ITINERARY

Day 01 : (Arrival) Airport – Negombo (Approx. 20 minutes Drive)

• Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport
• Meet and Greet by our Representative and transfer to Hotel in Negombo
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Afternoon City Tour of Negombo
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Negombo has been mostly unexplored but less crowded as most tourists use the town for the first or the last night of their stay in Sri Lanka. That is where the advantage where you have the beach mostly to yourself. Nevertheless those who have identified its secrets have been visiting the town year after year. Fine beach stretches are superbly maintained by the hotels while some are always busy with fisherman and their equipment. Equipment for water sports such as diving, wind surfing are available at most hotels and private vendors.

The Negombo Fish Market (Fishing Village) also known as the Lellama by the locals is located across the lagoon bridge, near the Old Dutch Gate. The large open air fish market is the second largest in the country.The Negombo fish market is a microcosm of the local fishery industry. It gives you an unpretentious insight into the local fisher community. The market is loud, vibrant and smells like fish!You will be able to witness the fishermen in hundreds of boats bringing in their days catch. See how the wholesalers and restaurateurs trade and watch the packing & loading of fish for distribution across the country as well as for export – worldwide. The retail area is a bustling hive of activity – with customers negotiating prices with mom and pop fish vendors.The best time to visit the Lellama is at dawn, around 6:00 am to really understand the volume and scope of the operation. You will see a multitude of boats full of fresh fish coming in and lowering their sails. The smaller fishing boats usually come first, followed by the larger vessels. You can see their nets being pulled ashore and the catch shaken out of nets to be cleaned, scaled, gutted, salted and dried in the sun. You’ll see the loading of fish on small-time fish vendors’ bikes, who in turn sell their fish to consumers.

Overnight stay at 'Jetwing Blue' Hotel – Deluxe Rooms

Day 02 : Negombo - Habarana 

• After breakfast, Transfer to the Hotel in Habarana
• En-route visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
• Checking in to the hotel
• Late afternoon Elephant back ride at Habarana – Optional

          OR

• Late afternoon – visit Sacred City of Polonnaruwa – Optional
• Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel

The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but is soon became a conservation and educational centre. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawela was born. The success story of Pinnawela has drawn the attention of scientists from all over the world. A considerable number of books and research articles on Pinnawela have been published in several languages. The members of the Pinnawela herd have been filmed, videoed and photographed thousands of times by professionals.

Poḷonnaruwa is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Kaduruwela area is the Polonnaruwa New Town and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more under a local leader.The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site.

History, While Vijayabahu's victory and shifting of kingdoms to the more strategic Polonnaruwa is considered significant, the real "Hero of Polonnaruwa" of the history books is actually Parakramabahu I. It was his reign that is considered the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. Trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the king, who was so adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted and each was to be used toward the development of the land. Hence, irrigation systems that are far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed during Parakramabahu's reign - systems which to this day supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the scorching dry season in the east of the country. The greatest of these systems is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama. It is of such a width that it is impossible to stand upon one shore and view the other side. It also encircles the main city like a ribbon, being both a moat against intruders and the lifeline of the people in times of peace. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu's reign.With the exception of his immediate successor, Nissankamalla I, all other monarchs of Polonnaruwa were slightly weak-willed and rather prone to picking fights within their own court.[citation needed] They also went on to form more intimate matrimonial alliances with stronger South Indian kingdoms until these matrimonial links superseded the local royal lineage. This prompted an invasion by the Aryacakravarti dynastyKing Kalinga Magha in 1214, who founded the Jaffna kingdom (1215-1624 CE). Local power passed into the hands of a Pandyan dynastyking following the Jaffna kingdom invasion of Lanka in 1284, who moved their capital to Dambadeniya. Polonnaruwa was also calledJananathamangalam during this brief period under the Pandya.

Overnight stay at 'Cinnamon Lodge Habarana' – Superior Rooms

Day 03 : Siriya Rock Fortress & Minneriya National Park

• After early breakfast, visit and climb Sigiriya Rock Rortress
• Afternoon Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park
• Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel

Sigiriya - The story of Sigiriya is one of vision, grandeur, beauty and tragedy unparalleled in Sri Lankan history. Built 1,600 years ago, by a brilliant but tormented king, it burst briefly into pre-eminence with breathtaking architecture and art and then quickly faded away into oblivion and was soon forgotten. Few historic sites in the world have such an interesting tale to tell as that of Sigiriya.It is the tale of King Kasyapa who ruled between 477 and 495AD. A troubled but visionary king; Kasyapa murdered his father by plastering him up in a wall. Rejected by his people for his crime and tormented by guilt and fear he abandoned his magnificent capital of Anuradhapura and fled deep in the forests of central Sri Lanka. There in an area dominated by a menacing black column of rock 600 feet high he built himself a new capital resplendent with lush gardens, palaces and pavilions.He transformed the sinister-looking black rock to appear like a huge dazzling white cloud and painted it with beautiful frescoes of semi-naked nymphs. He build a massive gatehouse in the form of a lion to guard the entrance to the inmost sanctum of his city; the Sky Palace on top of the rock.Hidden from view and surrounded by his courtiers and harem, Kasyapa lived in splendid isolation. He was, however, deeply troubled by his responsibility on the death of his father and lived in guilt and fear. He carried out many good works and observed his religious duties diligently hoping, no doubt, to find some salvation for his troubled conscience.Finally, betrayed, by those he trusted, he committed suicide.

Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938.[1] The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by KingMahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale,Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. The park earned revenue of Rs. 10.7 millions in the six months ending in August 2009.[2] Along with Kaudulla and Girithale, Minneriya forms one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Sri Lanka.[3] The park is situated 182 kilometres (113 mi) from Colombo.

Overnight stay at 'Cinnamon Lodge Habarana' – Superior Rooms

Day 04 : Habarana - Kandy (Approx. 3 hour Drive)

• After Breakfast, proceed to Kandy
• En-route visit Golden Rock Cave Temple in Dambulla
• Also En-route visit Matale Spice Garden
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Evening at Leisure
• Dinner and overnight stay at hotel

Dambulla Cave Temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include two statues ofHindu gods, the god Vishnu and the god Ganesh. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres. Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon. Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.

Spice Garden Matale During Past history Sri Lanka known as Taprobane, was world renowned for its Quality Spices. During ancient times the Greeks, Romans and the Arabic maintained their links with Sri Lanka through the spice trade. In the 16th century Ceylon, as it was then known, was discovered by Portuguese who soon began trading in cinnamon and other spices. The Dutch and British followed bringing with them their own history and influences, forming a strong Western presence which created a history of food expressed with spices which can be tasted in the dishes today.

Spices are an essential element of the cuisine of Sri Lanka and the Ayurvedic tradition and a visit to a garden specializes in the cultivation of these substances and an excellent way for purposes of new uses of certain ingredients that perhaps though they knew well. Find cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom and black pepper, to name a few. Europeans can buy the products in their natural state or in the form of oils and potions that are used by Ayurvedic medicine, during the Dutch, very famous spices of Sri Lanka and we export to different countries. That has earned the country the name of "Island of the spices”.

Kandy Last Ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy - the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings - crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. A stroll across this small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills. will feature the Kandy City Centre - bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Drive towards Victoria Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world for a sweep blended with class and style. Or walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tube your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay at 'Cinnamon Citadel' Hotel – Superior Rooms

Day 05 : Full Day Visit in Kandy

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Morning City tour of Kandy
• Thereafter visit Royal Botanical Garden Peradeniya
• Afternoon visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha
• Evening witness to Kandy cultural performance
• Dinner and overnight stay at hotel

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, the finest of its kind in Asia, the largest of the botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, couldn't be better located. In the Mediterranean climate of Kandy, the gateway to the Central Highlands, the Gardens, at an elevation of 500 meters above sea-level, were tightly bounded on three sides by a loop of River Mahaweli (Great sandy river), the largest river of Sri Lanka.

Temple of the Tooth, the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dālada) of the Buddha is the most venerated object of worship for Buddhists. Its present house, the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dālada Māligāwa) in Kandy, Sri Lanka is considered the foremost sacred place of worship in the Buddhist world.

Kandy Cultural Show is one of the most famous event / sightseeing available for the foreigners in their visit to Sri Lanka. This spontaneous event upheld the Sri Lankan Folk-lore dance which prevailed from the history. It shows the uniqueness of the Sri Lankan dance performances and the drummers who are very unique to Sri Lanka. As the final event in the Cultural show, walking on fire is done with the everlasting faith towards the god.

Overnight stay at 'Cinnamon Citadel' Kandy – Superior Rooms

Day 06 : Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 2 hour Drive)

• After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Afternoon visit Beautiful Tea Planation in Nuwara Eliya
• Visit Nuwara Eliya Tea Factory
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Nuwara Eliya called as ‘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 coolest places in the Island, but it is really just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. The 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 you get 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

Overnight stay at 'Heritance Tea Factory' Hotel – Superior Room

Day 07 : Nuwara Eliya - Yala (Approx. 4 hour Drive)

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Morning Visit Horton Plain National park
• Later transfer to Hotel in Yala
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Evening leisure at the Hotel

Horton Plains is located in Sri Lanka's highest plateau more than 7,000 feet above sea level. The plains are more often than not, visible only before 10.00am due to heavy mist which engulfs the area. The unique feature of the Horton Plains is the "World's End". This is a sheer 1,000 ft vertical escarpment which visitors throng to see. These Plains were once the hunting ground for Mr. Farr a former British Governor and now it is home to rare species of fauna and flora.

Overnight stay at 'Cinnamon Wild' Hotel – Jungle Chalet

Day 08 : Yala National Park - Galle (Approx. 3 hour Drive)

• After breakfast, Morning Jeep Safari at Yala National Park, half a day safari
• Afternoon proceed to Galle
• Checking in to the Hotel
• Overnight stay at Hotel

Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public and also adjoining parks. The blocks have individual names such as, Ruhuna National Park (block 1) and Kumana National Park or 'Yala East' for the adjoining area. It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi) and is located about 300 kilometres (190 mi) from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938.
Spread over a 100,000 hectares Yala National Park consists of leopards, elephants, Sloth bears, crocodiles, monitor lizards, deer, elk, wild boar, monkeys, and many other smaller creatures like porcupine, mongoose and more. There is a plethora of birds and reptiles too making this a most visited eco tourist destination.

Yala National Park is a protected wild life sanctuary located in the Southern Province’s Hambantota District. It is situated 24 kilometres North of Tissamaharama in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Yala Park is known as Yala Ruhuna/west Park and Yala East Park. The Ruhuna/West Park consists of 125 species of birds, some migratory and 32 species of mammals with a large density of Leopards, as high as 35, though they are sometimes difficult to spot due to their nocturnal lifestyle, while the Kumana/East Yala Park consists of many water birds that roost and breed here. Yala Park consists of 5 blocks, with block 1 being the most visited section located along the sea coast, with coastal lagoons, mangroves and thorny scrub jungle and secondary vegetation scattered inland. Some sections of the park are closed to the public, and reserved as a strict natural habitat, which could be the cause of leopards being seldom seen. However, Yala Park is a hotspot for catching a glimpse of leopards in their natural setting, sleeping on a tree bough or if lucky, a leopard might even cross your path, too intense to notice visitors as its concentration is on its prey!
The North-East monsoons provide rain from November to January and occasional showers in March, April and September. The dry season spreads from June till mid-October with February being the driest month; sending temperatures soaring up to 370C. The ‘Menik’ Ganga/river and 4 rivulets as well as water holes and tanks which are replenished by rangers at the park with the aid of water bowsers, see to the survival of the animals through the drought season.

Overnight stay at 'Jetwing Light House' Hotel – Deluxe Rooms

Day 09 : Half a day Excursion in Galle  

• Breakfast at the Hotel
• Visit Galle, including a City tour of Galle
• Evening leisure by the Beach
• Overnight say at hotel

Galle is a town situated on the south western tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. The major river is Gin River Gin Ganga which starts from Gongala Kanda and passing villages such as Neluwa, Nagoda, Baddegama, Thelikada, Wakwella and kisses the sea at Ginthota. In Wakwella over the river there is Wakwella Bridge which is the longest bridge in Sri Lanka.

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 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and manyDutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world.The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the "Ramparts of Galle", withstood the Boxing Day tsunami which damaged part of coastal area Galle town. It has been since restored.

Overnight stay at 'Jetwing Light House' Hotel – Deluxe Rooms

 Day 10 : (Departure) Galle – Bandaranaike International Airport (Approx. 02 hour Drive)

• After breakfast, Transfer to Airport for the Departure Flight

End of the Tour

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation on sharing double BB basis for 02 nights 03 Days (Complementary upgrade to half board at Cinnamon Citadel Kandy)
• Transportation by Air-Conditioned car throughout the tour with an English Speaking driver cum guide during the whole tour
• Mineral Water 02 bottles per person per day (500 ml each)
• Includes all the Government Local Taxes (current prevailing)

EXCLUSIONS

• All entrance fees as per the program – Pay Directly at the sites
• Expenses of personal nature (Telephone calls, Laundry etc.)
• Tips and gratuities
• Any items specifically not mentioned in the itinerary
• Video and Camera permits
• Beverages throughout the tour
• All extra mileages, extra entrance fees out of the program

IMPORTANT

• Rooms will be on availability & in case if the said hotels are fully booked due to any reason, similar hotels will be provided in the same vicinity or nearest location
• We will upgrade to you to half board with complimentary basis at Cinnamon Citadel Kandy
• Standard check-in time and check-out time at the hotels 1400 hrs – 1200 hrs
• For Credit Card payments an additional of 3.5% surcharge will be added on top of the Total invoice amount