Mingle with Nature 2 …

Dambulla – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Bandarawela – Yala – Galle – Bentota – Colombo
11  Nights – 12  Days
Day 01: Colombo Airport – Pinnawala – Dambulla
On arrival at Colombo airport, you will be received by our local team member or appointed driver, who will take care of your transfer and check in formality in Sigiriya. Enroute, we visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage with breakfast. The elephant orphanage at Pinnawala is a home for about 60 elephants (out of which some are baby elephants) found abandoned or orphaned in the wild. They are being cared, fed and trained by the Wildlife Authority. You could also accompany the elephants to a river close by to see them having their daily baths. We leave for Dambulla, Enroute we visit a Spice Garden in Mawanella. The city is surrounded by large plantations and is famous for its spice gardens. Visit a spice garden to see the different spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed. Later proceed to Dambulla, on arrival at check in to the hotel. Post lunch we leave to visit to Dambulla Rock Temple and. Climb up to the Dambulla rock temple, which was donated by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. to Buddhist monks. Dambulla is a world heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of paintings found in the world. The caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 meters. Overnight at a hotel in Sigiriya or Dambulla.
Day 02: Dambulla /Anuradhapura / Aukana / Dambulla
After breakfast, we start our day long excursion trip to Anuradhapura.  Our first halt shall be at Anuradhapura, which was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Ceylon. Two of the World Heritage Sites are situated here and many places of historical and archaeological interest could be visited. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) was brought as a sapling of the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained to enlightenment. It is over 2200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. The Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C), the 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C) is the most famous of all the Dagobas. It originally depicted the perfect ‘bubble shape” that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce. ‘Samadhi’ Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of ‘Samadhi’ or deep meditation and Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century B.C) which is well known for its rock carvings. Thereafter, we drive to Mihintale. Mihintale is where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Mihintale is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is riddled with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made out of granite slabs 15′ wide leads to the summit from where one could get a splendid view of the surrounding countryside. Also, visit the Avukana Buddha statue which is beyond doubt the most magnificent, undamaged statue in Sri Lanka. It was built in the reign of King Dhatusena in the 5th century and is 39 ft (12 meters) high. The Name “Aukana” means “Sun-eating”. On completion return to Dambulla / Sigiriya for overnight stay.
Day 03: Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa  – Dambulla
Rise and shine at early hours. After a cup of tea / Coffee Climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a world heritage site, built by king Kassapa (477 – 495 A.D). The “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the “Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. The frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster. Proceed to the hotel for breakfast. We leave for Polonnaruwa, do a city tour of Polonnaruwa which is a world heritage site and the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD. See the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where four splendid statues of the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of king Parakramabahu and the Parakrama Samudraya – a lake built by King Parakramabahu the great. There are also monuments of famous places of worship such as the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay at Sigiriya or Dambulla.
Day 04: Dambulla – Matale – Kandy
After breakfast and check out. We leave for Kandy. Enroute we visit Matale, famous for spice garden to see different spices for which Sri Lanka is famous for. Here, clients could see different spices and how some of these spices are grown and processed. Also, witness a Cookery demonstration Later leave for Kandy. On arrival in Kandy, we do check in the hotel and you shall get time for refreshing nap. In the evening, do a short city tour of Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name “Kandy” conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. You can take a stroll in Kandy local market & can visit the arts & crafts centre and a gem lapidary. Overnight at a hotel in Kandy.
Day 05: Kandy 
  After breakfast visit Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy, one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa”.  Kandy was the capital of the Sinhalese Kings from 1592 to 1815. Fortified by a terrain due to this temple. Later we start our tour of Geragama tea factory & tea plantation and The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.Geragama Plantation, located in close proximity to the city of Kandy in Pilimatalawa – Poththapitiya road was established in the year 1903 and manufactures Low Grown and Long Leaf tea. It has a tea center for travelers from all over the world to buy Ceylon tea. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. Conclude your day with the The Kandyan dance, which is flourished under the Kandyan kings from the 16th through the 19th centuries, and today it is considered the national dance of Sri Lanka. Overnight at a hotel in Kandy.
 
Day 06: Kandy – Tea Plantation – Nuwara Eliya
  After early breakfast, check out & leave for Nuwara Eliya. On the way to N’Eliya, take a brief halt to see Ramboda waterfalls. Next halt shall be at the tea plantation and a tea factory where the popular tea within the world is produced. Here, you’ll observe the method of making tea. You’ll also see how tea is graded. Taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea within the factory. After that, transfer to Nuwara Eliya. On arrival check-in into the hotel and the remainder of the day at your leisure. One can roam around the lake Gregory and can enjoy boating in this serene lake. The lake is a popular spot for a picnic and may also explore the lake by hiring a bicycle. Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya. Overnight stay in Kandapola. N’Eliya.
 
Day 07: Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Bandarawela
  After an early breakfast, we visit Horton plains, which are found on a high windswept saddle at about 2134 meters above the sea level. The tables are a spread of misty grassland with scraggy trees and ice-cold rivulets. Visit the World’s End considered to be the best view altogether of Sri Lanka. The grand escarpment drops vertically for about 4,000 feet, hence its name. You’ll also see the gorgeous Backer’s falls. (Walk is about 14 km). The park shelters mammals like Sāmbhar, Leopard and endemic Bear Monkeys. This area is that the home for over 20 endemic bird species including Sri Lanka’s Whistling Thrush, Orange-billed Babbler and Yellow-eared Bulbul.
Transfer to Bandarawela. Bandarawela is a charming town at an elevation of 4000 feet. It is a popular health resort. Dinner and overnight stay at Bandarawela Hotel, Bandarawela.
 
Day 08: Bandarawela – Yala
  After breakfast we check out and proceed to Yala. Do a safari of the Yala National Park by jeep. Yala is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka which is the home for wild elephants, wild boars, wild buffaloes, leopards, bears, deer’s and crocodiles. Large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds are also found here. Overnight stay in Yala.
Day 09: Yala – Galle 
Rise and shine at early hours. After breakfast, check out and start your day-long journey with some very interesting to explore some of the best beaches of Sri Lanka. Your first halt shall be at Mirissa Beach. The primary attraction in Mirissa is whale watching. You shall be lucky if you are travelling between October to April. Because during this time Ocean is calm and whales migrate from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere. This fantastic place of Mirissa is also known for its tuna, mullet, butterfish, snapper, and being the major fishing port on the South Coast. Post lunch you start onward journey. On the way, a brief photo stop shall be at Koggala. It’s famous for the iconic stilt fishermen. It is the most interesting traditional fishing method of Sri Lanka. Fishers are known to practice this unique way of fishing, sitting on stilts for hours for daily. Before reaching Galle, you visit one of the most “Famous” destinations of Sri Lanka, named Unawatuna. It is a lovely banana-shaped beach of golden sand and turquoise water, surrounded by green palm trees! Here you will get some good time to enjoy Sea, Sand & Surf. Later transfer to your hotel in Galle. Rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight stay in Galle.
Day 10: Galle 
After breakfast we visit the gorgeous sights of Galle; the town is understood for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the attractively preserved Galle Fort. It is the most critical and exciting sea fortress in South Asia. First built by the Portuguese and later fortified by Dutch. Galle wears its history on its sleeve. Windswept beaches and nodding palms surround its colonial-era showpiece. After lunch, the rest of the day is at your disposal. You can go for a guided tour to admire some architecture work Dutch. They left their impressions with some beautifully designed heritage buildings. Or you can go shopping within the Galle fort where you’ll stroll around the little streets and buy local souvenirs. The more noticeable product that you’ll find is that the Sri Lankan gems and jewelry. It is worth visiting the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex, the oldest structure in the Galle Fort area way back to the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka. It has now developed into a shopping and dining facility.
Overnight stay in Galle.
Day 11: Galle – Bentota – Colombo
After leisurely breakfast, we do check & leave for Colombo. On the way we halt at some places for memorable experiences. Your first halt will be at Balapitiya. A coastal town situated on the southern province of the state. Here, you enjoy a memorable Maduganga River ride. Madu River is located at the south of Sri Lanka near Galle. The water of the river is dotted with small islands. Thus, the banks are all covered with opulent mangrove forests that are home to dozens of incredible animal species. Enjoy many vibrant tropical birds and a few crocodiles if you’re lucky enough. Post lunch break near a coastal restaurant in Balapitiya, proceed to palm-dotted Hikkaduwa Beach, lined with restaurants and bars. The shallow waters opposite Hikkaduwa Beach shelter the Hikkaduwa park, which is a coral sanctuary and residence to marine turtles and exotic fish. Next halt shall be at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. They have the Care program which aims to protect sea turtle eggs and increase hatching rates. Later proceed for Colombo. On arrival check into the hotel. After freshen up, your driver will drop you near Beira Lake. It’s delightful just having a stroll around the lake. Another peaceful experience shall be a visit to Buddhist Temple Seema Malaka. You feel absolute calm when you come here. With the entrance fees of this temple, you can visit one more Buddhist Temple named Gangaramaya. Here you will feel an atmosphere of worship and religion. Later free time for shopping. Colombo has several popular supermarkets, but the best shops to visit are Barefoot & Paradise Road. Barefoot is a store, bookshop, gallery, cafe, performance space and place to hang out And Paradise Road offers an abundance of things you’ll want to fill your home with. Conclude your tour with a leisurely walk on Marine Drive and dine at one of the famous restaurants serving food of your choice. Overnight stay in Colombo. Return and relax overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Colombo – Airport
  After breakfast we embark on a short Colombo city orientation tour. A drive through the city takes you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. See Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street-the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings The historic Dewatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at. After completion of the tour, we return to the hotel for check out formalities. This memorable tour concludes after dropping you at the airport.

Please note: Tour itinerary is subject change…

Destination Night 3*** and above 4*** and above
Dambulla 2 N Palwhera Resort *** Amaya Lake *****
Kandy 2 N Fox Kandy*** Ozo Kandy****
 N’Eliya 1 N Oak Ray Summer Hill Breeze*** Araliya Green Hills****
Bandarawela 1 N Bandarawela Hotel*** Bandarawela Hotel****
Yala 1 N Cinnamon Wild Yala*** Cinnamon Wild Yala****
 Galle 2 N Araliya Beach Resort & Spa*** Araliya Beach Resort & Spa***
 Colombo 1 N Nippon Hotel*** Galadari ****


Package Cost

3 star 4 star
Cost: Per person on Twin sharing Basis USD USD
Package categories:  Standard  3 star
Per person on Twin sharing Basis. 734 951
Reduction per person on Triple Sharing. 148 171
Children Age between 3 – 6 years w/o Extra Bed.* FREE FREE
Children Age Between 6-12 years with Extra Bed 327 370
Children below 2 years – Free of Charge FREE FREE
Single Supplement 647 726

Please Note:

Hotel rooms are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
All above rates are Nett and include current government taxes. If any taxes are revised, including VAT & NBT, the rates quoted will be revised accordingly.
These rates are subject to change without prior notice in the event government changes the tax policy.

Terms & Conditions 

What is included?

  • Assistance at the Airport.
  • Accommodation in standard rooms on HB basis for no. nights as per the itinerary at hotels specified or of similar standard.
  • Visit site seeing entry Pinnawala elephant Orphanage, Kandy Temple, Botanical Garden, Turtle Hatchery, Seema Malakaya & Gangaramaya Temple.
  • Transfers on a private basis in A/C vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur Driver.
  • City tour & visiting of sites in cities where the clients are spending the night.
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle as per the Itinerary.
  • Service of English knowing Chauffeur Guide.
  • All related government taxes.


What is not included?

  • Video and Camera permits.
  • Lunch throughout the tour.
  • Cost for the Boat Rides / Jeep Safaris.
  • Anything is relevant to Air Ticketing.
  • Additional running other than the above-specified program.
  • Visa fee & other charges (Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details / submit your individual visa application directly).
  • Early Check in / late check out to / from Hotels.
  • Expenses of a personal nature.
  • Tips and Porterage
  • Any other services not specified above.


Cancellation Charges:
21 days or less
100% cancellation charge.

Between 22 days and 28 days
50% cancellation charges or the equivalent of the first two days charges depending on the programme and period of stay.

Above 29 days
No cancellation charges are provided no commitment or advances are made to 3rd parties

 

Important:

  • The official check-in time at all hotels will be 1400hrs.
  • The official check-out time at all hotels will be 1100hrs.
  • The extra bed in a triple room will be a foldable or rollaway bed.
  • Visits to wildlife parks will be at the client’s own risk.
  • Safari vehicles (none air-conditioned) available are very basic with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours).

    Please note: Tour Cost is subject change.