A Magical Retreat…

Dambulla – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Udawalawe – Kataragama – Colombo
07  Nights – 08  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 informally to Sigiriya hotel.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 – 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 03: Dambulla – Anuradhapura – Mihintale – 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 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. The, proceeding towards Kandy we visit Peradeniya botanical gardens which was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and has been expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. On arrival to Kandy check in to the hotel. Post lunch leave for before you head for an evening city tour of Kandy. The tour includes visits to Upper Lake Drive, Market Square and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. You will also visit the Royal Botanical Gardens-Peradeniya, which started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers inside the garden. 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 – Nuwara Eliya
  After breakfast check out & 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 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 N’Eliya.
 
Day 06: Nuwara Eliya – Udawalawe – Kataragama
  After early breakfast and check out. We leave to visit Udawalawe. On arrival enjoy a safari of The Udawalawe National Park by jeep. The area of this park is 30,821 hectares and is a dry zone park which was declared as a National Park in 1972. This park falls within the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces and between the Udawalawe reservoir and the Walawe River. It is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the mountain range that keep on winding endlessly on the Balangoda, Kalthota and Haputale escarpments. It has an annual rainfall of 1,524 mm. and an average year-round temperature of 29.4 C. This park is famous for elephants seen in their playfulness, whole herds of them, adults and babies bathing and playing in the water or feeding. In addition to elephants, deer species such as spotted deer, sambhur, barking deer and langur, water buffalos and jackals are some of the prominent wild animals found in this park. Thereafter, we leave for Kataragama. On arrival check in and overnight stay at Kataragama.
 
Day 07: Kataragama – Galle – Ambalangoda – Kosgoda – Colombo
  After early breakfast and check out. We leave for Colombo. This will be your day long journey with several interesting stopovers. Enroute we visit Galle, Ambalangoda and Kosgoda turtle hatchery Galle 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. You can also go for a guided tour to admire some architecture work Dutch. They left their impressions with some beautifully designed heritage buildings. You can spend some time shopping within the Galle fort where you’ll stroll around the little streets and buy local souvenirs. It is also 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. Post lunch break, we leave for Ambalangoda, a charming seaside town on the south-western coast. It is the home of the mask carvers. These colorful masks are used by dancers performing exotic rituals and folk dances. There is also an Old Dutch Church. In Kosgoda, visit the Turtle hatchery which is being operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. Several species of turtles, especially the endangered, hawksbill are protected here. Most vulnerable of all are their eggs, which are left uncovered on beaches all around the coast. The goodwill of Kosgoda area fishermen who bring these eggs gratis to the hatchery has lead to the hatching and has released around 100,000 young turtles within a period of two years since the hatchery has been opened. On arrival in Colombo, we check in to the hotel. If your energy level is still high you can enjoy shopping in Colombo, which  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. You can conclude your today’s 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.
 
Day 08: Colombo – Hometown Departure
  After breakfast we leave for half day a city tour. Colombo, like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah bazaar – where one can shop for bargain, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) – an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People’s Republic of China. After short time shopping, we leave for airport for your hometown departure.

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****
Kataragama 1 N Mandara Rosein**** Mandara Rosein****
Colombo 1 N Hotel Nippon*** 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. 507 612
Reduction per person on Triple Sharing. 104 114
Children Age between 3 – 6 years w/o Extra Bed.* FREE FREE
Children Age Between 6-12 years with Extra Bed 191 229
Children below 2 years – Free of Charge FREE FREE
Single Supplement 399 453

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.