Upon arrival in Sri Lanka you will be met and assisted by our Airport Representative, who will direct you to your very own Chauffeur. Then transfer to your hotel in Negombo.

Negombo once a trading port for the Dutch and British now has been developed into a bustling modern town with a handful of reminders of its colonial past. Situated close to the international airport the wide golden sand beach is dotted with fishing boats and the inland resort road offers a selection of restaurants and bars.

Once you check in at your hotel, relax and recover from any jet lag.

Overnight at Pledge Scape, Negombo (Deluxe Room) (No Meals)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Anuradhpura.

En route visit the rock fortress complex of Yapahuwa. It is situated in the North Western Province, Sri Lanka. This was Sri Lanka’s seat of governance and home to the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.

Yapahuwa was one of several short-lived capitals established by King Buvanekabahu I (1272–1284) in the year 1273. Yapahuwa fortress is built on a huge, 90 meter high isolated boulder in the style of the Sigiriya rock fortress.  It’s most remarkable attraction, however, is the ornamental stairway, this staircase is a long one with around 100 steps which is of a unique design and covered by plenty of excellent stone carvings.  It is also home to the singular Chinese-looking 'Yapahuwa Lion' stone sculpture. There are ancient ruins of sacred buildings on the summit. A cave temple was built for monks and still contains statues of the Buddha and paintings of the Kandyan period.

Afterwards continue to Anuradhapura: founded in the 04th century B.C a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. It was the most extensive and significant of the Sri Lankan royal capitals, but its extent of its history since its collapse, make it more difficult to understand than younger, shorter-lived Polonnaruwa.

Overnight at Lake Forest, Anuradhapura (Deluxe Room) (B)

This morning explore the sacred ancient city of Anuradhapura. It has the largest number of ancient monuments of the great Sinhala civilization which flourished in this region and many ancient monuments still stand tall, and have become a fascinating place for site seeing. You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest Stupa Ruwanwelisaya and the Ruins of ancient royal palaces. Another amazing site would be the ‘Sri Maha Bodhi’ or the sacred Bo tree which is over 2200 years old grown from a branch of the very tree under which “The Buddha” attained enlightenment – the oldest historically documented tree in the world.

(Please dress appropriately when visiting Anuradhapura ruins, with shoulders and knees covered. Have an extra pair of socks to wear to prevent from the ground heat since you have to walk barefoot.)

Afterwards leave for Mihintale. Visit the ancient remains of Mihintale, a sacred place which is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is dotted with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1840 steps made of granite slabs, 5 meters wide leads to the summit with its splendid views of the surrounding countryside.

Following return back to our hotel.

Overnight at Lake Forest, Anuradhapura (Deluxe Room) (B)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and head to Jaffna, far and away the largest town in northern Sri Lanka connected to the mainland by a lagoon causeway. As a result of a 30 years’ war, Jaffna was left untouched by modernization and so much of the town is time-locked in the 50's, from the buildings to the old Morris Minor cars and there is much to discover and many unspoilt beaches, making it perfect for those in search of sand and sun with a difference. 

Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day in leisure.

Overnight at Fox Resort, Jaffna (Deluxe Room) (B)

This morning after breakfast take a tour around Jaffna peninsula. Your first stop will be at the ‘Kadurugoda Stupas’ (KantharodaiVihara), a Buddhist site consisting of 60 Dagobas believed to contain holy relics of Arahant monks. Afterwards move on to the ‘Nilavarai Bottomless well’. Hindu devotees believe this well to be a ‘handiwork’ of Lord Rama, who could not find a drop of water to quench his thirst thus took the form of an arrow and hit the ground creating this bottomless well. Afterwards move on to the ‘Keerimalai Natural Pond’ which is believed to possess miraculous curative effects. Next you will proceed to ‘Dambakolapatuna Vihara', a Buddhist site that dates back to the era of the King Dewanampiyatissa. Here the king went down chest-deep to the sea to welcome Arahant SangamittaThero who had sailed from India with a sapling of the holy Bo-Tree ‘Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi’ under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. As well as the above sites you will also have a chance to visit Casuarina Beach or the Point Pedro.

Overnight at Fox Resort, Jaffna (Deluxe Room) (B)

After breakfast check out of the hotel and leave for Trincomalee, dearly addressed as 'Trinco', located on the East Coast of the Island. The city of Trincomalee is built on a peninsula, which divides the inner and outer harbor. With clear and inviting aquamarine waters and beautiful white beaches it is an ideal location for Swimming, Wind Surfing, Scuba Diving, Fishing and Whale watching.

Once you check in at your hotel, relax and spend the day at leisure.

Overnight at Trinco Blu, Trincomalee (Siperior Room) (B & D)

After breakfast commence a city tour: 

Visit the Trincomalee War Cemeteryis a British military cemetery in Trincomalee, for soldiers of the British Empire who were killed or died during World War II. The cemetery also has graves of Dutch, French, Italian and other allied forces. There are 303 graves in the cemetery. It is one of the six Commonwealth war cemeteries in Sri Lanka, and maintained by Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense on behalf of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Afterwards visit the Kanniya hot water springs, said to date back to King Rawana era. According to one legend, King Rawana struck the earth with his sword in several spots and these fountains sprang up. There are seven wells in square shape with only 3-4 feet of depth each. Bottoms can be clearly seen and the temperature vary from one well to another. Visitors are welcome to bathe but not allowed to use soap.The entrance is a part of Buddhist monastery and monks have used it as a part of their complex. Some ruins can be seen scattered over the area. However most of the historical artifacts were destroyed during the war.

Afterwards visit the Ford Frederick &Tirukoneswaram Temple.The Fort is a colonial fort built by the Portuguese in the 1600s, is also renowned for housing within it, the Koneswaram Temple. Later captured by a Dutch fleet, the Fort was re-created, to defend against any threats from the British and the French.  Once you enter the fort through the iconic ancient archway, you are greeted by a shady oasis of century old trees planted by the Dutch. Climb up the hill inside the fort and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, the beaches, and harbour, for miles on end. The view of Trincomalee from Fort Fredrick is quite stunning and with a little imagination will transport you back in time to an era gone by!
    
The old Koneswaram temple, earlier known as the temple of a thousand pillars, was located inside this fort. According to historical information, the Portuguese had demolished the old Koneswaram temple and had built this fort with it parts. Later the temple was rebuilt to its present glory. The temple isone of the five Eswaram-Sivan temples in Sri Lanka and is known as the Southern Kailasam. It is believed to be built by sage Agastyar as per the instructions of Lord Shiva who was impressed by the devotion of King Rawana. 

Continue to Lovers Leap, one of the amazing tourist hotspots in Trincomalee. Located on top of Swami Rock, this vantage point commemorates the tragic end of a love affair. 

Thereafter visit the Maritime and Naval History Museum, a relatively new museum as it has been in operation since 2013. Although a new addition, the museum is home to several ancient relics that go back to the days where trade relationships were just established in Sri Lanka, during the time of Marco Polo.Within the two-storey complex is a myriad of artefacts that explain how Sri Lanka, especially the port of Trincomalee, was used as an important docking point for many traders coming in from the far east.

Evening visit the Marble beach. You can spend the rest of the day at leisure or hike to the top of the Diamond hill, right next to Marble Beach.

Overnight at Trinco Blu, Trincomalee (Siperior Room) (B & D)

This morning set off for Sigiriya, also known as the ‘Lion Rock’, one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. This 5th Century "Fortress in the Sky" is a UNESCO World Heritage built by King Kassapa which was a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years. The spectacular pillar of rock rise 200 meters from the scrub jungle and the base of the rock are ringed by a moat and rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens. The majestic Lion’s Paw picturesquely guards the stairway of the palace on the summit.

You might like to start with a visit to the Sigiriya Museum to learn more about the site before wandering through the vast landscaped gardens to the base of the rock. The climb to the top is steep with many steps and there are some sections where the path or staircase is very narrow with steep drops protected by fences. You will pass the famous frescoes of the “Heavenly maidens” of Sigiriya in a sheltered pocket of the rock and the 10 foot high Mirror Wall before arriving at the massive stone lion’s paws. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. The summit, covering an area of 1.6 hectares, was originally completely covered by buildings, but only remains of the royal citadel can be seen today.

(We do not recommend this for those without a head for heights or the less mobile. The hike up and down again will take 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your fitness.)

Overnight at Sigiriana Resort, Dambulla (Deluxe Room) (B)

This morning leave for the second ancient capital Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage and a well-planned medieval city defended by enclosing walls, graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes. Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 AD to reunite the country once more under a local leader. Over the following three centuries Polonnaruwa became a thriving commercial and religious center, reaching its zenith under King Parakramabahu I in the 12th Century.

Polonnaruwa is strewn with ruins in a resplendent state of preservation. Start with a visit to the Polonnaruwa Museum where you can learn about the site in more detail, before heading out to the ‘Gal Vihara’ which consists of statues of the recumbent, standing and seated Buddha have been cut from a single granite wall and rank among the true masterpieces of Sri Lankan Art. Other stops include NissankaLathaMandapaya which boasts well-preserved stone columns, the impressive Lankathilaka Temple and the ruined stone walls of the Royal Palace.

(Please dress appropriately when visiting Polonnaruwa ruins, with shoulders and knees covered. Have an extra pair of socks to wear to prevent from the ground heat since you have to walk barefoot.)

Afterwards leave for Minneriya for a Jeep Safari. Minneriya National Park is about 8889 hectares in extent and is an ideal eco-tourism location in Sri Lanka. It is home to Sri Lanka’s favorites such as spotted deer, Sambar and wild Asian elephants, particularly numerous in August and September when they migrate along a corridor from neighboring parks to feed on the fresh grass on the lake bed - an annual event known as "The Gathering".

(Please be prepared for some rough and dusty road. National park can be crowded especially over weekends and festivals. Depending on the movement of the elephants you may visit the nearby Kaudulla National Park or Eco Park instead.)

Following return back to our hotel.

Overnight at Sigiriana Resort, Dambulla (Deluxe Room) (B)

This morning after breakfast checkout from hotel and head to Kandy. En route stop Dambulla and explore the famous Golden Rock cave temple, date back to the 1st Century BC which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, a vast isolated rock mass with its five caverns is the largest best preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings (covering an area of 2,100 sq. meters) are of particular importance as are the 157 statues including a 47 foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha. This amazing complex was first used as a refuge by an ancient king who upon regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent images to be carved from the rock. Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha painted upon the walls of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. The hike up to the caves is short but steep. At the top you can explore the caves and enjoy spectacular far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside.

(Please dress appropriately when visiting Dambulla temple, with shoulders and knees covered. It is a steep uphill walk to the temple approx. 15-40 minutes depending on route taken and on your fitness. Have an extra pair of socks to wear to prevent from the ground heat since you have to walk barefoot.)

Thereafter continue to Kandy, the bustling hill country capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for the pink painted Temple and the Kandy Lake built in 1807 which is an attractive centerpiece to the town.

Commence a city tour of Kandy. Start with a drive up the hill to the south of the lake to a special vista point, where you can get a bird’s eye view of this remarkable city. The famous Kandy Lake was built in 1807 and forms an attractive center-piece for the town. Return to the city center, a stroll along the famous shopping streets and to points of interest such as the central market and the historic railway station.

Temple of the Tooth& Cultural Show

In the evening enjoy the Kandyan Cultural show at the Kandyan Arts & Cultural Centre. The show features the graceful and rhythmic dancers and drummers culminating in an impressive fire walking display.

Thereafter visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, locally known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. It is the prime monument, the supreme edifice not only of the Sinhalese Buddhist populace of Sri Lanka but also of the Buddhists all over the world. It is within this magnificent temple that the sacred Tooth relic of Buddha (Danta Dhatu), the palladium of the Sinhalese nation & Buddhist faith is enshrined. This important shrine boasts intricate carvings and beautiful Sri Lankan art. During the evening ‘puja’ throngs of pilgrims visit the temple to line up to glimpse the golden casket said to hold the sacred relic and to make offerings of flowers.

(Please dress appropriately when visiting The Temple of the Tooth Relic, with shoulders and knees covered.)

Overnight at Grand Serendib, Kandy (Deluxe Room) (B)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Nuwara Eliya. En-route at Manike’s kitchen located in amidst of a beautiful tea plantation in the village of Helboda is a place where you can enjoy Sri Lanka authentic cuisine. You can join with Manike the head women of the place, to learn how to cook some delicious Sri Lankan dishes. The place is very simple but truly an amazing due to its location overlooking the Mahaweli reservoir. This is a family driven business with the help of Foundation of Goodness. Manike present to you this one of a kind cooking experience; preparing healthy and nutritious Sri Lankan vegetarian and non-veg meals. The Manike’s Kitchen is located in the village named Katukithula in between Pussellawa and Ramboda and can be reached on your way to Nurawa Eliya via Ramboda or from Nuwara Eliya to kandy. Positive impact: 95% of the revenue flows to enhance the living condition of two families while a small portion will serve to improve the education of underprivileged school children of rural village. 

Continue to the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya, set in the heart of Tea country and situated 1890 meters above sea level, is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Check in to the hotel.

At your convenience commence a sightseeing tour of the city. Take a walk around the town centre, Market place, passing the Victorian post office, the old Hill Club and golf course before a stop at Holy Trinity Church, a quaint building constructed by the British in the mid-19th Century and drive around this hill station viewing Lake Gregory.

Overnight at The Lyndon Grove, Nuwara Eliya (Deluxe Room) (B)

Leave your hotel early morning with packed breakfast and proceed to Horton plains, the highest plateau in the country. The hazy plains are a goldmine of flora and fauna, with excellent grassy terrains to trek and even rivers running slithering lines along the bases of its facades. It is one of the very important National parks in Sri Lanka especially for its topographical variations. On average, its plains reach up to 6,900 to 7,500 ft in height, and grasslands and cloud forests cover its surfaces.

The Horton Plains National Park has unique vegetation and is known for its herds of sambar deer, as well as the flocks of rare and endemic highland birds that visit as well as reside here, and up to about 90 other species. Sri Lankan leopards have been spotted in this region, so you might want to keep your eyes peeled if you want to catch a glimpse of the elusive spotted predator! The most awesome physical feature of the Horton Plains is the escarpment that falls 880 meters to the lowlands of the southern region of the island. Aptly known as the ‘World’s End’ the view from the precipice of the countryside below towards the south coast is spectacular. Don’t miss the most scenic Bakers falls, located within the National park, a tributary of the Belihul Oya.

On completion, head back to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at The Lyndon Grove, Nuwara Eliya (Deluxe Room) (B)

Spend the morning at leisure.

Later that Morning check out from the hotel and leave for Nanu Oya railway station and board in to the train and continue to Ella - A journey said regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world with sceneries of rolling mountains and green valley’s. Meet up with the driver at the NanuOya station and leave for the hotel in Ella. 

(Train tickets are subject to availability and train times are subject to change due to regular delays Please note that train tickets can only be booked 14 days in advance, with preference given to government officials. When train tickets are not available, a scenic road transfer through the hill country will be substituted.)

Ella is a little village surrounded by high mountains and breathtaking vistas in the central hills of the country. It is Famous for the Ella Gap. It is also a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside and offers plenty of beautiful scenery and waterfalls. Check in to the hotel, rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at Mountain Heavens, Ella (Deluxe Room) (B)

Early morning visit Little Adam’s Peak this is Ella’s best known tourist attraction, aptly named since it has a similar shape to Adam’s Peak, which is Sri Lanka’s holy mountain. It is a much shorter and easier climb to the top of the 1141 meter peak. The walk is enjoyable and clearly marked as you meander through tea plantations and take in breathtaking views of Ella Rock, Ravana Falls and the endless valley below. 

On completion return back to hotel for breakfast

After breakfast, commence a city tour in Ella. Visit Ella Gap – a gap in the mountains where you can see all the way up to the ocean on clear days. 

Visit the Nine Arches Bridge. It is one of the best examples of British railway constructions when Ceylon was a colony of the British Empire. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge's architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides. 

Visit the Rawana Falls in Ella, a sight to behold with a scenic backdrop of mountains and valleys. It is featured in the Rawana epic, where Sita is said to have bathed from this waterfall while she was in captivity. Enjoy a moment at the Rawana Falls before we continue on with the tour.

Overnight at Mountain Heavens, Ella (Deluxe Room) (B)

Today after breakfast leave for Yala, the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean.

On reaching commence a jeep safari in the Yala National Park by private jeep accompanied by a tracker. Yala National park one of Sri Lanka’s premier eco tourist Destinations and is renowned for its variety of wildlife notably its many elephants. It is also home to the spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, mongoose and crocodiles. The peacock is easily the most famous of the birds in this park. Yala has a high concentration of Leopards although seeing these nocturnal carnivores still requires some luck.

Overnight at Chaarya Resort, Yala (Deluxe Room) (B & D)

Early this morning you will be taken into the national park on another game drive for a chance to see some of Yala’s exciting wildlife. 

Return to your Hotel in the mid-morning and enjoy breakfast before departure.

Afterwards leave for Galle, an undeniably charming city on the south coast of Sri Lanka. At the center of the city is the world famous and UNESCO protected Dutch Fort, around which a modern city has sprung into life providing the visitor with an interesting experience between new and old. Check in to the hotel set within Unesco-protected Galle Fort, a centuries-old fortified enclave.
    
Commence a city tour, Galle the capital of the southern province is a city with a colorful history. 300 year old Dutch atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings not invaded by the skyscrapers. The earliest European administrative center of Sri Lanka was the major port and the largest city until the British shifted the port to Colombo. The City of Galle had been the European administrative center over 4 centuries. Meander your way past some of the fort’s best known landmarks but look out also for some lesser known gems. A walk along the fort walls from the lighthouse allows you wonderful views out into the Indian Ocean, of the city behind it and into the famous Galle Cricket Ground, one of the most attractive of all international cricket venues.

Once completed head to Unawatuna; a town known for its coral reef and its palm-lined beaches, like Unawatuna Beach. Nestled in nearby jungle, the Japanese Peace Pagoda has a stupa with ocean views. The Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery south of town protects endangered species. North across the bay is the city of Galle’s fortified old town, founded by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century.

Overnight at Cocobay Unawatuna (Sea Escape Deluxe Room) (B)

Blissfully spend your day as you wish whether it be indulging in fine spa treatment or relaxing by the beautiful Indian Ocean.

Overnight at Cocobay Unawatuna (Sea Escape Deluxe Room) (B)

This morning after breakfast checkout from hotel and leave for Colombo; the commercial and city center known as the “Fort”, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century where grand colonial era buildings stand alongside modern office structures.

On reaching see the vibrant markets and bazaars of Pettah and the National Museum with its fine collection of lovely antiques and art of Sri Lanka. Then proceed to Independence Square, the location where Sri Lanka proclaimed its independence from British rule in 1948. Drive past the Town hall, Cinnamon Gardens and Galle Face Green. Make the last stop of the day at Gangaramaya Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Colombo. Explore the architecture and paintings of this religious site before cross the street to Bera Lake, is a lake in the center of the city of Colombo.

Overnight at Colombo Court Hotel (Deluxe Room) (B)

Now that you are at the end of your journey with us, your chauffeur will comfortably take you to the international airport in time for your departure flight.

NO HOTEL QUOTED FOR THIS DAY
lied.