A Journey Idea to Sri Lanka A family holiday ... - Steppes Travel

A Journey Idea to Sri Lanka
A family holiday
Specially Prepared for
Steppes Travel Clients

Quick Reference Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Fly UK to Colombo (overnight)
Arrive Colombo
Colombo to Kotugoda
Kotugoda to Dambulla
Dambulla
Dambulla
Dambulla to Pussellawwa
Pussellawwa
Pussellawwa
Pussellawwa
Pussellawwa to Yala
Yala
Yala to Galle
Galle
Galle
Fly Colombo to UK
Suggested Flights
Date Route Flight Number Depart Arrive
Day 1 London Heathrow/Colombo UL506 17:00 08:15*
Day 15 Colombo/London Heathrow UL503 13:05 20:05
* Flying overnight
Baggage Allowance
Sri Lankan Airlines typically allows up to 30 kg per person.
Please note
The above flights are purely a suggestion and other airlines are available. While these flight
timings are currently correct, please be aware that they are subject to change by the airlines.
We are aware that when it comes to booking international flights there are a number of
different options available to you which may be cheaper than the fares Steppes Travel is able to
offer. Please bear in mind however that when booking international flights with Steppes Travel
in conjunction with your holiday you are afforded a much greater level of financial protection
than if you book your flights separately. This is down to EU Package Regulations which state

that if a tour operator is booking international flights combined with ground arrangements on
your behalf and the flight from the UK is unable to take off, due to adverse weather, strike
action or technical reasons then the tour operator is obliged to refund the full cost of your
holiday.
This additional insurance against unforeseen circumstances can offer not only peace of mind but
valuable cover should the unexpected occur.
Sri Lanka Map

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Fly UK to Colombo
Depart the UK on a flight to Colombo with Sri Lankan Airlines,
flying overnight.
Day 2
Colombo to Kotugoda
On arrival this morning you will be met and driven to your
accommodation, a short distance from the airport.
The Wallawwa Hotel is a charming boutique hotel just outside
Colombo. It is a former private residence so the style of
property is traditional with lovely gardens and a pool.
Overnight at Wallawwa Hotel in a family suite on a bed and
breakfast basis
Day 3
Kotugoda to Dambulla
Today you will depart for Dambulla, a journey time of around 4 ½
hrs.
En route you will stop at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Most
of the elephants here have either been abandoned or injured in
the wild. It is possible to get very close to the elephants and
watch them having a swim in the river as well as have a go at
washing a baby orphan or one of the older elephants.
The 8890 hectares of Minneriya National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s
greatest eco systems. The central feature of the park is the
ancient Minneriya Reservoir (known in Sri Lanka as tanks). Built
by King Mahasena in the 3rd Century AD it is at this tank that
during the dry summer months of June to September the wild
elephants of this park come to graze. As well as the wonderful
sight of the elephants you can also see huge flocks of wild birds
including Cormorants and Painted Storks who come to fish in the
shallow waters.
The Kandalama Hotel despite being large is beautifully designed
and positioned on the edge of Kandalama Lake. Plenty of
activities including bird watching are possible from this hotel.
Overnight at The Heritance Kandalama in 2 inter-connecting
superior rooms on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 4
Dambulla
This morning you will visit a local village.
This afternoon/evening you will be driven to Sigiriya to climb the
Rock Fortress.
Designated as a World Heritage Site in 1982, Sigiriya was built in
approx. 477 – 495 AD by King Kashyapa. Having killed his father he
lived there in hiding, as he feared his life was in danger from his
half-brother. The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel, which rises 200 metres

out of the scrub below; this fort was built as a fortified strong
hold. There are stunning views from the top and famous frescoes
to be viewed on the way up. It is a steep climb and once past the
lion’s feet the steps become rather narrow.
Overnight at The Heritance Kandalama in 2 inter-connecting
superior rooms on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 5
Dambulla
This morning you’ll be collected from the hotel and taken to the
ancient capital of Polonnaruwa.
Explore the site by bicycle.
Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka, after
Anuradhapura, which rose to fame in the 12 century AD. Ruins of
buildings indicate that a very advanced civilisation thrived in
Polonnaruwa. During the tour of the ruined city you will visit the
Council Hall, the ruins of the palace, the ruins of the temple of
Shiva, the ruins of Watadage (a circular image house), the
Sathmahal Prasadhaya (a seven storied edifice), the rock
inscription of Nissankamalla and the Gal Vihare where three
sculptured statues of Buddha are found.
This evening you will take an elephant back ride.
Overnight at The Heritance Kandalama in 2 inter-connecting
superior rooms on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 6
Dambulla to Pussellawwa
Today you will travel to the tea country, a journey time of around
5 hrs. En route a stop will be made at Dambulla Cave Temples.
Dambulla Rock is more than 1.5km around its base and the summit
is at 550m. The caves were the refuge of King Valagambahu when
he was in exile for 14 years. When he returned to the throne at
Anuradhapura in the 1 Century BC, he had a magnificent rock
temple built at Dambulla.
The site has been repaired and repainted several times and was
designated a World Heritage Site in 1991. The caves comprise a
mixture of religious and secular paintings and sculptures. There
are several reclining Buddha's, including a 15m long sculpture of a
dying Buddha. The frescoes on the walls and ceilings date from
the 15 – 18 centuries.
On arrival in Pussellawwa you will check into your
accommodation.
Built in the 1890’s, The Lavender House is an old Colonial
planter’s bungalow surrounded by the lush green tea estate of
Helboda Tea plantation in Pussellawa. The bungalow has been
carefully restored by its Australian owners. The five elegant en
suite bedrooms have working fireplaces and are furnished with
beautiful antiques, including large canopied four-poster beds
dressed with luxurious linen. The spacious rooms open out to the
extensive gardens. The bungalow is situated in seven acres of
gardens with a lovely pool so offers plenty of attractions to keep

children entertained for hours on end.
Overnight at Lavender House in 2 garden suites (next door to
each other) on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 7
Pussellawwa
Spend today at your leisure either relaxing at the hotel or you
could visit a local tea plantation
Overnight at Lavender House in 2 garden suites (next door to
each other) on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 8
Pussellawwa (visit Kandy)
Today you’ll be driven to Kandy to visit the Commonwealth
Memorial & the Temple of the Tooth.
Temple of the Tooth is believed to house a left upper tooth of the
Lord Buddha himself. This precious relic attracts white-clad
pilgrims, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani, every day.
According to legend, the tooth was taken from Buddha as he lay
on his funeral pyre. It was smuggled to Sri Lanka in 313 AD,
hidden in the hair of Princess Hemamali who fled the Hindu
armies besieging her father's kingdom in India. It immediately
became an object of great reverence and was enshrined in a
series of nested jewelled reliquaries. The tooth was brought out
for special occasions and paraded on the backs of elephants,
which are sacred to the Buddha, where it survived numerous
attempts to capture and destroy it.
Overnight at Lavender House in 2 garden suites (next door to
each other) on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 9
Pussellawa (Visit Nuwara Eliya)
Today you’ll be driven to Nuwara Eliya for the day.
Nuwara Eliya is known as little England because it where the
production of the majority of Sri Lanka's tea is made and the
climate is much cooler than the rest of the country. The views
across Nuwara Eliya are quite breathtaking and it is a charming
place to explore.
Overnight at Lavender House in 2 garden suites (next door to
each other) on a bed and breakfast basis
Day 10
Pussellawa to Yala
This morning you will depart for Yala a journey time of around
6hrs. On arrival you will be served lunch at your camp.
Overnight at Leopard Trails Safaris in a family tent on a full
board basis

Day 11
Yala
Morning & evening safaris in search of Leopard and other wildlife.
Yala is approximately 1,259 sq. km in extent and is located in the
south e astern corner of the island. Its northern boundaries border
the Lahugala Elephant Sanctuary and it has the added bonus of
being on the sea.
The terrain is a varied landscape of flat plains with rocky
outcrops. The vegetation ranges from open parklands to dense
jungle. Watering holes, small lakes, lagoons and streams provide
water for the animals and birds. The main draw to Yala is the
large numbers of elephants and the chance of spotting leopard.
Overnight at Leopard Trails in a family tent on a full board basis
Day 12
Yala to Galle
After a morning safari you will depart for Galle, a journey time of
around 3 ½ hrs. On arrival you will check into your villa for the
next 3 nights.
Galle is considered the most important town in the South and has
managed to retain its colonial atmosphere. The Portuguese,
Dutch and British have all made their mark on this interesting port
and it is well worth spending time exploring the town within the
fort walls, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 1988. It is an excellent place for shopping and eating - dotted
around the fort and harbour are some lovely local fish restaurants
and small shops.
Sisindu Villa C is a beautiful villa, situated on a stunning sandy
beach — 10 kms from Galle.
This newly constructed villa comprises of a huge living/dining
room with open plan kitchen, and large chill-out sofas.
Immediately outside the living room, there is a veranda leading
out to a swimming pool, beyond which there is a lawned gardens
leading to the beach and the sea! Upstairs there are two large
bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms. A small courtyard takes
you through large double doors into a spacious and charming
room, outside of which a swimming pool and manicured lawn lead
to the beach.
The villa is fully staffed. Included are a chef, cleaner and night
watchman.
Overnight at Sisindu C Villa on a villa only basis
Days 13 & 14
Galle
Spend the next 2 days at your leisure. A driver will be available
for the duration should you wish to explore the surrounding area
or head into Galle to explore or do some shopping.
Overnight at Sisindu C Villa on a villa only basis

Day 15
Fly Colombo to UK
Travel to Colombo for your flights back to the UK with Sri Lankan
airlines
Pre & Post Extensions
Please note that the above is only a suggested journey, allowing in-depth visits to the highlights
of the country and the chance to explore the wide range of possibilities this fascinating country
has to offer. We have a separate list of escorted tours and specialise in tailoring individual
itineraries to your particular interests and requirements. This journey idea serves more as a
general guide on what there is to see and do, as well as a guide on price.
We will happily assist with an extension to other regions of Sri Lanka or another country, either
before or after the above itinerary. Some ideas are:
Fly to the Maldives
Visit Southern India

Itinerary Costs
Cost:
Includes:
Excludes:
From £3,495.00 per adult
From £1,995.00 per child (aged 2 - 11years)
International flights and taxes
Accommodation as detailed
Meals as specified
Private air conditioned car and driver for the duration of the
trip
Entrance fees to all sites
2 safaris in Yala National Park
Travel Insurance
Additional meals
Items of a personal nature
Any visa charges
Important Information
Local Conditions:
Transport:
Accommodation:
Visas:
When to go:
Main highways tend to be of a good standard however more rural
road networks can be more challenging. Standards can differ
greatly between regions.
Vehicles used are always of a good standard and are fitted with
seatbelts and air conditioning as standard. 4x4 vehicles can be
requested at a supplement.
Accommodation options in Sri Lanka range from standard 4 star to
luxury 5 star, boutique or heritage hotels, homestays & fully
staffed villas. Properties available depend on personal preferences
and budget.
Sri Lanka has recently introduced a visa process. You will need to
go on-line and fill in a form to obtain an ETA reference. Further
information will be given upon request or visit www.eta.gov.lk
Although it is possible to travel year round, the best time to travel
to Sri Lanka is from September to November and February to May.
How to Book
Please contact one of our specialists on 01285 651010 or e-mail
enquiries@steppestravel.co.uk for more details or to make a
booking.