Day 01
AIRPORT – NEGOMBO
On arrival the client will be met by the Glorious Travels representatives and will be decorated with garlands of “Temple tree flowers”. Thereafter they will be introduced to the local tour guide who will be accompanying them around the Island. Afterwards transfer to Negombo
Negombo
is a fishing village that captures the imagination - something at once rakish and romantic, with the sparkling tropical sea, the quaint catamarans that venture out to bring the catch in. Negombo has the added ornament of picturesque lagoon, a Dutch built canal Hamilton, running North and South.A small Dutch Fort dated 1678 with a beautiful Dutch Church of the same date and the beautiful Angunukaramulla Buddhist Temple, close by are some other attractions. Seafood is particularly fine here - the superb lobster mayonnaise, the curried prawns are possibly the best in the World. Catamaran trips in the sea and boat trips in the lagoon are organized by hoteliers. Diving facilities are also availableEvening leisure at the hotel
- Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Negombo
Day 02
NEGOMBO – PINNAWALA – POLONNARUWA - HABARANA
After having breakfast leave for Polonnaruwa en route visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Pinnawala Elephant
Orphanage started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded, the orphanage has grown to be a big family today. The number of elephants has increased to more than 40 now, including baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as the babies born, as a result of the captive breeding programe. A unique experience never to be missed (Approx. 2 hrs to visit) Afterwards transfer to Polonnaruwa & commence sightseeing in Polonnaruwa by cycles (Every client will get one local (village cycles) do the sight-seeing in Cycles)
Polonnaruwa
was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th - 13th C.A.D Great revival was achieved in the country, politically, economically and socially during the period of Kings Vijayabahu 1, Parakramabahu 1 and Nissankamalla of the Polonnaruwa period.The monuments are better preserved than at Anuradhapura. Parakrama Statue, Royal Palaces, Audience Halls, Vata-da-ge, Thuparama, Rankoth Vehera, Kiri-Vehera, Gal-Vihara, Lankathilaka and Tivanka Image House are some of the interesting monuments here.(Approx. 2 ½ hrs to visit) There after return to hotel in Sigiriya
- Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Sigiriya
Day 03
HABARANA – ANURADHAPURA – HABARANA
After having breakfast leave for Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura
is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. From the 4th century BC, it was the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²). Anuradhapura is also significant in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana.
- Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Habarana
Day 04
HABARANA - SIGIRIYA – DAMBULLA - KANDY
After breakfast leave for Sigiriya
Sigiriya
is home to the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhapsthe most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rockbecause of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress.
Within its triple-moated defence the huge rock rises almost to a sheer height of 500ft. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of thestairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour(Approx.2 hrs to visit)
Dambulla
is famous for the five cave Temples on a rock. The first 03 caves are better, older and larger than the other two. Some caves dates to 1st C.B.C. All the 5 cave walls and ceilings are covered with Buddhist murals and there are more than 130 Buddha statues, statues of Gods and Kings are also found here. (Approx. 1 ½ hrs time to visit) After leave for Kandy, en route visit a Spice Garden at Matale you will see many spice gardens at Matale where Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pepper Creepers and all other spice trees, plants and creepers are planted for visitors to see them. Spice products are also available for those who would like to buy them. At all Spice Gardens visitors are taken round explaining each tree and plant and at the end explaining the use of them in food preparations.
Batik Factory
where you can see the manufacture of beautiful Batik prints. These shops contain a wide variety of Batik items.
- Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Kandy
Day 05
KANDY - PERADENIYA - KANDY
After breakfast leave for Peradeniya
Royal Botanical Gardens
Peradeniya 147 acres in extent; Started in 1374 asa pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world are 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 the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world is one such avenue (Approx. 2 hrs. to visit)
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession. Evening, do Kandy City Tour and witness a cultural show featuring various dance types of Sri Lanka
- Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Kandy
Day 06
KANDY – KITHULGALA – NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast leave for white water rafting at Kithulgala.
Rafting
in Sri Lanka one of emerging sport among the Sri Lanka Holiday Travellers and sometimes your experience will not limited to “thrilling” it is holistic experience about leadership, challenging and strategic thinking. Kithulagala is a paradise for Sri Lanka adventure travelers. Rafting activity can be experience anyone above the age of 8 years and for this activity safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive safety briefing will be given by our white water rafting instructors beforehand. The distance covered is around 5 KMs and duration of White Water Rafting experience would be approximately 1 – 2 hrs (subject to Kalani River water speed). The river and its surrounding will make you feel enchanted, with a memorable experience during your White Water Rafting Tour in Kitulagala.
Afterwards transfer to Nuwara Eliya via en route visiting Tea Factory Evening commence city tour in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya
The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.
- Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 07
NUWARA ELIYA – HORTAIN PLAINS – NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast visit Hortain Plains.
The Horton Plains
The highest plateau at 7000ft (2134 meters) is a National Park, visited by tourists and a large number of Sri Lanka tourists.The Patnas in the lower parts, rising from the Marshes and streams extends upto the tree-line. The trees, stunted by the wind and mist, covered with ‘Spagnum moss ‘ or old man’s beard, and the jungle is full of rare and endemic plants. The red flowered Rhododendrons, or the ‘Niloos’ that blooms once in 12 years, and the Butterflies, Birds, found only in the hill areas, the ‘Bear Monkey,’ large herds of Sambhur, Leopard and other animals are found in the plains. The ‘World End’ and ‘Little World End” with sheer drops of 3000ft to the plantation below and the beautiful scenery, are not found anywhere else in the country.
- Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Day 08
NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA – YALA
After breakfast transfer to Yala en route visiting Ella
Ella
Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka. Only 8 km from Bandarawela, this small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside. A taste of the breathtaking scenery of Ella could be had, if you just walk into the Garden of the Grand Ella Hotel (Formerly Ella Rest House), where you seem to be standing at the edge of the world, and everything around you seems to disappear at your feet. Some of the places you could see in Ella are the Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam's Peak and Bambaragala Peak among the other many varied pleasant walks with stunning scenery. Thereafter transfer to Yala national park for Jeep safari.
Yala National Park
185 miles from Colombo Yala National Park is 378 sq. miles in extent. Yala was established in 1938 from, what originally was a Sportsman’s shooting reserve. This is the most famous and well developed National Park where wild animals and birds could be observed. The Wild animals include Elephants in herds of varying sizes, Leopards, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, Crocodiles,and Peacocks, Jackal, Sloth Bear and other animals. The bird-life comprises of about 130 species including the resident and migrants. Painted storks, Paradise Flycatcher, Grey Herons, Serpent Eagle, Sea Eagle, Black-Necked Stork, Spoonbills, and Pelicans add colour to the bird-life in the park. (Approx. 2 hrs. to visit)
- Dinner & overnight stay at hotelin Tissamaharama
Day 09
YALA – GALLE – HIKKADUWA
After breakfast transfer to Galle
Galle
72 miles from Colombo. This is the most ancient and important harbour of the country, until the Colombo Harbour was established. Galle is identified as the ‘ Tarshis ‘ of the Bible. This was captured by the Portuguese in 1587 A.D, Dutch in 1640 A.D, and British in 1796 A.D. Most of the existing buildings dates to Dutch Period. The Bastians are still using Dutch names such as Zwart, Akesloot, Aeloes etc. Famous for lace making, Ebony carving, Gem cutting & polishing, out on shooting chanced on Nuwara Eliya plains, and Sir Edward Barnes investigated on it.
Thereafter optional visit (depend on clients & time) Optional - Thereafter visit Mask Factory in Ambalangoda(USD 05 per person) Afternoon leave to beach hotel en route visit Turtle Hatcher in Kosgoda (USD 05 per person)
Turtle Hatchery
Where you can see five species of turtles-Green Turtles(Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta), Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). The eggs collected by the Villagers and Fishermen are purchased by the Kosgoda Hatchery and kept in sandy pens until they are hatched. The newly hatched ones are kept in seawater tanks and released to the sea in the night. This Hatchery alone has released more than 1,750,000 young turtles to the sea. An endowment by the Hasselblad Estate was responsible for the establishment of this hatchery.
Dinner & overnight stay at hotel at hotel in Hikkaduwa
Day 10
HIKKADUWA - BALAPITIYA - COLOMBO
After breakfast proceed to Balapitiya
Madu River Safari
Between Ambalangoda and Induruwa the Madu Ganga snakes inland, connecting a complex network of lagoons and mangrove waterways. This habitat makes a fascinating birding experience, and as a result of the iodiversity that is dependent on its ecology, it has been declared a ‘Ramsar’ site. The boat tour by Maduwa River Boats from Balapitiya, a few kilometers north of Ambalangoda would be a different and immersive way appreciate the flora and fauna of the charm of the Madu Ganga. There are crocodiles – you might be lucky enough to hold a captive, baby crocodile (although we caution our guests against the commercial exploitation of wild animals).
Madu Ganga Fish Massage
Most of us, who had a bath from a natural water resources like river or lakes, may have experience occasional fish bits. But have you ever thought of having an experience from natural fish spa therapy? This boat tour provides you natural foot massage from hundreds of fish.. This ride gives you several memorable experiences and this natural fish therapy is one of them. The setup contains several pond, they can support visitors from several boats also. There are different types of doctor fish available there to choose from. The experience is really worth to have. Visitors, who are going for Maduganga boat ride, should never miss this opportunity of getting tingling massage from fish.
- Dinner & overnight stay at hotel in Colombo
Day 11
COLOMBO - AIRPORT
After breakfast proceed to Colombo and city tour & shopping in Colombo
Colombo
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, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and Independence Square.
Shopping visit Mlesna exquisite tea boutique, cashew nut shop, ready made garments and all sorts at Majestic City. Visit the Lanka Ceramics Centre, a place where you can buy “NORITAKE SET” or other ceramic items, visit the ‘ODEL SHOP’ at Lipton Place. Visit ’BAREFOOT’, ’HOUSE OF FASHION’ and 'BEVERLY STREET' – 24 hours shopping arcade (garments only) at Kollupitya.
Thereafter transfer to Airport to connect the departure flight.
COMMENTS