DAY 1 : AIRPORT - COLOMBO
Meet and assist on arrival by an Airport Representative.
Transfer from Airport to Colombo
Colombo city tour: The throbbing metropolis, Colombo - located in the West - is not only the country's commercial capital, but also the turbine that impels above 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo's fancy urban development effort. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course - horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip - furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah & tune into the Floating Market - an offbeat shopping experience - or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City - an offshore city - featuring parks, commercial complexes & even an F1 track! Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic waypost, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing best fashion, jewelry & handicraft brands. Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Or, jazz up to Colombo's night life spiced by night clubs & casinos that borderline its bustle. If you're lucky, head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna that should just drive your day into perfection!
Overnight Stay at Hotel.
DAY 2 : COLOMBO - KURUNEGALA - DAMBULLA
Breakfast at Ozo Colomb
Transfer from Colombo to Kurunegala
Intersecting numerous main roads snaking through the island, Kurunegala - the late 13th century royal
capital - shares the respect of both ancient ruins & wide stretches of coconut & rubber plantations that
flourish the local economy. Hop into a 'Tuk Tuk' and get dropped off at the Elephant Rock - Ethagala - which
heats up the entire city by day. Hike up the rock for a stunning aerial view as you stand in the shade of an
enormous Buddha statue inhaling the scent of incense rising from Ibba-Gala temple.
Transfer from Kurunegala to Dambulla
Dambulla Cave temple: In the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since
the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the
most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of
Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord
Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a
land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.
Overnight Stay at Hotel.
DAY 3 : DAMBULLA - SIGIRIYA – HIRIWADUNNA - DAMBULLA
Breakfast at Amaya Lake
Transfer from Dambulla to Sigiriya
Sigiriya Lions Rock: The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site - Sigiriya –
doesn't only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be
one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the
symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock
fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock - resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' - is
coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of
an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters
laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of
yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems
that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal
masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.
Transfer from Sigiriya to Hiriwadunna.
Proceed to Hiriwadunna & enjoy a village safari in Hiriwaduwna with Local lunch.
Hiriwaduna village tour - The trek starts with a fantastic walk along a Wewa or artificial reservoir. The reservoir itself, the surrounding bush jungle, the marshland and the village are a swarm of cheerful morning or evening activities. The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of the crocodile only add to the charm and watch the villagers do their fishing or do laundry at the edge of the lake.
Catamaran safari - (double pair canoe combined with seating) on the picturesque lake & calf through a shallow stream and the feeling of adventure rises when you have to reach a Chena cultivation via a slightly wider tributary that has to be crossed on a catamaran!
At the Chena cultivation stop to enjoy the modest hospitality of the farmer. Perhaps you will enjoy a drink with sweet King Coconut / Aromatic Ginger Tea or other seasonal fruits.
Traditional village food in a local house
After the catamaran safari, the traditional lunch is served in a local house prepared by the village women. This is served on a typical and traditional buffet (clay pots - buffet) served on a lotus leaf and a flat pipe holder. (Guests can take part in the preparation of the meals).
Transfer to Dambulla
Overnight Stay at Hotel
DAY 4 : DAMBULLA - MATALE - KANDY
Breakfast at Amaya Lake
Transfer from Dambulla to Matale
Spice Gardens: An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its
remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to
spices. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven
around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden - into which you will be most welcome - and observe the
therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on
the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colours.
Transfer from Matale to Kandy
Kandy city tour + Kandy temple: Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under
the British rule in 1815, Kandy - the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings - crafts an
array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient
Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A
stroll across this small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - will feature the Kandy City Centre –
bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum &
lapidary walk in colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market.
Kandy Cultural show: Fine tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming
amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.
Overnight Stay at Hotel.
DAY 5 : KANDY - TEA PLANTATION - NUWARA ELIYA
Breakfast at Amaya Hills
Transfer from Kandy to Tea Plantation
Tea Plantation + Tea Factory: Sri Lanka, Tea and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Take a
tour to the cold & misty hills that take pride of an ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of tea
plantations. Or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich
tradition kept alive up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly
scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure
Ceylon Tea.
Transfer from Tea Plantation to Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya city tour: Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool
climate, remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara
Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light - once governed by English &
Scottish planters - is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf
courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breath taking views
of a buzzing countryside hamlet. Drive through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless
waterfalls & dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-coloured saris. Or rent a bike for a gentle ride along
the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory.
Overnight Stay at Hotel
DAY 6 : NUWARA ELIYA - ELLA - TISSAMAHARAMA
Breakfast at Stamford Star Hotel
Optional Train Ride: Transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Ella City tour: Ravana Caves | Ravana Falls | Nine Arch Bridge | Ella Rock.
A quaint hill side village offering the most amazing view in all of Sri Lanka, Ella is ideal for leisurely treks.
Trudge through tea plantations, temple sites and waterfalls through the day. Welcome the night with clear
skies, twinkling stars and the distant glow of light houses in the Southern Coast. Though there are just a
handful of guesthouses and hotels here, Sri Lankans warm and friendly signature hospitality is more than
available at every place.
Transfer to Tissamaharama
Overnight Stay at Hotel.
DAY 7 : TISSAMAHARAMA – YALA - HIKKADUWA
Breakfast at Tamarind Tree
Transfer from Tissamaharama to Yala
Evening Safari: Spreading into a vast 1259 Km2 Yala - with its glory spinning around vast grasslands,
shrubs, tanks and dunes - rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka. As your jeep rumble through
the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country, but also
the lands of a civilization which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its
usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted dear, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as
well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations
in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for
an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun.
Transfer from Yala to Hikkaduwa
Relax & Leisure by the beach.
Studded with palm-fringed beaches kissed & twisted by waves crashing against solid rocks, Hikkaduwa
boats of a friendly, but tranquil atmosphere. Grab your fins and goggles before you plunge into the blue for
a colourful snorkelling experience through schools of reef fish. Hikkaduwa proves to be a true bliss as you
take a glass-bottomed boat ride observing a flashy marine life painted with an abundance of corals.
Witness complete rest and relaxation as everything goes silent underwater. Or jump into a pair of beach
shorts for a staggering head-bang at Hikka Fest - the largest beach festival in Sri Lanka - unfolding in April
promising an ultimate fiesta of coastal night life.
Overnight Stay at Hotel.
DAY 8 : HIKKADUWA - GALLE - HIKKADUWA
Breakfast at Lavanga Resort & Spa
Optional Tours by the beach:
Transfer from Hikkaduwa to Galle
Galle City tour: Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture
meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening
to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian
traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions
preserved up to date showcase evidences of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk
clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is
the Zwart bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utretcht
Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with
houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be
mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort
remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial
buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of
architecture, Galle!
Overnight Stay at Hotel.
DAY 9 : HIKKADUWA - AIRPORT
Breakfast at Lavanga Resort & Spa
Transfer from Hikkaduwa to Airport
