On arrival at the Bandaranayake International airport, you will be warmly greeted by our very own chauffeur guide and transferred to Sigiriya. Prime destination is Sigiriya
First you will visit 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
Next you will visit 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 temples include numerous carved statues of Buddha, and his faithful disciple Ananda, as well as Hindu deities.
In the evening you will visit at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. 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.
After a hearty dinner, come back to the hotel for a good night`s rest.
Wake up in the morning, have your healthy breakfast and check out from hotel and proceed for Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka`s second most ancient kingdom, Polonnaruwa, became the capital of Sri Lanka following the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Built by King Parakramabahu I, this urban green city has seen numerous civilisations journeying through this kingdom including the Cholas, South Indian Hindu and Buddhist Sinhalese, between the 12th and 13th centuries. Brimming with archeologically treasures, the city is dotted with temples, shrines, palaces and ruins. Once a massive structure with 50 rooms, today impressive walls still stand strong. Lion sculptures guard the stairs to the king’s audience hall, where intricately carved stone elephants line the walls and the king’s swimming pool with large crocodile mouth statues spout fresh water. Built of stone, Shiva Devale No.2, the oldest Hindu temple in Polonnaruwa is tucked away in a small forest clearing.An impressive collection of ruins forms the sacred quadrangle and in the middle is the vatadage with four entrances leading to the place where the Sacred Tooth Relic was once housed. Explore the large stupa (hemispherical structure containing relics) Rankot Vihara and the monks` quarters
In the afternoon you will visit Mineriya National Park. Covering an area of 8,890 hectares, Minneriya is around 4 hours from the capital city of Colombo and is close to other local attractions. For example, the UNESCO world heritage site of Polonnaruwa is just 20 kilometres away and Habarana and Sigiriya are also close-by, making it possible to combine cultural and wildlife experiences into one itinerary. The topography of the park is comprised of scrub plains and mixed evergreen forests alongside rocky outcrops and wetlands, providing a range of habitats to suit a variety of critters.Small herds gather around the water tank, forming one giant mass of elephant grey. You may also catch sight of some of the other 24 mammals that make their home in the park, including toque macaque monkeys, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild buffalo, porcupine, wild boar and mongoose. Leopards are also found in the park, although less prolific than those found in Yala. The birdlife of the park is also impressive, with over 160 species, including kingfishers, hornbills and jungle fowl, many of which like to fish in the shallows waters around the water tank.
proceed back to your hotel in Sigiriya.
Early next morning, you will depart to 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. Today, several of the sites remain in use as holy places and temples; frequent ceremonies give Anuradhapura a vibrancy that`s a sharp contrast to the museum-like ambience at Polonnaruwa. Current-day Anuradhapura is a pleasant albeit sprawling city; a small town that feels more like a large village.
At the end of the tour return to your hotel in Anuradhapura.
Enjoy a delectable breakfast and gear up for an enchanting tour. Your first stop for the day is the Kandy. First you will visit Dambula Cave Temple. 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.
En-route visit the bathic factory and spice garden in Matale. Batik factory in Mathale really interesting to see the process on how batik is made. So much work goes into making each unique design using wax and colors on a cotton based material.
Later continuing journey to visiting a spice garden, you will discover the Later continuing journey to visiting a spice garden, When visiting a spice garden, you will discover the different types of herbs and spices of Sri Lanka’s pride, Opportunities for purchase on various products made with the spices are available which can be either natural cosmetics or traditional herbal remedies. Some gardens offer Ayurveda massages with oils made with the herbs and spices for complete rejuvenation and relaxation which could be ideal for the tired visitor.
After you will visit Temple of the 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.
Dinner and overnight in hotel in Kandy
After breakfast you will visit Peradeniya. 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.
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,
After lunch you will visit 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.
En-route visit Tea Plantation & Tea Factory .The Tea Plantation & Tea Factory One of the most famous is Blue Field Tea Estate Nuwara Eliya. Sri Lanka’s tea country is located mainly in the central highlands, although some of the tea growing areas spread as far as the coast. The reason that tea grows well here is because of the topography and the climate. The fertile soil, humidity and higher rainfall provide excellent tea growing conditions and tea plants thrive. It’s also quite a bit cooler in the highlands than the coastal areas due to its elevation.
Dinner and overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Today you will drive towards to visit the Ella. Tucked away in the misty Sri Lankan high country, amongst idyllic green hills and gushing waterfalls, lies Ella.one of this tear-shaped island`s most appealing destinations. From scaling the heady heights of Ella Rock, to laying eyes on the mystical Nine Arch Bridge for the very first time; standing on the edge of the roaring Diyaluma Falls and winding through the tea plantations and mountains passes on the famous Kandy to Ella train; many of our favorite Sri Lankan adventures can be found right here.
Next you will visit Nine Arches Bridge. The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans the beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Ideally placed between the Ella and Demodara railway station, those choosing to walk along the bridge will be presented with scenes of rolling hills and dense jungle to delight in. The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky was constructed by connecting two bog mountains when constructing the Badulla – Colombo railway. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.
After lunch you will visit Ravana Cave .The Ravana Cave is located 2 kilometres outside of Ella town and lies 1370 metres above sea level. It is one of the most important tourists attractions with an historical value in Ella. The history of the Ravana cave is that King Ravana used this cave to hide the Princess Sita. The climb up to the Ravana Cave is a steep path which is quite tough with about 650 uneven steps. Some places have broken or no steps at all, just steep rocks. The last few meters are the toughest because you have to climb up the rocks without anything to hold on.
In the evening you will you will climb Little Adam`s Peak .Reaching an imposing 1141 meters in the air, little Adam`s Peak lets thrill-seekers scour stunning sceneries that are made up of densely covered jungle and cliff drops. This is situated 2km away from Ella Namunukula Road and many foreign and local tourists prefer to hike and trail along this mountain. One of the must activities to do in Ella is hiking up Little Adams Peak. The way up to Little Adams Peak is very easy to find and the trail is clearly marked with signs showing the way. You will pass a local village and the goes through beautiful green tea fields. Little Adam`s Peak is very similar to Adam’s Peak in nature and hence got its name from the villagers constantly calling it this name.
Overnight stay in Ella.
After Breakfast proceed to Mirissa. Mirissa is one of the most popular beach destinations in southern Sri Lanka, and for a good reason. The area has it all, beautiful Sri Lankan beaches, great waves for surfing, and waters teeming with marine life, from turtles to big blue whales. The waters of Mirissa are home to blue whales. The town itself is globally popular for watching whales. Scientists have noticed that the waters around Mirissa are particularly rich in plankton, so Blue Whales are attracted to the destination. These charming giant marine animals have made Mirissa so famous that it is now an internationally recognized place for whale watching. Whales, like humans, are warm-blooded mammals and breathe air despite living in water. These gigantic mammals roam throughout the world’s oceans. Among the existing Whale species, Blue Whales are the largest animals ever known to have lived on Earth.is the perfect amount of time to absorb the laidback culture of this sunny beach town, enjoying all the top things to do in Mirissa. Another one of the amazing places to visit in Mirissa is to climb up the Parrot Rock. This small and easily accessible rock will give you a stunning view of the Mirissa area.
You can look forward to another scrumptious dinner and overnight stay Mirissa.
After breakfast you will visit Colombo. The main attractions of the city include the National Museum of Colombo, Lotus Tower, and Gangarama Temple along with many others. Below are the sights you will explore and experience during this excursion.
First you will visit Independence Square .The Independence Square is one of the most vital and historical monuments in the city of Colombo. Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948.
Next you will visit National Museum .The largest museum in Sri Lanka, the National Museum of Colombo was established in January 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the then British Governor of Sri Lanka. Currently maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government, the museum is home to a lot of important collections, including the crown and throne of the Kandyan monarchs.
After that you will visit Gangaramaya Temple .One of the most popular Buddhist temples in Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple is known for its tranquil surroundings and serene atmosphere. The temple sports exceptionally beautiful architecture and is located on the banks of the famous Beira Lake. The Most Visited temple in the city, the Gangaramaya Temple which organizes Sri Lanka’s largest and the most colourful Vesak festival annually, has a history of 120 years.
After breakfast, complete the check-out formalities. Proceed for your transfer to the airport as your 08 days in Sri Lanka tour package comes to an end. Bid goodbye to Sri Lanka as your mesmerizing journey comes to an end.
