GLIMPSE OF SRI LANKA

DAY 1 - Kotugoda, Sri Lanka

Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka Airport authority staff will page you at the gate and escort you through the immigration to a private exclusive lounge as we have signed you up for the Fast Track arrival service. At the entrance of the lounge you will be met by our airport staff and your assigned guide who will escort you throughout your stay with us.

 

Your baggage will be picked up by our airport staff while you enjoy refreshments after the long journey in the lounge and will be escorted to your vehicle for the transfer to overnight hotel. (Approximate Duration- 20 minutes - Distance 140 Km) Check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

​

DAY 2 - Sigiriya, Sri Lanka 

After breakfast, you will proceed to visit the Sigiriya Rock. (Approximate Duration – 4 hours - Distance 1 Km)

 

Visit the Sigiriya Rock fortress - A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is an enormous rock boulder rising up 650 feet out of the surrounding jungle. Incredibly, the rock fortress was built by King Kassyapa I in the 5th Century AD and served as a royal citadel for more than 18 years, something that seems more astonishing with every step you climb. Pause occasionally during your ascent to admire the mirror wall, the sigiri graffiti, the famous Sigiriya frescoes and the great lion paws. Keep going until you reach the top and you’ll immediately see that it was worth the effort. Wander through the ruins and admire the courage and work it must have taken to build this palace all those years ago. To think that there is still a fully functional swimming pool up there is simply awe-inspiring. But aside from the ruins, with the unparalleled 360 degree view of the surrounding jungle and hills, it won’t just be the climb that takes your breath away.

​

DAY 3 - Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

After breakfast at the hotel proceed to visit Polonnaruwa Ancient city. (Approximate Duration 1 hour and 30 minutes – Distance - 67 Km)

 

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka's second ancient capital kingdom an interesting blend of archaeological monuments, Polonnaruwa was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic manmade reservoir, which you will do well to miss, was appropriately named Parakrama Samudra, or 'the sea of Parakrama', due to its enormous size. Look out for the famous Gal Viharaya or, 'Rock Temple' where you can see four colossal statues of the Buddha cut into the stone, reflecting peace, serenity and strength. Polonnaruwa also boasts ruins of ancient palaces, intricately carved moon stones and royal baths. If you are feeling a bit more energetic, this whole site can also be explored on bike and your guide will be more than happy to arrange this for you.

​

Later proceed to Minneriya National for an afternoon Safari. (Approximate Duration 1 hours – Distance - 40 Km)

 

Minneriya National Park the Minneriya National park, located in the North Central district of Sri Lanka is a sanctuary for wildlife. It is one of the best places on the island to see the Sri Lankan elephant up, close and personal, all year round. As well as elephants, you are likely to see a whole host of other mammals, birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. Aside from the wildlife, the impressive Minneriya tank - a reservoir built by an ancient civilization - is undoubtedly the highlight of the park. If you are visiting between June and September you are likely to experience the dry season when the reservoir slowly dries out, giving way to fresh grass and shoots and attracting large herds of elephants, deer and water buffalo. It is during this time that Minneriya National Park gains fame in view of The Gathering of wild elephants. If you are lucky, you may witness between 50 and 300 wild elephants making their way to the shores of the reservoir in what is considered to be the largest known meeting point of Asian Elephants in the world. We recommend an early morning or late evening visit to the park.

​

DAY 4 - Kandy, Sri Lanka

After breakfast at the hotel checkout this morning and drive to Dambulla. (Approximate Duration 30 minutes – Distance - 16 Km).

 

Dambulla Cave Temple dating back to the 1st Century BC, Dambulla was a vast cave complex, converted into a rock temple and still regarded now as one of the most important Buddhist monasteries. Covering the rock ceiling is the largest collection of paintings in Sri Lanka within a cave temple. You will also see the highest number of Buddha statues found in one single place here. As you wander through the temple, notice the serenity and the exceedingly well-preserved nature of the place. It is no wonder the Rock Temple has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

​

Along the way, visit Matale, to see many different types of spices Sri Lanka is famous for. Matale spice gardens are among the best on the island. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed. A processing and training unit has been set up in the area and farmers are grouped in a cooperative to ensure fair prices and you will also be able to purchase spices.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy visit the Kandy Temple. (Approximate Duration 1 hours – Distance - 25 Km)

 

Sacred Temple of the Tooth-the most revered Buddhist Temple Built during the 16th Century AD, the Temple of the Tooth Relic is one the most important temples for Buddhists as it houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. The Relic of the Tooth is kept in a two-story inner sanctum. The 'Thevava' or auspicious offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic takes place three times a day at pre-set times and a visit during this time is quite an experience. The resident monks demonstrate this age-old tradition as you become surrounded by the sound of drums and the smells of lotus and jasmine flowers, as well as incense. In July and August the whole city comes to life as the Kandy Esala Perehara pageant takes place in honor of the Relic.

​

DAY 5 - Colombo, Sri Lanka

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, begin your day with a visit to Peradeniya to explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, Original created in the 14th Century as a pleasure garden for the Queens, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is located in the city of Kandy. Spread over 147 acres and bordered by the charming Mahaweli River - the longest in Sri Lanka - it is the largest botanical garden on the island. It is home to over 4,000 species of plants, ferns, shrubs, palm trees, spices and medicinal plants, all complemented by an array of butterflies and bird species. Take time to admire over 300 varieties of orchids; an incredible collection and probably one of the garden’s highlights. The giant trees, many over one hundred years old, create a natural canopy. Note the enormous bamboo trees and the double palm trees, both of which are of foreign origin. A leisurely stroll through the immaculate lawns and along the quiet paths, perhaps stopping to enjoy a sumptuous picnic, is the best way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. (Approximate Duration - 30 minutes - Distance 8 Km)

​

Thereafter proceed to Colombo where you will spend your final night.

​

DAY 6 - Katunayaka, Sri Lanka 

After breakfast transfer to Airport in time to connect with the international flight for departure. (Approximate Duration 40 minutes – Distance – 35 Km)