Sri Lanka is a lush, tropical island paradise, known to Arab traders as Serendib – hence the word "serendipity", meaning discovery by happy accident. It was famously described by Marco Polo as "undoubtedly the finest island of its size in the world". Sri Lanka, once known as Serendib Taprobane is now also known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. This paradise isle, which is indeed shaped like a pearl, offers pristine beaches, lush tea estates, more waterfalls perhaps than any other country- a staggering 350 that cascade dramatically down rolling hillsides and mist-shrouded mountains, and a culture that reaches back over 2,500 years. Famous for its spices and spice plantations, Sri Lanka was described by a renowned botanist as simply one big botanical garden.
Day 1: Colombo /Sigiriya
You will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Hayleys Tours at 1000 Hrs at Cinnamon Red. After which, you will be escorted to your air conditioned Car and proceed to Sigiriya. Check in to the Hotel and relax. OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN KASSAPA LIONS ROCK, SIGIRIYA OR SIMILAR
Day 2: Sigiriya/ Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Sigiriya
After breakfast proceed to ascend the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress is known as the 8th wonder of the world. This rock fortress was built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a sheltered a pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare was the site of the palace and the outer wall was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya 5th century water gardens to their former glory. After your descent proceed to visit the medieval city of Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa. The second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 A.D. to reunite the country once more under a native leader. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned Archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. After the exciting city tour, return to your hotel in Dambulla. OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN KASSAPA LIONS ROCK, SIGIRIYA OR SIMILAR
Day 3: Sigiriya / Anuradhapura / Sigiriya
After breakfast proceed to visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Visit the ruins of the first capital founded in the 05th century BC. Here is found the largest number of ancient monuments of a great civilization. Buddhism found its first real home in Sri Lanka at Anuradhapura, and it thus contains some of Sri Lankan Buddhism’s most secret sights. The “Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, planted from a cutting from the original “Bo Tree” under which the Buddha received enlightenment, continue to draw thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. The pillars of the brazen palace which once had nine stories, the image of the Samadhi Buddha which is one of the finest pieces of Buddhists sculpture, the twin ponds, guard-stones and the moon-stones are amazing remains of a great civilization. There are also monuments such as Ruwanveli Seya Dagoba with its famous elephant wall from the 2nd Century B.C. and the Thuparama Dagoba from the 3rd Century B.C. On completion, return to your hotel in Sigiriya. OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN KASSAPA LIONS ROCK , SIGIRIYA OR SIMILAR
Day 4: Sigiriya/ Matale/ Kandy
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Kandy. En route visit the sacred cave temple of Dambulla.
A vast isolated rock mass- it was here that king Valagambahu took refuge in the 01st century B.C. He later turned the caves into a rock temple. Dambulla is a world heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceiling found here are over 2000 years old and is the largest area of painting found in the world. The caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 meters. Also visit a spice garden in Matale en-route. Here you will be able to see different spices and aromatics for which Sri Lanka has been famous for centuries. On arrival, check in to your hotel in Kandy and spend the rest of the day at leisure. OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN HOTEL SUISSE, KANDY OR SIMILAR
Day 5: - Kandy / Pinnawala / Kandy
After breakfast proceed to Pinnawala to visit the Elephant Orphanage. Pinnawela is the home for young Elephants who have been displaced or lost from their natural habitat. This is the only such sanctuary in the world; you will watch the beasts gamboling in the water and being fed their quota of milk from handheld bottles. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawela was born. The success story of Pinnawala has drawn the attention of scientists from all over the world. On completion return to Kandy and explore the city. Later that evening visit the Temple of the tooth relic after a small shopping tour in a Gem Lapidary.
Temple of the Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the City of Kandy. It is considered the foremost sacred place of worship in the Buddhist World. According to legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha as he lay on his funeral pyre. It immediately became an object of great reverence and was enshrined in a series of nested jeweled reliquaries. On the outside, the temple buildings are not magnificent or elaborately decorated. While with red roofs, they cluster around Kandy Lake. In striking contrast to the plain exterior, the interiors of the temple buildings are richly carved and decorated with inlaid woods, ivory and lacquer. The relic of the tooth is kept in a two story inner shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks. After visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic, proceed to enjoy the Cultural Dance Show. Cultural Dance Show - Be escorted to a performance of the traditional Kandyan dance, accompanied by tumultuous drumming. Dances include the cobra dance, mask dance, the Ginisila, showing power over fire. The entire frenetic and colorful spectacle climaxes with the amazing fire-walking act. On Completion, Return to your hotel in Kandy. Relax and enjoy the hotel amenities at leisure. OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN HOTEL SUISSE, KANDY OR SIMILAR
Day 6:- Kandy / Peradniya / Ella
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed to Peradeniya to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Peradeniya Garden , Located in Peradeniya near Kandy, the gardens are noted for its rich and varied collections of tropical woody plants. Occupying 59 hectares (146 acres), it has about 4,000 species of plants. The most important specimens of the garden include palms, some of which are planted in impressive avenues. Significant, too, are the collections of orchids, gymnosperms, and flowering trees. On arrival, proceed to your hotel in Ella. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure. OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN 98 ACRES RESORT & SPA, ELLA OR SIMILAR
Day 7:- Explore Ella
After Breakfast proceed to explore Ella. Everyone’s favorite hill-country village and the place to ease off the travel accelerator with a few leisurely days resting in your choice of some of the country’s best guesthouses. The views through Ella Gap are stunning, and on a clear night you can even spy the subtle glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on Sri Lanka’s south coast.Don’t be too laid-back though; definitely make time for easygoing walks through tea plantations to temples, waterfalls and viewpoints.After building up a hiking-inspired appetite, look forward to Sri Lanka’s best home-cooked food and the minisplurge of an extended Ayurvedic treatment. Ella town is a small town among the up county destinations consisted of waterfalls, caves and geographically significant places. One such place is Adams Peak, figured in Pyramid Shape Mountain which stands opposite of the Ella rock. Be aware not to harm the plants, flowers and animals that will meet on your journey up to the mountain. You could see the people who are plucking and collecting tea leaves, working in their estates. It will take around 35-45 min to reach to the top of the mountain on a zig- zag path. Thus it is an ideal place to watch sun rise in the morning. With prodigious views of as far as Ella rock and down to the gap will be gorgeous. It is a must to say that ‘don’t forget to wake up early in the morning and climb the mountain before it gets hot’ otherwise you will feel tired. Also take a bottle of water with you. If you could have a cup of tea or something you may feel better on your way back to your hotel. Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN 98 ACRES RESORT & SPA, ELLA OR SIMILAR
Day 8:- Ella / Tissamaharama
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Tissamaharama. On arrival, go on an afternoon jeep Safari at the Yala National Park. During the grand era of the British dominion, Ceylon was one of the world’s most sought after locations for truly exotic expeditions. The 1800’s witnessed the arrival of British adventurers such as Samuel L. Baker, and with them, hunting and exploration safaris replete with a small army of butlers, cooks, and trackers. These explorers did not travel in a rough, rustic manner, but enjoyed well-furnished, spacious tents fully stocked with the finest food and drink. At the glorious height of the empire, a complete bar, expert cooks, local guides and the best camping paraphernalia were not out of the ordinary, but expected. These bespoke safaris expertly anticipated every possible need or want of British explorers in wild Ceylon. For centuries, this incredible destination has been revered as an unparalleled testament to the beauty of the wilderness, nature in its purest and rawest form. Probably the best place in the world to spot leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and a whole host of birdlife, Yala promises unforgettable discoveries and exciting adventures. On completion return to your hotel and you can consider the option of enjoying another half day game drive in Yala in the afternoon. OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN HOTEL CHANDRIKA , YALA OR SIMILAR
Day 9:- Yala / Galle / Bentota
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Bentota for your Beach stay. Enroute stop by Galle for a sight seeing tour of this costal town. Travel Time approximately 4 to 5 hrs. Galle is a coastal town where the Dutch presence is still visible. Galle was an ancient port (said to be the legendary Tarshish of the Bible), and our first international commerce and trade centre. Today, Galle is the bustling provincial capital and administrative centre of the south. It is famous for its lovely Unawatuna Bay, where the sea is reef protected and therefore safe for swimming. The old Dutch “Star Fort” (a World Heritages Site) covering 36 hectares, the well-preserved Groote Kerk (Dutch Church), Dutch Government House, the New Oriental Hotel (built in 1684) old bell tower and a tide-based Sewage-System, also introduced by the Dutch. In Galle they still make the Dutch ‘pillow-lace’ and do fine ebony carving and gem polishing. On Completion, you will be dropped at your Beach Hotel in Bentota .
Sigiriya - Kassapa Lions Rock
Kandy - Hotel Suisse
Ella - 98 Acres Resort & Spa