Selective Journeys
SRI LANKA

HOW WE DEFINE TRAVEL TODAY
It is all too easy to travel to the main centres of a destination
and consider having ‘seen it’. However, the true backbone
of Sri Lanka's culture and society is found in the unknown,
the unaware, the places and areas where throngs of tourists
do not tread because, quite simply, the knowledge and
insight is not there to begin with. This is where we come in.
As tourism in the country expands and develops most of us
yearn for a travel experience away from the commercial
centres. We have therefore carefully researched and created
a series of select journeys that best represent another side of
Sri Lanka ... a Sri Lanka that will enrich a trip with
memories, an experience and an education.
A traveller’s delight, with echoes of ancient cities still
dominating the pulse of the country. Rich in cultural
treasures and breathtaking vistas it never fails to enchant the
senses. Serendipity, an ancient name, describes this country
to perfection – unexpected discoveries and pleasure.
Ranging from the exclusive to the moderate these selective
journeys are either half or full day excursions and are
therefore easily placed into your itinerary.
AN INTRODUCTION
TO SELECTIVE JOURNEYS
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SRI LAnka

COLONIAL GEMS OF COLOMBO
Spend an afternoon on a guided tour exploring the
capital city searching out historic colonial gems. Head
off to the busy city of Pettah look out for colonial
architectural gems such as the Dutch Museum. This
17th century building was originally the residence of a
Dutch Govenor and it is very easy to imagine him
sitting upon the veranda looking down to the port
below whilst having a cup of tea or gin and tonic.
Continue along the country’s largest wholesale bazaar
which transports you to St. Peters Church, an Anglican
church established in 1821. After a short break for iced
lemonade in a local cafe, head up to York Street from
the Grand Oriental Hotel, an institution that in its
heyday would rival the Ritz. Onwards comes the
preeminent colonial emporium, Cargills. As you wind
your way through the streets you will eventually come
to the lighthouse, designed by the same man as Big Ben,
and the Galle Face Green, which on a weekend is
bustling and heaving with local people enjoying the
seaside and street food served here. It is great to end
with a sundowner at the Galle Face Hotel, the perfect
place to sit back, relax and reminisce on your
experience.
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Time your Sri Lanka trip to coincide with any of the country's
festivals - there are plenty to choose from & the event will likely
be a highlight of your visit. The holy city of Kandy’s Esala
Perahera, however, is that little bit extra-special. The focus of
this Buddhist festival, occurring in July or August, is very much
on elaborately decorated elephants. Also expect dancing of all
sorts, plus unique cuisine & delicacies. The festival concludes
with 'diya-kepeema', a traditional water cutting ceremony on the
Mahaweli riverbank.
Selective Journeys
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THE FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR

Experience Sri Lanka like nobody has done before… come on a
journey that will delight your senses, enrich your knowledge and
leave you with an appreciation of Sri Lanka’s rich culture and
culinary traditions. Some of Sri Lanka’s best Chefs will mentor
you in the preparation of exotic meals and share their knowledge
of the culture and traditions that influence Sri Lankan food. Your
mentors will also lead you on expeditions to local markets to pick
the finest fresh fruit, vegetables and produce specific to that
region. After your master class you have time at each destination
to explore the heritage, beauty and culture that Sri Lanka has to
offer all with your own driver and car. At the end of the day
relax in your 5 star accommodation…each venue will take you
on a memorable experience that you can only dream of. Join us
on a one in a lifetime experience that will tantalize your taste
buds, mind and heart.
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CULINARY ODYSSEY

Cycling in Sri Lanka is an excellent way to enjoy the lovely
sceneries of Sri Lanka. The network of main roads and
innumerable country roads, gravel paths, foot paths, cart tracks,
dirt tracks and estate tracks make the all corners of the small
island accessible to the cycling enthusiasts holidaying in Sri
Lanka. Sri Lanka's varied landscapes also bring about the
perceptions on cultural heritage and experiences in rural village
life to the visitors cycling in Sri Lanka. Cycling through rice
fields and rural villages; through tea covered hill country, taking
the coastal roads of the south western and southern coastal belt,
riding over the cultural triangle studded with monuments,
renovated monuments and ruins of ancient Sri Lanka reward all
the cycling enthusiasts in invaluable scale and scope.
Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the third century
B.C and become an integral part of the country’s culture with
a majority of Sri Lankans following the Buddha’s teachings.
Meditation is an integral part of Buddhism, practiced to
achieve a balance of mind which helps alleviate the stresses of
modern life. Meditation sessions can be arranged at most
Temples and Buddhist centres across the country while some
of the Ayurveda and Yoga retreats conduct guided meditation
sessions as an integral part of their holistic wellbeing
programmes.We have put together several journeys that will
give you a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage which
includes ancient ruins dating back to the 3rd century B.C. as
well as Buddhist temples and shrines that are very much a
vibrant part of today’s life.
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CYCLING THROUGH SRI LANKA THE ART OF MEDITATION

Sri Lankas iconic rail network dates back to the period of British
colonial rule a charming, antiquated system much the same
today as it was then. Winding its way majestically through some
of the islands least hospitable mountain paths, there is arguably
no better or more relaxing way to experience this incredible
part of the country. Passing densely covered tea plantations,
remote villages and spectacular waterfalls, the train journey
from Kandy up into the highest corners of the hills often stands
out as one of Sri Lankas most unforgettable journeys.
A trip on the train can be incorporated into your itinerary at
many points throughout the mountains. We would recommend
a ride in the Expo or Observation Cabin. Securing the limited
number of tickets available remains a fine and unpredictable art
(British ticketing culture perhaps?) but we shall endeavour to
get those tickets before others. A trip in the 2nd or 3rd class is
also worth recommending from a human perspective. Sharing
the carriage with musicians, food vendors and kids hanging out
of the doors, this is the kind of train experience no longer
available in most parts of the world.
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TRAIN TRAVEL
THROUGH THE CLOUDS

Sri Lanka’s dwindling Vedda population are directly descended
from the Neolithic humans who arrived in the area as early as
18,000 BC - in other words, about as indigenous as it gets. Spend
a fascinating few hours with them, making bows, harvesting wild
honey, and witnessing genuinely ancient hunter-gatherer rituals.
Most remaining Vedda live in Maduru Oya National Park, and
you can visit them on your journey between Sri Lanka’s east
coast and Kandy or Tea Country. For a more immersive (and
arguably more exciting!) stopover, camp overnight in a luxurious
safari tent, surrounded by Maduru Oya’s wildlife and only
minutes from the nearby Vedda village.
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CAMPING WITH THE VEDDHA'S

With its extensive coast-line and numerous reservoirs
and lakes, Sri Lanka is an excellent place to cast your
line and participate in the exciting sport of inland and
deep sea fishing. Inland fishing can be arranged at any
time of year due to the constant smoothness of the
water on inland waterways and reservoirs located
around Sri Lanka.
However, as with all sea-based activities, Sri Lanka’s
deep sea fishing is dependent on the season, with
western and southern coasts accessible from
November to April and the east coast being more
suitable from May to September.
You can choose to fish from the beach itself or go
further out to sea in an in-built or out-board fibre-
glass motor boat and try troll fishing. All safety
jackets, rods and bait, and other equipment will be
supplied. Fishing tours can be arranged on a day basis
or as part of a longer itinerary.
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FISH FOR YOUR DINNER

For the ultimate holiday souvenir, how about taking home a
packet of tea that you picked yourself? Dress in local attire – saree
for the ladies, sarong for the gentlemen – and with basket in hand
visit one of the organic tea fields where you will be shown which
leaves to pluck. It takes a bit of practice to make sure the leaves
end up in your basket rather than on the floor! Then return to the
Tea Factory, where our chief tea taster, will inspect your efforts.
He will reject any leaves that are unsuitable. Take a tour of the
Tea Factory and understand the whole process, from the initial
drying (withering) of the leaves, through rolling, fermenting and
sifting, to produce the different types of tea. Finally, you can taste
the different teas, from flowery pekoe to green tea and teabag
dust, to appreciate for yourself the differences in colour, flavour
and strength. The next day, a packet of your very own tea will be
ready for you to take home. So every time you have a cuppa you
will be reminded of your wonderful visit to Sri Lanka.
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PLUCK YOUR OWN TEA

A walk by an ancient reservoir, birds and lily trotters rivalled by a myriad
ofbutterflies,AChenacultivationandwayoflifethatisalmostextinct.A
gentle bullock cart ride through the forest, lets you indulge in nature like
never before. The backdrop is green, lush rice fields spread to infinity
whilethesilentwatersofthereservoirisrippledonlybyalonefishermen
mounted on his catamaran. As you walk further, the sight of the Sigiriya
rock fortress can be awe inspiring and its already time to take a
catamaran ride!. Arrive at a chena farmer’s humble home, a setting that
takes you back a few decades to enjoy a black tea brewed by the farmer’s
wife. Experience the pleasures of village-life as you walk through the
woods and mount yet another ancient mode of the humble man’s
transportation – bullock carts. The Hiriwadunna nature trek is a true
villageexperiencethatwindsbacktimeandletyouexperiencethisisland
inadifferentera.Unspoilt,innocentandrefreshing.
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VILLAGE & LAKE ADVENTURE

Kitesurf over the turquoise seas that surrounds this paradise
island or skim the waters of a tranquil lagoon. Sri Lanka has
excellent kite surfing spots for beginners as well as the more
experienced. From May to October, Kalpitiya is the ideal place
to get your adrenaline pumping with this extreme sport. A
private or group lesson is the best way to inject some extra
excitement into your holiday. Equipment including the board,
kite, harness, and boots are available for rent.
With more than a dozen spots and wind blowing at an average
of 18-20 knots 24 hours a day, Kalpitiya kitesurfing is perfect
for beginners, freestylers and are ideal for free-ride & wave
riding. The Puttalam lagoon is also great for downwind trips.
Soar high in the sky from 500 feet to 2000 feet above untouched
wilderness, rock temples and ancient ruins in the Cultural Triangle.
A Hot Air Ballooning trip in Sri Lanka is an once-in-a- lifetime
experience never to be forgotten! The Cultural Triangle Ballooning
Trip starts from the Sigiriya area. A typical trip would start
sometime after dawn and last for approximately one hour –
depending on the prevailing winds. The exact route of a Hot Air
Ballooning flight cannot be predicted as the wind direction must be
followed. Ballooning trips are offered daily throughout the season
from November to April when the winds are light and the sky at its
bluest. The hot air balloon adventure lasts approximately 3 to 4
hours which is followed by a Champagne Breakfast22
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Selective Journeys
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KITESURFING IN KALPITIYA A VIEW FROM ABOVE

Selective Journeys
indus experiences
Avatnta Harrow
79 College Road
Harrow - HA1 1BD
Tel: +44 (0)20 8901 7320
holidays@indusexperiences.co.uk
www.indusexperiences.co.uk