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Splendours of Sri Lanka
9 DAYS FROM £1221
The tour is extremely well planned. We saw some wonderful places and had some really good experiences. Sri Lanka is an island of contrasts, from the hustle and bustle of Colombo and Kandy to the peace and quiet of the countryside. From the starkness of the dry zone, to the lush and green area of the highlands.
There were many items packed into the tour, we did not think so much could have been fitted in. Places visited included tea plantation, spice garden (where we had a really nice massage), gem factory and a fruit tasting session. The sights we saw were many and varied. We will never forget the climb up the Sigiriya rock to the fortress on the top, from where the view was amazing. It was also a climb up to the Dambullah Cave Temples but well worth it.
The rivers of Polowunarra covered a vast area and we had to transfer from one to the next in our mini-bus. We never realised that in Nuwara Eliya region there were waterfalls six hundred feet high. In Kandy we saw a culture show and visited the Temple of the Tooth.
For us the highlights were the elephant safari and our visit to the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela. The safari was really enjoyable, especially when the elephant went into a lake and decided it did not want to come out. At the orphanage my wife got the chance to feed one of the youngsters with a bottle. When all the elephants, about seventy of them, were taken down to the river to bathe it really was a sight to see.
All the hotels we stayed at on the tour were excellent, indeed in my little book on Sri Lanka they were classed as the best in their area. I must mention the Sigiriya Village hotel which was situation in the jungle. There was a main building and the residential accommodation was in bungalows in the grounds. The grounds had lots of wildlife including monkeys, mongeese, giant squirrels and all sorts of birds. On the tour, we did see a lot of other wildlife, several kinds of lizards, porcupines, birds of prey and water monitors. Thankfully the only snakes we saw were in a show.
Our driver/guide for the tour, Alvis, was marvellous. His driving skills were top-class as was his knowledge of everything we saw. He always managed to put us in the best vantage points everywhere we went. He really helped us to enjoy the tour.
Our second week was spent at the Palm Garden resort at Berawela. This was a chilling-out week. The hotel was clear, food very good, rooms spacious and the beach clean. The entertainment team worked very hard, both in the day and at night. There was no pressure to join in if you did not want to; we just did our own thing. We were surprised now cheap the travel in tuk-tuks and taxis was. The relaxed atmosphere of the second week was in complete contrast to the tour but very enjoyable.
Our lasting impression of Sri Lanka will be the people. Always smiling and helpful, they could not do enough for you. To our eyes they do not seem to have much and yet seemed content and got on with life.
Every year we write to tell you how much we enjoyed our holiday with Archers. Each year they seem to get better, perhaps we are getting braver and going further afield. Once again, thank you.
From the moment we arrived at the airport in Colombo we could not have been looked after better, the gentleman who met us there treated us like VIPs. Our Pan Lanka guide for the week, who was called Janakar, was superb, he could not have done more for us, he made sure that we saw and did all that we wanted to, he was extremely friendly and very knowledgeable.
When we met your rep at the Club Hotel Dolphin during our second week and booked two more trips through him he even arranged for our early morning alarm calls and booked our packed lunches with the hotel so we did not have to worry about doing it ourselves. The guide on these trips was also extremely friendly and helpful.
When we arrived at the airport in Colombo for our return journey home we were met by the same gentleman who had greeted us on arrival and he escorted and assisted us as far through the airport as he was able to.
These days everyone is quick to complain but never to compliment. We all had a wonderful holiday, it started from the moment we boarded our Sri Lankan Airline plane and continued to the moment we landed back at Heathrow.
Thank you for all of the happy memories we have of Sri Lanka and please pass our thanks and gratitude on to all of the people who represent you there.
All the hotels we stayed in were lovely and the food plentiful and moorish. Mr Upali our tour guide could not have done any more for us, he was a courteous driver, very knowledgeable about the history and culture of his country, thoughtful and added in little extras to the tour to make it special.
I would highly recommend this tour (though quite hectic, but we expected it to be as we knew we would be covering a lot of miles in a short time). The people in Sri Lanka are lovely and the country is very green and beautiful.
The highlight of the tour was the visit to the elephant orphanage but at the end of the holiday it was very difficult to pick out a highlight as every day brought a new experience for us which is something we will treasure (along with all the souvenirs we brought back of course!)
Travelling on my own with some trepidation i might add, this is one holiday i would not have missed . There was only one other lady on her own so we had a car to ourselves with an excellent guide called Lucky. I never realised what a contrast sri lanka would be from the beautiful waterfalls and mountains that surround Adams peak,to the beautiful beaches of the coast.
The tour is very well planned it would have to be to cover just over a 1,000miles in one week. The hotels were excellent including the Mahewelia Reach , St Andrews and Sigiriya village hotels. The staff are very friendly and helpful to say the least. In Kandy we visited the Temple of the Tooth and was lucky enough to see the Golden Relic.What can one say about the elephant orphange if only i could have brought them all home . Even though i'm not a bird watcher we saw 40 different species in the first week ,including the beautiful kingfishers.
Our driver Lucky was excellent with his driving skills due to the land slides that had been happening while we were there.
If there are travellers thinking about the Tamil Tigers out there please do not miss out on this wonderful holiday because you are not allowed in that area at all and if anyone is thinking of going on your own i would say go because you will be safe even on the last week of your holiday.
My second week was spent at the club palm garden in Beruwela - the staff are very helpful and friendly the food excellent but please girls do not go if you are dieting. The hotel is situated by a lovely beach where you can have a good long walk. This is the first holiday ive ever come back with some money.
I have travelled many times with my parents and friend with Archers but first time on my own with you and i would just like to say thank you again for making my time in sri lanka a very special holiday.
The story begins on the second day of our trip when my friend discovered he had left his medicine bag at the previous hotel. As he was diabetic and required tablets for high blood pressure, he was a bit concerned about how he would manage without his regular medication. However, help was at hand when he discovered that I was also diabetic, and carried an extra two weeks supply of my tablets, in case I got high jacked or some other unforeseen incident.
By this time, we were at the Elephant Orphanage where everyone was enjoying the babies being fed in a large compound. Cameras were popping like mad, when I discovered my friend's dilemma's I suggested we find a quiet place where we could discuss his requirements. We therefore retreated to a spot nearby where there was a pile of logs. Quite oblivious to everything else, we sat down on this pile of logs and began to pass tablets between us, carefully counting each tablet to make sure he had enough supplies to last for the rest of the holiday.
We were so engrossed in our deliberations, we did not notice that part two of the floor show was about to start, namely one large elephant and keeper lifting a pile of logs, as they were in the habit of doing in a days work! And they were making their way towards our pile of logs. It was only the crescendo of shouts and laughs from the assembled group of tourists that alerted us to look up to see what all the noise was about.
Yes, elephant and keeper were standing right behind us, ready to lift the aforementioned logs high into the air. Talk about move!!! Ian and I have never moved as fast in our lives!!!
Needless to say, the assembled tourists were taking photos nineteen to the dozen and enjoying the unintended floor show. Sadly, we did not get a photo for posterity, but at least Ian kept hold of his tablets and the holiday continued without further unintended excitement.
It was a wonderful holiday, and everything went like clockwork. We would recommend this trip unreservedly.
Explore the lustrous 'pearl of the Indian Ocean' as you travel from the sun soaked beaches through lush jungles to the verdant hill country.
Holiday highlights
Colombo City tour
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Dambulla Rock cave temple
Polonnaruwa Gal Vihara
Kandy Temple of the Tooth, Botanical Gardens
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
Nuwara Eliya
Your Price Includes
Flights: UK - Colombo - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 6 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 6 dinners (D)
Travel on tour by minibus or private car with driver guide
English speaking guide on tour and local representative in resort
Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges excluding overseas personal departure tax (approx. £9)
Holiday Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Colombo. Included sightseeing.
On arrival in Colombo you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy an included tour of this bustling city. Highlights include the Ul Alfar Mosque, St Lucia's Cathedral and the Pettah Bazaar. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. (D)
DAY 3: Colombo - Anuradhapura - Mihintale - Sigiriya. Included sightseeing.
Today we travel to Anuradhapura to visit the ruins of Sri Lanka's one time capital, which dates back to the 4th century BC. After lunch we visit Mihintale and then continue to Sigiriya for two nights. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa (included sightseeing) - Sigiriya.
This morning we visit the fascinating Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built by controversial King Kasyapa, which rises 656 feet above the green forests. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the Sri Lankan countryside, and on the way, you will see the famous 'Cloud Maidens' frescoes on the rock wall. In the afternoon, visit Polonnaruwa and enjoy a sightseeing tour of its ancient ruins, featuring the remains of the Royal Palace, the statue of King Parakramabahu, the Thuparama Image House, and the majestic Buddha statues of the Gal Vihara. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Sigiriya - Kandy. Included sightseeing.
In the morning we visit the fascinating Dambulla Rock Cave Temple which comprises of five caverns. Lunch will be taken in Matale en route to Kandy, the cultural centre of Sri Lanka, where you will stay for the next two nights. In the evening, enjoy a city tour of Kandy which includes a visit to the renowned Temple of the Tooth, where the golden casket is said to enshrine the tooth of the Buddha. Afterwards, why not join our optional visit to a cultural show and be entertained by Kandyan dancers and drummers? (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Kandy - Pinnawela - Kandy. Included sightseeing.
In the morning we visit the famous elephant orphanage at Pinnawela. Back at Kandy in the afternoon you will visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, which are renowned for their collection of orchids, spices and medicinal plants. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya.
Enjoy wonderful scenery as we drive up through the mountains to Nuwara Eliya, a little slice of England. The town was a favourite hill station of the British, and has a post office, a golf club, an old race course and even a cooler climate - all straight out of the Home Counties. En route we'll visit a tea estate and your overnight stay will be in a colonial-style hotel. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Nuwara Eliya - Kitulgala - Colombo (or beach resort).
Today, enjoy an included visit to Kitulgala, the site used for the filming of the famous film 'Bridge over the River Kwai', before returning to Colombo for an overnight stay.
Note: Passengers taking the Beruwela option will transfer to their chosen resort on Day 8. (B)
DAY 9: Colombo - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Note: If flying with Emirates, arrival to the UK will be on day 10.
Check prices and availability for this holiday
Accommodation on Tour
Colombo: Holiday Inn Colombo; Sigiriya: Sigiriya Village Hotel; Kandy: Mahaweli Reach; Nuwara Eliya: St Andrews.
Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.
Special Offer
For £39 per person/tour you can take the tour in a private car with a qualified guide as your driver (min 2 passengers).
Your choice of Resort Hotels
5 Extra nights from £xxx
Extend your stay in Sri Lanka with a relaxing week in Beruwela, a small fishing village located on a rocky headland. Here you can enjoy the beauty of the Indian Ocean with its soft, sandy, palm-fringed beaches. On day 8 of your tour, transfer to the hotel of your choice for the next 5 nights.
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View Holiday PhotosClub Palm Garden
This club-style, beachfront hotel is a popular choice for all. It nestles in pretty tropical gardens that fringe a wide sandy beach, with accommodation attractively arranged around a central pool and lawned sun terrace.
Location: Directly at the golden sands of Beruwela Beach, about 55 km south of Colombo.
Facilities: Swimming pool; cyber den; Confifi medical centre and photo lab at adjoining Riverina Hotel.
Activities: Scuba-diving centre (not available May-Oct); fitness room; Thai reflexology; herbal massage, sauna and Ayurveda centre at Hotel Riverina; disco in lounge bar four times a week; regular evening entertainment and shows.
Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with shower and wc; air-conditioning; balcony or terrace.
Options: Sole occupancy.
Official category: 3 star.ALL THIS INCLUDED
Meals: Full board. Snacks available, mid-afternoon and midnight.
Drinks: All local spirits, beer, soft drinks and mineral water available from 10am-midnight. Champagne and wine are not included. Tea/coffee available from 6.30-10pm.
Activities: Badminton; volleyball; mini-basketball; tennis; crazy golf; darts; garden chess and gym; batik lessons and native dancing; bicycles; bus service to Confifi Marina - three times a day (for watersports at extra charge).
Entertainment: Including live music or disco. -
View Holiday PhotosNeptune
The Neptune Hotel has a fantastic position beside the beach and the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The pool is the focal point of the complex and is set in attractive gardens with wonderful sea views - the perfect place to unwind.
Location: Directly on the beach about 55 km south of Colombo, 2.5 km from Beruwela.
Facilities: Swimming pool; main restaurant serving both local and international cuisine; snack bar; beach restaurant; salad counter; mini-gym.
Activities: Tennis; games room; Ayurvedic centre; regular evening entertainment including cultural shows and theme nights.
Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with bath or shower; air-conditioning; balcony or terrace.
Options: Sole occupancy.
Official category: 3 star.
ALL THIS INCLUDED
Meals: Full board with buffet meals. Snacks from 11am-2pm. Afternoon tea from 4-5pm.
Drinks: Unlimited locally produced alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, tea and coffee from 11am-midnight.
Activities: Table tennis; tennis; volleyball; badminton; bicycles.
Holiday Extensions
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View Holiday PhotosSplendours of Sri Lanka and The Maldives - 8 Extra nights from £180
Why not combine your tour of Sri Lanka with a relaxing stay in the exotic Maldives, consisting of 1,000 coral islands, grouped in shallow water atolls. The crystal clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life offer fantastic opportunities for snorkelling, diving and watersports. On day 9 of your tour, fly to the Maldives and your chosen resort for the next 8 nights.
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View Holiday PhotosSplendours of Sri Lanka Tour + Sri Lanka Beach - 5 Extra nights from £96
Extend your holiday in Sri Lanka and stay at one of our well appointed beach hotels either the Club Palm Garden or Neptune - a perfect relaxing end to your holiday.
On day 8 transfer to your chosen resort for the next 5 nights.
Accommodation on Extensions
Splendours of Sri Lanka and The Maldives - 8 Extra nights from £180
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View Holiday PhotosAdaaran 'Select' Meedhupparu
Meedhupparu offers a range of facilities, ideal for those after some activity or relaxation. The idyllic, soft sandy beaches play host to a range of sport and watersports, whilst the Ayurvedic centre provides a touch of luxury and pampering.
Location: Situated 130 kilometres north of Malé, and is reached by a 40 minute seaplane transfer.
Facilities: Swimming pool; 2 jacuzzis; beauty salon; Ayurvedic massage centre; buffet restaurant; à la carte fine dining restaurant; swim up bar; minibar; grill bar; disco bar; souvenir shop and small shopping arcade; TV room; laundry service; 24-hour reception; resident doctor.
Activities: Pool table; beach volleyball; badminton; snorkelling, windsurfing, catamarans, canoeing, water-skiing; fishing; scuba-diving school; regular evening entertainment.
Price includes: Half Board in a twin room with shower and wc; hairdryer; tea/coffee-making facilities; safe; terrace with loungers; ceiling fan; air-conditioning.
ALL INCLUSIVE OPTION
Meals: Full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks (time restrictions apply).
Drinks: Selected locally produced alcoholic and soft drinks (time restrictions apply). -
View Holiday PhotosSummer Island Village
A relaxing resort, ideal for those seeking a simple beach holiday. Laze on the beach, try some watersports and in the evenings, linger in the starlit, thatched bar. Diving is a popular pastime here and guests can even watch regular visitors such as rays and tropical fish from the jetty.
Location: The hotel occupies a small island in North Malé Atoll, a 1 hour 45 minute fast boat ride from Malé airport.
Facilities: Buffet-style restaurant; bar; coffee shop; spa; gift shop; laundry service; hairdryer for hire; tea and coffee/kettle for hire.
Activities: Watersports (9am-12.30 and 2-6pm); scuba-diving centre; volleyball; badminton; table tennis; table football; chess board; darts; low key entertainment with weekly disco and live music.
Price includes: All inclusive in a twin or double room; shower (some are partially open-air); ceiling fan; air-conditioning; balcony or terrace; sea view (subject to trees).
Options: Water bungalow. Seaplane transfer (10 minutes).ALL THIS INCLUDED
Meals: Full board; sandwiches or biscuits with tea and coffee available from 4-6pm.
Drinks: House wine by the glass and selected non-premium brand whisky, brandy, vodka, rum, gin, beer; cocktail of the day; soft drinks (excluding Diet Coke) and bottled water available from 9am-midnight.
Activities: Snorkelling trip by boat twice a day (equipment not included).
Splendours of Sri Lanka Tour + Sri Lanka Beach - 5 Extra nights from £96
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View Holiday Photos
Club Palm Garden
This club-style, beachfront hotel is a popular choice for all. It nestles in pretty tropical gardens that fringe a wide sandy beach, with accommodation attractively arranged around a central pool and lawned sun terrace.
Location: Directly at the golden sands of Beruwela Beach, about 55 km south of Colombo.
Facilities: Swimming pool; cyber den; Confifi medical centre and photo lab at adjoining Riverina Hotel.
Activities: Scuba-diving centre (not available May-Oct); fitness room; Thai reflexology; herbal massage, sauna and Ayurveda centre at Hotel Riverina; disco in lounge bar four times a week; regular evening entertainment and shows.
Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with shower and wc; air-conditioning; balcony or terrace.
Options: Sole occupancy.
Official category: 3 star.ALL THIS INCLUDED
Meals: Full board. Snacks available, mid-afternoon and midnight.
Drinks: All local spirits, beer, soft drinks and mineral water available from 10am-midnight. Champagne and wine are not included. Tea/coffee available from 6.30-10pm.
Activities: Badminton; volleyball; mini-basketball; tennis; crazy golf; darts; garden chess and gym; batik lessons and native dancing; bicycles; bus service to Confifi Marina - three times a day (for watersports at extra charge).
Entertainment: Including live music or disco. -
View Holiday Photos
Neptune
The Neptune Hotel has a fantastic position beside the beach and the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The pool is the focal point of the complex and is set in attractive gardens with wonderful sea views - the perfect place to unwind.
Location: Directly on the beach about 55 km south of Colombo, 2.5 km from Beruwela.
Facilities: Swimming pool; main restaurant serving both local and international cuisine; snack bar; beach restaurant; salad counter; mini-gym.
Activities: Tennis; games room; Ayurvedic centre; regular evening entertainment including cultural shows and theme nights.
Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with bath or shower; air-conditioning; balcony or terrace.
Options: Sole occupancy.
Official category: 3 star.
ALL THIS INCLUDED
Meals: Full board with buffet meals. Snacks from 11am-2pm. Afternoon tea from 4-5pm.
Drinks: Unlimited locally produced alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, tea and coffee from 11am-midnight.
Activities: Table tennis; tennis; volleyball; badminton; bicycles.
View My Holiday Photos
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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All
prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement,
Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable)
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