If you were at all thinking of joining us on a Travelife to Sri Lanka last week, you certainly missed a wonderful trip with a great group of people.
We returned to Manila on Monday, and we weren't really planning to do a Part 2 so soon because organizing a tour is a complete labor of love for us.
Here's what some of our friends and readers had to say
about our Travelife to Sri Lanka last week:
"Thank you so much Travelife Magazine for an absolutely wonderful and memorable trip to Sri Lanka. Can't wait to sign up for the next one."
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"We jumped at the chance to join the Travelife Sri Lanka Tour.
We absolutely loved the personalized touch, great hotels, wonderful sites and luckily met a bunch of great people who are also passionate about travelling."
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"The people who joined the trip were well travelled in the truest sense of the word. Their real world perspective was surprisingly inspiring.
It made me think more of HOW I traveled rather than to where I traveled. And that, to me, is what makes TRAVELIFE different from the others!
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But yesterday, we met the Ambassador of Sri Lanka, and the Embassy of Sri Lanka has once again decided to offer a Trip to Sri Lanka in cooperation with the Sri Lanka - Philippines Friendship Association, this July 2013.
This is definitely the time to visit this small but culturally rich country -- before the rest of the world discovers it.
Get yourself on our list by contacting Meg or Kat (tel 8138400/ 8922620).
TRAVELIFE Magazine’s
Enchanting SRI LANKA Tour
in partnership with
the Embassy of Sri Lanka
and the Sri Lanka - Philippines Friendship Association
& Thai Airways
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Visit the country’s three top UNESCO World Heritage sites
Stay in two of Sri Lanka’s most famous hotels
Shop in Colombo’s best stores for gems, crafts and clothing
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Travelife with us to the next big destination in Asia
for lovers of culture, nature and shopping
Day 1: Sunday, 7 July 2013
MANILA - COLOMBO via Bangkok
on Thai Airways
Depart early afternoon for Bangkok and onwards to Colombo via Thai Airways. After arriving late at night in Sri Lanka, clients will be welcomed & transferred to a nearby hotel for an overnight stay.
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Day 2: Monday, 8 July 2013
COLOMBO – DAMBULLA
After breakfast leave Dambulla. Lunch and check-in at a historic hotel designed by a famous architect.
In the afternoon, visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Dambulla Cave Temples date back to the 1st century BC.
These caves sheltered the Sri Lankan King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from the royal capital of Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built these magnificent cave temples in gratitude for his safety.
Day 3: Tuesday, 9 July 2013
DAMBULLA - POLONNARUWA - DAMBULLA
After breakfast, leave for a day excursion to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century AD, and home to two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Polonnaruwa rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura.
The city was fortified with three concentric walls, beautified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many shrines. A unique irrigation complex watered the city as well as the surrounding plains, making it "the grainery of the East.”
Scroll down to read more...
Day 4: Wednesday, 10 July 2013
DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA – COLOMBO
After breakfast, climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World and home to the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky,” which is perhaps the most fantastic manmade wonder in Sri Lanka.
It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress.
Those who don't wish to climb can choose to stay and relax at the hotel or to visit the Sigiriya Museum adjacent to the site.
On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool.
On one of the stairways is the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting in the form of frescoes of life sized damsels, all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour still visible.
In the afternoon, head back to Colombo for dinner and a stay at Sri Lanka's most famous hotel.
Scroll down to read more...
Day 5: Thursday, 11 July 2013
COLOMBO
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. It’s a fascinating city, not only for its comfortable blend of East and West, but also for its easy mixture of the past and the present.
After lunch at one of the city’s most fashionable restaurants, spend the afternoon shopping at some of Colombo's top retailers for crafts, clothing and gems.
From Arab settlers in the 8th century to the Portuguese, Dutch and the British up until the 20th century have all fought over Sri Lanka’s treasures including precious gems, scented woods, spices, and tea.
The island remains a popular shopping destination within Asia. Highlights include clothing with many well-known European and American brands available at discounted prices, antiques and furniture, contemporary home accents and jewelry.
Day 6: Friday, 12 July 2013
COLOMBO
Free day and sightseeing/ shopping options will be available for those who wish to avail.
Day 7: Saturday, 13 July 2013
COLOMBO – BANGKOK - MANILA
Early morning transfer to Bandaraike International Airport for your flight back to Manila via Bangkok.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please email travelife@travelife.biz
or contact Meg Caligner at Travelife Magazine
Tel 8138400/ 8922620
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