Primate Camp MID Accommodation is in basic but clean and comfortable rooms, which accommodate up to four people ( sometimes dorms are used). All have attached bathrooms and a small dining room is on site, serving good local cuisine. This is an experience which will more than make up for the lack of luxury. Colombo Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka, located on the west coast of the island with a large natural harbour. The city is an interesting mix of modern construction and historic colonial buildings left by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. North of the city the Muthurajawela Swamp is an extremely important wetland area of saline peat bog and mangroves which literally teem with life, including 22 species of mammal and 102 species of bird. It is possible to walk on nature trails, or go on boat rides through the lagoon and maze of mangrove waterways. Cinnamon Lakeside HIGH Cinnamon Lakeside is set on the edge of the beautiful Beira Lake, in the heart of Colombo. All rooms will have a view of the lake, perfect for birdwatchers who can enjoy sightings at dawn and dusk. Taj Exotica Resort HIGH The Taj Exotica resort is located a couple of hours south of Colombo and offers 162 air- conditioned rooms with balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean or lush tropical gardens. A large swimming pool is shaded by palms and fragrant Frangipani. The hotel has tennis courts, a gym and water sports, as well as restaurants, bars and a tea lounge. From here you can visit nearby turtle projects, watching as baby turtles emerge from their protected nests and then help release them into the sea. Goldi Sands MID If you'd prefer to stay at the beach, Goldi Sands offers a good option just an hour north of Colombo in the resort of Negombo. Conveniently located for the airport, it features 75 comfortable air- conditioned rooms with balconies, TV and en- suite. ASIA | SRI LANKA 113 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Colombo Day 2 Habarana, 2- nights, Chaaya Village, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya visits ( BD) Day 4 Kandy, 1- night, Amaya Hills. Dambulla Caves and Temple of the Tooth visits ( BD) Day 5 Yala National Park, 2- nights, Yala Village Hotel. Jeep safaris and nature trails ( BD) Day 7 Embilipitiya, 2- nights, Centuria Hotel. Bundala and Udawalawe National Park safaris ( BD) Day 9 Colombo, 1- night, Cinnamon Lakeside ( BD) Day 10 Depart for the UK ( arrive same day) ( B) Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 1399 ( Jan - Jul), £ 1599 ( mid Jul - Aug), £ 1399 ( mid Aug - Oct) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, eight nights hotel accommodation, guided activities SRI LANKA WILDLIFE AND CULTURE Sri Lanka has wonderful wildlife and culture. This itinerary explores highlights of both with plenty of safaris included at three national parks; Yala, Bundala and Udawalawe. They're home to leopards, elephants and, in season, leatherback turtles. Your visits to Sri Lanka's sights will allow you a fascinating insight into the country's cultural and historical tapestry. A good introduction to the teardrop isle. TAILOR- MADE Many airlines fl y via the Maldives, so if you fancy staying on a paradise island then please do ask for our advice and suggestions - our sister company, Dive Worldwide, can offer you a diving holiday in the Maldives Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com

The ancient city of Xian is where most of our itineraries start, because it's close to the wilderness regions you'll head to for giant panda tracking. Xian is home to the once mighty Terracotta Warriors; a true sight to behold is seeing the army lines and imagining them, 2,000 years or so ago, in a blaze of colour. As the end of the Silk Road, Xian was a very important city and evidence of its status can still be seen in its buildings. It's a fascinating place to stay for a couple of nights. Aurum International Hotel MID This is a large, 302 room hotel located in the business district. It's popular with tourists and provides a comfortable base with modern amenities for your stay, such as indoor swimming pool and health centre. Xian Hotel MID If you want to be close to the historical sites of Xian, then this is the hotel for you. It also has all of the modern amenities you'd except of an international hotel and well- appointed rooms. Foping Nature Reserve Foping Nature Reserve is one of the main centres for giant panda tracking. During your time here you will explore different parts of the reserve, hiking deeper to fi nd the elusive panda. This gives a varied and interesting look at the fl ora and fauna and increases your chances of sightings. Foping is also the centre of the panda conservation effort, and you'll have the chance to learn more about the research at the Shaanxi Foping National Nature Reserve Bureau and Qinling Mountains Man and Nature Educational Centre. China Xian 114 China is an exceptionally beautiful place, and the areas in which you'll track giant panda showcase its natural and rugged magnifi cence in absolute splendour. Tracking giant pandas in their own habitat certainly presents an unsurpassed and exciting opportunity to the wildlife enthusiast. The world's highest density of pandas live at high altitude in the Qinling Mountains, in Shaanxi province in the north- eastern region of China, solitary creatures that will provide a real adventure to those that want to see them. This is a fantastic chance to learn about panda protection fi rst- hand, amid simply stunning surrounds. Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982