Phil Dudman is a horticulturist, designer, writer and broadcaster. His recent book, ‘Down-to-Earth Garden Design’ characterizes Phil’s approach to gardening; easy, straight-forward, and never complicated. Phil is a seasoned traveller too, having travelled extensively across Australia, Europe and Asia in search of great sites, great food, great people and of course great gardens. Following short stints in architecture and business and a few years fronting a Sydney rock ‘n’ roll band, he finally succumbed to his true horticultural calling in his late 20’s. In the past 30 years, Phil has contributed to many of Australia’s leading gardening magazines, written three books for ABC Books and worked as a TV presenter on channel nine’s Garden Gurus. He is also the host of ABC Radio’s Good Gardening program. Phil is looking forward to meeting you.
About a third of people on the tour travel alone. We will match people in twin-share rooms when available, saving you the single supplement. There will be group activities every day. The tour is fully escorted and will be a great fun holiday. Each evening you will dine with the group at different restaurants. You will meet a fun group of people and have a fabulous time.
Phil Dudman made the bus trips so much fun with his quizzes and question time he was excellent...
Phil Dudman, fantastic. Loved the interaction with other tour members...
VIEW ITINERARY Day 1 - Tuesday 3 March 2026 Colombo
We depart Australia and travel to Colombo, where we arrive late in the evening.
We will be transferred to our hotel.
Day 2 - Wednesday 4 March 2026 Colombo
We will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Colombo this morning. We will explore the
Fort district, the historic centre of the city, visit the Dutch Church of Wolvendaal
and have time to explore Pettah Market. We will visit Geoffrey Bawa’s, who
was an influential Sri Lankan architect and garden designer, house where he
lived from 1960 to 1970. This visit will demonstrate his love for traditional form
in the house. We will stop at the Parliament Building designed by Geoffrey
Bawa. This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 3 - Thursday 5 March 2026 Dumbulla
Today we travel by coach to visit the rock caves at Dambulla, dating to the 1st
century AD. Called the Golden Temple of Dambulla, it is a world heritage site.
There are over 80 caves which contain amazing statues and paintings related to
Gautama Buddha and his life. We continue to Dumbulla for our three night stay.
Day 4 - Friday 6 March 2026 Dambulla
This morning we travel to Sigiriya, home to the 5th century UNESCO World
Heritage listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Lion Rock or as it is sometimes called
“Fortress in the Sky”. We will walk through the colossal lions paws as we climb
to the top of the fortress for a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside.
We will explore the vast water gardens, surrounding the fortress, which are
among the oldest in the world. They have a complex hydraulic system to keep
water flowing through the magnificent ponds, canals and fountains. We will
visit the Pavilion Gardens, Fountain Gardens, Moated Palace Gardens and the
Octagon Pond Gardens. This afternoon we will visit Popham’s Arboretum,
which once was a tea plantation. It was planted by a retired British Naval
Officer to conserve the unique biodiversity of this area. He gifted it to the
Institute of Fundamental Studies to be used for conservation and research.
Day 5 - Saturday 7 March 2026 Dumbulla
Today we travel to the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO
World Heritage site. This was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 12th
century. We will see the ruins of an amazing garden city created by
Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. The ruins give us an idea of how the city
looked during its heyday with tombs, interesting stupas, frescoes and statues.
Late afternoon we will travel to Minneriya National Park, where we will see
wild elephants, and have the chance to see some of the 160 species of birds
and 78 species of butterflies.
Day 6 - Sunday 8 March 2026 Kandy
Today we will travel to Kandy. On the journey, we will visit the interesting
National Spice Gardens at Matale. This is a research centre where Sri Lankan
spices are trialled and the developed. Kandy is set on a plateau surrounded
by beautiful mountains, home to tea plantations and a bio-diverse rainforest.
At its centre is the scenic Bogambara Lake. The remainder of the day is free
for individual exploration in Kandy.
Day 7 - Monday 9 March 2026 Kandy
This morning we will visit Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, originally
developed as a Royal pleasure garden under the ruling kings from 1371. The
origins of the present Botanic Garden date to 1843 when plants were brought
from Kew Gardens, Slave Island and Colombo to establish it. Famous for its
collection of endemic, indigenous and exotic plants it grows up to 4000
species. Phil will lead us around the garden, so that we get the most out of our
visit. In the afternoon we visit the wonderful Royal Complex, the last capital of
the Sinhala kings. We will visit the Temple around the lake and we will also see
the Kings Palace, the Queens Palace, Audience Hall, Boathouse and Royal
Summer House.
Day 8 - Tuesday 10 March 2026 Nuwara Eliya
Today is a highlight of our trip. We travel on the train for a spectacular scenic
journey from Peradeniya to Nuwara Eliya. One hour out of Kandy the
landscape changes from grass covered plains to spectacular steep hills
covered with tea bushes. Nuwara Eliya is the center of the tea industry in Sri
Lanka, with some of the best tea in the world and is one of the world’s largest
tea exporters. We will visit a tea plantation to learn more about this important
industry and to enjoy a tea tasting.
Day 9 - Wednesday 11 March 2026 Nuwara Eliya
Late morning we visit Victoria Park a garden filled with hundreds of varieties
of flowers of many different varieties, which flourish in this gorgeous climate.
In the afternoon we visit the beautiful temperate hill-country Hakgala
Botanical Garden. We will see stunning lotus and water lilies, a rose garden, a
fernery, an orchid house and an arboretum. We continue to the Grand Hotel
for an enjoyable high tea. This huge mock Tudor hotel, which oozes colonial
style was built for Sir Edward Barnes, the fifth Governor of Ceylon. It is
surrounded by gorgeous gardens.
Day 10 - Thursday 12 March 2026 Koggala
This morning we travel by coach to Galle, located on the southwestern coast
of Sri Lanka, it is a charming city known for its blend of colonial history and
stunning coastal scenery. On arrival, we visit Galle Dutch Fortress. The
fortress was built first by the Portuguese, and then modified by the Dutch
during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it looks new
and polished with reconstruction work done by the Archaeological
Department of Sri Lanka. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner for our
last night in Sri Lanka.
Day 11 - Friday 13 March 2026 Departure
We travel to Bentota to visit Lunuganga, the beautiful garden designed by
Geoffery Bawa. Spread over 15 acres, this iconic estate sits at the banks of the
Dedduwa Lake in Bentota. The enchanting retreat and fascinating gardens of
Lunuganga was often considered a beautifully crafted experimental ground
for Geoffrey Bawa, whose extraordinary work can be seen amidst the many
architectural charms across the estate. Every turn and bend in Lunuganga is
an interesting experience - with so many exotic plants, trees and views to take
in. We travel on to Colombo airport for our flight to Australia.
Day 12 – Saturday 14 March 2026 Arrival in Australia
We arrive in Australia and travel arrangements finish.
| TWIN FARE PER PERSON | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|
| $6,095 | $7,196 |
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this tour without the need of assistance from others.
Deposit and Payments:
A deposit of $700 per passenger should be sent with a
completed Travelrite International booking form. Final payments are due to be paid to
Travelrite International 60 days prior to the commencement of the tour. A 1.5%
administration fee will be added to payments by credit cards.
Cancellation Charges:
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 60 days | Loss of deposit |
| 60 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non-appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements which do not allow for any refunds in
respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other services not utilised after the tour
has commenced.
Travel Documents:
All passengers will require a valid passport. Australian passport
holders will require an ETA for Sri Lanka. If not an Australian passport holder, please
check with Travelrite International for visa requirements.
Travel Insurance:
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended to cover tour
members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the cruise and for
cancellation fees which could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage:
Passengers qualify for a 20kg free baggage allowance on flights to join or
return from the cruise. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the cruise.
Minimum Tour Numbers:
The tour arrangements have been made on the basis of a
minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required
number of passengers have confirmed their booking 60 days from the date of departure,
Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies
paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ATAS No. A10538) is the tour
organiser. You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you
acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making
contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and
other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or
make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for
your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate,
transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for
any reason. You appoint Travelrite your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay
Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in
this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect
of the risk that any such good or service may become required. Further, no responsibilities
are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes,
machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other
causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense,
omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners’
risk throughout the tour. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour arrangement and/or
make such changes to the tour arrangements as may be found desirable or necessary for
the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. The passage
contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract
between the transportation companies or firms and the purchasers of these tours. The
contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria and any
legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
How to Book:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a
deposit of $700 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is
a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout
Australia for over 38 years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years.
It is a member of ATAS (No. A10538) and has a fully credited IATA office at
Balwyn. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and
all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel
Industry Association -ATIA.
“The whole tour was wonderful and the group was a good mix of personality. The gardens visited were interesting and varied.”
“Very enjoyable. Good mix of people in the group.”
