Day 1 - Negombo

Located to the north of Colombo in Sri Lanka, Negombo is a small town, which was originally founded by the Moors. It is actually situated on a lagoon. The ocean and the beaches make Negombo attractive to the tourists. It is gradually emerging as a fascinating tourist destination, where one can go for physical and mental relaxation. The overview on Negombo provides details about this place.

The afternoon will be spent visit fishing village, Dutch canal, and the city of Negombo.

Day 2 - Anuradhapuraya

After breakfast leave for Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura remained the capital of Sri Lanka from the time of King Vijaya up to the 11th century.  With the growth of powerful empires in South India after the 10th century, Anuradhapura was exposed to frequent South Indian invasions. As the threats from South Indian invasions increased, the capital of Sri Lanka started to drift towards the south in the 11th century. 

Anuradhapura contains several large dagobas relating to the monastic communities as well as the Sri Maha Bodhi, a large Bo tree reputedly the oldest historically documented tree, bought as a cutting from the tree under, which the Gautama Buddha gained enlightenment in Bodgaya, North India.

The archeological sites to be visited in Anuradhapura  are the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi , Lova Maha Paaya  ( Brazen Palace),Jetavana Dagaba, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Lankaramaya, Thuparamaya , Ruwandweli Seya.   Miriswetiya Dagaba, The Sandakada Pahana (The Moon Stone )  Mura Gala (Guard Stones)  Samadhi Statue,  Kuttam Pokuuna. (The Pair of  Ponds), Isurumuniya Temple,  The Eth Pokuna (The Elephant Pond ) Dana Saalaawa   (Alms Hall ), Abhaya Wewa nee Basawak Kulama, Tisa Wewa  Nuwara Wewa  Stone Bridge,  Ran Masu Uyana,  Korawak Gal  Maha Pali  Daana Saalawa ( Mahapaali  Alms Hall ), and the Palace of Vijayabahu.

Dinner & overnight stay at a hotel in Anuradhapura.

Deluxe hotel-
Palm Garden Village                                
Standard  hotel-
Nuwaraweva Rest

Day 3 - Sigiriya/ Minneriya

Leave after breakfast for Sigiriya.

 Sigiriya was created by King Kasyapa who reigned between 477- 495 AD. The summit of this almost inaccessible rock is 180 m (600 ft) above the surrounding jungle, and was the setting for a courtly paradise of elegant pavilions amidst gardens and pools. The rock was transformed into a recumbent lion by the addition of a brick-built head and foreparts of which only the paws remain. The rock's natural defenses were augmented by broad moats and stone perimeter walls. In the event of an enemy approach, the outer moat was built so as to flood the entire area between the two moats A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site.

Sri Lankan architectural tradition is well displayed at Sigiriya, the best preserved city centre in Asia from the first millennium, with its combination of buildings and gardens with their trees, pathways, water gardens, the fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements, use of varying levels and of axial and radial planning.

Highlights of the visit to Sigiriya are the water gardens, the boulder gardens, audience hall,  cobra hood cave,   preaching rock,  terraced gardens,  mirror wall,  the lions platform,  frescoes, &   the palace on the summit.

In the afternoon visit Polonnaruwa.

Enroute visit Minneriya. sanctuary

The Minneriya tank was built  by King Mahasen. The Minneriya wild life sanctuary is a hot spot for safari lovers because of the abundance of elephants. This reservoir and its surrounding wetland habitat is inhabited by a large number of aquatic bird species in addition to elephants. A group of wild elephants habitually enter the jungle to frolic in the long grass and cooling water of the Minneriya reservoir.

Dinner & overnight stay at the Hotel in Giritale.

Deluxe Hotel- Deer Park Hotel, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana                                                  
Standard Hotel- Royal Lotus, Sudu Araliya Hotel                   

Day 4 - Polonnaruwa & Dambulla

After breakfast visit the archeological sites of the historic city, Polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka’s medieval capital was established as the city of the land in 11th century A.D.  It replaced Anuradhapura as the capital city of Sri Lanka, because of the invasions from South India.  It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.

Visiting highlights of Polonnaruwa are the Royal Palace, Nissanka Malla’s Palace and the Watadage,
Alahana Pirivana Complex, Rankota Vihara, Lankathilaka Gedige, Kiri Vihara, Gal Vihara,  Demala
Maha Saya and, Siva Devale.

Afternoon proceed to Kandy. En route visit  Dambulla Rock Temple.

Dambulla is a unique and important historical site because of the amalgamation of the material from many eras. There are over 80 caves in the surrounding areas and some of them have been used by the monks as meditation locations. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain the statues and the paintings. Since it's founding in the 1st century B.C. by King Valagamba, many improvements and additions have been carried out to the sculptures and paintings over the years. Hindu statues are believed to be of the 12 century A.D. and the latest paintings are from the late 18th century. The temple is a perfect location to view evolution of the ancient Sri Lankan arts.

Dinner & overnight stay at the Hotel in Kandy.

Deluxe Hotels - Earls Regency Hotel, Amaya Hills Hotel                                               
Standard  Hotels  - Topaz Hotel,    Suisse Hotel

Day 5 - Kandy & Pinnawala

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department in a 25 acre coconut property near the Maha Oya river. The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned elephants found in the jungle. At present, there are about 84 elephants.

The main attraction is clearly to observe the bathing of elephants from the tall river bank which allows visitors to observe the herd interacting socially whilst bathing.  There are some exceptions where the elephants are taken  to the river twice daily for a bath, and all the babies under three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers.

Afternoon visit the highlights of Kandy City, including the temple of theTooth Relic (the Dalada Maligawa), Royal Palace and Lankathilaka Temple.

Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination, which is famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic and many other temples the city could be named the cultural capital of the island.

Thus Kandyan culture was abler to foster and maintain its own social structure, mode of living, art & architecture. The kings of Kandy ensured the safety and sovereignty of the hill capital and  great culture until the British finally captured the city in 1815.

Kandy was originally known as Senkadagala Pura after a hermit named Senkada who lived there. Many of Sinhalese people call it Mahanuwara meaning the "Great City”. However, the name Kandy was derived from the word kanda, which means mountain. Due to it’s geographical location Kandy was not an easy target for the foreign invaders who could gain the control of coastal area of the island.

The temple of Tooth Relic is one of the chief objects of interests in Kandy. The relic was brought  from India sixteen centuries ago, and moved from capital to capital as it was a vital symbol of the kingdom. It is rarely displayed except during in August when it is been paraded in the Kandy procession.

The most striking features that attract one's attention are the unusual carvings, brightly coloured frescoes representing torments for various classes of sinners, and many images of Lord Buddha. The flower-sellers throng either side of the temple and the atmosphere is heavy with the perfume of the white blossoms. Yellow-robed priests flit here and there, whilst the music of the temple bells and the rhythmic beat of the tom-tom fill the air with strange melodies that harmonize with the nature of the city. At the entrance to the sanctuary, which contains the sacred tooth is an elaborate door, inlaid with silver and ivory, with two pairs of elephants' tusks on either side. Within this chamber is the huge silver-gilt, bell-shaped shrine that protects the Tooth. Inside this shrine are six inner shrines ornamented with rare precious stones.

After completing the visit of the Sacred Tooth Temple, you will get an opportunity to witness the cultural dancing show; a pageant of traditional Kandyan dancing

Dinner & overnight stay at the Hotel in Kandy.

Deluxe Hotel - Earls Regency Hotel, Amaya Hills                           
Standard Hotels - Topaz Hotel, Suisse Hotel
                                                                                                              

Day 7 - Wellawaya - Yala

After breakfast leave for Yala.

En route visit Ella- Wellawaya.

Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views could find in Sri Lanka. This small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside. The view through the Ella gap was probably the best in the entire island. It was quite early and the isolated hills on the plain popped up like little islands in the mist.

Wallawaya is a busy town with wide streets bursting with insignificant shops and slow moving people. Huge trees rise from the still water making it look as area was once dry land.  This spot is filled with abundant bird life-Cormorants,Eagles and Herons to name a few.

Visit  of ‘Buduruwagala’ is the main attraction of Wellawaya, which it is in the south, and 10 km  away and in the location of a beautiful lake. 

Dinner &  overnight  stay at a hotel in Yala.

Deluxe Hotel – Elephant Reach Hotel                                           
Standard  - Priyankara Hotel

Day 8 -Yala-Katharagam

After breakfast visit the National Park by special safari jeep.

Yala National Park is well recognized as one of the best parks in the world to observe and photograph leopards. The park covers an area of over 100,000 hectares and is divided into five blocks. Block 1 is the most visited area since it contains the highest density of leopards. However, other areas of Yala such as Yala - East had been closed to visitors for some years and it will take time to research leopard numbers in these areas. Yala - West consists of scrub jungle, brackish lagoons and stunning rock monoliths scattered throughout the park, its eastern edge is bounded by the South East coast.

There is also a substantial elephant population along with spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, mongoose, pangolins and crocodiles. The bird life comprises over 120 species, and ranges from lesser flamingos to paradise flycatchers, crested hawk eagles, and black bitterns. Outside of the park are several other fascinating birding locations, including the ancient hermitage of Sithulpahuwa, Debarawewa wetland and Palatupana  salturns. The coastline forms a major nesting ground for marine turtles.

Afternoon proceed to the Katharagama temple.

Kataragama a popular pilgrimage destination frequented by adherents of all religions in Sri Lanka. The main shrine devoted to god Skanda popularly described in eulogies as the god possessing six faces and twelve arms, whose assistance is sought for worldly gain. The history of the shrine dates back to 2 century BC. The annual procession held in July or August is the main event of the shrine with fire walkers and kawadi dancers.

Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel in Kataragama.

Deluxe Hotel – Mandara Rosen Hotel                   
Standard Hotel- Jayasingha Holiday Resort

Day 8 - Galle - Abmalangoda - Bentota

After breakfast leave for Galle.

Galle - The capital of the southern province is a city with a colorful history. It is the world heritage site the magnificent Dutch Fort is the most popular attraction of the town.  300 year old Dutch atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings not invaded by the skyscrapers.

Visit Galle Fort overlooking of Galle City

Afternoon proceed to Ambalangoda

Ambalangoda has a beautiful white sandy beach. The town is famous as the home of devil dancing and mask making. Devil dancing is an important part of the culture of Sri Lanka. Colorful masks worn during traditional dance are carved out of soft wood and brightly painted. Handloom products such as batiks and hand-woven cottons are also found here.

Visit the mask factory
Late evening proceed to Bentota

Dinner & overnight stay at the Hotel in Bentota

Deluxe Hotel – Taj Exotica Hotel                                              
Standard – Cey Sands Hotel                                                                                                   

Day 9/ Day 10/Day 11/Day 12 & Day 13

Bentota

Mainly known for its wonderful resorts and spicy food, Bentota is not a popularly frequented place in Sri Lanka. However, it is fast making its presence felt on the tourist map and is on its way to become one of the most popular tourist spots in Sri Lanka. It is a place mixed with natural beauty.

Home to a couple of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, Bentota is truly a delightful place to be in. Besides, the city also has a number of water sporting facilities that attract to the share of fun along with the detachment Bentota offers.

Deluxe hotel- Taj Exotica Hotel, Eden Hotel                                                        
Standard hotel-Cey Sand Hotel, Riverina Hotel

Day 14 - Colombo

After breakfast leave for Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, biggest city and major port, draws together all the colours and cultures that make up this island nation, condenses them into a patchwork of markets, gardens and buildings both humble and grand, and knocks them against a narrow slab of beachfront. Many visitors will appreciate Colombo’s colonial heritage, its fine dining and shopping opportunities, and the dash of urban buzz in an overwhelmingly rural country. Others will tire quickly of the diesel fumes and the modern buildings on Galle Road, the city’s main artery.

En route observe the Colombo City highlights are the Parliament complex, Independent Square, Victoria Park, Town Hall, Galle Face Green, Colombo Harbor, religious places, Colombo Fort and World Market.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Colombo

Deluxe Hotel- Cinnamon Grand, Hilton Colombo                        
Standard  Hotels  -Galle Face Hotel, Grand Oriental Hotel

Day 15 - Airport