Bentota Beach Extension Tour Itinerary

Bentota Beach Extension Tour Itinerary
REF: ASS3
VERSION: 14

Duration:	4 days - Bentota to Negombo
Countries Visited:	Sri Lanka
Age Guide:	18-65 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Vehicle
Accommodation:	Hotel (3 Nights)
What's Included:	Accommodation on Bed & Breakfast Basis - Transfer Negombo to Bentota (If adding to Cycle Sri Lanka) - Transfer to Negombo Airport
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Sri Lanka - Palm Fringed Beaches
Optional Highlights:	Sri Lanka - Water Sports - Kayaking - Diving
Meeting Point:	For those adding the Bentota Beach Extension to the Action Sri Lanka Tour or Sri Lanka Uncovered Tour, you will be joining the Beach Extension from the tour on its final day (Day 9 or Day 12 respectively). For those adding the Bentota Beach Extension to the Cycle Sri Lanka Tour, you will be joining the Beach Extension from Negombo when the Cycle Sri Lanka tour ends after breakfast on its final day (Day 12). You will be picked up from the hotel in Negombo and transferred to Bentota.
Introduction:	The palm fringed beaches that adorn over 1000 miles of the unpolluted coast line of Sri Lanka, are a haven for sunworshippers. Bentota is a paradise of unlimited sun, sea and sand. Nestled in peaceful surroundings with lush tropical foliage bordering the coast, Bentota has become an area not only for a relaxed holiday, but for many activities such as windsurfing, water skiing and diving to explore the treasures of the underwater sea world.
Day 1:	Bentota. The day is free at leisure to enjoy the coast and beaches, or the many watersports available.
Day 2:	Bentota. Free time to spend on Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline at Bentota, where there are fine beaches and many things to do. You can relax on the beach or try out some of the many water sports available here, or, if you fancy, go for a walk to some of the local fishing villages.
Day 3:	Bentota. Free at leisure.
Day 4:	To Colombo / Negombo. Today we transfer you to the International Airport just outside Colombo, the commercial Capital of Sri Lanka. If you are extending your stay in Negombo or Colombo at the end of the tour, you will be dropped at your hotel instead.
Bentota Hotel:	Marina Bentota or similar Marina Bentota 21 Paradise Island Bentota, Sri Lanka. Tel: +94 3(1) 824500
What's Included:	Includes 3 nights accommodation at the Marina Bentota (or similar) on bed and breakfast basis, transfer from Negombo to Bentota for those joining from the Cycle Sri Lanka tour, and transfer from Bentota to Negombo Airport. The Marina Bentota is sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and the lagoon of the Bentota River just before it enters the sea. It is considered to be one of the most idyllic spots in the area. The small luxurious hotel has large spacious rooms and a perfect view of the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean. Located on Paradise island, the Marina Bentota is the newest property on the beach. Spectacular sunsets are guaranteed on most days except during monsoon weather. The restaurant has views across the flowing river and the Indian Ocean, The water sports centre offers jet scooters, water skiing, wind surfing, kayaking, fishing and diving. Please note that water sports are seasonal and not available in monsoon weather.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, drinks, visas, tipping, pre-tour and post-tour accommodation.
Post Tour Accommodation Option in Negombo:	Catamaran Beach Hotel 209, Lewis Place Negombo Sri Lanka Tel: 031 222 8801

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre-Departure Meeting:	There is no pre-departure meeting for the Beach Extension.
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Asia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides up-to-date visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Certain visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Sri Lanka: As of 01 Jan 2012 most foreign Nationals are required to obtain an online Tourist visa before entering Sri Lanka. This can be done online at http://www.eta.gov.lk before arrival or upon arrival at the airport (extra US$5 charge for visas obtained upon arrival). It is recommended that you apply for you tourist visa online in order to avoid the queues.
Departure Taxes:	Exit Tax from Sri Lanka International Airport if not included in airline ticket - US$15 (1500 LKR) Please note that these taxes have currently been suspended since October 2003, but this may be subject to change.
Medical Information and Vaccination:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. NB A Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. Please consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Asia. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Climate Information:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything! Despite its relatively small size Sri Lanka enjoys a hugely varied climate. It always seems to be raining somewhere and sunny somewhere else. In theory there are two monsoons and it rains more in the south and west from May to August and in the northeast from October to January. Highest temperatures are usually from March until June, lowest from November to January. But in fact there are no real seasons to avoid in Sri Lanka, it always seems hot and humid in the coastal regions and cool in the hills. Nights can be surprisingly cold in the hills because of the altitude.
Security:	Do not take unnecessary valuables with you. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Asia, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$20-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. US dollars cash is more widely accepted than pounds sterling. US dollars cash are needed to pay for visas on borders. Carry most of your money in Traveller’s cheques - small denominations are preferable. It is often a good idea to have a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport. You can change money at the Banking Area of the Arrivals Lounge at the Airport as you come out from Customs upon arrival in Colombo. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open on Saturday morning. In the main cities travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and some exchange bureaux, but this can be very difficult in small towns. Most Hotels will also change money however rates will vary. Most international Credit Cards are accepted for payments at most places in Sri Lanka.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. Dress discretely, especially if you are visiting religious sites. For women this means skirts or long pants with T-shirt. For men, this means long shorts or trousers with a T-shirt. Always take your shoes off when entering temples or any religious site. Care should be taken to respect the conventions of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. Pack essentially for hot conditions: days are hot and humid. Lightweight rain gear is essential at all times. Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Language:	English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Photography:	Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installation
Food:	Sri Lanka is common with most Asian countries the opportunity to sample the local cuisine will be one of the highlights of your visit. Sri Lankan food is often described as simply ‘Rice and Curry’, even by Sri Lankans, but reality this description hides a huge variety of delicious dishes. Around a huge plate of freshly cooked rice you will given a variety of different dishes, some meat or fish but most vegetarian, some spicy but many mild. Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different areas. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a high standard. If you would like to book accommodation in Negombo at the end of the Beach Extension, or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you. In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it before when you check out of the hotel.
Tipping and Bargaining:	In this area tipping is a recognised part of life. Some local Staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly you should allow US$35 for tipping. Your tour leader will account for any organised tipping. Bargaining is the rule in markets, when hiring vehicles and taking a room.
Optional Activities:	Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party. Below is a list of optional excursions available at your expense on your Asia tour. Please note that these are intended as a guide only and prices and availability cannot be guaranteed. Your tour leader will be able to organise any optional excursions on your behalf. The list below is by no means comprehensive. There will be many other optional activities available. All activities are undertaken at passenger’s own risk. All costs are in US$ OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Approx. prices - Jet Scooter US$ 23.00 per Session (15 minutes) - Jet Ski US$ 20.00 per Session (15 minutes) - Banana Boat Ride US$ 7.00 per Session (1 round) - Tube Ride US$ 7.00 per Session (1 round) - Knee Board Ride US$ 7.00 per Session (1 round) - Body Board US$ 7.00 per Session (1 hour) - Water-ski US$ 9.00 per Session - Windsurf US$ 7.00 per Session (1 hour) - Sailing US$ 13.00 per Session (1 hour) - Speed Boat Trip US$ 26.00 per Session (15 minutes) - Deep Sea Fishing-Half Day US$ 235.00
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Travel Money:	Kumuka Travel Money The easiest way to buy currency and travellers cheques, without having to leave home. Easy to arrange either online or over the phone Great value - no commission, only a straightforward £5 fee Fast delivery direct to your home - next day if you order before 2pm Mon to Fri Choose from over 60 currencies or American Express Travellers Cheques www.kumuka.com/TravelMoney.aspx (UK customers only)
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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