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Sri Lanka is a tropical island with a total area
of 65610 km and a coastline extending over 1585 km. Her greatest
asset is her natural environment, famed for its great scenic beauty
and diversity. It ranges >from clear blue waters, coral reefs
and sandy beaches on one hand to primeval forests, wetlands and
mountain environments on the other.
Here we offer an unique 8 day Safari for you to
enjoy the natural beauty of this paradise island. This Scenic
Safari is a tour to natural areas that conserve the environment
and sustain the well being of the people.
Here's how your Scenic Safari begins.
DAY ONE
On your arrival at Colombo International Airport, we will
be there to welcome you in traditional manner with palms clasped
together and a gentle bow of the head that accompanies the "Ayubowan",
which means "We wish you a Long Life".
Then we drive you to one of the eco friendly scenic
environments, located only 18 km away from the airport. We then
ferry you across a scenic waterway, which will glide you to a
peninsula surrounded by two rivers, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean.
In this peninsula you will find 72 bungalows which
nestle created with sensitivity to blend with the rich and natural
environment. You will find that this chalet type construction
with local material resembles a Sri Lankan Village. A balance
of western comforts and indigenous aesthetics in the furnishing
and interior décor offers you the ambience and charm of
this ancient land. This is where you will spend the rest of the
day.
Glide on the waters of the lagoon and the rivers
on a fascinating ferry cruise. Enjoy a green wonderland of breathtaking
beauty, a variety of plants along the banks and spread along the
islet in the rivers and marvel at the splendour of nature.
Explore exotic flora and fauna in a scenic and
idyllic setting. Observe over 90 species of bird life, typical
of wetland and 50 species of butterflies sighted in the environs
of the holiday village, or relax and fish in the lagoon river.
Enjoy your overnight stay in this Holiday Village,
which offers you tranquility and serenity amidst an expanse of
land over 20 acres.
DAY TWO
After breakfast we drive you to the city of Kandy - the Citadel
in the hills. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhala Kings
and is a living record to a magnificent past. You will find that
Kandy retains much of the old charm and traditions of Sri Lankan
life style.
In Kandy you will come across one of the most
picturesque views of this island - the view of the Dalada Maligawa,
also known as the Temple of the Tooth - as it hold the sacred
tooth relic of Buddha, with the Kandy Lake in the foreground -
indeed an unforgettable sight.
Progressing through the winding streets of Kandy,
you vehicle could often be obstructed by a tame elephant carrying
its load of palm leaves for its daily lunch or an elephant stopping
at a wayside tea kiosk for a bunch of bananas. Observe the elephant
bath at the Mahaweli River where many domesticated elephants in
Kandy come for their daily bath, which is a must to keep the elephant
happy.
We drive you through the hillside plantations
to Hotel Topaz, located on the hills of Kandy, where you can enjoy
your lunch with the breathtaking mountain view of Hantana, Knuckles
Group, Hunasgiriya, Matale and the Bible Rock. We will arrange
your overnight stay in this amazing location with a panoramic
view of the blue sky kissing lush green mountains.
After dark move to the rooftop and enjoy the view
of the illuminated city of Kandy - experience the peace, tranquillity
and serenity while you engulf in the fresh air blowing across
the mountains.
DAY THREE
On this day after your breakfast we will drive you to the
Tea country. Enjoy this drive which climbs to height of 6182 ft
above sea level. During this drive you will suddenly feel that
you are surrounded with velvet green freshness all around. Enjoy
the climatic change like that of a European spring. Your destination
on this day will be Nuwera Eliya - the heart of Sri Lanka's tea
country. Enjoy a "cuppa" of "the champagne of Ceylon
Tea" from a way side tea factory.
By lunchtime we will drive you to a unique experience.
That is to have your lunch and to spend your rest of the day including
your overnight stay at the Tea Factory. You may ask "Hold
on! To spend my overnight stay at the Tea Factory?" Yes,
this is where you experience uniqueness. This Tea Factory is an
unique hotel of character and star class, set in an emerald teascape,
6800 ft above sea level, only six degrees from the equator, in
the mountain range which gives the world pure Ceylon Tea. This
hotel at Kandapola, began as a tea factory built in the days of
the "British Raj". It has since been converted to a
Five Star hotel, in such a manner that much of the original style
and machinery are preserved as a reminder of the past in a perfect
blend with innovations of the present. You will find that stay
in Hotel Tea Factory is an experience of a hotel with difference.
Step into its reception, and you are where the
factory's leaf drying process was carried out. Move to the Tea
packing room, which is now the hotel's popular bar. The area where
Tea was sifted and graded is now the hotel's fine restaurant of
class and its modern kitchen used to be the engine room. The withering
lofts have been transformed into 57 bedrooms of cosy, carpeted
comfort. The windows remain as they were in its original square
wooden frames and which provide a glorious view from a bedroom
or bathroom.
Enjoy the views from the rooms at the front of
the hotel. As you gaze through them you will find a wonderful
panorama of Tea and its rear, peaceful pastoral scene of hamlets,
hills and forest as well as more Tea that meet your gaze.
You will find in the evening that the whole staff
of the hotel get together to greet you with fresh garden flower
bouquets and surprise you by having a full of non-stop dancing
for seven minutes.
DAY FOUR
After breakfast this day you will recommence your Scenic Safari
through the Tea Estates. We will fast drive to the City of Nuwara
Eliya. This was the city built by early British settlers who found
that the hills and dales reminded them so much of home that those
who couldn't live there all the year round, built holiday bungalows
to which they could come when the lowland humidity became too
much.
Enjoy the colonial charm of this city, which erupts
in festivities in the month of April. Observe the large gardens
of flowers spreading over 30 acres, which specializes in carnations.
During this drive you will observe cultivation of vegetables such
as cabbages, carrots, cauliflower's and leaks. Pick some fresh
strawberries from a vegetable stall lined along the roadside.
By lunchtime we will drive you to the Ella Adventure
Park, a resort covering an area of 60 acres of virgin single terrain.
Set in a natural atmosphere, you will find it is a heaven to nature
lovers.
We will arrange for you to spend the rest of the
day in this serene environment. Enjoy a picnic lunch which will
be arranged for you and settle in a Cabana which has been carefully
planned to blend well with the natural surroundings. Enjoy your
dinner in a restaurant set up in this natural environment and
wake up to the break fast and get ready to have more experiences
of unique adventures.
DAY FIVE
This entire day is for you to spend your time in the natural
environment and we have arranged many options for your choice.
You may enjoy Para Gliding which we can arrange
so you could soar from the mountain tops and experience the thrill
of flying in a parachute and letting the force of nature take
you over; or
If you are a Bird Watcher, you can go on a tour
for about 90 minutes in the morning where you can observe a variety
of migrant and local species in the jungle located close to your
cabana; or
If Camping is your choice, then you can camp in
specially identified sites facing the water front and jungle settings;
or
If you enjoy Rock Climbing, you have the opportunity
to enjoy the sheer thrill of climbing rocky heights; or
If you enjoy Canoeing, several locations have
been identified for this purpose. Paddle on calm and beautiful
lakes encircles by picturesque surroundings and sighting of wild
animals.
DAY SIX
On this day after breakfast we will take you to have an another
experience at The Oasis Resort at Hambantota. Here you will find
that this resort nestles at the edge of the Indian Ocean with
miles of glorious beach and clear turquoise sea water with a tranquil
lake amidst nature & the coastal scenery.
Enjoy lunch at the "Neluem restaurant"
which offers the tasteful Sri Lankan menu to eastern, western,
Chinese and international cuisine. Here you will have dinner and
your overnight stay at this beautiful beachfront resort, which
comprises of 10 self, styled chalets and 38 comfortable well-apportioned
rooms.
Enjoy a game of beach volleyball before you have
a dip in the clear sea, or just relax the entire evening at the
"Bush Bar" which is well stocked with a range of wines,
spirits, liqueurs, beer and a variety of fresh fruits.
DAY SEVEN
After having breakfast we will commence our journey to Tangalla
restaurant which is 280 km along the sea cost. On our way to this
restaurant you can observe the techniques used by the local fishermen
on how to catch fish. You will also enjoy the drive through the
coastal villages. Your lunch will be arranged at the Tangalla
Restaurant and enjoy a Sri Lankan rice & curry meal.
Your final destination for this day will at Hotel
Mount Berajah, which is 12 km outside the capital city of Sri
Lanka- Colombo. A popular hotel with three restaurants that serves
you both the local and international specialities. Health centre,
beauty parlour, hydrospa, water sports and a swimming pool carries
every individual's preference.
Shopping is at your doorstep in the hotel's own
shopping arcade. Here you will find gems, curio and handy craft
items, which are readily available here.
Your dinner and overnight stay will be at this
hotel.
DAY EIGHT
Having completed this unique scenic safari in Sri Lanka, you
will be getting ready to fly back home after having breakfast.
We will then drive you to the Bandaranayake international Airport
for your flight back home.
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