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Splendours of Sri Lanka
9 DAYS FROM £1109

This holiday has departures available between: 26th Apr 2010 to 28th Mar 2011
901Mr & Mrs SandwellLancashire I am writing to say how much we enjoyed our holiday with Archers Direct recently. We under took your Splendours of Sri Lanka tour and resort holiday.

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. yes1901Sarah PeytonUK I am writing this just to say what a wonderful holiday the Splendours tour of Sri Lanka and add on at the Club Palm Garden Beruwela was .

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 1,000 miles in one week. The hotels were excellent including the Mahaweli 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 orphanage, 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 I've 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. no1901Mrs D TurnerSalisbury I wanted to write and let you know how much our family enjoyed our holiday which we recently had in Sri Lanka.

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. no1901Angela & Ray HowcroftUK My husband and I have just returned from our trip round Sri Lanka. The holiday surpassed all our expectations in every way. It was very well organised, we were met at the airport and taken to our hotel and then later met by our guide for the tour Mr Upali.

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!) no1901P RobertsBedfordMy husband and I took the Splendours of Sri Lanka Tour, followed by a week in the Maldives, last November and have been recommending Archers ever since.no1901Mrs J HarrisCumbernauld The following event took place last year when I was in Sri Lanka with some friends. I do not have a photograph of the episode, but you have photos in your brochure of the elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka.

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. no1
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Explore the lustrous 'pearl of the Indian Ocean' as you travel from the sun soaked beaches through lush jungles to the verdant hill country.

All this included

Colombo City tour
Anuradhapura
Mihintale
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

Holiday Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Colombo.
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, perhaps taking a stroll along the ocean front promenade. (D)

DAY 3: Colombo - Anuradhapura - Mihintale - Sigiriya.
Today we travel to Anuradhapura to visit the ruins of Sri Lanka's one time capital, which dates back to the 4th century BC. Here you will see an array of ancient palaces, temples, stupas and the holy Bo-tree, the oldest recorded tree in the world. After lunch we visit Mihintale and then continue to Sigiriya for two nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya.
This morning visit the fascinating Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Lion's Rock, built on by controversial King Kasyapa, as a retreat from his enemies. It is surrounded by a moat and network of gardens and rises majestivally 656 feet above the green forests. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the beautiful Sri Lankan countryside, and on the way, you will see the famous 'Cloud Maidens' frescoes painted 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.
In the morning you'll visit the fascinating Dambulla Rock Cave Temple which comprises of five caverns, each amazingly preserved, containing frescoes and statues of the Buddha. Lunch will be taken in Matale en route to Kandy, the cultural centre of Sri Lanka. 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.
In the morning, visit the famous elephant orphanage at Pinnawela and if you're lucky, you'll see them enjoying a break in the river. 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, and the famous Temple of the Tooth, where it is said that the tooth of Buddha is enshrined. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya.
Enjoy wonderful scenery as you 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 you'll visit a tea estate and see how tea is manufactured, 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 resort on Day 8. (B, L)

DAY 9: Colombo - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Note: If flying with Emirates, arrival in the UK will be on day 10.

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Accommodation on Tour

Colombo: Ramada 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 £90 per person/tour you can take the tour in a private car with a qualified guide as your driver (min 2 passengers).

Things to note...

Guide
As a minimum you will have the services of a driver/guide.

Holiday Extensions

  • Idyllic Maldives
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    Splendours of Sri Lanka + The Maldives - 8 Extra nights from £520

    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.

  • Beruwela's beautiful beach
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    Splendours of Sri Lanka Tour + Sri Lanka Beach - 5 Extra nights from £100

    Extend your holiday in Sri Lanka and stay at the well appointed Club Palm Garden Resort - a perfect relaxing end to your holiday.
    On day 8 transfer to your resort for the next 5 nights.

Accommodation on Extensions

Splendours of Sri Lanka + The Maldives - 8 Extra nights from £520

  • Adaaran Select Meedhupparu
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    Adaaran 'Select' Meedhupparu DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    The idyllic, soft sandy beaches and clear blue waters of Meedhupparu play host to a range of watersports, whilst the Ayurvedic centre provides a touch of luxury and pampering.

    Location: Situated 130 kilometres north of Malé, and 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; grill bar; pool table; badminton; snorkelling, windsurfing, catamarans, canoeing, water-skiing; fishing; scuba-diving school; weekly evening entertainment; 3 souvenir shops; laundry service; 24-hour reception; minibar and safe in bedroom.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; partial sea view; hairdryer; tea/coffee-maker; TV; terrace with loungers; air-conditioning; ceiling fan.
    Note: This property may not be suitable for the less mobile.
    All Inclusive Option
    Meals: Full board with buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snacks (time restrictions apply).
    Drinks: Selected locally produced alcoholic and soft drinks (time restrictions apply).

  • Summer Island Village
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    Summer Island Village DiamondDiamondDiamond

    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; spa; watersports (9am-12.30 and 2-6pm); scuba-diving centre; badminton; table tennis; table football; chess board; darts; gift shop; laundry service; hairdryer; tea and coffee/kettle for hire.
    Price includes: All inclusive in a twin or double room with private facilities (some showers are partially open-air); balcony or terrace; ceiling fan; air-conditioning; partial sea view.
    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 £100

  • Club Palm Garden
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    Club Palm Garden DiamondDiamondDiamond

    This club-style, beachfront hotel nestles in pretty tropical gardens that fringe a wide sandy beach, with accommodation attractively arranged around a central pool and lawned sun terrace.

    Location: Next to the golden sands of Beruwela Beach, about 55 kilometres south of Colombo.
    Facilities: Swimming pool; scuba-diving centre (Nov-Apr); fitness room; herbal massage, sauna and Ayurveda centre at Hotel Riverina; disco in lounge bar four times a week; regular evening entertainment and shows; cyber den.
    Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; balcony or terrace.
    Options: Sole occupancy.
    Official category: 3 star.

    ALL THIS INCLUDED
    Meals: Full board. Snacks mid-afternoon and midnight.
    Drinks: All local spirits, beer, soft drinks and mineral water from 10am-midnight. Champagne, wine and diet coke are not included. Tea/coffee 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.

Holiday Review: ,
Splendours of Sri Lanka
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