Magnificient Sri Lanka

Magnificient Sri Lanka

Magnificient  Sri  Lanka - escorted group tour | Exotic Vacations

Seductive beaches and tempting water sports, magnificent landscapes featuring lazy lagoons, fertile wetlands, ecologically-wondrous types of forest, imposing mountains, bounteous rivers and waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife – much of it endemic unique ecosystems, inspiring heritage sites from ancient cities to colonial forts, a vibrant culture including fine arts and crafts and grand festivals, and people of diverse ethnicity and religious persuasion, charming and hospitable.

This small island offers travellers a plethora of delights – historical, cultural and natural, all without travelling too far. Immerse yourself in Colombo’s street market ,visit the Dutch colonial fort at Galle, walking the narrow cobbled streets lined with boutiques, museums and cafes. A scenic drive  through what is arguably the island’s most attractive region, the tea growing area. Spend time visiting a local turtle sanctuary or village market. The cuisine is delicious and unique, a must for lovers of fresh seafood


Image by Yves Alarie

Highlights

Visit to Yalla National Park and surrounding Pilgrimage sites
Red Mosque and Pettah Market
Tea Factory and Gem Museum
Turtle Farm and Elephant Orphanage
Madu River Boat Ride
Cultural Dance Show
Complimentary Head and Shoulder Massage at Spice Market

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Itinerary

Upon arrival you will be greeted by our Travel Lanka Connection representative.
Transferred to the hotel in Colombo and check in the Hotel.  
 
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel – Colombo.

Highlights

After breakfast at the Hotel proceed to Dambulla, enroute visit the Pinnawala Elephant
Orphanage and check in the Hotel. By evening go visit the Dambulla cave Temple and
transfer back to the Hotel. 
 
Elephant Orphanage  
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground
for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13 km northeast of Kegalle town in
Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive
elephants in the world.  
 
  Dambulla Cave Temple  
Located in the north central province this UNESCO World Heritage Site which
dates back to the 01st century BC, is an amazing complex of 05 caves, first
used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned
magnificent carved images within the living rock, Later kings made further
improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which
the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. Cave inscriptions from the

2nd Century BC are found and on the walls are many paintings most of which
belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century).

Highlights

DAY 3 – Dambula

After breakfast at the Hotel proceed to visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress ( Lion Rock ) and experience the Village Trek and Transfer back to the Hotel.


Sigiriya This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle

Village Trek
Trek through this archetypal Sri Lankan village. The trek begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa (man-made reservoir). The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek. Sight the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect Chena cultivation (slash and burn agriculture) Enjoy the farmer's humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot.


Dinner & Overnight Dambulla.

Highlights

After breakfast at the Hotel proceed to Kandy.


Kandy, is famous for the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, its vibrant culture, the scenic Gregory Lake and the stunning Spice Gardens 

The incredible Esala Perahera festival, makes it a UNESCO World Heritage city rich in history, spirituality, and natural beauty. 


Spice Garden 

The Island had been famous for its spices since the medieval times and is considered as one of the main reasons for the Europeans to conquer the Island and for the Arabs to trade upon from the 14th century onwards. A qualified guide will do a conducted tour of the garden and a presentation of its products.




Temple of Tooth Relic

A lovely exotic city, the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which retains an aura of grandeur, time has not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the renowned temple that enshrines the Tooth Relic of the Buddha 

To Buddhists of Sri Lanka and the world, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa



Evening- visit the Market Square and Arts & Crafts Centre, followed by a 

               Cultural Show featuring various dance types of Sri Lanka.



Dinner and Overnight Kandy.

Highlights

Nuwara Eliya, also known as Sri Lanka’s “Little England”, is the prime hill resort of the country. Its nickname comes from the many English style bungalows and buildings still in existence. During the colonial times, it was a popular mountain resort and has retained its popularity.


After breakfast drive to Nuwara Eliya. En route visit the Royal Botanic garden and the Tea Factory and get the tea experience before check in the Hotel.


 By evening go walk down the Gregory Lake and transfer back to the Hotel.


Royal Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya are about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in t    he Central Province of Sri Lanka. It attracts 2 million visitors annually. It is near the Mahaweli River. It is renowned for its collection of orchids


Tea Factory

Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest exporters of tea with a roaring tea industry that dominates the island's central highlands. Introduced to the country by British tea planter James Taylor in 1867, tea irreversibly changed the topography, and even the demography of the country.


Gregory Lake
Named after Sir William Gregory in 1873, this is a prominent attraction used for water sports and recreational activities. Lake Park, Boat Rides are available. Can be reached by sea plane which takes only 30 minutes from Colombo. At the southern end of the town is Gregory Lake where the holiday makers can enjoy a leisurely walk on the paved walk ways, with swan shaped paddle boats for the more adventurous. 


Dinner and Overnight Nuwara Eliya.

Highlights

Post breakfast, visit the Batik Factory - where you can see the manufacture of beautiful Batik prints. These shops contain a wide variety of Batik items.


Ramboda Waterfalls - Ramboda Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, standing at over one hundred meters tall, and is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque. 


 

           Optional - Adams Peak  Visit


Believed to be the place where Adam first stepped foot on earth when He was cast down from heaven. This Mountain is revered by so many Religions, making it a unique experience which is believed to be sacred. Adam's Peak is a pilgrimage for every religion, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and Hindus. Each religion believes it to be their deity and it is wonderful that they can come together in harmony during the pilgrimage season of December - May 


  • Adam’s peak is therefore considered the footprint of Buddha in Buddhism.

  • Hindus believe that Adam’s Peak is the giant footstep of Lord Shiva.

  • It is considered the original Garden of Eden

  • And Muslims believe it to be the footprint of Adam.


Early morning or late night on previous day with the breakfast packets you will proceed to Adams Peak with the 80 km from your hotel with the approximate 02 Hrs 45 minutes you will reach to the bottom of Adams Peak, it is a tracking process you need to equipped with tracking shoe/jacket/Fully covered bottom / hat and if necessary the Winter Glues,


If you start climbing early morning you will not feel tired by the time you reach to the top of Adams Peak, where you can see the sun rise. Climb down the peak and returned to the hotel


            Dinner and Overnight Nuwara Eliya

Highlights

After having a delightful breakfast, we drive to Yala National Park


Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. It’s home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. Inland, Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery. Nearby caves contain centuries-old rock paintings. Southwest, Magul Maha Viharaya also has ancient Buddhist ruins. Both are pilgrimage sites.


  Evening Enjoy a half-day safari at Yala National Park. 

               Transfer back to the Hotel.


Dinner and Overnight Yala

Highlights

Post breakfast at the hotel we proceed to Galle, enroute visit the Galle Fort &  Coconut Tree Hills  prior to checking in to our Hotel


Sri Lanka’s most historically interesting town is Galle. It was a major port until about 100 years. Walk around the lighthouse and harbor or visit the old town where you can see the traditional lace makers and wood carvers and purchase some the finest souvenirs. The Dutch Fort - The South Coast’s major city is Galle, whose oldest landmark is the massive Portuguese and Dutch Fort, which is a “World Heritage Site” in which the central city is contained. 



Coconut Tree Hills offer epic ocean views in southern Sri Lanka. Coconut Tree Hill is one of the best places to visit on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Known for its epic ocean views, tall palm trees, and its unique, deep orange colour, this should be at the top of your list



Galle Fort

Galle Fort in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 432 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. 



                  Dinner and overnight Galle.

Highlights

After Breakfast at the hotel we go experience a visit to the Turtle Hatchery & Boat Safari in Madu River and transfer back to the Hotel. 



Turtle Hatchery

The Turtle Hatchery Project at Bentota Beach is another important attraction. Up to five endangered species of turtles have been frequenting a stretch on this undisturbed beach for a long time now. The turtles are allowed to hatch and thrive in a protected area before being set free.



Madu Ganga Boat Ride

This two-hour tour takes you on a boat safari through the primitive depths of the mangrove marshes in Madu River. Traverse the dark and dangerous caverns formed by the thick mangrove forests; interspersed with bright open stretches of water. Get a chance to see crocodiles, water snakes, tree snakes and wild boars in their natural habitat. Watch the cormorants; storks and much other avian life hunts for their prey in swift flow of Madu River.


Dinner and Overnight  Galle.

Highlights

After Breakfast at the hotel proceed to Negombo.

                       Enroute enjoy Colombo City Tour 


Negombo is a vibrant coastal city in Sri Lanka, known for its beaches, Dutch Canals, bustling fish market, and proximity to the international airport, making it a popular entry/exit point. It blends colonial history (Portuguese, Dutch, British influences) with a lively fishing culture, featuring sites like Dutch Fort remains ("Little Rome"), and the Negombo lagoon with its colourful fishing boats (or oruwa). 



         Check in to your Hotel in Negombo for Dinner and Overnight



After Breakfast at the hotel proceed to Colombo, morning visit Colombo City- a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison.


Red Mosque -Marvel at a century-old mosque characterised by its red and white architecture. National Museum - Revisit the history of our island in a restored colonial mansion in the city. Stop at Old Parliament Building and take in the neo-Baroque architecture on display. Constructed under British colonialism and opened in 1930 and visit Independence Memorial Arcade & Independence Square. St Lucia's Cathedral- named after the saint martyr, Santa Lucia, is the oldest Parish church in Colombo

Highlights

Post breakfast, check out & drive to the airport for onward destination

Visit Pettah Market -Wander through the streets of one of Colombo’s busiest places, the Pettah market, a mix of market vendors selling anything from fresh vegetables, meats and seafood to jewelry, clothing and electronic goods. The numerous streets are dedicated to different trades, with one of the most notable being sea street at the end of the open market, specialized in the trading of gold and jewels and mostly administered by migrant Tamil people. 

Highlight - Visit to the Red Mosque 

In the hustle and bustle of Pettah, Colombo’s core commercial district, is situated a most striking building, a spiritual haven called Jamiul Alfar Masjid. This mosque is remarkable because the architecture is Indo-Saracenic, incorporating pomegranate-shaped domes. But the most extraordinary feature is that each brick is painted red or white and used in contrasting designs, which gave rise to its common name, the Red Mosque.

After shopping enjoy a late Lunch at a local restaurant , transfer to the airport in time for your flight home 

Highlights
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Hotels Envisaged or Similar

Colombo: Cinnamon Grand - Premium (Leisure)
Dambulla: Cinnamon Lodge - Superior (Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage / Dambulla Cave)
Dambulla: Cinnamon Lodge - Superior (Sigiriya Lion Rock / Village Trek)
Kandy: Kandy Myst by Cinnamon - Superior (Spice Garden / Tooth Relic)
Nuwara Eliya: Araliya Green Hills - Deluxe (Royal Botanical Garden / Tea Factory / Gregory Lake Walk)
Nuwara Eliya: Araliya Green Hills - Deluxe (Nuwara Eliya City tour)
Yala: Jetwing Yala - Superior (Nine Arch / Yala National Safari Half Day Evening Safari)
Galle: Radisson Blu - Deluxe (Coconut tree Hills / Gale Fort)
Galle: Radisson Blu - Deluxe (Turtle Hatchery / Madu River Safari)
Negombo: Jetwing Beach - Deluxe (Colombo City tour)

Inclusions

Welcome and Assistance at Airports
Well appointed Hotels and Transfers
Transportation in an Air-Conditioned Deluxe Vehicle
Services of Professional English Speaking Guide
Entrance fees as specified in the Itinerary
All breakfasts and Lunch OR Dinner Daily