Sri Lanka
An adventure around Sri Lanka with a bit of an architectural buzz, as we get to stay in and experience some of Geoffrey Bawa's great creations.
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Sri Lanka and the architecture of Geoffrey Bawa.
History, beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, wacky trains, delicious food and famous tea. There is so much to love about Sri Lanka. We follow a classic route, exploring the cultural highlights of this amazing island nation, but with lots of extras. We spend 2 consecutive nights in hotels wherever possible, giving us extra time to explore some of the hidden gems often missed on the usual whistle-stop tours. We will get to travel one sector by train, (an unforgettable experience) whilst our bags go on with the driver. We climb Sigiriya rock, visit the fort city of Galle and so, so much more. This trip is loosely based around the wonderful architecture of Geoffrey Bawa and we visit a number of his most famous creations on this trip. Even if architecture is not really your thing, I guarantee you will love it. Here is an overview of our trip. Negombo (1 nights) Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met at CMB International Airport, and taken to our fun hotel in Negombo, funky and welcoming it's just a short walk to the beach and in the heart of the walking area. Tonight we have a welcome dinner at a restaurant overlooking the beach. Anuradhapura (1 night) After breakfast, we journey north to Anuradhapura. The scenery is interesting, with glimpses of rural life, also stopping at points of interest along the way. Our hotel at Anuradhapura has a nice pool and after lunch we will check in, have a swim and a rest, before heading out in the cool of the early evening to explore the sights and watch the ancient pagodas light up as dark descends. Anuradhapura is the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site Dambulla (3 nights) Dambulla is in the heart of the cultural triangle and it's here we make our base to explore the surrounding area whilst staying at the wonderful ''Heritance Kandalama'' hotel and our first exposure to the wonderful architect Geoffrey Bawa. We will do a morning drive to visit Sigiriya (Lion's Rock), climbing to the top before the heat of the day sets in. We will also visit Dambulla Cave Temple which is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. We have a ''free'' day here, where you can either ''chill out'' at the amazing hotel enjoying some down time and the 3 wonderful pools overlooking the lake, or take a day trip to Polonnaruwa which was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura. Kandy (1night) From Dambulla we head south up into the highlands and the cultural heart of the country, Kandy, a vibrant city surrounding a lake and enclosed by hills on all sides. There is the option to visit the Tooth Temple and the delightful botanical gardens. There is also time to go walking around the town and lake in the evening, as we stay right in the heart of the city in an historic hotel that takes you back to the time of the spice islands. Nuwara Eliya (2 nights) Today, we will be dropped off at the train station in Kandy for a ride through the hills to the delightful town of Nuwara Eliya, basing ourselves here so we can explore the surrounding and atmospheric tea plantations, the ''Pink'' post office, and enjoy the countryside vibe of this lovely region. Udawalawa (1 night) Our glamping accommodation is just outside Udawalawa National Park, so we are ready for both our evening and morning safaris in this wonderful National Park. Elephants, Leopards, exotic birds and more are found here. This is a great experience under canvas in our luxury tents with ensuites, listening to the birds in the morning and the sounds of the night. We will start early at 5.30 am for our morning safari and then a brunch before driving on to the Dutch Fort city of Galle. Galle (2 nights) There is just so much to love about Galle, and that is why we will stay right in the heart of the old city in simple, charming accommodation, enabling you to explore on foot the restaurants, cafe's, galleries, and take in the sunset from high on the city wall ramparts. In the morning for the early risers, we get to visit the local fish market. Full of charm is how I would describe Galle and we have the time to enjoy it. Colombo (2 nights) Leaving Galle we drive north to Colombo stopping on the way to explore and have lunch at Lunuganga, Geoffrey Bawa's country residence as well as the wonderful gardens of his brother Bevin Bawa. Our last full day and a choice, enjoy this stunning hotel and private beach or join us on a 1/2 day tour around Colombo with lunch at Geoffrey Bawa's converted city office. Departure day. Transfer back to the Airport. Most flights leave very late at night so most of you will have the full day to explore Colombo or just chill by the pool and private beach of our amazing hotel. Accommodation on this trip is our signature mix of amazing, and simple yet charming. Hotels in Sri Lanka are very expensive, by Asian standards. By mixing it up a little and twin sharing we can have an amazing trip at a great price. As with all OTS gay friendly trips you have to let go of the concept you're signing up for a tour, you're not, you're coming on an adventure , yes its a semi structured adventure with all the hard work done but it is nevertheless a adventure, things will go wrong some days, and changes need to be adapted too, you will need your wits about you, and to expect to do some exploring on your own. 
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18th to 28th September 2024
Starts and finishes Colombo (CMB) airport. A 14 day 13 night Adventure. Min 6 - max 12 Includes :-
Not Included
Plus of course daily help and suggestions of what to do and go see from Richard. Cost estimate for 2024 is likely to be in the region of $3450-$3600. Option to add nights either before or after our trip, to fit in with your air tickets. Sri Lanka is an expensive destination and on this trip we are staying in some very atmospheric colonial style hotels. Single rooms can be arranged on request cost U$1050 supplement. I will do my best to find a single traveller someone of their own sex to share with, however if this is not possible a single supplement will need to be paid. Compare our prices I guarantee you will not find better value for what's offered This trip is costed in USD and can be paid in USD, AUD GBP or NZD at the exchange rate applicable on the day of full payment. Exchange rate movements can play havoc with planning overseas trips but quoting in USD usually means less fluctuations. Due to the nature of Adventure travel and the prices of the resources on which it depends, the published price of any trip is subject to change at any time, before or after booking confirmation, up to 60 days before the departure. Options and methods of payment. 
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