Civilisation
of Sri Lanka is several centuries old. Remains of this ancient civilization
can be detected in the form of ruined towns, buildings, palaces, reservoirs
and parks. Buddha images, temples, sculpture and paintings are also found in
all parts of the island. At major archaeological sites such as Anuradhapura,
Polunuwara, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy, the past glory can be seen in its
true form. All these sites can be comfortably reached from Colombo.
Day 01 : Arrival - Colombo
You would be welcomed and escorted to the hotel by our representative. Take
rest and pass the hours before going to bed as you wish.
Day 02 : Colombo
Have delicious breakfast we proceed on a sightseeing tour of Colombo. We
pass through the commercial and city centre area known as the "Fort",
built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. We would visit bustling and
colourful markets of Pettah. Another stop would be the National Museum with
its fine collection of lovely antiques and arts. Also visit town hall,
Independence square and Cinnamon gardens residential area. We also visit the
Zoological gardens at Dehiwala and enroute to your hotel visit a Buddhist
and a Hindu Temple. Wander along Galle Face in evening.
Day 03 : Colombo - Pinnawala - Habarana
Have breakfast and commence driving to Habarana. En route we visit
Pinnawala, an interesting and amusing elephant orphanage. Later we continue
driving to Habarana. The latter half of the drive is along remote
countryside where we will stop to interact with the locals as we stop to
pick up some fruits from the farms or just walk into the villages.
Upon arrival, check into the exquisite Chaya Village (Formerly -
Habarana Village). It is a village that lacks nothing of 21st century
comforts; Chaya Village sits on a reservoir and is nestled under a canopy of
ancient and magnificent tree cover. Deliberately designed into the
environment, there's nothing lacking in terms of tree cover, bird life, and
an aesthetic elegance that can only be obtained by those who recognise
nature's ways and wisdom. There's much to feast the eyes on and many things
to discover. At your own pace, as it slips into step with the relaxed and
immemorial amble that is village life in Sri Lanka.
Day 04 : Habarana - Anuradhapura -
Habarana
Pproceed on a day return trip to Anuradhapura Anuradhapura is Ceylon's
ancient Capital (5th century B.C. to 10th century A.D.) now declared a
Buddhist holy city. Amongst the many religious and historical sites are the
Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo Tree), the oldest documented tree in the world
which came from a sapling from the tree under which the Buddha gained
enlightenment; the Brazen place built in the 2nd century BC, several
majestic dagobas such as Ruwanweli Seya, and of course the Thuparama Dagoba
which is the oldest in the country and believed to enshrine the collarbone
of the Buddha.
Day 05 : Habarana - Polonnaruwa -
Habarana
Following a leisurely breakfast we proceed on an excursion to Polonnaruwa.
The glory of mediaeval Sri Lanka is seen at Polonnaruwa, the mediaeval
capital of the Island. Polonnaruwa used by the Sri Lankan kings as a
'country residence' from the 7th century became the Island's capital in the
11th century AD. Within the ramparts of the Royal Citadel are the ruins of
the King's palace,the Council Chamber and the Royal Bath. The Buddha images
at the Gal Vihara or the Rock Temple are masterpieces of stone sculpture.
Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama is a giant man made irrigation
reservoir. A visit to Polonnaruwa is incomplete without visiting the new
archaeological museum opened by the Central Cultural Fund where the ancient
glory of the city has been recreated in scale models.
Day 06 : Habarana - Sigiriya &
Dambulla - Kandy
After breakfast, drive to Sigiriya, which is a glowing tribute to the
vision of King Kashyapa who created this 'Palace in the Sky' in the 5th
century AD. On the summit of the Sigiriya rock (meaning the 'Lion Rock')
that is over 1.5 hectares in extent is the remains of a large palace, the
earliest surviving royal palace in Sri Lanka, with several chambers and a
bathing pond. In a sheltered pocket of the giant rock are the celebrated
paintings of 5th century AD, a few which is remaining from around 500
paintings that once covered the rock surface. Meticulously planned water
gardens at the foot of the rock are the earliest such gardens found in Asia.
The boulder gardens are a fine example of landscaping while conserving the
environment. The Mirror Wall, which had been exposed to elements for over
fifteen centuries still carry some of the original sheen that has given it
the name. This archaeological site unparalleled in South Asia has been
declared a World Heritage Site.
Day 07 : Kandy
Following a leisurely breakfast we proceed on a guided tour of Kandy. The
Hill Capital of Kandy was the last bastion of the Sinhala kings and is a
charming city offering a living record of a magnificent past. Center of
attraction in Kandy is the Dalada Maligawa, the temple housing the sacred
Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Kandy Lake enhances the charm of the City. Kandy
is a romantic city any time of the year. We also visit to the Market Place,
an arts & crafts show room. Following this, we drive along the Upper
lake road to get a panoramic view of the Kandy Lake and its environs. We
continue driving to Peradeniya and visit the Botanical Gardens, where you
can view a rare collection of tropical exotic and indigenous flora can be
viewed and also famous Orchid House.
Day 08 : Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast we ride through incredible natural scenery to Nuwara-Eliya.
As we gain elevation the vegetation of the region too changes as also the
driving. Tea Gardens begin to appear on the slopes and waterfalls of various
strengths appear frequently. The road to clings to the mountains as it
twists and turns climbing all the way. The scenes of Terrace cultivation of
tea and occasionally of Paddy are a very fascinating sight.
We would also stop at St. Clair Tea estate's restaurant for a 'garden
fresh' cup of tea. You may choose from the various brands of flavour teas -
we recommend 'Broken Orange Pekoe' for its flavour and body.
Day 09 : Nuwara Eliya - Hortan Plains -
Nuwara Eliya
Early this morning with packed breakfast we drive to Hortan Plains. The
drive is spectacular and the views on a clear day of the various terrace
farms, meadows, and animal farms are spectacular. Once we reach Horton
Plains we have two options. The first is driving back. On our way back we
would stop at Ambewela farms for a wander to enjoy the breathtaking scenes.
The farm has the finest of everything from their cattle to their pastures
and technology. These Farms are set in lush green hills and blessed with
cool climes and a pristine environment off Nuwara-Eliya. We would get back
to Nuwara Eliya by lunchtime and have the afternoon at leisure with us for
visits to markets or for nature walks.
Day
10 : Nuwara Eliya - Ella
This morning we commence on a sightseeing tour of Nuwara-Eliya. In 1819,
during the British colonial era, a few British on a hunting expedition in
the hill country spotted the site where the present day Nuwara Eliya town
stands 1890 metres above sea level and decided to set up a health resort for
their use. It was Sir Samuel Baker who later converted it to a holiday
resort with a touch of an English village, which earned it the name 'Little
England'. We visit Hakgala Botanical gardens with exotic trees, shrubs and
herbs known to thrive best in hill country.
Day 11 : Ella - Yala
Following a leisurely breakfast we drive to Yala biding farewell to the
mountains as we descend slowly towards the warmer plains of the South.
Again, we will have opportunities to stop on the way to appreciate the
landscape. A special mention must be made for the tumbling Ravana Fall which
is Sri Lanka's major water fall. The landscape changes and no more tea as we
drive along paddy, maize and sugarcane fields. The tiny shacks re-appear on
the roads selling Jack fruit, jaggery, tamarinds and a variety of
Vegetables.
Day 12 : Yala
Morning & afternoon jungle excursions in jeeps. Yala has many rocky
outcrops, fresh water tanks, brackish lagoons and breathtaking dry zone
landscape. The southeastern boundary of Yala is the coastline with an
untouched beach. The northeastern boundary is the manik ganga river. The
Yala reserve has large open areas and water holes which serve as feeding
grounds for many animals such as elephants, leopards, deer, wild buffaloes,
wild boar, many varieties of birds, crocodiles etc. The most prominent
geophysical feature of Yala is its many areas of outcropping bedrock, some
large enough to be mini rocky ranges. These provide resting places and
breeding grounds to the leopard and the Sri Lankan sloth bear. The most
common types of trees in Yala could be categorized as Palu, Weera, Divul and
Maliethan. The fruits of these trees are a favourite of the sloth bear.
Overnight at Yala Safari Village
Day 13 : Yala - Galle - Mount Lavinia
After breakfast we drive to Mount Lavinia along the picturesque South Coast
of Colombo. We would pass through fascinating towns and villages and have
opportunities to stop on the way to observe traditional lifestyles. Of
special mention are the stilt fishermen who are perched on a stilt with a
fishing chord in their hand.
Day 14 : Mount Lavinia
Day is at leisure to enjoy the amazing beach as well as your hotel of
whimsical charm. Starting out as an imposing and majestic weekend abode for
a British Governor in 1806, and retains the old world charm and imperial
elegance of yesteryear combined with the most up to date facilities of a
modern resort that any discerning. A vast expanse of golden sandy beaches
edged with frothy white lacing of waters that go far into the clearest and
deepest blues you've ever seen…. under a warm sun by day and a silvery
moon on a night sky - you'll discover what was once the sprawling mansion of
Sir Thomas Maitland.Overnight at Mount Lavinia Hotel (Bay Wing)
Day 15 : Mount Lavinia - Colombo -
Departure
Drive to Colombo, upon arrival transfer to the airport to connect your
onward flight back home
