07 NIGHTS / 08 DAYS CLASSICAL TOUR
Introducing Travel Adventures
Day 1 - Airport - Dambulla/Habarana/Sigiriya
AYUBOWAN!!!
Arrival at the Colombo International Airport where Clients will be met by our representative and English Speaking Chauffeur Guide and clients will be garland on arrival.
Thereafter, proceed to HABARANA/DAMBULLA –Travel time: 160 kms – Approximately 4 hrs.
Check-in to the hotel & Lunch at the Hotel.
P.M. Free at leisure or Optional village walk.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Habarana/Dabulla/ Sigiriya.
Day 2 - Habarana - Anuradhapura - Habarana
After breakfast visit ANURADHAPURA.
Travel time: 60kms – Approximately 1 ½ hrs
ANURADHAPURA – a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the north central part of the Island was the first capital (5th century BC – 9th century AD), the centre of the island’s Buddhist civilization and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. In antiquity and the interest, it is the equal of any ancient ‘buried city’ in the world. The oldest historically documented tree on earth (over 2,200 years old) – The Sri Maha Bodhi, brought as a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, and the island’s oldest Buddhist shrines – some dating back to the 3rd century BC, impressive white ‘dagabas’ (relic chambers) and monuments embellished with handsome stone carvings or sculpture, pleasure gardens, beautifully executed stone baths and ponds and a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals are the main attractions of Anuradhapura. Specific places to visit are – the Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C.), with 1600 significant stone columns are the remains of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks – an engineering marvel at the time, Ruwanweli Seya (2nd century B.C) the most famous of all the dagoba’s, originally depicted the perfect water-bubble shape that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce, Samadhi Buddha (3rd century B.C.) regarded as the finest rock sculpture in the island – depicting the Buddha in a state of deep meditation, Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century B.C.) known for its rock carving of the “Lovers”, Kuttam Pokuna, twin ponds (3rd century B.C.) which were used by monks of this glorious era as a bathing pool. Thuparama (3rd century B.C.), the oldest dagoba in the island – enshrines the right collarbone of Buddha, Ratnaprasada with the best preserved Guard Stone, Mahasena’s Palace with its renowned Moonstone, Abayagiri and Jetevanarama – a huge dagoba said to the largest brick built structure in the world.
Lunch at a restaurant in Anuradhapura.
P.M. visit MIHINTALE.
Travel time: 40kms – Approximately 1 hr
MIHINTALE – a little away from Anuradhapura, the forest clad mountain is of great spiritual significance to Buddhists because it was the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. Mihintale has many different points of interest – the 1840 ancient granite steps, dagaba’s, the relic house and monks refectory, the assembly hall, meditation rock, caves and ponds. The climb to the summit is also interesting from a scenic aspect for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Habarana/Dabulla/ Sigiriya.
Day 3 - Habarana - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya
After breakfast, approx. 0800hrs leave for an excursion to the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya.
Travel time: 25kms – Approximately 30 minutes (one way)
SIGIRIYA – this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town and the base is ringed by a moat, rampart, and extensive gardens. The world renowned frescoes (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today) which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway are painted in earth pigments on plaster. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit and several caves for meditation, audience platforms and baths complete the unique site.
After descending from Sigiriya, the clients will enjoy King Coconut organized at the foot of the rock.
Lunch will be at local farm house which is a very unique experience for clients.
KAMATHA – “Kamatha” is the traditional threshing floor of the Sri Lankan rice farmer. After the harvest, a flat area is cleared and beaten into a hard surface on which the harvest is placed for treading by a team of domestic buffalo. This location is recreated by us in a rice field for your group on exclusive basis and after the visit to identify Sri Lankan spices growing in a natural environment, a typically traditional “village” meal is served from large clay pots to the guests who sit on and around the “Kamatha”.
1430hrs. excursion to Polonnaruwa.
POLONNARUWA – this medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rose to fame as the capital (10th – 12th century AD) after the decline of Anuradhapura. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbour. The monuments are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka’s past. Highlights are the Royal Palace complex including the Kings Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite – a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving. Some of the best examples of the Hindu influence – the Temples of Shiva, intricate statues of Hindu Gods, fascinating Buddhist temples, the Lankatileka and Watadage, the Galpotha, the Lotus bath, the Kiri Vihare Dagoba and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth are other impressive sights.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Habarana/Dabulla/ Sigiriya.
Day 4 - Habarana - Dumbulla - Matale - Kandy
After breakfast check-out from hotel and proceed to KANDY en route visiting the Cave Temples of Dambulla.
Travel time: 25kms – Approximately 30 mnts
DAMBULLA – the greatest of Sri Lanka’s cave temples, dates from the first century BC and contains over 150 Buddha images, subtly lit for maximum atmosphere. Actually a series of five caves, the temple is called Raja Maha Vihara by locals, but known simply as Dambulla to visitors. The entrance is marked by a large white dagoba along a long sloping rock face, from where there are views of the rock fortress of Sigiriya, about 20km away. Most of the caves were carved out by hand and some of the amazing array of Buddha statues are still attached to the wall.
There after proceed to Matale visiting a Spice Garden en route to see spices growing in their natural habitat. Learn about spices and their use in Sri Lankan cuisine. Upon visiting the spice garden a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch.
Spice garden – each client will receive a 10 minutes’ head and shoulder massage complementary from Sama Escapes.
Continue to KANDY
Travel time: 72kms – Approximately 2 hrs
KANDY – Sri Lanka’s hill capital, stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, is our most beautiful town. The focal point of the town is, without doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa. The highlight of the year is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the relic casket is taken in procession accompanied by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and elephants during ten glittering nights in July/August. Visit Kalapuraya in the beautiful Dumbara valley. There are many shrines and temples, where you will see rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings.
Check –in to the hotel.
P.M. Approx. 16.00 hrs. Visit to the Temple of the Tooth relic by tuk-tuk’s (Three wheel scooter Taxis) driven by local drivers, in which you can take two clients each. Thereafter panoramic tour of the city followed by free time for shopping in the city.
Dinner & Overnight at a hotel in Kandy.
Day 5 - Kandy - Pinnawela - Kandy
After breakfast visit to the ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS.
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS – at Peradeniya (109 km. from Colombo) near Kandy was laid out in 1821 by the British colonial rulers. Prior to that it was the Royal Pleasure Garden of the Kandyan Kings. It is located in a beautiful setting with the longest river of Sri Lanka, Mahaveli bordering on one side. This attractively laid out garden displays many varieties of floral and green plants. Special features are the Orchid House which displays a fine collection of Sri Lankan orchids, the fernery, spice garden, and the trees planted by distinguished visitors to the Island.
Thereafter proceed to Pinnawela.
Lunch at a local Restaurant in Pinnawela.
Thereafter visit the PINNAWELA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE in time to witness the bathing and bottle feeding of the baby elephants.
Travel time: 40 kms – Approximately 1 hr (one way)
PINNAWELA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE – Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage – set amongst the verdant hills of Kegalle is a unique orphanage, where the tiny tots weigh 60 kg or more. This is the Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage, the world’s first and only elephant orphanage established to feed, nurse and house young elephants lost or abandoned by their mothers. Other occupants are elephants displaced from their natural environs by development projects or those found wounded. Visitors could see the baby elephants being fed milk from gigantic feeding bottles or bathed in the river which flows nearby – an unforgettable sight! Established in 1975, by the Wildlife Department and National Zoological gardens which subsequently led to a breeding programme through which more than twenty five elephants have been born since 1984.
Return to Kandy and rest of the day free at leisure by the Pool.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Kandy.
Day 6 - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast leave for NUWARA ELIYA. Visit a tea factory/plantation. Here we will give a demonstration of how the tea leaves are plucked on a daily basis.
Travel time: 82kms – Approximately 2 ½ hrs
NUWARA ELIYA – is the heart of Sri Lankan hill country. It is the home of the famous Ceylon Tea and the rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. The salubrious climate, misty glens and the decidedly British character make Nuwara Eliya a must on any Sri Lankan travel itinerary.
Check-in to the hotel.
P.M. sightseeing of Nuwara Eliya.
Dinner & Overnight at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 7 - Nuwara Eliya - Colombo
After breakfast leave for Colombo via Kitulgala the Famous Film location site “Bridge on the river Kwai “
Travel time: 200kms – Approximately 5 hrs
Lunch at a Local restaurant in Kithulgala.
Check-in to the hotel.
Thereafter conduct a brief city tour of Colombo.
Colombo – the trade and commercial capital has long been the traditional gateway to the Orient. Sri Lanka’s largest city, it is located on the west coast and draws together all the cultures, religions and influences of foreign lands into a pot-pourri of sounds, smells and a kaleidoscope of colour. The original traders and settlers – the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and the British have left in their wake churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and food and smatterings of their languages which have been absorbed into the speech of the Sri Lankan. Today, Colombo is a fascinating city – a happy blend of east & west, past & present, with a charm of its own. A less known but amazingly true fact is that Colombo has a superb range of high quality restaurants serving food from all over the world and some of the best shopping opportunities in Asia. The main seaport of Sri Lanka is in Colombo & adjoining it, is Pettah, a local bazaar & trading area. Other places of interest are the beautiful Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, mosques, the historic Wolfe dhal church, (1749) residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo Museum, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, the New Parliament in Sri Jayewardenepura, the Folk Art Centre, Art Galleries, Parks, Independence Square, the Zoo, the Ceramic Corporation famous for its well known brand “Noritake” and ODEL the renowned shopping centre.
Dinner & Overnight at hotel in Colombo.
Day 8 - Colombo - Airport
After breakfast departure transfer to the AIRPORT.
Travel time: 40 kms – Approximately 1hr.
***End of tour***