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Spotting elephants, wild boar and array of birds in Yala National park
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Jeep safaris through the jungle
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Explore the historic Dutch fort town of Galle
Set in the Indian Ocean, the beautiful island of Sri Lanka is justly renowned for its palm fringed beaches and historic sights, but the island is also home to a spectacular array of wildlife. Our holiday takes you to Yala National Park on the south-east coast, a unique setting of jungles, beaches, lakes, rivers and scrubland, which hosts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Other animals in the park include elephant, sloth bear, mugger crocodile, wild boar, buffalo, mongoose and grey langur as well as a wide variety of birds.
We stay at the Yala Village Hotel, located on the park's border between the ocean and the jungle. From here, we take guided walks and jeep safaris in search of the elusive leopard and the region's other fauna. The stay at Yala is combined with 2 nights in the town of Galle, set on a natural harbour protected by an 18th century fort. Founded by the Portuguese and a once Dutch stronghold, the town offers a charming interaction between European architecture and South Asian traditions.
Ranweli Beach extension from £125 extra per person
The charm and atmosphere of Ranweli lie not simply in its peaceful location on its own private peninsula, but also in the personal style of its management and service. Very much the passion of its owners, whom we have known and worked with for some 20 years, this is a delightfully individual hotel. Reaching Ranweli across the river by hand-cranked ferry ride, you walk through a water-lily courtyard to reach the main hotel. The resort, of good medium class standard, is built in the style of a traditional Sri Lankan village and the architecture blends easily into the natural environment. It is fronted by a long sandy beach and its tropical gardens with over 70 species of trees, shrubs and flowers are also home to some 90 species of birds. It is a pleasure for walking or relaxing.
ITINERARY
Day 1 to 2: London/Colombo
Depart London to Colombo arriving the following day. Meet your representative and transfer (90 mins) to the Mount Lavina Hotel, a colonial style hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight at Mount Lavinia Hotel
Day 3: Colombo/Galle
After breakafast head south along the stunning west coast. Pass through towns and villages dotted along the golden sand beaches. Look out for fisherman balancing high above the waves on their wooden stilts. Finally arrive at the historic fort town of Galle and the Ladyhill Hotel, perched on a hillside overlooking the picturesque town. Stay 2 nights including breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: Galle
After breakfast enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Galle including a visit to the fascinating Dutch fort and the nearby Kataluwa Temple, renowned for its beautiful frescoes from the Kandyan period.
Day 5: Galle/Yala
Morning tranfser after breakfast continuing Eastwards along the South coast to Yala. Arrive at Yala National park for a 5 night stay at the Yala Village.
Day 6: Yala
A morning walk, with your naturalist through a mixture of habitats: sea, lagoon, mud flats and scrub jungle, resulting in a great diversity of birds. Many species of birds including King Fishers, Herons, Waders, Raptors, Parrots and Hornbills are also common in the Village. You can observe them from your own chalet or from the observation decks. Take an afternoon jeep safari into Yala National Park. Evening trip into the park to look for nightjars.
Day 7: Yala
As the sun rises, set off into the park in search of the shy and elusive leopards. Occaisionally spot a leopard quietly resting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the watering hole. In the afternoon take a visit to Sithulpahuwa, a hermitage still occupied by monks. See ancient stupas set amidst a rock strewn scrub jungle landscape, a truly beautiful setting (and good bird watching).
Day 8: Yala
In the morning enjoy a relaxed paced walk on a footpath around the wetlands of nearby Debarawewa, full of water lilies of different shades and many species of birds. Return back to the village for an afternoon jeep safari in the National Park in our continuing search for leopards.
Day 9: Yala
Visit the Palatupana Saltpans with their strange moonscape scenery. The Saltpans offer excellent birdwatching opportunities to spot waders, storks and herons.
Day 10: Yala/Mount Lavinia
After breakfast return to the West coast and stay overnight at Mount Lavina Hotel.
Day 11: Colombo/London
Return flight home or extend at the Ranweli Hotel.
ACCOMMODATION
Mount Lavinia
A colonial style hotel, which was once the home to the British Governors in Sri Lanka, sits on a stunning promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean. The hotel has a lovely secluded sandy beach, a spa and a wide range of facilities including a restaurant, coffee shop, tennis courts and a beautifully situated swimming pool.
The Ladyhill
A simple hotel set in a residential area of Galle with just 16 rooms with ceiling fan and balcony. The hotel has a small swimming pool, restaurant and rooftop bar with the most amazing views of over the city and beyond.
Yala Village
Comfortable chalets each with a unique animal themed interior design are scattered throughout the 10 acres of grounds. Each chalet has TV, air-conditioning, fan and private facilities. The hotel offers a restaurant with a bird's eye view, a pool bar, swimming pool and an observation deck overlooking the grounds.
Ranweli Beach Extension
The 72 bungalow-style rooms are decorated with handmade fabrics and locally produced artefacts, which enhance the overall natural ambience. All rooms are comfortably furnished with air-conditioning, telephone, private bathrooms, small seating area and terrace.
2008
| Date |
Price |
| 22 January |
£975 Full Booked |
| 19 February |
£975 Fully Booked |
| 18 March |
£1155 Limited availability |
| 15 April |
£945 Limited availability |
| 13 May |
£845 Available |
| 24 June |
£825 Available |
| 08 July |
£895 Available |
| 22 July |
£1055 Available |
| 19 August |
£1155 Available |
- Key
- Available
- Limited availability
- Fully booked
Included
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Flights: Return international flights between London and Colombo
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Accommodation & Meals: 2 nights Mount Lavina, 2 nights Lady Hill and 5 nights Yala Village.
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Excursions: As per itinerary.
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Taxes: UK Government departure tax
Not included
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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Departures shown are based on two people sharing and are subject to availability
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Prices for alternative dates and durations may be available with prices varying from those shown
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Fuel supplements may apply
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Normal booking conditions apply
Please note these are for guidance only.
HOW TO BOOK : Please Call 0845 094 3599
or send us an e-mail
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