DAY 1 : AIRPORT - DAMBULLA - SIGIRIYA
Meet and assist on arrival at Airport by Aitken Spence Travels Representative
Transfer from Airport to Dambulla
Visit the Dambulla Caves. 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.
Transfer from Dambulla to Sigiriya
Hotel in Sigiriya
DAY 2 : SIGIRIYA - POLONNARUWA - SIGIRIYA
Visit the 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 Polonnaruwa
Visit the Polonarruwa Site. Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa - medieval capital &
crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I - remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious
beliefs. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site - blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation
canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures - while observing the relic house - Watadage - which boasts of
beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues
found in Polonnaruwa. Or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend
of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and
observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama
Samudraya - sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation!
Transfer from Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya
Hotel in Sigiriya
DAY 3 : SIGIRIYA - ANURADHAPURA - SIGIRIYA
Transfer from Sigiriya to Anuradhapura
Visit the Anuradhapura site. Commanding a rich Sri Lankan heritage, Anuradhapura - one of the greatest and oldest
civilizations in the world starring 113 kings & spanning over 1300 years in its peak - avows of being the greatest city
of ancient Sri Lanka following its reign as the first capital. The sapphire of its crown is certainly the Sri Maha Bodhi –
the sacred Bo sapling extracted from the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment - standing more than
2200 years in its pride. Stroll through the sacred trails of the venerated city to adore the legacy that interweaves
Ruwanweliseya - the gigantic dagoba resting alongside the Basawakkulama Tank - shading the Samadhi Buddha Statue
& Isurumuniya Rock Temple that empower the culture, heritage and supremacy of arguably the strongest kingdom in
Sri Lankan history.
Transfer from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya
Hotel in Sigiriya
DAY 4 : SIGIRIYA - MATALE - KANDY
Transfer from Sigiriya to Matale
Visit the Spice Garden. 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 sometime idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real
town adventure filled with voices and colors.
Transfer from Matale to Kandy.
Visit the cultural dance towards the evening. 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.
Hotel in Kandy
DAY 5 : KANDY - PERADENIYA - KANDY
Transfer from Kandy to Peradeniya
Visit the botanical gardens. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British,
the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya - today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off
Kandy - is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147 acre bliss of an experience, passing
well tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently
landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests
a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights - the orchid house & giant Javan
fig tree - of this place which overflow in grace.
Transfer from Peradeniya to Kandy
Visit the Kandy temple & city tour. 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 color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in
the Kandy market.
Hotel in Kandy
DAY 6 : KANDY - TEA PLANTATION - NUWARA ELIYA - ELLA
Transfer from Kandy to Tea Plantation
Visit the Tea factory & tea plantation. 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
Optional 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 breathtaking 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-colored saris.
Or rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory.
Transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Hotel in Ella.
DAY 7 : ELLA
City tour. 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 Lankan’s warm and friendly signature hospitality is more than available at every place.
Hotel in Ella.
DAY 8 : ELLA - TANGALLE
Transfer from Ella to Tangalle
Relax by the beach & at leisure – Limited transportation & Guide services.
Hotel in Tangalle
DAY 9 : TANGALLE - MIRISSA - TANGALLE
Transfer from Tangalle to Mirissa
Whale watching experience. Mirissa beach is located close to the southern-most part of the island and consists of
beautiful beaches that promise an absolutely tranquil holiday. Today, Mirissa is renowned as a prime location for whale
and dolphin watching. The beach also provides ample opportunities for deep sea diving, snorkelling and river trips.
Transfer from Mirissa to Tangalle
Hotel in Tangalle
DAY 10 : TANGALLE - GALLE - AIRPORT
Transfer from Tangalle to Galle
City tour of 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!
Transfer from Galle to Airport
