your journey to the beautiful Central Highlands and

visit its capital Kandy, the island’s most vibrant and colourful city. Embark on a

scenic ride by train through the “Tea Country” and enjoy sights of lavish tea

plantations rolling upon hills, dotted by the colourful saris of the leaf picking

women. After a safari in search of the elusive jaguar at the Yala National Park,

explore the colonial gem city of Galle, influenced by successive waves of traders

from Portugal, Holland and Britain, before finishing your incredible journey in

Colombo.

Highlights

• The rich heritage of the ancient cities of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and

Dambulla

• A scenic train ride to admire the stunning hill scenery of Ceylon’s lush tea

plantations

• A safari in search of the elusive leopard in Yala National Park

• The colonial charm of Galle and Colombo

Accommodation: Jetwing Beach Hotel – Deluxe Room

Jetwing Beach is a landmark hotel designed by the internationally

renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. The hotel is a wonderful

example of Sri Lankan design amidst a tropical paradise. A magnificent

pool to swim in, a spa full of wellness treatments and elegant rooms to

escape to at the end of a fabulously invigorating day are all on offer. With

five dining options to choose from, guests are assured of delectable

cuisine, both local and international.

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Day 2 Negombo – Pinnawala – Sigiriya (150km)

Drive to Sigiriya. Stop en route to visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

The orphanage was originally founded in 1975 by the Sri Lanka

Department of Wildlife Conservation. It is aimed at providing care and

protection for many of the orphaned baby wild elephants found wondering

in the forests of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage also places an

emphasis on breeding and ongoing research for these gentle giants. (B)

Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama – Superior Room

Welcome to a very special Sri Lanka hotel. A hotel that doesn’t sit on the

landscape but is part of it. Where monkeys climb your balcony pillars as if

they were trees, swifts nest in the corners of corridors as if they were cliffs,

granite crags erupt into the sinuous white walkways. Where you can float

in the infinity pool while gazing across at the Sigiriya rock fortress, the

eighth wonder of the world. Welcome to Heritance Kandalama, one of the

premier 5 Star hotels in Sri lanka.

Day 3 Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya

Visit the mighty Sigiriya Rock Fortress which dominates the surrounding

landscape. One of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress

was built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD) for the purpose of protecting

him from his rivals. It is an UNSECO World Heritage listed site, also

known as the “Fortress in the Sky”. The climb up to the top of the fortress

doesn’t only offer the reward of breathtaking views but there is so much to

discover during your climb to the top.

Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa and visit

the former capital’s royal buildings and Buddhist shrines. (B)

Day 4 Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy (100km)

Today drive to Kandy. Stop en route to visit Dambulla Cave Temple, also

known as “The Golden temple.” This sacred pilgrimage site is the largest,

best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka and contains numerous

statues and images of Buddha, including a colossal reclining Buddha.

Proceed to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s most vibrant and colourful city, and visit

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Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com

the sacred Temple of the Tooth. This sacred temple is also home to the

palm-leaf transcripts and its history dates back to 1687. This stunning

piece of architecture is instantly recognised by its octagonal shape and

golden roof.

In the evening, enjoy a colourful and acrobatic Kandyan performance. (B)

Accommodation: Kandy House – Deluxe Room

The Kandy House hotel is a beautiful example of luxury Kandy hotels and

resorts. This ancestral manor house was built in 1804 and its rich history

and exquisite restoration, with nine rooms to choose from. Enjoy your stay

at this Kandy hotel the aim is to give guests an experience of staying more

in a private house.

Day 5 Kandy

After breakfast, spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Optional: In the evening you will be picked up at approximately 17:00 to

witness the "Kandy Perahara" (07-17 August 2016).

Kandy Esala Perahera Pageant Procession of Sri Lanka, the most

spectacular religious procession in Asia, that last ten days, is held

annually at the medieval royal city of Kandy, beginning with the full moon

poya day on the Buddhist month of Esala. It is very grand with elegant

costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique

symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist festival consisting of dances and

richly decorated Elephants. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian

dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually

adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-

kepeema'.

The significance of this Kandy Esala Perahera Pageant Procession is to

invoke blessings of the gods to give the farmers rain to cultivate their

crops. This ritual is performed by carrying the sacred tooth relic of the

Buddha through the city streets which is done with great ceremony.

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Day 6 Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

Morning drive to Peradeniya where you will board a train to Nuwara Eliya.

Enjoy this scenic and comfortable ride and take in the beautiful views of

the lush rolling tea plantations dotted by the colourful saris of the Tamil

women working in them. Later stop at a local tea factory to learn about the

manufacturing process and taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea. (B)

Accommodation: Heritance Tea Factory – Superior Room

Where else in the world can you stay in a converted tea factory, pluck your

own tea and take it home with you as a souvenir? At 2km above sea level,

the views over our lush green organic plantations as the sun mingles with

the mist are truly unforgettable. Enjoy them as you tuck into high tea on

the terrace or a delicious tea-themed menu in the restaurant. Welcome to

Heritance Tea Factory, where the kettle is always on.

Day 7 Nuwara Eliya – Ella Gap – Tissamaharama (145 km)

Today drive to Tissamaharama stopping en route at the Ella Gap – a

spectacular sight in the southern mountains where the land falls to a

dizzying drop of 3000ft into the southern sea. Overnight in

Tissamaharama, gateway to the Yala National Park. (B)

Accommodation: Cinnamon Wild – Jungle Chalet

Cinnamon delivers an altogether different side of paradise with our Yala

wildlife resort – Cinnamon Wild. The rustic resort is located 335km from

the airport and sits on the border of the Yala National Park, complete with

a tribe of resident grey lemurs who might just think it fun to jump on your

roof in the wee hours of the morning!

Day 8 Yala National Park – Weligama – Galle

This morning, depart for a Jeep safari at the Yala National Park, home of

sloth bear and Asia’s densest population of the elusive leopard! Other

highlights of Yala include the herd of wild elephants, bears, wild boars,

buffalos, deer, crocodiles and many species of birds. The vegetation ranges

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Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com

from open parkland to dense jungle. There are also an abundance of water

supply for animals and birds ranging from waterholes, streams, small lakes

to lagoons.

Later journey along the picturesque south coast to the fishing village of

Weligama where you can enjoy the sights of local fishermen going about

their daily routines. In chest-deep water just few meters off-shore, you will

find the stilt fishermen, perched on a cross bar off a single pole planted

into the sea-bed. This is a common method of fishing amongst the locals in

the Southern part of Sri Lanka. (B)

Accommodation: Kahanda Kanda – Garden & Tea Room

Kahanda Kanda (KK) one of southern Sri Lanka's most stylish boutique

hotel, offers the indulgent luxuries of a private villa, with five star service.

Ten air-conditioned and very individual suites (3 with private pools), with

breathtaking panoramic views of palm fringed jungle and the KK tea estate

promise stylish, spacious interiors, ideal in which to unwind. Also an

amazing location near world heritage site the Galle Fort.

Day 9 Galle

Morning tour of the fortified port city of Galle. Classified as a UNESCO

Word Heritage Site, Galle is a veritable colonial gem – initially built by the

Portuguese, expanded by the Dutch and later the British. Visit the Fort and

the Old Dutch Church. Afternoon at leisure to walk along the ramparts and

soak up the atmosphere of this charming town. (B)

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Accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse – Deluxe Room

Jetwing Lighthouse exudes an old world charm of elegance and

minimalism that is combined with fantastic service, scrumptious cuisine

and a wide selection of facilities and activities. The hotel terrace is ideal

for a drink and a chat while overlooking a spectacular Sri Lankan sunset.

Day 10 Galle

After breakfast, spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 11 Galle – Lunuganga – Colombo (125 km)

Drive to Colombo visiting Lunuganga en route.

Lunuganga Estate was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan

architect Geoffrey Bawa. Started in 1947, the garden led Bawa a lawyer

called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1940, to decide to become an

architect. As he went on to become Sri Lanka's and one of Asia's most

prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate

remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas.

He continued to change and experiment with its spaces and structures

throughout his life until his final illness in 1998. Left to the Lunuganga

Trust in 2003, the gardens are now open to the public and the buildings on

the estate are run as a country house hotel.

Later stop at Mount Lavinia Hotel for a refreshment stop (at own expense).

On arrival in Colombo and set off on a sightseeing tour of Sri Lanka's

effervescent capital city, time permitting.

This evening a table has been booked for 7:30pm for Dinner at Galley Café

(at own expense) (B)

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Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com

Accommodation: Paradise Road Tintagel – Executive Suite

Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo is a unique and private hotel, situated in

the heart of Colombo’s most elite neighborhood. Offering 10 individually

designed suites with all modern amenities and services, our hotel is housed

in a stunning heritage residence that was previously home to three of Sri

Lanka’s political leaders.

Day 12 Colombo

Today visit the Goldsmith Quarters, the bazaar, Geoffrey Bawa's House,

the Colombo museum and the Gem museum.

The house in 33rd Lane is an essay in architectural bricollage. In 1958

Bawa bought the third in a row of four small houses which lay along a

short cul-de-sac at the end of a narrow suburban lane and converted it into

a pied-à-terre with living room, bedroom, tiny kitchen and room for a

servant. When the fourth bungalow became vacant this was colonised to

serve as dining room and second living room. Ten years later the

remaining bungalows were acquired and added into the composition and

the first in the row was demolished to be replaced by a four-storey tower.

(B)

Day 13 Colombo

Today you will checkout and be transferred to the airport for your

departure flight. (B)

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TOUR INCLUSIONS:

12 night accommodation in a carefully crafted selection of Deluxe

hotels

Daily buffet breakfast

Services of a professional private English speaking driver/guide

Transportation in a private air conditioned vehicle

Sightseeing including entrance fees to Pinnawela Elephat

Orphanage, Sigiriya rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa City Tour,

Dambulla, Yala National Park, Galle Museum, Ganagarama

Temple , Colombo museum, Kandy Temple, cultural show,

Peradeniya, Lunugana Bawa Gardens, Geoffrey Bawa’s House

Number 11 in Colombo

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

Porterage

Meals other than specified

Any expense of personal nature or any other expense which is not

mentioned in inclusions

Tickets to the Kandy Pageant (07-17 August 2016)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

GENERAL

Itineraries are prepared as a guideline only. Some variations may apply due to prevailing local

conditions in a country. All cruise ship itineraries and embarkation times may be subject to change,

due to local conditions (including weather) and/or possible port congestion and the final

requirements of the cruise companies. Final embarkation timings will be confirmed to clients prior to

embarkation. Transfer times, ferry schedules and flight schedules booked by Innovative Travel may be

reconfirmed by the local operators upon arrival and are subject to change. Vouchers will be

exchanged for valid travel documentation.

Hotel check-in/out times are normally IN: 2pm/OUT: 12noon the only way to guarantee an early

check-in or late check-out is to pre-book the night before (early check-in) or night after (late check-

out). Otherwise early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability when you are there.

Double Beds Please note we have requested a double bedded room but cannot guarantee one will be

available. Please ask on check-in to see what is available.

Itinerary descriptions and photographs: All photos and hotel descriptions are general impressions of

the property booked. These do not necessarily represent the room or view you will receive.

Non Smoking Rooms: As a policy Innovative Travel request non-smoking rooms for all guests. These

rooms are requested and are subject to availability.

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Tour Arrangements and Reservations by The Innovative Travel Company Tel: (03) 365 3910 / Fax: (03) 365 5755 / www.innovative-travel.com

Transfers (if prebooked): For transfers from the airport or port to your hotel you will be met in the

arrivals hall area by the local transfer company who will either have a sign with your name and or

company name. Prior to departing with the transfer driver please check they are collecting you as

they will have your name listed on their documentation. If you are unable to find your transfer please

refer to your travel documents as an emergency contact number will be listed.

Tipping

Tipping is an accepted practice throughout the world. In the majority of countries tipping acts as a

supplement to a basic wage. It is however discretionary. If you believe you have received efficient

service, then service should be rewarded. In order to assist you in determining a fair and reasonable

tip Innovative Travel have provided guidelines in the comprehensive travel notes provided in your

documentation. These guidelines have been determined in consultation with our local operators to

minimise the potential stress tipping may cause. In some countries guides talk openly about tipping

and will suggest a higher sum is required. This is not the case unless you feel it is appropriate.

On a lighter note Please remember that religious beliefs, traditional customs and daily manners may differ from

country to country, these may seem quite strange at first. These idiosyncrasies are part of what makes

travelling a special experience. Please be patient if you think things are happening at a different pace

than you are used to and respect the differences in culture.

If you need assistance relating to travel arrangements provided, please contact our Local Agent

immediately as they are there to assist you. The Local Agents details are listed on your itinerary and

vouchers. Please note it is easier and often faster for them to assist you initially.

Tour conditions, cancellation and amendment fees as per Ancient Kingdoms brochure.

Travel Advisory Information can change at any time and we suggest clients refer to The

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Travel Trade Advisory website at www.safetravel.govt.nz prior

to departure for the latest up to date information and general advice regarding the countries

you are visiting.

100% cancellation fees will be charged for all bookings cancelled less than 14 days before departure.

No refund is available for cancellation after commencement or on any services not used.