INDIA & THE SUBCONTINENT
The beautiful Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka has a wealth of attractions for the visitor – fabulous ancient cities, extravagant tropical vegetation, rich and exotic wildlife, delightful hill stations, glorious white sand beaches and charming friendly people.
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, with the cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa providing a rich insight into the cultural heritage of the once powerful Chola Empire.
SIGIRIYA
One of Sri Lanka’s major tourist attractions, located nearly 400 metres above the surrounding jungle, the dramatic rock fortress of Sigiriya (Lion’s Rock) offers the determined visitor the famous frescoes of the ‘Sigiriya Damsels’ and some truly breathtaking panoramic views.
POLONNARUWA
Spanning some four centuries of Sri Lankan history, including the golden age of the Cholas, Polonnaruwa is one of the country’s most impressive archaeological sites. A World Heritage site and a shrine to Buddhist and Sinhalese culture, this immense city is considered one of the greatest urban creations in history.
ANURADHAPURA & MIHINTALE Comparable at its peak with the great ancient cities of Nineveh and Babylon, the sacred city of Anuradhapura is another of Sri Lanka’s glittering World Heritage treasures. Its wonderfully preserved ruins lie just to the west of Mihintale, believed by many to be the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
MINNERIYA SANCTUARY The Minneriya Plains are witness each year 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 truly unique event, when herds of up to 200 elephants migrate with the monsoon rains towards the banks of the Minneriya Reservoir.
DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLES A pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, the Golden Temple of Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in Sri Lanka. Dating back to the 3rd Century BC, this remarkable complex harbours a collection of temples, sculptures and paintings that UNESCO have described as ‘unique in scale and preservation’.
CLASSIC SRI LANKA 13 Days from £2395 pp twin share with flights
Ancient cities, abundant wildlife, delightful hill stations and tropical vegetation in one exotic location.
DAY 1 – Fly to Colombo Fly direct from Heathrow to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines. DAY 2 – Habarana
On arrival transfer to the Cultural Triangle for 4 nights at Cinnamon Lodge.
DAY 3 – Habarana Morning visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka. Afternoon visit to the spectacular Minneriya Wildlife Sanctuary home to elephant, buffalo and 160 species of birds.
DAY 4 – Habarana Morning nature trek or optional full day excursion to the temples at Anuradhapura and magnifi cent pilgrimage site of Mihintale.
DAY 5 – Habarana Morning visit to the imposing Sigiriya rock fortress with the option to climb to the summit. Afternoon at leisure.
DAY 6 – Kandy Travel to Kandy seeing the cave temples of Dambulla and the Matale Spice Garden with a cookery lesson and lunch en route. 2 nights at Chaaya Citadel.
DAY 7 – Kandy Enjoy a morning tour of Kandy including the botanical gardens and Temple of the Tooth. Optional Kandyan dance evening performance. The July departure includes a seat at the annual spectacular Perahera procession.
DAY 8 – Nuwara Eliya Train ride to the Hill Station of Nuwara. Eliya through the prime tea growing area. Visit to a tea plantation. Overnight at the Grand Hotel.
DAY 9 – Yala National Park Travel via the scenic Ella Waterfalls and the world’s largest Buddha statue “Buduruwagala” to Yala National Park. 2 nights at Chaaya Wild.
DAY 10 – Yala National Park Morning and afternoon game drives in search of leopard, langurs and Asian elephants in Sri Lanka’s best known park.
DAY 11 – Galle Witness the daily pooja ceremony at Kataragama before departing for Galle following the coastal route. En route visit the Dikwella Lace Centre famous for its “Beeralu” lace-making and support of traditional crafts. 2 nights at Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel & Spa.
DAY 12 – Galle
Optional city tour of the UNESCO fort and captivating back streets of Old Galle or whale watching tour in search of blue and sperm whales. Afternoon to relax on the beach. Farewell dinner.
DAY 13 – Fly to the UK Fly Sri Lankan Airlines to Heathrow.
30 Jan ‘13 27 Feb ‘13 27 Mar ‘13 08 May ‘13 31 Jul ‘13 £2675
£2595 Special Something 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 reeds and laid back charm will appeal to the Robinson Crusoe in all of us.
BEACH EXTENSION
Relaxing on a beach is the perfect way to end your epic journey. We recommend the Saman Villas located on a quiet stretch of the beach at Bentota or Reef Villa & Spa set in 3 acres of tropical gardens at Wadduwa on the south west coast.
£3195 £2595 £2695 £2395 £2695 £2895
20 Nov ‘13 18 Dec ‘13 29 Jan ‘14 26 Feb ‘14 26 Mar ‘14 £2695
£2695
23 Oct ‘13 £2695 -
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Visit our website for further information –
www.balesworldwide.com
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DEPARTURES
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