From glistening coastlines to lush tea plantations. From heart stopping wildlife encounters to time frozen village rendezvous, our small group tour of Sri Lanka certainly covers the green and blue hues the country has to offer.
Throw in a line and go fishing with the locals of a remote fishing community, try your hand a making flat coconut bread and spinning a pottery wheel. Cycle to Sigirya Rock and pluck tea leaves in the fields with the ladies at one of the oldest tea plantations on the island.
Absorb the must see sights of Dambulla and Kandy before soaking up the panoramic views from Little Adams Peak. Explore the mysteries of Galle Fort in a way that not many others will get to experience, with Shanjei - a local who has an unusual fascination with this ancient site!
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Makandura. The Notary’s House is your home for the next two nights set amidst a coconut plantation on the banks of the Makandura Lake. This stunning property, was once home to a prominent family in the village, which has been lovingly restored, maintaining its heritage while introducing modern comforts. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
Overnight – The Notary’s House or similar
This morning, set off for a guided tour of Dambadeniya, one of Sri Lanka’s lesser-known ancient kingdoms. Here you have the opportunity to climb up the rock fortress where you can visit Vijayasundaramaya, a site rarely visited by tourists and is well off the beaten track. The climb is relatively easy.
Early in the evening, set off on foot to explore the nearby village on the other side of the lake. Walk through the quiet village and visit the local temple where you will meet the local Buddhist priest for a blessing. Spend time talking with the locals and learning about their simple yet peaceful life before returning to hotel. (B)
Overnight – The Notary’s House or similar
This morning you will transfer to your hotel not far from Anuradhapura. After checking in, this afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit two of Sri Lanka’s most significant sites. Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sinhalese culture for over 1500 years, was built during a golden period of architectural and artistic development. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is home of ancient Sri Lankan culture.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is the sacred Bo Tree which is said to have generated from one of the branches of the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India – this is the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. You will have the rare opportunity to offer flowers, light incense and light up oil lamps as offerings to the Bo tree as you participate in an evening pooja.
Return to your hotel for an incredible dining experience. Tonight, dinner will be served in the middle of a rice paddy. Surrounded by candle light and lanterns, this magical setting is enhanced by your meal being lovingly prepared in a traditional mud hut with the chorus of frogs, crickets and birds. (B,D)
Overnight – Ulagalla hotel or similar
Setting off this morning, your day will start with a traditional farmers village experience. Learn about local life in Sri Lanka’s rural villages both in the fields and at home. Why not try your hand at some of the agricultural techniques the locals still use today? Explore the village by tuk-tuk, tractor and on foot, as you completely immerse yourselves into farm life. For lunch today, enjoy a home-cooked meal with all produce (apart from the papadams) coming straight from the paddock.
After lunch, continue to Sigiriya Rock Fortress which you have the opportunity to climb. The fortress is set amid dry zone scrub jungle and is home to a great variety of Sri Lanka’s fauna. Sigiriya, a mighty 180-metre high rock-fortress of a 5th century King, is famous for its entrancingly beautiful frescoes which are found in a sheltered pocket of the rock. You cannot fail to marvel at the masterful execution of the sinuous forms of these women (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today). The old stairway to the top (1200 steps) led through the mouth of a huge crouching lion, carved from the rock. Today, only the paws remain. Remains of the impressive royal citadel are on the summit.
The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the lion platform and the summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory.
While strenuous, the climb to the top is not very difficult however involves some steep areas and 1200 steps, including a steep spiral staircase to see the frescoes. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Water Garden or similar
The first kingdom of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, after a reign of over 1500 year, crumbled under the attacks of the Cholas. The new kingdom was established in Polonnaruwa and flourished for over 150 years. The golden period of the kingdom was under the rule of King Parakramabhahu I and during his period, irrigation and agriculture thrived. Many Kings and Queens added to the array of site you will be exploring today, which include Buddhist and Hindu temples, houses, palaces, audience halls, bathing ponds and tanks that span over 5000 acres.
For lunch today, enjoy an authentic and delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry served at a local home with a cookery demonstration for you to participate in before setting off on safari.
Spend your afternoon in Minneriya National Park. This National Park, which is 8889 hectares in extent, is famous for it large population of elephants in herds of 100 to 150, roaming through the jungle and often seen in the catchment areas of the lake. Wild buffaloes, wild boar, spotted deer, sloth bear, sambhur, leopards, crocodiles, jackals, 9 kinds of amphibians, 25 kinds of reptiles, 160 species of birds, 26 varieties of fishes, 78 varieties of butterflies are all found in the Minneriya National Park. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Water Garden or similar
Today en route to Gal Oya, you will visit Dambulla Cave Temple. The temple is a vast isolated rock mass, 500 feet high and a mile around the base. The famous Rock Temple dates back to the 1st B.C. Climb 365 steps (a fairly easy climb) to the caves of Dambulla where King Walagamba sheltered during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne, he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples found on the island. In the first cave, there is a recumbent image of Buddha 47ft long cut out of the rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism all around.
Continue to Gal Oya Lodge, a beautifully designed eco-lodge, providing stylish and comfortable accommodation in a remote and undiscovered setting. After settling in, set off for a discovery walk with the Chief of the Vedda community. Gal Oya Lodge neighbours one of the last remaining communities of the Vedda – the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of Sri Lanka.
The Veddas are the true indigenous people of Sri Lanka and have been found to be linked to Australia’s aborigines and the San Bushmen. The Vedda culture is diminishing fast with their language almost completely lost. These indigenous peoples have adapted from cave living to forest dwelling to now living in basic huts and regular houses. From leaf clothing to loin clothes to sarongs, the Vedda’s have now cross bred with the Sinhalese and Tamil people changing the shape of their almost neanderthal physiques and characteristics. The Vedda’s still hunt for bee honey in the forests found inside hollowed tree trunks which is sold to locals, and they practice only bush medicine rituals concoctions to heal ailments and illness.
Enjoy an exclusive walk with the village Chief as you venture through the jungles of his ancestors. Discover and learn about life amongst nature as he brings the forest alive, explaining his tribe’s use of medicinal plants, ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings. It’s a fascinating insight into how the hunter-gatherers lived in the jungles of Gal Oya. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Gal Oya Lodge or similar
This is the only place in Sri Lanka where you can experience a water-based safari – and magical it certainly is! Immerse yourself amongst the wildlife here and with a little luck, you may spot elephants swimming between islands or bathing on the lake’s edge. A 2-3 hour safari by boat, and a scenic 40- minute drive from the lodge to the lake is perfect to explore the national park and surrounding villages. Witness the local fisherman pulling in their nets and cruise slowly through the tree cemetery in Gal Oya Dam. Home to many cormorants and their chicks, the landscape is incredibly diverse and simply breathtaking.
Gal Oya National Park really is one of Sri Lanka’s undiscovered natural treasures. This afternoon, you will set off on a jeep ride (2.5 hours) into the forgotten Nilgala section of the park, once the protectorate of ancient royalty for the abundant medicinal plants and endemic birdlife unique to this ecosystem. Although shy and sometimes hard to spot, the park hosts most of the animals found on the island, with some of the more likely species to look out for including herds of elephants, four species of deer as well as many bird species. Our more intrepid guests may also opt for the hike to the Makara river mouth with one of our expert naturalists, to further experience the jungle and for the chance of seeing wildlife on foot. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Gal Oya Lodge or similar
This morning following breakfast, it is time to farewell your incredible naturalist team at Gal Oya and travel to Ella in the high country (165km, approx. 4.5 hrs). Visit the Nine Arch Bridge known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’, which is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka.
You will continue to your hidden resort, Living Heritage Koslanda. The villas are simple yet luxurious and the pool is wonderful. Truly a hidden gem! Take a guided tour through the jungle to a spectacular waterfall. There are squirrels, and chattering monkeys, as well as the jackfruit trees that give Koslanda its name. Diverse native plants and an abundance of exotic birds that are beautiful to watch, fill the air with a chorus of their songs. By the waterfall, you’ll find a Forest Ambalamba, a perfect spot for relaxing after a swim in the natural plunge pool and watching the water cascade into the pool below. (B)
Overnight – Living Heritage Koslanda or similar
This morning, set off on a short trek to Lipton’s Seat and visit to Dambethenna Tea Factory. The Dambethanna Tea Estate was founded by Sir Thomas Lipton, who is probably one of the most famous figures connected to the country’s long history of tea production. From the vantage point of ‘Lipton’s Seat,’ Sir Thomas would survey his domain, enjoying some truly spectacular views out across his estate and the landscapes of southern Sri Lanka. Situated over 1900 metres above sea level, the views from the top are considered to rival those from World’s End on the Horton Plains and, on a good day, you can see the southern coastline and the national parks at Yala and Udawalawe. Visit Dambethenna tea factory to see the procedure of how tea is made.
Take a walk through the Sherwood tea estate to the home of an estate worker. Amidst vegetable gardens and a scattering of brightly coloured houses, you will be introduced to a different side of Sri Lankan cuisine. The Tamil community in the hills came to Sri Lanka from Southern India during the Colonial period and brought with them the culinary traditions of ‘dosas’ and ‘vadeis’. You can see the preparation of some of these classic dishes and enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch. (B,L)
Overnight – Living Heritage Koslanda or similar
Today you will transfer to Galle (approx 5hrs). On arrival, check into your hotel. Your hotel is an 18th century mansion that has been restored into an elegant small private hotel, which is a wonderful addition to the 16th century Galle Fort. This evening is free to explore the city and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort. (B)
Overnight – Fort Printers Hotel or similar
Today is yours at leisure to explore Galle, or perhaps visit one of the nearby beaches. (B)
Overnight – Fort Printers Hotel or similar
Today you will transfer from Galle to Colombo (130km, 2.5-3 hrs). Your hotel is centrally located and in close proximity to restaurants and attractions. This evening, enjoy a 7-course tasting menu showcasing Sri Lanka’s favourite dishes. This evening, a 7-course dinner will be arranged at the hotel restaurant, showcasing Sri Lanka’s favourite dishes. You will learn about the origins and history of each dish and how ingredients now central to Sri Lankan home cooking arrived during the country’s colonial past. (B,D)
Overnight – Maniumpathy Colombo or similar
This morning you will visit historic Negombo for a walking tour which really brings the old city to life. Negombo was used by the Portuguese, Dutch and British as the main export harbor for cinnamon and there are still many historical buildings remaining today. Explore markets and churches, visit the city’s bustling fishing harbour and enjoy the beautiful setting of the Negombo Lagoon. The birdlife here is abundant. Watch traditional outrigger canoes fishing the waters for shrimp and lobster as they have for generations. From here, continue to the airport for your onward flight this evening. (B)
Prices
In the unlikely event of price increases from our suppliers, taxes or a reduction in numbers of passengers travelling below the minimum passenger numbers, Crooked Compass reserves the right to pass on these increases in costs to passengers. This may occur with or without warning to the passengers. In the unlikely event that a tour fails to attract the minimum passenger numbers, the tour may be cancelled at the discretion of Crooked Compass. Crooked Compass may also cancel, at its discretion, any tour for operational or other reasons. If a tour is cancelled, monies already paid by passengers will be refunded or credited towards future travel. Crooked Compass will not be responsible for any other travel arrangements affected by, or costs imposed because of, our cancellation.
Crooked Compass reserves the rights to correct any errors in rates quoted or calculated, or any omissions made at any time during your booking. Any verbal quote given is an indication only of the final price and is subject to confirmation in writing.
Pricing Validity
Itineraries and prices advertised are based on exchange rates as at 01 Jan 2017. Once a customer has paid in full, the price of the tour is guaranteed, subject to any tax changes or levies imposed by any government or their agencies or any airline. Crooked Compass reserves the right to make alterations to itineraries and prices due to circumstances beyond their control.
Deposits
A non-refundable deposit of AUD$1000 per person, per tour, is required to secure your place on each tour within 7 days of booking. For tours that include domestic flights or permits, payment in full for these is required at the time of deposit. Some hotels may require pre-payment in peak seasons. You will be advised of this at time of booking. For bookings under the value of AUD$1000, full payment is required to secure your place. By sending a deposit you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth on this website.
Final Payment
Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to travel on your Crooked Compass tour unless otherwise specified. Should you not make your final payment by this deadline, Crooked Compass reserves the right to cancel your place. Regular cancellation fees will apply.
Cancellations
All cancellations must be received in writing and will be subject to the following cancellation charges from the date the written cancellation is received.
More than 60 days prior to departure; loss of deposit plus any administration fees
Between 59 - 45 days prior to departure; 25% of total tour cost
Betwen 44 - 39 prior to departure; 50% of total tour cost
38 days or less prior to departure; 100% of total tour cost
Any ‘no show’; 100% of total tour cost
International or domestic flights that form part of your itinerary, permits and any accommodation that requires pre-payment must be paid for in full at the time of deposit and are non-refundable.
Please note that employees of any overseas ground suppliers are not authorised to give any guarantees or agreements to customers in respect of refund or any other matters.
The above mentioned cancellation fees are in addition to any that may be charged by travel agents, airlines, hotels or other tour operators. Regrettably cancellation charges and fees cannot be waived.
Refunds
To the extent permitted by law, no refund is available for cancellations after travel has commenced or in respect of any tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilised.
Amendments
The following fees will apply:
Amendments to confirmed and deposited itineraries outside of 30 days prior to departure where the value of the booking is decreased - AUD$25 per change (a change to the booking that increases the value will incur no fee)
Amendments within 30 days prior of departure - AUD$50 per change
Reissue of airline tickets - AUD$100 per person (other fees may apply)
Booking of only 3 nights accommodation or less - AUD$30 per booking
Rail tickets and passes only - AUD$50 per booking
Amendments after departure, loss of cancelled services, plus a fee of AUD$50 per person per change
NOTE: Once a booking is confirmed, name transfers are not permitted as this will be regarded as a cancellation - See ‘Cancellation’ for applicable fees and details
Travel documents
Travel documents will be sent to you approximately 21 days prior to departure (providing full payment has been received). If you are leaving home earlier, please advise us so that we can deliver your documents before you depart.
Guaranteed departures
Tours marked as ‘Guaranteed Departures’ are guaranteed to depart, regardless of passenger numbers. Please note that we reserve the right to withdraw this guarantee for a force majeure event including but not limited to terrorist attack, economic downturn and war, client safety at risk or for operational reasons such as a the late cancellation of a group parties causing passenger numbers to be below minimum operating numbers.
Should a tour be cancelled due to minimum numbers not being met or unforeseen circumstances as stated above, you will be offered a full refund or offered a replacement travel option.
Airport transfers
On tours that offer airport transfers as an inclusion, an airport transfer to/from your hotel will be provided on the arrival and departure day of the tour (within the ground suppliers operating hours). Flight details must be provided to Crooked Compass. Documentation will not be released until this information is provided. Once transfers are booked they cannot be changed. Only one inbound and one outbound transfer will be included. In the event of flight delays outside Crooked Compass' control, the transfers will be deemed to be cancelled. All transfers are based on group transfers, and no refund is available for missed transfers or passengers not using the transfer service. Airport transfers are provided as a service to passengers and it is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure that any airport transfer will allow them enough time to connect with their flights. Crooked Compass will not be responsible for any flight delays or cancellations caused by the late arrival or departure of an airport transfer, or for cancellation fees associated with a missed flight.
Airline Fuel Levy Surcharge
Since 2004 all airlines servicing flights have been charging a fuel levy surcharge, on top of the normal airline ticket price, in order to cover the increased cost of aviation fuel. As fuel prices have fluctuated, so too has the amount the airlines charge for this levy. This amount is detailed against every tour featured and will also be advised to you at the time of your booking and is subject to change until your airline ticket is issued.
Product descriptions, maps and photographs
Descriptions of tours, attractions and accommodation provided on this website are based on information provided by hotels and suppliers. Any facilities shown as included may change at any time. Crooked Compass makes no representation as to the standard, class or description of accommodation or services provided by third parties. Maps are shown for general information and do not necessarily reflect actual routings, locations or services provided. Photographs may show places in the general area visited, but not necessarily included in the tour. Many of the images are supplied courtesy of tourist bureaux, hotels and tour operators. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided to passengers; however, Crooked Compass cannot be held responsible for typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.
Travel insurance
It is a condition of travel that each passenger is adequately covered by an appropriate travel insurance policy for duration of travel. Please also check the contingencies of your prospective insurance cover and ensure you are aware of its conditions and omissions. We strongly advise travel insurance from time of booking to provide full cover.
Health Requirements
All customers are required to familiarise themselves with any health requirements specific to countries being visited. All customers should visit their doctor for these aforementioned purposes and/or to confirm that they are physically able to undertake the day-to-day requirements of the tour.
Crooked Compass does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. Crooked Compass is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services provided.
Passports and Visas
It is the responsibility of the passenger to have a valid passport (which is valid for at least six months from your last day of travel) and all visas, permits and certificates required for the selected tour. Ask your travel agent for further information. Responsibility for documentation accuracy, passport validity and dispatch of documents rests with the customer. Crooked Compass accepts no responsibility for any failure in this respect.
Baggage
Please check with your airline for applicable baggage allowances. Where a tour includes hotel porterage, this includes one standard suitcase per person, and only applies when the passengers are travelling as part of the group. Porterage is not included when passengers check in and out of a hotel at the start and end of a tour. All baggage and personal effects are at all times and in all circumstances at the risk of the tour participant. Baggage insurance is recommended.
Single travel
On group tours, if you are travelling as a single passenger, you can request that we try to match you in a twin share room with another single passenger of the same sex. Should we not be able to match you in a twin share room by the final tour balance payment date, the single room supplement rate will apply. Should you be matched with another person we cannot be held responsible if the choice is not to your satisfaction. Any twin match must understand that the room must be treated as a non-smoking room unless both parties agree otherwise. Single rooms may be smaller than twin rooms. The Single Supplement represents a fee passed on to us by the hotels for sole use of a room.
Refusal of Carriage
Crooked Compass retains the right to remove customers from our tours for reasons that impact on the enjoyment or safety of other passengers, such as, but not limited to, the physical, medical, mental inability of customers to undertake the arrangements of the holiday, unsocial or unruly behaviour, or the carriage of prohibited substances or materials. Onward travel arrangements will be at the omitted travellers expense.
Variations
All possible effort will be made to adhere to the published touring itinerary. Occasionally circumstances beyond our control will force cancellations, changes, amendments or modifications to the itinerary and its inclusions such as particular events and services. Crooked Compass cannot be held responsible for any omissions or modifications to the itinerary or the inclusions made as a consequence of these changes.
Pre-departure contact
You must provide a telephone number, email or address where you can be reached, if necessary. Documentation will not be released until this information is provided.
Not included in the price
Anything not specifically included in the tour is at your own expense.
Air travel
Air travel is subject to the conditions and limitations set out in the airline's conditions of carriage. Airfares are subject to change at any time.
Booking arrangements
The person making a booking will be deemed to have accepted these booking conditions on behalf of everyone named in the booking. Only the person making the booking is authorised to make changes to or cancel the booking. All communications from us will usually be sent to your travel agent. Your travel agent is responsible for forwarding payments made by you to us.
Limitation of liability
To the extent permitted by law, Crooked Compass excludes all liability for any loss or damage whatsoever (including but not limited to physical and psychological injury, and loss or damage to property of whatever nature) that may arise in any way in connection with the offer or supply of goods or services through Crooked Compass or any third parties, or in connection with the supply of such goods or services. If the law implies a condition or warranty that cannot be excluded, Crooked Compass' liability for a breach of the conditions or warranty will be limited as determined by Crooked Compass to the re-supply or payment of the cost of re-supplying the relevant goods or services. Except where otherwise stated within these terms and conditions Crooked Compass excludes liability for any loss or damage that may be caused by cancellation, abandonment, alteration, amendment, modification or termination of the tour.
Events beyond our control
If a tour cannot proceed due to a force majeure event including but not limited to flood, earthquake, war or civil strife, acts of terrorism, hurricane, cyclone, industrial disturbance, strike, fire, lock out, epidemic, failure or delays of scheduled transportation facilities, or other Acts of God, or any law, order, decree, rule or regulation of any government authority, or for any reason whether of a similar or dissimilar nature beyond the control of Crooked Compass, this agreement shall terminate and there shall be no claim for damages by either party against the other.
Destination advice
Crooked Compass makes no representations as to the safety, conditions or other issues that may exist at any destination. You should obtain travel advice for your relevant government bodies.
Complaints procedure
Should you have a complaint while on the tour, you should inform your tour guide immediately. If the matter cannot be resolved after the tour guide’s best endeavours to do so during the tour, your complaint can be made in writing to Crooked Compass.
Crooked Compass cannot be held responsible for issues that were not brought to our attention during the course of a tour.
Agent Responsibility
It is the travel agents’ responsibility to ensure that all invoice and itinerary details and documentation issued by Crooked Compass are correct and that the customer is aware of amendment and cancellation conditions and other clauses in these booking conditions.
ATAS
Crooked Compass is a member of the Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) which is administered by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA). ATAS travel agents have met strict standards and criteria in order to become nationally accredited. Their accreditation means they are the best in the industry, financially viable, credible, well trained and professional businesses. This means you can book your travel knowing you're in the safe hands of a trusted and reputable travel agent. See www.atas.com.au for more information.
Australian and New Zealand Bookings
All components purchased through Crooked Compass' Australian office (Crooked Compass Pty Ltd) are protected by a client trust account where monies are held until your departure or the full cost of your services have been paid for by us. This relates mainly to bookings from Australia and New Zealand.
Travel Agents
All clients booking through a travel agent are financially protected by the travel agent's own protection scheme, which you should check carefully before purchasing your travel arrangements. Crooked Compass is not financially liable for bookings due to the insolvency of your travel agent.
Law of contract
This agreement shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of New South Wales, Australia.
Return airport transfers
Transportation in a private air-conditioned car
International flights
Visas
Travel and medical insurance
All services, meals other than those indicated above
Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.
All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls,
Early check-in/Late check-out
Sri Lanka
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