SIMPLY SRILANKA

NEGOMBO-DAMBULLA-KANDY-NUWARA ELIYA-TISSAMAHARAMA-DOWN SOUTH BEACH

Srilanka was previously known as Ceylon. It’s an island country situated in the Indian Ocean also known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. It is gifted with incredible natural beauty and enormous cultural heritage. Houses UNESCO’s eight world heritage sites. The holy text of Hindus “Ramayana” mention about the 10 headed King Ravana whose entire palace was made of the gold as per the epic Ramayana and several places being associated with the epic is worth visiting. Even for the adventure and beach lovers Srilanka is an ideal destination to be chosen in the travel plan.

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Meet, greet and assist by our representative and transfer from Airport to Negombo. (Approximately 15 minutes’ drive) Arrive and check in at the hotel. Spend the day at leisure. Overnight Stay in Negombo.

After breakfast full day at leisure. Negombo-Dubbed Sri Lanka’s ‘Little Rome’, this beach town located just a few kilometers away from the Bandaranaike International Airport is full of surprises for wanderlusts. Negombo is a perfect choice to spend a few days in the company of the sun and sand. The diverse array of restaurants, pubs and accommodation choices this metropolis offer is a perfect reflection of this beach-town’s exultant vibe. It is also a historically interesting location owing to the strains of Dutchinfluenced architecture that remain intact in the town’s landscape, not to mention the ancient Dutch Fort as well as several churches constructed during the Dutch Colonial era that are thronged by pilgrims daily. Among other amazing sightseeing options are the breathtaking sunsets, the bustling fish market as well as hand-made catamarans used by local fishermen that set sail in the evenings Overnight Stay in Negombo.

After Breakfast, visit to Negombo fish market and Harbor. Thereafter transfer to Sigiriya for a climb up the Rock Fortress. (Approximately 3 ½ hours’ drive) Sigiriya -The marvellous rock fortress of Sigiriya is a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. The site was the domain of King Kashyapa whose aim was to build an impregnable fortress and within it, a heavenly abode. Rising over the dry plains of the Dambulla district, the tough climb up this flat-topped monadnock ends with the most scenic bird’seye view of the emerald plains and leafy villages below. The skeletal layout of the ancient city within the fortress marvels its observers with the grandeur and complexity of 5th century urban-planning of Sri Lanka. On the way to the top one can observe the famous Sigiriya frescoes of the buxom, wasp-waisted maidens bearing flowers, amidst the wilderness and ancient ruins. The smoothly glazed ‘Mirror Wall’ located a few steps away has sealed the expressions of ancient visitors, inspired by the vibrant frescoes. Arrive and check in at the hotel.. Overnight Stay in Dambulla.

After breakfast excursion to Anuradhapura. (Approximately 1 ½ hours’ drive) Anuradhapura – Sri Lanka’s first capital, Anuradhapura, was the greatest monastic city of the ancient world. It was royal capital for more than 100 Sri Lankan kings and at its heights was home to thousands of monks from dozens of monasteries. Originally founded by a minister called Anuradha, in the 4th century BC, it became the capital of Sri Lanka two centuries later. After a long and sometimes bloody history, it was abandoned in 1073 and is now today the most important religious and cultural site in Sri Lanka. The ruins of Mahavihara, the first monastery, built by King Devanampiyatissa in 250 B.C.E, and several other monasteries and temples can be seen here. Return to Dambulla and visit Dambulla Cave Temple in the afternoon. Dambulla cave temple -Located in the Matale district, Dambulla is part of the cultural triangle and is home to the world famous Dambulla cave temples. The cave temples complex that lies atop a massive hill on the edge of the town is one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites in the country and is renowned for its unique mural paintings and sculptures. If you are not a history-buff, fret not, because there is more to Dambulla. Thereafter, return to hotel and relax. Overnight Stay in Dambulla.

After breakfast excursion to Polonnaruwa. (Approximately 1 ½ hours’ drive) Polonnaruwa – A ‘World Heritage Site’, Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century AD. Great revival was achieved in the country, politically, economically and socially during the periods of kings Vijayabahu 1, Parakramabahu 1 and Nissankamalla. The monuments here are better preserved than at Anuradhapura – the previous capital. Parakrama statue, royal palaces, audience halls, Vata-da-ge, Thuparama, Rankoth Vehera, Kiri Vehera, Gal Vihara, Lankathilaka & Thivanka Image House are some of the interesting monuments here. Thereafter go on a safari to Minneriya National Park. Minneriya National park- located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997. Located in the centre of the cultural triangle, Minneriya is a good alternative to the busier parks in the south and its easy to weave in a day here between visiting the ancient cities. it is possible to see herds of up to 150 elephants feeding and washing, as well as toque macaques, sambar deers. Thereafter, return to hotel and relax. Overnight Stay in Dambulla.

After breakfast transfer to Kandy via spice garden. (Approximately 2 hours’ drive) Spice garden-Since time immemorial, this emerald isle has remained popular for its exotic spices, world over. To those who bear an interest in these rich elements that stirred the interests of many nations, the spice gardens located in Kandy, Matale and Mawanella offer wonderful opportunities to view these spices up-close. The gardens are not only delightful spots for a stroll midst the fragrant greenery but also offer interesting perspectives into the local spices, as the visitors are educated on the diverse variety of spices available in the country as well as on how they are grown and processed. Thereafter, proceed to Kandy. Often referred to as the hill capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy offers a diverse variety of experiences to its visitors ranging from history, culture and simple scenic beauty coupled with a touch of urbanity. It was the last Sinhalese Kingdom that fell under British rule in 1815. The journey to this mellow weathered city can be quite enjoyable, particularly by train owing to the scenic delights that lie alongside. The city’s colonial architecture has been preserved well even in the backdrop of rapid urbanization. Close to the city’s centre is the prime landmark – Sri Dalada Maligawa that houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Apart from the ancient monuments of the Kandyan era, the delightful jumble of antique shops and the bustling market in the city also make up for interesting places of visit. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Evening relaxes at the hotel. Overnight Stay in Kandy.

After breakfast visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden. (Approximately 30 minutes’ drive) Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya – Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the kings of Kandy, 147 acres in extent, it has more than 4,000 species of rare and endemic trees and plants as well as flora from the tropical world. This is a haven not only for scientists but to every nature lover too. The Spice Garden and Orchid House within the Gardens are popular with tourists. Witness a cultural dance show and also visit temple of the tooth relic in the evening. Temple of the tooth relic-Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple. Thereafter, return to hotel and relax. Overnight Stay in Kandy

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya by train. (Seats subject to availability) (Approximately 2 ½ hours’ drive) Nuwara Eliya-Dubbed the ‘Little England of Sri Lanka’, Nuwaraeliya is located in the thick, misty hills of this paradise isle, 180 km away from Colombo. The summer resort of Sri Lanka, it is one of the few areas where the colonial atmosphere is preserved, still resembling a British countryside complete with rose gardens, hedges and red-roofed bungalows. Although the town-center has receded from its old-world charm, the lush tea-plantations, the racecourse, the English country house– styled Hill Club and the beautifully kept golf course instantaneously rushes its visitors back to the colonialtimes. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Evening relaxes at the hotel. Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Early morning excursion to Horton Plains National park for trekking expedition with a packed breakfast. (Approximately 1 ½ hours’ drive) Horton Plains – ’World’s End” and the beautiful bridal veil ‘Bakers Falls’ Sri Lanka highest plateau 7200 ft above sea level in the central mountain country. This ‘Fen” is a very scenic region with an astounding variety of scenery from mountains to grasslands, from marshes to trout streams. Sri Lanka best-flavored high grown teas are grown in the surrounding areas. Spectacular view from ‘Worlds End’ where the plateau plunges a thousand feet in a straight sheer drop. Thereafter Sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya and visit to a tea plantation & factory in the afternoon. Return to hotel and relax. Overnight Stay in Nuwara eliya.

After the breakfast leave for Tissamaharama (Yala). (Approximately 4 ½ hours’ drive) Yala – its magnificent sights of majestic elephant herds, fine-feathered peacocks, great black bears and agile leopards that steal away into the shadows of the thick foliage are unparalleled to any of the national parks in the country. Apart from the rare sightings of varied animal species, which includes herds of elephants and leopards, the visitors can also enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach in the beautiful setting of unspoilt beaches, as the Southern park border lies along the Southeastern coastal line. The ancient monastic settlement, Sithulpawwa located midst the thick verdure of the park also makes up for an interesting place of visit. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Evening relaxes at the hotel. Overnight Stay in Tissamaharama (Yala).

Early morning excursion to Yala National park for trekking expedition with a packed breakfast. Yala National Park – Yala National Park is famous for big herds of elephants, large number of leopards, spotted deer, sambar, crocodiles, mongoose, wild boars, wild buffaloes and many other animals. More than 130 bird species have been recorded which include the resident birds and winter visitors. The common birds found here are spot-billed pelicans, cormorants, egrets, spoonbills, herons, storks, ibises, bitterns, Indian moorhens, white-breasted water hens. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Evening relaxes at the hotel. Overnight Stay in Tissamaharama (Yala).

After breakfast leave for beach via visit Galle. (Approximately 5 ½ hours’ drive) Galle Fort-in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multiethnic and multi-religious population. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage. Thereafter proceed to Beach. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Evening spend relax at the hotel. Overnight Stay in Beach.

Breakfast in the hotel Full day leisure at the hotel Overnight Stay in Beach

According to your flight time check out from the hotel and leave to the airport (Approximately 4 hours drive)