ITINERARY

Day 01 : (Arrival) Airport – Negombo (Approx. 20 minutes Drive)

• Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport
• Meet and Greet by our Representative and transfer to Hotel in Negombo
• Checking in to the hotel
• Afternoon City Tour of Negombo
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Negombo is mostly unexplored but less crowded than most other resorts, tourists use the town for the first or the last night of their stay in Sri Lanka. That is where the advantage lies; where you have the beach mostly to yourself. Nevertheless those who have identified its secrets have been visiting the town year after year. Fine beach stretches are superbly maintained by the hotels while some are always busy with fisherman and their equipment. Equipment for water sports such as diving & wind surfing are available at most hotels and private vendors.

Negombo Fish Market is a microcosm of the local fishery industry. This Fishing Village, also known as the Lellama by the locals, is located across the lagoon bridge, near the Old Dutch Gate. The large open air fish market is the second largest in the country. . It gives you an unpretentious insight into the local fisher community. The market is  loud, vibrant and smells like fish! You will be able to witness the fishermen in hundreds of boats bringing in their days catch. See how the wholesalers and restaurateurs trade and watch the packing & loading of fish for distribution across the country as well as for export – worldwide. The retail area is a bustling hive of activity – with customers negotiating prices with mom and pop fish vendors. The best time to visit the Lellama is at dawn, around 6:00 am to really understand the volume and scope of the operation. You will see a multitude of boats full of fresh fish coming in and lowering their sails. The smaller fishing boats usually come first, followed by the larger vessels. You can see their nets being pulled ashore and the catch shaken out of nets to be cleaned, scaled, gutted, salted and dried in the sun. You’ll see the loading of fish on small-time fish vendors’ bikes, who in turn sell their fish to consumers.

Overnight stay at 'Jetwing Blue' Hotel – Deluxe Rooms

Day 02 : Negombo - Sigiriya (Approx. 04 hour  Drive)

• After breakfast, Transfer to Hotel in Sigiriya
• En-route visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
• Afternoon Local Village Tour in Habarana (inclusive of Lunch)
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 and commenced with seven Orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but it soon became a conservation and educational centre. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawela was born. The success story of Pinnawela has drawn the attention of scientists from all over the world. A considerable number of books and research articles on Pinnawela have been published in several languages. The members of the Pinnawela herd have been filmed, videoed and photographed thousands of times by professionals.

Hiriwadunna is just 02 km (05 minutes - drive from Habarana).  Trek through the archetypal Sri Lankan Village. The trek begins with an awesome walk along a bund of a Wewa or manmade reservoir. The reservoir itself, the surrounding scrub jungle, marshland and village are a hive of early morning or an evening activity. The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of seeing the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing, or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake.

Activity No: 01 – Bullock Cart Ride (Aprox. 45 minuets)

A Bullock Cart (Double Ox Cart) will transport you through the next phase of the adventure. The journey continues through dense shrub forests, paddy lands and other areas, which is home to many forest birds and other wildlife including monkeys, bear, wild hare, python, mongoose, and even elephants. Sightseeing of the rural village life is possible while on the cart ride.
Lie back and enjoy the flashes of blue sky through the canopy of the trees as the carter expertly guides his animals.

Activity No: 02 – Catamaran Safari with bonus ‘Chena Visit’ (Aprox. 01 hour)
Catamaran Safari – (Double paired Canoe joined together with seating facility) at the scenic lake. Wade through a shallow stream and the sense of adventure heightens when you to a Chena Cultivation via a somewhat wider tributary, which needs to be crossed on a Catamaran!! At the Chena cultivation, you will stop to enjoy the farmer’s humble hospitality. Perhaps enjoy a drink of sweet King Coconut Water or an aromatic Ginger Tea or some seasonal fruits. While on the canoe-ride, there a chance of catching a glimpse of different species of Birds such as Peacocks, green Pigeons, Comorians, green Bitters, Kingfishers, Eagles and many more, including land Monitors as well as water Monitors.

Activity No : 03 – Traditional Village Lunch at a Local House (Aprox. 01 hour)
Finally after experiencing the cart-ride and the catamaran-safari, enjoy traditional Lunch at a local house prepared by the village women. Lunch is arranged on a typical & traditional buffet-style (clay-pots Buffet) served on a Lotus Leaf and a cane- thatched flat-holder (instead of a plate). The lunch includes: Rice with 06 authentic Curries, Papadam, fried Lake Fish and a Green Salad topped with Dessert including a choice of seasonal Fruits, Curd with Treacle or Honey. Bottle of Mineral Water included

• Includes a FREE Cookery Demonstration
• Guests partaking in Preparation of a Curry
• Witnessing traditional meal-preparation methods by authentic village-women

A relaxed walk back to the main-road over the lake-bund

Overnight stay at 'Aliya Resort and Spa' – Standard Rooms

Day 03 : Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Polonnaruwa

• After early breakfast, visit and climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Afternoon visit Polonnaruwa
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Sigiriya known as 'Lions Rock'; The story of it is one of vision, grandeur, beauty and tragedy unparalleled in Sri Lankan history. Built 1,600 years ago, by a brilliant but tormented King, it burst briefly into pre-eminence with breath-taking architecture and art and then quickly faded away into oblivion and was soon forgotten. Few historic sites in the world have such an interesting tale to tell as that of Sigiriya!!  It is the tale of King Kasyapa who ruled between 477AD and 495AD. A troubled but visionary King, Kasyapa murdered his father by plastering him up in a wall. Rejected by his people for his crime and tormented by guilt and fear he abandoned his magnificent capital of Anuradhapura and fled deep in the forests of central Sri Lanka. There in an area dominated by a menacing black column of rock, 600 feet high, he built himself a new capital resplendent with lush gardens, palaces and pavilions. He transformed the sinister-looking black rock to appear like a huge dazzling white cloud and painted it with beautiful frescoes of semi-naked nymphs. He built a massive gatehouse in the form of a Lion to guard the entrance to the innermost sanctum of his city - the Sky Palace on top of the rock.  Hidden from view and surrounded by his courtiers and harem, Kasyapa lived in splendid isolation. He was, however, deeply troubled of his responsibility for the death of his father and lived in guilt and fear. He carried out many good works and observed his religious duties diligently hoping, no doubt, to find some salvation for his troubled conscience. Finally, betrayed, by those he trusted, he committed suicide.

Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of the Kingdoms of Sri Lanka. It was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu the First, who defeated Chola Invaders from South India in 1070 and reunited the country once more under a local Leader. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site.While Vijayabahu's victory and shifting of kingdoms to a more strategic Polonnaruwa is considered significant, the real "Hero of Polonnaruwa" in history is actually Parakramabahu the First. It was his reign that is considered the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. Trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the King, who was so adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted and each drop was to be used toward the development of the land. Hence, irrigation systems that are far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed during Parakramabahu's reign - systems which to this day supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the scorching dry season in the east of the country. The greatest of these systems is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama. It is of such a width that it is impossible to stand upon one shore and view the other side. It also encircles the main city like a ribbon, being both a moat against intruders and the lifeline of the people in times of peace. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu's reign. With the exception of his immediate successor, Nissankamalla the First, all other monarchs of Polonnaruwa were slightly weak-willed and rather prone to picking fights within their own court. They also went on to form more intimate matrimonial alliances with stronger South Indian Kingdoms until these matrimonial links superseded the local royal lineage. This prompted an invasion by the Aryachakravarti Dynasty led by King Kalinga Magha, who, in 1214, founded the Jaffna Kingdom (1215-1624 CE). Local power passed into the hands of a Pandyan King following an invasion by the Jaffna Kingdom in 1284 and the capital was moved to Dambadeniya. Polonnaruwa was also called Jananathamangalam during this brief period under the Pandya Kingdom.

Overnight stay at 'Aliya Resort and Spa' – Standard Rooms

Day 04 : Sigiriya  – Kandy (Approx. 03 hour Drive)

• After breakfast, proceed to Kandy
• En-route visit the Golden Rock Cave Temple in Dambulla
• Also en-route visit Matale Spice Garden
• Check in to the Hotel
• Evening at City Tour of Kandy, including a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha
• Later witness a cultural performance in Kandy
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Dambulla Cave Temple, is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla and is a World Heritage Site (1991).  It is situated in the central part of the country and is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan Kings and 4 statues of Gods and Goddesses. The latter include two statues of Hindu Gods - the God Vishnu and the God Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres. Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara and Buddha's first sermon. Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area; at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complex.

Spice Garden in Matale to see many different types of spices Sri Lanka is famous for.During history Sri Lanka was at one time known as Taprobane and was world renowned for its quality Spices. During ancient times the Greeks, Romans and the Arabs maintained links with Sri Lanka through the spice-trade. In the 16th century, Ceylon, as it was then then known, was discovered by Portuguese who soon began trading in Cinnamon and other Spices. The Dutch and British followed bringing with them their own history and influences, forming a strong Western presence which created a history of food, expressed with spices, which can be tasted in dishes even today. Spices are an essential element in Sri Lankan Cuisine and in traditional Ayurvedic Medicine.  A visit to a garden that specializes in the cultivation of these substances provides exposure to traditional and new methods/ways of using these spices. Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Vanilla, Cardamom and Black Pepper are the most popular of these Spices.  Travellers can buy the products in their natural state or, in the form of oils and potions as used by Ayurvedic Practitioners. These Spices were widely exported from the time of the Dutch; leading to Sri Lanka being called the “Island of Spices’.

Kandy was last Ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, it was brought under British Rule in 1815.  Kandy is a World Heritage Site & is the last royal-capital of Sri Lankan Kings.  It crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Stroll across this small lakeside town cradled among misty hills or visit the city-centre Bazaar for arts & crafts; visit a gem museum & lapidary; stroll around Kandy Lake; the pick is yours. 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 colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy Market. Fine tune 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.

Temple of the Tooth Relic is the Most Sacred Place for the Buddhists in all over the World. The Sacred Tooth Relic (Dālada) of the Buddha is the most venerated object of worship for Buddhists. Its present house, the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dālada Māligāwa) in Kandy, is considered by most to be a foremost sacred place of worship in the Buddhist World.

Kandy Cultural Show is one of the most popular sightseeing events available for Travellers during their visit to Sri Lanka. This spontaneous event upholds Sri Lankan Folklore and its traditional dance-form passed down from historic times. It shows the uniqueness of the Sri Lankan Dance form and accompanying Drummers. As the final event in the Cultural Show, the fire-walk evokes the strength of faith placed in the Gods.

Overnight stay at 'Cinnamon Citadel' Hotel – Standard Rooms

Day 05 : Train Journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya   

• After breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya
• Afternoon Train Journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya
• Checking in to the Hotel at Nuwara Eliya
• Dinner and overnight say at Hotel

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, said to be one of the finest of its kind in Asia, it is the largest of the botanical gardens of Sri Lanka and couldn't be better located. In the Mediterranean Climate of Kandy, the gateway to the Central Highlands, the Gardens, at an elevation of 500 meters above sea-level, is tightly bounded on three sides by a loop of River Mahaweli (Great Sandy River), the largest river in Sri Lanka.

Train Journey will give you an amazing experience. Leave to Peradeniya Railway station, and board the train and leave for Nuwara Eliya. Enjoy the picturesque journey from your observation carriage, the train snaking its way through the mountains through the tea country. The car will follow you to Nanu Oya, the last station before Nuwara Eliya. Proceed by the Vehicle to Nuwara Eliya.

Overnight stay at 'Heritance Tea Factory' Hotel – Standard Rooms

Day 06/07 : Nuwara Eliya 

• After breakfast, visit a beautiful Tea Planation in Nuwara Eliya including a City Tour
• Other days 80 km available vehicle/driver for own excursions in Nuwaraeliya
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Nuwara Eliya known as ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against a beautiful backdrop of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is perhaps one of the coolest places on the Island but it is more like an English Town on a spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the british-influence; houses like country Cottages or Queen Anne style Mansions. The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for Birding as you get some rare birds in this Park. Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the spring (March to May) and the fall (August and September). These are the “seasons” when low-country folk flock to Nuwara Eliya to escape the sea level heat and humidity.

Pidurutalagala meaning Straw Plateau Rock or Mount Pedro in English, is an ultra-prominent Peak, and the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka at 2,524m (8,281ft). Mount Pedro is located close to the city of Nuwara Eliya, and is easily visible from most areas of the Central Province. Its summit is home to the central communications array of the Government of Sri Lanka and armed forces, and serves as an important point in the country's radar system. The peak is currently designated as an "Ultra-high security zone", and is protected by a large military base; being strictly off limits to the general public. 

Overnight stay at 'Heritance Tea Factory' Hotel – Standard Rooms

Day 08 : Nuwara Eliya - Hikkaduwa via Galle (Aprox. 05 hour Drive)

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Transfer to Hikkaduwa
• Visit Galle, including a City Tour of Galle
• Evening, at leisure, by the Beach
• Overnight say at Hotel

Galle is a town situated on the south western tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo, Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. The major river is Gin River (Gin Ganga) which starts from Gongala Kanda and passes thru villages such as Neluwa, Nagoda, Baddegama, Thelikada & Wakwella and kisses the sea at Ginthota. In Wakwella, over the river, lies the Wakwella Bridge, which is the longest bridge in Sri Lanka.

Galle Fort, alongside the Bay of Galle was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural Heritage Monument, which, even after more than 423 years, maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive restoration work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. The Fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population living within. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the Fort are working at making this one of the modern wonders of the world. The heritage value of the Fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria (IV) - for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European Architecture and South Asian Traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the "Ramparts of Galle", withstood the Boxing Day tsunami which devastated large parts of the coastal areas around Galle Town.

Overnight stay at 'Chaaya Tranz' Hotel – Standard Rooms

Day 09/10 : Full Day at Leisure

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Full day at Leisure
• Vehicle available 80 km with Driver for clients own Excursions
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Hikkaduwa appears to have been one of the earliest Tourist Resorts in Ceylon (formerly for Sri Lanka). J. W. Bennett reported in 1843 that it “is most pleasantly situated, and a great resort for picnic parties from Galle”. Traditionally associated with the cultivation of Coconuts, Rice and Cinnamon; Graphite Mining, and the manufacture of Lace and Drum Frames, Hikkaduwa has emerged as a modern destination for sun-seekers and wave-worshippers. This is one of only a few towns by the sea that can boast of some of the best surfing waves in Sri Lanka. It is a long stretch of beach packed with restaurants serving deliciously fresh Seafood and an equally long stretch of Souvenir Shops for the serious Shopper. Guesthouses and Hotels are aplenty; from the cheap & the cheerful to the star-class. 

Hikkaduwa Corel Sanctuary has approximately seventy varieties of multi coloured corals. Visitors can either swim or hire a guide with a glass bottomed boats to view the corals. The name of the place is Hikkaduwa, and there is no other resort on the island like it. Hikkaduwa comprises a number of different areas stretching from north to south. The main town of Hikkaduwa is the most ‘Sri Lankan’ of all areas and features the bus stand, train station and police station at one end, and the dive stations and big hotels at the other end, further south. Next is the Wewala area packed full of guesthouses and small restaurants, internet cafés and bars. Finally, a little further to the south is Narigama, which is a little quieter but has numerous guesthouses, plus the closest thing to a night club. What makes Hikkaduwa stand out from other resorts is it’s variety of accommodation, shopping and dining options; unlike Bentota and Beruwala, which feature largely big star-class Hotels.

Overnight stay at 'Chaaya Tranz' Hotel – Standard Rooms

Day 11 : (Departure) Hikkaduwa -  Bandaranaike International Airport via Colombo (Approx. 01 hour Drive)

• After breakfast, Transfer to Airport for the Departure Flight
• En-route City Tour of Colombo

Colombo, Originally named Kolomthota, was the main seaport of Kotte, the country’s 15th and 16th century capital. Known to Arab traders as Kalamba, the city attracted the rapacious Portuguese as early as 1505 and became the bastion of their rule for almost 150 years. Surprisingly little remains to attest to this era, apart from a scattering of Portuguese surnames in the telephone directory and a handful of Roman Catholic churches and seminaries depicting their architecture. The central area of the city is still known as Fort, but the remnants of the colonial battlements have long since been demolished, or incorporated in newer buildings. The city is a jarring mix of old and new, with a central cluster of high-rise office blocks and hotels overshadowing red-tiled colonial-era buildings and sprawling street markets which overflow with high-piled fruit and vegetables, colourful silks and cottons, and deliciously fragrant spices. During the day, Colombo’s colourful street markets, colonial-era buildings, museums and galleries, churches, mosques and temples, and the lovely Viharamahadevi Park with it beautiful trees, makes it a great place to explore on foot.

 End of the Tour

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation bed and breakfast basis, Hotel Accommodations for 10 Nights 11 Days tour (at the moment rooms are available but we are not holding any rooms as of now and the availabilities could change at any time)
• (FOC HB Upgrade at the beach hotel – Hikkaduwa Special offer – No Discount On BB)
• Transportation by Air-Conditioned Car or Van throughout the tour with an English speaking Driver cum guide during the whole tour (Depend on the number of PAX)
• All entrance fees and activities as per above program
• Mineral Water 02 bottles (500 ml) per person per day
• Includes All the Government Local Taxes (current prevailing)

EXCLUSIONS

• Expenses of personal nature (Telephone calls, Laundry etc.)
• Any items specifically not mentioned in the itinerary
• Video and Camera permits
• Beverages throughout the tour
• All extra mileages, extra entrance fees out of the program

IMPORTANT

• Rooms will be on availability & in case if the said hotels are fully booked due to any reason, similar hotels will be provided in the same vicinity or nearest location
• Standard check-in time and check-out time at the hotels 1400 hrs – 1200 hrs
• For Credit Card payments an additional of 3.5% surcharge will be added on top of the Total Invoice amount