15N 16D Sri Lanka

Day 1

Airport – Pinnawala – Sigiriya (4 h 30 min -143 km)

• Welcome to Sri Lanka! Our representative will meet you at the Bandaranaike International Airport and then you’ll be escorted to your vehicle to begin your holiday in Sri Lanka. Drive to Sigiriya.
• En route visit the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala. You can see Elephants Bathing and feeding at the orphanage.
• On arrival check-in to the hotel and relax.
• Evening Climb the “Lion Rock” and witness the beauty of the carvings, paintings & the wonders of Sri Lanka from the top.
• On completion return back to Hotel.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

SIGIRIYA – is a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” and the 5^th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Place on the summit of the 600-foot high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels still shining in their original colours. The water Gardens, Fountain Garden, Summerhouses, Boulder Gardens and the Caves within the enclosed area should not be missed.

Day 2

Sigiriya- Polonnaruwa- Sigiriya (1 h 8 min -55.5 km)

• Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa after breakfast.
• In the afternoon have a Jeep Safari in Minneriya / Kaudulla Park.
• Afterwards return back to the hotel in Sigiriya.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

POLONNARUWA – was the second capital of the Kingdom of Ceylon from the 11^th to the 13^th Century AD.The most famous site of Polonnaruwa is the Gal Viharaya which consists of Granite statues of Lord Buddha in the meditation, standing and passing away postures.

Day 3

Sigiriya- Dambulla-Kandy (2 h 38 min -90.4 km)

• After the breakfast depart to Kandy in the morning en route stopping at the Dambulla cave monasteries. The Dambulla cave monasteries traveling onwards we stop at a spice garden in Matale where you can sample the many spices.
• On arrival check in to the Hotel in Kandy and relax
• We arrive in Kandy towards evening and witness a colorful pageant featuring drummers, dancers and the grand finale fire walking.
• Overnight stay at Kandy.

DAMBULLA – It is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m (520 ft) over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. This paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of god and goddess. The latter 4 include two statues of Hindu gods, Vishnu and Ganesh. The murals cover an area of 2,100 m². Depictions in the walls of the caves include Buddha’s temptation by demon Mara and Buddha’s first sermon.

Day 4

Kandy

• Morning after breakfast live for shopping Arts & Crafts center, famous Kandy Market, Hemachandra Gem Centre & Lapidary amongst the other very interesting sights.
• In the evening have a City Tour in Kandy. On the tour, visit the sacred place for the Buddhists all over the world, the Temple of Tooth Relic famous as Dalada Maligawa, also the Upper & Lower Lake Drives.
• On completion return back to the hotel and relax.

KANDY – The hill capital is another “World Heritage Site”. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement. To the Buddhists of Sri Lanka and the World, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa” – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Close by are the remains of the Royal Palace (“Maha Wasala”), “Palle Wasala” – where the Queens stayed-now used for the National Museum, “Meda Wasala” where other close relatives lived, Audience Hall, Natha Devala and Vishnu Devala are situated close by. The Bathing Pavilion (“Ulpenge”) is by the Lake and in the Center of the lake is the Island called “Kiri Samudraya” (Milk White Ocean) used by the kings as the summerhouse.

Day 5

Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (2 h 34 min -75.6 km)

• After an early breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s “Little England” where time seems to have stood still since the days of the British occupation. On the way to Nuwara Eliya you will visit waterfalls (St. Clair’s & Devon waterfalls and a typical Tea Factory, Plantation & enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea.)
• On arrival check-in to the hotel and relax.
• In the afternoon have a city tour in Nuwara Eliya. Visit Victoria Park and the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.
• If the time allows you can visit Seeta Amman temple in Haggala
• On completion return back to the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
• Evening relaxation in the Gregory Park by the lake.
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

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 coolest places in the Island, but it is really just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for Birding as you get some rare birds in this park. Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the spring (March to May) and fall (August and September). These are the “seasons” when low-country folk flock to Nuwara Eliya to escape the sea level heat and humidity.

Day 6

Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains (1 h 11 min -28.5 km)

• This morning you should make an early start for Horton Plains to arrive at World`s End before the clouds rise! This is a beautiful and gentle walk through a landscape that reminded me of Dartmoor or the Scottish Highlands – a rolling countryside with the soft scent of heather and gorse, and the only noise the gurgling of streams that merge into the crashing Baker`s Falls. You have the rest of the day at leisure.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

HORTON PLAINS – The Horton Plains are the headwaters of three major Sri Lankan rivers, the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. In Sinhala the plains are known as Maha Eliya Plains Stone tools dating back to Balangoda culture have been found here.

Day 7

Nuwara Eliya – Ella (1 h 51 min -54.9 km)

• Morning after breakfast live for Ella. Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka. Some of the places you could see in Ella are the Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak and Bambaragala Peak among the other many stunning scenery.
• On arrival check-in to the hotel and relax.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

ELLA – Ella powers up through Sri Lanka’s southern hill country, through the tea plantations, into the clouds and then weaves in and out of the many mountain tunnels as it descends to reach Ella. This is a journey not to be missed!

Day 8

Ella – Tissamaharama (1 h 52 min – 88.2 km)

• After the breakfast we depart for Tissamaharama. We will go on an afternoon visit to Yala National Parkor Bundala Wildlife Park. You will see a vast array of animals including deer, peacock, elephant, wild buffalo and the lucky visitors may get to see a leopard or bear. At the end of the tour, you will check in at the hotel.
• Overnight stay at hotel

TISSAMAHARA – It used to be the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna as early as the 3rd century B.C. Only few buildings from that period can still be seen today. The presence ordinary early Tamils in Tissamaharama was confirmed following archaeological excavations in 2010. The Tissamaharama Tamil Brahmi inscription, a fragment of black and red ware flat dish inscribed in Tamil in the Tamil Brahmi script was excavated at the earliest layer in the southern town.

Day 9

Tissamaharama – Balapitiya (3 h 47 min -185.9 km)

• Morning after breakfast live for mirissa. Siting the famous bay of mirissa. Here, sea bathing, snorkeling, diving and boat rides are possible. Lunch at a beach restaurant and rest at Beach/Resort. In the afternoon, visiting the Galle city, town center, traditional fruit, fish and vegetable market area, and sightseeing tour on the rampart. Inside the Old Dutch Fortress, you will find a mini city with colonial buildings, a light house, shops, houses, hotels, govt institutions, and will have a fantastic panoramic view over the Indian Ocean.
• On arrival check-in to the hotel and relax.
• Overnight stay at hotel in balapitiya.

Day 10

Balapitiya

• At leisure –No transport included

Balapitiya – is a coastal town, in south west Sri Lanka. It is located in the Southern Province in Sri Lanka. It is the nearest town to the Madu River.

Day 11

Balapitiya – Colombo (2 h 4 min -103.2 km)

• On arrival check-in to the hotel and relax.
• In the Evening explore the exotic City Tour in Colombo (Galle Face, Petah Bazaar, Town Hall, BMICH, Colombo Museum, Independence square, Seema Malaka Temple in Gangaramaya, Colombo.
• On completion return back to Hotel in Colombo.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

Pettah Bazaar

COLOMBO – A drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazzar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carving and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. The historic Dawatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and Indipendence Square, Archade, Dutch Hospital etc.

Day 12 – 15

Colombo –Negambo (1 h 3 min -37.6 km)

• At leisure –No transport included

NEGAMBO – The town of Negambo is situated on the shore of a lagoon which is also called Negambo. It has been an important trading port for both the Dutch and the Portuguese in the years past. It is a beautiful sea side resort on the western part of the island of Sri Lanka. The best part is that it is just a short drive from Colombo and offers an amazing coastline lined with palms to its visitors. The natural beauty of the beach is truly breathtaking, besides it is not as busy as crowded as the capital.

Day 16

• Morning after breakfast leisure in the hotel.
• Today you will be accompanied to the airport in time to board your flight back home.

Hotel Used 3*

• Global Towers Hotel, Colombo or Similar – BB Basis
• Camellia Resort & Spa, Sigiriya or Similar –BB Basis
• Thilanka Hotel, Kandy or Similar – BB Basis
•  Cassandra Resort & Villas, Nuwara Eliya or Similar  – BB Basis
• Shingawa Hotels,Balapitiya or Similar  – BB Basis
• Ella Heritage, Ella or Similar– BB Basis
• Kithala Resort , Tissamaharamaya or Similar  – BB Basis
• Goldi Sand Hotel,Negambo or Similar – BB Basis

Important – Availability

• Since July, August, December, January, February months are considered as peak months, the room availability is subject to change without prior notice.
• Since the rainy season kicks off from May to October in the Southern coastal belt we do not recommend the beach stays in this area during this period.

Cancellation

• Between 7 and o days – 100%
• Between 14 days and 8 days – 75%
• Between 21 days and 15 days –50% cancellation charge
• Between 22 days and 30 days – 25% cancellation charge
• Above 31 days – No cancellation charges provided no commitment or advances are made to 3^rd  parties.