The Best of sri Lanka
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ITINERARY
Sri Lanka is a lush, tropical island paradise, known to Arab traders as Serendib – hence "serendipity", meaning discovery by happy accident. Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and un-spoilt.
There are 8 world Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. The 3 ancient and magnificent cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya were inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1982 followed by Galle, Kandy, and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve in 1988. The Golden Temple of Dambulla in 1991 and finally the Central highlands were added in 2010. These places of historical and natural significance are not to be missed for any visitor to Sri Lanka.
Having a history marked by four centuries of colonial rule, the country still manages to safeguard remnants from the past in their original grandeur. Some of the more renowned historic sites are the Galle Fort built originally by the Portuguese, Colombo Harbour and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa all confirm Sri Lanka’s ancient and colourful past. The rock temple of the Buddha, Gal Vihara is one of the finest examples of the religious heritage. Temples play an important part in everyday life and a visit to one should be a must for all visitors.
Day 1. Heathrow to Colombo
Your Qatar Airways flight departs Heathrow at 2110.
Day 2.
Your Qatar Airways flight arrives into Doha Airport at 0600. Your connecting Qatar Airways flight departs at 0745 and arrives into Colombo Airport at 1520.
Here, you will be met by a professional chauffeur guide. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air conditioned vehicle.
Next, transfer to Waikkal.
Overnight stay at Suriya Resort.
Day 3.
After breakfast, transfer to Habarana.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Lodge.
Day 4.
In the morning visit Sigiriya (World Heritage Site) and climb the majestic rock.
Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of World, this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. The palace is located in the heart of the island between the towns of Dambulla and Habarana on a massive rocky plateau 370 metres above the sea level. Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 metres higher than the surrounding jungles. Its view astonishes the visitors with the unique harmony between the nature and human imagination.
On completion, visit Minneriya National Park on a Jeep safari.
Minneriya is yet another haven for the elephants that migrate from surrounding jungles to enjoy the lush grass fields on the banks of the Minneriya reservoir, during the dry season. Reports of elephant sightings range from a mere 100 to an astounding 700. The central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rd century AD by King Mahasena). This tank is generally known as a place to observe the elephants that come to bathe and graze on the grasses as well as the huge flocks of birds that come to fish in the shallow waters.
Minneriya National Park is located 182 km away from Colombo in the North Central Plains of Sri Lanka. The major city closest to Minneriya National Park is Polonnaruwa. The renovated vast ancient Minneriya Rainwater Reservoir that irrigates the considerable area of the district of Polonnaruwa is the focal point of the Minneriya National Park. Being part of the elephant corridor which joins up with Kaudulla and Wasgomuwa parks, Minneriya National Park gives the opportunity to see herds of Elephants throughout the year. May to October is the best period to visit Minneriya National Park in view of the famous gathering of the wild elephants.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Lodge.
Day 5.
Today, visit Hiriwadunna for an authentic village experience.
This is a super jungle and village experience which is popular with most clients. Early departure from the hotel with a packed "local" breakfast to a point off the main road where we begin a scintillating walk over village paths, a tank (ancient reservoir) bund and forest. Cross a little jungle rivulet by catamaran to reach a farmers simple "wattle and daub" house where the breakfast is consumed. The villager will provide some tea and may be sweetmeats. Proceed half an hour by foot and bullock cart to a point where a vehicle meets you for the transfer to the hotel, a truly Sri Lankan experience.
Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan style lunch and then proceed to Polonaruwa. (Approx. 1hr drive)
We discover this archaeological site founded in the twelfth century, the work of a single king, Parakrama Bahu (1153 - 1186) which symbolizes both the rebirth of the Sinhalese civilization born in Anuradhapura and its last fires - at the end of the 12th century. The monarchy sinks into a long decline against the raids of the Malaysian pirates and the wars between pretenders to the throne. We discover the royal palace, the Shiva temple and the group of Buddhist temples where the Vatadage (the circular chamber of the relics), the Gal Viharae rock site and its three Buddha statues are located.
On completion, return to the hotel.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Lodge.
Day 6.
In the morning visit Dambulla Rock Cave Temple
The beautiful Royal Rock Temple complex sits about 160m above the road in the southern part of Dambulla. Five separate caves contain about 150 absolutely stunning Buddha statues and paintings, some of Sri Lanka's most important and evocative religious art. Buddha images were first created here over 2000 years ago, and over the centuries subsequent kings added to and embellished the cave art. From the caves there are superb views over the surrounding countryside; Sigiriya is clearly visible some 20km distant.
Proceed to Kandy afterwards.
Start your sightseeing tour of Kandy.
Kandy is a lovely city, the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings retains an aura of grandeur, which time has not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the renowned "Temple of the Tooth". Kandy and its satellite villages is the centre of the island’s handicraft industry and its traditional dances are the most spectacular in the country. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple.
Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic (A World Heritage Site)
In the crown jewel of the city, Kandy is the famed Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth. The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. The entire complex is over three centuries old at least, and has seen many a king’s rise and fall. It has seen bloody wars and peaceful reigns and is one of the most historical places still standing in the island. The entire temple complex, from peaked tiled roofs to white walls with large airy windows, is built using classical Kandyan architecture.
In the evening visit Cultural Dance
These classical dance forms are associated with the performance of various rituals and ceremonies which are centuries old and are based on the folk religion and folk beliefs going back to times before the advent and acceptance of Buddhism by the Sinhalese people in the third century B.C. These rituals and ceremonies reflect the values, beliefs and customs of an agricultural civilization of Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Citadel.
Day 7
Today, proceed to Kandy Railway Station and board the train to Nanuoya. (Approx. Journey time: 1-2hrs)
Once reached, pick-up from Nanuoya Railway Station and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight stay at The Blackpool.
Day 8.
Today, embark on a sightseeing tour of the little England.
Nuwara Eliya is a mountain station at 1,868 m (6,128 ft) of altitude, in a splendid landscape. The city is particularly well-kept and neat, and the design of the locality exudes an air of “colonial British style". Nuwara Eliya was built entirely during the 19th century and its architecture mimics that of an English country town, with red-brick walls, country house like hill club and mock-Tudor half-timbering. Blessed with salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery; it's hard to imagine that Nuwara Eliya is only 180 Km from the hot and humid Colombo.
Visit a Strawberry Farm
Strawberry Farms can be reached via Hakgala Ambewela Road, New Zealand Farm Road. Freshly picked Strawberries are available at many outlets and cafes that serve Strawberry drinks, Ice cream pancakes etc. and very moderately priced. They are grown at the Ambewela Farm. Adam Agro, Rose Garden and many other farms located in Nuwara Eliya. . In Sri Lanka strawberries are grown in open fields and poly tunnels. Strawberries give crops in 3 to 5 months and the season of the strawberries begins in September.
Overnight stay at The Blackpool.
Day 9
After breakfast, visit a ‘Local vegetable market’ and witness the local men selling vegetables in Sri Lankan way.
Enjoy a cup of Sri Lanka’s favorite dessert “Curd & Treacle”
On completion, check-in to the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Wild
Day 10.
In the morning visit Yala National Park and enjoy a wildlife safari.
The second largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala is situated in the Southeast part of the island in the dry, semi-arid climate region, bordering the Indian Ocean. The number of mammals recorded at Yala is as high as 44 while it also boasts one of the highest leopard densities in the world. None other than the majestic Sri Lankan elephant and the leopard take pride of place at this amazing national park.
Yala National Park is located in the south eastern region of Sri Lanka and extends over two provinces of Hambantota district of southern province and Monaragala district in Uva province.The gateway to Yala National Park is Tissamaharama. A 20 km drive via Kirinda takes the visitors to the Palatupana. At Palatupana, the well-designed visitor centre provides the information to the tourists and assigns a tracker to all incoming vehicles. The park provides jeeps with soft–tops which give the opportunitiy to view wild life. Dawn and dusk bring about the best timing for Safari tours in the Yala National Park. Being located in one of the arid regions of Sri Lanka, the Climate of Ruhuna National Park is usually hot and dry.
Overnight stay at Cinnamon Wild
Day 11.
After breakfast, check-out and proceed to Weligama and witness the island’s famous ‘Stilt Fishermen’
There is a small village on the southern coast of Sri Lanka called Weligama. It is a lovely place where local fisherman have adopted an almost unique way to go about their daily business of fishing.
Proceed to Balapitiya for your beach stay. En-route stop at Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project.
The Turtle Hatchery which opened in 1996, buys turtle eggs from the fishermen in an attempt to discourage them from poaching & selling the eggs for food. Witness how the newborn turtles are being cared for until they are ready to be released back to the ocean. The wide sandy beaches that exist round the island of Sri Lanka are utilized by several of the marine turtles for laying their eggs. The most common of these are the Loggerheads and the Leathery turtle while the green turtle is a less common visitor.
Continue to Balapitiya very closeby and check-in to the hotel.
Overnight stay at Shinagawa
Day 12-16.
Enjoy the beach stay and the hotel amenities. (vehicle will not be at your disposal)
Overnight stay at Shinagawa
Day 17.
Today after the Breakfast you will be transferred to Colombo Airport via the Express way.
ACCOMODATION
Habarana
Cinnamon Lodge 4.5*
Superbly located in a huge 15 hectare forest, bordering a picturesque lake which now form the hotel’s landscaped gardens. All rooms are “chalet style” mini suites with all modern amenities. Being in the centre of the cultural triangle, it is also one of the most convenient places to stay whilst making short excursions to the highlights of the area. Facilities are excellent including a lofty main restaurant, fine dining pavilion, large swimming pool, tennis court, badminton, Ayurveda centre, bird watching trails, elephant back safari’s and an ambience of its own.
The Blackpool 4*
Hotel Black Pool is located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. It is the perfect base from where you can discover the stunning landscapes in the hill country holiday region. The Black Pool is designed in the style of ancient colonialism and with a touch of modernity; surrounded by vast tea estates, carefully tended vegetable plantations and beautiful mountainous terrains.At the Hotel Black Pool there is nothing more important to us than making sure our visitors enjoy their stay. That is why our kitchen offers excellent cuisine every single day of the year. All our rooms are decorated with traditional Sri Lankan designs with exceptional attention to detail with the sense of new fangled coupling.The hotel consists of 50 rooms with 7 suits and a private garden area which looks over the hotel’s garden. Each room incorporates air-conditioning, a safe, along with free Wi-Fi with high speed internet access and a flat screen television set. In addition, hotel’s in-room service cabinet is convenient for guest’s minimum disturbance and guarantee 100% quality hospitality.
DEPARTURES AND PRICES
Tailormade: We are tailor-made specialists which is reflected in the excellent value we are able to give our clients. We regularly receive special offers from airlines and hotels, enabling us to tailor-make the best possible price at the time of your enquiry. As a result the choice of airline and hotel will differ dependent on the time of your enquiry.
