Sri Lanka 110 Kandy is a charming lakeside town, with rich historical, cultural and natural treasures. Formerly the capital of the Kandyan Kingdom, it's today a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists who come to visit the Temple of the Tooth. It is surrounded by hills, valleys, rivers, lakes, cascading waterfalls and forests, home to the endemic Sri Lanka hanging parrot and Layard's parakeet. Kandy is also famous for its elephants and the Udawattakele Rainforest Reserve, with resident deer, jackals, porcupines and civets. The forest is a haven for birdlife and with luck you may encounter one of the ' bird waves' which are a feature of tropical forests. Hotel Suisse MID An elegant colonial style hotel which overlooks Lake Kandy and provides comfortable accommodation in air- conditioned rooms, each with en- suite facilities. Public areas include a bar, restaurant and lounge areas, and there is also a swimming pool. Amaya Hills HIGH A large hilltop hotel with magnificent views to the lakeside city of Kandy and across the surrounding hills. Each of the 100 en- suite rooms has its own individual balcony to enjoy those views. For relaxing, choose the Ayurvedic spa or one of the many international cuisines on offer. Nuwara Eliya & Horton Plains Nuwara Eliya was once a popular British hill station, situated in the heart of ' tea country', and is now a quaint and charming resort town. The lower mountain temperatures mean that the birdlife is startlingly different with a number of interesting species including two endemics, the handsome yellow- eared bulbul and Sri Lanka hill white- eye. Nearby Horton Plains is Sri Lanka's highest plateau, and where you'll fi nd the sheer precipice of World's End. A cool and bracing climate plays host to distinctive fl ora, colourful butterfl ies, wild orchids and many rare highland birds including almost all of the country's endemics. Sri Lanka is a stunningly beautiful tropical island located south of India - like a teardrop falling into the Indian Ocean. Its golden beaches, wildlife reserves and spectacular mountain scenery make for a whole range of diverse habitats, enhanced by the romantic ruined forts and cities of ancient dynasties. Its isolated position has created some unique features, in particular its enormous leopard, large herds of elephants and numerous endemic bird species. The island is a world- renowned birdwatcher's paradise. Kandy & Udawattakele Rainforest Reserve Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982

Galway Forest Lodge MID A lovely forest hideaway, located a couple of kilometres outside Nuwara Eliya - its location is fantastic for birding and nature enthusiasts. Accommodation consists of 52 en- suite rooms, all with heaters and modern facilities. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and a billiard room. also has spectacular views. Activities St Andrew's Hotel HIGH A classic colonial hotel located next to the golf course. This historic hotel has 52 spacious rooms and preserves the atmosphere of a bygone age within its wood- panelled bar and dining room, tea lounge and billiard room. Activities from the hotel include nature treks, pony rides, birdwatching and scenic tours. Yala National Park Yala National Park is Sri Lanka's oldest wildlife reserve, which is famous for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world and some of the world's largest and most visible leopards. During morning and evening safaris you may also see elephant, sloth bear, sambar, chital, wild boar, striped-necked, brown and ruddy mongoose, black- naped hare, marsh mugger crocodile and several civet species. Birding highlights include the southern sirkeer, blue- faced malkoha, yellow-wattled lapwing, rufous- winged bush lark, thick- billed fl ower- pecker, purple sunbird, little minivet, white- rumped shama and rare black- necked stork. Yala Village Hotel HIGH Yala Village Hotel borders the park and sits beside miles of golden Indian Ocean beach. Accommodation is in rustic- style, spacious, air- conditioned beach chalets and jungle cabins with en- suite washrooms. A highlight of the property is an observation deck which offers panoramic vistas across the surrounding forest, beach and rocky outcrops ( often frequented by local leopards). Bundala Lewaya/ Kalametiya Reserves Bundala Lewaya, recognised by Ramsar, and the Kalametiya Reserve are both important wetland areas on the south coast. They are home to almost all Sri Lanka's resident water birds, as well as countless migratory birds between November and March. Highlights include greater fl amingo, lesser adjutant and painted stork. Other common species are marsh sandpiper, intermediate and great egrets, brown- capped babbler, Asian openbill, Eurasian spoonbill, black- winged stilt, golden plover, little stint and curlew sandpiper. In addition, mammals such as elephant, chital, grey langur, water monitor and crocodile are often seen. Oasis Hotel HIGH The Oasis Hotel is in Hambantota, within easy striking distance of Bundala Lewaya and Kalametiya Reserves, and offers comfortable accommodation in 38 air- conditioned rooms spread throughout ten chalets; all with balconies and private bathrooms. Other facilities include a large swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar and gym. ASIA | SRI LANKA 111 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Colombo Day 2 Kandy, 2- nights, Hotel Suisse. Home to the famous Temple of the Tooth ( D) Day 3 Visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation ( BD) Day 4 Nuwara Eliya, 3- nights, Galway Forest Lodge. En-route visit Udawatta Kale forest ( BD) Day 5 Horton Plains excursion, endemic birds and colourful butterfl ies ( BD) Day 7 Yala National Park, 3- nights, Yala Village Hotel. En- route visit Ravana Ella waterfall. Jeep safaris and nature trails ( BD) Day 8 Jeep safaris and nature trail ( BD) Day 10 Hambantota, 2- nights, Oasis Hotel. Bundala/ Kalametiya safaris ( BD) Day 12 Ratnapura, 3- nights, Ratnaloka Hotel. Udawalawe National Park jeep safari ( BD) Day 13 Sinharaja Rainforest visit, pristine and little- visited ( BD) Day 15 Negombo, 1- night, Goldi Sands ( BD) Day 16 Depart for the UK ( arrive same day) ( B) Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 1599 ( Jan - Jul), £ 1799 ( mid Jul - Aug), £ 1599 ( mid Aug - Nov), £ 1899 ( Dec) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, 14 nights hotel accommodation, guided activities SRI LANKA'S WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS Sri Lanka is a perfect destination for wildlife- lovers with some fabulous parks and reserves, great birdwatching and exceptionally knowledgeable guides. This itinerary takes in many of those parks. You can spot leopard, elephant and a myriad of bird species, including some of Sri Lanka's endemics, on plentiful included wildlife visits and safaris. TAILOR- MADE Fact! Leatherback turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches near to Bundala Lewaya/ Kalametiya Reserves, from April to June, and along the southern coast. Conservation projects are necessary to protect these delicate creatures. Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com