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The amazing things you'll be doing
A thrilling holiday discovering the fascinating culture, varied landscapes & wildlife of this tropical paradise.
Dolphin Watching
From November to April the sea is often like a sheet of glass. Dolphins glide in the azure depths and, if lucky, you may have them jumping out of the water giving you an official welcome to Sri Lanka!
Habarana & Village Life
Continuing your journey on this diverse tropical island, you head inland to climb Sigiriya Rock and explore unspoilt tropical woodland on elephant-back. You can also discover the lush countryside by bike (optional). You'll have the unique opportunity to watch (or help!) local villagers with their early morning fish catch and (season permitting) ride to islands in Parakrama Lake on a fisherman's catamaran. Here you may see ibis, cormorants and other birds.
Temples & Jungle
Kandy is famous for its Temple of the Tooth and botanical gardens. Following a drive through stunning mountains you'll embark on a jungle trek and canoe on the Kelani River. There's also the opportunity for white water rafting (optional).
Elephants & Beaches
You'll experience dramatic hill-country and colonial Bandarawela before descending to stay by Uda Walawe NP. After a jeep safari you'll visit the Elephant Transit Home, followed by three nights relaxing on the tropical, Indian Ocean beaches.
Small group family holiday
This is a 'small group family adventure' - typically you will join several other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 people. The trips are great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Most adventure kids tend to be aged between 7 and 15, but some are younger (minimum age is usually 5) and some older (perhaps travelling as part of a larger family group). Please check with the operator to confirm the minimum age for this trip
How this holiday makes a difference
During your holiday you will make a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, run by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation. Established in 1995, the home provides shelter for 30 orphaned or abandoned baby elephants, releasing them to the wild when they are strong enough to survive in their natural habitat. You will visit the ETH at feeding time (the only time visits are allowed) and see the elephants from a viewing deck approximately 10m away. As entrance fees to the National Park go directly to the Sri Lankan government, we will leave a donation of $5 for the ETH on your behalf.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is probably Sri Lanka’s most famous elephant sanctuary and up until early 2006 a visit here was included in this holiday. However serious concerns over the treatment and welfare of the elephants led to us to stop visiting Pinnawela and visit the ETH instead. We will continue to monitor the situation and press for improvements in the conditions at Pinnawela.
Alongside our Sri Lankan agent we employ local guides, drivers and of course the group leader. Money from our visit also reaches a wide range of people from local hoteliers to restaurateurs. Following the tsunami in 2004 we’ve been working hand in hand with out agent on a recovery project in Ahanhama on the south coast. Like many other villages in this area, Ahangama was badly affected by the tsunami, with many homes, businesses and lives lost. Shortly after the tsunami we began supporting a local school and from September 2005 we have been donating £5 for every person travelling with us to Sri Lanka. The monies will be spent on equipment – to help the school return to full strength. You will also have the opportunity to visit the school during your trip – gifts of sports equipment (netballs, footballs and jerseys) plus library books would be most welcome.
For more information visit Responsible Travel Country: Sri Lanka
Departures:
2010: 6 Feb, 27 Mar, 3 Apr, 24 Jul, 31 Jul, 5 Aug, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 16 Oct, 11 Dec, 18 Dec
2011: 12 Feb, 9 Apr, 16 Apr, 23 Jul, 30 Jul, 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 15 Oct, 10 Dec, 17 Dec
Price: From £1299 - £1899 (16 days) per adult and from £969 - £1349 per child including flights from the UK. From £849 - £1019 per adult and from £599 - £739 per child excluding flights.
Late availability: Late availability on 6th February departures
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