SRI LANKAN SPLENDOURS

Duration : 09 Days

Colombo - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya - Kandy - Pinnawala - Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe - Tangalle - Bentota - Colombo

Day 01 : Arrive Colombo
Transfer to the airport to board flight for Colombo. Arrive Colombo, transfer to pre-booked hotel.

Day 02 : Colombo - Polonnaruwa - Sigriya
After breakfast, leave for Polonnaruwa (218 kms., 6 hrs.), one of the ruins of ancient Ceylon - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Polonnaruwa, this was the Capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th century. A well-planned medieval city defended by enclosing walls (around 5 km. which still remain), graced by palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes. Polonnaruwa is strewn with ruins in a resplendent state of preservation. 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. Another attraction is the monkeys which have made this place their nesting ground for many years.

Day 03 : Sigriya - Kandy
After breakfast begin the morning by climbing the rock fortress of Sigiriya - a 5th Century "Fortress in the Sky". Built by King Kassapa the fortress was a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years. The lion rock (A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE) is a citadel of unusual beauty, rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The base of the rock is 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. See the famous frescoes of the "Heavenly maidens" of Sigiriya in a sheltered pocket of the rock and the 10 foot high Mirror Wall. It is said supposedly that this amazing picture gallery is one of the biggest in the world.

Leave for Kandy (92 kms., 2½ hr.), enroute visit a spice garden in Matale. Arrive Kandy & check-in at your prebooked hotel.
Sightseeing of Kandy, the bustling hill country capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the Central province of Sri Lanka, and believed to be the second largest city in the country. It is famous for the pink painted Temple of the Tooth which houses the most sacred religious relic, the tooth of the Buddha, the Kandy Lake built in 1807 which is an attractive centerpiece to the town and visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens where a rare collection of tropical exotic and indigenous flora including the famous Orchid House could be viewed. Kandy is also famous for its tea, it can be a feast for tea lovers for its freshness and aroma.

Day 04 : Kandy
After breakfast visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, and later 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. Other attractions include The Kandy National Museum, Royal Palace Park, Knuckles Range and many more………

Day 05 : Kandy - Pinnawala - Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast visit the Elephant orphanage Pinnawala (50 kms., ½ hr) which is located in the Kegalle district 90kms from the Colombo city. This orphanage was set up by the government to take care of baby elephants lost or abandoned in the wild. Witness the feeding of the elephants. Thereafter observe them as they take their daily bath in the river nearby, which offer marvelous photo opportunities. Bath time is enjoyed by all elephants, young and old alike and it is a good time to closely observe their tightly knit family structure. Pinnawala is home for about 84 elephants. Daily feeding times - 9.15 am, 1.15 pm, and 5.00 pm. bathing times – 10.00 am, 2.00 pm, and 4.00 pm.

Leave for Nuwara Eliya (130 kms, 4½ hr.). The beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya, set in the heart of the 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. The climate here is rather cold during winter time it is the coldest sometimes there will be frost. This City is patronized by many tourists visiting the country mainly in the festive season which is in the month of April; some of the attractions at this time are the Radella Races, Motor Races, Hill climb, Golf Tournaments and Exotic flower shows. The streets of Nuwara Eliya are buzzing with excitement with street hawkers, food stalls, horse riding and many more.

Day 06 : Nuwara Eliya - Udawalawe - Tangalle.
After breakfast, leave for Udawalawe National Park (165 kms, 4½ hr.), lies south of the central hills in the island's dry zone. An important eco-tourism destination, the Park consists of dry lowland forest, riverine forest, thorny scrublands and grasslands. One special attraction of the park is the Udawalawe reservoir and the Walawe River which flows through the park. It is most famous for the many elephants that live in the park. It is not unusual to see whole herds of adults and baby elephants – feeding or bathing and playing in the water. Besides the elephants it is also home to water buffalo, spotted and barking deer, wild boar, sambar, jackals, mongoose and more. Though the leopard, jungle and fishing cats have been spotted in the park sightings are very rare. This fascinating park is also a great location for bird enthusiasts. The park has an annual rainfall which falls during the months of Oct to Jan and from March to May.
Overnight in Tangalle (78 kms, 2 hrs.).

Day 07 : Tangalle - Bentota
After breakfast depart for Bentota (100 kms, 3 hrs.), delightfully located along one of the finest beaches on the South West coast. You can reach Bentota by road on the A2 highway, connecting Colombo. Spend the afternoon at leisure watching the waves as they bounce off the sun-kissed sands. Bentota is famous for its water sports, it is also famous for the ancient art of Ayurveda.

Day 08 : Bentota
Blissfully spend your time as you wish whether it be indulging in fine spa treatment or relaxing by the beautiful Indian Ocean.

Day 09 : Bentota - Colombo
Transfer to Colombo airport (96 kms., 03 hrs.) to board your onward/return flight.