11 nights / 12 Days Tour of SRI LANKA

Day 1 / Arrival - Kandalama

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Meet and assist by one of our representative and transfer to Kandalama. En route visit Herbal Gardens & Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage where more than 100 elephants abandoned by their herds are cared for. Watch elephants of all sizes There are also a few handicapped ones. Check in to Hotel by Afternoon. Evening leisure at Hotel Overnight stay & Dinner at Hotel in Kandalama

Day 2 / Kandalama / Anuradhapura / Kandalama

After brekfast head to the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Enjoy a guided city tour of this ancient capital, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in the 4th century BC, Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century BC, but more importantly it was the birthplace of Sinhala civilization. The city developed rapidly after the arrival of Buddhism in 247 BC and the construction of its numerous temples, monasteries and palaces. The imposing ancient monuments surrounding the city today remain testament to Anuradhapuras glory. There are several attractions to see here, but the highlights include the sacred Bodhi Tree (the historic 'tree of enlightenment'), believed to be the oldest documented tree in the world, and the Kuttam Pokuna (twin ponds). Considered masterpieces of old Singhalese architecture, these ancient granite baths were used by Buddhist monks during their daily rituals in the 3rd century. Also visit the magnificent Buddhist Stupas gigantic domeshaped brick structures that contain Buddhist relics and remains. Evening return to Hotel Overnight stay & Dinner at Hotel in Kandalama

Day 3 / Kandalama / Pollonnaruwa /Kandalama

After breakfast travel east to the sacred mountain of Mihintale, the place where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka in 247 BC. A grand stairway of 1840 granite steps will lead you up the summit, but you can stop and admire the magnificent architecture on the way, which include the ruins of shrines, stupas, dagobas, temples, statues, cave dwellings and an ancient hospital.

We continue onwards to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lankas medieval capital from the 11th to the 13th century A.D. We will drive through a beautiful nature reserve on the way, so look out for wild elephants on the roadside. Steeped in history, Polonnaruwa was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982. One of the most striking features of the city is the Parakrama Samudra, a large 5940-acre reservoir built by King Parakramabahu. You will also visit the magnificent Gal Vihara (Stone Temple), where you will see some of the worlds finest Buddha sculptures. Carved out of a granite cliff, these spectacular monuments originally formed part of King Parakrambahu's northern monastery. This tour will introduce you to other fascinating ancient ruins and sacred sites in Polonnaruwa before we proceed to Sigiriya. Evening return to Hotel Overnight stay & Dinner at Hotel Kandalama

Day 4 / Sigiriya /Dambulla / Kandy

After breakfast proceed to Kandy via Sigiriya to climb the famous Rock Fortress. This magnificent fortress-palace was built on top of an enormous rock by King Kasyapa in the 5th century. Visitors can admire the well-preserved frescoes of beautiful Sigiriyan court ladies halfway up the rock, and the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Before heading to Kandy, You can visit Dambulla Rock Temple, the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka, and one of the most impressive in Asia. Dating back to the 1st century BC, this vast, isolated rock mass towers 500 ft high and is a mile round the base. A selection of 12th century statues can be found inside the gilded walls of the caves, as well as late 18th century Sri Lankan paintings relating to Lord Buddha and his life. The site was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 as part of Sri Lankas Cultural Triangle. Proceed to Kandy & Check in to Htel Overnight stay & Dinner at Hotel in Kandy

Day 5 / Kandy / Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya en route Visit the Temple of the Holy Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, a Gem Museum and traditional batik-making factory. A stroll in the market place would also be interesting. Continue journey through scenic route from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliaya Situated at around 2000m above sea level and surrounded by lush tea plantations Nuwara Eliya is the main hill resort of Sri Lanka and the heart of the tea industry. Once a pleasure retreat of the European planters the town is still very much an English town with many

English style bungalows and buildings. Check in to hotel and relax the rest of the day. Overnight stay & Dinner at hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Day 6 / Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast explore Nuwara Eliya town & experience the beauty of Haggala Botanical gardens. En route you can stop and enjoy a cup of Ceylon Tea at a working tea factory while enjoying the spectacular scenery. Spend the evening relaxing in the cool climate. Over Night stay & Dinner at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 7 / Nuwara Eliya / Galle / Bentota

After a leisurely breakfast you can proceed to the beach town of Bentota via Galle. Galle is a 'Living' UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in 1505. Captured and fortified by the Dutch who ruled Maritime Sri Lanka in 17th and 18th Centuries, the city still retains the air of Old Holland. Within the well preserved 90 acre fort and ramparts built in 1663 are old Dutch churches and monuments with armorial bearings, an imposing crested and monogrammed gateway dated 1669, many well-preserved Dutch houses and narrow alleys still bearing Dutch names. Check in at Hotel in Bentota Dinner & Overnight stay at Hotel in Bentota.

Day 8 / Bentota
Leisure at hotel. Day is open for you to decide! You can enjoy your day at the fantastic Club Villa on the long, sweeping beach of Bentota where simple luxury with wonderful laidback service and a fantastic tropical feel can fill your day. Or Bentota also offers plenty of optional excursions, most notably water sports. Scuba diving, wind-surfing, jet ski & kite boarding are some of the more popular sports. Overnight stay & Dinner at Hotel in Bentota.

Day 9 / Bentota
After breakfast day is left free to relax. Evening leisure at Hotel

Overnight stay & Dinner at hotel in Bentota.

Day 10 / Bentota / Colombo

After breakfast proceed to Colombo. On arrival visit Independence Memorial Hall, BMICH, historical the municipal council, a hindu and a Buddhist temples, Fort area and the Pettah Bazaar. In the event you can enjoy shopping at some of local retailers where you can get famous brands at a steep discount. Overnight Stay & Dinner at Hotel in Colombo.

Day 11 / Colombo
After breakfast relax at the hotel or stroll along the boardwalk in Colombo. In the evening enjoy the gala dinner and New Years party put together by the hotel to Welcome the Brand new year. Parties go on until early morning hours. Overnight stay & Dinner at Hotel in Colombo

Day 12 / Colombo / Airport

After breakfast relax at the hotel until it is time to proceed to the airport to catch your return flight.

- End of journey -