Ceylon Paradise, Sri Lanka!

The culture of the country has developed over the years and is a rich blend of all the influences that the country and its people have been exposed to so far. However, the most visible impact on the Sri Lankan culture has been from Buddhism. People mainly follow the Buddhism with numerous Buddhist stupas spread throughout the country and several festivals being celebrated on important events in and around Buddha’s life. The festivals of the country are also a reflection of the great culture of this small country. Particularly famous is the Kandy Esala Perahera celebrated in the month of July or August. This festival is a spectacular ten days event culminating in a procession taken out in respect of the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. Another festival that strengthens the impact of Buddhism in the country is Duruthu Perahera held in January. The festival is a celebration of Lord Buddha’s visit to the country.

Historical sites such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla, once home to ancient kingdoms, still retain many relics and artefacts of bygone eras. The famous rock fortress of Sigiriya and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Kandy, are must-see places. A multi-religious country, Sri Lanka has many religious festivals that take place year around, such as Vesak for Buddhists, Nallur Festival for Hindus and Madhu Festival for Catholics.

COUNTRY VISITED
Sri Lanka

CITIES INCLUDED
Colmbo, Habarana, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Hikkaduwa, Yala

SUGGESTED DURATION
10 days

DAY 01: ARRIVE COLOMBO BY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT

On arrival the guests will be met at the airport arrival lobby and set off to the hotel in Colombo. Later explore Colombo city. As the capital and main port of Sri Lanka, Colombo is home to many attractions, which include three sets of foreign rulers—the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. Start at the famous Buddhist temple, Gangarama Temple. The city’s oldest Dutch church, Wolvendaal Church, still boasts its original floor tiles from 1813. They were made from tombstones from the Dutch church in the Fort. To the south of the city, at the Galle Face Green, you can see cannons that were used during colonial war times. And to the north of the city is the Fort District, named for the Dutch and Portuguese forts that were built there.

DAY 02: DRIVE FROM COLOMBO – HABARANA VIA ANURADHAPURA

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Anuradhapura. For over 1000 years Sinhalese Kings with occasional South Indian interlopers ruled from the great city of Anuradhapura. It is the most extensive and important of the Sri Lankan ancient cities. Anuradhapura was found in the 4th century BC and is famous for its Dagabas (Temples), Reservoirs, and beautifully landscaped gardens, the ruins of which still remain to this day. The sacred Bo Tree (the world’s oldest tree on record) “JayasriMaha Bodhi” and the “Ruwanwali Seya” Temples are two of Sri Lanka’s most sacred places found in Anuradhapura. In addition to this there are many other historical and religious sites found in Anuradhapura.

Proceed to Mihintale and Climb the Mihintale rock which has a great historical and religious value as well as it will be a breath taking scenery when you climb to the top of the rock.

After descending continue to Habarana for Overnight Stay.

DAY 03: A DAY EXCURSION TO SIGIRIYA & POLONNARUWA

Early morning climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress – This is one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful historical locations in the world. A mythical past of feuding dynasties suits Sigiriya’s striking setting- it was built in 5th century AD by king, Kasyapa, as a fortress-palace. Worthy of being called the “8th wonder of the world”, Sigiriya will astonish anyone with its outstandingly beautiful views, staggering engineering and peerless design. After descending the Sigiriya Rock, proceed to Polonnaruwa and see the monuments including the Royal Palace & Audience Halls of King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 A. D.) and King Nissankamalla (1187-1196 A.D.). Thuparama, Vata-da-ge, Heta-da-ge, PabaluVehera, Siva Devala, RankotVehera, Baddhasima-prasada, Lankatilake, Gal Vihara – to see the 4 rock-cut Buddha statues, Tivanka Image House-for beautiful 12th C.A.D. murals on the walls etc. and the old Hospital where surgical instruments were found.

DAY 04: DRIVE FROM HABARANA TO KANDY VIA DAMBULLA

After breakfast proceed to Kandy. Enroute discover some hidden treasures of Sri Lanka. Discover the Dambulla Caves Rock Temple: a World Heritage Site from the First Century B.C. was built by King Walagambahu. The complex of 5 caves with over 2000 square meters of painted walls and ceilings has over 150 images of Buddha. Visit an exotic Spice Garden in Matale where you can be treated to a garden tour and cooking demonstration to understand the taste and aroma of the world famous spices. Also take time to see the art of batik -the ancient art of dyeing cloth using a resist. Dutch traders were so impressed by this craft that in 1835, they brought Batik artists back to Holland with them when they returned from trading trips. Arrive into the last stronghold of Sinhala Kings & UN World Heritage Site – the Hill Country capital of Kandy.

DAY 05: A DAY EXCURSION TO PINNAWELA & PERADENIYA

Early morning explore the city’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. If it’s your dream to see the feeding of elephants then you must not miss Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage – home of many abandoned or injured elephants. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited sites. Also Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Wander around the lake and the streets of Kandy getting a feel for this wonderful city.

DAY 06: DRIVE FROM KANDY TO NUWARA ELIYA

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya. Land of tea-laden hillsides, gurgling waterfalls, stirring mountains and clear hill-country air. Here, in temperatures akin to a beautiful English summer’s day, is wonderful walking country, a chance to experience Sri Lankan scenery at its finest.

Visit a Tea Factory and see how Ceylon tea is made and learn the art of becoming a discerning tea taster. Wander through the tea estates and visit the local tea pluckers.

DAY 07: DRIVE FROM NUWARA ELIYA TO YALA

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Yala. Arrive and check at your hotel. At dusk, visit the Yala National Park located nearby. In terms of game-viewing this is probably the best place to see all of the ‘big three’: elephant, leopard and water buffalo. It is estimated that Yala is home to about 35 Leopard making it one of the world’s densest leopard populations. However, they are not always easy to spot.

DAY 08: DRIVE FROM YALA TO HIKKADUWA VIA WELIGAMA

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Hikkaduwa enroute see the Stilt Fishermen in Weligama. This is no ordinary fishing, there might be several methods of catching a fish but this one is mind-boggling. Fishermen in Sri Lanka use stilts to catch a fish. Stilt fishing is an old tradition practiced by around 500 fishing families in Galle. They usually fish during sunset, noon and sunrise, with each one taking their elevated position and balancing about 2 meters above the water.

DAY 09: DAY EXCURSION TO GALLE

A day reserved to explore Galle. Wander on the ramparts and explore the historic town of Galle and the 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site. Walk down Galle Fort’s narrow streets lined with Dutch and British colonial era buildings which are still in use, sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the lighthouse, and a growing collection of art galleries.

DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM COLOMBO

After breakfast, check out from the hotel (latest check out time is 14:00 pm) and assisted departure transfer to Colombo airport to connect the flight for onward destination.