Highlights of Sri Lanka - 13N/14D

Arrive in Colombo. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and drive to Negombo. On arrival in Colombo, drive to the hotel. Negombo – Negombo is a charismatic fishing town north of Colombo. The Sinhalese refer to Negombo as Meegamuwa “The village of honey” (or bees) due to story about a swarm of bees that had settled in a boat pulled ashore here. However, it was not honey or bees that made this town know but cinnamon. Discovered by the Moors (a term first used during the Portuguese period to refer to Muslims) who settled on the west coast cinnamon trade. Due to its significant Catholic population, Negombo is dominated by shrines and picturesque churches. Apart from this, Negombo offers some better beached on the west coast of Sri Lanka, coral reefs and a 50 years old shipwreck (Kudapaduwa) that serves as an artificial reef for many varieties of fish. On arrival in Negombo, transfer to hotel. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Dambulla. On the way visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage App. 55 miles from Colombo, off the Colombo - Kandy road is Pinnawela, where an orphanage was started in 1975 in an area of 25 acres to house the abandoned and the wounded elephants. The orphanage has grown to the world largest herd of captive elephants today that cares for nearly 90 orphaned elephants, including baby elephants brought from various parts, as well as more than 60 babies born. The unique experience is, have the opportunity not only observe the entire herd bathing in the river but also to feed them with fruits and milk. After sightseeing, continue your drive to Dambulla. Dambulla is mainly known for Dambulla Cave Temple – the largest, best-preserved, cave-temple complex in the country. The complex has sculptures, including a 47 feet long rock-cut reclining Buddha, pre-Christian rock inscriptions, and Buddhist murals, which cover more than 20,000 square feet of the walls and ceilings. The mural paintings here belong to different time periods. Ancient marvels of engineering—like the drip-ledge drainage that still keeps the caves free of seeping water—reflect the sophistication of planning and thought behind this marvel in stone. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dambulla Cave Temple is a treasure trove of artistic heritage. On arrival in Dambulla, transfer to hotel. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Polonnaruwa & Minneriya Excursion to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa- The Island’s medieval capital is situated 216 km. from Colombo and rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. There is the largest of the man-made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra. See also the ruins of the King's Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House, Kir Vehera - the best preserved of all Sri Lanka's un-restored dagabas; Gal Vihare - the most impressive sculptures are the colossal Buddha images. After visit drive to Minneriya. On arrival in Minneriya enjoy a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park. Minneriya Park is a national park in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population. Sri Lankan Leopard and Sloth bear which is rare and endangered species also inhabit this area. The park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in order to protect the watershed of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is historically important for the country as it was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. After safari drives back to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Sigiriya Fort Sigiriya Fortress Sigiriya, a 5th-century rock-fortress citadel, is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Abounding in legend, the fortress’s origin is attributed variously to several mythological characters, the most popular being King Kubera, half-brother of Ravana, the antagonist of the Indian epic, Ramayana. Historically, it was King Kashyapa’s capital from 477 to 495 CE. Rising sharply above the rest of its surroundings, the flat plane on the top of the hill contains the vestiges of a grand city. The citadel with its geometrically designed gardens, pools, and paintings reflects the Monarch’s tastes. The Lion Staircase leading up to the summit has a massive lion paw carved out of the rock. Frescoes of slender, bejewelled women that decorate several of the fort’s wall surfaces glow in vibrant colours. A remarkable feature of this place is the mirror wall, which in its time was a highly-polished surface that would cast a mirror-like reflection of the passer-by Today, the wall is partially covered in verses known as "Sigiri Graffiti", which are poems dating back to the 8th century. A UNSECO site, Sigiriya is currently being excavated and restored under UNESCO’s Cultural Triangle Project and could very well become the eighth Wonder of the World in the future. Later drive to Hiriwadunna and enjoy the Village of Hiriwadunna- Start the Hiriwaduna trek. Trek will be through the archetypal Sri Lankan village. The trek begins transferring the clients in Land Masters. You can see the amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek. If you are lucky you can see the villagers as they go about their morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect cultivation. You can enjoy a catamaran ride, bullock cart ride and finally a tasty Sri Lankan meal made at home by the villagers Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy the visit of Dambulla Cave temple. After breakfast drive to Dambulla. On arrival enjoy the visit Dambulla Cave Temple - Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass 500ft high and a mile around the base. Here is found the famous Rock Temple dating to the First Century BC. The caves of Dambulla sheltered the King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne, he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples to be found on the Island. In the first Cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 47ft long cut out of the rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism all around. The frescoes on the ceiling date back to the 15th - 18th Centuries. In the Second Cave, the finest and the largest of all, there are 150 life-size statues of Gods from the Buddhist religion along with numerous images of the Buddha himself. The ceiling is also covered with frescoes which depict great events in the life of the Buddha and landmarks in the history of the Sinhala people. After visit drive to Kandy. Kandy –Sri Lanka's picturesque highland capital, last stronghold of Sri Lankan kings against European conquest from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It is the sanctuary of traditional culture and the island's most visited tourist resort. Its diverse charm offers a feast of memorable sight-scenery and exciting experiences. Kandy is set amidst tea and spice gardens, mountains, lake and a river, 490 metres above sea level. Road and rail access from Colombo through the Kadugannawa and Balane passes is picturesque, dramatic and befitting a medieval mountain stronghold. On arrival in Kandy, transfer to hotel. Enjoy Dance & Music at the daily Cultural Performances held at several places in the city Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast enjoy the visit of Kandy including following: Peradeniya Botanical Garden - Peradeniya Botanical Garden is situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka and visited approximately 02 million people annually. The unusual name is Sinhalese translation of guava plain. The garden is notable for its collection of a variety of Orchids. It is home to various species of plants, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. It is also one of the largest botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, an artificial lake with water plants including giant water lily and papyrus seeds are found in the centre of the garden. In the evening visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Cultural Show - Ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After leisurely breakfast drive to Yala by Surface. Yala - National Park – Sri Lanka's oldest national park the Yala National Park is located in the south-east corner of Sri Lanka and has an area of about 127,000 ha. The major activities are bird and game watching, especially elephants which are best seen from October to December. It is 305 km from Colombo and access to the Park is via Ratnapura, Tissamaharama. Yala is by far the most popular national park in Sri Lanka and renowned for the variety of the wildlife, largely characteristic of dry zone tropical thorn forest and fine coastline and associated coral reefs. On arrival in Yala, transfer to hotel Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

Today enjoy a morning and afternoon jeep safaris in the national park - Safari at the Yala National Park in the private jeeps - It is located between Southern and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka. It is the second-largest park of the country and is also one of the earliest wild sanctuaries. The largest breeds of leopards are found in this area. Probably sighting months of leopards are from January to July. Two prominent pilgrim sites are also situated within the park. Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Aluthgama. On the way visit Galle. Galle Fort and City Tour of Galle Galle the beautiful colonial town along the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka is a city that cannot be missed and it was once the chief port of Sri Lanka. It is still well known for hand-made lace. Galle is popular for the 300-year-old fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 36-hectare fort was built by the Dutch in 1663, surrounded on three sides by the ocean. The streets within the fort are crammed with colonial remnants from the Dutch clock tower, Reformed church and the commander’s house to the British coat of arms on the outer wall. You can enjoy the beautiful colonial architecture; visit the Galle Maritime Museum, the Galle lighthouse. After visit continue to drive to Althugama. On arrival in Althugama, transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure at the beach (Without Transport & Guide) Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, the day is at leisure at the beach (Without Transport & Guide)

Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, the day is at leisure on the beach. (Without transport and guide services)

Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, day is at leisure on the beach. (Without transport and guide services)

Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After leisurely breakfast drive to Colombo.

On arrival enjoy the Colombo City Tour by Tuk - Tuk- a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith's quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. The historic Dawatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square

On arrival in Colombo, transfer to hotel.

Dinner & Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast transfer to the Airport to board a flight for your onward destination or back home. (Room will be available till 12:00 hrs only)