Sri Lanka — Africa — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

INDIAN SUBCONTINENT SRI LANKA Active Sri Lanka! TREKKING GRADE A/B Ref ASL JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 12 DAYS HOTELS/LODGE/TEA PLANTATION BUNGALOW/TENTED CAMP ACTIVE ADVENTURE ON BUDDHAS ISLAND A Maldivian sailing dhoni MALDIVES Holy mountains cloaked in green, azure seas fringed by golden beaches, tropical jungles teeming with wildlife and the ruins of fabulous ancient cities Sri Lanka is the perfect setting for our unique activityfocused exploration. Back-road Cycling & Jungle Ruins Our adventure begins as we take to two wheels, exploring the tranquil back-roads and villages; affording the perfect opportunity to get to know the friendly and hospitable Sri Lankans. At Sigiriya we ascend to the top of the vast flat-topped Lion Rock, a natural fortress rising starkly out of the surrounding plain. We take in the superb views of the surrounding jungle into which we trek on an expedition to discover the fabulous ruined monastery of Ritigala. Highland Treks & Rafting We make for the Central Highlands, cloaked in tea plantations and high montane forest, the cooler air refreshes us on our ascent of Adams Peak (2260m). A popular pilgrimage route since ancient times for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims; we make a moonlit ascent (Dec-Apr only) to the summit to see the sun rise behind its conical peak and cast an extraordinary shadow across the misty plains below. Next its time for some exhilarating white-water rafting on the Kelaniya river, an area of outstanding beauty. Elephants & Beaches Large herds of elephants roam the teak forest and open woodlands of Udawalawe National Highland backroads/John Telfer Maldive Dhoni Cruise Ref MC JFMAMJJASOND JFMA 9 DAYS TRADITIONAL DHONI CRUISING THROUGH THE FLOWER OF THE INDIES Unspoilt palm-fringed tropical islands with white beaches, turquoise lagoons, fantastic coral reefs and marine life are only part of the appeal of the Maldives. It is a remote and historically fascinating country of 1190 Indian Ocean islands. A Muslim country, it has just under a third of a million inhabitants, its own language and unique culture, as we shall find out as we journey through the myriad of islands on our traditional vessel. Life on the Dhoni Arriving on Hulule airport island, we transfer directly to our Maldivian sailing dhoni and set sail for our first night on board. The dhoni is the traditional means of transport of the Maldives and is thought to have derived from the Arab Dhow. Our vessels have been converted into live-aboard cruise boats with couchette accommodation and a saloon area inside plus plenty of room on deck both in the sun and shade for relaxing and watching the world go by. Meals on board tend to be planned around the catch of the day a treat for those that enjoy seafood! Cruising the Atolls The coral and sand islands that make up the Maldives are clustered into 26 different atolls, formed originally by volcanic activity. Leaving the main North Male Atoll behind, we aim to head through South Male and Felidhoo Atolls, stopping in small harbours or at uninhabited islands along the way. Continuing south we plan to reach Meemu (Mulaku) Atoll, a group of islands with very few resorts, where we visit small fishing villages and possibly see boatbuilders at work. There will be plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling in the clear blue waters to see the varied and vibrant marine life that abounds. At one of the villages possibly Dhiggaru we hope to enjoy a traditional Bodu Beru (Big Drum) performance. Male Crammed onto an island 1.8 sq km in area, Male houses a fifth of the total population. We walk around the main sights of this important capital including the Grand Friday Stunning island beaches Maldive Dhoni Cruise Ref MC NORTH MALE ATOLL Vaadhoo Caves 4� North Airport MALE Mosque & markets SOUTH MALE ATOLL EMBOODHOO FINOLHU Lagoon GURAIDHOO MALDIVES FELIDHOO ATOLL I N D I A N O C E A N FELIDHOO Typical moorings AMBARAA Uninhabited island Vattaru Falhu DHIGGARU Fishing village Bodu Beru performance Fenboa Finolhu 3� North km 0 50 Park and we hope to spot these magnificent creatures on our jeep safari as well as maybe macaque, langur, jackal or the elusive leopard. Prolific birdlife abounds in the Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve as were privileged to trek in some of the islands last remaining stretches of virgin rainforest. We spend our final days on the coast where the seas are tropically warm and you can take your pick from swimming, snorkelling and diving or even try your hand at surfing! MEEMU ATOLL FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Colombo. 2 Arrive Colombo; drive Negombo, afternoon cycle tour. 3 Morning cycle on back roads; afternoon visit Dambulla caves. 4 Climb Lion rock at Sigiriya, jungle trek to Ritigala sanctuary. 5 Drive Kitulgala, trek to waterfall. 6 White-water rafting; drive to tea plantation. 7 Trek Adams Peak Dec-Apr only; afternoon drive Embilipitiya. 8 Morning game drive in Udawalawe NP; afternoon drive Sinharaja rainforest reserve, forest trek. 9 Morning trek in forest; drive Bentota, optional watersports. 10 & 11 In Bentota. 12 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts hotel, 1nt plantation bungalow, 1nt lodge, 1nt tented camp; 10 breakfasts & 3 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Bus/Cycle/Rafts/Jeeps/On Foot Comment: A multi-active fast-paced adventure including some first class game-viewing and a visit to Sri Lankas premier ancient site at Sigiriya. Participants need to be moderately fit; no experience is needed for the rafting as full instruction will be provided. Adams Peak ascent by night only during pilgrimage season (Dec-Apr). Alternative trek to Horton Plains during rest of year. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader, driver(s) plus specialist activity guides. Group Size: 13 to 18. Active Sri Lanka! Ref ASL Ritigala Sanctuary Mosque, the Islamic centre and the local markets which are busy with the barter of islanders haggling for goods. SIGIRIYA Lion Platform Sky Fortress Kuliyapitiya Dankotuwa FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Male. 2 Arrive Male; transfer directly to dhoni and set sail. 3 Cruise to Ambaraa Island in Felidhoo Atoll. 4 Cruise to Meemu Atoll. 5 Visit Dhiggaru village, Meemu Atoll. 6 Cruise to Felidhoo; visit traditional village. 7 Cruise to Emboodhoo Finolhu Lagoon. 8 Cruise back through South Male Atoll to Male; afternoon walking tour and free time. 9 Fly London. Please note: The actual itinerary for this trip is dependent on weather conditions and may vary with the seasons. Any alternative itinerary will include a similar mix of sights and activities. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts on Dhoni; 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 7 dinners included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Boat/On foot. Comment: A short relaxing tour to an exotic location. Accommodation on the dhoni is on a twin share basis with shared facilities. All meals are included whilst on board and snorkelling equipment is provided. We consider an ability to swim essential to your enjoyment of this trip. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader, captain, crew and cook on dhoni. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16. SRI LANKA Kurunegala NEGOMBO Fishing port Airport Colombo Trek to waterfall White water rafting Peak Wilderness NR Game drive Udawalawe NP EMBILIPITIYA KITULGALA TEA ESTATE Watersports BENTOTA Adams Peak SINHARAJA Forest reserve treks km INDIAN OCEAN 0 100 Rafting the Kelaniya river/John Telfer Essential information, departure dates & prices see Pricing & Information Supplement 143

Africa contd… Sri Lanka