URBAN E NOMADS ITINERARY

URBAN E NOMADS ITINERARY

A Private Island Set along the country s famous South Coast, just 30 minutes from the provincial capital of Galle, the small, thickly forested island perches 100 metres from the soft mainland beaches, so close that guests may choose to wade through the warm knee-high tide, or ride elephant-back to the island s cliff-side dock. Facing out onto the turquoise Indian Ocean and with the lush South Coast jungles at its back, the island s octagonal, 5-bedroom stone mansion has spectacular views in every direction- the sea views are particularly romantic, since not a single speck of land can be found between Taprobane and the Antarctic. Combining European colonial architecture with the languid, open style found in the tropics, the home has played host to heads of state, famous authors, and some of the world s most prominent business elite. Photo courtesy of Taprobane Island

sri lanka Elephants, Leopards and a Private Island Photo Courtesy of Fiero9 This 13-day itinerary combines the cultural highlights of Sri Lanka, a private island retreat with an eccentric history and a mobile camping safari through national parks with some of the highest densities of leopards in the world.

Day 1-3 Sigiriya You ll be met at the airport on arrival by our local representatives and whisked through immigration. Here, you can choose to take up our option of spending a night or two at an eco-resort in Anamaduwa, which would only be a 2.5hour drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. Please enquire with us as to the costs of adding this option. Alternatively,take a 4.5 hour transfer to the cultural triangle, staying at the Vil Uyana. The Vil Uyana is a magnificent hotel with a view onto Sigiriya. Day 3-5 Kandy The last royal capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is also the site of the Kandy Perahera, a colourful festival featuring elephant parades, Kandyan dancers and street festivities. Here you ll visit the Old Royal Palace compoundthe concubines quarters, the queen s chambers and the armory. Intricate wooden carvings of 14th century shrines are also another highlight of Kandy. This being the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, you ll find some of Sri Lanka s best artisans at work here, with products being available for purchase.

Day 5-7 Day 7-10 Yala A place that would transport you to an Out of Africa experience, this park is one of the best places in the world to catch sight of a leopard. The presence of fantail peacocks reminding you of your locality, Yala has a colourful history that includes World Wartime renegades and was once the ancient kingdom of Ruhuna. Taprobane Set up by a self-styled count, this private island is accessible by wading through the water(waistdeep at high tide) or otherwise on the back of an elephant. With a full household of staff, the rustic chic of this house is complimented by an infinity pool overlooking the ocean- a perfect spot for sundowners! Photo Courtesy of Volker Schumann & Peter Aknai Galle Day 10-12 Transfer today, to Galle. Based at either the Tamarind Hill or The Fortress. While the cultural attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Galle with its ramparts and a port that attracted merchants who came for its gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks, New Galle by contrast, is its vibrant counterside with a lively expat community, chic cafes and a high concentration of boutique hotels that have placed Sri Lanka on the Conde Nast traveller circuit.

Day 12-13 Colombo Drive back today to Colombo. Based at the Tintagel/ Park Street Colombo. Spend a day at leisure, possibly have tea at the Gallery Cafe and prepare for your onward flight tomorrow. Options The itinerary could be tweaked to include other national parks in Sri Lanka, Taprobane substituted for Geoffrey Bawa s Last House an exclusive beach retreat on Sri Lanka s coast or a few days in an eco-resort in the jungles of Sri Lanka.

accommodation Sigiriya Day 1-3: Vil Uyana Hotel Kandy Day 3-5: Kandy House

accommodation Kandy (Alternative) Day 3-5: Theva Residency Galle Day 10-12: Tamarind Hill

accommodation Galle (Alternative) Day 10-12: The Fortress Colombo Day 12-13: Tintagel

Total Price (Indicative Only): USD2550 per person on double occupancy basis Price includes: All domestic transfers and tours mentioned. Accommodation on bed and breakfast basis throughout. Price excludes: All gratuities and tips, tours not mentioned and items of a personal nature. Minimum of 8 pax travelling.

Important Notes Trip Grading/Difficulty: This itinerary is done at a relaxed pace, with no strenuous or overtly physical activities and is suitable for all ages. Flights: It is essential that you give us your air schedule at least 60 days prior to departure, so that we may confirm your arrival and departure hotels. Health: You are strongly advised to contact your own GP or vaccination centre in respect of required vaccinations for Sri Lanka. Check on recommended immunizations as least a month before travel. Among the items you might pack are: sun creams (factor 12 and above), insect repellent, sting relief cream, antiseptic cream, a lightweight hat and sunglasses. Important Note: While we endeavor to make the itinerary as accurate as possible, it should be considered an approximate schedule of activities rather than a rigid schedule of events. Trip itineraries are subject to revision due to weather, road and trail conditions, government restrictions and other factors beyond our control.

Booking Conditions Booking your tailor-made holiday: A booking is accepted only after we receive the completed signed booking form and/or the non-refundable deposit required. If the booking is made within 60 days of departure, then full payment is required at the time of confirmation except over the Christmas & New Year period when the full itinerary amount must be made at the time of booking. The balance of payment due for your travel arrangements must bepaid by you not later than 60 days before departure; otherwise we may treat the booking as cancelled. Methods of payment: Payments for deposits and final monies for Travel Arrangements may be made by bank transfer. Cancellation: All cancellations must be advised in writing and will take effect the day we receive it. Urbane Nomads refunds all recoverable costs after cancellation, subject to third-party cancellation and refund policies and a USD500 administration and travel planning fee. In some cases hotels require prepayment in full for hotel rooms and services in the peak period. In such cases these deposits are non refundable. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking the Travel Arrangements that You are adequately insured for the full duration of the your travel arrangements in respect of illness, injury, death, loss of baggage and personal items, cancellation and curtailment. The choice of insurer is the sole discretion of You. In signing the Booking Form or paying for your holiday you confirm to us that you either have or will have procured such insurance before the commencement of your travel arrangements. Further Terms and Conditions apply. In signing the Booking Form or paying the deposit you confirm to us that you have accepted the booking terms and conditions