Roam in “ Little Rome” - Explore Negombo

Schedule

• Arrival and transfer to Negombo
• Check in to the hotel (hotel check in time 2.00p.m.)
• If you have a morning arrival, there will be plenty to do and explore
• Overnight stay at Goldi Sand Hotel in Negombo

NEGOMBO - This expanding town is a historically interesting place strongly influenced by the Catholic Church and is often referred to as “Little Rome’. The town has several buildings dating back to the Dutch and Portuguese Colonial days. The lagoon at Negombo is famous for its harvest of lobsters, crabs and prawns. Fish auctions regularly take place on the beach and are worth a look, as are the many canals which meander through the area.

Experience the Wilderness of Wilpattu National Park

Schedule

• Visit Authentic Fish Market in Negombo and interact with local fishermen
• Leave for Wilpattu National Park after breakfast.
• Check in to the Mahoora Tented Safari Campsite in Wilpattu for lunch
• Evening Jeep Safari in Wilpattu National Park in a Private Jeep with a Naturalist
• Enjoy the BBQ dinner at the campsite
• Overnight stay at Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Wilpattu

WILPATTU - The Wilpattu National Park is the largest and oldest National Park in Sri Lanka. It was widely regarded as the place to spot the Sri Lankan Leopard in its natural habitat. It is also home to endangered animals such as the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and the Sri Lankan Elephant. Many species of Owl, Tern, Gull, Eagle, Kite and Buzzard along with the Painted Stork, Sri Lankan Junglefowl and the Little Cormorant can be sighted at the Wilpattu National Park. Wetland birdlife includes: the Garganey, Pintail, Whistling Teal, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Large White Egret, Cattle Egret and Purple Heron. Due to fewer number of visitors, the wildlife within the confines of the Wilpattu National Park has hardly experienced contact with humans. The animals are therefore often shy unlike those in Yala, making the need for an experienced guide even greater, one which Big Game Camp can provide. 4WD safari jeeps are the best way to explore the varied terrain of this Park.

Witness the remains of the First Kingdom of Sri Lanka; Anuradhapura

Schedule

• Go for an early morning Jeep Safari in Wilpattu National Park.
• Return to the campsite and leave for Habarana via Anuradhapura
• Visit Anuradhapura historical site
• Continue to Habarana and check in at your hotel
• Dinner and overnight stay at Habarana Lodge by Cinnamon

Founded in 377 BC, ANURADHAPURA is renowned as one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Today, with a large number of ancient monuments and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is one of the best places to discover the great Sinhala civilization that flourished in this region. This truly archeological city was the first established kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka, and several kings left a legacy of architectural and engineering marvels.

In Anuradhapura, you can see some of the most famous as well as the tallest Dagoba in Sri Lanka known as “Ruwanweli Maha Seya”. The remains of historical palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths and the temple of the holy Bo-tree (Sri Maha Bodhi) in also in this historically significant city. The Sri Maha Bodhi Bo tree has grown from a branch of the tree under which "The Buddha" attained enlightenment while he was meditating, more than 2500 year ago.

“Human Family Meets Monkey Family” - Monkey Excursion in the Medieval Capital; Polonnaruwa

Schedule

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Leave for Polonnaruwa after breakfast.
• Visit Polonnaruwa historical site followed by a Sri Lankan lunch at a local restaurant.
• Monkey Excursion at the “Monkey Kingdom” in Polonnaruwa with a Research Expert.
• Back to Habarana for dinner and overnight stay.

Nearly 1000 years old, Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka 's ancient capital cities (and part of the famous 'Cultural Triangle'). Although King Vijayabahu was the first to claim the city as his capital, it was King Parakramabahu who made it what it is today. With its massive buildings, ornate parks and the 'pièce de resistance' - a 2500 hectare tank called 'Parakrama Samudra' ('Sea of Parakrama'). The city itself is divided into new and old town with the impressively preserved ruins split into five main areas including 'The Quadrangle' ('Terrace of the Tooth Relic'), the Northern City group and the Rest House group (with the royal palace ruins of 'Nissanka Malla'). Due to its reasonably compact layout, the ruins can be easily explored on foot, and with the surrounding area's flat well maintained roads, you can leave the vehicle behind and get around on your mobility vehicle.

Golden Temple to Kandyan Kingdom through the Land of Spices

Schedule

• Leave for Kandy after breakfast.
• Stop at Dambulla Cave Temple and visit Golden Temple (lower temple)
• Continue to Kandy and check in at Thilanka Hotel.
• Relax and enjoy the evening in leisure.
• Dinner and overnight stay at Thilanka Hotel in Kandy

Dambulla is known for its Cave Temple, the impressive mural paintings and 157 statues, including a 47 foot long statue of the recumbent Buddha. Recognised as a sacred pilgrimage site, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cave monastery is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The history of the 5 caves, containing over 150 images of Buddha, goes back to the 1st century BC when King Valagambahu took refuge here. This place is worth visiting not only for the cave temple, but also for the beautiful view over the countryside from the caves situated at around 150 metres above the road.

Explore Kandy: the Last Sinhala Kingdom

Schedule

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
• Later visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden in an Electric Cart
• Relax and enjoy the evening in leisure.
• Visit a Cultural Centre to witness Cultural Performances in the evening.
• Dinner and overnight stay at Thilanka Hotel in Kandy

KANDY, the capital of the Central Province is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strategically nestled amidst three mountain ranges and known as the gateway to the hill country, Kandy was initially built in this location as a natural fortress against attack as it was not an easy target for the foreign invaders. Nowadays, the city of Kandy is well known as one of Sri Lanka’s best attractions among both local and international visitors.

PERADENIYA BOTANICAL GARDEN - situated in Peradeniya 6 kms from the centre of Kandy, was once reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty. Today the stunning, 60-hectare gardens with its fine collection of orchids and spice gardens are open to the public. Among the greatest highlights are a stately avenue of royal palms, the extraordinary, aptly named cannonball fruit tree and 40m-high Burma bamboo. In the gardens, you can see also the giant Javan fig tree on the great lawn, with its colossal central trunk and umbrella-like canopy of branches.

SRI DALADA MALIGAWA – Famously known worldwide as The Temple of the Tooth, Sri Dalada Maligawa dates back to the 16th century, though most of the present buildings were built in the 19th century. Venerated as the most important object in the Buddhist world, the Sacred Relic of the Tooth of Buddha is enshrined at the Temple. It was brought from India 2500 years ago and it is said that the possessor of the Relic had the right to rule the country. The Relic is kept in a gold casket and stored amidst great security in the Inner Chamber. The Temple complex is made up of numerous buildings most of which are highly decorated with paintings and carvings depicting Buddha. Rich in history and tradition, the Sri Dalada Maligawa is a religious centre where daily worship is a colourful and joyful way of everyday life.

Tea Experience in Little England: Nuwara Eliya

Schedule

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• Leave for Nuwara Eliya after breakfast.
• Experience the making of Sri Lankan Traditional Drums
• Visit a Tea Factory & Plantations enroute.
• Check in at Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
• An Evening City Tour in Nuwara Eliya.
• Dinner and overnight stay at Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Drum Making Village Experience - Located just 15 kilometers away from Kandy, you will be transported to a hidden village community that produces the ‘beat of the traditional art’ of Sri Lanka. The community is well known for making drums and during this visit you will have the once in a lifetime opportunity to view the entire drum making process which includes bringing the ‘hide’ or skin from slaughterhouses, cutting of wood from local trees and since you can view the entire process of making a drum in person, you will also have the opportunity to partake in the creation of a drum which will certainly add some color to this experience! A visit to the village school too is a valuable addition as you will be putting a smile on the young ones faces through your visit.

CEYLON TEA - is undoubtedly the best tea in the world, and one of the main exports of Sri Lanka. When driving through the plantation you will see the colorfully dressed Tea-Pickers hard at work on the sloping hills abundantly lush with tea bushes. With incredible dexterity they fill several sacks of tea leaves each day. At the tea factory, you will see the entire process, from tea bush to teapot.

NUWARA ELIYA - Set in the heart of the Tea Country, Nuwara Eliya has a climate unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Situated 1890 meters above sea level, it offers a cooler and more invigorating climate than lower regions. Colonized by the British, and often referred to as ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya still retains the feel of the ‘old world’. Famous for horse racing, the town also boasts an impressive Golf Club which dates back to 1889 and several hotels with grandiose colonial style.

From Hill Country to the Land of Elephants: Udawalawe

Schedule

• Leave for Udawalawe after breakfast.
• Stop at Ella for panoramic views and scenery.
• Check-in at Tented Safari Campsite in Udawalawe for Lunch
• Jeep Safari in Udawalawe National Park with a naturalist in a Private Jeep
• Back to the Campsite, enjoy a hearty BBQ meal and overnight stay.

Udawalawe National Park - The Udawalawe National Park is situated covering areas in two Districts of Sri Lanka; namely Ratnapura and Monaragala. This is the largest conservation area in both districts and is home to the Walawe reservoir. Situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, the predominant vegetation type in the Park is scattered grasslands and thorny shrubs. The soil and climatic conditions are key factors for determining the major vegetation type in the Park. The period between May and September are special for Park visitors as they get the opportunity to come across herds of elephants even at midday. While the bird population in the Park is significant, their observation can be difficult due to the landscape’s tall grass. In contrast, the 20+ species of mammals and numerous reptile species can be sighted in the Park.

Craft your own pot: Pottery experience in Udawalawe

Schedule

• You are free to go for an early Morning Jeep Safari in Udawalawe National Park.
• Breakfast at the Campsite.
• Leave for Mirissa after breakfast.
• Stop at a local pottery making community enroute.
• Continue to Mirissa and check in at Mandara Resort.
• Evening at leisure on the beach.
• Dinner and overnight stay at Mandara Resort in Mirissa.

POTTERY MAKING - A potter, kumbala in Sinhalese, (kumbala is the community's caste name). They worked in open sheds set up beside their homes, sorting out their materials on large reed mats, shaping their wares on manually operated stone wheels and firing them in crude brick kilns. Sri Lankan decorative pottery is an ancient legacy, etched into clay dating back to over 1000 BC. Archaeological excavations have discovered sophisticated burial urns and figurines predating the Island’s written history. These sophisticated forms speak of the ingenuity of the Island’s early inhabitants.

MIRISSA - surrounded by rubber and coconut plantations, ancient temples, natural sanctuaries and exotic wildlife, has become famous for its long whale watching season, but it still retains the charm of an idyllic fishing village. And the stunning crescent beach is a real paradise for anyone who loves the sun and the sea.

Experience the Pristine of Sandy Beach: Beach Stay in Mirissa

Schedule

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Full day at leisure on the beach.
• Dinner and overnight stay at Mandara Resort in Mirissa.

A Walk/Ride in the Living Heritage: Galle Dutch Fort with a special host

Schedule

• Breakfast at the hotel then leave for Colombo via Galle.
• Walk/Ride into the colonial era of the South Coast in Sri Lanka with a unique, one-of-a-kind host.
• Transfer to Colombo after Galle excursion
• Dinner and overnight stay at Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo

SHANJEI PERUMAL - A former advertising executive from Colombo, quit his job because he didn’t want to be confined to the concrete jungle of Colombo. He chose Galle Fort as he was obsessed with this fascinating living legend and became a full-time tour guide to assist the beautiful people who want to explore Galle Fort, differently.

The bustling provincial capital and administrative center of the south, Galle, was Sri Lanka's first international commerce and trade center. The ancient port city is famous for Unawatuna Bay, a lovely cove protected by a reef. The GALLE DUTCH FORT overlooking the ocean is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Portuguese in 1587 and reinforced again by the Dutch. The 36-hectare fortress is surrounded on three sides by the ocean, its ramparts protecting the harbour, old houses, churches, warehouses and the Arab quarter. Even as the city of Galle modernizes, its remarkable collection of ancient structures transports visitors to another time.

A melting pot of cultures and commerce, COLOMBO is a lively city with the most fascinating history. Ancient Arab sailors frequented these ports to trade with the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists that occupied the city. Today, Colombo has something from everyone! Visit impressive cultural sights, Buddhist Temples and Hindu Kovils scattered throughout the city and experience the diversity of religion, ethnicity and customs of the people. Drive through the city's commercial centre known as the “Fort”, where grand colonial era buildings stand alongside modern hotels and office structures. Explore the vibrant markets and bazaars in Pettah. Discover the Museums and Art Centres with their fine collections of antiques, arts and crafts of Sri Lanka. Or indulge in shopping and tasting Sri Lankan delicacies.

It's time to leave Sri Lanka with many experiences to cherish.

Schedule

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Check out from the hotel before noon and transfer back to the Bandaranaike International Airport.