2015 Family Adventure Sri Lanka

Transcription

Family Adventure Sri Lanka
Exploring the jewel of the Indian Ocean
Group trip prices from
£2,065 (flight inclusive) or £1,375 (land only)
See overleaf for departure dates and prices
Holiday overview
Style
Accommodation
Grade
Duration
Trekking / Walking days
Min/Max group size
Trip Leader
Land only
Max altitude
Family Adventure
Hotels
Gentle
15 days from London to London
Walks on: 1 day
4 / 20. Guaranteed to run for 4
Local Leader Sri Lanka
Joining in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Not applicable
Private Departures & Tailor Made itineraries available
tel: +44 (0)1453 844400 fax: +44 (0)1453 844422 [email protected] www.mountainkingdoms.com
Mountain Kingdoms Ltd, 20 Long Street, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire GL12 7BT UK
Managing Director: Steven Berry. Registered in England No. 2118433. VAT No. 496 6511 08
Mountain Kingdoms – distinctly different
Truly independent
In an age where many so-called ‘independent’ travel companies have in fact been bought out by multi-national
giants, we remain fiercely independent with all the benefits this offers our clients.
Value for money prices with an emphasis on quality
We are not in the business of cutting our itineraries and services to the bone to offer eye-catching cheap prices.
We use some of the best airlines, and typically 3 or 4 star hotels in cities. We include the majority of meals and
private transport for road travel. We use excellent equipment and appoint well-trained staff and leaders. In
2014 97% of our clients rated their Mountain Kingdoms holiday as ‘excellent’ or ‘good.’ We are members of AITO
and bound by their quality charter.
Complete financial security
You can book with us confident that your holiday has full financial protection. Flight inclusive holidays are
financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL licence number 2973 and ‘Land Only’ holidays
are covered by a bond secured with ABTOT.
Award winning Responsible Tourism
We feel strongly that all our holidays should benefit local communities, protect the environment and respect
local traditions, religion and heritage. You can read more about the charities we support and our Responsible
Tourism commitments and initiatives towards the end of this itinerary or at mountainkingdoms.com.
Genuine small group travel
Almost all of our holidays have a maximum group size of just 12, plus leader. This provides more contact with
your leader, readier access to off-the-beaten-path areas, greater interaction with local communities and a
reduced environmental impact.
Loyalty Discount
If you have previously travelled with us we recognise your loyalty with a discount on future trips.
Booking your holiday – it couldn’t be easier
Once you’ve chosen your Mountain Kingdoms holiday you can book online, call the office or complete and post a
booking form which can be found in our brochure or downloaded from our website. If you would like to a hold a
place on one of our trips, whilst you make up your mind, please give us a call to make a provisional booking.
This is a no-obligation, no-cost booking and we will hold your place until space comes under pressure or we need
your decision.
Comprehensive information
When we receive your booking we send you a full trip dossier which contains details of visas and vaccinations
required, a suggested gear and clothing list and lots of useful information. In fact, everything you need to know
to give you peace of mind and allow you to prepare for your trip of a lifetime.
Bookings and information: 01453 844400
[email protected] / www.mountainkingdoms.com
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Departures & prices
Group departures
2015 dates and prices:
Sun 29 Mar - Sun 12 Apr
Sun 26 Jul - Sun 09 Aug
Sun 20 Dec - Sun 03 Jan
Land only
£1,375
£1,345
£1,595
With flights from
£2,100
£2,195
£2,570
2016 dates and prices:
Sun 27 Mar - Sun 10 Apr
£1,375
£2,065
Please note: Prices include all internal flights and park fees, if applicable.
Optional single supplements
The price for single rooms throughout this trip is from £420
Insurance
Available from £120 per person. Please contact us for details.
Tailor Made service
We pride ourselves on the level of quality and choice we provide for our clients who want a fully tailor made
holiday. A Tailor Made holiday will be created especially for you by one of our well-travelled experts, who will
have first-hand experience of the destination/s you want to visit. They will be able to advise on the
accommodation best suited to your needs, the sights you should visit (and those to avoid!) and the best walks
and activities matched to your ability. In short, we will work together with you to create your perfect holiday.
If you would like to explore the idea of a Tailor Made holiday with Mountain Kingdoms then please call us on +44
(0)1453 844400 or see the Tailor Made pages of our website for further inspiration.
Your guide
The trip will be led by an experienced English speaking local guide, selected
on the basis of their experience, levels of spoken English and helpfulness.
Like the culture from which they come they are all very welcoming and have
a love of showing you their country.
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Your trip highlights

Ride an elephant to look for leopards

Raft, cycle and travel by train

Relax on an Indian Ocean beach

See amazing sights and stay in comfortable hotels
At a glance: your itinerary
Days 1-2
Day 3
Days 4-5
Days 6-7
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
Day
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Fly to Colombo. Transfer to Waikkal, reminder of day at leisure.
Drive to Narammala, visit pineapple station, visit Dambulla caves, drive to Sigiriya.
Elephant ride, jeep safari, climb Sigiriya Rock, sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa by bicycle
Drive to Kandy to visit a spice garden and the Temple of the Tooth, watch a dance show and
take the three temples walk.
Train to Nanu Oya, visit tea plantation, drive to Nuwara Eliya.
Rafting at Kithugala, visit waterfalls.
Drive to Uda Walawe, jeep safari, drive to Kitaragama.
Yala National Park, morning and afternoon game drives.
Drive to Galle, city tour, transfer to beach resort.
Drive to Mirissa for whale watching (winter and spring departures only).
Drive to Colombo.
Flight to UK.
Trip summary
Sri Lanka is a small island full of variety and it is really the Indian sub-continent in miniature. This exciting
family adventure holiday is an ideal introduction for those who are interested in seeing the main cultural sights,
stunning wildlife and mixing active pursuits with time in the pool or on an Indian Ocean beach.
There is time to relax in delightful Ranweli after your international flight, before you head inland to an area
known as the ‘cultural triangle’. Highlights here include a cycling tour of the ancient capital Polonnaruwa and
the remarkable temples in Dambulla and Kandy. Interspersed with these visits you will enjoy both an elephantback and a jeep safari and stand atop the impressive Lion Rock at Sigiriya. Boarding a train signals a change of
scenery as you climb to enjoy the cooler air of Nuwara Eliya. As well as visiting a tea plantation in the hill
country here you will enjoy a white-water rafting trip from Kithugala, along one of the island’s largest rivers,
the Kelani.
Finally descending south to the coast you will see the wildlife of Uda Walawe and take two safaris in Yala
National Park, one of the best places in the world to see leopard. There will be time to relax on the beach, or
go Blue Whale watching (*in winter and spring) in the Indian Ocean.
For those who would like to spend more time on Sri Lanka’s famous beaches, we have a number of beach side
hotels that we can offer as an extension.
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Your trip itinerary
Day 1:
FLY LONDON TO COLOMBO
Fly to Sri Lanka from the UK.
In Flight
Day 2:
ARRIVE COLOMBO, DRIVE TO WAIKKAL 45mins
You will arrive in Colombo and be met on arrival for the short drive north to Waikkal. Just outside
the village, and set between the sea, a lagoon and two rivers, lies the unique Ranweli Hotel. The
final part of your journey to the hotel will be by passenger ferry. The remainder of the day is set
aside for you to relax by the pool or on the beach, after your long haul flight. During the late
afternoon you may want to take a stroll in the lush surroundings of the resort. This area is home to
130 species of birds and if you are lucky you may spot another, larger inhabitant, a Water Monitor
Lizard.
Overnight: Ranweli Holiday Village Or Club Hotel Dolphin, Waikkal
Day 3:
(Meals: L D)
DRIVE TO NARAMMALA, 2 hours, VISIT PINEAPPLE PLANTATION, DRIVE & VISIT TO DAMBULLA
CAVES, 2hrs, DRIVE TO SIGIRIYA 30mins
After breakfast your exploration of Sri Lanka begins today with the drive inland towards the island's
'cultural triangle.' Although the distances you will cover on your journeys around the island are
relatively short, average vehicle speeds in Sri Lanka are typically only around 30 kilometres an hour,
with roads leading you through a succession of bustling small villages and towns. After a couple of
hours you'll stop near Narammala to visit a pineapple plantation. As well as pineapples, Sri Lanka
grows a host of exotic fruits including banana, papaya, mangoes and the less well known durian
fruit. Sampling the fruits and their delicious juices will soon become a daily treat.
Another couple of hours driving northwards will bring you to Dambulla, famous for its remarkable
cave temples. The caves are a steep 15 minute climb up from the road and are naturally cut out of
a huge granite outcrop. It is thought that the caves may have been inhabited from prehistoric times;
now the five caves are full of beautiful statues and carvings. After your visit it's just a short drive to
your hotel for the next three nights near Sigirya.
Overnight: Sigiriya Village Hotel, Sigiriya
Day 4:
(Meals: BLD)
MORNING ELEPHANT SAFARI, AFTERNOON JEEP SAFARI
Today you will have your first encounter with one of Sri Lanka's most important residents, the
elephant. After a serious decline in the elephant population to less than 2,000 during the 20th
century, conservation efforts in the last ten years mean the population is now around 6,000.
National Parks are the best locations to see wild elephants and today you will visit two such parks.
At Habarana you will take an elephant-back safari along forest paths, through small villages and,
depending upon water levels, into and across a river or two.
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to watch for wildlife, so after lunch and some
time to relax you'll take an afternoon jeep safari in nearby Minneriya National Park. A dominant
feature of this Park is the Minneriya Reservoir. Such reservoirs or 'tanks' as they are known locally,
are a common feature of the landscape in this part of the island. Although used as domestic water
source by local villages, their primary function was originally to store water for irrigating the
surrounding fields. The reservoir makes this an excellent area to see birdlife but there are many
more animals your safari guide will be hoping to show you including wild elephants, sambar deer,
wild pigs, monkeys and porcupine.
(Meals: BLD)
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Day 5:
CLIMB SIGIRIYA ROCK, AFTERNOON SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF POLONNARUWA BY BICYCLE
Sigiriya rose to importance in the 5th Century AD when Prince Kassapa murdered his father, the King
and built a castle on top of Sigiriya Rock in anticipation of the backlash against him. 500 years later
the site was abandoned, and was largely forgotten until rediscovery by the British in 1828. You will
make an early start this morning to make the climb up the rock, both to beat the heat and enjoy the
best views from the summit. From the water gardens beneath the rock you will struggle to see how
it might be possible to climb up the apparently sheet cliffs but as you get closer you will spot the
various notches and grooves that once provided various routes to the top.
Today one main route is used; with good steps underfoot and a railing from the summit the jungle
extends seemingly endlessly in all directions. The ruined 12th Century capital of Sri Lanka,
Polonnaruwa, is one of the island's most important sites and beautifully set on the Parakramabahu
Samudra 'tank.' The flat terrain and large area covered by the ancient city makes this a great place
to explore by bicycle, following ancient streets and paths between the various temples and
monuments. The highpoint of your visit is likely to be the Gal Vihara (Stone Shrine). Here, four
Buddha statues have been carved from the same huge slab of rock and originally were part of a
monastery complex. The reclining Buddha is 14 metres long and is one of the most famous sights in
Sri Lanka.
Day 6:
(Meals: BLD)
DRIVE TO KANDY 1½ hours, VISIT SPICE GARDEN. AFTERNOON VISIT TO TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH,
EVENING DANCE SHOW
After breakfast you will leave Sigirya and make the short drive south to Kandy. Along the way you
will doubtless see evidence of local Chaina cultivation (slash & burn farming). This involves villagers
cutting and then burning patches of jungle to create clearings for short-term cultivation of crops,
such as rice and vegetables. You may also see numerous wooden tree-houses, where villagers take it
in turns to stay at night, keeping watch over their crops, lest they fall prey to wild elephants or
other animals. Outside Kandy you will make a short visit to a 'spice garden.' Spice has been an
important trading commodity for Sri Lanka since Greek and Roman trade, with Kandy being an
important centre of cultivation. Many of the spices you'll find in your kitchen at home are grown
here, including pepper, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.
Kandy is a centre of pilgrimage for many Sri Lankans, who come to visit the revered 'Temple of the
Tooth.' You will join the pilgrims this afternoon, on a visit to the temple complex. The most sacred
relic, which gives the central golden-roofed temple its name, is a tooth of Lord Buddha, said to have
been brought to Sri Lanka over 2,000 years ago in the hair of a Princess. Tonight your immersion
into Sri Lankan culture is rounded off with a dance show. Kandyan dance is traditionally performed
to the sound of the drum, with both drummers and dancers seeming to want to outdo each other as
the rhythms get faster and faster, a really spectacular sight (and sound).
Overnight: Hotel Suisse, Kandy
Day 7:
(Meals: BLD)
THREE TEMPLES WALK & VISIT TO BOTANICAL GARDENS
This morning you will visit the Embekke Devale, Lankathilake and Galadeniya Temples. Founded in
the 14th century and set in three small villages in the hills just outside Kandy, you will walk
between the three temples which are a fascinating combination of Buddhist and Hindu architecture.
On returning to the city, you visit the stunning Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Covering 150 acres,
they are the largest and best kept gardens in Sri Lanka with over 10,000 trees, an orchard house and
spice gardens. The visit to the garden is an excellent place to appreciate up close many of the trees
and plants that you see in the wild in Sri Lanka. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to do
your own sightseeing, shopping, or simply relax.
Overnight: Hotel Suisse, Kandy
(Meals: BLD)
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Day 8:
TRAIN TO NANU OYA approx. 4 hours, DRIVE TO NUWARA ELIYA 1hr, WALK & TEA PLANTATION
VISIT
This morning you catch the train from Kandy to make the journey to reach Nanu Oya and the
surrounding hill country. Dating back to the mid-19th century, Sri Lanka's railway network is another
legacy of the British Colonial era. Whilst sometimes journeys can be even slower than by road, a
train journey is definitely an atmospheric and enjoyable way to travel, especially through the hill
country passing lush forest, waterfalls and manicured tea plantations.
After arriving by train at Nanu Oya, you will travel by road for around one hour to reach Nuwara
Eliya, your overnight stop. Here, you spend the remainder of the day enjoying a countryside walk
and making a visit to one of the area's many tea plantations. From the time tea was first brought to
the island in the 19th Century, after the pre-existing coffee plantations were decimated by a
coffee-fungus, the tea industry in Sri Lanka has developed at an incredible rate. Initially exporting
mainly to British markets today more than 70% is grown for sale to Russia, the Middle East and North
Africa. During a tea plantation visit you will learn a little about the growing and harvesting
techniques as well as perhaps having the chance to see first-hand the production process from bush
to cup.
Overnight: St Andrew’s Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
Day 9:
(Meals: BLD)
DRIVE TO KITHUGALA, 1½ hours, RAFTING TRIP, RETURN TO NUWARA ELIYA VIA ST CLAIR’S &
DEVON FALLS
Another day brings another new adventure as you drive through the lush hill country for a day trip to
the Kelani River. The section of the river just outside the town of Kithugala was chosen in 1957 as a
location for the film, Bridge on the River Kwai. Only a couple of concrete foundations of the bridge
remain. Today the Kelani River is popular as a centre of white water rafting and this morning, after
getting kitted out with a helmet and buoyancy aid and a safety briefing you will take to the waters.
Canoeists and rafters give rivers grades to indicate their speed and challenge, 1 being the easiest
and 5 being the most challenging. The Kelani River is typically graded 2-3, making it ideal for both
beginners and those who have rafted just once or twice before. Your river journey will take around
90 minutes and through sections of rapids with names such as 'Butter Crunch' and 'Rib Cage.' (The
minimum age for children rafting is 9 and they must also fit the lifejackets).
On your return drive to Newara Eliya you make a couple of stops, perhaps one for cup of tea, but
certainly one to see St Clair's Falls and another at Devon Falls, both named by the British after their
adjacent plantations.
Overnight: St Andrew’s Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
Day 10:
(Meals: BLD)
DRIVE TO UDA WALAWE 2½-3 hours. DRIVE TO KITARAGAMA 30-45mins
You leave the hill country today and make the scenic journey south towards the coast. From
Nurwara Eliya the road descends first to Ella Gap, a prominent viewpoint over the valley that leads
to the coast. There is a rest-house here which makes for a good refreshment stop whilst taking in
the view. Driving on you will arrive at Uda Walawe National Park, where you make a visit to the
Elephant Transit Home (ETH). You are now in the Dry Zone, a lowland area of evergreen forests
which in contrast to the ubiquitous rain forest, is one the few dry forest areas in the whole IndoPacific region. Combined with the surrounding areas of thorny scrubland this environment supports a
healthy population of elephants and over 70 other species of mammal. The ETH was established in
the 1990s and is devoted to rearing orphaned or abandoned elephant calves. A visit here offers a
very different experience to other elephant sanctuaries on the island. Rather than tourist
entertainment, the emphasis here is very much on elephant welfare and offering visitors an insight
into Sri Lanka's national animal.
After lunch you continue on to reach your overnight hotel in Kataragama.
Overnight: Mandara Rosen, Kataragama
(Meals: BLD)
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Day 11:
GAME DRIVES IN YALA
Yala National Park is perhaps Sri Lanka's best-known spot for wildlife viewing. Covering around
130,000 hectares it covers a wide range of vegetation zones including monsoon forest, grassland,
fresh water & marine wetlands, and sandy beaches. These habitats support an equally diverse range
of flora and fauna and on your morning and afternoon safari drives here you may be able to see
elephants, deer, wild buffalo, crocodile and some of the more than 120 species of birds including,
Lesser Flamingos and Paradise Flycatchers. Today Yala is considered one of the world's premier
parks for seeing leopard, as these normally elusive cats have grown quite accustomed to the safari
jeeps that criss-cross the park. On an early morning or early evening drive you therefore have quite
a good chance of spotting a leopard on the dirt trails or sitting atop a rocky outcrop.
Overnight: Mandara Rosen, Kataragama
Day 12:
(Meals: BLD)
DRIVE TO GALLE 2½ hours, AFTERNOON AT LEISURE
A further contrast in scenery lies ahead today as you make the short drive to reach the coast south
of Kataragama. Upon reaching the main coast road you'll then follow the shoreline westward via
Hambantota, Tangalle and Matara to the town of Galle. This fortified Portuguese/Dutch port is now
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking along the walled ramparts and through the narrow streets
makes for a really pleasant morning Galle is a popular spot for visiting tourists and you will
doubtless be able to pick up some nice souvenirs or presents to take home.
After your visit to Galle you make the short 20-30 minute drive back along the coast. After checking
in to your hotel here the remainder of the day is yours to relax by the pool or on the beach.
Overnight: Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa
Day 13:
(Meals: BLD)
MORNING WHALE WATCHING (Nov-Apr only). REMAINDER OF DAY AT LEISURE
In recent years Sri Lanka has developed a reputation as one of the best places in the world to view
both blue whales and sperm whales. The prime spots are offshore from Dondra Head or Mirissa, both
of which are just a short drive from your hotel. Early morning is considered the optimum time for
sightings, so you'll make an early start today in time to join one of the whale watching boats
departing Mirissa at around 6.30am.
Sri Lankan coastal waters are very rich in nutrients and therefore sea life, as a result of the heavy
inflow of river waters during the monsoon rains. With the waters off Dondra Head being particularly
deep and lying on the migratory path of the whales, conditions are ideal for whale watching. As well
as the giant blue whale and sperm whales, dolphins are also commonly seen.
Returning to shore in time for lunch, the rest of the day is now yours to relax in the comfort of your
hotel, by the pool or on the beach.
Overnight: Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa
Day 14:
(Meals: BLD)
DRIVE TO COLOMBO, 1½-2 hours, REMAINDER OF DAY AT LEISURE
This morning you will drive to Colombo and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day will be at
your leisure.
Overnight: Ranweli Holiday Village Or Club Hotel Dolphin, Waikkal
Day 15:
(Meals: BLD)
DRIVE TO COLOMBO AIRPORT, FLY TO UK
This morning you will be transferred the short distance to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
(Meals: B)
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What the price includes
Mountain Kingdoms aims to offer the best value for money. We do not charge extra for meal packages or apply
local charges and try to ensure that all the key elements of your holiday are included
Therefore, the price includes:
 Child price valid for 7 to 11 year olds
 An English speaking Sri Lankan leader
 Good standard hotel accommodation, full board,
twin share basis All road transport by private
vehicles
 Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK
Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
 Sightseeing where specified
 All hotel/airport transfers
 Carbon offset for clients taking our flightinclusive option
 A Mountain Kingdoms kitbag
The price does not include:
 Travel insurance Visa fees
 Sri Lankan airport departure taxes


Optional trips
Tips
Will the trip run?
This trip is guaranteed to run for 4 people and for a maximum of 20. In the rare event that we cancel a holiday,
we will refund you in full and give you at least 6 weeks warning. Many treks do fill up quickly – we advise you to
book early if you want to secure a place(s) on the dates of your choice.
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Your accommodation
Ranweli Holiday Village Or Club Hotel Dolphin, Waikkal
Set on a small island and accessible by passenger ferry, this is a unique eco hotel
with comfortable en-suite bungalow rooms on the beach.
Sigiriya Village Hotel, Sigiriya
Accommodation is in individual cottages, all air conditioned, set in secluded
landscaped gardens. There is a swimming pool and Ayurvedic Centre.
Hotel Suisse, Kandy
Located in 3 acres of landscaped gardens beside the renowned Kandy Lake, the
hotel has well appointed, air conditioned rooms as well as an outdoor swimming
pool.
St Andrew's Hotel, Nuwara Eliya
The hotel was built around an old Tudor-style country house which served as a
grand colonial residence during the days of British rule. The comfortable and
spacious rooms are all en suite and you feel as if you are 'stepping back in time'.
Mandara Rosen, Kataragama
A modern hotel with excellent service, facilities at the Mandara Rosen include a
large open air pool, spa centre, coffee shop and bar. All rooms are air
conditioned.
Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa
Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa Beach Resort. Situated right on the edge of a sandy
beach on the Indian Ocean. All rooms are en suite and air conditioned.
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Meal arrangements
All meals included from lunch on day 2 to breakfast on day 15.
Flight arrangements
Flight-inclusive prices
We use reputable IATA airlines for all our international flights and the flight-inclusive price for this holiday is
based upon flights from London. The flight-inclusive prices shown in this itinerary are based upon our preferred
airlines and the lowest priced economy class fares available at time of booking. To secure the very best flightinclusive holiday price we strongly recommend that you book as far in advance of your planned trip as possible
but please be aware that a flight supplement may be required. Please check our website for the most up-todate 'flight-inclusive from' prices. As a result of changes to availability or flight taxes, airfares can increase at
any time.
Flight upgrades
If you would like to upgrade your flights from Economy Class, please contact our Flights Manager, April Palmer,
who will be happy to provide you with a quote.
Price supplements & surcharges
Prices in this itinerary are correct at time of publication. All trip prices may be subject to change due to
external factors, such as availability of services or the introduction of new taxes or fees. The prices for each
individual departure may therefore vary slightly from those published. The supplementary cost of any changes to
the price of an individual trip will be advised before your booking is confirmed.
Further information
When we receive your booking, we send you a full Trip Dossier which contains details of any visas and
vaccinations required, a suggested gear and clothing list and lots of useful information. If you do have queries at
this initial stage do call us on 01453 844400 and we will be pleased to offer advice.
The nature of adventure travel
Every effort will be made to keep to this itinerary but we cannot guarantee that things may not change, either
before you travel or while you are away. By its very nature, adventure travel involves an element of the
unexpected, particularly in more remote areas. A variety of factors such as adverse weather conditions, changes
to local schedules and difficulties with transportation can all contribute to the need to make changes to the
itinerary, often at the very last minute. Our Operations Manager and your Trip Leader will make every effort to
maintain the integrity of the original itinerary and minimise the impact of any changes, but an easy-going and
flexible nature is a real asset! Please note that all timings and distances given are approximate.
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Climate information
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Extension ideas
There are many ways you can extend your holiday with Mountain
Kingdoms: you could book extra nights at a hotel, relax at a beautiful
beach resort, take a warm-up trek, arrange a personal sightseeing tour or
enjoy some other exciting activities such as a safari, rafting or
birdwatching. In fact whatever's available, we can help make it happen.
We're happy to suggest ideas, provide quotes and make all the
arrangements. We can also assist with flight and hotel upgrades. Just
call us on +44 (0)1453 844400 or email [email protected] to
make your holiday dreams come true.
You
can
download
extension
information
sheets
from
www.mountainkingdoms.com. Alternatively please contact the office on
01453 844400.
Please note: If you want to extend your stay it is essential we are
informed as soon as possible after your booking. This is due to the high
demand for flights.
Mountain Kingdoms & Responsible Tourism
Our commitment
Mountain Kingdoms is committed to responsible tourism, through policies and practices which permeate all
aspects of its business. Our policies aim to ensure that we and our clients act in a way which is socially,
environmentally and culturally sound. We feel strongly that all Mountain Kingdoms holidays should benefit local
communities, protect the environment by minimising pollution, and respect local traditions, religion and
heritage. We tread lightly - low volume, low impact trekking/touring is the best way of preserving the beautiful
and fragile places we visit.
We work with organisations such as Tourism Concern, International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), Ecoan, AITO
and various charities, to help achieve our responsible tourism goals.
Our initiatives
We support a number of Responsible Tourism initiatives and organisations in
many of the destinations we visit. Our main initiative is funding English lessons
for our sherpas and local guides in Nepal where we contribute approximately
$1500 per year. We are also very active in raising funds for the Shiva Charity’s
Ginette Harrison School in Nepal and to date we have raised over £15,300 for
Shiva Charity’s schools. Other examples of our recent ongoing work are the
Simien Mountains Mobile Medical Service, the Bridge Project in Zanskar and
support for the Village Education Project in Kilimanjaro. Further details of all
our Responsible Tourism initiatives can be found at www.mountainkingdoms.com.
Porter Protection
In the countries where we use porters such as Nepal and Peru, we feel that the issue of porter
protection is immensely important. We support the work and the aims of the IPPG (International
Porter Protection Group) and as such we have a set of guidelines to adhere to and which we apply
worldwide.
Carbon off-setting
Working with Ecoan tree-planting project in Southern Peru, and the Druk White Lotus School in Ladakh’s solar
energy project, we offset the carbon emissions for every Mountain Kingdoms holiday sold that includes an
international flight.
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Why book this holiday with Mountain Kingdoms?

The extensive experience of our office team, combined with the knowledge, contacts and attention
to detail of our local partners, means you are assured of a high quality holiday. This itinerary has
been designed in conjunction with a very experienced Sri Lankan travel company, well used to
providing the levels of service we know our clients expect.

We have designed the itinerary to include not only the island’s main cultural and scenic sights but
also many varied activities to interest and engage younger travellers.

Many itineraries to Sri Lanka involve endless long road journeys – which can be very tiring – and 13
different hotels in 13 nights. We have tried to break up our road journeys as far as possible and
minimise one night hotel stays.

Mountain Kingdoms has an award winning Responsible Travel Policy, and we work hard to ensure all
our local partners adhere to our standards and procedures. We pay special attention on trip to
environmental issues such as waste management. We pay a contribution to Beyond Carbon for every
client that books international flights with us. This funds projects where there is a real additional
and measurable carbon saving benefit.

As our minimum group size for this holiday is only 4 this trip is extremely likely to get 'up and
running'. Some of our competitors have larger minimum group sizes and therefore regularly have to
cancel 'under-subscribed' trips.

We are an IATA accredited agent and work directly with some of the world’s major airlines. If you
wish to fly with a specific airline or on alternative dates to the main group we will be happy to
arrange this for you.

We routinely research and make a reconnaissance of our trips ourselves. We believe this underlines
our commitment to ensuring you have the best experience in Sri Lanka. If you have any questions
about this trip, please contact Seraphina Berry at the MK office. Seraphina has spent time travelling
in Sri Lanka and is very familiar with the sights, walks and journeys included in this trip and will be
happy to answer any queries you may have.
If we’ve tempted you to take your next holiday with us, we advise you to check availability and you can do
this via our website: www.mountainkingdoms.com or by calling the team on +44 (0)1453 844400. Bookings
can be made online, by phone or by completing a booking form and returning it to us. We can also
provisionally hold places if you need time to consider your options.
P a g e | 14
What our clients say
I really enjoyed my holiday to Sri Lanka and found the people friendly,
charming and helpful. I have brought back lots of happy memories and
holiday snaps.
-Mrs S, Cornwall
P a g e | 15
P a g e | 16

2015 Family Adventure Sri Lanka

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