Welcome to Sri Lanka!
We will meet you at the airport assist and transfer you to your hotel in Negambo, we can do a city tour, check out the Dutch churches, take a boat ride along the Dutch cannal or laze on the golden sands. Negombo was an important port during the colonial periods. In the late 17th century the Dutch built a network of canals, over 100km in length, that were used to transport cinnamon and other spices from inland plantations to the coast.
Overnight Stay at Negambo
Negambo – Dambulla
After breakfast proceed inland until you reach Dambulla.
You will pass Kurunegala’s towering Lord Buddha statue, rice fields, rubber and coconut plantations.
Visit Dambulla cave temple. The Dambulla cave temple, is a World Heritage Site and is the largest, preserved cave temple complexes in the country. It is believed that King Valagambahu converted these caves into a temple during the 1st century BC. These caves contain statues and paintings that chronicle Lord Buddha and his life. There are 153 Lord Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan Kings and 4 statues of Gods and goddesses found here.
Dambulla – Polonnaruwa -Dambulla
After breakfast climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock.
Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress of historical and archaeological significance. This rock is nearly 200 metres (660 ft) high. According to the chronicle Culavamsa this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) to build his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock. You can observe colourful frescoes of topless maidens of the king up the stairway to the mirror wall. After the king’s death this palace was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Sigiriya is now a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. You might find it an interesting place to visit.
Next, you will visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another historic site which is world heritage listed.
Polonnaruwa was declared the capital of Sir Lanka by King Vijaybahu the 1st following the decline of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura was the first capital of the kingdom which was frequently invaded by the Cholas from India. King Vijayabahu defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 and shifted the capital to Polonnaruwa to prevent further invasions. The new city came into prominence under the reign of King Parakramabahu the 1st who oversaw the construction of one of the greatest irrigation systems the country has seen, the Parakrama Samudhra which covers an area of 6,000 acres. What you will see today are the ruins of the Royal Palace and various buildings and structures in the area. Other highlights of this city are the Gal Viharaya which has 3 splendid statues of the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, the former Temple of Tooth Relic, Shivan Temple, Lankathilake, Watadage, Galpotha, and Kiri Viharaya.
Night Stay at Dambulla
Dambulla – Kandy
After breakfast leave for Kandy. Take a brief stop (Optional) to visit a spice garden in Matale. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.
Proceed to the next World Heritage Site which is situated in the hill town of Kandy. The splendid city was the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings, before the country was brought under British rule in 1815. Famous for its rich heritage and splendour, this magnificent city was last ruled by Sri Wickramarajasinghe.
On March 2, 1815 the Kingdom was ceded to the British and Sri Vikrama Rajasinha was deposed and taken as a royal prisoner by the British to Vellore Fort in southern India. He lived on a small allowance given to him with his two queens by the British Government. He died of dropsy on January 30, 1832 aged 52 years. The Temple of the Tooth Relic of the buddha is the most significant highlight of the city along with the Kandy lake, the town and other attractions.
Night Stay at Kandy
Kandy and around
After breakfast visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya covers approximately 147 acres and attracts over 2 million visitors annually. It is home to over 4,000 species of plants including some very beautiful orchids. This magnificent garden dates back to the time of King Wickramabahu the 3rd in 1371. Besides the plethora of plants, the famous Avenue of Palms and the Cannonball Tree planted by King George the 5th of the United Kingdom are key highlights.
Night Stay at Kandy
Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast leave for the picturesque town of Nuwara Eliya, visiting a tea plantation and a tea factory. The best tea in the world is produced in this hill town.
Check out how the tea that is plucked and graded as you walk through the manufacturing process. The highlight of your visit will be enjoying the taste of a cup of pure Ceylon tea and enjoying the views of the surroundings.
Afternoon at leisure.
Night stay at Kandy.
Nuwara Eliya – Kithulgala -Bentota
After breakfast proceed to Bentota. Enroute visit Kitulgala. A small town situated in the wet zone-rain forest area. The Academy Award-winning film “The Bridge on the River Kwai”, was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala. The area is now famous for white water rafting and trekking. Bicycle rides are possible here. You can take part in water rafting (Optional)..Payment direct for rafting.
Continue to Bentota for a refreshing beach stay.
Night stay at Bentota.
Bentota -Colombo/Airport
After breakfast leave for Colombo. Do a city tour, some shopping for souvenirs and walks around the City. We will drop you at the airport in time for your departure.