10NIGHTS / 11 DAYS – CLASSIC SRI LANKA
DAY 01 AIRPORT / DAMBULLA (APPROX. 06 HOURS DRIVE)
“Ayubowan” On arrival at the recently refurbished Modern and State of the art International Airport (early morning), you will be blessed to get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. Representative from Lavinta Green Travels will welcome you at the Airport and Transfer to Dambulla.
En route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
PINNAWELA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE- App. 55 miles from Colombo, off the Colombo - Kandy road is Pinnawela, where an orphanage was started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now; including Baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as some of the more than 25 babies born, as a result of the captive breeding programme. The best time to visit is the feeding time from 0915-0945 hrs and 1415-1445 hrs and the bathing time from 1000-11.00 hrs and 1500-1600 hrs when all the elephants are taken to the river close by.
Proceed to Dambulla and Check In to the hotel.
Evening visit Dambulla Rock Temple.
The rock of Dambulla is the centre of a Buddhist cave-temple complex established in the 3rd century BC and occupied continuously until today. Its location has marked a transportation node between the Eastern and Western Dry Zones and between the Dry Zones and the central mountains throughout the history of Sri Lanka. The cave-temple complex is established on an inselberg or erosional remnant of importance in the study of the island's geological history. The site also includes evidence of human occupation going back to the prehistoric period, including the megalithic cemetery at Ibbankatuwa.
Overnight stay at Hotel –Dambulla
DAY 02 DAMBULLA /POLONNARUWA / SIGIRIYA /DAMBULLA
After a scrumptious breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa.
The history Polonnaruwa goes as far as 6th century BC when a minister of the king Vijaya (From whom the Sinhalese race was born) established a town called “Vijitha Grama” on the area now called Kaduruwela. This is also the place for the famous “Battle of Vijithapura” between the Great King Dutugamunu (161-131 BC) and the Tamil invader Elara in his effort to re-unite the country under one Sinhalese King. This area was gradually developed as an influential agricultural town with large irrigation tanks and complex waterways built by various kings who ruled fromAnuradhapura.
Evening visit Sigiriya Rock fortress,
Originally called Sihagiri (Remembrance Rock) and later dubbed Sigiriya (Lion Rock), the rock mass is actually the hardened magma plug of an extinct volcano that long ago eroded away. Pocked with natural cave shelters and rock overhangs – supplemented over the centuries by numerous hand-hewn additions and modifications – the rock may have been inhabited in prehistoric times.
Popular myth says that the formation served royal and military functions during the reign of King Kassapa (AD 477–495), who allegedly built a garden and palace on the summit. According to this theory, King Kassapa sought out an unassailable new residence after overthrowing and murdering his own father, King Dhatusena ofAnuradhapura.
Return to Hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight stay at Hotel –Dambulla
DAY 03 DAMBULLA / MATHALE / KANDY (APPROXIMATELY 03 HOURS DRIVE)
After a scrumptious breakfast check out from the Hotel transfer to Kandy.
On the way to Kandy stop at SPICE GARDEN
SPICE GARDEN - You will see many spice gardens at Matale and in Mawanella on the Colombo-Kandy road where Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pepper Creepers and all other spice trees, plants and creepers are planted for visitors to see them. Spice products are also available for those who would like to buy them. At all Spice Gardens visitors are taken round explaining each tree and plant and at the end explaining the use of them in food preparations.
Afterwards visit a Batik Factory where you can see the manufacture of beautiful Batik prints. These shops contain a wide variety of Batik items.
Proceed to Kandy and check in to the hotel.
Evening leisure at the hotel.
Overnight stay at Hotel – Kandy
DAY 04 KANDY
After a scrumptious breakfast visit Kandy City & Temple.
KANDY - The hill capital is another “World Heritage Sites”. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the e Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement.To the Buddhist of Sri Lanka and the World, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa” - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Close by are the remains of the Royal Palace (Maha Wasala), Palle Wasala- where the Queens stayed-now used for the National Museum, Meda Wasala where other close relatives lived, Audience Hall, Natha Devala and Vishnu Devala are situated. The Bathing Pavilion (Ulpenge) is by the Lake and in the Center of the lake is the Island called “Kiri samudraya” (Milk white ocean) used by the kings as the summerhouse.
Evening visit Cultural Show.
CULTURAL SHOW - Today Kandy is the center of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts,
Dancing, Music and Culture. Visitors can see these dance & music
performances at the daily cultural performance which starts in the
evening and runs for more than 1 hour. With more than 7 different dance
performances, captivating drumming and the skills of the traditional
musicians on display, this show will give you a great insight to traditional
Sri Lankan culture.
Overnight stay at Hotel – Kandy
DAY 05 KANDY / NUWARAELIYA (APPROXIMATELY 03 HOURS DRIVE)
After a scrumptious breakfast check out from the Hotel transfer to NuwaraEliya.On the way visit Royal Botanical Garden & Tea Factory.
It was British colonialist rulers (1815-1948) of Ceylon, who destroyed the invaluable forest cover of a thousand wooded hills from Kandy toBadullaof Central Highlands of Ceylon that was protected by the gentle sway of Buddhism, which indoctrinated the respectforalllivingbeings.The wooded hills were converted to hill after hill of Ceylon Coffee and following the devastating "coffee rust" (a leaf blight - Hemileia vastratrix) in 1869 to seamless hill plantationsofCeylonTea.The very same British Colonialist rulers of Ceylon established the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens that contribute, today, towards the enlightenment of concepts of floriculture conservation, birdlife conservation, butterfly conservation, biodiversity and sustainability of the island of Sri Lanka: 5% of the school children of Sri Lanka visit the Peradeniya gardens every year.
Proceed to Nuwara Eliya and on the way visit Tea Factory & Plantation
Sri Lanka Become the bets land of most renowned beverage of the world. Sri Lanka silvering water falls process naturally the beauty of nature , also the most favorable factor of the climate and the best soil conditions required for the health grow of the Tea Plant. Experience , dedication and the practice of the correct technology and along with its natural resources Sri Lanka to earn the best reputation for its tea , Ceylon tea all over the world. Glen tea is one of the giant partners of its significant endeavor of Sri Lanka to become the world No:01 and the biggest producer of quality tea.
Proceed to Nuwara Eliya & Check in to the Hotel,
Evening visit Nuwara Eliya city
Nuwara Eliya is a mountain station at 1,868 m (6,128 ft) of altitude, in a splendid landscape. The city pretends to be particularly well-kept and neat, and the always green grass gives to the locality an aspect of “colonial British style".
Nuwara Eliya was built entirely during the 19th century and its architecture mimics that of an English country town, with red-brick walls, country house like hill club and mock-Tudor half-timbering.
Blessed with salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery; it's hard to imagine that Nuwara Eliya is only 180 Km from the hot and humid Colombo. Temperatures are 14C-21C (Jan- April) 16C-18C (May-Aug) 15C- 18C (Sept-Dec).
Overnight stay at Hotel – Nuwaraeliya
DAY 06 NUWARAELIYA / HORTON PLANS / NUWARAELIYA
After a scrumptious breakfast transfer to Horton Plans.
Horton Plains, the coldest and windiest location in Sri Lanka consists of ecosystems such as Montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem. At an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level,Horton Plainsspreads across over 3,169 hectares of the highest tableland of the island. In view of the large number of endemic flora and fauna species,Horton Plainswas declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 30th July 2010. The escarpment with a depth of 900 meters called World’s End and Baker’s Falls are the highlights of the Horton Plains.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
Overnight stay at Hotel – Nuwaraeliya
DAY 07 NUWARAELIYA / YALA (APPROXIMATELY 06 HOURS DRIVE)
After a scrumptious breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Yala.On the way visit Rawana Water Fall and Ella gap.
Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka. Only 8 km from Bandarawela, this small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside. A taste of the breathtaking scenery of the Ella Gap could be had, if you just walk into the garden of the former Ella Rest House, where you seem to be standing at the edge of the world, and everything around you seems to disappear at your feet. Sights in Ella include the Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam's Peak and Bambaragala Peak among other stunning scenery.
The Ravana Ella was named after the demon ruler of Sri Lanka Ravana who is the main antagonist in the renowned epic Ramayana. It is believed that he hid Sita whom he kidnapped in India, in the caves situated behind the falls. The Ravana Ella falls has a main drop which is 30 feet in height, and it is ranked as one of the widest falls in the country. The Ravana falls is best viewed during the wet season, it is said that during this season the waterfall signifies an Areca flower.
Proceed to Yala & check in to the hotel.
Evening visit Yala Wild life safari
Yala National ParkorRuhuna National Parkis the most visited and second largestnational parkin Sri Lanka. It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies inSouthern ProvinceandUva Province. The park covers 979square kilometres (378 sqmi) and is located about 24km northeast ofTissamaharamaand 300km (190 mi) fromColombo.
It had originally had been designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu it was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of its wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants and aquatic birds.
Return to hotel for over night stay.
Overnight stay at Hotel – Yala
DAY 08 YALA / BENTOTA (APPROXIMATELY 06 HOURS DRIVE)
After a scrumptious breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Bentota.En route enjoy Mangrove ride at Madu Gaga.
Madu ganga is situated in Balapitiya, along the country’s southern coast , within the Galle District of the southern Province of Sri Lanka. It opens to the Indian Ocean Madu lagoon is a very wide and a beautiful lagoon in sri lanka. It is in the wet zone of sri lanka with a high bio-diversity. Madu River has been proclaimed a Ramsa wetland in the world in 2004.
A word from the captain’s boat house Gangabada Asiriya in Balapitiya in the coastal area of sri lanka. This is a very famous and popular among the lovers of nature in the world.sWe are very proud to say that we are the best suppliers of providing the best facilities and protection for all the guests who go round the madu lagoon to see the beauty of the nature.
So far we have been able to give the fullest corporation to all the guests who have visited us during the past period and they are highly satisfied with our administration and performance.
Proceed to bentota and check in to the hotel,
Evening leisure on the beach.
Overnight stay at Hotel – Bentota
DAY 09 BENTOTA
Breakfast at the Hotel,
After breakfast leisure at the beach or enjoy water sports .
Evening visit Turtle Hatchery at Kosgoda
Kosgoda is famous for its turtle hatchery- operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1981 to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. The hatchery pays fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the sandy beach. Visitors can see huge tanks filled with new born turtle hatchlings. After being fed, the baby turtles are taken to the sea and released when they are 2-4 days old, usually during the safer hours of darkness. Although October to April is the main laying season, some eggs can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year.
The beaches of Sri Lanka are the nesting grounds for five species of marine turtles. They are the Green Turtle, the Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Loggerhead and the Olive Ridley. All 5 species have been recorded to nest along specific areas of Sri Lanka's coast. Studies have indicated that beaches can be categorized in accordance with visitation by different species of turtles. For example Leatherbacks nest at Walawe Modera and Godawaya. Hawksbill nests at Bentota while Green Turtle nests at Rekawa and Kosgoda. Loggerheads nest at Welipatanwala. Olive Ridleys are the only species of turtle that nest everywhere.
Overnight stay at Hotel – Bentota
DAY 10BENTOTA /COLOMBO (APPROXIMATELY 03 HOURS DRIVE)
After a scrumptious breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Colombo.
Proceed to Colombo & enjoy Colombo city tour & shopping.
COLOMBO - A drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. The historic Dawatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square. Visit the Mlesna exquisite tea boutique, cashew nut shop, readymade garments and all sorts at Majestic City. Visit the Lanka Ceramics Centre, a place where you can buy “NORITAKE SET” or other ceramic items, visit the Odel shop at Lipton place and’ House of Fashion’
Colombo is a great place to shop for jewellery, shoes, Ceylon tea and of course clothes! Sri Lanka is a world renowned manufacturer of designer clothes and travellers from all across the globe will have the chance to purchase such clothes for a very low price. In other words, the price tag will simply surprise you.
Places like Beverly Street, House of Fashion and Odel offers a wide arrayof fashionable clothes and accessories. Odel is a unique upmarket store that features designer clothes, accessories, shoes, bags and so much more.
Paradise Road is an interesting and posh boutique that sells top quality home furnishings and unique local crafts. For the gem and jewellery aficionado, the Colombo Jewellery Store and Zam Gems are ideal places to visit.
Sri Lanka is also famous for its world-class produce of tea, thereby Colombo offers its visitors both local and international the real taste of Ceylon tea at places such as Mlesna Tea and Tea Tang.
Colombo’s renowned shopping arcades include Crescat Boulevard, Liberty Plaza and Majestic city. Featuring, in house supermarkets, theatre and a vast number of retail shops, these shopping complexes are known to be convenient, modern and so much fun for the shopaholic.
Check in to the hotel.
Overnight stay at Hotel – Colombo
DAY 11 COLOMBO/AIRPORT (APPROXIMATELY 01 HOURS DRIVE)
After a scrumptious breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to Airport with connected with your departure flight.
~~~~~~~~~ End of Tour ~~~~~~~~~
Explore Sri Lanka with Lavinta Green Travels