This “Discover Sri Lanka” tour of 15 days, Sri Lanka Holiday tour package, is well designed to cover various sights of interesting. This tour package includes culture & heritage, adventure, hiking, trekking, climbing, wildlife, beautiful scenery and beach stay. If you like such activities, this is the ideal tour for you. You will certainly enjoy this tour during your holiday in Sri Lanka, and will realize that Excellent Lanka Tours & Travels have done a great job to make your tour success in Sri Lanka.
Hotels Category: Economy / Standard / Luxury
Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days
(Areas: Negombo, Sigiriy, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya, Mihinthale, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, Peradeniya, Adam's peak, Nuwara Eliya, Thissamaharama, Galle, Bentota, Colombo, Airport)
Day 01 – Airport / Negombo
Arrival at the Colombo Airport You will be met by our English speaking chauffeur Guide /Representative and will offer assistance. Thereafter leave for Negombo (10 km – transfer time approx. 30 minutes)
P.M. City Tour of Negombo is a charismatic fishing town north of Colombo, located a mere 10km 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
Overnight stay at hotel in Negombo
Day 02 – Negombo / Sigiriya
After breakfast leave for sigiriya (170 km – transfer time approx. 04 hours)
P.m. climb 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 is a treasure trove of rare art. In a pocket of the giant rock are the famous frescoes of the 'heavenly maidens of Sigiriya'
Overnight stay at hotel in Sigiriya / Habarana / Dambulla
Day 03 – Polonnaruwa / Minneriya
After breakfast leave for Polonnaruwa (55 km – transfer time approx. 01 1/2 hours)
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 and 'Galvihara' 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.
(3:00 pm) Minneriya National Park Wild Life Safari by Jeep or (Elephant Ride) optional
Located between Habarana and POLONNARUWA, the 8890 hectares of MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK is an ideal eco tourism location in Sri Lanka. The park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to Sri Lanka's favorites such as sambar Deer andElephants.However the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rdcentury AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze on the grasses as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants and painted storks to name but a few) that come to fish in the shallow waters.
Overnight stay at hotel in Sigiriya / Habarana / Dambulla
Day 04 – Isurumuniya / Anuradhapura / Mihintale
After breakfast Anuradhapura (70 km – transfer time approx. 01 1/2 hours)
En-route visit Isurumuniya Viharaya is renowned for its stone carvings of which the most famous is one known as the 'Isurumuniya Lovers'. The other carvings are of the Horseman, Elephant Pond and the Royal Family.
Thereafter 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 uwanveliseyadageba, 2nd century B.C. with its famous Elephant wall; Thuparamadageba 3rd century B.C. The pillars of the brazen palace which once had nine storeys, the image of the Samadhi Buddha, one of the finest places of Buddhistsculpture,Jetawanaramaya, Aukana Buddha Statue, the twin ponds; guard stones & moonstones.
Next 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 KantakaChaitiya, which displays some of the finest architecture of the early Anuradhapura era.
Overnight stay at hotel in Sigiriya / Habarana / Dambulla
Day 05 – Dambulla / Matale / Kandy
After breakfast leave for Kandy (90 km – transfer time approx. 02 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. On the way visit Spice Garden, Batik Factory (optional)
Next visit Nalanda Gedige the “Abu Simbel” of Sri Lanka Nalanda Gedige is an ancient building completely made of stones which is located near Matale. Influenced by Hindu constructional concepts. Nalanda Gedige was believed to be a Hindu temple centuries ago. However there are no signs of Hindu gods to be found today. But there are a few Buddhist carvings to be found.
Overnight stay at hotel in Kandy
Day 06 – Kandy / Peradeniya
After breakfast visit the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic Puja ceremony at 9.30 am. Dalada Maligawa. 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
Next visit 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.
At 5:00 pm witness a Cultural Performance. 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 07 – Kandy / Kitulgala / Adam's Peak
After breakfast leave for Adam's Peak (98 km – transfer time approx. 031/2 hours)
Kitulgala is a little town on the banks of the Kelani River and the film location of the famous movie “Bridge on the River Kwai”.
Begin Whitewater rafting excursion. The rafting begins further upstream which winds down through lush forests, hills and sand bars, taking approximately 02 hrs and ends back at the Plantation Hotel. The short but exhilarating rafting program is level three.
Jutting sharply skyward from the lush jungles of southwestern Sri Lanka is the 7362 foot (2243 meter) peak of Sri Pada, the ‘Holy Footprint’. Also called Adam’s Peak, the mountain has the unique distinction of being sacred to the followers of four of the world’s major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. Long before the development of these religions, however, the mountain was worshipped by the aboriginal inhabitants of Sri Lanka, the Veddas. Their name for the peak was Samanala Kanda; Saman being one of the four guardian deities of the island.
Overnight stay at hotel near Adam's Peak
Day 08 – Nuwara Eliya
Early in the morning at 2:00a.m. Climb Adam's Peak Sun rise at 6.30 am see the view and climb down at 9.00 am
After breakfast leave for Nuwara Eliya (85 km – transfer time approx. 03 hours)
En route visit a Tea plantation and Tea factory, .Devon and St. Claire Water Falls
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.
Overnight stay at hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 09 – Horton Plains, World's End & Bakers Fall
At 5.30am with packets of breakfast visit Horton Plains National park & world's End by 4×4 Jeep
(30 km – transfer time approx. 01 hour)
The Horton Plains is a most beautiful, silent, strange world with some excellent hikes in the shadows of Sri Lanka's second and third highest mountains – Kirigalpotta (2395m) and Totapola (2359m),rearing up from the edges of the plateau. The 'plains' themselves from an undulating plateau over 2000m high, covered by wild grasslands and interspersed with patches of thick forest, rocky outcrops, filigree waterfalls and misty lakes. The early morning (between 6am and 10am) is the best time to visit before the clouds roll in.
World's End – This is the only national park in Sri Lanka where visitors are permitted to walk on their own. The walk to World's End is about 4km,but the trail loops back to the Baker's Fall (2km) from where you can walk to the entrance (another 3.5km) the round trip is 9.5km and usually take around 3 hours.
P.m. at leisure
Overnight stay at hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 10 – Nuwara Eliya / Ella / Thissamaharama
After breakfast you will be dropped at Nanuoya Railway station for the 9:30 A.M. Train and pick you up at Ella Railway station at 2:00 pm. Thereafter proceed to Thissamaharama En-route admire the magnificent view Ella Ramana Waterfall, Ella Gap, Sightseeing, (95 km – transfer time approx. 02 hours)
Next Buddha statue at Baduruwagala seven statues sculptured on relief of the rock during the 9th -10th c A.D. are seen in a single rock face. Of the seven Mahayana statues, three smaller statues each are sculptured on either side of the main Buddha statue .he centrally sculptured main Buddha image is the tallest in Sri Lanka and is 51feet in height. The Buddha is in the Samabhanga posture and has the right hand gesturing the Abhaya Mudra. On the right of the Standing Buddha image are the sculptures of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisatva, Goddess Tara, Prince Sudhana and on the left are the sculptures of Maitree Bodhisatva, Vajrapani Bodhisatva and an unidentifiable deity. These sculptures could be identified as a collection of the Buddha and Bodhisatva figures with Mahayana influence.
Overnight stay at hotel in Thissamaharama
Day 11 – Wildlife Safari Yala
Leave hotel at 5.00am Collect packets of Breakfast and proceed to Yala by 4×4 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 over35 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. at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel in Thissamaharama
Day 12 – Dickwella / Galle / Bentota
After breakfast leave for Bentota (210 km – transfer time approx. 05 hours)
En-route visit Wewurukannala Vihara temple is dominated by an image of a seated Buddha. It is 160ft high, the largest statue in all of Sri Lanka and dates back to the time of King Rajadhi (1782 – 1798). The temple has three parts, the oldest being about 250 years old; however this is of no particular interest. The next part has life size models of demons and sinners shown in graphic detail. If you do not follow the path to enlightenment this is what happens to you. Punishments include being drowned in boiling cauldrons, sawn in half, disemboweled and so on. Finally there is the enormous seated Buddha that is as high as an eight-storied building.
Next visits the Old Dutch city of Galle. When passing Unawatuna could be seen Stilt – Fishermen are a familiar sight here Galle 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, Bentota and Unawatuna.
Overnight stay at hotel in Bentota / Induruwa / Waskaduwa
Day 13 – Balapitiya / Kosgoda (River Safari)
After breakfast leave for Balapitiya (35 km – transfer time approx. 45 minutes)
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 life 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 by the beach.
Overnight stay at hotel in Bentota / Induruwa / Waskaduwa
Day 14 – Bentota Beach
After breakfast full day at leisure by the beach
Overnight stay at hotel in Bentota / Induruwa / Waskaduwa
Day 15 – Colombo / Airport
After breakfast leave for Colombo Airport (120 km – transfer time approx. 021/2hours)
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 International Conference Hall and Bazaar.
Thereafter transfer to the Airport for the connecting Flight. (Departure)
