Sri Lanka is home to some of South Asia’s most intriguing religious and cultural attractions, featuring elaborate art and architecture, and spectacular festivals, revealing the essence of the island’s fascinating history, and rich cultural heritage.
Historical sites such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla, once home to ancient kingdoms, still retain many relics and artefacts of bygone eras. The famous rock fortress of Sigiriya and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Kandy, are must-see places. A multi-religious country, Sri Lanka has many religious festivals that take place year around, such as Vesak for Buddhists, Nallur Festival for Hindus and Madhu Festival for Catholics.
Package Details
Arrival, welcome & assistance at the airport. Leave for Sigiriya. En-route visit the fishing village in Negombo which is the center of the island’s fishing community. It is largely Roman Catholic by faith, On completion leave for the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela, which is a home to about 70 Elephants found abandoned or orphaned in the wild. Also, accompany the Elephants to a river close by to see them having their daily baths. After that proceed to Sigiriya. Over night stay at Sigiriya.
After a warm breakfast at the hotel proceed to Sigiriya and climb the Rock Fortress.of Sigiriya, built in the 5th century A.D, see the Water Garden, Bolder Garden, Mural Paintings,The famous Mirror Wall, The Lion’s Paws and the Royal Swimming Pool of the ancient kings on top On compleetion proceed to Polonnaruwa. Which was the Capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th century, Polonnaruwa is strewn with ruins in a resplendent state of preservation. Of these the ‘Vatadage’ the ‘Thuparama Image House’ and the ‘Gal Vihara’are the most spectacular and also visit the monuments such as Tivankha Image House , Parakhramabahu Statue ,Watadage , Hatadage & Archaeological Museum. On completion, return to the hotel in Sigiriya for the night.
After breakfast at the hotel you will proceed to the Dambulla Cave Temple.Where you will see the pot of water which never outflows. This is followed by Nalande Gedige (a temple built in the geographical center of Sri Lanka), the Aluvihare Cave Temple (this is where Buddhism was brought into book form in the 1st century B.C). Evening visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and a traditional Kanadian Dance performance.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
After a warm breakfast at the hotel do a city tour of Kandy – the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings. A.M. visit the Kandy authentic Market and The Bazaar. Also, visit the Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, which was originally the pleasure garden of the Royalty. Nearly 10000 species of plants are found in this garden and proceed to Nuwara Eliya, or Little England, as it is affectionately known. During the steep ascent to Nuwara Eliya visit a Tea Factory where we can see how Tea is made and have the opportunity to buy a selection of fresh Tea. Undoubtedly the best Tea you will ever taste! Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
After Breakfast proceed to Colombo en route visit The Water Falls of St. Clare’s and Devon and also visit Kitulgala where the famous “Bridge on the River Kwai” film was made. Also a possibility to do White Water Rafting at Kithulgala, Evening city tour of Colombo . Observing the old Parliament, the residential areas and the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall) and visit Fort. Also, visit the Ceramics Corporation Showroom, Majestic City shopping complex and the ODEL Unlimited Dress Boutique. Night at Colombo or transfer to the Air Port for departure.