Srilanka Tour starts with meeting at airport and stay at city hotel. Walk around the city centre to get glimpses of the capital city laced with history amongst modern developments.
Pick up clients from Colombo and proceed to Sigriya. En-route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was started in 1975 to house abandoned and wounded elephants. The sanctuary covers 25 acres of lush vegetation with an approximate population of about 77 consisting of both adult and baby elephants. The best time to visit is the feeding time and the bathing time; when all the elephants are taken to the river close by.
Morning visit Sigriya Rock fortress home to the 5th century “Fortress in the sky” a world heritage site. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and garden complete with a swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original color. Later visit Polonnaruwa. Visit Sea of Parakrama, a tank so vast that it is often mistaken for the ocean. It is of such a width that it is impossible to stand upon one shore and view the other side, and it encircles the main city like a ribbon, being both a defensive. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu reign.
Full day excursion to Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, 5th century BC 9th century AD and the center of the island’s Buddhist civilization. In antiquity and the interest, it is the equal of any ancient ‘buried city’. The island’s oldest Buddhist shrines – some dating back to 3rd century BC are found here. Impressive white ‘dagabas’ (relic chambers) and monuments, embellished with handsome stone carvings and sculpture, the oldest documented tree on earth. Also visit to Mihintale. Late afternoon, return to the hotel.
En-route visit Dambulla is famous for the five cave Temples on a rock. The first 03 caves are better, older and larger than the other two. Some caves dates to 1st C.B.C. All the 5 cave walls and ceilings are covered with Buddhist murals and there are more than 130 Buddha statues, statues of Gods and Kings are also found here. Also visit spice garden and a batik factory at Matale.
Kandy -the laidback capital of the hill country, and the historical bastion of Buddhist power, is built around a peaceful lake and set in a picturesque bowl of hills. Today it is the center of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts and Culture. In Kandy witness the cultural show and end evening by visiting the temple of tooth relic – ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’s 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.
After breakfast enjoy a city tour of Kandy including the arts and craft centre Botanical gardens, Kandy Market and Kandy view point where you get to see the perfect panoramic view of the Kandy City.
Morning proceed to Nuwara Eliya by train and from Nanu Oya station and proceed to Nuwara Eliya – the ‘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. The Victoria Park, in the middle of town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic. Evening visit a tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya.
Enjoy a nature walk at Horton plains, world’s End and trek up to Bakers falls with packed breakfast. Horton Plains the highest plateau at 7000ft (2134 meters) is a National Park. The trees, stunted by the wind and mist, covered with ‘Sphagnum moss’ or old man’s beard, and the jungle is full of rare and endemic plants. The red flowered Rhododendrons, or the ‘Niloos’ that blooms once in 12 years, and the Butterflies, Birds, found only in the hill areas, the ‘Bear Monkey: large herds of Sambhur, Leopard and other animals are found in the plains. The ‘World End’ and ‘Little World End” with sheer drops of 30000 to the plantation below and the beautiful scenery, are not found anywhere else in the country.
Overnight at Hill club, Nuwara Eliya – Standard room
Proceed to Beragala enjoying the very scenic country side dotted with small colourful temples and villages. Afternoon at leisure.
After breakfast proceed to Tissamaharama. Its base to visit Yala National park as Jeep safari.
Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province The Park covers 979 square kilometers (378 sq mil and is located about 300 kilometers (190 mil from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu it was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants and aquatic bird. Return to hotel and enjoy breakfast and relax till evening. Evening visit kataragama sacred city to witness the evening ceremony.
After breakfast proceed to Hikkaduwa visiting Turtle hatchery at Matale. Late afternoon relax on the beach.
Visit Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the natural harbor, the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, one of the main Shiva temples on the island, and Amangalla the historic luxury hotel. Thereafter proceed to Balapitiya for a boat ride at Madu River. This ride will take you to the various islands (Cinnamon Island, Temple Island and Birds Island).
After breakfast departure transfer to the Colombo airport for your onward flight. OR you can extend stay at the ‘beautiful beaches and enjoy your Srilanka tour with sun, sand and surf.