Day 1 - Colombo

You will be transferred to Colombo, for an overnight stay at a Hotel in Colombo with dinner. Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka  is a cosmopolitan city that that has kept pace with modern developments, while preserving its past heritage.

The city draws together all the colours and cultures that comprise the island nation; condenses them into a patchwork of markets, gardens and buildings both humble and grand with the scenic beachfront. Many visitors will appreciate Colombo’s colonial heritage, its fine dining and great shopping opportunities. The dash of urban buzz is overwhelming in a rural country. Others will tire quickly with the diesel fumes and the modern buildings of Galle Road, the city’s main artery.

Main attractions to visit and observe in the Colombo City are the Parliament complex, Independent Square, Victoria Park, Town Hall, Galle Face Green, Colombo Harbor, religious places, Colombo Fort and the World Market.

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 Uyan,a  Korawak Gal  Maha Pali  Daana Saalawa ( Mahapaali  Alms Hall ), The Palace of Vijayabahu  Eth Pokuna  ( Elephant Pond).

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 proceed 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 provide care and protection to the many orphaned elephants found in the jungles. At present, there are about 84 elephants.

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

In the afternoon visit the highlights of Kandy City, including The Temple of Tooth (the Dalada Maligawa, Royal Palace, and Lankathilaka Temple)

Kandy, the last Royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island.

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 capitol and it’s 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”. 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 - Dalada Maligawa is a major attraction in Kandy. The relics were brought from India sixteen centuries ago, and was always kept in the ancient capital and was moved when the respective kingdom and capital was changed. The tooth relics are rarely exhibited except for the kandy procession, which takes place in August annually.

Dinner & overnight stay at the Hotel in Kandy.

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

Day 6 - Nuwara Eliya

A large variety of decorative plants and other creepers that are used to produce the special spices of Sri Lanka are found in Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Huge tropical trees are found through the length and breath of the lawns. The orchid house in the garden is really worth a visit. There are more than three hundred varieties of superb orchids blooming in profusion. The spice garden in the park has trees and plants used for preparing traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The magnificence of the garden is heightened by the Mahaweli River which flows through its outer edge.

Afternoon Proceed to Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya is located in the heart of Sri Lankan hill country.  Home of the famous Ceylon tea and the rolling mountains are carpeted of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls, blessed a with  salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys,  meadows, mountains and greenery.

Overlook the Tea Plantations,& Tea Factory.

Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Deluxe Hotel - Tea Factory Hotel, Grand Hotel                          
Standard Hotels - St. Andrews Hotel, Windsor Hotel                                                                                               

Day 7 - 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 more attractive to the tourists. It is gradually emerging as a fascinating tourist destination where one can go for physical and mental relaxation. Negombo Overview provides details about this place.

Overlook the Fishing village- Dutch canal, and the City of  Negombo for the Last minute shopping

Dinner & Overnight stay at the Hotel in Negombo

Deluxe Hotel - Browns Beach Hotel, Ranwali Holiday Village                         
Standard Hotels - Goldie Sands Hotel, Camelot Beach Hotel                                                                                             

Day 8 - Negombo - Airport(Departure)