COLOURS OF SRI LANKA  

   Paradise  is  still  the  most  commonly  used  word  to  describe  Sri  Lanka  –  a  lush,  tropical  island  of  golden  beaches  and  brilliant  blue  waters.  The  Island  nation,  often  referred  to  as  the  “Tear  drop  on  the  Indian  Ocean”,  shows  an  amazing  diversity  of  culture,  natural  beauty  of  the  landscape  and  a  complex  history  stretching  back  to  543  BC.  Discover  the  best  of  Sri  Lanka’s  cultural  heritage,  natural  landscapes  and  beaches  on  this  tour.    Start   your   journey   with   a   relaxing   stay   at   Negombo.   Next   visit   the  Millennium   National   park   for   some   beautiful  moments  with   the  humble  wild  beast,   the  elephant.   Later  explore   the  most   important  cultural   sights  of  Dambulla  cave   Temple   and   Sigiriya   Rock   Fortress,   each   portraying   fabulous   examples   of   the   architectural   prowess   of   past.  Experience  village  life  with  our  Hirawaduna  Village  experience.  Next  spend  few  days  at  the  naturally  beautiful  hills  of  Kandy  and  Nuwara  Eliya.  Here  you  will  visit  some  of  the  most  sacred  sites  including  the  Temple  of  the  Tooth  Relic.  Uncover  the  mystery  of  making  of  tea  with  a  visit  to  a  tea  plantation  and  tea  factory,  and  see  some  of  the  rare  and  exotic  plants  at  Peradeniya  Botanical  Garden.  Trek  to  ‘World’s  End’  during  the  visit  to  Hortons  Plain  National  park.  Also,  explore  Sri  Lanka’s  finest  wildlife  at  Udawalawe  National  Park,  before  moving  on  to  Mirissa  to  hopefully  have  an  encounter  with  the  largest  mammals  in  the  world  while  whale  watching.  End  your  tour  with  a  relaxing  stay  at  one  of  the  finest  beaches  in  Sri  Lanka.        

Ground Operator : Total Holiday Options

 

 

ITINERARY SUMMARY

 11  nights  /  12  days:    Day Activity HOTELS  

01   Arrive  Colombo  -­‐  Negombo       Jetwing  Blue/  Deluxe  Room                    02   Negombo  –  Sigiriya         Jetwing  Vil  Uyana  /  Paddy/  Marsh                  03   Sigiriya             Jetwing  Vil  Uyana  /  Paddy/  Marsh      04   Sigiriya  –  Matale  –  Kandy       Secret  Kandy  /  Deluxe  Room            05   Kandy             Secret  Kandy  /  Deluxe  Room              06   Kandy  –  Train  to  Nanu  Oya  –  Nuwara  Eliya   Tea  Trails  /  Luxury  Room    07   Nuwara  Eliya           Tea  Trails  /  Luxury  Room            08   Nuwara  Eliya  –  Udawalawe  National  Park   Grand  Udawalawe  Safari  Resort  /Deluxe  Room    09   Udawalawe  National  Park  –  Galle     Jetwing  lighthouse/  Deluxe  Room    10   Galle:  Tour  of  Mirissa         Jetwing  lighthouse/  Deluxe  Room    11   Galle  –  Bentota           Saman  Villa  /  Superior  Room    12   Bentota  –  Colombo  –  onwards       Jetwing  lighthouse/  Deluxe  Room                    

 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day  01  :  Arrive  Colombo  -­‐  Negombo  Arrive   Colombo   International   airport,   a   TOTAL   HOLIDAY   OPTIONS   Executive   will   page   you   by   name   for   pick   up.  Thereafter  you  will  be  assisted  with  a   transfer   to   the  hotel   in  Negombo.  Negombo   is   the   fourth   largest  city   in   the  country  and  after  the  capital,  the  second  largest  in  the  western  province.  Besides  its  beautiful  beaches,  Negombo  is  also  known  for  its  huge  fishing  industry  with  busy  fish  markets,  also  being  the  second  largest  fish  market  in  Sri  Lanka.  It  is  also  known  for  its  modern  lifestyle,  restaurants,  pubs  and  nightlife.  Negombo  is  also  famous  as  centre  for  water  sports  activities,  offering  many  sites  for  people  interested  in  water  sports  &  scuba  diving.    Arrive  and  check  in  at  the  hotel.  Overnight  in  Negombo,  breakfast  included.      Day  02  :  Negombo  –  Sigiriya  (Approx  131  kms/4  hrs  drive)  

 After  breakfast,  check  out  and  proceed  to  Dambulla  –  the  centre  for  Cultural  &  Historical  sights  of  Sri  Lanka.      En-­‐route   visit   The   Millennium   Elephant   Foundation   near   the  Pinawella   Elephant   Orphanage.   Spend   a   couple   of   hours   with   the  elephants.   You   will   have   the   chance   to   enjoy   and   elephant   ride   as  well   as   get   up   close   and   personal,   washing   and   scrubbing   the  elephants.  It  is  a  wonderful  experience  to  get  so  close  and  connected  with  them.      Continue   your   drive   and   stop   for   sightseeing   at   the   famous   cave   temples   of   Dambulla.  Dambulla   cave   temple   is  located  on  a  vast  isolated  rock  mass  500  feet  high  and  a  mile  around  the  base.  Here  you  will   find   the   famous  Rock  Temple,  dating   to   the  First  Century  B.C.  The  caves  of  Dambulla  sheltered  King  Walagamba  during  his   14   years   of   exile   from  Anuradhapura.  When  he   regained  the   throne   he   built   the   most   magnificent   of   Rock   Temples   to   be  found   on   the   Island.   In   the   first   Cave   is   a   recumbent   image   of   the  Buddha,  47  feet  long,  cut  out  of  the  Rock.  There  are  images  of  deities  associated  with  Buddhism  all  around.   In  the  Second  Cave,  the  finest  

 

and  the  largest  of  all,  there  are  150  life-­‐size  statues  of  the  Buddha  in  various  postures  with  a  few  statues  of  Gods  and  Kings.  The  ceiling  is  also  covered  with  frescoes,  which  depict  great  events  in  the  life  of  the  Buddha  and  landmarks  in  the  history  of  the  Sinhalese  people.      Stay  two  nights  in  Dambulla.  Daily  Breakfast  included.    Day  03  :    Sigiriya    

 After  breakfast  proceed  for  an  excursion  to  Sigiriya   for  sightseeing.  Sigiriya   is   a   “UNESCO  World   Heritage   Site”   from   the   5th   Century.  Also  called  the  “Fortress  in  the  Sky”  it  is  perhaps  the  most  fantastic  single  wonder  of  the  Island.  It  is  also  known  as  Lion  Rock  because  of  the  huge  lion  that  used  to  stand  at  the  entrance  to  the  Palace  on  the  summit  of  the  600-­‐foot  high  rock.  On  its  summit  are  the  foundations  of   the  Royal   Palace,  Water   Tanks   to   supply  water,   and   at   the   very  edges,   the   guardhouses.   On   one   of   the   stairways   the   only   known  ancient  work  of  Sinhala  secular  painting  has  survived  in  the  form  of  Frescoes  of  21  life  sized  damsels  still  shining  in  their  original  colours.  The   Water   Gardens,   Fountain   Garden,   Summerhouses,   Boulder  Gardens   and   the   Caves   within   the   enclosed   area   are   not   to   be  missed.   Spend   some   time   at   the   top,   admiring   the   beauty   of   this   Island   nation   with   breath-­‐taking   views   of   the  beautiful  green  carpet  of  trees  surrounding  you,  interspersed  only  with  the  Shining  water  of  its  lakes.    

 Later   in   the   afternoon   visit   Mineriya   National   Park:   a   dry   season   feeding   ground   for   the  elephant  population  dwelling  in  the  forests  of  Matale,  Polonnaruwa,  and  Trincomalee  districts.  It  is  famous  for  the  largest  congregation  of  Asian  Elephants  in  one  place,  often  times  the  count  reaching  well  above  400.    Home  to  an  amazing  array  of  animals:  24  species  of  mammals,  160  species  of  birds,  9  species  of  amphibians,  25  species  of  reptiles,  26  species  of  fish,  and  75  species  of  butterflies,   its  more  famous  resident  birds   include  the  Lesser  Adjutant,  Painted  Stork  and  Spot  Billed  Pelican.   It   is  home  to  the  two  endemic  species  of  monkey;   the  purple   faced  Langurs  and  Toque  Macaque.  Enjoy  a  Jeep  Safari   at   the  national  Park.   You  have  an  excellent   chance  of   seeing  herds  of  Elephants   roaming   freely   in   the  Park.      

 

Day  04  :  Sigiriya  –  Matale  –  Kandy  

   After  breakfast  check  out  of   the  hotel  and  drive  to  Kandy.  Your   first  stop   during   the   trip   will   be   at   Hirawaduna   village   for   a   unique  experience.  Hirawaduna   is  a  small  village  near  Habarana,  where  the  inhabitants   still   survive   on   agriculture.   You   will   have   first-­‐hand  experience  of  the  life  of  the  countrymen  of  Sri  Lanka.  Start  with  a  visit  to   the   house   of   a   farmer  for   lunch   where   you   will   be   treated   to  delicious  local  cuisine  served  on  lotus  leaves  by  a  village  family.        Later  you  will  be  taken  to  the  entrance  of  the  village,  where  a  bullock  cart  awaits  to  take  you  through  the  village  of  Hiriwadunna,  to  a  plantation,  where  you  will  get  to  visit  the  house  of  local  villager  and   introduced  to  their  way  of   living.  A  hot  cup  of  herbal  drink  with   jaggery  served   in  coconut  shells  welcomes  you  to  the  house  made  of  mud  and  thatched  leaves.  You  can  climb  up  to  the  tree  house,  used  for  sleeping,  and  survey  the  surroundings  of  the  village.  Later  enjoy  a  catamaran  ride  through  the  scenic  reservoir  sprinkled  with  beautiful  lotus  flowers.      Continue  your  journey  to  Kandy.  En  route  visit  a  Spice  Garden  in  Matale.  You  can  see  many  spice  gardens  at  Matale  and  in  Mawanella  on  the  Colombo-­‐Kandy  road  where  Cinnamon,  Cardamom,  Pepper  Creepers  and  many  other  spice  trees,  plants  and  vines  are  planted.  Spice  products  are  also  available  for  purchase.  At  all  Spice  Gardens  visitors  are  taken  around  with  a  guide  to  explain  each  tree  and  plant  and  the  use  of  each  in  food  preparations.      Arrive   at   Kandy   “The  Hill   Capital”.   Kandy   is   another  UNESCO  World  Heritage  Site.  It  was  the  last  stronghold  of  the  Sinhalese  Kings  during  the  Portuguese,  Dutch  and  British  rule  and  finally  ceded  to  the  British  in   1815   after   an   agreement.   To   the   Buddhist   of   Sri   Lanka   and   the  World,  Kandy  is  one  of  the  most  sacred  sites  as  it  is  the  home  of  the  “Dalada  Maligawa”-­‐Temple  of  the  Sacred  Tooth  Relic  of  Lord  Buddha.    Close   by   are   the   remains   of   the   Royal   Palace   (Maha  Wasala),   Palle  Wasala,   where   the   Queens   stayed   -­‐   now   used   for   the   National  Museum,  Meda  Wasala  where   other   close   relatives   lived,   Audience  

 

Hall,  Natha  Devala  and  Vishnu  Devala.  The  Bathing  Pavilion  (Ulpenge)  is  by  the  Lake  and  in  the  Center  of  the  lake  is  the  Island  called  “Kiri  Samudraya”  (Milk  white  ocean)  used  by  the  kings  as  their  summerhouse.  Today  it  is  the  centre  of  Buddhism,  Arts,  Crafts,  Dancing,  Music  and  Culture.  Visitors  can  enjoy  some  Sri  Lankan  dance  &  music  during  the  daily  Cultural  Performances  held  at  several  places  in  the  city.      Arrive  and  check  in  at  the  hotel.  This  evening  enjoy  a  live  Sri  Lankan  cultural  dance  performance.    Stay  two  nights  in  Kandy.    Breakfast  included    Day  05  :  Kandy  Visiting  some  of  the  many  temples  around  Kandy  gives  you  a  chance  to   see   a   little   rural   life   as  well   as   observe   Sri   Lankan   culture.   This  particularly  pleasant  loop  will  take  you  to  three  14th-­‐century  Hindu-­‐Buddhist  temples  and  back  via  the  botanical  gardens.  The  first  stop  is  the  Embekka  Devale,  built  in  the  14th  century.  Its  carved  wooden  pillars,  thought  to  have  come  from  a  royal  audience  hall  in  the  city,  are   said   to  be   the   finest   in   the  Kandy   region.   The   carvings   include  swans,   eagles,   wrestling   men   and   dancing   women.   From   here   to  the  Lankatilake   Temple   is   a   1.5km   stroll   along   a   path   through   the  rice   paddies   until   you   see   the   blue   temple   loom  on   the   left.   It’s   a  Buddhist   and   Hindu   temple   with   fine   views   of   the   countryside  featuring  a  Buddha  image,  Kandy  period  paintings,  rock  face  inscriptions  and  stone  elephant  figures.  Late  move  on  to  the  Gadaladeniya  Temple  built  on  a  rocky  outcrop  and  covered  with  small  pools.  The  temple  is  reached  by  a  series  of   steps  cut   into   the  rock.  This  Buddhist   temple  with  a  Hindu  extension  dates   from  a  similar  period   to   that  of   the  Lankatilake   Temple   and   the   Embekka   Devale.   A   moonstone   (carved   stone   ‘doorstep’)   marks   the   entrance.   The  shrine’s  murals  and  some  of   the  statues  have  been  carefully   restored.  A  resident  artist  will  be  happy  to  show  you  around.    

 On   your   return   journey   visit   Peradeniya   Royal   Botanical   Gardens.   Spread   over   147   acres.   Created   in   1374   as   a  pleasure   garden   of   the   Kings   of   Gampola   and   Kandy;   there   are   more   than   5,000   species   of   trees,   plants,   vines,  climbers   and   creepers.   Some   rare   and  endemic   flora   from   the   tropical  world   can  be   found   in   the   gardens.     Spice  Garden  and  Orchid  House  are  popular  with  tourists.  There  are  5  Palm  Avenues  beautifying  the  gardens.  The  earliest  

 

and  tallest  Palm  Avenue  (Royal  Palm  Avenue) was  planted  in  1905  and  the  Double  Coconuts  from  Seashells  Island,  with  the  largest  seed  of  all  plants  in  the  world,  is  one  such  avenue.      Enjoy  an  evening  visit  to  the  Temple  of  the  Tooth  Relic  and  a  drive  by  Upper  lake.  Later  experience  a  cultural  dance  performance  featuring  various  dance  types  of  SRI  LANKA.      Day  06:  Kandy  –  Train  to  Nanu  Oya  –  Nuwara  Eliya  Train  ETD  1230  hrs  /  ETA  1630  hrs  After   breakfast   check   out   of   the   hotel   and   drive   to   Kandy   railway  station   to  board   the  scenic   train   journey   to  Nanu  Oya.  Arrive  Nanu  Oya  to  be  met  by  the  chauffeur  and    travel  to  Nuwara  Eliya  en  route  visiting   the   Tea   Factory   and   tea   Plantation.   Learn   the   process   of  making   tea   from   the   plucking   of   tender   leaves   to   its   processing,  grading  and  final  packaging.  Get  a  chance  to  taste  one  of  the  freshly  brewed  teas.    

 Arrive   Nuwara   Eliya   -­‐   The   ‘Little   England’   of   Sri   Lanka,   set   against  beautiful   backdrops   of   Mountains,   Valleys,   Waterfalls   and   Tea  Plantations.   It   is  one  of  the  coolest  places  on  the  Island,  but   it   feels  just   like  an  English  spring  day  (although  the  temperature  does  drop  at  night).  All  around  Nuwara  Eliya  you  will  see  evidence  of  British  influence,  country  cottage  style  houses  or  Queen  Ann  style  mansions.  Victoria  Park,  in  the  middle  of  the  town,  is  a  lovely  place  for  a  stroll  or  a  picnic  and  is  also  good  for  Birding  as  there  are  some  rare  birds  in  this  Park.  Seasons  may  be  absent  elsewhere  in  Sri  Lanka,  but  here  you  can  read  them  by  the  flowers,  which  bloom  in  the  spring  (March  to  May)  and  the  fall  (August  and  September).  These  are  the  “seasons”  when  low-­‐country  folk  flock  to  Nuwara  Eliya  to  escape  the  sea  level  heat  and  humidity.  

 Check  in  at  the  hotel.  Stay  overnight  in  Nuwara  Eliya.  Breakfast  &  Dinner  included  

 Day  07  :  Nuwara  Eliya    In   the   morning   proceed   to   the   daily   Tea   Trails   experience.   The  Resident  Tea  Planter  will  show  you  first  hand  the  age-­‐old  tea  making  process.   First,   follow   the   trail   of   the  planters  of  old  Ceylon  as   they  trekked   through   the   dense   jungle   looking   for   the   best   slopes   on  which   to   plant   tea.   Then,   on   to   watch   the   tea   pluckers   pick   two  leaves  and  a  bud  with  deft  hands.  Then  to  the  factory  where  the  all-­‐important  conversion  to  “made”  black  tea  happens.  The  machinery  used   is  of  very   traditional  British  design,   some  as  old  as  100  years.  The  process  is  a  very  artisanal  one,  unchanged  for  over  a  century.  The  daily  complimentary  tour  ends  with  a  tasting  of  different  grades  of  this  great  brew.  Together  with  tea-­‐infused  cuisine,  tea  based  spa  treatments  and  trekking  trails  that  traverse  tea-­‐blanketed  hills,  you  can  literally  lose  yourself  in  tea.  You  will  leave  the  Tea  Trails  with  a  newly  found  appreciation  of  this  wonder  herb  “Camellia  Sinensis”  and  the  terroir  of  Ceylon  Tea.    In  the  afternoon  enjoy  a  horseback  ride  for  2  hours  around  the  View  point  in  Nuwara  Eliya.  Pass  tea  plantations  and  travel  through  a  mountainous  route  to  add  a  bit  of  adventure  and  excitement  to  the  ride.  The  horseback  ride  ends  with  a  visit  around   the  Race  Course  premises  where  horse   races  are  held  during   the  racing  season.  Evening  enjoy  boat   ride  at   Lake  Gregory,  which  was  built  during   the  period  1872-­‐1877  by   the   then  Governor  of  Ceylon,  William  Gregory.  Breakfast,  Lunch  and  Dinner  included.                      

 

Day  08  :  Nuwara  Eliya  –  Udawalawe  National  Park  (  Approx  4  hrs  drive)  

 After  breakfast  leave  for  Udawalawe  National  Park.  With  herds  of  elephant,  wild  buffalo,  sambar  deer  and  leopards,  Uda  Walawe  National  Park  is  the  Sri  Lankan  national  park  that  best  rivals  the  savannah  reserves  of  Africa.  In  fact,  for  elephant-­‐watching,  Uda  Walawe  often   surpasses  many  of   the  most   famous   East  African  national   parks.   The  park,  which  centres  on  the  308.2-­‐sq-­‐km  Uda  Walawe  Reservoir,  is  lightly  vegetated  but  it  has  a  stark  beauty,  and  the  lack  of  dense  vegetation  makes  game-­‐watching  easy.  It  is  certainly  the  one  national  park  in  Sri  Lanka  not  to  miss.      In   the   evening   enjoy   game   drive   at   Udawalawe   National   Park,  exploring   its   rich   flora   and   fauna.   The   habitat   at   the   National   park  includes  marshes,   the   Walawe   river   and   its   tributaries,   forests   and  grasslands.  Dead  trees  standing   in  the  reservoir  are  visual  reminders  of  the  extent  of  forest  cover  before  dam  construction.  Udawalawe  is  an   important  habitat   for  Sri   Lankan  elephants,  with   a  herd  of   about  250  believed  to  be  permanently   resident.  Apart   from  the  Elephants,  you  can  see  The  Rusty-­‐spotted  cat,  fishing  cat,  Sri  Lankan  Leopard,  Sri  Lankan  sambar  deer,  Sri  Lankan  axis  deer,  Indian  muntjac,  Sri  Lankan  spotted  chevrotain,  wild  boar  and  water  buffalo.    Stay  overnight  in  Udawalawe.  Breakfast  included      Day  09  :  Udawalawe  National  Park  –  Galle  (  Approx  2.5  hrs  drive)    After  a  leisurely  breakfast,  check  out  and  drive  to  Galle.  A  city  known  for  its  exotic  beaches,  a  city  bursting  with  the  scents  of  salt  and  spices.  A  tabloid  displaying  a  wonderful  collection  of  Dutch  colonial  buildings  and  the  impressive  fort,   which   today   is   a   hub   for   shops   selling   antiques.   Arrive   Galle   and   check   in   for   a   two   nights   stay.   Breakfast  included.   The   next   day   you   will   visit  Mirissa,   Located   along   the   south   west   coast   of   Sri   Lanka,   amidst   a   tropical  setting   with   palm-­‐fringed   golden   beaches   bordering   the   mighty   Indian   Ocean.   It   is   a   perfect   place   to   relax   and  possibly  enjoy  seeing  Dolphins  in  the  sea.      

 

   Day  10  :    Mirissa    Early  morning  set  out  to  Mirissa.  Mirissa  is  a  small  undisturbed  beach  town   south   of   Weligama.   Apart   from   offering   the   tranquil   sandy  beaches,   it   gives   you   a   chance   of   seeing   the   largest   animal   in   the  world,   The   Blue  Whale,   in   its   natural   surroundings   and   from   close  quarters.  There   is  also  a  change  to  spot  sperm  whales  and  Dolphins  on  the  boating  tour.  The  following  species  of  Whales  are  found  and  often  sighted  in  these  waters:  Blue   Whales,   Bryde’s   Whales,   Sperm   Whales,   Killer   whales,   False  Killer,   Dwarf,   Melon   Headed   Whales,   Cuvier’s   Headed   Whales   and  the  elusive  Indian  Blue  whales    Return  for  overnight  stay  at  the  hotel.    Day  11  :    Galle  –  Bentota  (  Approx  3  hrs  drive)  After  breakfast,  check  out  and  drive  to  Bentota.  En  route  visit  Galle  Fortress  -­‐  The  South  Coast’s  major  city  is  Galle,  whose  oldest  landmark  is  the  massive  Portuguese  and  Dutch  Fort  which  –  a  UNESCO  World  Heritage  Site  -­‐  in  which  the  central  city  is  contained.  But  the  city  may  be  much  older.  Some  scholars  believe  it  to  be  the  “Tarshish”  of  the  Old  Testament,  to  which  King  Solomon  sent  his  merchant  vessels,  and  to  which  Jonah  fled  from  the  Lord.    Today,   the   90-­‐acre  Galle   Fort   shows   no   evidence   of   the   Portuguese  founders.  The  Dutch   incorporated  the  Portuguese  northern  wall   in  a  great   rampart   in   1663.   A   second,   taller   wall   was   built   inside   of   it.  Between   the   two   walls,   a   covered   passage   connected   the   central  bastion   with   the   Fort’s   two   half   bastion’s   overlooking   the   sea.   The  Dutch   also   installed   a   sophisticated   drainage   system,   complete  with  brick-­‐lined  underground  sewers  that  were  flushed  twice  a  day  by  the  high  and  low  tides.  The  original  gate  to  the  fort  was  by  the  harbour.  It  is  still  there,  marked  by  the  British  Coat-­‐of-­‐arms  on  the  front  and  the  Dutch  V.O.C.  (Vereenigde  Oost  Indische  Compagnie)  with  the  Coat-­‐of-­‐arms  with  a  rooster  crest,  is  on  the  inner  side  of  the  Fort.      Arrive  Bentota  and  check  in  at  your  hotel.  Stay  overnight  at  the  hotel  in  Bentota.  Breakfast  included.      Day  12  :    Bentota  –  Colombo  –  onwards    Morning   enjoy   beach   activities   at   Bentota.   The   first   foreigners   to  stumble   upon   this   charming   spot   of   Bentota,  must   have   been   Arab  merchant  sailors,  who  also  discovered  Beruwela  in  the  11th  Century  a  little   further  north.  However   it  was  the  Portuguese  who,   in  the  17th  Century,   built   a   small   fort   at   the   mouth   of   the   Bentota   or   Bentara  Ganga.  This  wide  river  marked  the  southern  extremity  of  Portuguese  

 

held   territory  on   the   island,  as  Dutch  sails  appeared  on  the  horizon   further  south.  The  Dutch  used  the   fort  during  their   rule,   as  a   resting  place   for   stagecoaches  plying  between  Colombo  and  Galle.   Later   the  British   converted   this  simple   halt   into   a   rest   house   for   travelers.   Its   idyllic   location   and   tranquility  made   it   a   popular   haven.   Facing   the  Indian   Ocean,   a   tropical   lagoon   and   a   major   river,  Bentota,   today   offers   a   incredible   array   of   water   sports  possibilities.  Apart   from  swimming,  body-­‐surfing  or  diving   in   the  sea,  you  can   jet-­‐ski,  windsurf,  parasail  or  enjoy  a  romantic  river  safari  on  the  river  and  lagoon.      Later   in   the  day  you  will   check  out  and  drive   to  Colombo  airport  en  route  enjoying  a  Colombo  city  tour.  Explore  Colombo  –  the  business  and   commercial   center   and   the   new   capital   Sri   Jayawardhanapura  Kotte,   which   is   only   a   few   miles   away.   Colombo   was   only   a   small  seaport,   which   came   into   prominence   in   the   16th   Century   with   the  arrival   of   the   Portuguese   in   1505   and   the   development   of   it   as   a  major  Harbor  during  the  British  period.  It  became  the  capital  in  1815  after   Kandy   was   ceded   to   the   British.   The   remains   of   the   buildings  during  the  periods  of  Portuguese,  Dutch  and  British  rule  are  found  in  every  area  of  the  city.  None  of  the  Portuguese  &  Dutch  fortifications  are  found  today  but  some  of  their  buildings  and  churches  can  be  seen  in  the  Fort  &  Pettah  areas.  Some  of  the  sites  to  visit  include:  the  Fort  -­‐  the  former  British  administrative  center  and  military  garrison.  Sea  Street  -­‐  the  Goldsmith’s  quarters  in  the  heart  of  Pettah.  The  Bazaar  area  where  there  is  also  a  Hindu  Temple  with  elaborate  stone  carvings.  Kaymans  Gate  with  the  Belfry  at  the  original  gate  to  enter  the  Fort.  The  Dutch  Church  of  Wolfendhaal,  dating  back  to  1749.  Also  visit  the  BMICH   (Bandaranaike   Memorial   International   Conference   Hall),   see   the   replica   of   Avukana   Buddha   and  Independence  Square.      In  the  late  evening  you  will  be  taken  to  the  airport  for  your  onward  flight  back  home.      

= = = END OF OUR SERVICES = = =                                                                

 

 The  above  tour  includes:  • Accommodation  with  private  facilities  (Standard  Check-­‐in/out  time  1200  hrs  at  Deluxe  Hotels  )  • Travel  by  private  Air-­‐conditioned  micro  van  with  driver  as  per  the  Program    • Meals  –  Daily  breakfast  and  other  meals  as  specified.  • Entrance  fees  to  the  following  sights  in  Srilanka  (  One  visit  per  person  only)    

• Millenium  Elephant  foundation  • Dambulla  Cave  Temple  • Sigiriya  Rock  Fortress  • Spice  Garden  Visit  at  Matale  • Kandy  Temple  of  the  Tooth  Relic    • Hirawaduna  Village  Experience  including  catamaran  ride,  Village  Walk  and  Bullock  car  ride  • Embekke Devalaya, Gadaladeniya Temple, Lankatilaka temple at Kandy • Peradeniya  Royal  Botanical  Park  • Tea  Plantation  visit  • Galle  City  tour  • Colombo  city  tour  

• Services  of  English  speaking  chauffeur  cum  guide  throughout  the  tour  as  per  the  itinerary.    • Train  ride  from  Kandy  to  Nanu  Oya.  • 01  Jeep  Safari  at  Udawalawe  National  park  • 01  Jeep  hire  at  Minneriya  National  Park  • Horseback  ride  at  Nuwara  Eliya  • Cultural  dance  performance  at  Kandy  • All  excursions  and  sightseeing  as  mentioned  in  the  itinerary.  • All  assistance  and  transfers.  • All  current  taxes.    What’s  excluded?    Any   International  or  Domestic  Airfare  not  mentioned,  Airport   taxes  and  Visa   fee,  Early   check   in  or   late  check  out,  Meals   other   than   specified   above,   Tips   &   Gratuities,   Travel   &   Medical   Insurance,   Camera   and   video   permits,  Expenses  incurred  due  to  flight  /  train  cancellation  or  delay,  Any  expense  of  a  personal  nature,  like  drinks,  laundry,  telephone  calls,  mini  bar,  etc,  any  optional  excursion  or  tour,  any  other  expense  not  mentioned  in  the  prices  include  column.