Authentic Sri Lanka

Authentic Sri Lanka

Description

Program

Day 1:
Airport Colombo (Approximately 45 minutes’ drive) (Dinner)
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Arrival at Colombo International Airport and transfer to hotel in Colombo.

Colombo-Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and major port – Colombo, is a fine amalgamation of all the hues and cultures within this paradise isle. This chic metropolitan that accommodates skyscrapers, sandy beaches and a collage of markets and gardens, brings together the many facets of this island nation. If you are on a tight schedule, you would definitely appreciate the many opportunities Colombo offers for fine-dining and shopping, not to mention the overarching beauty of the city’s rapidly developing landscape; a perfect combination of well-preserved colonial architecture and urbanity. Meanwhile, if you are free to spend a few days in the city you will be amazed by the many cultural and historical wonders located within locales such as Fort and Cinnamon Gardens. The bustling market streets of Pettaha also make up for an interesting place of visit.

Arrive and check-in at the hotel and Evening do the city tour in Colombo. Thereafter, return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay in Colombo.

Day 2:
Colombo- Dambulla (Breakfast, Dinner)
After Breakfast, transfer to Sigiriya for a climb up the Rock Fortress. (Approximately 4 ½ hours’ drive)

Sigiriya -The marvelous rock fortress of Sigiriya is a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. The site was the domain of King Kashyapa whose aim was to build an impregnable fortress and within it, a heavenly abode. Rising over the dry plains of the Dambulla district, the tough climb up this flat-topped monadnock ends with the most scenic bird’s-eye view of the emerald plains and leafy villages below. The skeletal layout of the ancient city within the fortress marvels its observers with the grandeur and complexity of 5th century urban-planning of Sri Lanka. On the way to the top one can observe the famous Sigiriya frescoes of the buxom, wasp-waisted maidens bearing flowers, amidst the wilderness and ancient ruins. The smoothly glazed ‘Mirror Wall’ located a few steps away has sealed the expressions of ancient visitors, inspired by the vibrant frescoes.
Arrive and check-in at the hotel. Evening relax at the hotel.
Overnight Stay in Dambulla.

Day 3:
Dambulla - Polonnaruwa|Dambulla (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast excursion to Polonnaruwa. (Approximately 1 ½ hours’ drive)
Polonnaruwa – A ‘World Heritage Site’, Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century AD. Great revival was achieved in the country, politically, economically and socially during the periods of kings Vijayabahu 1, Parakramabahu 1 and Nissankamalla. The monuments here are better preserved than at Anuradhapura - the previous capital. Parakrama statue, royal palaces, audience halls, Vata-da-ge, Thuparama, Rankoth Vehera, Kiri Vehera, Gal Vihara, Lankathilaka & Thivanka Image House are some of the interesting monuments here.

Thereafter go on a safari to Minneriya National Park.
Minneriya National park- located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997. Located in the center of the cultural triangle, Minneriya is a good alternative to the busier parks in the south and it's easy to weave in a day here between visiting the ancient cities. The dry season, preferably from June to September, is the best time to visit the park when the ancient tank, the lake that dominates the area, dries out and the grasses and shoots push through. During this time, it is possible to see herds of up to 150 elephants feeding and washing, as well as toque macaques, sambar deer and leopards.

Thereafter, return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay in Dambulla.

Day 4:
Dambulla |Kandy (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast transfer to Dambulla cave temple. Thereafter, proceed to Kandy Via Spice Garden. (Approximately 2 ½ hours’ drive)

Dambulla cave temple -Located in the Matale district, Dambulla is part of the cultural triangle and is home to the world famous Dambulla cave temples. The cave temples complex that lies atop a massive hill on the edge of the town is one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites in the country and is renowned for its unique mural paintings and sculptures. If you are not a history-buff, fret not, because there is more to Dambulla.

Spice garden-Since time immemorial, this emerald isle has remained popular for its exotic spices, world over. To those who bear an interest in these rich elements that stirred the interests of many nations, the spice gardens located in Kandy, Matale and Mawanella offer wonderful opportunities to view these spices up-close. The gardens are not only delightful spots for a stroll midst the fragrant greenery but also offer interesting perspectives into the local spices, as the visitors are educated on the diverse variety of spices available in the country as well as on how they are grown and processed.

Thereafter, proceed to Kandy.

Often referred to as the hill capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy offers a diverse variety of experiences to its visitors ranging from history, culture and simple scenic beauty coupled with a touch of urbanity. It was the last Sinhalese Kingdom that fell under British rule in 1815. The journey to this mellow weathered city can be quite enjoyable, particularly by train owing to the scenic delights that lie alongside. The city’s colonial architecture has been preserved well even in the backdrop of rapid urbanization. Close to the city’s centre is the prime landmark - Sri Dalada Maligawa that houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Apart from the ancient monuments of the Kandyan era, the delightful jumble of antique shops and the bustling market in the city also make up for interesting places of visit.

Arrive and check in at the hotel. Witness a cultural dance show and also visit temple of the tooth relic in the evening.
Temple of the tooth relic-Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple.

Thereafter, return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay in Kandy

Day 5:
Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya by train. (Seats subject to availability) (Approximately 2 ½ hours’ drive)

Nuwara Eliya-Dubbed the ‘Little England of Sri Lanka’, Nuwaraeliya is located in the thick, misty hills of this paradise isle, 180 km away from Colombo. The summer resort of Sri Lanka, it is one of the few areas where the colonial atmosphere is preserved, still resembling a British countryside complete with rose gardens, hedges and red-roofed bungalows. Although the town-center has receded from its old-world charm, the lush tea-plantations, the racecourse, the English country house–styled Hill Club and the beautifully kept golf course instantaneously rushes its visitors back to the colonialtimes. Touring locations include: the lovely Queen Victoria Park and the Gregory Lake, the legendary Haggala botanical gardens, Galway Land bird sanctuary, the misty landscapes of Horton Plains as well as several tea factories where one can obtain an up-close perspective on how your cuppa originates. It is also ideal for hiking or biking. April marks the Nuwaraeliya ‘season’.

Arrive and check in at the hotel. Evening relaxes at the hotel.
Overnight Stay in Nuwara eliya.

Day 6:
Nuwara Eliya (Breakfast, Dinner)
Early morning excursion to Horton Plains National park for trekking expedition with a packed breakfast (Approximately 1 ½ hours’ drive)

Horton Plains - ’World’s End” and the beautiful bridal veil ‘Bakers Falls’ Sri Lanka's highest plateau 7200 ft above sea level in the central mountain country. This ‘Fen” is a very scenic region with an astounding variety of scenery from mountains to grasslands, from marshes to trout streams. Sri Lanka's best-flavored high grown teas are grown in the surrounding areas. Spectacular view from 'Worlds End' where the plateau plunges a thousand feet in a straight sheer drop.

Thereafter Sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya and visit to a tea plantation & factory in the afternoon.

Tea plantation -Sri Lanka, Tea and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Take a tour to the cold & misty hills that take pride of an ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of tea plantations. Or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea.
Return to hotel and relax.
Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 7:
Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala (Breakfast, Dinner)
After Breakfast, Leave for Tissamaharama via visit 9 Arch bridge in Demodara near Ella. (Approximately 4 ½ hours’ drive)

The 9 Arch Bridge -was built at Gotuwala between the Ella and Demodara stations during the British Colonial period. Locally it is known as ‘Ahas Namaye Palama’ meaning nine skies bridge in Sinhala. The name derives from the visual experience. When you stand below the bridge and look up you can see the sky through the nine arches. The unique part about this bridge is that it is built entirely from rocks, bricks, and cement with no use of steel or metals throughout the structure. The bridge was commissioned in 1941 and the story goes that as the bridge was being planned World War I broke out. The steel and metal materials destined to be used in the bridge were reassigned to be used for military purposes. The materials were then gathered in the form of rocks, bricks, and cement to make sure the bridge construction still went ahead.

Thereafter proceed to Tissamaharama.
Yala – its magnificent sights of majestic elephant herds, fine-feathered peacocks, great black bears and agile leopards that steal away into the shadows of the thick foliage are unparalleled to any of the national parks in the country. Apart from the rare sightings of varied animal species, which includes herds of elephants and leopards, the visitors can also enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach in the beautiful setting of unspoilt beaches, as the Southern park border lies along the South-eastern coastal line. The ancient monastic settlement, Sithulpawwa located midst the thick verdure of the park also makes up for an interesting place of visit. The best time to visit the Yala National park is during the dry season (March to April).

Arrive and check in at the hotel. Evening relaxes at the hotel.
Overnight Stay in Tissamaharama.

Day 8:
Yala (Breakfast, Dinner)
Early morning do a private jeep safari in Yala National park with a packed breakfast.
Yala National Park - Yala National Park is famous for big herds of elephants, large number of leopards, spotted deer, sambar, crocodiles, mongoose, wild boars, wild buffaloes and many other animals. More than 130 bird species have been recorded which include the resident birds and winter visitors. The common birds found here are spot-billed pelicans, cormorants, egrets, spoonbills, herons, storks, ibises, bitterns, Indian moorhens, white-breasted water hens.

Return to hotel and Lunch at the hotel Afternoon do a private jeep safari in Yala National park
Overnight Stay in Tissamaharama.

Day 9:
Yala | Galle (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast leave for Galle. (Approximately 5 hours’ drive)

Galle Fort-in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage

Join a local resident whose family has lived and worked in Galle for generations, on a guided walk through Galle’s historic 17C Dutch Fort - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Galle’s natural harbour has long been a hub of trade dating back to ancient times. The accidental arrival of the Portuguese Lorenzo de Almeida in 1505, when his fleet of ships steered off course following a storm at sea, changed the history of this island nation. The Portuguese were followed by the Dutch and then the British in 1796. With each occupation, Galle’s landscape changed and the cultural influences remained. Galle Fort covers nearly four sq. kms and is protected by 12 bastions and connecting ramparts. Wonder the maze of narrow cobblestone paved roadways lined with colonial period buildings still in use and old merchant houses where generations of Moorish families still live. Take a walk along the sturdy ramparts looking out to sea and visit colonial period churches, the lighthouse and museums. Along the way, stop by for a cup of Ceylon Tea or fresh king coconut.
Arrive and check in at the hotel. Evening spend relax at the hotel.
Overnight Stay in Galle.

Day 10:
Galle (Breakfast, Dinner)
After Breakfast Galle cycling tour.
Galle Cycling tour- A truly invigorating way to start your day, hop on a bike and cycle through flourishing paddy and cinnamon plantations in the charming southern countryside.Embark on trails beginning at 12km and glide by unfrequented village life, local temples burning incense and vibrant blue kingfishers flying overhead. There is no better way to experience the local landscape than by bike, an opportunity to really explore its meandering paths and lanes. Peddle past buffalo and egrets, rice farmers and smiling children, looking out for tea bushes, banana trees, jaggery, pineapple plantations and coconut palm. If you opt for a slightly longer ride, take a break for Thambili (King Coconut).
Thereafter proceed to Sri Lankan Masks making and painting.

Mask Making -Mask Making and painting Masks are used more for performance and ritual in modern day Sri Lanka but their past is rooted in ancient beliefs and the ideology that they have healing and protective powers. Your journey through time starts with a preliminary introduction to the history of masks in Sri Lanka. As you learn its usability and watch a demonstration as how the tools used to make the masks are handled. The artisans will assist you in moulding your very on traditional mask.

Once completed, you have the option to paint the wonderful mask you’ve crafted. The local artisans will teach you how to paint the masks in a traditional manner and give you a few decorating tips along the way. Once completed, the mask is yours to keep!
Return to hotel and relax. Late evening proceeds to dinner at Galle Fort Hotel
Overnight Stay in Galle.

Day 11:
Galle - Airport (Breakfast)
Breakfast in hotel.
According to your flight time check out from the hotel and leave to the airport (Approximately 3 hours’ drive)

Itinerary

Accommodations provided in each place