Sri Lanka Winter Trek Group Leader
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Philip Giampietro
Sep 17, 2010, 10:07:08 AM9/17/10
to HBS Outdoors Club
We're looking for a leader for the Sri Lanka Winter Trek (Jan
4th-14th). Trek info is posted below. The group leader's trip expense
(expenses charged by the organizing company - ~$1,690 will be waived).
Please contact Phil, pgiam...@mba2011.hbs.edu, if you're
interested.
HBS Outdoor Club
Sri Lanka Multisport Adventure
OVERVIEW
Sri Lanka (whose former name is Serendib, the root of the word
“serendipity”) is a world unto itself, a stunning island of diversity
and variety, a place of serendipitous discoveries. As tourism
rebuilds in this exotic island nation, we are one of few international
tour operators to bring guests to Sri Lanka. We believe this is the
perfect place to learn to surf and improve on your mountain biking
skills while enjoying the beautiful sandy beaches, leafy tea estates
in the cool hill country, and warm, kind-hearted people. This trip is
designed as a low impact outdoor adventure experience with hotel or
guesthouse style accommodations throughout, and outdoor activities
suitable for all levels of experience. We’re proud to announce that
our Sri Lanka itinerary was selected by National Geographic Adventure
as a Top Trip of 2010.
Location: Sri Lanka
Duration: 11 days
Group Size: 20-30 students
Accommodations: All hotel, guesthouse, and lodge style accommodations
as indicated
Price per person: $1690
The operator reserves the right to add a surcharge in the event that
exchange rate fluctuations result in cost increases. Surcharge
applies for groups under 20 people.
Price Includes:
• All accommodations (double occupancy)
• All indicated activities, necessary gear and entrance fees
• All ground transportation including airport pick-up and drop off
• All guiding and coaching
• All meals except 2 lunches
Price does not include:
• Airfare to and from Sri Lanka
• Any meals not listed
• Travel insurance
• Single supplement
• Optional Activities
SRI LANKA ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Sri Lanka
The trip begins at the Colombo International Airport (Bandaranaike
Intl Airport) where we’ll pick you up and transfer to our guesthouse
in Hikkaduwa. Hikkaduwa is a relaxing and fun beach town and Sri
Lanka’s most popular surf and beach spot. But that doesn’t mean it
will be crowded! Our local guides will take us to the best “local”
spots where we can catch the best waves on the coolest beaches.
Accommodations: Beach Guesthouse - Hikkaduwa
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Hikkaduwa-Surfing
After breakfast we’ll head out to the beach for our first surf
lesson. If you are a novice or beginner we’ll start with the basics
and soon get you into the water. If you are an advanced beginner or
intermediate we’ll talk about your instruction goals and then head
straight to the waves. Our instructor to student ratio is 1:4. After
surfing, we’ll head inland for a river safari past rural islands thick
with mangroves. With abundant wildlife, ancient temples and a relaxed
way of life, this is an opportunity to see a different side of Sri
Lanka. In the late afternoon we’ll head back to the beach for a
sunset surf lesson.
Accommodations: Beach Guesthouse - Hikkaduwa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Hikkaduwa / Mirissa: Snorkeling & Sightseeing
Today we’ll pack our things and move south around the coastline to
Mirissa, one of the most idyllic and picture perfect palm-lined beach
coves on the Indian Ocean. Along the way we’ll enjoy a morning
snorkel exploration at some beautiful underwater spots. In the
afternoon, we’ll explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
built by the Dutch in the 17th century. This is a stunning labyrinth
of buildings, sights and culture that remain a thriving community, and
was the only coastal land group that avoided devastation by the 2005
tsunami.
Accommodations: Beach Hotel - Marissa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Mirissa / South Coast
This morning we’ll take advantage of our perfect beach location, just
a few meters stroll along the beach from our beachside residence. This
stunning beach with a rocky point break plus several sandbars offers
fabulous opportunities for more surf lessons or the chance to rip up
some nice waves peeling off the point. By now you will marvel at how
your surfing has improved! In between surf sessions we will relax on
the beautiful beach or wander around our small village getting a feel
for the Sri Lankan culture.
Accommodations: Beach Hotel - Mirissa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Drive to Bundarawella – Up Country Tea Region
Today we drive north, leaving the coastal region to head up-country to
the tea estates. This 6-7 hour drive is broken up with stops along the
way, however our main aim is to reach Bundarawella, our launching
point for tomorrow’s visit to one of the most amazing destinations on
the island, “World’s End”. En route we will have the opportunity to
visit a fully functioning tea factory that was part of Sir Thomas
Lipton’s original tea fields. Mr. Lipton was the man who brought tea
to Sri Lanka, and during his visits to his estate he would sit at his
hilltop spot (Lipton Seat), sip tea with silver service, and reflect
upon his work.
Accommodations: Hotel - Bundarawella
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya via World’s End
Today we’ll take a short bus ride (approximately 1.5 hours) to the
National Park and Peak Wilderness Area of Horton’s Plains. We’ll have
a choice of short and medium length treks through the park to visit
gorgeous waterfalls which drop to the tea estates down below. From
here we’ll get a fantastic view of the surrounding hills and the
mountain ranges wreathed in mists and clouds, and on clear days we can
see clear across to the Indian Ocean about 50 miles to the south.
After the last climb we will head to Nuwara Eliya, the famous British
Hill Station where the climate is much cooler, making it a favorite
destination for the British in its heyday.
Accommodations: Guest House - Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Hiking in Nuwara Eliya
In the morning we hit the trails to the northwest of Nuwara Eliya. A
short climb takes us up to Oliphant Estate high above the city. From
here it’s one big long downhill (with occasional intermittent climbs)
that plummets towards the main road. We’ll hike some excellent dirt
tea trails amidst the amazing tea country, taking in nearly every
aspect of day to day life in the estates. The trails vary in length
and walking duration so we can decide which region to tour once
arriving at Nuwara Eliya. Late afternoon we will enjoy a special High
Tea on the lawns of The Grand Hotel.
Accommodations: Guest House - Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Rest Day in Castlereagh
This is an ideal day to get on our bikes and take a largely downhill
run on route to the beautiful Bogowantallawa Valley and Dickoya. As
we descend hundreds of meters we’ll see the countryside first hand
with many opportunities to stop and enjoy a serendipitous moment. Our
roads will lead us to the pristine walking and biking trails that wrap
around lakes, waterfalls and amazing rock formations all within the
manicured tea gardens of hundreds of connecting estates. Today we’ll
explore a vast area and sip tea in view of two of the island’s
renowned waterfalls. Once we reach Dickoya, we’ll relax lakeside at
our hotel and take a refreshing swim. Tonight we’ll go to sleep early
as we’ll wake up around 2am for our trek up Adam’s Peak.
.
Accommodations: Guest House or Cottages
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Dickoya - Kithulgala: Summit Adam’s Peak & Mountain Biking
This morning we’ll be up around 2am to summit Adam’s Peak. It’s a one-
hour drive to the starting point, and we’ll enjoy a hearty meal before
starting the trek. This sacred mountain has been a pilgrim’s center
for over a thousand years. We’ll climb over 5000 steps to reach the
summit by 6:30am in time for a spectacular sunrise. The views on the
way down are magnificent. By mid-morning we’ll be back at our hotel
to relax, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and take a rest. In the afternoon
we’ll bike through the hill country and tea plantations, past
waterfalls. The trails are fantastic and the rural scenery is
humbling.
Accommodations: Guesthouse - Kithulgala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Kithulgala - White Water Rafting
We’ll have a casual start to the day with breakfast on the balcony
overlooking the river. Then we’ll cross the river from our hotel by
dug-out canoe and trek upstream to the raft put-in on the Kelaniya
Ganga. These trails rarely see any visitors other than locals heading
into town from their villages. After an introduction to rafting and
safety, we’ll test the gear and the waters before immediately taking
on the first whitewater rapid.
After lunch we’ll hike to mountain rock-pools for a playful splash in
a real tropical hideaway and have the chance to experience a little
canyoning as we slip and slide from rockpool to rockpool. Finally
we’ll finish at the doorstep of our lodge where we can swim and relax
after an exciting day on the river.
Accommodations: Guesthouse - Kithulgala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Departure
We leave first thing in the morning to return to Colombo International
Airport for our flight home.
Meal: Breakfast
4th-14th). Trek info is posted below. The group leader's trip expense
(expenses charged by the organizing company - ~$1,690 will be waived).
Please contact Phil, pgiam...@mba2011.hbs.edu, if you're
interested.
HBS Outdoor Club
Sri Lanka Multisport Adventure
OVERVIEW
Sri Lanka (whose former name is Serendib, the root of the word
“serendipity”) is a world unto itself, a stunning island of diversity
and variety, a place of serendipitous discoveries. As tourism
rebuilds in this exotic island nation, we are one of few international
tour operators to bring guests to Sri Lanka. We believe this is the
perfect place to learn to surf and improve on your mountain biking
skills while enjoying the beautiful sandy beaches, leafy tea estates
in the cool hill country, and warm, kind-hearted people. This trip is
designed as a low impact outdoor adventure experience with hotel or
guesthouse style accommodations throughout, and outdoor activities
suitable for all levels of experience. We’re proud to announce that
our Sri Lanka itinerary was selected by National Geographic Adventure
as a Top Trip of 2010.
Location: Sri Lanka
Duration: 11 days
Group Size: 20-30 students
Accommodations: All hotel, guesthouse, and lodge style accommodations
as indicated
Price per person: $1690
The operator reserves the right to add a surcharge in the event that
exchange rate fluctuations result in cost increases. Surcharge
applies for groups under 20 people.
Price Includes:
• All accommodations (double occupancy)
• All indicated activities, necessary gear and entrance fees
• All ground transportation including airport pick-up and drop off
• All guiding and coaching
• All meals except 2 lunches
Price does not include:
• Airfare to and from Sri Lanka
• Any meals not listed
• Travel insurance
• Single supplement
• Optional Activities
SRI LANKA ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Sri Lanka
The trip begins at the Colombo International Airport (Bandaranaike
Intl Airport) where we’ll pick you up and transfer to our guesthouse
in Hikkaduwa. Hikkaduwa is a relaxing and fun beach town and Sri
Lanka’s most popular surf and beach spot. But that doesn’t mean it
will be crowded! Our local guides will take us to the best “local”
spots where we can catch the best waves on the coolest beaches.
Accommodations: Beach Guesthouse - Hikkaduwa
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Hikkaduwa-Surfing
After breakfast we’ll head out to the beach for our first surf
lesson. If you are a novice or beginner we’ll start with the basics
and soon get you into the water. If you are an advanced beginner or
intermediate we’ll talk about your instruction goals and then head
straight to the waves. Our instructor to student ratio is 1:4. After
surfing, we’ll head inland for a river safari past rural islands thick
with mangroves. With abundant wildlife, ancient temples and a relaxed
way of life, this is an opportunity to see a different side of Sri
Lanka. In the late afternoon we’ll head back to the beach for a
sunset surf lesson.
Accommodations: Beach Guesthouse - Hikkaduwa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Hikkaduwa / Mirissa: Snorkeling & Sightseeing
Today we’ll pack our things and move south around the coastline to
Mirissa, one of the most idyllic and picture perfect palm-lined beach
coves on the Indian Ocean. Along the way we’ll enjoy a morning
snorkel exploration at some beautiful underwater spots. In the
afternoon, we’ll explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
built by the Dutch in the 17th century. This is a stunning labyrinth
of buildings, sights and culture that remain a thriving community, and
was the only coastal land group that avoided devastation by the 2005
tsunami.
Accommodations: Beach Hotel - Marissa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Mirissa / South Coast
This morning we’ll take advantage of our perfect beach location, just
a few meters stroll along the beach from our beachside residence. This
stunning beach with a rocky point break plus several sandbars offers
fabulous opportunities for more surf lessons or the chance to rip up
some nice waves peeling off the point. By now you will marvel at how
your surfing has improved! In between surf sessions we will relax on
the beautiful beach or wander around our small village getting a feel
for the Sri Lankan culture.
Accommodations: Beach Hotel - Mirissa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Drive to Bundarawella – Up Country Tea Region
Today we drive north, leaving the coastal region to head up-country to
the tea estates. This 6-7 hour drive is broken up with stops along the
way, however our main aim is to reach Bundarawella, our launching
point for tomorrow’s visit to one of the most amazing destinations on
the island, “World’s End”. En route we will have the opportunity to
visit a fully functioning tea factory that was part of Sir Thomas
Lipton’s original tea fields. Mr. Lipton was the man who brought tea
to Sri Lanka, and during his visits to his estate he would sit at his
hilltop spot (Lipton Seat), sip tea with silver service, and reflect
upon his work.
Accommodations: Hotel - Bundarawella
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya via World’s End
Today we’ll take a short bus ride (approximately 1.5 hours) to the
National Park and Peak Wilderness Area of Horton’s Plains. We’ll have
a choice of short and medium length treks through the park to visit
gorgeous waterfalls which drop to the tea estates down below. From
here we’ll get a fantastic view of the surrounding hills and the
mountain ranges wreathed in mists and clouds, and on clear days we can
see clear across to the Indian Ocean about 50 miles to the south.
After the last climb we will head to Nuwara Eliya, the famous British
Hill Station where the climate is much cooler, making it a favorite
destination for the British in its heyday.
Accommodations: Guest House - Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Hiking in Nuwara Eliya
In the morning we hit the trails to the northwest of Nuwara Eliya. A
short climb takes us up to Oliphant Estate high above the city. From
here it’s one big long downhill (with occasional intermittent climbs)
that plummets towards the main road. We’ll hike some excellent dirt
tea trails amidst the amazing tea country, taking in nearly every
aspect of day to day life in the estates. The trails vary in length
and walking duration so we can decide which region to tour once
arriving at Nuwara Eliya. Late afternoon we will enjoy a special High
Tea on the lawns of The Grand Hotel.
Accommodations: Guest House - Nuwara Eliya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Rest Day in Castlereagh
This is an ideal day to get on our bikes and take a largely downhill
run on route to the beautiful Bogowantallawa Valley and Dickoya. As
we descend hundreds of meters we’ll see the countryside first hand
with many opportunities to stop and enjoy a serendipitous moment. Our
roads will lead us to the pristine walking and biking trails that wrap
around lakes, waterfalls and amazing rock formations all within the
manicured tea gardens of hundreds of connecting estates. Today we’ll
explore a vast area and sip tea in view of two of the island’s
renowned waterfalls. Once we reach Dickoya, we’ll relax lakeside at
our hotel and take a refreshing swim. Tonight we’ll go to sleep early
as we’ll wake up around 2am for our trek up Adam’s Peak.
.
Accommodations: Guest House or Cottages
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Dickoya - Kithulgala: Summit Adam’s Peak & Mountain Biking
This morning we’ll be up around 2am to summit Adam’s Peak. It’s a one-
hour drive to the starting point, and we’ll enjoy a hearty meal before
starting the trek. This sacred mountain has been a pilgrim’s center
for over a thousand years. We’ll climb over 5000 steps to reach the
summit by 6:30am in time for a spectacular sunrise. The views on the
way down are magnificent. By mid-morning we’ll be back at our hotel
to relax, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and take a rest. In the afternoon
we’ll bike through the hill country and tea plantations, past
waterfalls. The trails are fantastic and the rural scenery is
humbling.
Accommodations: Guesthouse - Kithulgala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Kithulgala - White Water Rafting
We’ll have a casual start to the day with breakfast on the balcony
overlooking the river. Then we’ll cross the river from our hotel by
dug-out canoe and trek upstream to the raft put-in on the Kelaniya
Ganga. These trails rarely see any visitors other than locals heading
into town from their villages. After an introduction to rafting and
safety, we’ll test the gear and the waters before immediately taking
on the first whitewater rapid.
After lunch we’ll hike to mountain rock-pools for a playful splash in
a real tropical hideaway and have the chance to experience a little
canyoning as we slip and slide from rockpool to rockpool. Finally
we’ll finish at the doorstep of our lodge where we can swim and relax
after an exciting day on the river.
Accommodations: Guesthouse - Kithulgala
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Departure
We leave first thing in the morning to return to Colombo International
Airport for our flight home.
Meal: Breakfast
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