Serendipity in Sri Lanka

AAYUBOWAN! Great many things have been said about Sri Lanka. The Arabs called it Serendib from which originated that lovely English word – “Serendipity” that so wonderfully describes the occurrence of events by a happy coincidence. Marco Polo described Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, as being “for its size, better circumstanced than any island in the World”.

Endless palm-lined beaches, famed ancient Buddhist ruins, cooler mountainous terrain punctuated with waterfalls, vivid green tea plantations, oodles of elephants, friendly and welcoming people, delectable food, all make Sri Lanka irresistible.

Come experience and enjoy Sri Lanka with us!

• Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which is home to the abandoned elephants
• Dambulla Cave Rock Temple dating to the First Century B.C. that houses some of the most unique mural paintings and sculptures in magnificently constructed five cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla.
• Climb the Sigiriya Rock, which dates back nearly 5000 years to the Mesolithic era. A challenging climb of approx. 1200 steps of varying steepness leads to the top. Its well worth the effort once you get to witness the stupendous views over the jungle and ruins of the ancient city below
• Visit Polonnaruwa. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.
• Aluvihara Rock Temples set in the foothills 3km north of Matale
• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the golden-roofed shrine considered one of the Holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, is an important pilgrimage destination
• Nuwara Eliya, a town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, with breathtaking views is fondly referred to as “Little England” due to its colonial architecture
• Take a boat-ride at Gregory Lake
• Visit Seetha Mata Temple
• The world's most spectacular train journey to the hill station of Ella passing through lush tea plantations, endless mountain views, green valleys, meandering streams, stunning waterfalls, and pine forests.
• Visit Lipton’s Seat and Dambatenne Tea Estate.
• Hike up Little Adam’s Peak for a stunning view of Ella Gap – a gorge full of beautiful waterfalls and stunning backdrops.
• Hike to the 9-arch Bridge, also known as “The Bridge in the Sky”, a famous bridge built during WWI using only bricks, cement, and stone, a perfect example of colonial influence in Sri Lankan architecture. If we are lucky, we can also witness a train crossing the bridge, which is a delight to watch.
• Set off to Mirissa Beach, a crescent-shaped stunning beach on the South West Coast. Crack open a coconut, slip into a hammock and rock gently in the breeze, allowing the hours to slip calmly by.
• Head on a whale-watching trip at extra cost, subject to the weather and sea conditions.
• Snorkel in the bay, where you can see beautiful reef fish, corals, and even the occasional turtle and basking shark. Or choose to engage yourself in any other water sport of your choice—scuba diving, surfing, etc.—at extra cost.
• Visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1588 by the Portuguese before being extensively fortified by the Dutch in the mid-1600s.
• Turtle Hatchery to witness the sea turtles and possibly release a few baby turtles to the ocean.
• Enjoy the nightlife in Unawatuna. Opt for one of the relaxed seafront lounges, enjoy a pre-dinner drink, and relish the stunning ocean vistas. 
• Beach-hopping
• Local cuisine
• Tons of experiences

Start Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025

End Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025

Pick-up / Drop-off at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Please ensure that you arrive before 10:00 AM on the Start Date & book your return ticket after 06:00 PM on the End Date.

INR 36,000 per person (Including the Booking Fee of Rs.10,000/-)

*5% GST + TCS as applicable

Travelled with us before? Get Rs.1,000/- off

Refer a friend. Get Rs.1,000/- off

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Who Can Join? This adventure welcomes Indian nationals aged 16-50, with most participants typically between 20-35 years.
• Group Size: A cozy crew of 6-16 travelers. Wandering Sarathy will personally lead the trip as your Trip Captain if we have 8 or more participants.
• Solo Travelers: Flying solo? No worries! You’ll be paired with a fellow traveler of the same gender for your stay.
• Important Note: Secure your spot and wait for confirmation of the minimum group size before booking your flights.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation on a Double/Twin sharing basis for 8 nights/9 days. Married couples get a separate room. 
• Simple Breakfast (Set Menu) at our place of stay. 
• All transfers/sightseeing trips by a luxury vehicle (Toyota Hiace or Toyota Hiace Hi-roof or Toyota Coaster or a similar vehicle). Exclusive vehicle for the entire trip from Day 1 to Day 9, but not at disposal. 
• Breakfast on all the days
• Group airport transfer for arrival and departure in Colombo airport. If your flight arrival is at a different time, extra charges will be applicable.
• 1st/2nd Class Train ticket from Nanu Oya to Ella
• Entry tickets to places of interest 
• Local English Speaking Guide, where required
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY who personally leads the group and doubles as a storyteller
• All Permits, Toll & Parking Charges

EXCLUSIONS

• International Airfare
• Visa arrangements & Travel Insurance
• Meals will be at actual cost (other than the breakfast which is included in the package). We’ll be eating at roadside restaurants which are generally inexpensive. A great way to experience the local cuisine.
• Snacks, Beverages, Bottled water, etc.
• Camera Charges
• Entry ticket to Kandyan Dance Show and other places of interest not mentioned in the inclusions
• Whale Watching, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Zip-lining, Hot air Ballooning & other activities
• Additional requests, orders, and services availed in the hotel/homestay
• Use of transport for personal use and beyond the designated trip route
• 5% GST + applicable TCS on trip cost
• Early Check in & Late Check-out
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extra will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly
• Personal expenses such as laundry, incidentals, porter charges, tips, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’

Please confirm your participation by paying INR 10000* to book your seat. Rest to be paid 30 days before the tour start date. 

Pls write to us at unusualescapes@gmail.com for our Bank Account Details to transfer the Booking Fee (or) pay via Google Pay at UPI ID: unusualescapes@aubank. Your spot will be confirmed as soon as we receive your Booking Fee.

**If you can find anyone else to replace you, there’ll be NO cancellation charges. We will then refund your money in full including the non-refundable booking fee.

*NON-REFUNDABLE 

Pls write to us for cancellation conditions & other queries.