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| Kuoni Travel — World Class 2008 |
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 | Sri Lanka and India (11 pages) |
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Page Text Content
`SRI LANKA IS, BY NATURE, A PARADISE AND IT'S PEOPLE ARE DELIGHTFUL'
Dan Cruickshank
OMAN INDIA
BANGLADESH BURMA THAILAND
SRI LANKA
SINGAPORE
SRI LANKA
Warm, tropical Sri Lanka lies just south of India in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Fringed with golden sands and coconut palms, home to ancient cities including seven World Heritage Sites, lush tea plantations and exotic wildlife, Sri Lanka is an island waiting to be discovered. From the bustling capital Colombo, the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa to the cave temples at Dambulla and the rock fortress at Sigiriya. The 650 foot high Lion Rock at Sigiriya can be seen from miles around as it towers over the flat plains, which King Kasyapa made his fortress in the 5th Century. The superb view from the top alone will leave you in no doubt as to why it was chosen to be a fortress and the gallery of well preserved frescoes half way up is a real highlight. The Buddhist capital of Sri Lanka from 11th-13th Century, Polonnaruwa has a number of areas of interest including the former palace, audience hall and magnificent carved Buddhas. Although parts of the city are ruined, it still retains a special atmosphere amid lush gardens. The coastal stretch is dotted with beach resorts and palm-fringed beaches, the sand glitters like gold dust and the sea sparkles in the bright sunlight all the way down the southwest coast. Recently designated a World Heritage Site, Galle combines grand architecture with some of Sri Lanka's finest beaches and the famous silt fishermen. Galle's massive fort dominates the walled city, where narrow streets are lined with colonial buildings. We also recommend you visit the enchanting hill country, the tea plantations and the Royal city of Kandy. It is impossible to demonstrate Sri Lanka's variety with a stay in just one place, so most visitors are enticed into experiencing several areas. We can tailormake holidays, create your own personalised itinerary (see our sample itinerary on p35) by combining our featured properties in Sigiriya or on the beach and add your very own car and English-speaking driver. Another option is offered by Aman Resorts (see p206-207). May we also recommend you combine Sri Lanka with the tropical paradise of the Maldives. Royal and sacred cities, cliff top citadels, colonial strongholds and temple caves combine with beautiful beaches to make this one of the real jewels of the Indian Ocean. One of the most beautiful and scenically interesting islands in the world. Costs are low and the people very hospitable indeed.
For weather, passport, vaccinations, visas and flying time information see page 220.
MALDIVES
FLIGHT INFORMATION Our holidays to Sri Lanka are based on SriLankan Airlines flights from Heathrow with a flying time of approximately 10½ hours and with upgrades to Business Class at a supplement from £509 one-way. Alternatives including regional departures are also available. Please call for further information.
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CALL KUONI 01306 747001 OR WWW.KUONIWORLDCLASS.CO.UK
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