Indian Subcontinent diabetes tasmania sri trip highligh ts Donation of AUD$1360 per person for Diabetes Tasmania, with a portion going to the Life for a child Program included Visit the Life for a child program to see first hand where some of your donation will go Experience Sri Lanka at handle bar level A relaxed pace with time to immerse yourself in the culture Time spent in the hill capital of Kandy and the Royal Botanical Gardens Cultural Performance by traditional Kandyan Dancers Dambulla Cave Temple Minneriya National Park Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage Trip Duration 12 days Grade Introductory level Activities Cycling, Wildlife Safari Accommodation 12 day trip, 7 day cycle, 10 nights hotel welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Diabetes Tasmania Sri lanka Cycle challenge trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about off the beaten track experiences as it provides our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are also committed to making sure that our range of unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of our small groups or individuals - philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. The itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience! why travel with World Expeditions? When planning travel to a remote and challenging destination, many factors need to be considered. Every trip is accompanied by an experienced local leader who is highly trained in first aid, as well as knowledgeable crew that share a passion for the region in which they work, and a desire to share it with you. We take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics. We use comfortable 3 star accommodation in hand picked hotels. Our equipment is the best available and we provide a support crew and vehicle. Most meals and excursions are included in the tour price. Most importantly, our adventures have always sought to benefit the local peoples we interact with, safeguard the ecosystems we explore and contribute to the sustainability of travel in the regions we experience. 1 2010 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Scott Pinnegar 23 Nov 2010 09:40:15
trip dates 2011 06 Oct - 17 Oct Trip cost AUD$4950* per person including flights ex Hobart and airline tax and fuel surcharge. *Includes a AUD$1360 per person donation to Diabetes Tasmania World Expeditions does not require single travellers pay a surcharge for travelling alone. On all of our adventures we will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same sex and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. the trip Our Sri Lanka Cycle challenge is a wonderful way to explore this fascinating country whilst helping raise much needed funds for Diabetes Tasmania. A land of misty highlands and tea plantations, dense jungles and national parks, Sri Lanka is ideally suited to cycle touring. From the palm fringed west coast, we cycle inland through a multitude of Buddhist and Hindu monuments and colonial heritage that characterises the country s rich cultural history. Our journey leads deep into the rain forest of central Sri Lanka where monks conduct prayers in harmony with the forest before continuing to the hill town of Kandy with its splendid botanical gardens and lush tea plantations. We continue to the rock fortress of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa - the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, where we swap our bikes for jeeps and take a wildlife safari in the Minneriya National Park. We end our journey in Pinnawela with a memorable visit to the elephant orphanage to view the world s largest herd of domestic elephants. our partners DIABETES TASMANIA Diabetes Tasmania is the peak body for the estimated 10% of Tasmanians with diabetes. Our qualified and experienced team of health professionals is working to support people who are facing the harsh reality of living with diabetes, an incurable and chronic disease. Diabetes Tasmania is a not-for-profit organisation that is empowering people to control their diabetes and improve their quality of life. LIFE FOR A CHILD The International Diabetes Federation Life for a Child Programme was established in 2001 and is an innovative and sustainable support programme in which individuals, families and organisations contribute to help children with diabetes in developing countries. Contributions from donors go to supported diabetes centres enabling them to provide the ongoing clinical care and diabetes education children need to stay alive. The IDF Life for a Child Programme is now supporting 4,000 children with diabetes in 26 countries. The Program has been operating in Sri Lanka since 2004 and as part of your involvement in the Cycle Challenge, 10% of monies raised will be donated to the Life for a Child program in Sri Lanka. BE INSPIRED! JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATION SESSION IN HOBART ON 11th NOVEMBER 2010 TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS GREAT CHALLENGE. CONTACT CAROLINE ON 0408 328 242 TO REGISTER TO ATTEND at a glance Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Fly Australia to Colombo on Singapore Airlines, transfer to hotel Commence cycling to Induruwa (33km) Cycle to Koggala (77km) Cycle to Embilipitiya (70km) Cycle to Banadarawela Kandy (80km) in and around Kandy Cycle to Sigiriya (100km) Complete cycle to Polonnaruwa Minneriya National Park Fly Colombo to Australia via Singapore on Singapore Airlines. Arrive in Australia what s included International flights ex Tasmania to Sri Lanka including fuel and tax surcharges 2 2010 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Scott Pinnegar 23 Nov 2010 09:40:15
fast facts Countries Visited: Sri Lanka Visas: Yes* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Private Groups: Private group options are available for this trip* Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Leader: Expert local leader Brochure Reference: Active Adventures responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com AUD$1360 per person donation to Diabetes Tasmania 10 breakfasts and 10 dinners bike hire - 21 gear Shimano, Porsche, or similar return airport transfers all internal transport by private vehicle English speaking local leader support vehicles bottled water on cycling days sightseeing and site entry fees as listed No local payments policy: Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices. detailed itinerary Day 1 Fly Australia to Colombo on Singapore Airlines, transfer to hotel Please make your way to the airport for your flight to Colombo via Singapore. On arrival in Sri Lanka you will be met and transferred to the group hotel which is approx. 2 hours away from Colombo International Airport and close to the beach. We will test out our bikes today and make sure they are properly fitted in readiness for tomorrow. Overnight Villa Ocean View Hotel. Meals: d Day 2 Commence cycling to Induruwa (33km) Today we will get acquainted with our bikes and cycle guide before heading off on our first days cycle to Induruwa in the south. The cycle is a gentle introduction traveling through little villages of friendly smiling faces. Tonight we spend the night at the Induruwa Beach Resort set amongst relaxing surroundings by the beach. This afternoon is free to relax. Day 3 Cycle to Koggala (77km) Riding along the national Cycling Trail our second day takes us along the southern coastal belt. A highlight today is a visit to the 400 year old Dutch Fortress in Galle which is listed as a World Heritage site. In this area a common sight is the Stilt Fisherman. This is our last day tracing the coast and so we make the most of the relaxing sea breezes with a relaxing pace. Our support vehicle will always be near in case you need a rest from the cycle. Overnight we stay at Koggala Beach Hotel Kolggala. Day 4 Cycle to Embilipitiya (70km) Today we will ride on muddy tracks and paved roads through a changing landscape of dry zone jungle, tea plantations and paddy fields. We will pass by the Uda Walawe National Park and may be lucky enough to spot peacock and an elephant or two. Overnight at Centauria Hotel Embilipitiya. Day 5 Cycle to Banadarawela Today we will drive through rural surroundings to Wellawaya where we will commence our riding. There is a considerable amount of uphill riding to reach the higher elevations where we find the lush green tea plantations. At these higher elevations the climate is cooler and you will feel refreshed and relaxed. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at the Orient Hotel. 3 2010 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Scott Pinnegar 23 Nov 2010 09:40:15
trip grading These trips involve trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant of travel agent. important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. Day 6 Kandy (80km) En-route to Kandy we will visit a tea factory where we taste pure unblended ceylon tea and later passing by the highest mountain in St Lanka, Mt Pidurutalagala.Once we reach Kandy our afternoon will be at leisure to explore the town and markets. This evening there will be a Cultural Performance by traditional Kandyan dancers, drummers and firewalkers. Day 7 In and around Kandy Sri Lanka s hill capital, stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, Kandy is the country s most beautiful town. It is 488 metres above sea level and next to Colombo is Sri Lanka s most visited place. The focal point of the town is, without doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. Major restoration work is in progress here by the UNESCO - aided Central Cultural Fund. The highlight of the year is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the relic casket is taken in procession accompanied by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and about 80 to 100 elephants during ten glittering nights in July/August. Visit Kalapuraya in the beautiful Dumbara valley 8 km. from Kandy, where descendants of the ancient craftsmen still create items of rare elegance in metal and wood. There are many shrines and temples in and around Kandy, where you will see rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings. The Peradeniya Gardens begun as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King, and has an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. Kandy is an exciting place for shopping with souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony and bronze. Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewellery and rush and reed-ware can also be purchased.after breakfast undertake a City Tour of Kandy. The tour includes the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, Upper Lake Drive (for a great view of the city), the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya (one of the finest of its kind in Asia with more than 5000 species of flora, and once the headquarters of Lord Mountbatten), and a Gem Museum. Day 8 Cycle to Sigiriya (100km) Today we cycle towards Dambulla, where we will climb 150 metres to the famous Cave Temple before continuing on towards Sigiriya.Sigiriya is the 5th Century Royal Citadel well known for its paintings of bare breasted women. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and widely considered as the 8th wonder of the modern world.our accommodation for tonight is set before a large lake where we may see wild elephants drinking and bathing in the water. Day 9 Complete cycle to Polonnaruwa Today is our final day of cycling and we head towards Polonnaruwa, the scenery is breathtaking as we ride along the dam of the Sea of Parakrama.Polonnaruwa rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. The largest of the man made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra, is larger in size than the Colombo harbour. We will visit the ruins of the King s Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House lavished with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railing, Kiri Vehera - the best preserved of all Sri Lanka s un-restored dagabas; Gal Vihare - the most impressive sculptures are the colossal Buddha images carved on the face of a granite boulder. The recumbent Buddha measures 14 metres and the standing figure is 7 metres in height.on arrival at our hotel in Giritale we will pack away our bikes for the final time. Day 10 Minneriya National Park We take an early morning jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park to view wild elephant. Returning to the hotel for breakfast we have the chance to freshen up before one of the highlights of our trip, our visit to the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela. The orphanage was set up to save abandoned and 4 2010 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Scott Pinnegar 23 Nov 2010 09:40:15
orphaned wild elephants, in most cases babies who have been separated from their parents. Our accommodation is in close proximity to the elephants and we will no doubt hear their calls during the night. Day 11 Fly Colombo to Australia via Singapore on Singapore Airlines. After breakfast trip concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Australia via Singapore. Meals: b Day 12 Arrive in Australia Today your flight arrives back into Australia Meals: b This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control. cycling Average daily distances are approximately 50-60 kms (with a maximum of about 100 kms in one day) but there is plenty of scope to cycle more or less, depending on your fitness level. This is not designed to be a marathon event so no one needs to feel any pressure to perform. The passenger bus will make several stops en-route (approx every 15kms) to provide bottled water and fresh fruit. This is also a good way of re-grouping and sharing different experiences you may have encountered along the way. The bike-support bus will always travel behind the last cyclist. If you wish to take a break from riding or perhaps make a quick passage to the top of a big hill, simply wait at the side of the road in an appropriate place to stop and you will be picked up. Your tour leader will travel towards the back of the group for a majority of the time and will carry a first aid kit and basic repair kit. Above all else, the emphasis is on seeing Sri Lanka, not training for the Tour de France. All luggage is carried on the support bus, while any clothing/items you need during the day eg. swimsuit and towel, spare t-shirt, jumper, raincoat etc, may be carried on the passenger bus. A small daypack or bag is ideal to store these things on the bus. The landscape we pass through varies from misty, tropical highlands to rural coastal plains and undulating hills. We will cycle along spectacular ocean roads and next to magnificent beaches. All along our route we experience and witness what life of the present day Sri Lanka - rural and urban - is all about. Bikes The bikes used on this program are 21 speed, aluminium frame, mountain bikes - Shimano Rider, Peugeot, Contrast, Merida and Porsche. Most of the bikes have front suspension and all are fitted with water cages. These bicycles are used on all of our trips and therefore are used by many different people throughout a season. It is possible that your bicycle might need certain slight adjustments before you commence riding. However, additional adjustments or repairs may have to be made along the way and at least one additional bicycle is supplied for each group in case a replacement becomes necessary. Sets of basic tools are aboard the follow-up truck and your trip leader will assist with any difficulties. If you already have a saddle that you are comfortable cycling long distances on, you should bring this with you. A gel seat cover is highly recommended and well worth the additional cost (available in cycling shops). We regret that there are only a few smaller women s bicycles and these can be reserved for shorter group members, so long as we are advised of your height well in advance of your tour departure. *For safety reasons, we also insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. 5 2010 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Scott Pinnegar 23 Nov 2010 09:40:15
country information Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, is an island republic in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of India. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and separated from India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. Lying between the two nations is a chain of small islands known as Adam s Bridge. The greatest length from north to south is about 440 km (about 273 miles); the greatest width is about 220 km (about 137 miles). The total area of Sri Lanka is 65,610 square kilometres (25,332 sq miles).the administrative capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura (Kotte); and Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city. Sri Lanka s coast, particularly the west, south, and southeast, is palm-fringed and indented by lagoons and inlets. The more rugged northeastern coast contains Trincomalee Harbor, considered one of the best natural harbours in the world. Around 74 percent of the population of Sri Lanka is of Sinhalese descent. The population is 19.3 million, with the majority living in the countryside and only 23% residing in urban areas. Buddhism was first introduced into Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, and is the dominant religion in Sri Lanka (approx. 69 percent of the population).15 percent of the population is Hindu, 8 percent is Christian, and 8 percent is Muslim. Religion plays an important role in Sri Lanka; a revival of Buddhism was associated with the rise of Sinhalese nationalism. climate Sri Lanka is very much a tropical country with distinct dry and wet seasons and a generally humid climate. However the seasons depend on your location on the island. Our trip operates in the South West where the dry season extends from December to March. Average temperature will be around 27 degrees Celsius in coastal flat areas, 20 degrees Celsius in Kandy and may fall to around 15-17 degrees Celsius in the hills. You should be prepared for cool nights in the hills as low as 10 degrees Celsius. what you carry In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack. equipment required Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking). what s not included Helmets aerated & alcoholic drinks Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc. travel insurance visa info nights JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATION SESSION IN HOBART ON 11th NOVEMBER 2010 TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THIS GREAT CHALLENGE. CONTACT CAROLINE ON 0408 328 242 TO REGISTER. 6 2010 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Scott Pinnegar 23 Nov 2010 09:40:15
subscribe to our enewsletter Subscribe to our enewsletter! To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly enewsletter! You can do this online through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office. how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website www.worldexpeditions. com. 7 2010 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Scott Pinnegar 23 Nov 2010 09:40:15