Tropical Vacation in Sri Lanka

Airport / Pinnawela / Sigiriya

• Welcome and assist on arrival by our representative
• Transfer to Pinnawala

What was founded as a sanctuary for orphaned wild baby elephants has now grown into a 25-acre home for Sri Lankan elephants (both tame, semi-wild and wild) and one of the largest elephant breeding centers in the world. Located in close proximity to the Maha Oya, northwest of Kegalle, it is a great place to witness these majestic. The best times to visit would be during bathing or feeding time. The elephants are guided in procession to the Maya Oya, where the shallow rocky waters are the perfect place for the elephants to socialize and cool down. Bathing time is 10am and 2pm, whereas the baby elephants are bottle fed at 9.15am, 1.15pm & 5pm.

• Transfer from Pinnawala to Sigiriya
• Check in to the hotel and have lunch at restaurant
• Visit the Minneriya National Park
• Relax the evening at the hotel
• Dinner and overnight stay at your choice of Hotel

Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa

• Early morning with climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

King Kasyapa built the citadel of Sigiriya in the 5th century as an impregnable fortress. He moved from Anuradhapura to build his new kingdom in a dense forest when he was required to relocate himself and his court. This was due to the rising backlash from the clergy and the common people for his act of patricide/regicide. A true testament to the ancient workmanship and skill, it was known as the Palace in the Sky. The front facade was carved to look like a seated lion where you would enter through the lion’s mouth; however, now, only the brick structure and the lion’s paws are evident today. You are able to tour Sigirya within 1 and ½ hours time, but it is best to visit in the morning hours to avoid the noon heat. Explore the ruins of Sigirya and be amazed at the ancient city planning and garden scaping, engineering and hydraulic technology, as well as the arts and more!

• After Breakfast Proceed to Polonnaruwa

One of the better preserved ruins of the island, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is now a UNESCO protected World Heritage Site. It is considered the first kingdom influenced by Theravada Buddhism and used for many centuries. Thus, the city is dotted with beautifully crafted Dagabas which are religious treasures of worship that are constructed from small sun-dried bricks and are hemispherical in shape. Some of the popular Dagabas you should visit include The Golden Pinnacle Dagaba, Kiri Verehera, and Demala Maha Seya to name a few.

• Dinner and overnight stay at your choice of Hotel

Dambulla / Matale / Kandy

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Visit Golden Rock Cave Temple

Situated in Dambulla, the Golden Rock Cave Temple are five caves that are located within a 500ft high rock mass. Once an isolated monastery for Buddhist monks, it was improved by King Walagamba in 1BC. As an act of gratitude towards the monks who offered him sanctuary during his 14 years of exile, he paid their kindness in kind by improving the conditions of the caves as well as converting it into a temple when he returned to his throne in Anuradhapura. In later years, King Nissankamalla gilded the caves and also added fifty golden statues thus giving it its name. It will take approximately 45 min. to visit this site.

• Transfer from Dambulla to Matale
• Visit Spice Garden

The Matale Spice Gardens is a must-visit site for amateur cooks and gastronomic connoisseurs. Get acquainted with the spices of Sri Lanka, it’s history and how it’s used in the local cuisine and for medicinal purposes such as with Ayurveda or homeopathy. As Sri Lanka was part of the ancient Silk Road with spice traders from the world over making stops on the island, Sri Lanka has a vibrant and colourful blend of spices being used and grown on the fertile land. Clients will be able to see different spices and how some of these spices are grown and processed.

• Witness Cookery demonstrations

A culinary experience is the best way to end the Spice Gardens tour, where the discerning traveller can immerse themselves in the culture and customs of Sri Lanka, and of course the native culinary fare. You can learn about Sri Lankan spices and various Sri Lankan cookery methods.

• Transfer to Kandy

Kandy is the last kingdom of the Sinhala kings before it’s absorption of the kingdom into the British empire following the Kandy Convention bill that was signed between the British and the Chiefs of the Kandy. This was done to depose the reigning monarch, King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. The valley of Kandy is surrounded by magnificent hills, which made it an ideal bastion, and offered great protection from attacking forces. The citadel of Kandy now offers its visitors a rich entree of history and culture. With a grand collection of arts and crafts, and various historical landmarks around the city, there is much to see. Experience these by visiting a few of the notable Kandy landmarks such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is housed within what used to the Royal Palace of Kandy.

• Have the Lunch & enjoy Kandy City Tour

When in Kandy, a city tour is necessary! Experience the likes of the Gem Museum & Lapidary, a tour through the Silk Garden,   visit a Wood Carving and Hand Craft Centre and end the evening with a Cultural Show.

• Visit Gem Museum and Lapidary

The Gem Industry is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest export markets, and we’re renowned for our array of beautiful precious and semi-precious gems, such as the magnificent Blue Sapphire. While touring the city of Kandy, visiting the Gem Museum and a lapidary is a must, where you can witness a gem-cutting factory & a documentary on gem mining and the process. Later you can shop for gems, jewellery & other ornaments. You can also collect your authenticity certificate for gems.

• Visit the Silk Garden

During your visit to the Silk Garden, you will be shown the process of making silk & how handloom sarees are made in Sri Lanka. Lady visitors to the Silk Gardens will be given the opportunity to be draped in a beautiful traditional Sri Lankan saree that span 6 yards in length! Following the visit, you are able to shop for silk items, sarees, sarongs, shirts & other items available.

• Visit Woodcarving / Handcrafts Centre

One of the most ancient industries in Sri Lanka, it is believed that this skill was first used for the decoration of ancient temples, with the traditions & the techniques being passed from one generation to another. At The Woodcarving and Handcrafts Centre, you will meet some of these immensely skilled artisans creating woodcarvings, statues, furniture, traditional masks, sculptures, handcrafts, and paintings and more. You can also try your hand at it, and thereafter purchase a few of these works of art at the souvenir shop

• Evening Cultural Show

Enjoy an evening of culture and dance inspired by up-country and low-country art forms, traditions and folklore. Through the show, you can witness spectacular fire dancers that will have you at the edge of your seat, demon dancers, and of course, traditional Kandyan dancers in their beautiful attire!

• Dinner and overnight stay at your choice of Hotel

Kandy / Ramboda / Nuwara Eliya

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Transfer from Kandy towards Nuwara Eliya through Ramaboda
• Stop over at Macwoods Tea Factory
• Witness the famous Ramboda Falls

On the way to Nuwara Eliya, one thing you must definitely stop by and witness would be the Ramboda Falls. The 11^th highest waterfall, it features two drops and is a great backdrop for photographs while enjoying the view from the deck.

• Reach Nuwara Eliya
• Tour Nuwara Eliya City and visit Gregory Lake

Located in the hilly heart of island of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya offers a cool climate and beautiful vistas of the rolling tea plantations. Discovered by the British in 1827, it was revamped to become a vacation town for the British. Styled after an English town, much of the architecture still lives on with Tudor styled Bungalows and buildings. It’s an unprecedented fact that Nuwara Eliya is one of the most beautiful towns in Sri Lanka, home to one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in South Asia.

During your tour of Nuwara Eliya, you can visit the Golf Club, Strawberry Farms & pick some strawberries. You can take a nice evening walk around the Gregory Lake, and experience a paddleboat ride. Later, visit the beautiful clubhouse & enjoy a hot cup of Ceylon Tea.

Dinner and overnight stay at your choice of Hotel

Nuwara Eliya / Ella / Yala

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Visit Seetha Amman Temple & Hakgala Garden

The Seetha Amman Temple is part of the Ramayana Trail folklore, and a place of worship for many Hindu devotees the world over. It is said that the temple was built in honour of Lord Rama, Seetha Devi, Lakshmana and Hanuman, on the sides of the stream where Seetha Devi bathed. The Seetha Amma Temple is situated within close proximity to Hakgala Gardens and a visit to one should not be without a visit to the other.

• Transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Ella by Train

A driver will drop the group at Nanu Oya and will pick them at Ella Railway station.

• Visit the Ravana Falls

Located in Ella and known as Ravana Ella (in Sinhala) to the locals, the Ravana Falls is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. One of the widest falls in the country, the falls are named after King Ravana from the Ramayana Trail folklore. Also part of the lore is the Ravana Ella Cave which was said to be the location where Seetha Devi was hidden after being kidnapped by King Ravana.

• Then Proceed to Yala
• Overnight stay at Yala/Tissa

Yala / Galle / Bentota

• With packed breakfast Proceed to Yala National Park
• Safari at Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka and the second largest. Whilst the park is made up of five blocks, only two of them are open to the public. It’s home a plethora of indigenous fauna with the majestic elephants being the most commonly sighted of the habitants!

While partaking in a jeep safari at Yala National Park, be sure to look out for elephants, spotted deer, barking deer, sloth bear, wild buffalo, and wild boar, and not to mention the 120 species of birds are living in the park.

• Transfer to Galle

The Portuguese stumbled upon Galle in the 14^th century, following a storm when they were thrown off track, where they later built a fort.   According to history, Galle was the first seaport of Sri Lanka and used as a trading port. After surrendering to the Dutch, the port was fortified into what is not the Galle Dutch Fort! One most popular things to do in Galle is to walk along the walls of the fort enjoy the magnificent view of the ocean. Catching the sunset from the astonishing views atop the walls of the Galle fort is a definite must if able.

• Stilt Fishing – Galle

One of the traditional forms of fishing within the Sri Lankan fishing community it involves anglers sitting atop a thin plank hoisted deep into the coastal waters. They would spend whilst waiting for a good catch.

• Proceed to Bentota

One of the most popular coastal towns in Sri Lanka, Bentota is situated on the southern coastal tip of the Galle District of the Southern Province. Popular as a beach resort town and a great destination for water sports, it’s a great location for relaxing and enjoying the sun, sand and surf!

• Dinner and overnight stay at your choice of Hotel

Beach Break

• Breakfast at Hotel
• Madu River Boat Cruise

Situated in Balapitiya, where the Maduganga River goes out to sea, this area is a shallow water body that is home to one of the country’s largest mangrove forests and a truly unique coastal wetland eco-system. One of the best ways of exploring this nature and wildlife attraction in Sri Lanka is via a boat cruise where you can easily navigate the dense mangrove islets while looking out for the magnificent flora, fauna and foliage of the area.

• Full day at Leisure or water sports activities
• Optional: Spa Treatment/ Dinner
• Overnight stay at your choice of hotel

Bentota / Colombo

• After Breakfast Proceed to Colombo
• Do a city tour of Colombo

Tour Colombo and visit some of the city’s popular attractions including the following;

• Galle Face Green
• Dutch Hospital
• Presidential Secretariat (Old Parliament Building)
• Gangarama Temple
• Town Hall
• Nelum Pokkuna
• Independence Square
• Independence Arcade
• BMICH
• New Parliament
• Shopping in Colombo
• Optional: Overnight visit to Casino Club
• Dinner & overnight stay at your choice of hotel

Colombo / Airport

• Breakfast at Hotel
• As per Flight Schedule Transfer to Airport