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Epworth Eastern Sri Lanka Cycle Challenge

trip highligh tsRaising money for Epworth Medical Foundation

Galles Dutch FortressDambulla Cave Temple

Climbing Sigiriya Rock FortressTime spent in the hill capital of Kandy

Viewing large herds of Elephants on a jeep Safari of Uda Walawe National Park

Fully supported cycle challengeExplore Colombo

Supporting Your CauseEpworth Medical FoundationEpworth Medical Foundation (EMF) opened in 1982 to raise much‑needed funds to ensure patients at Epworth Health Care receive the best possible care. Our work is vital, because Epworth is a charitable, not‑for‑profit hospital. We rely on your generosity to enable us to stay at the forefront of advancements in medical technology, for our patients. Epworth is a private, not‑for‑profit organisation. We receive very limited funding from government. Instead, we rely on funds raised by Epworth Medical Foundation to continue to provide our patients with the best possible facilities, equipment, surgical expertise and access to research.By taking part in the EMF Bike for Health, you will not only enjoy the adventure of a lifetime: you will also be helping to give vital support to hundreds of our patients.

1 – © 2017 World Expeditions Travel Group ‑ Scott Pinnegar 10/9/2017 1:59:36 PM

Trip Duration 11 days Trip Code: EC4Grade Introductory to ModerateSummary 11 day trip, 9 nights hotel

Your Huma ChallengeThank you for your interest in our Epworth Eastern Sri Lanka Cycle Challenge. Huma Charity Challenge is a division of the worldwide adventure travel company World Expeditions. When joining a Huma Charity Challenge you embark on a remarkable journey to discover your inner philanthropist as you raise money for a Charity that is important to you. At the same time you take on the challenge of fundraising and partake in an adventure to discover new worlds, new landscapes and new cultures ... perhaps you’ll even discover how far your personal boundaries stretch as you take on a physical challenge like a cycling, trekking or a mountaineering adventure. We are passionate about off‑the‑beaten track travel experiences as they provide travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. Our itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups. Our itineraries provide the very best travel experience, designed by people with vast local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible travel approach at the core.


Experience the wonders of this mystical country at handle bar level on a cycle challenge, whilst helping raise much needed funds for Epworth

Medical Foundation and thus ensuring that our wards remain equipped with cutting edge, world class medical equipment.

What Impact Will My Fundraising Have?Epworth Medical Foundation ‑ The difference you makeWhen you donate to the Foundation, your generosity is used to directly benefit our patients. For example, more than half of all medical equipment at Epworth HealthCare is funded by the Foundation, and 80 percent of our medical research.Charitable funds are used to support:*state‑of‑the‑art medical equipment that ensures our patients receive the very best*world‑class facilities that maximise patient outcomes, safety and comfort*groundbreaking medical research projects and trials, shared with our patients*staff education and training opportunities to pass best‑practice on to our patients*support programs to care for our patients’ emotional and financial needs

Your AdventureA land of misty highlands and tea plantations, dense jungles and national parks, Sri Lanka is ideally suited to cycle touring. We travel with a support vehicle and full crew as we explore what Marco Polo described as the finest Island of its size. From the palm fringed west coast, we cycle south along the coast to the fascinating town of Galle. We then head inland through a multitude of Buddhist and Hindu monuments and colonial heritage that characterizes the country’s rich cultural history. Our journey leads deep into the rain forest of central Sri Lanka where monks conduct prayers in harmony with the forest before continuing to the hill town of Kandy with its splendid botanical gardens and lush tea plantations. We continue to the rock fortress of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. This is a great cycle challenge to help raise monies for the Epworth Medical Foundation.

Fundraising OptionsThere are a number of ways you can approach your fundraising:1.Simply pay for it yourself, as you would any other holiday (although this will be a LOT more memorable than any other holiday!). If you do so, $2,500 of this cost will be tax deductible.2. Fundraise some or all of the amount. When you do so, any donations that others make towards your challenge will be tax deductible. If you’d like to fundraise for your trip but don’t know where to start, our professional fundraisers will provide you with the support and resources to make it easy and stress‑free.

Online Fundraising PortalWhen fundraising for the charity donation component of this challenge you must seek permission of your charity before beginning to fundraise in their name. The team at Epworth will be in touch with you upon registration to give you the details of the online fundraising page and permission to fundraise.The minimum fundraising target is $2,500 per person. You can do it!


Trip Dates

2019 28 Feb - 10 Mar

Countries Visited:Sri Lanka

Visas:Yes*

Vaccinations:Please consult a travel vaccination

specialist for up to date information

Group Size Min:

14

Group Size Max:

30

Singles:A single supplement is available for this trip*

Leader:Expert Local Leader & Escort

Responsible TravelThe environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence.

World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel

Industry’s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook.

Charity Challenge PaymentsJoining Melbourne Travel/Fundraising Cost Twin Share: $6990

Optional Single Supplement: $950

Non Refundable Registration Fee: $200

All prices are per person

Huma Challenge does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with

another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single

supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above.




Itinerary at a GlanceDAY 1 FLY AUSTRALIA TO COLOMBO, TRANSFER TO HOTELDAY 2 EXPLORE COLOMBO, TRANSFER TO WASKADUWADAY 3 CYCLE KALUTHARA TO BALAPITIYA, AFTERNOON BOAT RIDE ON RIVER MADUDAY 4 CYCLE HIKKADUWA TO AHANGAMADAY 5 CYCLE TO EMBILIPITYA, DRIVE TO UDAWALAWEDAY 6 VISIT ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME, CYCLE TO NUWARA ELIYADAY 7 CYCLE DOWNHILL TO GAMPOLA, DRIVE TO KANDYDAY 8 EXPLORE KANDY ON FOOT, CYCLE FROM KATUGASTOTA TO SPICE GARDEN, DRIVE

TO SIGIRIYADAY 9 CYCLE FROM MINNERIYA TO POLONNARUWA, VISIT HIRIWADUNA VILLAGEDAY 10 TRAVEL TO COLOMBO, VIA DAMBULLA CAVES, FLY TO MELBOURNEDAY 11 ARRIVE MELBOURNE

what’s included International airfares on Thai Airways International including fuel and tax

surcharges $2,500 fundraising amount, tax deductible Trip escorted by Epworth Medical representative Accommodation in good hotels All meals included Airport transfers All internal transport by air conditioned deluxe private vehicle English speaking local leader Game drives by private jeep with animal tracker All sightseeing and site entry fees as listed Support vehicle and crew on cycling days, plus bike

No local payments policy: Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices.

detailed itineraryDAY 1 Fly Australia to Colombo, transfer to hotelAfter all the planing and preparation the wait is finally over! Please make your way to Melbourne Airport for your flight to Colombo. Flight details will be sent once you register. We arrive into Colombo and will be met by our guide and transferred to our hotel.Overnight Colombo Fairview Hotel or similarmeals: NIL


This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all World

Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have

not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like

to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com

Adventure TravelBy its very nature adventure travel involves

an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect

standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and

itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that

you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you

are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak

with your consultant of travel agent.

Important NoteThese trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary,

and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not

limited to the itinerary and price.




DAY 2 Explore Colombo, transfer to WaskaduwaThis morning after a relaxed breakfast we will explore Colombo, a city of great history, architectural monuments and immense activity. We will then enjoy our first experience of Sri Lankan cuisine with a Tea infused Lunch at a Dilmah Tea Lounge. After lunch we head south towards Waskaduwa. On arrival we can relax at this coastal town before enjoying a full trip breifing and getting acquainted with our bikes. We can do any minor adjustments that need doing before enjoying dinner at our hotel. Overnight at 3star plus Coco Royal Beach Hotel Waskaduwameals: B,L,D

DAY 3 Cycle Kaluthara to Balapitiya, afternoon boat ride on River MaduThis morning we wake to a leisurely breakfast before we meet in the hotel foyer for our trip briefing. We will then inspect our bikes and have a cycle run through before commencing our cycle towards Balapitya. We travel south on coastal roads passing through coastal villages full of smiling friendly faces. On arrival in Balapitiya we will be served a traditional Sri Lankan fisherman’s lunch including fish curry, coconut sambal and special Sri Lankan wood fire baked bread. We then venture out by boat to explore the waters of the River Madu where we can see many species of birds, monkeys and monitor Lizards. We continue by vehicle to Hikkaduwa and check into our hotel for the night.Overnight Coral Sands Hotel Hikkaduwa or similarCycle distance approx 40kmmeals: B,L,D

DAY 4 Cycle Hikkaduwa to AhangamaToday we follow the National Cycle Trail along the scenic southern coastal belt. One of the many highlights is a visit to the 400 year old Dutch Fortress in Galle. The 16th century fortress is a World Heritage listed site. Along the coast we may be able to see the “stilt fisherman” of Habaraduwa. We continue our cycling along the southern coast to Ahangama. We check into our hotel before heading by vehicle back to Galle to explore this fascinating mix of Dutch, Portuguese and Sri Lanka architecture and heritage. Overnight Insight Hotel Ahangama or similarCycling distance approx 50kmmeals: B,L,D

DAY 5 Cycle to Embilipitya, drive to UdawalaweToday after we breakfast we drive to Hakkmana, an interior village in the South. Our bikes will be ready and waiting for us to commence our days cycling. Today we will be riding on a number of different conditions including some paved roads and smaller trails through jungle and paddy fields before reaching Embilipitiya. Before we reach the busy city we will join our vehicle and ride in the coach through the hectic roads to Udawalawe. We check into our hotel and freshen up before venturing out into the Udawalawe National Park. Upon arriving at the park we transfer to jeeps and enjoy a safari looking for large herds of wild elephant, crocodiles, birds, monkeys and much more. Tonight we head to a traditional village and enjoy a Sri Lankan dinner with the local community.Overnight Grand Udawalawe Hotel.Cycle distance approx 50kmmeals: B,L,D






DAY 6 Visit Elephant Transit Home, cycle to Nuwara EliyaWe enjoy a full breakfast before visiting the Elephant Transit Home. The transit home was established in 1995 by the Dept of wildlife and conservation. Its primary objective is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves for release back into the wild. Our ride is through the lush environments of Udawalawe National park, past sugar cane fields, rice fields and small villages. Once we reach Thanamalvill we board our vehicle for the drive to Nuwara Eliya via Buduruwagala Temple. We are greeted by stunning views and tea plantation terraced fields as we check into our hotel and explore the stunning surrounds.Overnight The Black Pool Hotel or similarCycle approx 40kmsmeals: B,L,D

DAY 7 Cycle downhill to Gampola, drive to KandyToday our cycling is all downhill! We ride through beautiful lush tea plantations, stopping to visit the Blue Field Tea Factory where we can taste the pure unblended famous Ceylon tea. We continue our cycle to Gampola where we hand in the bikes and drive the remaining distance to Kandy. This afternoon we explore this famous hill station visiting the Sacred Tooth Relic temple. Tonight is dinner with a twist as we take on the role of cooks and prepare a traditional feast. Overnight OZO Kandy or similarCycle approx 55kmmeals: B,L,D

DAY 8 Explore Kandy on foot, cycle from Katugastota to Spice garden, drive to SigiriyaThis Morning we continue our exploration of Kandy before embarking on a short drive to Katugastota, where our bikes will be waiting for us. Today our ride is a bit shorter than other days as we end the day with a 1200 step climb of the ancient rock fortress, Sigiriya. Our morning ride takes us approximately 35km through the Katugastota region before stopping at the Spice garden to educate ourselves about Sri Lankan spices. Here we enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan Lunch. We continue to Sigiriya, to explore and adventure one of the greatest landmarks in Sri Lanka. The fortress is contemporary with the paintings of Ajantha and Ellora Caves in India with highlights including the Frescoes, Mirror Wall and the Lion’s Paw, considered as the 8th Wonder of the modern world. This unique rock fortress or “castle in the sky” is a massive monolith of red stone that rises 600ft above ground, Here we have the opportunity to climb the 1200 steps to the top of Sigiriya. Over night at the Aliya Resort or similarCycling distance approx 35kmmeals: B,L,D

DAY 9 Cycle from Minneriya to Polonnaruwa, visit Hiriwaduna VillageThis Morning we commence our last cycling day early, before the heat of the day. We drive to Minneriya, where our bikes our ready and await us. It is a wonderful last day on the bikes as we head to Polonnaruwa, passing through the Minneriya National Park and rice fields. On arrival we can retrace the important history of Polonnaruwa and explore Sri Lanka’s second capitol. After high fives and congratulations for completing our journey we board our coach and drive to Hiriwaduna where the village Farmers will await our arrival with their hand Tractors and canoes to take us to the simple village shack within the Chena Cultivation, where their wives would have prepared one of the best Traditional Sri Lankan Lunches that one can ask for. Thereafter we proceed back to our hotel for a relaxed evening.Over night at the Aliya Resort or similarCycle approx 40kmmeals: B,L,D


DAY 10 Travel to Colombo, via Dambulla Caves, fly to MelbourneThis morning we depart the Habarana region early for our drive to Negambo. On route we visit the spectacular Rock Cave Temples of Dambulla. After exploring this world heritage site we enjoy a Sri Lankan Lunch at the Saruketha Village Restaurant, and continue to the regions of Negambo, where we will have day rooms waiting at our hotel so we can freshen up and enjoy a swim before a departure dinner and transfer to the airport for our flight to Melbourne.meals: B,L,D

DAY 11 Arrive MelbourneNILmeals: NIL

This itinerary is subject to change with any modifications in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.

Country InformationSri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, is an island republic in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of India. The island is separated from India by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. Lying between the two nations is a chain of small islands known as Adam’s Bridge. The greatest length from north to south is about 440 km (about 273 miles); the greatest width is about 220 km (about 137 miles). The total area is 65,610 square kilometres (25,332 sq miles). The administrative capital is Sri Jayawardenepura (Kotte); and Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city. Sri Lanka’s coast, particularly the west, south, and southeast, is palm‑fringed and indented by lagoons and inlets. The more rugged northeastern coast contains Trincomalee Harbor, considered one of the best natural harbours in the world. Around 74 percent of the population of Sri Lanka is of Sinhalese descent. The largest minority groups are the Sri Lankan Tamils and the Indian Tamils, which together account for about 18 percent of the population. The remaining population includes the descendants of Moors (Arabs), Burghers (Dutch), Malays, and Veddas.The population is 19.3 million, with the majority living in the countryside and only 23% residing in urban areas. Buddhism was first introduced into Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, and is the dominant religion in Sri Lanka (approx. 69 percent of the population).15 percent of the population is Hindu, 8 percent is Christian, and 8 percent is Muslim. Religion plays an important role in Sri Lanka; a revival of Buddhism was associated with the rise of Sinhalese nationalism. Most public holidays are based on religious festivals. The annual torchlight temple procession, or Perahara, in which ornamentally covered elephants and hundreds of dancers participate, draws thousands of devotees. Pilgrimages also play an important role here. The most important pilgrimage is to the top of Adams Peak. Muslims believe that Adam and Eve lived here after they left the Garden of Eden. Buddhists visit a rock on the peak that they believe contains one of Buddha’s footprints. Another important pilgrimage is to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, where it is believed that one of Buddha’s teeth is enshrined. The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala, or Sinhalese, and Tamil. Sinhala is spoken by 74 percent of the population. Tamil, a Dravidian language of southern India, is spoken by people living in the northern and eastern provinces. English, the official language of the country until 1957, is still widely used.

ClimateSri Lanka is very much a tropical country with distinct dry and wet seasons and a generally humid climate.However the seasons depend on your location on the island. Our trip operates in the South West where the dry season extends from December to March.Average temperature will be around 27 degrees Celsius in coastal flat areas, 20 degrees Celsius in Kandy and may fall to around 15‑17 degrees Celsius in the hills. You should be prepared for cool nights in the hills – as low as 10 degrees Celsius.




Dietary RequirementsProvided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.

Accommodation on the Trip

In Sri Lanka we stay at good comfortable 3 star well located Hotels. Most hotels on your trip have free WIFI, a pool and bar, gymnasium.

What You CarryIn your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip‑eze etc

Equipment RequiredThere is no specialist gear required for this journey (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‑departure information provided on booking).

Vehicles & SafetyDuring the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example. Whilst we do not include animal rides on most of our trips, there are occasions where it may be possible to undertake them optionally and to do so is at your own risk. Note that helmets and professional riding equipment are not available in all circumstances.

What’s Not Included Aerated & alcoholic drinks Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc. Travel insurance Visa





Info NightsWorld Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!

How To BookTo register on this Charity Challenge please complete the registration form and return to Huma Charity Challenge, Attention Scott PinnegarEmail: [email protected]: Huma Charity Challenge, Level 1 ‑ 393 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne Victoria 3000Otherwise you can make your booking online by using the REGISTER NOW button found at the bottom of the relevant Charity Challenge page on our website www.humacharitychallenge.com.au





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