Destinations Covered: Colombo - Dambulla - Kandy - Sigiriya
Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive Sigiriya / Dambulla
Meet on arrival & transfer to Sigiriya / Dambulla. In the afternoon, climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress.
Sigiriya, which is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The 'Lion Rock' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.
Transfer from Sigiriya to Dambulla.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya / Dambulla.
Day 02: Kandy
Breakfast at the Hotel. Thereafter proceed to Kandy via Dambulla and Matale.
King Walagamba built Dambulla rock temple in the 1st century B.C. and it is a World Heritage Site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka's cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. metres of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 metres.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 03: Kandy
Breakfast at the Hotel.Morning - Visit the Royal Botanical gardens in Peradeniya.
This botanical garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.
Afternoon - Do a city tour of Kandy.
Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and bazaar, the arts and crafts centre, a gem museum and a lapidary. Also visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Thereafter witness a cultural show.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 04: Kandy / Colombo
Transfer from Kandy to Colombo via Pinnawela.The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but is soon became a conservation and educational centre. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawela was born.
The success story of Pinnawela has drawn the attention of scientists from all over the world. A considerable number of books and research articles on Pinnawela have been published in several languages. The members of the Pinnawela herd have been filmed, videoed and photographed thousands of times by professionals.
Morning city & shopping tour of Colombo .
Colombo, like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained with several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH)- an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People's Republic of China & the old parliament.
Also visit House of Fashions, ODEL, Noritake ceramic shop & a local souvenir shop.
Thereafter proceed to Wattala / Seeduwa or Colombo ( at a supplement ).
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 05: Colombo / Depart
Breakfast at a Hotel in Colombo.Transfer from Colombo to Airport to board the flight for onward destination.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation in standard room on bed & breakfast basis for 4 nights at hotels specified or of similar standard.
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle as per programme.
- Services of an English Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
- Video and Camera permits.
- Lunch & dinner throughout the tour.
- Any entrance fees.
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- Airfare & Visa fee.
- Any other services not specified above.
Peak supplement charges will be applicable.
Compulsory ICC cricket world cup supplement at hotels will be applicable.
Compulsory Christmas / New Year Eve period Supplements will be applicable.
Applicable only for Indian Market.
