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Golfing Adventures in Sri Lanka

Combine the unusual – golfing with adventure & culture. Visit and enjoy memorable experiences taking in the highlights of Sri Lanka with your friends or loved ones, as you set out on your adventure holidays in Sri Lanka. Give yourself the opportunity to be captivated and enchanted throughout your vacation, as you engage in the adrenaline driven activities we arrange for you.

day Location/Route duration Overnight
Day 01 Arrival and transfer to the hotel Two nights in Colombo Value: OZO Colombo
Signature: Cinnamon Grand
Day 02 Colombo Last night in Colombo Value: OZO Colombo
Signature: Cinnamon Grand
Day 03 Colombo to Nuwara Eliya Two nights in Nuwara Eliya Value: Blackpool
Signature: Grand Hotel
Day 04 Nuwara Eliya Last night in Nuwara Eliya Value: Blackpool
Signature: Grand Hotel
Day 05 Nuwara Eliya to Kandy Two nights in Kandy Value: OZO Kandy
Signature: Cinnamon Citadel
Day 06 Kandy Last night in Kandy Value: OZO Kandy
Signature: Cinnamon Citadel
Day 07 Kandy to Sigiriya One night in Sigiriya Value: Fresco Water Villa
Signature: Water Gardens
Day 08 Sigiriya to Trincomalee Two nights in Trincomalee Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
Day 09 Trincomalee Last night in Trincomalee Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
Day 10 Trincomalee to Colombo One night in Colombo Value: OZO Colombo
Signature: Cinnamon Grand
Day 11 Departure
Kandy Esala Perahera "Procession"

The Kandy Esela Perahera, which is also known as The Festival of the Tooth is a unique religious and cultural event that takes place every year in July. The procession features many dancers, drummers and elephants, who parade through the streets paying homage to the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha which is housed in the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa is in the sacred city of Kandy. It houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is an important shrine of Buddhist worship. The annual procession known as the Kandy Esala Perahera marks an important day in the Sri Lankan calendar.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa became the capital of the island after the fall of the Anuradhapura kingdom. The kingdom prevailed from the 11th century till 1310 CE. Many famous ruins can still be found near Polonnaruwa that date back to its glory days. The Hindu influence on the island started taking prominence during this period.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Built by King Kasyapa (477 to 495 CE), the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress stands as a testament to the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s glorious past. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it features stunning boulder and water gardens and world-famous frescoes. At the summit, you’ll find the ruins of the king’s palace and a breath-taking view of the surroundings.

Golf at the Royal Colombo Golf Club

A club with a history, the Royal Colombo Golf Club was established in the late 19th century under British colonial rule. Conveniently located in Sri Lanka’s commercial capital of Colombo, it is in fact, the country’s oldest golf club and its competitive trophy was established in 1887. The railway track running across the green introduces an interesting twist to the game.

The Royal Colombo Golf Club is also one of the only three “Royal” golf clubs in Asia and has ties to The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland. Spend a leisurely morning or late afternoon out golfing on the green. These hours are ideal as they allow you to escape the sweltering heat of the midday sun.

Wander Through History in Kandy

Visit the Suriyakantha Centre for Art and Culture, and delve deep into the fascinating annals of European and Sri Lankan history. Housed in the Naranwala Walawwa, an 18th century Dutch-style colonial manor house, the centre represents a unique effort between a Frenchman and Sri Lankan, to showcase talent from eras past.

Explore the vast repository of local and European works over the course of two to three hours and understand the richness of Kandyan culture. Observe the various manuscripts, furniture, handicrafts, artworks and photographs on display. Located near the town of Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, Suriyakantha is open to visits between 08:00am and 04:00pm, throughout the year.

Kandy Four Temple Loop Tour

Spend half a day exploring four of Kandy’s famed medieval temples. Join your personal archaeologist on an informative, 3.5 hour coach tour of the Degaldoruwa, Embekka, Lankatilaka and Gadaladeniya Buddhist temples. Feast your eyes on the magnificent Kandyan murals on the ceiling of Degaldoruwa Temple. Witness the wonderful fusion of Buddhist and Hindu culture at Gadaladeniya Temple.

Take in the exquisite craftsmanship of the woodwork at Embekka Temple. Observe the traditional Sinhalese design of the Lankatilaka Temple, and discover the inscriptions carved into the rocks. Setting off in the morning is ideal, as the tour involves approximately 1.5 hours of travel to / from your hotel.

Day 01
AIRPORT TO COLOMBO
Colombo x
Colombo is the commercial hub of the island and connects several parts of the country, such as the north, south, east and hill country by a fine system of roads and railways. The heady mixture of Asian anarchy, colonial charm and modern progress defines its impressive character. Towering skyscrapers, retail stores, parks, restaurants and bars coupled with sacred shrines of the major faiths and religions can be found in this vibrant city. Local attractions: the Navam Perahera (1st Mar 2018 – tickets should be pre-booked) / Food Festival – Hotel Fairway (first weekend of every month) / Nelum Pokuna Art Street / shopping at Barefoot Gallery & Jazz Brunch every Sunday / seafood dinner at the Ministry of Crab /Street Food at Galle Face Green / authentic Sri Lankan meal in the beautiful setting of ‘Thunapaha on the Edge’- Waters Edge Hotel / Japanese cuisine at Nihonbashi or at the Dutch Hospital

Ayubowan!!! A warm welcome to Sri Lanka! Your guide from Holidays by Design will be present at the arrivals hall to greet you and assist you to your vehicle.
You could change your currency before departing the airport as this may come handy during your holiday.
A short drive from the airport will take you to your hotel in Colombo (45 minutes).

Day 02
COLOMBO
Royal Colombo Golf Club x
The Royal Colombo Golf Club is located in the centre of the bustling city of Colombo. Established over 130 years ago, it’s known to be the second oldest Royal Golf Club that can be found outside the United Kingdom, making a golfing experience here, truly unique! Covering around 96 acres, golfers will also be able to glimpse rare flora and fauna on the course. Evening at leisure!

Breakfast will be arranged at the main restaurant. Start off your tour with a game of Golf at the Royal Colombo Golf Club.

Day 03
COLOMBO TO NUWARA ELIYA
Nuwara Eliya x
Perched high up in the hills, Nuwara Eliya sits like a sentinel overlooking the tea country on all sides. Piduruthalagala, Sri Lanka's tallest peak is only a short while away. A replica of English country towns with their lush greenery and a profusion of gorgeous flora, Nuwara Eliya is touted as "Little England" with its Victorian houses, a golf course, Lake Gregory, a racecourse and Hakkgala Gardens. The average temperature is around 15.9C. Evening at leisure! Local Attractions: Lunch at the Hill Club / visit a strawberry farm / cocktails at Lake View Pub.

After breakfast, you will head up into the highlands and the cool temperatures of Nuwara Eliya – the capital of the Tea Country.

Day 04
NUWARA ELIYA
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club x
Built by a Scottish soldier, the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is located approximately 6,200 feet above sea level, surrounded by lush tea plantations, and offering a cool climate for golfers to enjoy the game at their own pace. Experience the many wonders of Ceylon Tea by tasting some of the traditional blends after you tour a working tea factory. Evening at leisure!

Following a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a game of golf on a course that is located at the highest elevation in the island.

Day 05
NUWARA ELIYA TO KANDY
Kandy (UNESCO World Heritage Site) x
The Hill Capital of Sri Lanka (the last Kingdom of the Sri Lankan Kings) nestled in a valley in the Highlands and locally referred to, as "Nuwara" meaning The Great City. A picturesque town by the side of a miniature lake, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Visit one of the only natural reserves within city limits, the beautiful Udawatta Kele famous for its avifauna and the sacred Sri Dalada Maligawa. Evening at leisure! Local attractions: Esala Perahera (17- 27th August 2018, tickets should be booked in advance) / cookery lesson with a visit to the local market / tea at Helga’s Folly / local spirits and beers at Royal Bar, Mojito’s and Margarita’s at Bamboo Garden Restaurant, cocktails at the Empire Café.

Breakfast will be served at the main restaurant.
We will have an early start on this day to arrive in time to Kandy for the culinary experience and lunch in Kandy.

Day 06
KANDY
Victoria Golf & Country Resort x
Spanning 500 acres of land, with stunning views of the Victoria reservoir, the Victoria Golf & Country Resort is one of the favourite golf courses for golfing enthusiasts. This 18-hole golf course was designed by Donald Steel. Return to your hotel.

After breakfast, you will set off to the Victoria Golf Club in Digana.

Day 07
KANDY TO SIGIRIYA
Minneriya National Park x
Set amidst a beautiful landscape, the park is located ten minutes east of Habarana. Its central attraction is its ancient reservoir constructed by King Mahasena. Rated, as the World’s 6th greatest wildlife spectacle by Lonely Planet, “The Gathering”, the world’s biggest meeting of Asian elephants in the wild. It is the principal attraction at Minneriya, which is an extension of the elephant corridor that connects with Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa National Parks. Local attractions: exotic cocktails at Graffiti Bar – Jetwing Vil Uyana / afternoon hike to the Aligala Caves / spend the evening with the locals at Purangama Village / visit the animal rehabilitation centre at the Heritance Kandalama.

After breakfast, you will leave the hill country and head towards Sigiriya. Look out for the change in vegetation from wet zone to dry zone.
Indulge in the local cuisine & enjoy a country lunch before taking a game drive to the Minneriya National Park.

Day 08
SIGIRIYA TO TRINCOMALEE
Sigiriya (UNESCO World Heritage Site) x
The most extraordinary of all Sri Lanka’s medieval capitals, this ancient ruin once belonged to King Kasapa. A lover of beauty, he ruled Sigiriya for 18 years, transforming the surroundings into a thing of wonder. Its extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures including the unique plumbing system stand witness to the grandeur of this architecture. It’s a 200m climb to the top, offering a magnificent view at the summit.
Polonnaruwa (UNESCO World Heritage site) x
Polonnaruwa a UNESCO World Heritage site, blending both culture and religion is the second recorded ancient kingdom in Sri Lanka. The city rose to prominence between the 11th and 13th Centuries AD and peaked during the reign of King Parakramabahu the Great. The iconic reservoir, the Parakrama Samudra, is the best example of the advanced irrigation engineering and construction during ancient times which has stood the test of time and remains operational even today. After a late lunch, you will head to the coast to your hotel in Trincomalee.

An early start after breakfast, in the cool of the day, is recommended to climb the Sigiriya Rock before proceeding to explore Polonnaruwa.

Day 09
TRINCOMALEE
Eagle’s Golf Links x
Located in close proximity to the Trincomalee Harbour, Eagle’s Golf Links features an 18-hole golf course spanning over seven kilometres. Its Bermuda grass fairways and towering trees overlook the scenic Malay Cove and Clappenberg Bay. The golf course offers a unique round each time for a par of 72. Evening at leisure to explore Trincomalee town, the old fort and Lovers Leap.

Breakfast will be served in the main restaurant.
A change of environment and experience with a game of Golf on the coast at the Eagles’ Golf Club, which borders one of the world’s deepest natural harbours.

Day 10
TRINCOMALEE TO COLOMBO

Breakfast will be served in the main restaurant.
For your final night, you will be taken on the scenic domestic flight to Colombo or you could drive to Colombo (six hours).
Perhaps some retail therapy if time permits! Colombo offers an array of shopping options from malls to shops or visit the Pettah market; vibrant and noisy with street vendors selling you bargains or relax & rejuvenate. Your overnight hotel will assist with arranging a spa treatment.
Local attractions: the Navam Perahera (1st Mar 2018 – tickets should be pre-booked) / Food Festival – Hotel Fairway (first weekend of every month) / Nelum Pokuna Art Street / shopping at Barefoot Gallery & Jazz Brunch every Sunday / seafood dinner at the Ministry of Crab / street food at Galle Face Green / authentic Sri Lankan meal in the beautiful setting of ‘Thunapaha on the Edge’- Waters Edge Hotel / Japanese cuisine at Nihonbashi or at the Dutch Hospital.

Day 11
DEPARTURE

We will take you to the airport, to arrive two-three hours before your flight home.

Add on

  • A list of a few activities you may want to add on to your experience.
  • In and around Kandy – Visit a spice garden / Peradeniya Botanical Gardens / hike into Udawatte Kelle Sanctuary / Garrison cemetery / Knuckles Mountain trek / the three-temple loop.
  • In and around Nuwara Eliya -  Hike up Adam’s Peak / visit Horton Plains / picnic at the Hakgala Botanical Gardens / participate in the rituals at the Seetha Aman Temple.
  • In and around Colombo–Tea tasting in Colombo / night cycle tour of the city with a street food dinner / diving to explore shipwrecks in Mount Lavinia.

 

What to Pack!

  • Socks – as footwear must be removed when visiting places of worship. You could be walking on heated paving, gravel or cement. Also, shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Footwear – choose comfy shoes - sneakers, sandals or similar.
  • Shawl – to cover your shoulders or dress up!
  • A sweater or light jacket if you plan to visit the Hill Country.
  • Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, travel umbrella or lightweight raincoat.

 

Notes:

  • All drive times are approximate and subject to road conditions
  • Alcohol is not served on “poya days” (full moon) and other days prohibited by the Government.
  • The standard check-in time is 14:00 at hotels.
  • The standard check-out time is 11:00 from hotels.
  • Gratuity: tour guides & drivers are tipped at the end of the tour.
  • Online visa application link:  http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
  • Purposeful Tourism: Your support: www.hbdasia.com one USD from every booking supports a cause.
  • Holidays by Design terms and conditions (www.hbdasia.com/terms.html)
  • Connect with us via FB: www.facebook.com/hbdasia

 

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