An Insider's Journey into the Island of Serendipity
Sri Lanka
{"trip":{"TripID":10364,"Trip_Code":"SRILANKA","Trip_Name":"Sri Lanka","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Colombo, Sri Lanka","End_Location":"Colombo, Sri Lanka","Number_Days":13,"Number_Nights":12,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":true,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"Join our veteran Trip Leader Annie Hawkins to discover the golden temples, tea plantations, and 2,000-year-old culture of Sri Lanka. We'll explore the 12th century temple-ruins of Polonnaruwa, with its Buddhist and Hindu shrines, and hike up the stone steps of King Kashyapa's fortress at Sigiriya. We'll also visit cool green highlands where tea is cultivated, sample Sri Lanka's famous fish curries, and look for wildlife at Yala National Park, haunt of elephant and leopard. Annie's deep local connections bring us into the heart of Sri Lanka as we meet an array of people, from tea planters to art collectors to Buddhist monks.","Long_Description":"","ActivityHighlight":"A mix of easy to moderate walks and hikes, cultural explorations","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-SRILANKA-ceylon-tea-planation-tamil-harvest.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/srilanka-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"www.wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/\/Sri Lanka\/anuradhapura-dambulla-eliya-yala-cultural-tour","ThisYear_Year":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"","Price":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":true,"NextYear_Year":"2024","NextYear_PriceDetails":"$7,495 (14-16 members)<br>$7,995 (10-13 members)<br>$8,495 (6-9 members)","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"Single supplement: $2,065","PriceNextYear":"7495","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"","PricingNotes":"","NewTrip":false,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":6,"TripRatingName":"2+","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":20,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Asia","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":90,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":""},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":1,"Headline":"Colombo, Sri Lanka","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Arrive in Colombo, where you are met and transferred to the Galle Face Hotel, a colonial-style hotel set on the seafront. Many flights arrive very early in the morning; Wilderness Travel has reserved the night before Day 1 at the hotel to guarantee that your room is ready whenever you arrive on Day 1. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest or explore Colombo on your own. In the evening, we gather for our Welcome Dinner and Trip Orientation.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Colombo","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Colombo, for centuries the traditional gateway to the Orient, is a fascinating blend of east and west, past and present. Our explorations today include the city's markets and an eclectic mix of its Hindu and Buddhist temples. We'll also take a short walk in the area of the historic Colombo Fort and enjoy lunch at at a restaurant located on the grounds of the old Dutch hospital, a relic from the Dutch occupation that's been transformed into a shopping and dining venue. Overnight at Galle Face Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Aliya Resort \/ Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We depart Colombo for our journey to Aliya Resort, our accommodation for the next three nights. After lunch and some time to relax, we head out on a jeep safari in either Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park, both home to large herds of wild Sri Lankan elephants. The elephants migrate seasonally between the parks, so we'll visit whichever park currently has the most elephant sightings. Kaudulla has been a sanctuary since 1938 and features a magnificent 7,400-acre water reservoir from the 4th century. This important wetland supports paddy fields and many aquatic birds including painted storks and spot billed pelicans. Overnight at the Aliya Resort, set in a beautiful verdant landscape overlooking the rock fortress of Sigiriya.\r\nApproximate driving time: 4-4.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"School Visit \/ Angampora \/ Sigiriya","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Near Ritigala, we visit a local school to chat with some of the 20 students, who are 5-10 years in age, then head to the historical village of Angampora, where we see a private demonstration of Sri Lanka's indigenous martial arts. We may possibly be able to meet the Master, who is responsible for reviving this ancient defense form that was banned during colonial occupation. The Master is also renowned across the island for his healing skills and predicting the future.\r\n\r\nReturning to our resort, we watch a cooking demonstration, then enjoy a savory traditional Sri Lankan feast cooked in clay pots and served on banana leaves. In the afternoon, a short drive brings us to Sigiriya, the famed rock fortress of King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). As we approach the site by road, we can see in the distance a towering rock outcrop rising from the green jungle plains. It was atop this enormous rock that King Kashyapa constructed his elaborate palace in the 5th century AD. We follow steep stone steps to the top, a flat, three-acre summit plateau with the ruins of pavilions, a palace, pleasure gardens, and uninterrupted views of lush green jungle in every direction. Sigiriya (“lion's throat”) was so named because visitors had to pass through the carved throat of a lion to get to the top. The Sigiriya maiden frescoes, etched into the sheer rock face, are among the most famous features of the site. Originally there were 500; only 19 remain today. Tonight we enjoy a barbecue dinner in the private gardens of our hotel. Overnight at the Aliya Resort.\r\nApproximate driving time: 3.5-4 hours (total)","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Anuradhapura \/ Polonnaruwa","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our explorations start in the early morning with a visit to Anuradhapura, the center of the island's Buddhist civilization and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka (it is one of Sri Lanka's eight World Heritage Sites). The earliest capital of Sri Lanka, “the city of Anura” was home to the royal court from 437 BC to 1017 AD. Here we find the island's oldest Buddhist shrines, some dating back to the 3rd century BC, impressive white dagobas, along with gardens, beautifully executed stone baths and ponds, and a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals. Dagobas are elaborate relic chambers of brick and earth topped by a golden spire (the word “pagoda” is derived from the word dagoba). One dagoba here, the Thuparama, is considered to be the oldest in Sri Lanka and is believed to enshrine the collar bone relic of the Buddha. The 3rd century Isurumuniya Temple at Anuradhapura is noted for its elaborate rock carvings. At the heart of this huge and evocative ruin is a 2,000-year-old bodhi tree—the Sri Maha Bodhi. It was grown from a cutting of the tree in Kushinagar, India, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, and was brought here by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns and the daughter of the great Indian Emperor Ashoka. Buddhist pilgrims are often seen circumambulating the tree in devotional practices.\r\n\r\nIn the afternoon, we head to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's lovely medieval capital, with its well-preserved ancient dagobas, moonstones (features of Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka), parks, and stunning carved statues. This compact ancient ruin, a World Heritage Site, dates from the late 10th century, when the Chola kings of southern India invaded Sri Lanka and conquered Anuradhapura. The invaders then moved their capital to Polonnaruwa for strategic reasons, but were ultimately forced out by the Sinhalese ruler Vijayabahu I. The Sea of Parakrama, a vast 12th century man-made reservoir created by King Parakramabahu I (1153-86) during Polonnaruwa's golden age, dominates the site, and small troops of monkeys patrol the wooded areas. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Cave Temples of Dambulla \/ Matale \/ Kandy","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"At Dambulla, we find five mystical cave temples dating from the first century BC. Hewn from a huge rock mass and adorned with frescoes, they sheltered King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When the king finally regained his throne in 89 BC, he ordered the caves painted with magnificent images, some depicting scenes from the Buddha's life and Sinhalese history. There is also a colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the living rock, some 45 feet long. As we head to Kandy, we explore the Aluwihare Heritage Centre in Matale, a crafts workshop once run by the late Ena de Silva, a renowned batik artist, social activist, and prominent Sri Lankan (her father was the first Inspector General of Police of post-independence Ceylon). After lunch, we continue to Kandy, the hill capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, nestled in the splendor of hill country at 1,600 feet with a tranquil lake in its midst. This World Heritage Site retains an aura of grandeur and is a cultural sanctuary where legends, traditions, and folklore are lovingly kept alive. Kandy and its environs are the center of the island's handicraft industry, which includes exquisite silver and gold jewelry and precious gems. Overnight at the Cinnamon Citadel, beautifully set among the vivid green hills of Kandy.\r\nApproximate driving time: 2.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Kandy \/ Temple of the Tooth","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning, we explore Kandy's most famous site, the golden-roofed Temple of the Tooth, or Dalada Milgawa Temple, where a tooth of the Buddha is preserved. This 16th century temple is one of the most venerated places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists throughout the world, and is a World Heritage Site. We'll also visit the onsite Buddhist Museum, with its photographs and displays portraying the facets of Buddhism around the world. Afterwards, we visit a cultural center where an ancient house of a village chief has been converted into an art center whose vast collections of furniture, art items, antique books, manuscripts, photographs, and postcards reflect the interests of its founder, Jacques Soulié, a French national who now calls Sri Lanka home. We join him for lunch and enjoy a discussion about the Kandy and Gampola kingdoms. We return to Kandy, with the remainder of the day free to visit Kandy's markets on your own. In the evening we gather at the hotel for a traditional performance that includes “fire walking”.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Temples of Pilimatalawa \/ Nuwara Eliya","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We head to Pilimatalawa, in the suburbs of Kandy, site of three temples dating from the 14th century. Upon arrival, we'll travel by rickshaw to the first, Gadaladeniya, a hilltop temple believed to be built by South Indian artists. In its main shrine room is a large painted statue of the Buddha. Aboard our rickshaws, we travel through local villages and paddy fields to Lankathilaka, a huge majestic temple believed to be one of the most magnificent—and best preserved—architectural structures in the Gampola kingdom. Built on a rock, we reach it by a series of rock-cut steps. Our final visit here is to Embekke, with its examples of fine woodcarvings of human figures, animals, and floral motifs. No metal is used throughout the structure—even the nails are made of wood. We may arrive in time for a pooja ceremony, a blessing that offers protection for travelers.\r\n\r\nContinuing our journey, we travel to Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of Sri Lankan hill country, whose rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. This is where the British built their homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne and landscaped them with rose gardens and well-kept lawns. Our accommodation is the nearby Heritance Tea Factory, a restored hotel set on a hillside with views of mountains and tea plantations where we enjoy High Tea.\r\nApproximate driving time: 3.5-4 hours (total)","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Tea Estate Hike \/ Train to Ella \/ Wellawaya","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, is one of the world's largest tea exporters. Tea was introduced to the island after 1868 when a blight destroyed most of the coffee plants and estate owners had to diversify. A Scotsman, James Taylor, with knowledge of tea cultivation in northern India, was in charge of the first sowing of tea seeds on 19 acres, and some of those bushes are still producing today. By 1873, Taylor's first Ceylon-grown teas sold for a very good price in London. Rapid expansion of Ceylon's tea industry in the 1870s and 1880s brought interest from the large British tea companies, which took over many of the small estates. In 1890, four estates were purchased by an Irish immigrant to America, Thomas Lipton, who had made a fortune in the grocery business. Tea was expensive for the working class at that time, and Lipton introduced the concept of inexpensive tea leaves in a teapot-ready bag.\r\n\r\nA morning hike brings us through tea plantations, where we witness the local life of the tea picking community. At a tea factory, we'll see how the raw green leaf is converted to the familiar dark brown product through a process of drying, cutting, rolling, and fermentation. We'll also learn to “taste” tea and try to identify the subtle differences in flavor. After our visit, we head to the train station to board the train that carries us to Ella, with a box lunch aboard the train en route. Ella is a lovely hill-country town, blessed with some of the most beautiful mountain views in Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, we enjoy a brief sightseeing tour of the town, then proceed to our beautiful eco-lodge near the village of Wellawaya. Overnight at Jetwing Kaduruketha.\r\nApproximate driving time: 2-3 hours (total)","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Around Wellawaya","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the morning, we can take an optional bike ride with our Trip Leader past verdant rice paddies and farms. The afternoon is at leisure to relax. Dinner and overnight at hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Ella \/ Buduruwagala \/ Yala National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today's journey begins with a visit to Buduruwagala, “the rock with the statue of Buddha,” which we arrive at by tuk-tuk! Seven figures are carved in this rock, with a massive 51-foot Buddha statue at the center. We continue from the highlands to the coast, arriving in Yala National Park in time for lunch. Yala, a dune-covered scrub landscape on the south coast, is home to throngs of painted storks and troops of monkeys chattering in the trees. Elephants can be seen in the open, undulating terrain and recently the park has gained fame for its leopard research\/conservation project. In the afternoon, we enjoy a game drive at the park, then savor a special barbecue dinner in the evening. Overnight at Jetwing Yala, a beautiful hotel right next to the park.\r\nApproximate driving time: 3 hours (total)","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Galle","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A scenic morning drive brings us to the ancient seaside trading post of Galle on the southern tip of Sri Lanka. En route, we stop for lunch at a place where we can see Sri Lanka's famous stilt fishermen. The fortified town of Galle was an essential port of call for Chinese, Persian, Arab, and Indian traders. The Dutch built the Galle fort in 1663, and the British took it over in 1796. In the evening, we gather for a festive Farewell Dinner of seafood. Overnight at the Lighthouse Hotel, set on the beach on the outskirts of Galle.\r\nApproximate driving time: 3 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Galle \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"The morning is free to enjoy the pool, ocean, and hotel facilities, or explore Galle on your own. Check-out time is at 12:00 pm (noon). Transfer to the Colombo Airport, a three-hour drive, and depart on homeward-bound flights. If you wish to extend your stay in Galle, we will be happy to make reservations for extra hotel nights.*\r\n\r\n*Please Note: Many flights depart Colombo in the early morning (1:00 am to 3:00 am). If your flight departs in the early morning hours of Day 13, you will transfer (approximately 3 hours) to the Colombo Airport just after the Farewell Dinner on Day 12, to connect with flights departing early morning on Day 13. However, if your flight departs later in the day on Day 13 (or in the early morning of Day 14), you will overnight in Galle on Day 12 and transfer to the Colombo Airport the following day.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Colombo \/ Anuradhapura \/ Polonnaruwa \/ Sigiriya","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After a visit to Colombo's markets, we head to our lovely resort hotel near Sigiriya. Here we'll look for wild elephants in Kaudulla National Park, then visit the garden pavilions of Anuradhapura, the graceful pagodas of 10th century Polonnaruwa, and King Kashyapa's impressive citadel of Sigiriya, a towering rock outcrop rising from the green jungle plains. All three places are World Heritage Sites. Near Ritigala, we visit a local school, then head to a Buddhist monastery to participate in an almsgiving ceremony.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Dambulla \/ Kandy \/ Nuwara Eliya \/ Ella","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After a climb up to the cave-temple complex at Dambulla, we'll be welcomed for a private lunch in the home of a local professor and art collector. We continue to Kandy, nestled in hill country, home to the famous 16th century Temple of the Tooth. From our heritage hotel above colonial Nuwara Eliya, we walk through tea plantations and learn the fine art of “tasting” tea. A short rail journey brings us to the peaceful town of Ella, where we can enjoy a village bike ride and a lesson in preparing Sri Lankan cuisine.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Yala National Park \/ Galle","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In Yala, we look for fabulous birdlife, troops of monkeys chattering in the trees, and herds of wild elephant. After walking the ramparts of the historic seaside trading post of Galle, founded as a Dutch fort, we depart on Day 13 via Colombo.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2023","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/sri-lanka-itinerary-2023.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/sri-lanka-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":""}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Explore Anuradhapura, where Buddhist shrines date to the 3rd century BC, colonial Nuwara Eliya, and the Buddhist cave temples of Dambulla","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":25261,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Enjoy 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She has led exclusively for Wilderness Travel since 1995 and has led journeys for us in France, Spain, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Niger, Oman, and more! “As a Trip Leader, I see myself as the personal ambassador to a place. In France, I love introducing the products of the \u2018terroir' such as wine or cheese, or in southern Spain, taking the group to my home to share a paella with them. And in the Sahara, I have a passion for the wind-created landscape I call \u2018the yellow circle' and the ingenuity of the people who live in this place of extremes. I'm also fascinated by the friendships that people forge while traveling together day after day. I remember how six guests become lifetime friends after our trip in Niger—this warms my heart!” While scouting our trip in southern Spain in 1999, Annie bought a 300-year-old house in a village clinging on the flanks of the highest mountains in Spain. It took her three years to transform it into the home she calls La Casa del Milagro. 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Every day had many new discoveries."},{"GuestNames":"Lisa T.","GuestLocation":"Hamden, CT","GuestReview":"How lucky we were! Annie loves the country, and knows it well. She provided an amazing mix of culture, nature, and history."},{"GuestNames":"Melissa S.","GuestLocation":"Kailua-Kona, HI","GuestReview":"A remarkable and heartwarming experience. The visit to the local elementary school was a special treat!"},{"GuestNames":"Nancy B.","GuestLocation":"Charlestown, MA","GuestReview":"A wonderful experience. I so enjoyed the diversity of the island."},{"GuestNames":"Zac G.","GuestLocation":"San Marino, CA","GuestReview":"Annie was an excellent guide. She has a great passion for life, travel, and Sri Lanka that consistently comes through. She also did a very good job, as we were a small group, of being flexible and taking advantage of the moment. 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Overview
Join our veteran Trip Leader Annie Hawkins to discover the golden temples, tea plantations, and 2,000-year-old culture of Sri Lanka. We'll explore the 12th century temple-ruins of Polonnaruwa, with its Buddhist and Hindu shrines, and hike up the stone steps of King Kashyapa's fortress at Sigiriya. We'll also visit cool green highlands where tea is cultivated, sample Sri Lanka's famous fish curries, and look for wildlife at Yala National Park, haunt of elephant and leopard. Annie's deep local connections bring us into the heart of Sri Lanka as we meet an array of people, from tea planters to art collectors to Buddhist monks.
Arrive: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Depart: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Highlights
- Explore Anuradhapura, where Buddhist shrines date to the 3rd century BC, colonial Nuwara Eliya, and the Buddhist cave temples of Dambulla
- Enjoy charming accommodations, from seaside hotels to chalets set among rice paddies
- Be welcomed into Sri Lankan culture, meeting monks, tea planters, artists, and students
Itinerary
Download Itinerary
Expand All Days
After a visit to Colombo's markets, we head to our lovely resort hotel near Sigiriya. Here we'll look for wild elephants in Kaudulla National Park, then visit the garden pavilions of Anuradhapura, the graceful pagodas of 10th century Polonnaruwa, and King Kashyapa's impressive citadel of Sigiriya, a towering rock outcrop rising from the green jungle plains. All three places are World Heritage Sites. Near Ritigala, we visit a local school, then head to a Buddhist monastery to participate in an almsgiving ceremony.
After a climb up to the cave-temple complex at Dambulla, we'll be welcomed for a private lunch in the home of a local professor and art collector. We continue to Kandy, nestled in hill country, home to the famous 16th century Temple of the Tooth. From our heritage hotel above colonial Nuwara Eliya, we walk through tea plantations and learn the fine art of “tasting” tea. A short rail journey brings us to the peaceful town of Ella, where we can enjoy a village bike ride and a lesson in preparing Sri Lankan cuisine.
In Yala, we look for fabulous birdlife, troops of monkeys chattering in the trees, and herds of wild elephant. After walking the ramparts of the historic seaside trading post of Galle, founded as a Dutch fort, we depart on Day 13 via Colombo.
Dates & Pricing
Payment & Cancel Schedule
$600 due at time of reservation
90 days prior to departure: Balance
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
45 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Included
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations in hotels
- All meals included except 1 lunch as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
- Tea and coffee at all meals
- All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
- All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
Not Included
- Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
- Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
- Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
- Optional travel insurance
- Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
- Visa fees
Accommodations
Listed below are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Galle Face Hotel
Days 1-2 (2 nights)
Combining old world charm and elegance with modern amenities, the historic Galle Face Hotel enjoys a wonderful location, right on the beach and facing the Galle Face Green, an urban park along the seafront. If you're a swimmer, you can get your laps in at the 30-meter-long saltwater swimming pool. After, sip a cocktail in the garden and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. And don't miss the hotel's own collection of historical memorabilia and artifacts.
Aliya Resort
Days 3-5 (3 nights)
From this hotel, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the verdant landscape and Sigiriya, or "Lion's Rock," an ancient palace once home to the king. Guestrooms are spacious and the art and decor are inspired by the Aliya, elephant. During our stay here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a BBQ in the gardens of the hotel.
Cinnamon Citadel Hotel
Days 6-7 (2 nights)
The hills above the Mahaweli River provide a tranquil setting for this hotel in Kandy. Take in the views of the river and the surrounding greenery from the swimming pool or the modern lobby bar. Each of the rooms here are thoughtfully decorated in red, yellow, and crimson to represent the royalty and majesty of this region.
Heritance Tea Factory
Day 8 (1 night)
This restored tea factory-turned-hotel makes for a unique stay in the hills above Nuwara Eliya. Its remote mountainside setting is a bit of an oasis, and offers views of lush tea plantations. While here, you can hike through tea plantations and enjoy High Tea.
Jetwing Kaduruketha
Days 9-10 (2 nights)
Set amid paddy fields and natural forest, Jetwing Kaduruketha is designed to nestle unobtrusively into the rural landscape. Its 25 chalets, spaced out over 60 acres, are simply crafted with bamboo and wood and feature a king-sized bed, en suite bathroom, and an open plan to offer an indoor and outdoor ambiance (a roll-away bed will be provided for those needing a twin room). The resort's cuisine mixes fresh ingredients to produce traditional Sri Lankan curries as well as international menus. Meals can be enjoyed in the restaurant or on the outdoor terrace.
Jetwing Yala
Day 11 (1 night)
Facing Yala Beach and adjacent to Yala National Park, this 80-room hotel is an excellent base for game drives in search for painted storks and herds of elephants. With modern and colorful rooms, this hotel offers ample opportunities for relaxation, from a swing in a hammock to a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.
Lighthouse Hotel Galle
Day 12 (1 night)
Listen to surf crash against the rocks at this luxurious oceanfront hotel designed by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Each of the hotel's 85 rooms offers private balconies with views of the sparkling Indian Ocean. On the hotel grounds, you can enjoy a swim in one of three pools, a walk to a small accessible beach, or an after-dinner drink at The Coat of Arms Bar, decorated with antique flags.
1/7
Trip Leaders
Annie Hawkins
View ProfileWhat the Trip is Like
This trip is rated a Level 2+, Easy to Moderate, with some optional short hikes and several nature walks at archaeological sites. Accommodations are in lovely hotels, including one night in a converted tea factory! Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and occasionally we must take off shoes to visit temples.
Review Trip Level Details
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with high humidity, tempered by sea breezes on the coast. The average temperature is about 81°F. In the highlands in places like Nuwara Eliya, it is in the 60s during the day and can get very cold at night, with lows in the 40s, so you'll need a sweater. Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. The southwest part of the island gets a monsoon between May and July while the northeast monsoon is December and January. Humidity is high year round and you can expect some rain showers most days.
Client Testimonials
"From beginning to end, this trip exceeded all my expectations. The trip’s timing for the cultural events we experienced was spot on."
Anne W.
Gardnerville, NV
"Trip was well designed and executed, with plenty of diversity. Well done!"
Ginger K.
Adairsville, GA
"We very much enjoyed the diversity of experiences—visiting historic and religious sites, interacting with local people, viewing wildlife, and experiencing different environments. Each day was a new adventure!"
Jo L.
Santa Barbara, CA
"It was a great trip to an amazing country not many people know about. Every day had many new discoveries."
Keith R.
New Orleans, LA
"How lucky we were! Annie loves the country, and knows it well. She provided an amazing mix of culture, nature, and history."
Lisa T.
Hamden, CT
"A remarkable and heartwarming experience. The visit to the local elementary school was a special treat!"
Melissa S.
Kailua-Kona, HI
"A wonderful experience. I so enjoyed the diversity of the island."
Nancy B.
Charlestown, MA
"Annie was an excellent guide. She has a great passion for life, travel, and Sri Lanka that consistently comes through. She also did a very good job, as we were a small group, of being flexible and taking advantage of the moment. Loved the planning for so many special meals and different experiences."
Zac G.
San Marino, CA
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
Submit the form below to download itinerary
Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
{"trip":{"TripID":10364,"Trip_Code":"SRILANKA","Trip_Name":"Sri Lanka","TripYear":"2024","BrandName":"Wilderness Travel","BrandID":1,"Trip_Tag_Line":"see custom fields","Start_Location":"Colombo, Sri Lanka","End_Location":"Colombo, Sri Lanka","Number_Days":13,"Number_Nights":12,"DisplayOnWeb":true,"Book_On_Web":true,"Featured":false,"SpecialEvent":false,"BestSeller":false,"Short_Description":"Join our veteran Trip Leader Annie Hawkins to discover the golden temples, tea plantations, and 2,000-year-old culture of Sri Lanka. We'll explore the 12th century temple-ruins of Polonnaruwa, with its Buddhist and Hindu shrines, and hike up the stone steps of King Kashyapa's fortress at Sigiriya. We'll also visit cool green highlands where tea is cultivated, sample Sri Lanka's famous fish curries, and look for wildlife at Yala National Park, haunt of elephant and leopard. Annie's deep local connections bring us into the heart of Sri Lanka as we meet an array of people, from tea planters to art collectors to Buddhist monks.","Long_Description":"","ActivityHighlight":"A mix of easy to moderate walks and hikes, cultural explorations","TripType":"Small Group Adventure","HeaderImage":"","HeaderImageAltTag":"","ThumbnailImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/thumb-SRILANKA-ceylon-tea-planation-tamil-harvest.jpg","MapImage":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/trips\/srilanka-map.jpg","MapImageAltTag":"","FloatingImage":"","VideoLink":"","GroupSize":"","tripURL":"www.wildernesstravel.com\/trip\/\/Sri Lanka\/anuradhapura-dambulla-eliya-yala-cultural-tour","ThisYear_Year":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails":"","ThisYear_PriceDetails2":"","Price":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2":"0","SingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","SingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","AirPrice":"0","AirPriceCaption":"","FeePrice1":"0","FeePrice2":"0","FeePrice3":"0","FeeName1":"","FeeName2":"","FeeName3":"","ShowNextYearsPrice":true,"NextYear_Year":"2024","NextYear_PriceDetails":"$7,495 (14-16 members)<br>$7,995 (10-13 members)<br>$8,495 (6-9 members)","NextYear_PriceDetails2":"Single supplement: $2,065","PriceNextYear":"7495","SingleSupplementPrice1NextYear":"0","SingleSupplementPrice2NextYear":"0","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice1Caption":"","NextYearSingleSupplementPrice2Caption":"","NextYearAirPriceCaption":"","AirPriceNextYear":"0","NextYearFeePrice1":"0","NextYearFeePrice2":"0","NextYearFeePrice3":"0","NextYearFeeName1":"","NextYearFeeName2":"","NextYearFeeName3":"","TripSavings":false,"TripSavingsDescription":"","VariablePricing":false,"PricingNoteTitle":"","PricingNotes":"","NewTrip":false,"MinAge":0,"TripRatingID":6,"TripRatingName":"2+","TravelFromDate":"2022-01-01","TravelToDate":"2050-12-31","BookFromDate":"2022-01-01","BookToDate":"2050-12-31","EventID":20,"EventName":"","AccountingGroup":"Asia","DepositRule":2,"DepositAmt":"600","FinalDays":90,"AutoConfirm":false,"AutoConfirmAmount":"0","PrivateAvailable":true,"OperationMonths":"","AccmRating":""},"itinerary":[{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":1,"Headline":"Colombo, Sri Lanka","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Arrive in Colombo, where you are met and transferred to the Galle Face Hotel, a colonial-style hotel set on the seafront. Many flights arrive very early in the morning; Wilderness Travel has reserved the night before Day 1 at the hotel to guarantee that your room is ready whenever you arrive on Day 1. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest or explore Colombo on your own. In the evening, we gather for our Welcome Dinner and Trip Orientation.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":2,"DayTo":2,"Headline":"Colombo","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Colombo, for centuries the traditional gateway to the Orient, is a fascinating blend of east and west, past and present. Our explorations today include the city's markets and an eclectic mix of its Hindu and Buddhist temples. We'll also take a short walk in the area of the historic Colombo Fort and enjoy lunch at at a restaurant located on the grounds of the old Dutch hospital, a relic from the Dutch occupation that's been transformed into a shopping and dining venue. Overnight at Galle Face Hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":3,"DayTo":3,"Headline":"Aliya Resort \/ Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We depart Colombo for our journey to Aliya Resort, our accommodation for the next three nights. After lunch and some time to relax, we head out on a jeep safari in either Kaudulla National Park or Hurulu Eco Park, both home to large herds of wild Sri Lankan elephants. The elephants migrate seasonally between the parks, so we'll visit whichever park currently has the most elephant sightings. Kaudulla has been a sanctuary since 1938 and features a magnificent 7,400-acre water reservoir from the 4th century. This important wetland supports paddy fields and many aquatic birds including painted storks and spot billed pelicans. Overnight at the Aliya Resort, set in a beautiful verdant landscape overlooking the rock fortress of Sigiriya.\r\nApproximate driving time: 4-4.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":4,"DayTo":4,"Headline":"School Visit \/ Angampora \/ Sigiriya","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Near Ritigala, we visit a local school to chat with some of the 20 students, who are 5-10 years in age, then head to the historical village of Angampora, where we see a private demonstration of Sri Lanka's indigenous martial arts. We may possibly be able to meet the Master, who is responsible for reviving this ancient defense form that was banned during colonial occupation. The Master is also renowned across the island for his healing skills and predicting the future.\r\n\r\nReturning to our resort, we watch a cooking demonstration, then enjoy a savory traditional Sri Lankan feast cooked in clay pots and served on banana leaves. In the afternoon, a short drive brings us to Sigiriya, the famed rock fortress of King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). As we approach the site by road, we can see in the distance a towering rock outcrop rising from the green jungle plains. It was atop this enormous rock that King Kashyapa constructed his elaborate palace in the 5th century AD. We follow steep stone steps to the top, a flat, three-acre summit plateau with the ruins of pavilions, a palace, pleasure gardens, and uninterrupted views of lush green jungle in every direction. Sigiriya (“lion's throat”) was so named because visitors had to pass through the carved throat of a lion to get to the top. The Sigiriya maiden frescoes, etched into the sheer rock face, are among the most famous features of the site. Originally there were 500; only 19 remain today. Tonight we enjoy a barbecue dinner in the private gardens of our hotel. Overnight at the Aliya Resort.\r\nApproximate driving time: 3.5-4 hours (total)","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":5,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Anuradhapura \/ Polonnaruwa","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Our explorations start in the early morning with a visit to Anuradhapura, the center of the island's Buddhist civilization and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka (it is one of Sri Lanka's eight World Heritage Sites). The earliest capital of Sri Lanka, “the city of Anura” was home to the royal court from 437 BC to 1017 AD. Here we find the island's oldest Buddhist shrines, some dating back to the 3rd century BC, impressive white dagobas, along with gardens, beautifully executed stone baths and ponds, and a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals. Dagobas are elaborate relic chambers of brick and earth topped by a golden spire (the word “pagoda” is derived from the word dagoba). One dagoba here, the Thuparama, is considered to be the oldest in Sri Lanka and is believed to enshrine the collar bone relic of the Buddha. The 3rd century Isurumuniya Temple at Anuradhapura is noted for its elaborate rock carvings. At the heart of this huge and evocative ruin is a 2,000-year-old bodhi tree—the Sri Maha Bodhi. It was grown from a cutting of the tree in Kushinagar, India, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, and was brought here by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns and the daughter of the great Indian Emperor Ashoka. Buddhist pilgrims are often seen circumambulating the tree in devotional practices.\r\n\r\nIn the afternoon, we head to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's lovely medieval capital, with its well-preserved ancient dagobas, moonstones (features of Sinhalese architecture of ancient Sri Lanka), parks, and stunning carved statues. This compact ancient ruin, a World Heritage Site, dates from the late 10th century, when the Chola kings of southern India invaded Sri Lanka and conquered Anuradhapura. The invaders then moved their capital to Polonnaruwa for strategic reasons, but were ultimately forced out by the Sinhalese ruler Vijayabahu I. The Sea of Parakrama, a vast 12th century man-made reservoir created by King Parakramabahu I (1153-86) during Polonnaruwa's golden age, dominates the site, and small troops of monkeys patrol the wooded areas. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":6,"Headline":"Cave Temples of Dambulla \/ Matale \/ Kandy","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"At Dambulla, we find five mystical cave temples dating from the first century BC. Hewn from a huge rock mass and adorned with frescoes, they sheltered King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When the king finally regained his throne in 89 BC, he ordered the caves painted with magnificent images, some depicting scenes from the Buddha's life and Sinhalese history. There is also a colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the living rock, some 45 feet long. As we head to Kandy, we explore the Aluwihare Heritage Centre in Matale, a crafts workshop once run by the late Ena de Silva, a renowned batik artist, social activist, and prominent Sri Lankan (her father was the first Inspector General of Police of post-independence Ceylon). After lunch, we continue to Kandy, the hill capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, nestled in the splendor of hill country at 1,600 feet with a tranquil lake in its midst. This World Heritage Site retains an aura of grandeur and is a cultural sanctuary where legends, traditions, and folklore are lovingly kept alive. Kandy and its environs are the center of the island's handicraft industry, which includes exquisite silver and gold jewelry and precious gems. Overnight at the Cinnamon Citadel, beautifully set among the vivid green hills of Kandy.\r\nApproximate driving time: 2.5 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":7,"DayTo":7,"Headline":"Kandy \/ Temple of the Tooth","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"This morning, we explore Kandy's most famous site, the golden-roofed Temple of the Tooth, or Dalada Milgawa Temple, where a tooth of the Buddha is preserved. This 16th century temple is one of the most venerated places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists throughout the world, and is a World Heritage Site. We'll also visit the onsite Buddhist Museum, with its photographs and displays portraying the facets of Buddhism around the world. Afterwards, we visit a cultural center where an ancient house of a village chief has been converted into an art center whose vast collections of furniture, art items, antique books, manuscripts, photographs, and postcards reflect the interests of its founder, Jacques Soulié, a French national who now calls Sri Lanka home. We join him for lunch and enjoy a discussion about the Kandy and Gampola kingdoms. We return to Kandy, with the remainder of the day free to visit Kandy's markets on your own. In the evening we gather at the hotel for a traditional performance that includes “fire walking”.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":8,"DayTo":8,"Headline":"Temples of Pilimatalawa \/ Nuwara Eliya","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"We head to Pilimatalawa, in the suburbs of Kandy, site of three temples dating from the 14th century. Upon arrival, we'll travel by rickshaw to the first, Gadaladeniya, a hilltop temple believed to be built by South Indian artists. In its main shrine room is a large painted statue of the Buddha. Aboard our rickshaws, we travel through local villages and paddy fields to Lankathilaka, a huge majestic temple believed to be one of the most magnificent—and best preserved—architectural structures in the Gampola kingdom. Built on a rock, we reach it by a series of rock-cut steps. Our final visit here is to Embekke, with its examples of fine woodcarvings of human figures, animals, and floral motifs. No metal is used throughout the structure—even the nails are made of wood. We may arrive in time for a pooja ceremony, a blessing that offers protection for travelers.\r\n\r\nContinuing our journey, we travel to Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of Sri Lankan hill country, whose rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. This is where the British built their homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne and landscaped them with rose gardens and well-kept lawns. Our accommodation is the nearby Heritance Tea Factory, a restored hotel set on a hillside with views of mountains and tea plantations where we enjoy High Tea.\r\nApproximate driving time: 3.5-4 hours (total)","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":9,"DayTo":9,"Headline":"Tea Estate Hike \/ Train to Ella \/ Wellawaya","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, is one of the world's largest tea exporters. Tea was introduced to the island after 1868 when a blight destroyed most of the coffee plants and estate owners had to diversify. A Scotsman, James Taylor, with knowledge of tea cultivation in northern India, was in charge of the first sowing of tea seeds on 19 acres, and some of those bushes are still producing today. By 1873, Taylor's first Ceylon-grown teas sold for a very good price in London. Rapid expansion of Ceylon's tea industry in the 1870s and 1880s brought interest from the large British tea companies, which took over many of the small estates. In 1890, four estates were purchased by an Irish immigrant to America, Thomas Lipton, who had made a fortune in the grocery business. Tea was expensive for the working class at that time, and Lipton introduced the concept of inexpensive tea leaves in a teapot-ready bag.\r\n\r\nA morning hike brings us through tea plantations, where we witness the local life of the tea picking community. At a tea factory, we'll see how the raw green leaf is converted to the familiar dark brown product through a process of drying, cutting, rolling, and fermentation. We'll also learn to “taste” tea and try to identify the subtle differences in flavor. After our visit, we head to the train station to board the train that carries us to Ella, with a box lunch aboard the train en route. Ella is a lovely hill-country town, blessed with some of the most beautiful mountain views in Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, we enjoy a brief sightseeing tour of the town, then proceed to our beautiful eco-lodge near the village of Wellawaya. Overnight at Jetwing Kaduruketha.\r\nApproximate driving time: 2-3 hours (total)","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":10,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Around Wellawaya","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In the morning, we can take an optional bike ride with our Trip Leader past verdant rice paddies and farms. The afternoon is at leisure to relax. Dinner and overnight at hotel.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":11,"Headline":"Ella \/ Buduruwagala \/ Yala National Park","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"Today's journey begins with a visit to Buduruwagala, “the rock with the statue of Buddha,” which we arrive at by tuk-tuk! Seven figures are carved in this rock, with a massive 51-foot Buddha statue at the center. We continue from the highlands to the coast, arriving in Yala National Park in time for lunch. Yala, a dune-covered scrub landscape on the south coast, is home to throngs of painted storks and troops of monkeys chattering in the trees. Elephants can be seen in the open, undulating terrain and recently the park has gained fame for its leopard research\/conservation project. In the afternoon, we enjoy a game drive at the park, then savor a special barbecue dinner in the evening. Overnight at Jetwing Yala, a beautiful hotel right next to the park.\r\nApproximate driving time: 3 hours (total)","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":12,"DayTo":12,"Headline":"Galle","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"A scenic morning drive brings us to the ancient seaside trading post of Galle on the southern tip of Sri Lanka. En route, we stop for lunch at a place where we can see Sri Lanka's famous stilt fishermen. The fortified town of Galle was an essential port of call for Chinese, Persian, Arab, and Indian traders. The Dutch built the Galle fort in 1663, and the British took it over in 1796. In the evening, we gather for a festive Farewell Dinner of seafood. Overnight at the Lighthouse Hotel, set on the beach on the outskirts of Galle.\r\nApproximate driving time: 3 hours","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":1,"Dinner":1,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":13,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Galle \/ Depart","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"The morning is free to enjoy the pool, ocean, and hotel facilities, or explore Galle on your own. Check-out time is at 12:00 pm (noon). Transfer to the Colombo Airport, a three-hour drive, and depart on homeward-bound flights. If you wish to extend your stay in Galle, we will be happy to make reservations for extra hotel nights.*\r\n\r\n*Please Note: Many flights depart Colombo in the early morning (1:00 am to 3:00 am). If your flight departs in the early morning hours of Day 13, you will transfer (approximately 3 hours) to the Colombo Airport just after the Farewell Dinner on Day 12, to connect with flights departing early morning on Day 13. However, if your flight departs later in the day on Day 13 (or in the early morning of Day 14), you will overnight in Galle on Day 12 and transfer to the Colombo Airport the following day.","Breakfast":1,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":false},{"DayFrom":1,"DayTo":5,"Headline":"Colombo \/ Anuradhapura \/ Polonnaruwa \/ Sigiriya","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After a visit to Colombo's markets, we head to our lovely resort hotel near Sigiriya. Here we'll look for wild elephants in Kaudulla National Park, then visit the garden pavilions of Anuradhapura, the graceful pagodas of 10th century Polonnaruwa, and King Kashyapa's impressive citadel of Sigiriya, a towering rock outcrop rising from the green jungle plains. All three places are World Heritage Sites. Near Ritigala, we visit a local school, then head to a Buddhist monastery to participate in an almsgiving ceremony.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":6,"DayTo":10,"Headline":"Dambulla \/ Kandy \/ Nuwara Eliya \/ Ella","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"After a climb up to the cave-temple complex at Dambulla, we'll be welcomed for a private lunch in the home of a local professor and art collector. We continue to Kandy, nestled in hill country, home to the famous 16th century Temple of the Tooth. From our heritage hotel above colonial Nuwara Eliya, we walk through tea plantations and learn the fine art of “tasting” tea. A short rail journey brings us to the peaceful town of Ella, where we can enjoy a village bike ride and a lesson in preparing Sri Lankan cuisine.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true},{"DayFrom":11,"DayTo":13,"Headline":"Yala National Park \/ Galle","ActivityOverview":"","EstimatedLength":"","ActivityLevel":"","ItinBlock":"In Yala, we look for fabulous birdlife, troops of monkeys chattering in the trees, and herds of wild elephant. After walking the ramparts of the historic seaside trading post of Galle, founded as a Dutch fort, we depart on Day 13 via Colombo.","Breakfast":0,"Lunch":0,"Dinner":0,"Overnight":"","Travel_Type":"","Quotation":"","Quotation_Attribution":"","Itinerary_Location":"","Latitude":"","Longitude":"","Brief":true}],"itinpdf":[{"ItinYear":"2023","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/sri-lanka-itinerary-2023.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"2024","docType":"1","FileName":"https:\/\/s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com\/wildernesstravel\/itins\/sri-lanka-itinerary-2024.pdf"},{"ItinYear":"","docType":"2","FileName":""}],"whattoexpect":[{}],"highlights":[{"DisplayOrder":1,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Explore Anuradhapura, where Buddhist shrines date to the 3rd century BC, colonial Nuwara Eliya, and the Buddhist cave temples of Dambulla","Image":"","VideoLink":"","ImageAltTag":"","image_id":25261,"caption":""},{"DisplayOrder":2,"HighlightText":"","Description":"Enjoy 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She has led exclusively for Wilderness Travel since 1995 and has led journeys for us in France, Spain, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Niger, Oman, and more! “As a Trip Leader, I see myself as the personal ambassador to a place. In France, I love introducing the products of the \u2018terroir' such as wine or cheese, or in southern Spain, taking the group to my home to share a paella with them. And in the Sahara, I have a passion for the wind-created landscape I call \u2018the yellow circle' and the ingenuity of the people who live in this place of extremes. I'm also fascinated by the friendships that people forge while traveling together day after day. I remember how six guests become lifetime friends after our trip in Niger—this warms my heart!” While scouting our trip in southern Spain in 1999, Annie bought a 300-year-old house in a village clinging on the flanks of the highest mountains in Spain. It took her three years to transform it into the home she calls La Casa del Milagro. 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Every day had many new discoveries."},{"GuestNames":"Lisa T.","GuestLocation":"Hamden, CT","GuestReview":"How lucky we were! Annie loves the country, and knows it well. She provided an amazing mix of culture, nature, and history."},{"GuestNames":"Melissa S.","GuestLocation":"Kailua-Kona, HI","GuestReview":"A remarkable and heartwarming experience. The visit to the local elementary school was a special treat!"},{"GuestNames":"Nancy B.","GuestLocation":"Charlestown, MA","GuestReview":"A wonderful experience. I so enjoyed the diversity of the island."},{"GuestNames":"Zac G.","GuestLocation":"San Marino, CA","GuestReview":"Annie was an excellent guide. She has a great passion for life, travel, and Sri Lanka that consistently comes through. She also did a very good job, as we were a small group, of being flexible and taking advantage of the moment. 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","Custom_FI_Optional_Donation_Text":"","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/adventures-in-sri-lanka\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our recent travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_TP_Trip_Sales_Points":"<body>Another fun resource is this <a href=\"http:\/\/photoblog.wildernesstravel.com\/adventures-in-sri-lanka\/\">blog post<\/a> by one of our recent travelers, complete with amazing photos from their experience that I think will give you a great sense of the adventure ahead.<\/body><meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/>\n","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Payment_Terms":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a first deposit of $600 per person, which is fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure.<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>Sri Lanka<\/body>","Custom_Sales_Email_-_Region_Sales_Points":"","Custom_Hiking_Poles":"","Custom_Daypack":"","Custom_Vaccination_Card":"","Custom_FB_Packing_Reminders_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Additional_Notes_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Arrival":"","Custom_Arrival-_Meeting_Place":"","Custom_Arrival_Transfer":"","Custom_Departure":"","Custom_Extra_Services":"","Custom_Contact_Information_for_Friends_and_Family":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Left":"","Custom_Outfitter_Contacts_Right":"","Custom_Valid_Passport_Alternative":"","Custom_Visa":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_1":"","Custom_FB_Before_You_Go_-_MISC_2":"","Custom_Luggage_Requirements":"","Custom_Carry-On":"","Custom_name_slug":"sri-lanka-yala-anuradhapura-tour","Custom_Meta_Description":"Explore Sri Lanka's early Buddhist civilization, visit tea plantations, sample fragrant curries, and view the wildlife of Yala National Park. 13 days.","Custom_List_Description":"Explore the glorious legacy of an early Buddhist civilization, visit with tea planters and orange-robed monks, sample fragrant curries, and view the wildlife of Yala National Park, with its extraordinary birdlife and herds of elephant.","Custom_Redirect":"","Custom_PJ_-_Best_Months":"","Custom_After_Dates":"","Custom_Trip_Web_Note":"","Custom_Title_Tag":"Sri Lanka Active Tour | Yala National Park & Anuradhapura","Custom_Before_Days":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_1":"","Custom_After_Days_Header_2":"","Custom_After_Days_Text_2":"","Custom_Choosing_Right_Trip_Office_Contact":"","Custom_About_WT_Expeditions":"","Custom_Arrival_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-25T12:17:05 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport:<\/strong> Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date & Time: <\/strong>Day 1, by 3:00 pm<br \/><br \/><strong>Meeting Place: <\/strong>A complimentary transfer is provided from Bandaranaike International Airport to the Galle Face Hotel. A WT representative will meet you outside the customs area and will be holding a Wilderness Travel sign and\/or a sign with your name on it. A Welcome Dinner and orientation meeting will take place in the evening of Day 1. <br \/><br \/>Many flights arrive in Colombo in the morning between 1:00 am to 6:00 am. Early check-in is available and your room will be ready for check-in no matter what time you arrive on Day 1.<\/p>","Custom_Departure_-_Sales":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-25T12:17:27 --><p><strong>Suggested Airport: <\/strong>Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)<br \/><strong>Suggested Date & Time: <\/strong>Day 13, anytime<br \/><br \/>On Day 13, Wilderness Travel will provide a complimentary departure transfer from the Lighthouse Hotel in Galle to Bandaranaike International Airport. This transfer can take three hours.<br \/><\/p>","Custom_International_Air_Travel":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-25T12:16:37 --><p>You are responsible for making your own arrangements for flights to and from Asia.<br \/><br \/>There are many online consolidators for booking travel, but for more personal help arranging air transport, you can contact Exito Travel at 1-800-655-4053 in the US or 1-800-670-2605 in Canada. They are very adept at putting flight itineraries together, to even the most far-flung places. More information can be found at <a href=\"https:\/\/exitotravel.com\/\">www.exitotravel.com.<\/a><br \/><br \/>Depending on your routing, it is necessary to depart from the US one or possibly two days prior to Day 1 of the trip itinerary. The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of departure from Tanzania.<br \/><br \/><strong>Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip.<\/strong> Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule so we can reserve your airport transfers. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight schedule coordinates with the arrival and departure logistics for the trip.<\/p>","Custom_Extra_Hotel_Nights":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-25T12:18:15 --><p>We are happy to arrange additional nights in Colombo or Galle. Please refer to our Extra Services Request form included in your Welcome Packet or contact our office.<\/p>","Custom_Recommended_Hotels":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_1":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Header_2":"","Custom_A_and_D_Misc_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_1":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_2":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_3":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_4":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Header_5":"","Custom_FAQ_-_Text_5":"","Custom_When_to_Go":"","Custom_Children":"","Custom_Tag_Line":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body>An Insider's Journey into the Island of Serendipity<\/body>","Custom_Lodging":"12 nights hotels","Custom_Meals":"All meals included except 1 lunch","Custom_Activity":"","Custom_Difficulty":"A mix of easy to moderate walks and hikes, cultural explorations","Custom_Currency_Exchange_Rate":"","Custom_Fuel_Surcharge":"","Custom_Signing_Up_For_a_Trip_-_Email":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_This_Year":"","Custom_Optional_Hotel_Upgrades_-_Next_Year":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like":"This trip is rated a <strong>Level 2+, Easy to Moderate<\/strong>, with some optional short hikes and several nature walks at archaeological sites. Accommodations are in lovely hotels, including one night in a converted tea factory! Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and occasionally we must take off shoes to visit temples.","Custom_Terrain":"","Custom_Getting_in_Shape":"","Custom_Weather":"Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with high humidity, tempered by sea breezes on the coast. The average temperature is about 81\u00b0F. In the highlands in places like Nuwara Eliya, it is in the 60s during the day and can get very cold at night, with lows in the 40s, so you'll need a sweater. Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. The southwest part of the island gets a monsoon between May and July while the northeast monsoon is December and January. Humidity is high year round and you can expect some rain showers most days.","Custom_Accommodations":"","Custom_Cuisine":"","Custom_Transportation":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_1":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Header_2":"","Custom_What_the_Trip_is_Like_-_Text_2":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_1":"","Custom_Trip_Level_Note_2":"","System_Choosing_the_Right_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:16 --><p>Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual loris of physical exertion, or activities you ma not have participated in previously. We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Wilderness Travel at 1-800-368-2794 and ask for the<\/p>","System_References":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:50:51 --><p>We'd be happy to put you in touch with a past client that has traveled with us on this trip.<\/p>","System_Visit_Our_Website":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:51:32 --><p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\">www.wildernesstravel.com<\/a>, you can find out about added departures, last-minute deals, and special WT Expeditions that aren't listed in our catalog. You can also access a complete library of our detailed itineraries and browse the customized reading guides for each of our adventures.<\/p>","System_Helpful_Links":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:52:03 --><p>Wilderness Travel has compiled a list of useful websites for travelers. Find the Toucan Club tab on the home page of our website and choose Helpful Links: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/ toucan\/links<\/a>.<\/p>","System_About_Private_Journeys":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-17T11:00:24 --><p>Wilderness Travel Private Journeys are designed for people who want to travel with their own small private group, but who still want to experience the same superb itinerary design, great accommodations, and signature quality of Wilderness Travel's escorted group trips. These Private Journeys allow you to choose your own dates and your traveling companions -- even if it's just the two of you -- yet still enjoy a guided adventure.<\/p>","System_About_New_Trips":"","System_Social_Media":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:33:43 --><p><strong>SOCIAL MEDIA:<\/strong> We invite you to share your adventure with us on social media. Tag @wildernesstravel and we may even feature your content on our pages!<\/p>","System_If_You_Miss_Your_Flight":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:34:09 --><p><strong>IF YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT<\/strong><br \/>If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, contact our Wilderness Travel office as well as our local partners, with your new flight information. Refer to the Emergency Contact Information listed in this Final Bulletin.<\/p>","System_Valid_Passport":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-06-16T10:26:21 --><p><strong>VALID PASSPORT:<\/strong> Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from the last day of your trip, and that you have at least two blank pages for any necessary visa or entry and exit stamps.<\/p>","System_Insurance_Policy":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:36:23 --><p><strong>INSURANCE POLICY:<\/strong> If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan, you should have received an email confirmation of your policy. Please bring a digital or printed copy of this policy with you. If you cannot find your email confirmation, please contact Travelex's Customer Solutions team at 844-877-1885 or e-mail customersolutions@travclcxinsurancc.com. If you have not purchased Travelex insurance already, you have the option to do so up to 24 hours prior to your departure.<\/p>","System_Covid-19_Travel_Requirements":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-04-19T13:27:44 --><p><strong>COVID-19 TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:<\/strong> Please double-check COVID-19 entry requirements for any countries you may be traveling to or transiting through, on this website: <a href=\"apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions\">apply.joinsherpa.com\/travel-restrictions<\/a><\/p>","System_Pre-Trip_Safety":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:37:06 --><p><strong>PRE-TRIP SAFETY:<\/strong> In the next weeks, we encourage you to do everything possible to stay healthy. Please practice social distancing, steer clear of potential COVID-19 exposure, and take an at-home antigen or lab based PCR test before you depart.<\/p>","System_Wilderness_Travel_Office":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:07 --><p>Our office in Berkeley, California can be reached at 510-558-2488, or by email at info@wildernesstravel.com. We are available during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 am-5:00 pm, PST). <\/p>","System_ECI_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:38:31 --><p>If you have purchased the Travelex Travel Protection Plan through Wilderness Travel, please remember to bring your Confirmation of Coverages (COC) with you on the trip, including your Plan Number and important emergency contact information.<\/p><p>If you've purchased a travel protection plan on your own, we recommend that you bring a copy of your policy, including all coverages, with you on your trip.<\/p>","System_Face_Masks_and_Hand_Sanitizer":"","System_DidNotPurchase_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-28T12:27:44 --><p>Travel Insurance: We recommend that you purchase travel insurance for this trip. For your convenience, we offer Travelex travel protection. Please let us know if you would like us to add the Travelex Travel Protection Plan to this final invoice. You can learn more about the policy on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/toucan\/travel-insurance\">website<\/a>.<\/p>","System_Purchased_Insurance":"","System_Questions?":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T13:47:31 --><p>Our Area Specialists are you single point of contact and would be happy to answer any questions about yout trip!<br \/>800.368.2794 | 510.558.2488<\/p>","System_Travel_Insurance":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-01-27T07:58:05 --><p>We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance. You can take advantage of a comprehensive Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex, or purchase other insurance on your own. See our website for details: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance\">www.wildernesstravel.com\/insurance<\/a><\/p>","System_Make_it_Your_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:18 --><p>The prices above are for the ready-to-book adventure outlined in this Detailed Itinerary, a popular option that has been handcrafted by our Area Specialists to include the best of every destination. While many travelers choose to book this tour as is, our Area Specialists are also happy to work with you to customize this Private Journey to suit your specific interests and style of travel. We can arrange for longer or shorter stays, offer hotel upgrades (see below for sample costs), or add an extension to additional places of interest. We can even add special activities or customize excursions depending on your interests. We invite you to contact us to discuss your options!<\/p>","System_Signing_up_for_a_Trip":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-03-29T11:44:42 --><p>Early reservations are recommended since accommodations often sell out far in advance. Please call 1-800-368-2794 and ask for our [Africa Manager] or email us at [africa@ wildernesstravel.com] with any questions that you may have about this trip. To reserve your Private Journey, we will need to know your preferred dates of travel. We will then check availability and send you a proposed itinerary with exact pricing for your adventure. We can typically hold a provisional booking for one week. At that time, we must collect your initial deposit or accommodations will be released. We accept Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you a Welcome Packet that includes a letter of confirmation, Detailed Itinerary, Trip Application, Medical Form, and Pre-Departure Information Booklet with information to help you prepare for your adventure. Please see our Cancellations and Transfer Fee Schedule for specific payment information.<\/p>","System_Trip_Leaders":"<!-- Generated by XStandard version 3.0.0.0 on 2023-02-13T09:24:57 --><p>Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. The Trip Leader for each departure is listed on the "Dates & Prices" tab on our Pilgrim's Way webpage:<\/p>"},"terms":{"PaymentSchedule":"<meta charset=\"utf-8\"\/><body><p>$600 due at time of reservation <br \/>90 days prior to departure: Balance<\/p><\/body>","CancelSchedule":"<p>Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!<br>61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost<br>46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost<br>45 days or less: 100% of trip cost<br><\/p>"}}