Geringer Global Travel Introduces Enchanting Sri Lanka

April 24, 2012 - PRLog -- Westport, CT – Geringer Global Travel has introduced a 13-day itinerary to Sri Lanka, a teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean laden with lush tropical forests, verdant mountains full of tea gardens, coconut fringed beaches, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re on an elephant back safari in Habarana, discovering one of Sri Lanka’s vast UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sipping Ceylon tea at a plantation in Nuwara Eliya, or elephant sighting in Yala National Park, guests are sure to discover a handful of unexpected treasures offering insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. Enchanting Sri Lanka starts at $2,225 per person, double and includes four-star accommodations in Anuradhapura, Habarana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, and Galle. Geringer Global Travel also offers a five-star package starting at $2,935 per person, double.*

The journey begins in Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. During the first two days, guests will visit some of Sri Lanka’s oldest Buddhist shrines in Anuradhapura and Mihintale, a mountain park believed to be the meeting site where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. En route to Habarana the next day, guests will climb to one of Sri Lanka’s eight World Heritage Sites, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and embark on a trekking tour at Hiriwadunna local village after lunch with a local family. On day four guests will head to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, to visit a wood carving factory followed by an afternoon elephant safari at the Chena Cultivation.

On day five, guests will head to Kandy for an afternoon of sightseeing that includes the Tooth Relic Buddha Temple and a cultural dance show. Along the way, guests will visit: Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, a World Heritage Site; Dambulla market, the largest vegetable and fruit market in Sri Lanka; and the spice gardens and batik factory in Matale. The next day guests will have an unforgettable adventure at the renowned Pinnawela elephant orphanage, an orphanage, nursery and breeding ground known for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world, followed by a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for a first-hand introduction to the trees and plants that produce the special spices of Sri Lanka.

Moving on to Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque town surrounded by rolling mountains and green tea plantations, guests will visit a tea plantation and factory known for the famous Ceylon Tea. The next morning guests will embark on an excursion to Horton Plains National Park and enjoy a soft trek to the worlds end cliff to witness the cascading Bakers Falls before an overnight stay in Yala. In Yala guests will enjoy a jeep safari in Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka 's premier eco-tourism destinations and home to a variety of wildlife including Asian black bears, leopards and elephants. On day ten guests will transfer to Galle. The Port of Galle, which superbly illustrates the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka, has a relaxed atmosphere that seems almost detached from the flow of history. Guests will have a day of leisure to enjoy the fine beaches along the coast. On the last full day guests will head to Colombo, the trade capital and main seaport of Sri Lanka, for a tour of this fascinating city.

Price is valid until December 31, 2012 and includes: four- or five-star accommodations based on the hotels mentioned in itinerary; daily breakfast; transportation by an A/C vehicle with accompanying English speaking chauffeur; guide for 1- 6 pax and an English speaking guide for 6 and more pax; departure transfer to airport; all entrance fees as per itinerary; government taxes (subject to change).