DAY 01 - AIR PORT / PINNAWALA / SIGIRIYA
Pick up from the Airport or from the Beach hotel in Negombo
Thereafter transfer to Pinnawala.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage established in 1975 as place for shelter and care the wounded elephants and abandoned baby elephants found in jungle. This is covered a area over 24 acre land. Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage was under the department of Department of Wildlife but now under the National Zoological Garden.This area is not a jungle, just a garden with coconut trees.
Up to date, over 20 calves have been born here, and it is surprising to hear that some of its inmates have even seen their grand children during the past few decades!
As you enterd the property Don't be suprised by seen baby elephants being bottle fed or moving around freely causing absolutely no harm to anyone.
Elephants were taken for bath in nearby Ma-Oya( a river) Elephants lie down on riverbeds and allow the the people who look after them to scrub and clean their body. In the bathing time, visitors can see elephants walk one followed by other, then cross the road and go down to the river.
Thereafter transfer to hotel near by Sigiriya.
Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel (EKHO Sigiriya / Sigiriya Village / Fresco Water Villa / Sigiriya Jungles)
Hotel will be selected according to the availability
DAY 02 - SIGIRIYA / MINNERIYA / POLONNARUWA
Breakfast at the hotel.
Thereafter transfer to Sigiriya lion rock
The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site. Sigiriya - doesn't only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock - resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' - is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.
Thereafter, transfer to Minneriya.
Minneriya national park's faunal species include 24 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish, and 75 species of butterflies.
Large numbers of Sri Lankan elephants are attracted to grass fields on the edges of the reservoir during the dry season.The Minneriya tank contributes to sustain a large herd. Elephants gathered here is numbering around 150-200.Some reports account number of elephants to as high as 700. They migrate here from Wasgamuwa National Park and benefit from food and shelter of the park's forest. Tourists visit Minneriya largely because of elephants, especially in dry season
The park is an important habitat for the two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka: purple-faced langur and toque macaque. Large herbivorous mammals such as Sri Lankan sambar deer and Sri Lankan axis deer frequent the park. Rare and endangered species such as Sri Lankan leopard and Sri Lankan sloth bear inhabit in Minneriya. Minneriya is one of the areas where the gray slender loris is reportedly found in Sri Lanka.
On completion transfer to Polonnaruwa.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Polonnaruwa.(Hotel Sudu Araliya / Thidas Arana / Deer Park hotel )
DAY 03 - POLONNARUWA / PASIKUDAH
Breakfast at Hotel.
Do the ancient city tour - Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site - blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures - while observing the relic house - Watadage - which boasts of beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa. Or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya - sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation!
On completion, transfer to pasikudah hotel
overnight stay at Beach hotel in Pasikudah.(Passi Villa / Marina Beach )
Hotel will be selected according the availability.
DAY 04 - PASIKUDAH / DIMBULAGALA / MAHIYANGANA
Breakfast at the hotel.
Thereafter transfer to Dimbulagala.
Dimbulagala Raja Maha Vihara
Dimbulagala Raja Maha Vihara is situated 16 kilometres south east of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. The Dimbulagala range houses a number of caves cut into the rock with Brahmi inscriptions over their drip ledges. This forest hermitage of medieval times and holy abode since time immemorial, home to some of the most valued fragments of early frescoes was called the Gunners Quoin by the British. This Buddhist monastery which was abandoned after the times of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was restored to the present status in the 1950s due to the efforts of Kithalagama Sri Seelalankara Thera, who was the chief incumbent of the Vihara until his death in 1995
Thereafter transfer to Mahiyangana
Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Mahiyangana, Sri Lanka. It is believed to be the site of Gautama Buddha's first visit to the country, and is one of the Solosmasthana, the 16 sacred religious locations in Sri Lanka.Currently this temple has been declared as one of archaeological site in Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay at Mahiyangana,(Mapakada Village / Kevan's Casa)
Hotel will be selected according to the availability.
DAY 05 - MAHIYANGANA / DAMBANA / KANDY
VEDDA VILLAGE TOUR TO DAMBANA.
Sri Lanka’s Aborigines’, or the Veddha’s meaning “people of the forest” of Sri Lanka has a history much older than prince Vijaya’s landing in 5th century BC and the origins of the Sinhala race. Archaeological evidence suggest that modern Veddha’s Neolithic ancestors inhabited this island as far back as 10,000 BC with. Once roaming the Great Plains’ of the north central region to the central mountains, today the remaining Veddha population are confined to Dambana which is close to Maduru oya sanctuary.
They are essentially hunter gatherer forest dwellers without much change in their life style from Stone Age to modern times. The language used by them is an ancient dialect of Sinhala, staple diet being venison, Veddha’s are allowed to hunt legally to sustain themselves within certain areas, are also expert fisherman. Veddha’s also collect bee’s honey and exchange it with the locals for axe blades and cloth.
Today, the Veddha’s are more modernised as far as at least the cloths are concerned and perfect way to observe Veddha is to organise a camp close to or within a reservation and Veddha’s will be more than glad to show you their ways of life, with an axe hanging from their shoulders and a bow slung behind them, gives you the impression nothing much has changed since the dawn of time for these proud warriors of the forest.
Thereafter transfer to Kandy.
Kandy cultural show – Sri Lanka, a country rich with culture & tradition offers a very vibrant and unique show of Sri Lankan traditional dances, in the form of Kandy cultural show. The beat a dancing from \"Salupliya\" depicting several demons, \"Thelme\" vibrant expression of low country rhythm, Fire and Harvest dances accompanied by Ceremonial Drums and the Drum Orchestra rising and falling to the lively tempo. As many as 12 different folk and traditional dances are performed by Kandy lake club dance troop within the span of one hour.
overnight stay at Kandy. (OZO kandy / Queen's hoetl / Hotel Topaz / Mahaweli reach )
Hotel will be selected according the availability.
DAY 06 - KANDY / PERADENIYA / KANDY
Breakfast at Kandy Hotel.
Thereafter transfer to Peradeniya.
First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya - today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy - is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147 acre bliss of an experience, passing well tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break.
Transfer from Peradeniya to Kandy.
The World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings - crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills. will feature the Kandy City Centre - bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Drive towards Victoria Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world for a sweep blended with class and style. Or walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tube your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel
DAY 07 - KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA
Breakfast at Kandy Hotel
Thereafter transfer to Nuwara Eliya.
Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate, remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light - once governed by English & Scottish planters - is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet. Hop into a rattling train smoking and hissing its way through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls & dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-colored saris. Or rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory.
Dinner and overnight stay at Nuwara eliya hotel (The Queenbury Hotel / Oak Ray Summer hiil)
Hotel will be selected according to the availability.
DAY 08 - NUWARA ELIYA / HORTAN PLAIN / NUWARA ELIYA
Breakfast at Nuwara eliya Hotel.
Thereafter transfer to Horton Plains.
Horton Plains, UNESCO World Heritage Site & Eco-tourism hideout in the heart of the isle, painted with unending stretches of green pastures marks one of the healthiest wet montane evergreen forests in Sri Lanka. With an altitude above 7000ft, the plateau sweeps to a robust 3169 hectares sheltering flora and fauna varieties that may be found no where else on earth. As the tributary of Belihul Oya - Bakers Falls - thunders down rocks head off the beaten track - across frost-covered grass - to feel the icy-cold wind against your face. You may even gaze down World's End, a head-spinning 3700ft drop towards the Southern end or drive carefully through herds of sambar deer, shy to human touch & birdlife chirping across the plains. If you're cautious enough you may be greeted by the sights of a grunting wild boar, a pouncing fishing cat, otters or even the 'Spotted-Ghost that haunts the plains', the Sri Lankan Leopard!
On completion transfer to Nuwara eliya hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel
DAY 09 - NUWARA ELIYA / KITHULGALA / COLOMBO
Breakfast at the hotel.
Thereafter transfer to Kithulgala
Kitulgala is a popular adventure-sports centre located amid thickly forested hills. Most visitors are the young and energetic of Colombo, but foreign visitors are also starting to discover the region's white-water rafting, jungle trekking, birdwatching and cave exploration.
Thereafter transfer to Colombo
overnight stay at Colombo hotel (Cinnamon Red / Fairway Colombo / OZO Colombo)
Hotel will be selected according to the availability.
DAY 10 - COLOMBO / AIR PORT
Breakfast at the hotel.
Thereafter transfer to Colombo
Colombo city tour - You will drive through the commercial area of Fort, so named because both the Portuguese and Dutch had a fort at this point. Drive past Pettah, a noisy Oriental bazaar with a mix of humanity, ancient vehicles, bargains, mosques and temples. You will visit a Hindu and Buddhist Temple and the Jumi Ul Alfar Jumma Mosque. You will continue with the tour through the Wolfendhal Dutch Church, Hulftsdorp Law Courts, through the residential area of Cinnamon Gardens, and on to the Independence Square, Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall.
On completion, transfer to the Air port.