Eco Team Bird watching tour |
PROGRAMME |
: Bird watching tour. |
DURATION |
: 13 Nights / 14 Days |
PERIOD |
:Valid till 31-October-2008 |
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Highlights of the Tour
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- Day 1 – It’s Bird Watching in the lagoons – Waikkala and Muthurajawela
- Day 2- Visit to Kithullgala – an endemic “hotspot”
- Day 3 – Visit to the “Forest of theLion King” – Best of the Best of Sri Lankan Endemics.
- Day 4 – Exploration at the “Forest of theLion King”.
- Day 5 –More & more eExploration at the “Forest of theLion King”.
- Day 6 - Visit to Udawwalawe National Park - Dry zone resident birds + Maximum of Maximus viewing !
- Day 7 – Down to the Coast – Yala National Park – Waders / Migrant Birds /Leopards.
- Day 8– Visit the beautiful highest mountain city of Nuweraeliya affectionately known as “Little England”.
- Day 9 – At the National Park in the Highest Plateau during day and night at the highest city in Sri Lanka.
- Day 10 – “Dalada Maligawa” and Bird Watching in the beautiful Udawatthakele in Kandy
- Day 11 –Visit to Sigiriya – more resident & migrant birds !
- Day 12 – Todays, let’s the climb the “Rock Fortress”or “the Fortress in the Sky” and Watch Birds at Sigiriya Santcuary
- Day 13 – Visit Negombo
- Day 14- Good Bye and Derparture
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TOUR ITINERARY |
Our programmes are offered in the following 3 standards. Accommodation options have been selected after careful evaluation.
Value: Basic but clean. With a typical Sri Lankan touch , relaxed atmosphere and personalized service at Small family / enterprise run operations.
Standard: 3 Star equal: Better comforts and facilities with extra comforts. Mostly large establishments with Standardized service.
Premium: High standards of quality, décor, service and much more, with many extra comforts and activities to indulge yourself. We have offered locations with a unique Sri Lankan individuality, measuring up to international standards. |
Day 1 - Waikkala / Negombo (HB) |
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Arrival and transfer to the Hotel. |
 This hotel is located in a nature reserve and situated on a sandy beach with a swimming pool. At leisure at the hotel after a long flight.
Waikkala is located in the Puttalam District, which falls into the dry zone category. Waikkala is in the midst of marine, coastal, estuarine, mangroves, marshland and man made habitat systems. All of these have contributed to the avifaunal diversity visible in the immediate surrounding. Much of the avifauna is characteristically wetland. More than 60 species of birds can be observed here. More than 60 species of birds can be observed here. Eg: Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Polver ,Purple Coot, Painted Stork, Stork Billed Kingfisher and others.
 Optional - MUTHURAJAWELA is located south of Negombo in the Colombo district. A vast area of marshland and mangrove vegetation with an extent of 3100 hectares of which 1000 hectares is declared as sanctuary. This important wetland habitat is home to 85 resident birds.
[Optional:Evening Bird watching trail. (Bird watching trail by boat for Standard & Deluxe Tour)]
SCHEDULE
- Arrival & transfer to a hotel in Waikkala At leisure after a long flight.
- Birding Trail in the evening [Optional]
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel
- Accommodation:-
- Value – Hotel Sunset Beach or similar
- Standard & Deluxe - Ranweli Holiday Village or similar
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Day 2 - Waikkal - Kitulgala (HB) |
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After breakfast proceed to Kitulgala and check in at the hotel. |
 KITHULGALA, is one of the most scenic locations in the island and also a centre for many nature and adventure related activities which include White Water Rafting, visits to rainforests and the Belilena prehistoric cave. It is also one of the gateways to the hill country.
We will do some birding in the remnant Wet Zone forests close to the Kitulgala Rest House in the morning and after breakfast go across the Kelani River in a dugout canoe to visit the Kelani Valley Forest Reserve which is a lowland tropical rainforest with a high diversity of endemic fauna and flora.
Some of the birds to be seen in this area include Sri Lankan Wood Pigeon , White Faced Starling , Green-billed Coucal , Sri Lanka Magpie , Red Faced Malkoha , Malabar Trogon , Sri Lanka Orange-billed Babbler , Sri Lanka chestnut-backed owlet, and the lesser yellow nape.
“An interesting affair between currents & rapids”…………
This thrilling adventure on the white water sections of the Kelani River is suitable for amateurs as well as professionals alike. During the river run you will experience the thrill of shooting rapids and the euphoria of making it through. The river’s clear water is born in the heart of the peak wilderness reserve and tumbles through a rocky gorge just above Kithulgala.
As the river widens, we pass the scenic location used for the film - “Bridge over the river Kwai” filmed in 1956-, which is also a great place to jump in for a refreshing swim. On a clear day, you could even dive in to see the remains of the actual bridge and carriages used for the film (only for experienced divers with proper equipment.). Our journey, ends close to Kitulgala town where food and snacks are available.
 For those who would like to enjoy the river and its wonderful scenery without the thrills and spills of large rapids, we could raft through the flatter section of the lower gorge, suitable for children over six and family groups.
Rafting in the white water sections of the river and through the boulders and rocks create grade 3/4 rapids, which are exhilarating and scenic. On certain occasions, you may encounter even grade 5 rapids…… A briefing is given prior to the river run with instructions on paddling techniques and “man over board” procedures. At the end of the trip an optional riverside lunch buffet could be arranged for groups and large parties.
This thrilling adventure on the white water sections of Kelani River is suitable for amateurs as well as professionals alike. During the run you will experience the thrill of shooting rapids and euphoria of making it through. The river’s clear water is born in the heart of the peak wilderness reserve and tumbles through a rocky gorge just above Kithulgala.
Evening Birding trail at kithulgala.
Dinner and overnight stay. |
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast proceed to Kithulgala. Check-in at the hotel..
- Evening free for bird watching.
- Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
- Accommodation:-
- Value – Rafter’s Retreat
- Standard – Kithulgala Rest House
- Deluxe – Plantation Hotel
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Day 3 - Kitulgala - Singharaja (HB) |
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After breakfast proceed to Singharaja Rain Forest. |
 SINGHARAJA
Sinharaja rain forest, which is a world heritage site, may be described either as a Tropical Lowland Rain Forest or Tropical wet evergreen forest. Birding in this ecosystem is very interesting. 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka have been recorded in Sinharaja.
Sinharaja is the best location to observe the flock behavior of birds
Eg: SL Spur fowl, SL Jungle fowl, Green-billed Coucal, Red-faced Malkoha, Blue Magpie, Spot-winged Thrush etc. |
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast we proceed to Sinharaja
- Evening at leisure or explore around area
- Dinner & overnight stay in a hotel at Sinharaja.
- Accommodation:-
- Value & Standard – Sinharaja Lodge or Similar.
- Deluxe – Boulder Gardens or similar
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After the breakfast fullday proceed to rainforest for a long birding trail. |
 SINHARAJA RAINFOREST
Whatever its ‘technical’ name, it is undoubtedly a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka’s endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Bird Watching in this ecosystem is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka! Named as a world heritage site in 1989, this lowland evergreen rain forest is steeped in deep legend and mystery. The word ‘Sinharaja’ means, Lion (Sinha) King (Raja), and it is popular belief that the legendary origin of the Sinhala people is from the union between a princess and the lion king who once lived in the forest!
On completion the birding trail, back the to hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay.
SCHEDULE
- We take an early breakfast and a packed lunch and set off to the Singharaja Forest for a long Bird Watching Trail..
- After a tired but exhilarating day we are back for the night at a place of our choice.
- Accommodation:-
- Value & Standard – Sinharaja Lodge or similar.
- Deluxe – Boulder Gardens or simile
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After breakfast leave for rain forest exploration and birding at Sinharaja. |
SCHEDULE
- More bird watching excursions in Sinharaja rain forest.
- Dinner & overnight stay at the place of our choice.
- Accommodation:-
- Value & Standard – Sinharaja Lodge or similar.
- Deluxe – Boulder Gardens or similer
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Day 6 - Sinharaja - Udawalawe (HB) |
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After breakfast proceed to Udawalawe. |
Udawalawe National Park
This 30821 hectares dry zone game park was declared as a protected national park in 1972 and has an annual rainfall of 1524 mm and a average temperature of 29.40C.
This park is world famous for it’s Elephants, seen in all their playfulness, whole herds of them, adults and babies bathing and playing in the water or feeding.
This safari would be an unforgettable bird watching experience as “Udawalawe” is one of the best parks for bird watching too.
The endemic species of bird called Red Faced Malkoha has its favorite habitat in the 192 square km parkland. Serpent Eagles, Hawk Eagles, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Black Eagles, Black Capped Bulbuls, Racket Tailed Drongos, Malabar Pied Horn Bills, White Necked Storks, Open Bills, Ibis, Shama - The forest Nightingale, Strol Billed Kin Fishers and peacocks are found in fair numbers.
Among the migrant birds are the forest wagtails, Indian Pitta, Whiskered Terns, Osprey Sand Pipers and Terns. |
Evening safari at Udawalawe.
Check in to the Hotel / Campsite for dinner and overnight stay.
SCHEDULE
- Finishing breakfast, proceed to Udawalawe National Park.
- Arrival at Udawalawe in time for lunch.
- After lunch & a Short break, leave camp for an evening Safari & Bird Watching at the park.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at Udawalawe / Embilipitiya.
- Accommodation:-
- Value – Centauria Hotel or similar (HB)
- Standard – Mahoora Standard Camp (FB)
- Deluxe - Mahoora Luxury Camp (FB)
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Day 7 - Udawalawe - Yala (HB) |
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After breakfast leaving to the Udawalawe Gate entrance finishing the morning safari. |
On completion proceed to Yala. [Optional:Enroute visit Bundala & Kalametiya] |
Bundala National Park
The high species richness of birds in the Bundala National Park resulted in it being declared as Sri Lanka’s first Ramsar site in 1990. A wetland of international importance for migratory waterfowl. The park consists mainly of dry thorny scrubland and lagoons. The highlight of Bundala is the migratory Greater Flamingo, which visits in large flocks of over 1000 individuals, from Rann of Kutch- India. In particular we may find Indian Cormorant, Yellow Bittern, Black-crowned Night and Purple Herons. The area is also famous for crocodiles.
Kalametiya
Kalametiya sanctuary is situated in the Hambantota District and falls into the dry zone category. Major habitat types are lagoons, mangroves and scrublands. These lagoons support breeding colonies of pelicans, herons, egrets and open-billed stork and large wintering populations of migratory ducks and shorebirds.
Yala National Park lies 24 km northeast of Tissamaharama and 290km from Colombo on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka and spans Southern and Uva provinces. The park consists of 97,878ha. The altitude is 90m from sea level. The vegetation in this park comprises secondary forest, possibly a few hundred years old at the most. It is predominantly semi-arid thorny-scrub, interspersed with pockets of fairly dense forest. Small patches of mangrove vegetation occur along the costal lagoons. Yala is renowned for the variety of its wildlife and its fine coastline and associated coral reefs.
A large number of important cultural ruins bear testimony to earlier civilizations and indicate that, much of the area was populated and well developed.
On completion of the safari proceed and check-in at Hotel for dinner and overnight stay. |
SCHEDULE
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Day 8 - Yala - Nuwara Eliya (HB) |
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After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya. Visit Hakgala Garden on the way. |
Hakgala Gardens
The Haggala botanic gardens were founded in 1860 by the eminent British botanist Dr. G.H.K. Thwaites who was superintendent of the more famous gardens at Peradeniya. Haggala botanical gardens were once the pleasure garden of Ravana of the Ramayana epic and according to many, it was one of the places where the beautiful Sitha was hidden by the demon king.
The Dull Blue Flycatcher, a highland bird species that is endemic to Sri Lanka, is probably the star of Hakgala. Though its privacy is restricted by human presence, this sparrow-sized flycatcher is abundant in the park. The Sri Lanka White-eye, a tiny sociable bird is a frequent visitor to the flowers at Hakgala. Often seen feeding on the nectar of the flowers, this acrobatic bird sometimes hangs downwards while sucking nectar. It also feeds on little insects and caterpillars, searching every leaf for its prey.
Nuwara Eliya 
Nuwara Eliya has a cool sparkling climate with the temperature changing around 13degC this is an exquisite and healthy city famous for its wide range in flowers. With buildings of English architecture everywhere in the city, it is affectionately called little England. The Victoria Park in the
center of Nuwara Eliya, the highest town in Sri Lanka. Yellow-eared Bulbul, Blackbird, in winter Pied Thrush and Kashmir Flycatcher are very common.
Check-in at Hotel for Dinner and overnight stay. |
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya.
- On the way more Bird watching at Hakgala Garden.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.
- Accommodation:-
- Value & Standard – Windsor hotel
- Deluxe – Grand Hotel or similar
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Day 9 - Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains (HB) |
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After breakfast do an excursion to Horton Plains to “catch” the remaining Highland endemics. |
 HORTON PLAINS is perhaps the most awesome and forbidding region of Sri Lanka. Located on a high windswept plateau at about 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) elevation, a visit to these plains is well worth the effort. The most awe-inspiring site is the World’s End, considered the finest view in all of Sri Lanka. The terrific escarpment drops vertically for approximately 1,000 feet (328 meters) and falls away almost as steeply for another 4,000 feet (1,312 meters). In the early morning the Indian Ocean rims the horizon 50 miles (81 kilometers) to the south. The Horton Plains form the eastern extremity of the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. It extends through the alpine ruggedness for some 25 miles (40 kilometers), from west of Adam’s Peak (which you saw on your way to Sinharaja). Black eagles, blue magpies and other rare birds can be found here, not to mention the occasional black leopard, deer, sambar, jackals and purple-faced Monkey.
On completion return to Hotel.
Evening at leisure. [Optional to walk around the Nuwara Eliya city.] |
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast Proceed to Horton Plains
- Evening at leisure after a city tour.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.
- Accommodation:-
- Value & Standard – Windsor Hotel or similar
- Deluxe – Grand Hotel or similar
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Day 10 - Nuwara Eliya - Kandy (HB) |
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After breakfast proceed to Kandy.
Do a city tour of Kandy. Visit the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic |
 KANDY was the last stronghold of the Buddhist political power against colonial powers. It is also the home of the Temple of the Tooth relic. Its architectural monuments date mainly from the 19th century, when Vikrama Rajashinha went on a building spree, the cost of which hastened the downfall and eventual surrender to the British forces.
DALADA MALIGAWA The Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Malgawa dates from the 16th century, though most of the present buildings were built in the 19th century. Entering the shrine over a moonstone step, you pass a stone depicting the Indian goddess Lakshmi and a wall with frescoes illustrating the Buddhist conception of hell. The upper stories house the relic of the tooth, caged behind the gilded iron bars. Behind the tooth relic sanctuary is a hall with a number of golden Buddha statues and modern paintings, showing Buddha’s life and the arrival of Buddhism in the land. We end our tour just before the evening drumming begins, which precedes the ceremonious opening of the window for the public viewing of the casket with the tooth.
 UDAWATTAKELE is a Buddhist sanctuary and there is a temple in the vicinity. Vegetation comprises fairly dense forest, mostly plantation and secondary formations. About 80 species of bird have been recorded from the area.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast Proceed to Kandy
- Evening at leisure or city tour.-Optional
- Dinner & Overnight stay at Kandy
- Accommodation:
- Value – Swiss Residence
- Standard – Hotel Suisse
- Deluxe – Earl’s Regency
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Day 11 - Kandy - Sigiriya (HB) |
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After breakfast proceed to Sigiriya.
Enrotue visiting a spice garden and batick factory in Matale. [ Optional]
Visit the Dambulla Rock temple. |
Dambulla
Dambulla, an ancient city, is known for its beautiful Cave temples and a huge Buddha statue. The history of the 5 caves containing over 150 images of Buddha goes back to 1st century BC when king Valagambahu took refuge here. This place is worth visiting not only for the cave temple, but also for the beautiful view over the countryside you can get from the hill.
Evening bird watching around the premises. In Sigiriya we are trying to go after the dry zone birds we missed in Udalwawe & Yala.
Check-in at Hotel for dinner and overnight stay. |
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast Proceed to Sigiriya
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple. Optional
- Evening bird watching around the premises.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at Sigiriya
- Accommodation:-
- Value – Sigiriya Rest House
- Standard – Hotel Sigiriya
- Deluxe - Cinnamon Lodge – Habarana [3 Star]
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After breakfast visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Sigiriya Santuary for birding.
SIGIRIYA 
Sigiriya Rock located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka and considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. It dates back from over 7,000 years ago, through the pre-historic to the proto-historic to the early history of Sri Lanka . Around 3rd Century BC devotees to the sangha (Buddhist clergy) prepared and donated a monastery consisting of rock-shelters and caves.
ossible noteworthy species: SHAHEEN (Local race of the Peregrine), Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Square-tailed' Drongo-cuckoo, Indian Cuckoo, Crested Treeswift, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Coppersmith Barbet, Indian Pitta, Ceylon Woodshrike, Large Cuckooshrike, Black-headed Cuckooshrike, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Ceylon Small Barbet, White-browed Fantail, Tawny-bellied Babbler, Orange-headed Thrush, Jungle Prinia, White-rumped Shama, Purple Sunbird, Thick-billed Flowerpecker, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.
Evening bird watching around the premises.
Dinner and over night stay at Hotel. |
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast visit Sigiriya
- Climb the Sigiriya Rock.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at Sigiriya
- Accommodation:-
- Value Sigiriya Rest House
- Standard Hotel Sigiriya
- Deluxe Cinnamon Habarana [Habarana Lodge]
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Day 13 - Sigiriya -Negombo (HB) |
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After breakfast proceed to Negombo.
Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy at the Beach.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel In Negombo. |
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast proceed to Negambo.
- Rest of the day at leisure to enjoy at the Beach.
- Dinner & Overnight stay at Negambo.
- Accommodation:-
- Value Hotel Sunset Beach or similar
- Standard Browns Beach Hotel.
- Deluxe The Beach Hotel .
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Day 14 - Katunayake Airport |
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After breakfast leaving to the airport for departure. |
- End of Tour - |
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| Our Rates - Please contact us |
No of Pax |
01 Pax |
02 Pax |
03 Pax |
04 Pax |
05 Pax |
Value (Rate per person US$) |
| Standard (Rate per person US$) |
| Deluxe (Rate per person US$) |
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Transportation Cost |
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- The total mileage calculated for this tour is for 1040 Kms. If exceeded the above quoted mileage a supplement of US$ 00.40 per km will be charged.
- Transportation throughout the tour, in an Air conditioned Micro Van with English speaking chauffer Guide
Birding Guide Fee US $ 1000
(Guide’s Fee, Meals & Accommodation) |
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| Cost Includes: |
- Accommodation on half board basis starting with dinner on day 01 till breakfast on day 14.
- Lunch on day 06 for Cam ping option only.
- Entrance fees / Permits / Jeep Safaris at all locations.
- All Campsite fees and related fees when camping.
- All government taxes
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| Cost does not include: |
- Expenses of personal nature.
- Optional Activities mentioned in the programme.
- Services of an English Speaking Bird Guide his accommodation plus skilled local guides at relevant locations. (Given Separately)
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.(Given Separately)
- Tips and Porterage at hotels.
- Any other services not specified above.
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| Payment policy: Full payment with confirmation. |
| Cancellation Policy: |
- 90 Days to 30 Days - 250 US $ Administrative fee or 10% of the tour fee which ever is higher.
- 14 Days to 29 Days - 250 US $ admin fee will be charged and 50 % of the tour cost will be kept to be utilized for a future booking. Balance will be refunded.
- 8 Days to 13 Days - 250 US $ admin fee will be charged and 75 % of the tour cost will be kept to be utilized for a future booking. Balance will be refunded.
- Less than 7 days - 250 US $ admin fee will be charged and 100 % of the tour cost will be kept to be utilized for a future booking.
Eco Team should receive the cancellation in writing. Tour start day is not considered for computation of the period. |
The above mentioned descriptions and programmes have been compiled after long, arduous, exploratory, and expensive work and hence is the property of Eco Team (Pvt) Ltd. Making use of these programmes/descriptions for any public or commercial programmes requires the permission of the said company. |
Naturally our ready made programmes will come cheaper than the tailor make programmes. How ever we are flexible enough to do minor changes to the ready made itineraries, with out any charge.? Please write to us
Do you own programme – Visit the location and activity pages on our site and you will come across mini tours in all of those pages. By combining them you can design your own tour. We will complete it by adding on the hotels and other cultural locations you may require.
Your tour will be handled by an experienced travel consultant who will provide a personalized service.
On certain occasions our standard programmes could be cheaper than a tailor made programme for a specific client. But rest assured that we are flexible enough to effect minor changes to a standard programme as required by you, our valuable clients & offer same at no extra cost. Please contact us at reachme@srilankaecotourism.com we will do the needful.
You also have the facility of designing your own programmes by visiting our location and activity pages on the website and accessing the mini tours segment in those pages & selecting an appropriate combination. Our experienced travel consultants will then add the finishing touches to the programme & provide a costing based on same. |
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