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Guided Walking and Sightseeing
Worldwide Holidays

JEWELS OF SRI LANKA 2012 
An island rich in culture with a great variety of landscapes in a small area.  Walk in Sri Lanka's central hills, through tea estates and spectacular views at the "world's end".  Take the pilgrim trek up Adam's Peak for a magnificent sunrise.  See the magnificent ancient cities of Sri Lanka's golden age.  Visit the southern nature reserves and rainforests where wildlife includes elephants and tropical birds.  Excellent relaxing beach, jungle and mountain resort accommodation.                 

Dates:  Jan 20,   Feb 17,  Oct 19,   Nov 23     13 nights    
                                                                                                                                      
2012 Prices:  1,395.00 GBP  (Great Britain Pounds)
Prices are per person for 15 nights based on double occupancy without airfare.                Supplement for a single room  481 GBP     

Guided Walks:  Walks are mostly part day, walking in the cooler morning and afternoons, exploring the sprawling ancient ruins on foot and on walking undulating paths through the hill country.  Distances are between 2 and 10 miles on clear paths.  The most challenging walk is the optional pre-dawn ascent of Adam's Peak, which is a 4 mile ascent.  
Hotels: A selection of 3 and 4-star resorts located in lovely locations on the beach, in the countryside and by lakes.  Some lodges are converted colonial houses, some are modern holiday resorts with spas and pools and all have great character. Included: 13 nights' accommodation in en-suite rooms. Breakfast and Dinner included  from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure.  A full program of guided walks, led by a local guide and an HF Holidays Leader. Sightseeing, entrance fees, train journeys and travel by coach or minibus.
Itinerary:
 Day 1: Depart UK.

Day 2: Arrival in Colombo and transfer to your accommodation (1 night) for some time to unwind in the gardens or by the pool.

Days 3-4: Head inland to ancient Hattikuchchi and continue to Anuradhapura (2 nights) for walks around the grandest city of ancient Ceylon, dating from the 2nd century BC. We climb the rocky hill of Mihintale, where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka.

Day 5: A nature walk in the Dambulla countryside gives an insight into village life. We then head to our relaxing resort, the Amaya Lake (2 nights).

Day 6: Walks at the 5th century rock fortress of Sigiriya, also known as the 'Lion Rock', to see the remarkably well preserved frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens. Later we travel to the medieval city of Polonnaruwa and see the Gal Vihara statues.

Days 7-9: Travel into hill country and the attractive city of Kandy (3 nights). We have time to explore the city on foot, visiting the excellent botanic gardens and the Temple of the Tooth. Plenty of time to relax and discover some of the tea trails from our hotel.

Days 10-12: Take the train through the hills to Hatton and continue by bus to picturesque Nuwara Eliya (3 nights). This small hill town is a well preserved example of colonial style from the era of the British tea plantations. Our walks here include tea trails along Gregory's Lake, walks searching for wildlife on the mist-shrouded Horton Plains, and a visit to the impressive Bakers Falls.

Days 13-14: A long journey to the coast at Mount Lavinia. We stop en route to stretch our legs wtih a nature walk at Kitulgala and a visit to St Clair and Devon's waterfalls. Our final day leaves us the option of relaxing by the beach at Mount Lavinia, or taking a trip to the historic fort at Galle (payable locally). Enjoy a slap-up seafood farewell dinner on the beach as a final evening celebration.

Day 15: Transfer to Colombo for our return flight home


List of Worldwide Walking Holidays

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