Traditional Tour of Sri Lanka

After breakfast transfer to Sigiriya and climb lion’s rock fortress 

Approx. 30 min drive Sigiriya

*Sigiriya – King Kassapa (477-495 A.D) who shifted the Capital from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya made a fortress to surround his palace, which was constructed on the summit of a 500ft high rock, with necessary facilities.  The Palace was surrounded by an outer-moat and wall and Inner – moat and wall pleasure garden,  Mirror-wall,  light coloured and dark coloured damsel’s frescoes,  to cover the western wall and a beautiful staircase through the body of a Crouching Lion are some of the attractions here. The boulder garden consists of caves where Buddhist Bhikkus lived and meditated.  After Kassapa Sigiriya was given back once again to the Bhikkus (Approx. 2-3 hours’ to visit). 

Afterwards transfer to Minneriya and commence jeep safari tour 

Approx. 45 min. drive to Minneriya

*Minneriya National Park – This area covers the former Minneriya – Giritale Sanctuary.  About 200 Wild Elephants, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Sambhur, Leopards, Crocodiles, 9 kinds of Amphibians, 25 kinds of Reptil  es, 160 species of Birds, 26 varieties of Fishes, 78 varieties of Butterflies are recorded from the Minneriya National sanctuary. This national park is one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants, which are often present in huge numbers, and wading birds. Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank, the park has plenty of scrub, forest and wetlands in its 88.9 sq km to also provide shelter for toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo, crocodiles and leopards (the latter are very rarely seen however). (Approx. 3 hours’ to visit).

Overnight stay at the Hotel

After breakfast visit Dambulla cave temple. 

*Dambulla cave temple – Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include Vishnu and the Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sq ft). Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha’s first sermon. (Approx. 1 hour to visit).

Afterwards transfer to Kandy enroute visit Matale 

Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes’ drive to Matale 

*Spice Garden at Matale – you will see many spice gardens at Matale 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. Also visit *Batik Factory – where you can see the manufacture of beautiful Batik prints. These shops contain a wide variety of Batik items.  

Afterwards transfer to Kandy and visit temple of the tooth relic

Approx. 1 hour drive to Matale

*Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy – To 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. Kandy was the capital of the Sinhalese Kings from 1592 to 1815. Fortified by a terrain of mountains and the difficult approach Kandy managed to operate in independence from Dutch, Portuguese and the English till 1815. The city is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO, in part due to this temple. (Approx.  1 hour to visit).

Evening witness a cultural dance show for additional leisure.

Overnight stay at the Hotel

After breakfast visit Peradeniya botanical garden.

Approx. 30 minute drive to Peradeniya 

*Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens – Peradeniya 147 acres in extent; Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Kandy.  There are more than 5000 species of trees and plants. Some rare and endemics as well as flora from the tropical World.  Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. The Royal Botanical Gardens – Peradeniya, Sixty Seven hectares of exquisite beauty and botanical treasurers containing more than 4000 species, this is haven not only for Scientists but to every nature lover as well. (Approx. 2 hours’ to visit).

Thereafter transfer to Nuwara Eliya enroute visit tea plantations.

*Tea Plantation – Tea was first planted in Sri Lanka in 1824 at the Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, when a few plants were brought from China.  More were introduced from Assam in 1839.  In 1867 a Scottish Planter named James Taylor planted tea seedlings on 8 hectares of forest land, in the Loolcondura Estate. In 1873, the tea export industry of Sri Lanka began with a modest 23lbs being shipped to London. Tea will grow well only on rolling terrain and is classified be elevation into low grown, medium grown, high grown, into 3 main groups. In 1996 Sri Lanka has produced 258 million kgs. Of tea and has earned Rs. 34,068 million by exporting 244 million kgs. Of tea.

Approx. 3 hour’s drive to Nuwara Eliya 

*Nuwara Eliya – is 6200ft. above sea level.  In 1826 some British Officers out on shooting chanced on Nuwara Eliya plains, and Sir Edward Barnes investigated on it.  In 1828 a road constructed over the ridge at Ramboda Pass and a station for convalescent Soldiers was established.  It was Sir Samuel Baker who fell under the spell of Nuwara Eliya, brought hounds, horses, cattle, sheep etc.; and started a typical English farm here.  Flowers and vegetable were brought from England and planted. 

Overnight stay at the Hotel.

After breakfast transfer to Colombo and commence sightseeing tour and short time for shopping

Approx. 5 hour drive to Colombo

*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 Wolvendaal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Aukana Buddha and Independence Square.

Colombo Shopping– visit 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. Visit ’BAREFOOT’, ’HOUSE OF FASHION’ and ’BEVERLY STREET’ – 24 hours shopping arcade (garments only) at Kollupitya 

Afterwards transfer to the airport and connect the departure flight for your onward Destination.