Tropical Island Wanderer Family Holiday

Guide

Our Sri Lankan team of leaders have proved very popular with their incredible knowledge, passion and hospitality adding greatly to the experience. There is no better way to experience Sri Lankan culture than letting a local leader show you around their country.

Meals

All breakfasts and 1 lunch included. We suggest allowing about 7,000 rupees (US$20) per day per adult for lunch and dinner (less if you are sharing dishes as a family). You can eat out very cheaply in Sri Lanka, but if you mainly eat at the more expensive restaurants, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fascinating reflection of the island’s heritage; there is a unique fusion of fresh local produce with spices brought to the island over the centuries by Malays, Arabs, Indians as well as the Dutch, Portuguese and English. Despite (or perhaps because of) these influences, Sri Lankan cuisine is often referred to as simply rice and curry. This is the staple dish in most restaurants and is usually a serving of rice accompanied by assorted meat and vegetable curries as well as various pickles, sambols (condiments), and a handful of tiny poppadum – all using the contrasting flavours of coconut, chilli, curry leaves, cinnamon and garlic. Vegetarians are well catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent in Sri Lanka. For example, wheat- or dairy-free options outside of hotels are limited. Please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home. Spicier food can be avoided easily and lots of the hotels will serve Western options alongside traditional food. Mineral water is provided by our local operator in large containers throughout the trip so please bring a bottle with you to refill. Please note, restaurant service can be quite slow.

Others

Explore the lost city fortress of Sigiriya Relax on palm-fringed tropical beaches The ancient cave temple of Dambulla A game drive in Yala National Park Cycling through lush green rice paddy fields Game drive to see elephants in their natural habitat

Transport

We use an air-conditioned minibus or coach depending on the size of the party however, please note vehicles in Sri Lanka tend to have limited legroom so we will try to stop for comfort breaks as needed. In the National Park we are normally split into two or three jeeps depending on the size of the group.

Accommodation

You will spend 12 nights in hotels all with en suite facilities. The hotel at Sigiriya, where you will be spending 3 nights is surrounded by lush jungle and commands stunning views of the magnificent rock fortress. The hotel features a swimming pool and a luxury sauna. Single accommodation (available on request).

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

Whale Watching – please note if you choose to enjoy this excursion on your free day we strongly advise booking a private charter boat through your leader. The more members of the group who wish to join the charter the more cost effective it will be. We do not recommend the larger, commercial boats, they may be cheaper but they do not always respect the welfare of the animals or operate in an environmentally responsible way. We have also had reports of overcrowding on the boats. Please ask your leader for further details on how to book a private charter. Whale watching is only possible between November – April. The whale watching trip by private boat should cost between £40 and £80 (approx. US$50-100) per person depending on the number of participants. Boat ride in Koggala lake visiting Cinnamon Island & Temple - £10 per person Watch sunset from Dutch fort in Galle - £5 per person Train Ride to Galle and back - £5 per person Stilt fishing - £3 per person Surfing - £20 per person Diving - £40 per person Snorkelling - £5 per person

Insurance

Insurance is not included. It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.