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INDIA & THE SUBCONTINENT


The beautiful Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka has a wealth of attractions for the visitor – ancient cities, tropical vegetation, exotic wildlife, delightful hill stations, white sand beaches and charming people. The end of the civil war has brought much needed respite to the multicultural population and opened up previously closed areas of this superb all round destination.


THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle encompasses the archaeological ruins of ancient capitals, rock cut citadels and the cave temples at Dambulla. Dating back to the 4th Century BC, this historic region is liberally sprinkled with UNESCO sites including the cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.


WHERE TO STAY IN THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE Amongst our staff favourites we recommend these 3 properties:


CINNAMON LODGE – Set amongst a 27-acre garden environment on the shores of Lake Habarana


VIL UYANA – Rustical, but comfortable, dwellings in forest, marsh, water or rice paddy fields


ULAGALLA RESORT – Privacy in luxurious chalets each with a private plunge pool


SIGIRIYA Located nearly 200 metres above the surrounding jungle, the dramatic rock fortress of Sigiriya has the famous frescoes of the ‘Sigiriya Damsels’ and some superb panoramic views.


MINNERIYA SANCTUARY The Minneriya Plains are witness each August/September to the largest congregation of wild Asian elephants anywhere in the world. Arguably one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth, ‘The Gathering’ is a unique event, when herds of up to 300 elephants migrate with the monsoon rains towards the Minneriya Reservoir.


GALLE Sri Lanka’s oldest living city, Galle is an eclectic mix of colonial and Sinhalese influences and one of the best examples of a European fortified city in South East Asia. Dominated by the imposing grandeur and towering ramparts of its Dutch Fort, the back streets and alleyways of Old Galle have retained a captivating charm that still echo to the reminders of an historical colonial heritage.


LIGHTHOUSE GALLE Occupying a stunning location overlooking the Indian Ocean, just a short drive from Galle’s famous fort, the Lighthouse Hotel and Spa is an exclusive boutique property on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Its 63 well appointed rooms and suites offer a refreshing blend of Dutch colonial and modern minimalism, with sweeping views, 2 freshwater pools, a tranquil spa and a sandy bay.


BEACHES OF SRI LANKA With over a thousand miles of golden beaches, Sri Lanka offers an expansive choice of prime locations for all seasons. The up and coming white sand beaches along the east coast include those around Trincomalee whilst the south-west and western coastline offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Indian Ocean.


RECOMMENDED BEACH STAYS


SAMAN VILLAS – Boutique style villas with access to two beaches in a quiet part of Bentota Beach


REEF VILLA & SPA – Elegant 7 all-suite property set in 3 acres of tropical gardens on the south west coast


01 Feb ‘12 £2375


21 Nov ‘12 £2475


21 Mar ‘12 £2375


19 Dec ‘12 £3075


09 May ‘12 £2125


30 Jan ‘13 £2675


25 Jul ‘12 £2575


27 Feb ‘13 £2675


24 Oct ‘12 £2225


27 Mar ‘13 £2675


THE MALDIVES Combining perfectly with a trip to Sri Lanka, the remarkable island resorts of the Maldives present the perfect refuge from the hassles of the outside world. Beautiful, tranquil and indulgent their stunning white beaches, unspoilt reefs and laid back charm will appeal to the Robinson Crusoe in all of us.


CLASSIC SRI LANKA NEW


14 DAYS from £2125 (per person twin share with flights)


Special Something


itinerary Bales Escorted


Culture, tea, wildlife & beaches on a superb all-round journey


DAY 1 – Fly to Colombo Fly direct from Heathrow to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines.


DAYS 2 to 5 – Habarana On arrival transfer to the Cultural Triangle for 4 nights at Cinnamon Lodge. Visit Polonnaruwa, a jeep safari at Minneriya and nature walk along Hirawaduna Lake. Optional visit to Anuradhapura.


DAYS 6/7 – Kandy Travel to Kandy taking in Dambulla and Matala Spice Gardens. 2 nights at Chaaya Citadel. Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, botanic gardens and Temple of the Tooth.


DAY 8 – Nuwara Eliya Train ride to Nuwara Eliya through the tea country. Visit to a tea plantation and factory. Overnight at the Grand Hotel.


DAYS 9/10 – Yala National Park Travel via Ella Waterfalls to Yala. 2 nights at Chaaya Wild. Morning and afternoon game drives in search of leopard and elephants.


DAYS 11/12 – Galle Travel to Galle for 2 nights at the Lighthouse Hotel. City tour of the UNESCO fort and afternoon to relax on the beach.


DAYS 13/14 – Colombo and fly to the UK Travel to Colombo for overnight at historic Galle Face Hotel with a farewell dinner. Fly Sri Lankan Airlines to Heathrow.


EXTENSION OPTIONS


We offer a 3 night extension to Saman Villas or Reef Villa & Spa.


Prices from £395 per person


08456 345 114 – Balesworldwide.com


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DEPARTURES


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