| Sri Lanka Cultural Tour |
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08 Nights / 09 Days
Destinations Conered: : Sri Lanka
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| Days |
Tour Program |
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Day 01
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Pinnawala - Dambulla
The Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage is one of Sri Lanka's most popular attractions. Situated halfway between Colombo and Kandy, the orphanage has a population of about 75 elephants, making it the world's largest collection of captive elephants. The elephants here range from newborn calves to elderly matriarchs and include orphaned and abandoned elephants, as well as those injured in the wild. Amongst them are its famous residents, Sama, the lame elephant injured by a land mine during the ethnic conflict in the North and Raja, the blind elephant. Experience the sheer delight of watching these great pachyderms frolic in the river at bath time or the baby elephants being fed twice a day.
Transfer from Pinnawala to Dambulla. Overnight stay at Pelvehera Village Resort / Amaya Lake (Standard Room)
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Day 02
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Dambulla - Sigiriya
Breakfast at Hotel. Dambulla The city is home to one of Sri Lankas seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the richly painted cave temple complex, is the islands largest and best preserved. Though there are more than 80 documented caves in the area, the most significant are spread over 5 caves, which comprise of statues and paintings related to Lord Buddha and his life. The latest archeological site of significant historical importance, the Ibbankatuwa Prehistoric Burial Site, is also found in this great city, within 3 km of the cave temple. At this site, bones of 2700 year old human skeletons were found, which according to scientific analysis, is evidence of civilisations existing long before the arrival of the Indians to the island. Ancient history aside, Dambulla is home to the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, well known for being built in just 167 days. Its Iron Wood forest (Namal Uyana) and the largest Rose Quartz mountain range in South Asia make this city special.
Transfer from Dambulla to Sigiriya Sigiriya Thought to be one of the oldest tourist attractions in the world, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, Sigiriya offers its visitors nothing less than a breathtaking experience. Standing more than 200m tall over the surrounding plains, the rock is said to be a solidified magma plug, from a long eroded and extinct volcano. On its summit are the remains of a palace, built (by King Kasyapa) in the 5th century AD. Hidden in a cave along the citadel are some of the most magnificent ancient frescoes in South Asia. Seen today are, whats said to be left of the 500 paintings of maidens that once covered a large area of the face of the rock. The Mirror wall that leads up to the Lion staircase, its brick masonry wall built of Lime plaster was said to have been so well polished, that it reflected the paintings of the opposite rock wall. Today, 15 centuries later the shine on this wall can still be seen. A total of nearly 1500 writings on the wall, include verses that date way back as far as the 8th century, most of which have now been deciphered Overnight stay at Kassapa Lions Rock / Sigiriya Village. (Standard Room)
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Day 03
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Sigiriya - Anuradhapura – Polonnaruwa
Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer from Sigiriya to Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura An ancient capital of Sri Lanka, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city could be labeled as the islands most celebrated. When it seemed as if the rest of the world were far behind, this magnificent city during its day, was well ahead of its time, most notably in its use of Hydraulic Technology. Though most of this ancient city is in ruins today, its most awe-inspiring structures still stand tall. Second only to the pyramids in Giza, the dagobas, some of them intact and some restored, are amazing monuments to the art of masonry prevalent at that time. The Jetavana dagoba is the most spectacular of them all. The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura, is a sapling of the sacred Bo tree in India (in whose shelter prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became Buddha). It is the oldest (2,250 years) recorded tree in the world. The Anuradhapura Archeological Museum, the Abhayagiri and the Jetavanarama Museums, offer an in-depth insight and a greater understanding of this dynamic civilisation. Transfer from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa The second most ancient of Sri Lankas Kingdoms, today the city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdoms first rulers. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, its beauty was used as a backdrop to filmed scenes for the Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer. Its green environment, amazing ancient constructions (including a huge lake built in 1200A.D.), good hotels and its warm, friendly people make it an attractive city to visit. The Polonnaruwa Visitor Information Centre and Museum, brings this ancient city to life. A visit to the Centre and Museum first, will prove useful before setting out to explore its fascinating sites. Overnight stay at Hotel Sudu Araliya / Deer Park Hotel. (Standard Room)
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Day 04
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Polonnaruwa - Kandy
Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer from Polonnaruwa to Kandy. Kandy Locally referred to as Maha Nuwara, meaning The Great City, Kandy is the Hill Capital and one of the most scenic cities in the country. It is also home to one of the most revered places of the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka, and around the world. The sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, is housed in the temple, known as the Dalada Maligawa. In one of Asias most celebrated festivals, The Esala (Kandy) Perahera (held in July/August), where the inner caskets housing the sacred tooth relic, is taken through the streets in a grand procession of dancers, drummers, torch bearers and over a hundred beautifully costumed elephants. Steeped in history and located at the foothills of the central highlands, the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Its not only its places of historical significance that make Kandy a popular tourist destination, but also the shops displaying precious and semi precious stones, skillfully crafted jewellary, handicrafts, colourful batiks and silks; and of course there is the expansive Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the largest and finest in Sri Lanka - a must do. Udawatte Kelle - a primeval forest is Kandys lure for nature and adventure enthusiasts. This forest reserve contains a variety of trees and is a haven for a variety of fauna and flora, ideal for an early morning nature walk. Overnight stay at Hotel Topaz /Amaya Hills (Standard Room)
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Day 05
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Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya Once called, Little England, nestling at the foot of Sri Lankas tallest mountain Pidurutalagala, is Nuwara Eliya, the islands most elevated town and home to some of the best tea plantations in the world. Surrounded by wooded mountains and its picturesque lake, its cold temperatures call for sweaters, log fires and blankets, a pleasant contrast to the islands otherwise hot and steamy tropical weather. In terms of entertainment it is home to the famed Nuwara Eliya Golf Club and Race Course. During the season in April it attracts visitors from within the country and overseas and the town turns in to a hub of activity with its local Derby and motor races. It is the perfect base for hikes, picnics and trout fishing in the surrounding lakes and rivers. Overnight stay at Galway Forest Lodge /Grand Hotel. (Standard Room)
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Day 06
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Nuwara Eliya - Kitulgala – Colombo
Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Kitulgala. Kitulgala A lush green, scenic town in the west of Sri Lanka, Kitulgalas claim to fame is the filming of a segment of the Academy Award winning The Bridge on the River Kwai.
The town is the most popular spot for white water rafting primarily and bird watching. The recent discovery of the Serendib Scops Owl in its forests and the elusive but vibrant Three Toed King Fisher has made Kitulgala increase in popularity among bird watchers. Transfer from Kitulgala to Colombo.
Colombo Bursting with life and colour, the islands largest city which was once the Capital of Sri Lanka, is now its Commercial hub. This modern city with an ancient heart is a monument to its colonial history. Its architecture is influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Today, it is a mix of modern architecture among colonial buildings. The remnants of Dutch and Portuguese domination, is seen primarily in the Fort, located north of the city. In stark contrast, are modern buildings such as The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and five start hotels in the same location. Since the end of its civil war, the skyline is constantly changing with investment in to the Citys infra structure. Pettah, where daily life overflows on to the streets, not too far from the Fort ¿ is a Traders hub and home to a few unique examples of architecture in its churches and kovils. With its network of streets each specializing in one thing or another, where anything and everything, from garments to toys to electronics and sweet-meats could be found, it provides an interesting insight in to life as it is in a busy, tropical cosmopolitan city. For a more sobering and tranquil experience, visit the Sima Malaka Meditation Island (on the Beira Lake), designed by Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lankas most famous architect. The island is landscaped with collections of Thai Buddha Statues, beautiful stone carvings, Buddhist paintings and a small museum. As Bella Woolf once said, It is the meeting place of the world. It palpitates with life and with the romance of those who wonder the earth. Overnight stay at Hotel Sapphire /Ramada Hotel (Standard Room)
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Day 07
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Colombo - Bentota
Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer from Colombo to Bentota. Overnight stay at Tapro Spa Foot Prints /Bentota Beach Hotel (Standard Room)
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Day 08
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Bentota - Galle - Bentota
Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer from Bentota to Galle. Galle The Galle Fort built with solid granite by the Dutch, in 1663, is a world heritage site, and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia, built by European occupiers. James Emerson Tennent reckons that Galle was the ancient seaport of Tarshish, from which King Solomon drew ivory, peacock, and other valuables. A walk through the forts quaint narrow streets is an experience not to be missed. A visit to its galleries and shops should be on any shopaholics to do list. The ramparts, the natural harbour, the National Maritime Museum, St Marys Cathedral, the Cricket grounds and Amangalle, the historic luxury hotel are a few of the other prominent landmarks in the city. In recent times Galle has acquired a reputation for becoming a cultural center by hosting the now famous and very popular annual literary festival during the first quarter of the year with famous international writers and poets participating. Transfer from Galle to Bentota. Overnight stay at Tapro Spa Foot Prints /Bentota Beach Hotel. (Standard Room)
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Day 09
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Bentota
Breakfast at Hotel. Transfer from Bentota to Airport.
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