On arrival at the Bandaranayake International airport, you will be warmly greeted by our very own chauffeur guide and transferred to Bentota. Prime destination is Pinnawala.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka. This was established 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife department. In 1978 the orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens from the Department of Wildlife. A captive breeding program was launched in 1982. Since the inception of the program over 20 elephants have been bred here. The aim of the orphanage is to simulate a natural habitat to these elephants. The orphanage, which boasts to have the largest herd of captive elephants in the world is very popular and visited daily by many Sri Lankan and foreign tourists. The main attraction is clear to observe the elephants bathing which is quite a spectacle. However, the elephants are taken to the river twice a day for a bath, and all the babies less than three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers.
Traveling through Pinnawala our next destination would be the cave temple in Dambulla. Dambulla is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites located in the region known as Sri Lanka`s Cultural Triangle. It is located 24 km (30 min) from Sigiriya in central Sri Lanka. Built in about 80 BC It is the largest and best preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist temple complex of Dambulla consists of five cave temples carved under a very large overhanging rock. The cave walls and ceiling are entirely painted with paintings depicting early Buddhist historical events and murals with traditional Buddhist designs. Like all the other cave temples, this one is dimly lit, preserving the vibrant colors of the paintings and murals. Another unusual feature of this particular cave temple is the large metal bowl that was placed inside the cave centuries ago, presumably to catch rain dripping from the cave roof. It`s said that even in a severe drought, the water in the bowl does not dry up. The vast internal spaces of the cave shrines are not compartmentalized, but are spatially differentiated by a deliberate and subtle arrangement of polychrome sculpture of exceptional craftsmanship and decorated with brilliant compositions of mural paintings.
You can look forward to another scrumptious dinner and overnight stay Dambulla.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and leave early morning for Sigiriya. Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is probably the most visited tourist destination of Sri Lanka. One of the most striking features of Sigiriya is its Mirror wall. Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles. Unbelievable technical, stone methods, wall Arts with beautiful environment shows you the unlimited the fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains. The main entrance is located in the northern side of the rock
Our next stop is in one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka in the city of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is the heritage capitol of Sri Lanka which is five hours away from capitol Colombo. Anuradhapura is the first capital of Sri Lanka located in north central province of Sri Lanka. It is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka which was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. Due to its ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization UNESCO named it as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982 under the name of Sacred City of Anuradhapura. Upon arrival in Anuradhapura, Check in to the bungalow, situated on the shores of the Tissawewa, set in a large tree-filled garden, is a small elegantly simple bungalow that reflects the serenity of the Great ancient Stupas that can be seen. The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia`s most evocative sights. The sprawling complex contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas ancient pools and crumbling temples, built during Anuradhapura’s thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka.
Thereafter proceed to Kandy. It was the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings era. This city is another World Heritage Site. The name `Kandy` means visions of magnificence and splendor. Built by the last Sinhala King, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha in 1798 a drive around the Kandy Lake is a must. Visit Kandy town which offers the bazaar, a gem museum, and arts and crafts. At night a cultural show can also be viewed.
Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Kandy.
After breakfast at the hotel, the first visit of that day is to the temple of tooth. The Dalada Maligawa, also known as, the Temple of the Tooth, is one of the landmark sites in the city of Kandy. It is located in the heart of Kandy town surrounded by the lake and the commercial district. It is a must visit location for all tourists. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a world-renowned place of worship, where the left Canine tooth of Gautama Buddha is enshrined. The temple which is venerated by thousands of local & foreign devotees and tourists daily was named as a world heritage by UNESCO in 1988.
Next you will visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Peradeniya Situated in Kandy’s suburb of Peradeniya, the spectacular Peradeniya Botanical Garden The gardens display over 4 000 different species of plants, regarded amongst the most superior in Asia. The highlight is the spectacular Orchid collection and a mighty avenue of palm trees. In addition to a plethora of flowering plants, there is also an extensive collection of medicinal plants and spices which can be spotted on your meander across the gardens.
En-route, you will stop at Ramboda falls. The area is known for marvelous landscapes comprising of highlands, ridges, plains, streams and hilly mountains. The best of the attractions being the Ramboda falls. Ramboda also has beautiful sights and rare birds cooing on the thick forests. The gushing waters and their sounds as they crackle hitting the rocks is experience awe – parallel.
Next you will visit Nuwara Eliya supposed to be one of the coolest places on the Island, Nuwara Eliya is often referred to by the Sri Lankan tourist industry as ‘Little England’. Travelling through winding roads and lush green valleys, tea estates situated on the slopes and banks of the hills, with tiny streams and waterfalls and the beautiful misty mountains, one can arrive at as any other town does Nuwara Eliya, which is situated among some of the most beautiful tea estates also has the Golf course, race Course, horses, Rose gardens Nuwara Eliya town which offers you everything,
Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Wake up in the morning, have your healthy breakfast and check out from hotel and proceed for Negombo The town of Negombo is a romantic coastal destination offering sensational shores and various seafood along with the country’s oldest churches. One of the best beaches in Negombo is Browns Beach. It is popular among tourists and locals alike, and it is easy to see why. You can have fun on this awesome beach with loads of exciting activities like kite surfing, sailing, windsurfing and array of beach activities, surfing, water skiing, etc. If you want to take a break from the sand and surf, you can explore the many stores and little shops nearby and find little treasures to take back home as gifts and souvenirs. Making Negombo your last stop before heading home will be the best farewell to your tour.
After a delicious breakfast in the hotel, complete the check-out formalities. Proceed for your transfer to the airport as your 04 days in Sri Lanka tour package comes to an end.
Bid goodbye to Sri Lanka as your mesmerizing journey comes to an end.
