Press Release Digest 11th June 2007

Explore Sri Lanka’s colonial past, stay in a stunning eco-lodge and enjoy a relaxing beachside sojourn. Tailor-made Far East specialist Magic of the Orient is offering 10-day holidays in Sri Lanka, with Heathrow departures available until the end of October 07, from just £1,155 p/p!

On arrival in Sri Lanka, guests are transferred to the eco-friendly Kandalama Hotel, an excellent base from which to explore some of the island’s World Heritage sites. Highlights here include the 11th Century 2nd capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa and nearby Sigiriya, both World Heritage, where a climb to the 5th Century Rock fortress is rewarded by renowned frescoes of ‘heavenly maidens’. Set against a hillside at the edge of the Kandalama tank (reservoir), the Kandalama Hotel, festooned with vegetation and incorporating the rocks into its structure, blends into the landscape. The surrounding 55-acres of jungle is a paradise for naturalists with many species of bird, bat, monkey and other wildlife occurring. Moving on towards the World Heritage Site of Kandy, explorations of the caves of Dambulla Rock Temple, built in the 1st Century BC, reveal over 150 images of the Buddha carved in the living rock, the largest of which spans a colossal 14-metres! More revelations in Kandy, the island’s second biggest city, home to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the magnificent golden temple and the Dalada Maligawa which houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Finally, take a break from sightseeing and relax in the five star surroundings of the Heritance Anghulle, designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. This lovely hotel stands alone on a beautiful stretch of beach between Bentota and Hikkaduwa.

The holiday costs from £1,155 p/p including scheduled flights with Sri Lanka Airlines, private transfers and sightseeing tours, 9-nights hotel accommodation with breakfast and the services of Magic of the Orient’s local agent.