Itinerary:
Day 01
Welcome to the land of serendipity. You will be greeted warmly by our staff and then transferred toDambulla where you will check into the scenic Kandalama Hotel which boasts of the best in Sri Lankan architecture. In the afternoon take an elephant back safari through the jungle surrounding the Kandalama Hotel; this will be an unforgettable experience along the bund and through the tank surrounding the hotel to experience a wild touch. The tank is home to large varieties of bird life - local and migratory, the ideal paradise for bird watchers and lovers. Spend the night at the Kandalama Hotel and enjoy the entertainment, delicate cuisine and the many luxuries of life.
Day 02
After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa, an ancient capital that rose to fame in the 12th century AD. Ruins of buildings indicate that a very advanced civilization thrived in Polonnaruwa. During the tour visit the ruins of the council hall, the palace, the temple of Shiva, the watadage (a circular image house), the sathmahal prasadhaya (a seven storied edifice), the rock inscription of Nissankamalla and the gal vihare where three sculptured statues of Buddha are found, venerated, sacred and treasured places for all Buddhists of Sri Lanka.
Further, many other interesting sites like the Polonnaruwa Statue, the Ocean of Parakrama, the ruins of the library will also be visited. On completion proceed to Sigiriya, been named one of the wonders of the world, Sri Lankan architectural tradition is displayed and the most preserved ancient city in Asia for centuries. Explore the rock fortress of Kashyapa, which dates back to the 5th century AD. See the ruins of Kashyapa's palace on the summit of the gigantic rock Sigiriya and a collection of ancient frescoes and the pleasure gardens. Proceed to KandalamaHotel for overnight stay, after a glimpse of this city - written all over it.
Day 03
Early morning do a nature ramble in the forest surrounding the hotel, which is home to 145 species of birds, which is almost one third of the total number observed in Sri Lanka up to date. This population consists of the arboreal, terrestrial and aquatic birds. On completion return to hotel for late breakfast and a morning of leisure at the pool. In the afternoon cycle through the village and enjoy a cup of tea in the home of a local villager. In the evening join a farmer to keep watch of his crop and experience typical Sri Lankan rural village life. Return toKandalama Hotel for an overnight stay and savor some of the exotic tastes of Sri Lankan cuisine, recreation and entertainment.
Day 04
After breakfast drive leisurely to Kandy en-route visit a spice garden to experience the many local varieties of local spices. You will be provided a complementary herbal massage at the spice garden. Enjoy a spiced cup of tea at the spice garden. Afterwards, continue to Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital and the last stronghold of the Sinhalese kings, 488 metres above sea level and one of the most visited cities in the island. Check-in to Hill Top Hotel. In the afternoon do a city tour of Kandy by three-wheeler/trishaw (tuk tuk). In the evening visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and participate in the evening ritual. The highlight of this city is the annual pageant, the dalada perehara, or the procession of the sacred tooth relic, held each year during the month of August. The pageant is a grand affair with hundreds of elephants, dancers and other entertainers. On completion of this visit to the temple, return to the Hill Top Hotel and enjoy the cultural experience with the warm hospitality of the Kandyan people.
Day 05
After breakfast proceed to the Kandy railway station and travel by train to Rabukkana. The journey by train takes you to some of the most picturesque mountain terrain passing lush green valleys with spectacular views of paddy plantations. The clients will be picked-up from the Rabukkana railway station and will continue to thePinnawela Elephant orphanage to see abandoned baby elephants being fed, bathed and trained. Visit the orphanage in time to witness the baby elephants being bottle fed with milk. After spending some time with baby elephants return back to Kandy enroute visiting the Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya which was originally the pleasure gardens of the royalty. Today nearly 4000 species of local and foreign plants are found and the garden covers about 150 acres. Return to the Hill Top Hotel for an overnight stay, where you will enjoy the spirit of the central hills and will be treated to something truly Sri Lankan.
Day 06
After breakfast proceed to Kithulagala via Nawalapitiya. On arrival in Kithulagala experience 01 1/2 hr of river rafting along the scenic Kelani river and take time to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Day 07
Early morning proceed to World's End with breakfast packets. A windswept plateau of over 2000 meters height. Horton Plains is home to some of the unique species of plants and wild life to be found in Sri Lanka. These misty, silent grasslands streaked with icy rivulets, offer some excellent walks, the most famous being to The World's End. In the early mornings, a crescent of silver glimmers in the far distance pinpointing the Indian Ocean. The escarpment drops dramatically for 230 Meters and falls away steeply for 1000 meters or so. Also visit Bakers falls in Horton Plains where a full view of the falls can be enjoyed. On completion return to the Tea Factory Hotel for a late afternoon walking tour of Nuwara Eliya Town visiting the Golf links, the Nuwara Eliya market etc. Stay overnight at the Tea Factory Hotel and enjoy the cool and fresh air, cascading waterfalls and the scenic mountains surrounding the hotel together with the delightful cuisine, recreation and entertainment - provided hill country style.
Day 08
After breakfast proceed to Tanamalwila and check-in to the Tasks Safari Camp. The Safari Camp is situated in close proximity to a stream and surrounded by thick jungle, where you will stay as close to nature as can be. In the afternoon proceed by jeep to Udawalawe Game Park. Do a Safari on Udawalawe National Park. Udawalawe National Park, home to large herds of Wild Animals. The park is also the home to plenty of Crocodiles and many species of birds. The cascading waters of the Udawalawe reservoir, on completion return to the Task Safari Camp for an overnight stay in the wild.
Day 09
After breakfast drive along the Southern coast to Galle, which is 116 km south of Colombo, a city with an ancient charm of a by-gone era. Check-in to the Closenberg Hotel. During the afternoon do a city tour visiting the 16th century Dutch Fort, the Museum, the Dutch Church and the Ramparts. Spend an overnight at the Closenberg Hotel enjoying the southern culture, crafts such as lace making, ebony carvings, gem polishing and spicy southern cuisine.
Day 10
After breakfast proceed to Hikkaduwa, 98 km south of Colombo, is the tropical destination for underwater fantasies, the site of the famous coral gardens. Explore the corals on glassed bottom boat safari to experience the exotic sea corals. On completion continue to Aluthgama and travel by public train to Mount Lavinia Railway Station. The vehicle will pick the clients from Mount Lavinia Railway Station and will proceed to Colombo to do a tour of the city visiting the places of interest and for some city shopping. Check-in at the Grand Oriental Hotel for an overnight stay and experience the city nightlife.
Day 11
After a tropical and exotic trip to this island paradise and depart for transfer to the Airport.