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Sri Lanka Escape into Nature
Sri Lanka Escape into Nature
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Highlights:  Kandy - Udawattakele - Matale - Dambulla - Sigiriya - Minneriya - Hiriwadunna - Chilaw


Other departures: Manchester - £1785, Birmingham - £1759, Newcastle - £1775, Glasgow - £1769, London Stansted - £1709


Itinerary
Day 1: Airport / Kandy
Upon your arrival in Paradise Island, you will be welcomed by a designated Chauffeur at the Colombo International Airport, who will be your “Travel Buddy” for the rest of your stay in Sri Lanka. After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your vehicle to continue on the tour.
The journey begins with the drive to your hotel in Kandy.
(Airport to Kandy Travel Time Approx.: 03 - 04 HRS)
Upon your arrival at the hotel in Kandy, you will be warmly welcomed in the traditional Sri Lankan way. While you enjoy a glass of tropical fresh fruit juice, hotel staff will assist you with the check-in and escort you to the room.
Time to unwind and relax after a long flight and drive from Airport.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT AMAYA HILLS, KANDY or similar


Day 2: Kandy / Udawattakele / Kandy Sightseeing /Kandy
As you are now sheltered 1629 feet above sea level in the center of the island, you will be amazed to witness the lavishness of flora and fauna at the UdawattaKele Sanctuary.
(Hotel to Udawattakele Travel Time Approx.: 30 – 45 Mins.)
The lush forest cover of Udawatta Kele Sanctuary behind Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy has a long history dating back to many centuries. It was declared Tahansikele or forbidden forest by the Sinhala kings who ascended the throne when Kandy became the capital city. It was a royal forest reserve where no one was allowed to venture. Located close to Sri Dalada Maligawa and the royal palace in this verdant jungle where among trees, creepers, lichen, mosses, ferns, grasses, fungi, and bacteria are found in abundance. When the morning mist gently clears from the placid water of the pond in the middle of the forest glade, the shrill call of a bird from the nearby tree or a croak of a frog may disturb the stillness of the surroundings. One can notice a monitor lizard swims lazily catching a glimpse of prey in the water, disturbed by its movement blue kingfisher flashes across with its widespread wings when it failed to catch a fish. With this panorama peace and tranquility continue to prevail throughout this panoramic kingdom of fauna and flora. Udawattekele is the only forest in the world found bordering a city. With the expansion of the city, it has been reduced to the present size. After a morning among the greenery, it’s time to experience the cultural richness of the Royal Capital and its surroundings. Kandy is still the home of the arts and crafts, music and dance, and song which flourished under the patronage of the Kandyan Kings. Kandy is an exciting place for shopping with souvenirs of wood, copper, silver, brass, and bronze. Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewelry, rush, and reed-ware too could be purchased.
Late afternoon visits the Temple of the tooth to witness the traditional blessings known as “Thewawa” at 1800 HRS.
Temple of the Tooth Relic is located in the royal palace complex which houses the Relic of the tooth of 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 Sinhalese kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple.
On completion witness, the traditional cultural show Kandyan dance shows, mostly dramatic depictions of the movements of birds, animals and the costumes donned by the dancers are vibrant with color and sounds. The performances of the Kandyan dancers are an absolute must-see in Sri Lanka. Developed in the Kandyan era, the Kandyan dancers are a distinctive feature of Sri Lankan culture and heritage.
Return to your hotel.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT AMAYA HILLS, KANDY, or similar


Day 3: Kandy / Matale/ Dambulla
After breakfast at the hotel, you can choose to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden known for cultivation and display of a wide range of endemic plants labeled with their botanical names (Optional) Located in the hill capital of Sri Lanka, the botanical gardens of Peradeniya bear a rich history punctuated by colonialism and industrial change. Although its origins date back to the era of medieval kingdoms, it was officially awarded the status of a botanical garden during the
British colonial period. Apart from its best-known attraction – the Orchid House home to some 300 varieties of orchids, the extensive well-kept lawns, the avenue of Royal Palms, fernery, banks of giant Burmese bamboo, and the myriad of colour that pops off the varied blossoms including cannas, hibiscus, chrysanthemums, crotons and
bougainvillea are among the details that add to the splendor of the gardens, further uplifted by the Mahaweli river that flows through its fringes.
Time to pack your bags and check out from the hotel as you head towards the central region of the island How about some shopping to pamper yourself with herbs and natural therapies of your interest and try the unrevealed secrecy of spicy Sri Lankan cuisine? Stop at the Matale Spice Garden.
(Kandy to Matale Travel Time Approx.: 01 – 01 ½ HRS.)


Spice Gardens, located in Matale offer wonderful opportunities to view the spices that stirred the interests of many nations, since time immemorial, in this emerald isle for its exotic spices, the world over. You will be served a complimentary traditional Sri Lankan lunch. After lunch, enjoy a Sri Lankan ayurvedic head and shoulder massage. Continue to Dambulla and visit the religious heritage monument of Cave Temple, known as “Golden Temple of Dambulla”
(Matale to Dambulla Travel Time Approx.: 01 ½ - 02 HRS.)
Dambulla Cave Temple is a vast isolated rock mass and 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.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT AMAYA LAKE, DAMBULLA, or similar


Day 4: Dambulla/ Sigriya / Minneriya / Dambulla
Today after breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya.
(Dambulla to Sigiriya Travel Time Approx.: 30mins.)
Sigiriya: Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress which is known as the 8th wonder of the world. This rock fortress was built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century A.D. and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a sheltered, 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. The architect of this lovely city is known to be King Parakrama Bahu - The Great. The remains of the Royal Citadel council chamber, prince’s bathing pool and the Gal Vihara, a stone temple with its colossal sculptures of the Buddha in a quiet grove of trees as well as the still-functioning Parakrama Samudra, a man-made reservoir, larger than our Colombo harbor, are on easy distance from each other. The new museum has an excellent scale model of the ancient city as it was.


Afternoon proceeds on a game drive at the Minneriya National Park (Sigiriya to Minneriya Travel Time Approx.: 30 to 45 MIN.)
More spectacular than possibly any other wildlife event in Sri Lanka is what is known as the ‘The Gathering’.
During the dry season (July to September) when water supplies start to diminish, more and more animals congregate around the Minneriya reservoir where grasses are rich and fertile. For several months of this drought season, different herds of wild elephants gather at the reservoir. They come from the areas beyond  Minneriya, and at any one time, it is possible to witness up to 300-400 elephants. They are not migrating, they simply ‘gather’, to socialize, bathe, feed, and possibly mate. Minneriya National Park is also home to Sri Lankan leopards and Sri Lankan Sloth Bears. It is listed as one of the important bird areas in Sri Lanka. The wildlife here comprises of 26 species of mammals, 160 species of bird, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish, and 75 species of butterflies.
On completion return to your hotel, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT AMAYA LAKE, DAMBULLA, or similar


Day 5: Dambulla / Nature Walk/ Hiriwadunna / Chilaw
Today after an early breakfast, proceed on a nature walk at the forest breadth. Spend just about ninety minutes of bliss tracking and watching the experienced naturalist. Many nests are hidden among the floating lotus leaves and the branches of the gigantic Kumbuk trees. Across the ramp and up the wooden stairway is an observation desk - a platform that overlooks a myriad of birdlife strewn across the reflecting waters. The past continues into the farm that ends amidst the spellbinding Butterfly garden. A riot of clour affixed in petals awaits nature lovers while the bird trail ends as a truly enriching experience. Thereafter proceed on an authentic village excursion to Hiriwadunna, where you will feel your self Sri Lanken’ed’ with the ambiance of the local community. You will be served lunch at a house in the village, of which you can experience the culinary expertise of the Sri Lankan women. (Dambulla to Hiriwadunna Travel Time Approx.: 30 to 45 MIN.)
The tour through the village includes an excursion through the countryside, along with mud-thatched village huts, flourishing paddy fields, streamlets, rivers, and springs of crystal clear. The banana plantations in the village make up for an interesting visit. The tour also includes visits to the scenic reservoir in Hiriwadunna, which is crossed by a boat to reach a Chena cultivation, where the travelers would be able to set their eyes on the scenic sights of the village atop a treehouse built on a lone tree midst the cultivations.
After an inland tour filled with activities and excitements, time to proceed for your most awaited beach holiday on the golden sandy seashores of the coastal belt.
(Hiriwadunna to Chilaw Travel Time Approx: 03 ½ - 04 ½ HRS.) Drive to Chilaw and check in to the hotel. Discover an enchanting getaway where the adventures that await
areas limitless as the sea that stretches far into the horizon
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT ANANTAYA RESORT & SPA CHILAW


 


Day 6- 9: Beach
Step into a world where infinite pleasures await where the warm azure waters of the ocean lie beside the cool waters of a mangrove-fringed lagoon, wrapping you in a sense of serenity. Tucked away in the charming coastal town of Chilaw, the hotel offers you a sanctuary that is surreally positioned with a soft sandy beach on one side and a charming lagoon on the other. Relax and relish yourself on the beach that is cocooned in seductive seclusion, believed to be unique among the myriad of Sri Lanka beach resorts.


 


Day 10: Beach/Airport
After breakfast, proceeds to the Colombo Airport in time for your departure to catch your departure flight accompanied with all the happy memories of the tropical isle; Sri Lanka once known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” It’s recommended to leave the hotel minimum 05HRS prior to your flight.
(Chilaw to Airport Travel Time Approx: 01 ½ - 02 HRS)


 


Package excludes:
- Expenses of personal nature
- Cost of beverages
- Porterage & Tips
- Early Check-in/ Late Check-out


 



Offer Includes

  • Return flights from London Heathrow
  • 2 nights stay in Amaya Hill Kandy on Half board basis in a superior room
  • 2 nights stay in Amaya Dambulla on Half board basis in a superior villa
  • 5 nights stay in Anantaya Resort and Spa on Half board basis in a superior room
  • 1 traditional Sri Lankan Lunch at Hiriwadunna village.
  • 15 minutes head and shoulder massage at Spice Garden.
  • Herbal tea with traditional Sri Lankan sweets.
  • Free upgrade to Deluxe rooms on availability at Anantaya Resort and Spa
  • 20% discount on SPA usage at Anantaya Resort and Spa
  • 10% Discount food and beverages at Anantaya Resort and Spa
  • Air conditioned vehicle along with the services of an English speaking driver guide from arrival up to your beach stay.
  • English speaking driver for your departure transfer on last day.
  • Entrance fees to Udawattakele Forest Reserve, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Minneriya National Park and Nature/Bird Walk in Dambulla.
  • One 4x4 Jeep safari at Minneriya National Park
  • One village life experience at Hiriwadunna
  • All applicable current local taxes, but subject to change at the time of booking

Meal Plans

  • Half Board