Introduction

The inspiration for the name ‘indus’ came from the fascinating Indus Valley civilisation that grew and flourished 5000 years ago along the banks of the revered River Indus. A complex and sophisticated society, it was the yardstick for future generations – indeed its mark is still reflected in modern civilisations. Here in Sri Lanka its force was felt by the constant wave of travellers from Northern India, who came, not only to trade for spices and gems, but also to settle, bringing with them a legacy of that once magnificent empire.

INDIVIDUAL AND TAILOR - MADE TOURS

We have a comprehensive choice of tours in the brochure: each has been thoroughly tried, tested and designed to give the Traveller the maximum enjoyment.They reflect the land of Serendipity – never knowing what might lie around the corner. Some involve long car journeys. Some, more leisurely with time to relax and soak up the local atmosphere. However, our tours are a guideline for you to use – mix and match itineraries - or we would be delighted to include any specialist interest you might have - add a round of golf here or a cookery lesson there……. Please contact us with your ideas and we can work together on a tailor-made holiday to fulfil your dreams.

ESCORTED GROUP TOURS

From time to time, we organise group tours to Sri Lanka. For those who prefer to travel with like-minded companions, or perhaps for the first time visitor, we offer a selection of escorted tours led by local professional Tour Leaders. If you have a group already, we can offer excellent rates for all aspects of your journey. Escorted tours available are featured in the price insert.

SPECIALIST TOURS

indus has an extensive portfolio of Specialist Tours - including painting, geology, Ayurvedic treatment, Battlefield and Remembrance tours, golf, cricket, culinary, gardening, aromatherapy and scuba diving.We can organise cricket or golf competitions with local clubs. Please don’t hesitate to ask for details or inquire if we can arrange your particular interest.

STAFF & TRAVEL INFORMATION

Our Product Development team travels regularly to Sri Lanka to keep up-to-date with all the latest events: constantly monitoring all excursions, hotels and travel arrangements. indus has a policy of continuous staff training, and has been recognised by the Business Link and Learning & Skills Council. In 1998, indus, won the Investor in People Award. If you would like an in-depth discussion with a member of the team about your holiday please don’t hesitate to call us.

HOTELS & MEALS

We use a variety of hotels for our tours; many providing the finest in service, comfort and cuisine. Others are traditional ‘Colonial’ hotels offering individual character and time-honoured hospitality - these charming properties offer a slower pace – a more relaxed style of hotel. Where appropriate we use Rest Houses - these are simple and plain reflecting the local atmosphere. Meals are as stated in the price insert. Most hotels offer a varied cuisine: a combination of local dishes and international food. Please note the main railway line runs close to some west coast beach resorts.

INTERNATIONAL & INTERNAL TRAVEL

Our preferred carrier is Sri Lankan Airlines. For clients wishing to leave from a regional airport we offer competitive internal UK connecting flights to Heathrow, and can arrange hotel accommodation and car parking facilities. For all our tours in Sri Lanka we use dedicated private chauffeured cars with English-speaking driver guide. Mini coaches are used for larger parties, again, with own English-speaking driver guide.

UPGRADES

Please ask for our excellent discounted rates for Club and First Class travel.

GUIDES

Where applicable on all our tours we use English-speaking driver guides, all knowledgeable in their subjects and full of enthusiasm for their country.

EXTENSIONS

For most of our holidays we can add on extensions including:
·Beach and/or Backwater breaks to Kerala, India

Two Centre Holidays

·Sri Lanka and Northern India
·Sri Lanka and Kuala Lumpur
·Sri Lanka and Singapore
·Sri Lanka and Dubai
·Sri Lanka and The Maldives

Three centre holidays

·Sri Lanka, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

If the extension or hotel of your choice is not mentioned just call and we can arrange it for you.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Visas

British passport holders do not need a visa for Sri Lanka. A valid passport is required for entry to Sri Lanka. However, if combining a tour with India, an Indian visa is equired. A visa form is available on our web site- www.industours.co.uk. indus can undertake to arrange your visa for a small fee. Alternatively, visas should be obtained from the appropriate Embassy or High Commission in your country of residence. Please allow plenty of time for the application by post as during peak periods they can take 6-8 weeks. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documents to travel.

Health & insurance

We suggest that all clients talk to their Doctor about the various inoculations and travel precautions to be taken, including DVT and Malaria. Medical care is excellent in Colombo. It is essential that you take out an adequate travel insurance policy to cover emergencies.We can provide a reliable policy for you - just ask for details.

Security

INDUS TOURS AND TRAVEL Ltd is a fully bonded holiday company, registered with the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL No 4586.This means that once you have booked with us, you can rest assured that any monies paid are secured.We are members of ABTA. Our membership number is W5240.

Travel Advice and Destination Information

We are certified strategic partners of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office ‘knowbeforeyou go’ policy , which guarantees our commitment to ensuring that our clients are fully informed of all relevant governmental travel advice, safety measures and precautions. For the latest up-to-date destination information, please visit www.foc.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.

DATA PROTECTION
In order to ensure booking and travel arrangements run smoothly in accordance with your requirements, we need to use the information you provide and pass this on to our ground-handling agents.
We must pass the information on to relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements such at airlines, hotels, transport companies etc. The information may also be provided to public authorities such as customs/immigration if required by them, or as required by law.
This information may include your name, address, age and any special needs/disabilities/dietary requirements etc.
Once your information is passed on to the relevant supplier (of your travel arrangements), the use of the information will be subject to their own data protection policy.
You should be aware that as your holiday is outside the European Economic Area, controls on data protection in your destination might not be as strong as the legal requirements in this country.
Where you provide us with sensitive information such as details of any disabilities or dietary/religious requirements, in making this booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements. If we cannot pass this information on to these persons, it may not be possible to provide your booking.
We will not pass any information you provide onto any person not responsible for part of your travel arrangements.