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Aukana Buddhist statue/F Perselli
Lion rock at Sigiriya/Kate Russell

Elephant Odyssey - a Family Holiday in Sri Lanka - 2010/11 Itinerary

13 days - from $1360

• Discover the variety of Sri Lanka: tropical jungle, cool highlands & Buddhist treasures
• Close-up elephant encounters at Habarana & Udawalawe National Park
• Fun in the sun on idyllic tropical beaches

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Sky Fortress of Sigiriya & Hidden Villages
Leaving coastal Negombo, we take an elephant back safari amongst lakes and bush, before exploring Sigiriya. Here we make the giddy climb up Lion Rock - its ruined fortress precariously perched on top, and its famous 'Heavenly Maidens' painted in a niche in the sheer cliff face. We also travel into the heart of traditional farming communities by tractor and cart, passing paddy fields and meeting the hospitable locals - a fascinating insight into everyday rural life.


Tea Plantations, Elephants & Rainforest
Heading into the hills and up to Kandy, we visit the much venerated Temple of the Tooth - whose precious relic is said to have belonged to Buddha himself. A dramatic drive takes us through tea plantations set amongst magnificent mountain scenery, before we take to jeeps in the Udawalawe National Park, famed for its large herds of elephants. A night under canvas at the Sinharajah Rainforest Reserve allows a closer insight into the unique biodiversity of this virgin jungle, and we hike the trails with a local expert.


Outrigger Canoes & Beaches
We descend from the hills to one of the country's most scenic stretches of coast, where small fishing villages dot the shoreline, and stilt-fishermen, broad sandy beaches and outrigger canoes are commonplace. Our last days are spent relaxing on the beach at Unawatuna - an easy-going place to swim or from which to visit the old Dutch city of Galle.

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Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Negombo. Day 2 Elephants We enjoy an elephant back safari at Habarana on our way to Giritale. Days 3/4 Sky Fortress As well as climbing up the impressive Lion Rock to Sigiriya's sky fortress, we visit local villages on a unique tractor tour and explore Polonnaruwa medieval city by bike. Day 5 Buddhist grottoes Explore Dambulla Caves' amazing artworks en route to Kandy. Day 6 Kandy Visit the famous Temple of the Tooth and botanical gardens. Day 7 Tea plantation We spend time on a tea plantation in the cooler highlands and visit a tea factory. Day 8 Elephant transit home After a village walk near Belihuloya we catch up with Serendip, Explore's sponsored elephant, in the elephant transit home at Udawalawe National Park. Day 9 Game drive Look for elephants on an early morning game drive. In the afternoon we trek in the jungle from our camp in the Sinharajah Forest Reserve. Days 10/11 Unawatuna Beach Time to relax and enjoy the sea and sand. From December to April there's a chance to go whale watching. Day 12 Turtles Explore Galle fort and a turtle hatchery on our way back to Negombo. Day 13 End Negombo.

Accommodations: 11nts hotel, 1nt tented camp - tented camp at Sinharajah has fixed tents for 2 people, mattresses and all bed linen provided, washing facilities in a separate block; 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Bicycle/Elephant.
Comment: The activities are suitable for everyone, although any can be opted out of. As we cover the majority of the island, be prepared for several longer drives.
Group: Approx. 13 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s).
Trip Reference: FSL2010

Dates & Prices
Start End Prices in US$ Child Price in US$ Local Payment Availability
20 Dec 1001 Jan 11$1360$1310 0
11 Apr 1123 Apr 11$1360$1310 0
25 Jul 1106 Aug 11$1370$1320 0
01 Aug 1113 Aug 11$1370$1320 0
15 Aug 1127 Aug 11$1370$1320 0
15 Aug 1127 Aug 11$1370$1320 0
19 Dec 1131 Dec 11$1370$1320 0

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.