Cultural Sites + Hill country + Wildlife Safary + Southern + Eastern Coastal Tour
(Areas : Negombo, Anurahadapura,Mihinthale,Trincomalee,Polonnaruwa,Sigiriya, Dambulla,Kandy, Nuwara Eliya,Yala, Bentota, Colombo Air Port)
Day 01 Air Port / Negombo
Arrival at the Colombo Airport You will be met by our English speaking chauffeur /Representative at the arrival terminal and will offer assistanceThereafter leave for Negombo (10 km – transfer time approx. 30 minuets)
Check in at hotel Pm at leisure
Overnight stay at hotel in Negombo
Day 02 Negombo City Tour
After breakfast City Tour of Negombo is a charismatic fishing town north of Colombo, located a mere 10 km from the international airport. Set amidst lush groves of coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is a gourmet's paradise with sea food aplenty. Old - world fishing craft, like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran, bring seer, skip jack, herring, mullet and amber jack, while lobster and prawn are caught in the lagoon Visit Fish Market and Vegetable market can be seeing how Fishermen making dry fish on the beach.
Negombo is situated by the shores of a lagoon and was once a trading port for the Portuguese and the Dutch. It is a ideal place for those who want quick access to and from the airport. Attractions in the city include the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 and now a part of the prison, the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route to the Dutch administration, old churches and fishing villages. The 100km long canal running through the town is still being used and is an attraction for those who want to see the country from a different perspective.
Pm at leisure
Overnight stay
at hotel in Negombo
Day 03 Anuradhapura Temples
After breakfast leave for Anuradhapura. (190 km – transfer time ap
prox. 4 hours)
En route visit “Sri Mahabodhi”
and Ruwanwelisaya.
Overnight stay at hotel in Anuradhapura.
Day 04 Anuradhapura Ruins
After break fast visit the ruins of the first capital founded in the 05th century B.C. here is found the largest number of ancient monuments of a great civilization. ‘’ Sri Mahabodhi ‘’ the oldest historically documented tree in the world is over 2200 years. There are monuments such as Ruwanveliseya dageba, 2nd century B.C. with its famous elephant wall; Thuparama dageba 3rd century B.C. The pillars of the brazen palace which once had nine storey’s; the image of the Samadhi Buddha, one of the finest places of Buddhist sculpture,Jetawanaramaya, Aukana Buddha Statue, the twin ponds; guard stones & moonstone
Day 05 Mihintale / Trincomalee / Nilaveli
After breakfast leave for Trincomalee( 145 km – transfer time approx. 031/2hours)
En route visit Mihintale. In 247 B.C. Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka on the mountain of Mihintale. Since then, various kings of Sri Lanka have blessed this rock with magnificent masterpieces of architecture. These Include a hospital, a monastic complex, stupas and dagebas. While some of these structures are in an almost perfect state of preservation, some others are in complete ruin. The most spectacular of these is the Kantaka Chaitiya, which displays some of the finest architecture of the early Anuradhapura era. Next Hot – spring and The Thirukoneswaram Kovil
Trincomalee is famed for its natural harbour. Described by admiral Lord Nelson as the finest harbour in the world when he visited aboard HMS Seashore in 1770. It is ranked as the world's 5th largest natural harbour. During the Second World War the harbour became the base for the combined East Asian Fleet of the Allied Powers. It is the ideal beach resort for beach addicts between April & November when the sea is at its best. Located at the mouth of Sri Lanka's longest river Mahaweli Ganga, Trinco's most famous landmark is Fort Federick, a centaury and a half of British fortifications can be found here. The cliff known as Swami Rock on the tip of Fort Federick promontory is associated with a tragic romantic tale woven around a Dutch maiden who is believed to have jumped to her death from this spot seeing her fickle lover sailing away. Fort Federick Lovers Leap
The Thirukoneswaram Kovil which stands on the top most pinnacle of the Swamy Rock is a high venerated Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
About 11 km from west of Trico are the Kanniyai Hot - spring, scared to Hindus who believe them to be a creation of God Vishnu
The most famous and beautiful beach on the East Cost is Nilaveli, situated at the centre of the 30 km strand of beach which runs uninterrupted from north to Trinco. Close to Nilaveli is Red Rock beach - an estuary perch and pinkish color boulders. A shot boat - ride off the beach and you may visit beautiful Pigeon Island.
Day 06 Nilaveli
After breakfast full day leisure on the beach
Day 07 Sigiriya
After breakfast leave for Sigiriya (135 km – transfer time approx. 03 hours)
Pm Elephant Back Safari at Habarana ( About one hour) Optional
Overnight stay at hotel in Sigiriya
Day 08 Polonnaruwa
After breakfast leave for polonnaruwa (65 km – transfer time approx. 011/2 hour)
The city of Polonnaruwa, 2nd capital of Singhalese kings dating back to the 11th & 12th century A.D the entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most Famous of which is the “Parakrama Samudra’’. Numerous monuments are found in this city & “gal vihara” complex is one of the best among them with the fine sculptures of the recumbent, standing and seated Buddha’s. also the ruins of the King's Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House , Kiri Vehera - the best preserved of all Sri Lanka's un-restored dagabas Next visit Art and Craft Wood Carving Factory
Overnight stay at hotel in Sigiriya
Day 09 Sigiriya
After breakfast Climb the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. Sigiriya, a
massive monolith of red stone rises 600 feet from the green scrub jungle to
accentuate the lucid blue of the sky. How overpowering, then, this rock
fortress of Sigiriya must have been when a palace crowned it 15 centuries ago.
Sigiriya was no gloomy and forbidding fortification, as
many other citadels are. At the brief height of its glory, a flowering of only 18 years in the late 5th Century, it was one of the loveliest royal cities that ever graced the earth. Sigiriya built by the patricide king Kashyapa in the 5th century A.D today it’s a treasure trove of rare art. In a pocket of the giant rock are the famous frescoes of the ‘’ heavenly maidens of "Sigiriya’’
Pm at leisure
Overnight stay at hotel in Sigiriya
Day 10 Dambulla / Kandy
After breakfast leave for Kandy (85km – transfer time approx. 2 1/2 hours)
En-route visit the Rock cave temple of Dambulla a vast isolated rock mass 500 ft and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was here that King Valagambahu took refuge in the 1st century B.C. The view from the top of this rock is breathtaking 350 ft. above are a series of five caves which was later turned into a magnificent rock temple by King Valagambahu. In the first cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 47 ft, long, cut out from the rock there are images of deities associated with Buddhism. The frescoes on the walls and ceiling could be dated to the 15th - 18th centuries. In the second cave, the finest and the largest the ceiling too is covered with frescoes, which depict great events in the life of the Buddha, and landmarks in the history of the Sinhala. Next visit Spice Garden and Batik Factory in Matale
Kandy this Historic and Romantic hill capital of Sri Lanka is situated 115 kilometers inland from Colombo. The road to Kandy is enchanting and exciting revealing the full glory- of the tropics. Everything is in the most effulgent luxuriance, throbbing with silver and green. The roads run round in sharp curves and looking down are the deep valleys, abysses, rocks, waterfalls and streams glittering in the sun and patterned in emerald with terraced rice fields. On the other side the Mountains rise majestically against the blue sky. Whether one looks up or down, it's a sight of beauty, glorious beyond the power of words to express. The city of Kandy lies in a triangular valley surrounded by mountains.
Day 11 Kandy / Pinnawala / Kandy
After early breakfast leave hotel at 7.30am visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in time to witness the bathing and bottle feeding of baby elephants. At 9.15am (40 km - t
ransfer time 1 hour one way)
This orphanage was established to feed nurse and house young elephants found abandoned by their mothers. Often the young ones fall into pits and ravines in their request for water during drought period. The Elephants bathe in rivers and Baby Elephants can be seen fed with milk. It is a rare opportunity to visit a place like this and it should not be missed.
Thereafter visit the Royal Botanical Garden The most beautiful in the world and
begun as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King. Every variety tropical and temperate tree and flower is cultivated here and special houses with orchids and e cacti are too beautiful to be true
P. M. at leisure
Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy
Day 12 Dalada Temple / Kandy City
After breakfast attend ceremony at 9.00 Am at the Temple. Temple of the Tooth Relic. Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is the most venerated place of worship for Buddhists throughout the world. Built in the 16th century this temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka from the Kalinga province in ancient India in the 4th century AD. Several buildings have been added to the temple complex by successive rulers, the latest being the Golden Canopy over the inner shrine where the Tooth Relic is placed. Originally the Temple was within the King's palace complex as it was the Symbol of Royal Authority. Thereafter City tour of Kandy Visit Markets and back to hotel and relax.
P. M. Witness a Cultural Performance. at 5.30pm Traditional Kandyan and Low Country Dances of Sri Lanka (Blowing of the conch-Shell and Drum Orchestra, Pooja Dance, Panteru Netum, Cobra Dance, Mask Dance, Mayura Vannama, Raban Dance, Ves Dance, Fire Dance, Fire Walking)
Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy
Day 13 Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast excursion to Nuwa Eliya en route visit a Tea plantation and Tea factory. (80km transfer time approx. 2 ½ hours)
This town seems like a piece of English district. Tudor-style and Victorian homes look across the blue lake. These buildings are the other architectural monuments to the English, the Post Office, the English country house like Hill Club with its hunting pictures, mounted hunting trophies and fish, Anglican Church and private residence. The Golf course here is one of the best.
P.M. at Leisure
Overnight stay at hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 14 Ella / Thissamaharama
After breakfast leave for Thissamahrama (165 km– transfer
time approx. 3 ½ hours)
En-
route Stop at Ella to admire the magnificent view Ella Ramana Waterfall, Sightseeing,
P.M.
free at Leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel in Thissamaharama
Day 15 Yala Wildlife Safari
Leave hotel at 5.00am Collect packets of Breakfast and proceed to Yala by 4x4 Jeep Safari at Yala National Park. Yala combines a strict nature reserve with a national park, bringing the total protected area to 126,786 hectares of scrub. It is divided in to five blocks, with the most visited being block 1 (14,001 hectares). Also known as Yala west, this block was originally a reserve for hunters, and was given over to conservation in 1938. With ov1er 35 leopards.
Yala west has one of the world’s densest leopard Populations. The best time to spot leopards
in February to June or July, when the water levels in the park are low. Elephants are also well-know inhabitants. You will probably see sloth bears, Elephants, spotted deer, Sambas, Hornbills, Peafowl, Wild boar, Iguana, Elk, Leopards, buffaloes, Water Lizard, Peacock, jungle fowl, Cobra,
Wiper, and various other mammals, birds, and many kind of migratory birds Russian geese are found here when winter in the northern hemisphere. Around 150 spices of birds have been recorded at Yala. These birds include white-winged black terns, curlews, pintails and orioles.
P.M. free at Leisure by the pool
Overnight stay at hotel in Thissamaharama
Day 16 Unawatuna / Gall / Bentota
After breakfast leave for Bentoa (210 km – transfer time approx. 5 hours) en route visit the Old Dutch city of Galle. When passing Unawatuna you could see Stilt –Fishermen are a familiar sight hereGalle The port of Galle, throughout by some to be the Biblical city of Tarshish, splendidly illustrates the solidity of the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka. The 36-hectare (89 acre) Dutch Fort, built in 1663, has withstood the ravages of time. Its massive ramparts surround the promontory that forms the older part of Galle, and shelters within its walls sturdy Dutch houses, museums and churches. This area has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere that seems almost detached from the
flow of history. The New Oriental Hotel, built for Dutch governors in 1684, is a colonial gem with
wonderfully atmospheric bar. Nearby is a tiny sliver of a beach suitable for a dip, though most
travelers prefer to head along the coast to the fine beaches at Tangalle Weligama and Unawatuna.
Overnight stay at hotel in Bentota
Day 17 Balapitiya
After breakfast leave for Balapitiya (20 km one way transfer time approx. 01/2 hours)
Madhu River Boat Ride (approx. 02 hrs)
The Boat Safari on the River Madhu is something that words would not justify. The primitive Life Style of the inhabitant of the islands of the Madhu River is only a boat ride away. The boat ride that takes you through the thick mangroves, The bird l ife around, Water Monitors, the primitive style of Fishing and prawn trapping still practiced by the inhabitants of the islands will reveal to you another facet of splendid Sri Lanka.
Next visit Turtle Hacherary at Kosgoda is famous for its turtle hatchery operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1981 to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. The hatchery pays fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the sandy beach. Visitors can see huge tanks filled with new born turtle hatchlings. After being fed, the baby turtles are taken to the sea and released when they are 2-4 days old, usually during the safer hours of darkness. Although October to April is the main laying season, some eggs can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year.
P.M. at leisure
Overnight stay at hotelin Bentota
Day 18 Bentota
After breakfast full Day at leisure
on the beach
Day 19 Bentota
After breakfast full Day at leisure
on the beach
Overnight
stay at hotel in Bentota
Day 20 Hotel / Colombo /Air Port
After breakfast check- out hotel and proceed to Air port (115 km – transfer time approx.4 hours)
En- route City Tour of Colombo
Colombo is a metropolitan city with a population of nearly one million. It is the commercial Capital of Sri Lanka, which keeps pace with modern developments while preserving the Old World charms.
Among the many places of interest in the City are the Fort, the Old Parliament House (presently the
Presidential Secretariat),Galle face terrace, Buddhist temples, Old Churches, Hindu temples, Mosques, the Independence Hall, Bandaranaike Memorial Intern.
After the city tour drop you at the Air Port for the connecting Flight.(Departure)
(THIS TOUR CAN BE CUSTOMIZED ACCORDING TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS)
Head Office : Excellent Lanka Tours and Travels, 46/2, Bodhiraja Mawatha, Willorawatta, Moratuwa.Sri Lanka.
Telephone : +94 – 11 – 5621213 Fax: +94 – 11 – 5621213 - Hotline : +94 – 71 – 3073320
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