AMAZING SRI LANKA
Arrival: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo | Langauge: English, Spanish, German, Italian, French |
Highlights
- Visit to Negombo fish market
- Buddhist shrines and monasteries in Anuradhapura
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park
- Enjoy bullock cart ride and experience Village life in Hiriwadunn
- Visit ancient city of Polonnaruwa
- Dambulla Cave Templ
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Cultural show in Kandy
- Peradeniya Botanical Garden in Kandy
- Train ride to Nanu Oya from Kandy
- Visit Hakgala botanical gardens in Nuwara Eliya
- Visit little Adams peak, Rawana waterfall and nine arch bridges in Ella
- Jeep safari in Yala National Park
- Enjoy leisure time on the beach in Induruwa
- Colombo city tour as per the program
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive at Colombo - Negombo
Arrive in Colombo. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and drive to Negombo.
On arrival in Colombo, drive to the Negombo.
Negombo – Negombo is a charismatic fishing town north of Colombo. The Sinhalese refer to Negombo as Meegamuwa “The village of honey” (or bees) due to story about a swarm of bees that had settled in a boat pulled ashore here. However, it was not honey or bees that made this town know but cinnamon. Discovered by the Moors (a term first used during the Portuguese period to refer to Muslims) who settled on the west coast cinnamon trade. Due to its significant Catholic population, Negombo is dominated by shrines and picturesque churches. Apart from this, Negombo offers some better beached on the west coast of Sri Lanka, coral reefs and a 50 years old shipwreck (Kudapaduwa) that serves as an artificial reef for many varieties of fish.
On arrival in Negombo, transfer to hotel.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Negombo - Anuradhapura
You have the option of visiting Negombo fish market early morning.
Return to the hotel and enjoy the breakfast.
After breakfast drive to Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura- It was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Sri Lanka. It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological interest could be visited.This is the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. The city’s greatest treasures are its dagabas constructed of small sun-dried bricks and hemispherical in shape. The most notable of these dagabas are the Ruvanveli which dates back to the 2nd Century BC and is 300ft in diameter, the Jetawanarama is 370ft and the Thuparama which enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha.
On arrival in Anuradhapura, transfer to hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure in the hotel
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Anuradhapura - Habarana
After the breakfast enjoy Anuradhapura city tour
The Sacred Bo Tree (Sri maha bodhi)- The city’s most renowned relic is the sacred Bo-Tree which is said to have grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. It was planted 2250 years ago and is the oldest historic tree in the world. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) was brought as a sapling of the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained to enlightenment and it is over 2,200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. At Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C), the 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C) is the most famous of all the Dagobas. It originally depicted the perfect 'bubble shape" that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce.
Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa (Tisa tank). There are four carvings of special interest in this Vihara. They are the Isurumuniya Lovers, Elephant Pond and The Royal Family. The temple was built by King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC to 267 BC) who ruled in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura. Mihintale is a mountain peak and it is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Today it is popularly known as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. After sightseeing drive to Habarana.
Habarana – Also known as 8th wonder of the world, Habarana, the stupendous 5th century A.D. rock-fortress citadel of a fugitive king, where history merges with melodrama. The Royal Pleasure Gardens are considered to be one of the earliest extended landscaped gardens in Asia. It is evident that these gardens have been geometrically planned and the ancient hydraulic system which supplied water to the fountains in the garden was discovered recently and restored by local engineers. The fountains are now functioning as smoothly as they did 1500 years ago. A gallery of frescoes of shapely be-jewelled maidens still glows with vibrant colour and the water. It is believed these paintings depict the "apsaras" or goddess and some say it represents the lightning and clouds.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Habarana - Sigirya - Minneriya - Habarana
After breakfast, enjoy visit of Sigiriya Rock Fortress- Habarana is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka close to Dambulla. It is a fortress complex of a ruined palace and one of the World Heritage sites declared by UNESCO. Undoubtedly the most treasured historical monument in Sri Lanka and probably the most visited tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, The most looked forward feature of the fortress is the frescoes. Another fascinating detail is its mirror wall. Every step from the entrance to the top is a marvel on its own, and the interesting surroundings make the tedious climb to the top easy.
Later, drive to Minneriya National Park for evening Safari by Jeep - Minneriya Park is a national park in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population. Sri Lankan Leopard and Sloth bear which are rare and endangered species also inhabit this area. The park was declared as a wild life sanctuary in order to protect the watershed of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is historically important for the country as it was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD.
After the Safari, drive back to Habarana.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Habarana - Hiriwadunna - Polonnaruwa - Habarana
After breakfast, proceed to Hiriwadunna village to have Sri Lankan village experience. Take a ride in a bullock cart swaying from side to side on an unpaved trail, enjoy a nature walk through a scrub jungle, wade through a local stream with low hanging branches, cross a lake in an ‘oruwa', the traditional mode of over water transport, spend time with a farmer harvesting crops under his guidance and taste authentic village cuisine prepared by the farmer's family with freshly picked produce and local herbs cooked in clay pots over an open heart fueled by firewood.
Visitors to Habarana are afforded the opportunity of experiencing Sri Lanka's dry zone and village life in the region through a trek to the Hiriwadunna hamlet that showcases the ecological setting of the area and provides a snapshot of village life as it unfolds. An excellent way to catch bits of village life as the inhabitants go about their daily chores, it also throws light on traditional methods of farming and life in a farming community such as the tree house where the farmer spends his nights to protect his crops from elephants and other nocturnal marauders.
You will enjoy a Sri Lankan village lunch at the venue.
Thereafter, proceed to Polonnaruwa and visit Polonnaruwa ancient city.
Visit ancient city of Polonnaruwa, with its immense Buddha’s statues carved from the rock. This ancient city is a delight to wander through. Although not as important historically as Anuradhapura, the remains are better preserved and there are some truly awe-inspiring monuments to be seen. Some of the most impressive are the massive carvings of Buddha which are hewn out of bare rock. It is not difficult here to take a step back in time and imagine life as it must have been here almost a thousand years ago. The city itself was established when the Sinhalese moved their capital from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa in the early 12th century. Later in that century, the city experienced its heyday under the ruling of Parakramabahu. He went on a building spree, constructing the huge lake and the many large buildings and parks that we visit.
After the visit, drive back to Habarana.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Habarana - Dambulla - Kandy
After breakfast, visit Dambulla Cave Temple - Dambulla is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. The popular cave temple complex in Dambulla dated to the 2nd century BC is declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. There are over 80 caves in Dambulla, some of which are used for meditation by monks. The Famous Rock temple has five separate caves containing 153 magnificent Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan monarchs and 4 Hindu deities. The Iron wood Forest (Namal Uyana) the ancient garden with a wide variety of plants built in the 10th century and Rose Quarts Mountain range which is 500 million years old cannot be missed while in Dambulla.
Continue drive to Kandy.
Kandy – Sri Lanka's picturesque highland capital, last stronghold of Sri Lankan kings against European conquest from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It is the sanctuary of traditional culture, and the island's most visited tourist resort. Their diverse charms offer a feast of memorable sight-scenery and exciting experiences. Kandy is set amidst tea and spice gardens, mountains, lake and a river, 490 metres above sea level. Road and rail access from Colombo through the Kadugannawa and Balane passes is picturesque, dramatic and befitting a medieval mountain stronghold.
On arrival in Kandy, transfer to the hotel.
Later you enjoy visit of Kandy as below:
Temple of the tooth - Ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession. Visitors can see these Dance & Music at the daily Cultural Performances held at several places in the city.
Enjoy a Cultural Show in the evening - Visitors can see these Dance & Music at the daily Cultural Performances held at several places in the city.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 - Kandy - Nanu Oya (Train) - Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, leave your hotel and head to the railway station to catch your train to Nanu Oya.
This will be a journey that will rattle you straight into the heart of the tea country where pure Ceylon Tea is being processed. Enjoy your surroundings as your train will journey through dense vegetation, narrow tunnels while cutting through mountains hissing its way to a picture-perfect serenity among the lush green mountains. Get off the train with a bag full of memories and head to your next stop.
You will be picked up from Nanu Oya station and then transfer to Nuwara Eliya city.
Nuwara Eliya - Nuwara Eliya is known as, “Little England” of Sri Lanka. Is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.
On arrival in Nuwara Eliya, transfer to hotel.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 - Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, proceed to Hakgala botanical gardens.
The beautiful Hakgala botanical garden, the second largest garden in Sri Lanka and home to over 10,000 species of flora is situated along the Nuwara Eliya- Badulla main road. The garden has a cool climate as it is situated 5400 feet above sea level. The best time to visit the garden is in spring when the garden is blooming with flowers. Hakgala botanical garden is especially famous for the beautiful species of orchids and roses. Hakgala gardens provide the perfect climate for temperate zone plants. There are conifers and cedars from Australia, Bermuda and Japan and cypresses from the Himalayas, China, Mexico and California.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 - Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Katargama (Yala)
After breakfast, proceed to Ella to visit Little Adams peak, Rawana water fall and nine arch bridges. The beautiful hill country village surrounded by mountains, tea plantations and greenery everywhere you go. Ella is the best place to relax and wind down and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The Ella Gap offers a stunning view and on a clear night you can see the subtle glow of the Great Basses light house in the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The Ravana Ella Falls is another spectacular sight in Ella, the perfect place for a quick dip in the cool waters.
It will be priceless if you could visit the place in the morning when the clouds roll in. Further places like Little Adams Peak deliberates ‘How far Sri Lanka is worth and rich with beautiful natural destinations of Sri Lankan tourism’. It will feel like a neck exercise for the visitors as you have to rotate your body to seek the views outstanding for 360 degrees.
LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK - “Punchi Sri Pada” is another name for this peak. It is 1141 m in height. Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries.
RAWANA WATERFALL - This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an arece flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically. The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary is located 6 km (3.7 mi) away from the local railway station at Ella.
Thereafter, continue the journey towards Yala.
On arrival in Yala, transfer to the hotel.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 - Katargama (Yala) - Induruwa (near Bentota)
Early in the morning proceed to Yala National Park with packed breakfasts to experience the Wildlife in Sri Lanka.
Yala National park, which is the largest in Sri Lanka and home to all the big mammals found in the country. Elephant, leopard, sloth bear, spotted deer (chital), wild boar and sambar deer all inhabit the park, although as in all wildlife experiences, the sightings of some species depend on a degree of good fortune. Apart from the lager species, small mammals such as black-naped hare, grey mongoose, ruddy mongoose, striped-necked mongoose, grey Langur and porcupine are also common. The park is also famous for its abundant bird life, with over 140 species having been recorded so far within its boundaries. These birds include changeable hawk-eagle, crested serpent eagle, Malabar pied hornbill, jungle fowl, painted stork, white ibis and black-necked stork - all commonly seen.
Thereafter, continue the journey towards Bentota.
On arrival in Induruwa, transfer to the hotel.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 - Induruwa
After breakfast, day is at leisure on the beach. (Without transport and guide services)
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 - Induruwa
After breakfast, day is at leisure on the beach. (Without transport and guide services)
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 - Induruwa - Colombo
After breakfast, day is at leisure on the beach. (Without transport and guide services)
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 - Colombo
After breakfast, proceed to Colombo.
Colombo, Sri Lanka‘s bustling commercial hub, is located on the country’s west coast and with a population of between 800,000 and one million (estimates vary) is by far the country’s biggest city, as well as the most developed. Its natural harbour at the mouth of the Kelani River was a magnet for successive traders and conquerors – initially the Arab merchants, then Portuguese, Dutch and British imperialists.
The city is a jarring mix of old and new, with a central cluster of high-rise office blocks and hotels overshadowing red-tiled colonial-era buildings and sprawling street markets which overflow with high-piled fruit and vegetables, colorful silks and cottons, and deliciously fragrant spices. On its crowded streets stand places of worship, symbolic of Sri Lanka‘s multiethnic heritage: graceful Buddhist viharas (temples), for instance, stand close to extravagant temples encrusted with Hindu statuary, along with Muslim mosques with minarets scattered along Colombo’s streets. Its population is swollen by some 400,000 plus commuting workers during the day and is virtually empty after nightfall. There is a lively nightlife at a number of International standard hotels, clubs, pubs and dining venues while it is limited mainly to the high end customer.
You will be visiting following places during the City Tour.
* BMICH (Bandarenaike Memorial Int’l Conference)
* Red Mosque Colombo.
* Gangaramaya Temple.
* Pettah Bazzar.
* Galle Face Green.
* Viharamhadevi Park.
* Old Parliament.
* Independence Square.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.
Day 15 - Colombo Departure
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight back home.