Special round tour programme - Sri Lanka

Arrival at Airport and proceed to Negombo –
Check in at Hotel Goldi Sands or similar, Negombo.
The Negombo town is situated by the shores of lagoon once has been a trading port during the periods of Portuguese and Dutch migration. There are many interesting remnants of Portuguese and Dutch visitors who ousted the moors took possession of the Negombo coast. These two nations came mainly for its Cinnamon. There are
delightful canals, interesting creeks and an extensive lagoon. Negombo has a distinctive character.
Overnight at Hotel Goldi Sands or similar, Negombo.

After breakfast proceed to Dambulla. Visit the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple.
En route visit the Dambulla Rock Temple - Climb up to the temple, which was donated by king Walagambahu in the 1st century BC to Buddhist monks. Dambulla is a World Heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and the ceiling is the largest area of paintings found in the world. These caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock spanning 14 meters.

Thereafter proceed to Anuradhapura City

It was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Sri Lanka, It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological interest could be visited. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) was brought as a sapling of the tree under which prince Siddhartha attained to enlightenment and it is over 2,200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. At Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C), the 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C) is the most famous of all the Dagobas. It originally depicted the perfect ‘bubble shape" that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce. Samadhi' Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of 'Samadhi' or deep meditation. Isurumuniya rock temple
(3rd century B.C) is well known for its rock carvings of 'The Lovers'. Kuttam Pokuna – twin ponds (6th century AD) was used by the Buddhist monks as a bathing pool. Thuparama Dagoba (3rd century B.C) is the oldest Dagoba in the island, which enshrines the right collarbone of the Buddha – proceed to visit Mihintale, where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. On this rock are many shrines and dwellings originally used by monks. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made of 15 feet wide granite slabs leads to the summit from where one could get a splendid view of the surrounding countryside.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Lodge or similar, Habarana.

After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa City.
This medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rose to fame as the capital (10th - 12th century AD) after the decline of Anuradhapura. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbour. The monuments are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past. Highlights are the Royal Palace complex including the Kings Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving. Some of the best examples of the Hindu influence the Temples of Shiva, intricate statues of Hindu Gods, fascinating Buddhist temples, the Lankathilake and Watadage, the Galpotha, the Lotus bath, the Kiri Vihare Dagoba and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth are other impressive sights.

Overnight stay at Cinnamon Lodge or similar, Habarana

Leisure at the Hotel
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Lodge or similar, Habarana.

After breakfast visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town and the base is ringed by a moat, rampart, and extensive gardens. The world-renowned frescoes (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today) which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway are painted in earth pigments on plaster. 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. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit and several caves for meditation, audience platforms and baths complete the unique site.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy.
Evening visit the Temple of Tooth and also witness a cultural show.
A lovely exotic city, the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which still retains an aura of grandeur. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the renowned temple that enshrines the Tooth Relic of the Buddha. A cultural sanctuary where many legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive, Kandy and its satellite villages are the centre of the islands handicraft industry (items of wood, brass & silver) exquisite silver or gold jewellery and precious gems of many varieties including the world’s best blue and star sapphires.

Overnight stay at hotel Radisson Kandy or similar, Kandy

After breakfast drive to Ella.
Overnight stay at 98 Acres or similar Ella

Leisure at the hotel.
Overnight stay at 98 Acres or similar Ella

After breakfast driver to Tissamharamaya.
Overnight at Chaarya hotel or similar, Tissamaharamaya

Early morning 01st jeep safari to Yala National Park.

Morning proceed on a Jeep Safari to visit the Yala National Park - This Park is famous for its high density of leopards, perhaps the highest in the world. You are also sure to see elephants – grumpy loan males during the dry months and large herds in the wet season. Sloth bears are also a big draw. You will also see mammal such as wild boars, several species of deer and wild buffalo. There is a plethora of reptilian species and platoons of crocodiles. As is common in Sri Lanka there is a huge diversity of stunning birdlife including migratory species such as the flamingo. It is also
one of the few places in the world where the severely endangered black necked stork can still be seen. The uniqueness of the park is the sheer diversity of the habitat: dense jungles suddenly give way to lagoons and open plain areas and the park has a simply beautiful sea front. Huge, stark boulders dominate the horizon and the elegant, languorous leopard can often be seen basking atop the sun baked rock.
Evening 02nd Jeep Safari at Yala National Park. Overnight at Chaarya hotel or similar, Tissamaharamaya

After breakfast drive to Galle. City tour of Galle.
Overnight stay at Fort Printers or similar, Inside Galle Fort

After breakfast proceed to Colombo. Accommodation on BB basis

After breakfast proceed to Colombo. Accommodation on BB basis

After breakfast proceed to Colombo. Accommodation on BB basis

Proceed to Airport for departure.