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| Duration | Destination | Departure |
|---|---|---|
| 8 days and 7 nights | Sri Lanka (Colombo, Ahangama, Tissamaharama, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Dambulla) | Sri Lanka (Colombo) |
Day 1 - Airport – Colombo
Arrival at the Colombo Airport. Clients will be met by our Italian speaking driver/guide and airport staff and offer assistance.
Thereafter transfer direct to 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.
Afternoon at 1500hrs. Brief city tour of Colombo.
Dinner Overnight & Hotel in Colombo.
Day 2 - Colombo – Pinnawela – Dambulla
After breakfast leave for Dambulla.
En route visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage with lunch.
Pinnawela, where an orphanage was started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now; including Baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as some of the more then 25 babies born, as a result of the captive breeding programme. The best time to visit is the feeding time from 0915-094 5 hrs and 1415-1445 hrs and the bathing time from 1000-11.00 hrs and 1500-1600 hrs when all the elephants are taken to the river close by
Thereafter proceed to hotel and check in.
Dinner & Overnight in Dambulla
Day 3 - Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning climb the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya
This UNESCO World Heritage site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory.
Thereafter lunch at local restaurant and proceed on excursion to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital.
Polonnaruwa a UNESCO World Heritage site, rose to fame as the capital after the decline of Anuradhapura. Its period of greatness was from the 10th - 12th centuries AD. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, veritable inland seas the most famous of which is the Prakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbor.
Evening special village safari tour followed in local villages. This is a unique experience for clients to experience the rural life of Sri Lanka people.
This will include a Bullock cart ride/boat ride in the lake/village tour & TUK TUK ride. Thereafter followed by a special local authentic dinner +1 bottle of beer/soft drinks at a “Kamatha” paddy field.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Dambulla / Sigiriya
Day 4 - Dambulla - Matale – Kandy
Breakfast at the hotel
Then visit Dambulla Rock Temple.
This sacred temple known in ancient times as the Jambukolenavihara is situated on top of the rock of Dambulla. This UNESCO site consists of cave inscriptions of the 2nd century BC. Inside several drip ledges caves here image houses have been constructed. The structures here have been renovated by Vijayabanduhu( 1055 – 1110 AD ). According to an inscription on NissankaMalla at the site that king has gilded the statues here and named the site the Rangiri Dambulla. King Kirtsiri Rajasinha of Kandy effected the last renovation here. Inside the Vihara are many seated, standing and recumbent Buddha statues and of gods. On the walls of the image house are paintings.
Thereafter leave for Kandy.
En route stop at Matale and visit a Spice garden see spices growing in their natural habitat. Learn about spices and their use in Sri Lankan cuisine. In the Spice Garden, all participants will receive an Herbal head massage offered by Ceylon Roots LTD.
Lunch at the Spice Garden
Visit the sacred Temple of Tooth Relic. Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) in Kandy is the most venerated place of worship for Buddhists throughout the world.
The prime landmark of the hill capital – the temple of the tooth relic is the pride of Buddhists in Sri Lanka and world-over. Located at the heart of the Kandy town, right before the green waters of the Nuwara wewa, the temple’s white washed walls with tops shaped like that of clouds surround the temple grounds. Within the wall, the ancient temple stands majestically surrounded by a moat, its golden roof gleaming in the sunlight as white-clad pilgrims bearing lotus blossoms throng to revere the sacred tooth-relic of Lord Buddha. The present temple was constructed mainly under Kandyan kings from 1687 to 1707. The temple embellishments of wooden and ivory carvings and elaborate frescoes bear the strong marks of Kandyan artist-styles. The tooth relic is placed within seven golden caskets and the pilgrims are only permitted to view the casket a few feet away from the altar.
Evening witness a cultural show.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Kandy.
Day 5 - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast. Morning proceed on a sightseeing tour of Kandy in Tuk Tuk ride. Proceed to Kandy visit a manufactory of Ceylon semi-precious stones which are famous in all the world (The blue sapphire) and a Batik factory.
Thereafter Leave for Nuwara Eliya. En route visit a tea factory & plantation.
*optional – Train journey from Peradeniya to Nanu Oya – USD 15 per person. Tickets are highly subject to availability and can be confirmed only one month prior to travel date
Lunch at a restaurant.
Thereafter continue to Nuwara Eliya. Check into hotel and rest of the day free for enjoying the hill country.
Nuwara Eliya is the heart of Sri Lankan hill country. It is the home of the famous Ceylon Tea and the rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. The salubrious climate, misty glens and the decidedly British character make Nuwara Eliya a must on any Sri Lankan travel itinerary.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 6 - Nuwara Eliya - Ella – Tissamaharama
Breakfast. Leave for Tissamaharama.
En route stop at Ella to witness the Ella gap & Ravana Falls
Continue to Tissamaharama for Lunch in restaurant. Arrive in hotel and check in.
Afternoon visit Kataragama. In the deep south of the country is a shrine dedicated to God Skanda (Murugan) the God of Love and War and is believed as a Devala started in the 2nd Century B.C. by King Dutugemunu (167 –137 B.C.).
Today Kataragama is a place of worship for Buddhists, Hindus and some Muslims. This is a very popular place of pilgrimage for south Indian Hindus as Kataragama God came from India, married a Jungle Girl and lived here. When his Indian wife came in search of him he refused to go back. All of them lived here happily.
There are separate shrines for the two wives Tevani Amman Kovil for the Indian wife and Valli Amman Kovil for the Sri Lankan wife. During the month of July a 10-day festival is held here with the Perahera, Fire walking, hanging on hooks and other penance’s.The best time to be in the Devala is at the time of the Pooja (Offerings) to see the rituals and the Virgin Dancing girls offering light and dancing in the Devala.
Dinner & overnight at the hotel
Day 7 - Tissamaharama – Weligama – Galle - Ahangama
Packed Breakfast. Early morning proceed on a jeep safari in Yala National Park.
Yala National Park, 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)..
Leave for Koggala/Ahangama. En route visit stilt fishing in Weligama.
Thereafter lunch at local restaurant
Thereafter proceed to Galle city.
Visit the city of Galle which is the south coast’s major city, whose oldest landmark is the massive 17th century Portuguese and Dutch Fort in which the central city is contained.
Visit the Dutch Fort and the city of Galle. As you walk through the streets you can see strong Dutch influences in the architecture, along with some old British residences and various mosques with Arabic touches.
Located in the Southern province, the city of Galle is a living time capsule. Home to the largest occupied Fort in Asia, its quaint beauty extends beyond its golden beaches and cerulean waters.
The main attraction of Galle no doubt is its ancient Fort, which instantaneously takes the visitors back to the Dutch Colonial era. One can bask in the picturesque views and the rich history while walking through the narrow, cobbled streets, relish a meal from one of the interesting restaurants within the Fort or enjoy the cool sea-breeze beneath the landmark lighthouse.
Dinner & Overnight in Koggala / Ahangama
Day 8 - Ahangama/ Koggala – Airport or Beach Extension
Early morning proceed a Whale Watching excursion in Mirissa. Thereafter leave to connect with Departure flight to airport.
- The overnights at selected or similar.
- The full board in restaurants and hotels (from dinner on Day 01 to breakfast on Day 08).
- The transport vehicles with a / c and Italian speaking driver/ guide.
- Entrance Fees and visits as scheduled.
- Cost of Jeep for safari in Yala National Park.
- Cost of Village Safari in Sigiriya with special local authentic dinner +1 bottle of beer/soft drinks at a “Kamatha” paddy field.
- Cost of Tuk Tuk ride in Kandy
- Whale Watching Excursion
- Tickets for the cultural show in Kandy
- Local taxes and 15% of V.A.T.
- The visa or admission to the country.
- The medical health insurance.
- There are mandatory or in hotels
- Tips and gratuities.
- Early Check in or Late Check out
- Or anything not mentioned in cost includes.
| Day | Overnight | Itinerary highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Colombo - Colombo Dambulla Kandy Nuwara Eliya Tissamaharama Ahangama Colombo |
| Place | Standard Hotels | Superior Hotels | Deluxe Hotels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 3 Stars | 4 Stars | 5 Stars |
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