Arrive Colombo

Upon arrival in Bandaranaike International Airport you are met and greeted by our driver and transferred to Colombo (approximate travel time from Airport to Colombo is 45 mins.) You will then check in to your pre-booked Hotel in Colombo and be welcomed by your Local Tour Manager who will brief you on the line up for the next few days.

Colombo City Tour

Commencing with a visit to the Fort and the Pettah commercial hub with offices and shopping areas located amidst oldest colonial hotel GOH. It has a fantastic view of the Colombo harbor, lighthouse with clock tower (older than Big Ben in London) close to the president’s house and old parliament. Afterwards, proceed through the main street passing the old Dutch Museum, belfry and Old City Hall which houses puppets of earlier governors of Sri Lanka.

You will find shops and restaurants facing Sri Lanka’s twin tower buildings. Continue to the old race course with a maze of buildings with colonial architecture, restaurants and shopping arcade passing through Colombo City Hall (mini replica of the White House in Washington, DC). Drive past the Town Hall, Independence Square, the B.M.I.C.H (International Convention Centre) and Cinnamon Gardens residential area and visit a Buddhist temple and a Hindu Kovil to experience the diversity of religion, ethnicity and customs of the people.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Colombo

Colombo – Dambulla (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check out

Proceed to Dambulla. Upon arrival, check in at Hotel in Dambulla and spend rest of the day at leisure

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Dambulla

Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla

Early Breakfast at Hotel and leave towards Sigiriya

Morning climb and visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (1 ½ hours approx.)

Sigiriya also known as the Lion’s Rock is a rock fortress and a palace located in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. This ruin is surrounded by gardens, ponds and other structures. Sigiriya was built by King Kassapa and it is included as a World Heritage site. Sigiriya is the best-preservedCity Centre in Asia. Earlier is was a rock-shelter mountain monastery which was donated by Buddhist devotees. Later King Kassapa renovated it by building gardens and palace. After his death it was again used as a monastery. Human habilitation in Sigiriya at its earliest was found to be nearly five thousand years during the Mesophilic period. Rock inscriptions are carved near the drip ledges on many of the shelters, recording the donation of the shelters to the Buddhist monastic order as residences. These have been made within the period between the third century B.C and the first century A.D. In 1831 Major Jonathan Forbes of the 78th Highlanders of the British army while returning on horseback from a trip to Polonnaruwa came across the “bush covered summit of Sigiriya. Sigiriya came to the attention of antiquarians and later archaeologists.The Sigiriya complex itself consists of the central rock and two rectangular precincts which are surrounded by two moats and three ramparts. The city is based on a square module.

Transfer from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa (1 hour approx.)

Polonnaruwa is the Island’s 2nd largest kingdom. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned Archeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom’s first rulers. Its beauty and serenity was captured in the Duran music video Save a Prayer in 1982. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Transfer back to Hotel in Dambulla

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Dambulla

Dambulla – Anuradhapura – Mihintale – Dambulla

Breakfast at Hotel

Transfer from Hotel in Dambulla to Anuradhapura (1 ½ hours approx.)

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient cities in Sri Lanka, well known for its ruins depicting early Sri Lankan civilization. It is very famous among Buddhists pilgrims. Anuradhapura was earlier the capital of the Island (in ancient times) and most of the Kings who ruled Sri Lanka resided in this vast city. The city is now named as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
On the contrary to the historical data that indicates that the city is founded in the 5 century BC archeological data puts that date back to far as the 10 century BC. However, it was King Pandukabhaya who planned the layout of the city and made it his capital in the 4th century BC. He constructed many reservoirs and shrines. The city reached its highest magnificence by the beginning of the Christian era. The city boasted some of the most complex irrigation systems in the ancient world.

Eight Great Places for Veneration;
Sri Maha Bodhi – It is the sacred Bodhi Tree (Fig Tree) which is believed to be a direct descendant from the original Bo tree under which The Lord Buddha reached his enlightenment.
Ruwanwelisaya – It is the stupa built by King Dutugamunu. The stupa is considered as one of the world’s tallest monuments.
Thuparamaya – It is another dagaba in Anuradhapura. Following the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka it was the first dagaba to be built in Sri Lanka which also enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha.
Lovamahapaya – Also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya. This building was also built by King Dutugamunu.
Jetavanaramaya – The Jetavanaramaya is yet another stupa which was initiated by King Mahasena. A part of a sash or belt which was used by the Buddha himself is believed to be enshrined here.
Abhayagiri Dagaba – This ruin is considered one of the most extensive ruins in the world and has a roof made of gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay. The Abhayagiri Dagaba attracted scholars in the ancient times from all over the world.
Mirisaveti Stupa– Another masterpiece built by King Dutugamunu.
Lankarama – This stupa was built by King Valagamba.

Transfer from Anuradhapura to Mihintale

Mihintale Mountain, with the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, began to serve as a residential area for the venerable monks headed by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. But soon, with the royal patronage, the sanctuary housed a multitude of with monastic buildings-stupas, uposathgharas, bodhigharas- to serve the monks. Sixty-eight cave dwellings provided the monks shade and shelter. Mihintale, the sanctuary for many thousands of laymen as well as holy men, had all the facilities and amenities for basic living.

Transfer back to Hotel in Dambulla

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Dambulla

Dambulla – Kandy (Drive)

Breakfast at hotel and Check out

Transfer from Dambulla to Kandy and Matale (2 ½ hours approx.)

Visit Dambulla Cave Rock Temples

Dambulla is a large town situated in the Matale district. It is also given the title of a World Heritage Site. The town’s most fascinated fact seems to be the time period of its construction, it was built in just 167 days. Bursting with beautiful sites like the ironwood forest, Rose QuartzMountain, Rangiri Stadium and Na UyanaAranya, one can’t exactly pinpoint what this town is most known for.Dambulla is famous for its remarkable cave temples – five magical, dimly lit caves of different sizes, decorated with some of the finest murals and beautifully carved statues, offering an overview of Buddhist art. The caves date back to the reign of King VattagaminiAbhaya, 1st century BC. Nissankamalla, the last king of Polonnaruwa (12th century) and several later Kandyan kings (17th and 18th centuries) have embellished and adorned the interiors of the caves with murals, that are still visible today. Cave # 2 is the biggest and most spectacular, measuring 50m in length and a height of 7m. The rock is elevated 160m above the surrounding plains, offering stunning views, including Sigiriya in the distance.

Matale, nestled in the central hills and at an altitude of 546 meters, is yet another bounty of nature’s abundance with captivating landscapes of fertile greenery and scattered mountain ranges decorated with blankets of cascading water. Today, the town of Matale is a center of activity, propelled by the daily hustle and bustle of urban life, with thousands of commuters thronging the urban center for sundry errands. Matale is a small town renowned for its Spice Gardens. The world’s best cinnamon comes from here. Visit these gardens and see how these spices are grown and processed. Visitors can watch a cookery demonstration on how these spices are used in Sri Lankan Cuisine and they may take home a selection of garden fresh spices with them.To the north, surrounded by the foothills of the Knuckles Mountain range, is the Aluvihara Temple; the historic location where the Pali Canon was first written down in text on Ola (Palm) leaves in full. Not far from the temple, are several monastic caves worthy of visit, with some of them possessing some magnificent frescoes.
Transfer to Kandy from Matale

Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka and lies in the midst of hills. It is the Capital of the Central Province. It is both an administrative and religious city. Kandy is the second largest city in the country and is frequently visited by Buddhists especially of the Theravada School. Kandy is very famous among tourist for three main reasons: It is home to the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic; DaladaMaligawa), The Botanical Gardens (Located in Peradeniya) and it always has a special place when it comes to festivities such as the Esala Perahara Kandy is must for anyone’s itinerary when visiting Sri Lanka which is why we recommend the city as it is considered one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka which at the same time show cases the Sri Lankan Culture at its highest level.

Check in at the hotel in Kandy and Relax for the day

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Kandy

Kandy – Pinnawala – Kandy

Breakfast at Hotel

Transfer from Kandy to Pinnawala (1 ½ hours approx.)

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, halfway between the present capital Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department in a 25-acre coconut property adjoining the Maha Oya River. The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka. In 1978 the orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens from the Department of Wildlife. A captive breeding program was launched in 1982. Since the inception of the program over 20 elephants have been bred here. The aim of the orphanage is to simulate a natural habitat to these elephants. However, there are some exceptions: the elephants are taken to the river twice a day for a bath, and all the babies less than three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers. The orphanage which boasts to have the largest herd of captive elephants in the world is very popular and visited daily by many Sri Lankan and foreign tourists. The main attraction is clearly to observe the elephants bathing which is quite a spectacle. We make way for you to experience an enchanting adventure and to observe the majesty of these tuskers.

Shopping in Kandy – known for exotic arts and crafts and world-famous gem stones
Take a stroll or drive along the Kandy Lake and Upper Lake Drive enjoying breath taking views of the country’s Hill Capital and visit the Kandy National Museum (Optional)

Evening Visit to the Dalada Maligawa

Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) is the place that houses the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Originally part of the Royal Palace complex of the Kandyan Kingdom, it is one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhist around the world. The Palace of the Tooth relic, the palace complex and the holy city of Kandy are associated with the history of the dissemination of Buddhism. The temple is the product of the last peregrination of the relic of the tooth of Buddha and the testimony of a religion which continues to be practiced today.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Kandy

Kandy – Yala (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check out

Proceed to Yala (6 ½ hours approx.). Upon arrival in Yala check in at hotel and relax

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Yala

Yala

Breakfast at Hotel

Morning Visit to the Yala National Park for a Jeep Safari

Yala National Park is situated in the south-east region of Sri Lanka and is the 2nd largest National Park in the island, situated some 300 km away from Colombo. It was at first established in the early 1890s as a game sanctuary. The park is located in the dry-zone region where the drought season is very long. The day time average temperature is over 30 degrees which is not uncommon in the region. “Yala Safari” A dream destination for all wildlife enthusiasts; be it its leopard cubs seeking refuge on a tree, or an adult leopard quenching its thirst at a water hole, the leopard sightings in this nature reserve are many and varied and you are able to witness these wonders on a jeep safari where you can literally observe them from a close range. The parkland makes up most of the reserve but also includes lakes, beaches, jungle, rivers and scrubland. This variety in habitats provides an excellent range in wildlife. The largest concentration of Leopards can be seen in this region though the chances of seeing this animal are very low, and the creature is said to be one of the most endangered species. About 32 species of mammals, 125 species of birds and many reptiles and lagoon fauna species have been recorded in the park. The Yala National Park is famous among visitors as the best place to view large mammals within one territory.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Yala

Yala – Galle (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check out

Proceed towards Galle

Galle is situated in the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka; it is one of the country’s integral cities. Galle has a colorful history and beauty that renders many speechless. The city is filled with Dutch-colonial buildings people come from faraway places to see. The air is filled with the sweet smell of spices and the salty winds give it an authentic recognition. The fort built by the Portuguese in 1588 holds most of the attention as you can explore the city of Galle through its walls. The Fort has a multi-religious ethnic population and embedded deep inside its walls is a rich history people are besotted with. This glorious building suffered through the Boxing Day Tsunami and was later restored to its magnificent beauty. It has been given the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its endless glory. It’s a beautiful travelling location which gives you an experience that’s hard to forget.Galle is filled with art that’s rare, the streets are filled with people who are ambitious and hardworking, showcasing their efforts in one the best displays that please the eye immensely. The classic architecture fuses with the tropical setting that’s the envy of many man-made resorts and architects. Galle is said to be a heavenly piece of art, tropical heaven and rich in history.

Upon arrival in Galle check in at your pre booked Hotel

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Galle

Galle – Bentota (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check out

Transfer from Galle to Bentota. Upon arrival check in at a Hotel in Bentota

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Bentota

Bentota

Breakfast at Hotel

Full day at the beach enjoying the sea breeze with a touch of coastal warmth

Bentota is a small town situated on coastal areas in Sri Lanka. Positioned 65 kilometers south of Colombo the capital, in the Bentota region of the Southern Province It is quite famous for its breath-taking view, and especially the Bentota Beach. If you are looking to spend your holidays and give yourself a calm and natural treat, with no bars and restaurants, this is the most refreshing and relaxing site. The Bentota Beach which extends across 7-8 kilometers is truly a symbol of peace, calmness and cleanness. One of its strongest points is its quiet surroundings which, according to many people, run the natural and relaxing environment of the beach. There is plenty of space of everyone to settle in perfectly and enjoy the sun bath to the fullest.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Bentota

Bentota

Breakfast at Hotel

Full day at the beach enjoying the sea breeze with a touch of coastal warmth

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Bentota

Bentota – Negombo (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check out

Transfer from Bentota to Negombo. Upon arrival check in at a Hotel in Negombo

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Negombo

Negombo – Colombo (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out

Proceed to the Airport with an abundance of memories from your unforgettable experience here at Sri Lanka – The Paradise Island.