Sri Lanka: Trails of the Ancient Kingdom
9N / 10D Transfer Hotels Sightseeing
Meals
Experience the rich history of Sri Lanka on this journey through its cultural and natural wonders. Begin by learning about Sri Lankaâs colonial past before explore the world-famous cultural sights of Sigiriya, Kandy, and Galle. Experience the breathtaking beauty the Sri Lankan nature and wildlife with trekking, white water rafting, and a safari adventure! Next, go on a whitewater rafting and trekking adventure in the most pristine part of the country. This tour includes visits to Sri Lankaâs famous wildlife national park, two World Heritage sites, and Adams Peak, a place of spiritual significance across religions.
Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress on 660 ft high rock column! A UNESCO world heritage site.Exciting jeep safari in Minneriya National Park and Yala National Park and the view of the Asian elephants in the wild, leopard, deer, and much other wildlife.Visit the most sacred Buddhist temple in Kandy- The Temple of Tooth that enshrines the tooth relic of Buddha.Enjoy the hill country scenery, tea estates, lake, and the natural scenery in the colonial hill resort of Nuwara Eliya.Explore the ancient city of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage SiteGo whitewater rafting on the Kelani River in the Kitulgala wildernessClimb Adamâs Peak to see Buddhaâs mountainside footprintSee herds of elephants at Udawalawe National ParkVisit the city of Galle and Unawatuna BayDiscover the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
- Accommodation for total 09 nights on Bed & Breakfast basis.
- All meals a per program
- Transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per the program by air-conditioned Vehicle.
- English speaking Chauffeur guide as per program.
- All entrance fees to the monuments as mentioned in the program.
- Fishing Village walking tour in Negombo.
- Boat ride on Dutch Canal in Negombo.
- Witness Kandyan Cultural Dance in Kandy.
- Trekking to Knuckles Mountain range
- Historical and architecture walk in Galle
- Visit Udawalawe National Park & drive up Harton Plain by 4 x 4 jeep Safari.
- Company representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers.
- All presently applicable taxes including the GST charges levied recently by the Government.
- Mineral water during sightseeing and excursion
- International Airfare / Departure taxes
- Visa fees
- Any new admission fees / taxes / fuel surcharges
- Gratuities
- Meals not mentioned
- All personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, trip cancellation and personal insurance
- Early check-in/late check-out (except as noted)
- Camera/video fees at monuments
- Excess baggage fees
- Communication costs
- Any additional expenses due to unforeseen problems like natural disaster, war or strikes, cancellation or
- misconnection of flights or last-minute change of timings etc.
- Any other items not specified
Day 1
Arrive Colombo & Colombo -Negombo by surface [30 Kms. ± 1 Hr]
Arrive Colombo-the capital of Sri Lanka, aftercompleting immigration and custom formalities, Meetwith the local guide or Representative and transfer to Negombo and check in at hotel. Later visit (Subject to flight timing) Fishing village, thousands of fisherman who actively take part in fishing on a daily basis, dried & preserved using indigenous technologies. Dutch Canal Boat Ride, It is used to serve as a supply to the Dutch administration along with the Old Churches and fishing villages during the Dutch rule and. Walk to the local market .
Day 2
Negomboâ Sigiriya by surface [145 Kms. ± 04 Hrs]
Today, travel by road to Sigiriya, arrive and check in at Hotel.
In the afternoon visit the ancient city of Sigiriya,-designated a cultural World Heritage Site in 1982, is a top world attraction. It is considered as an eighth wonder of the worldâalong with the Grand Canyon and Ancient Pyramids and you will understand why once you visit here. Sigiriyaâs central fortress takes the form of a lion figure with gigantic paws. In English, it translates to 'Lion Rock', alluding to the time when travelers could climb through the open throat, âgiriya", of a lion, âsinhaâ. Today, the only remains are the lionâs gigantic paws, sculpted into the side of a 600-foot-tall rock rising above lush, green jungle.
Day 3
Sigiriya â Knuckles by surface [110 Kms. ± 03 Hrs]
Today, travel to Knuckles, upon arrival check in at Hotel.
Later hiking the Knuckles Mountain Range is a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for hikers.. Depending on your interest and trekking experience, enjoy a short village walk or a full day mountain trek. Both trail options take you to the most rugged and scenic landscapes in Sri Lankaâs spectacular highlands. This 160-square km area that spans across Kandy and Matale districts is a naturalistâs paradise. The mountain range features almost all forest types endemic to Sri Lanka. It also represents almost all of Sri Lankaâs major climatic zones, which generate diverse plant life.
Day 4
Knuckles â Kandy by surface [60 Kms. ± 02 Hrs]
Today, travel by road to Kandy, arrive and check in at Hotel. Later begin your city exploration from the Temple of Sacred Tooth that enshrines the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. The relic has been significant since ancient times not only for a religious reason but also in local politics as whoever owned the relic, also held the governing power of the country! Next, you will visit the International Buddhist Museum- the world's first International Buddhist Museum built with contributions of the world's 17 countries. These countries are Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Japan, China, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Bhutan, and Afghanistan! Nearby is Kandy Lake- an artificial lake built in the early 19th century. We will take a scenic drive around and stop to visit a local bazaar. We walk through the market to see stalls filled with fresh fruit, produce, and other merchandise; and eating Sri Lankan street food such as koththu. Evening witness a Cultural show featuring various dance types of Sri Lanka
Day 5
Kandy â Kitulgala by surface [65 Kms. ± 02 Hrs]
Today, travel to Kitulgala , Kitulgala, located in western Sri Lanka, is considered to be one of the most important holdings of the countryâs biodiversity. Recently, this has attracted outdoor enthusiasts to its beautiful setting, used in 1956 for the filming of the Academy Award-winning 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'. Trek along its nature trails and forests ideal for bird watching, or go canyoneering through rocky gorges. Kitulgalaâs wet year-round climate also makes it an ideal whitewater rafting destination. The thrilling adventure on the whitewater sections of the Kelani River is enjoyable for both beginners and professionals. Whether you are 11 or 75 years, our professionally trained guides will make sure you have a safe and fun day on the river! Prior to the two-hour river run, you will be given instructions paddling techniques and river rescue procedures. During this wilderness adventure, paddle down pristine water and exciting, class 2 to 3+ rapids. Prior to the two-hour river run, you will be given instructions paddling techniques and river rescue procedures. During this wilderness adventure, paddle down pristine water and exciting, class 2 to 3+ rapids.
Day 6
Kitulgala -Adams Peak by surface [65 Kms. ± 02 Hrs]
Today, travel to Adams Peak- The island's fourth highest peak towers at 2,240-meters over the western edge of the island's central massif. It offers spectacular views of jungle-covered hills and a remarkable site at sunrise. Legend has it that the mountain features a footprint originally made by the Buddha on his third visit to the island. Some Christians believe it may be the spot where Adam first set foot on earth after he was banished from the Garden of Eden. Others claim it to be the footprint of St. Thomas, the Apostle. Hindus believe it to be Lord Shivaâs footprint. It is such spiritually significant place that a replica of the footprint is cast in cement on the mountainâs side. Start a three to four-hour trek gets you to the summit. In high season, from December to May, it may take up to 30 minutes more to hike as many people attempt the summit. It is most popular to begin the ascent at night, but a day start is recommended from June to November due to weather conditions. The memory of a magical sunrise over the mystic peak will outlive the aches and pains you may feel from the climb! During your trek, you may see butterflies as the mountain is known as the "butterfly mountain" for the large numbers of butterflies that visit and perish each year.
Day 7
Adams Peak - Bogawantalawe - Galpothuthenna â Belihuloya by surface [90 Kms. ± 03 Hrs]
Start you trek on the trail from Bogawanthalawe to Galpothuthenna through diverse landscapes: forests, jungles, tea plantations, grasslands, desolate areas, changing vegetation types, and spectacular landscape vistas. The 28-km trail begins at a tea plantation at Bogawanthalawa and climbs up steep jungle terrain to flatter grasslands. This open landscape is similar to the famous Horton Plains, located at a higher elevation. Here, look for leopard prints and sambhur deer prints, or even the animals themselves. Next, hike through a scrub jungle to a tea estate at Non-Pareil. Walk by the tea farmerâs home, garden, and small nursery school. Cross the Belihuloya River and enjoy a lunch break in peaceful surroundings. After lunch, begin a descent through tea plantations to a sparse and rocky area before continuing through a forest of monkeys and birds. Here, the descent is rather steep, but it offers the most panoramic view of the surrounding region. Complete your trek on a trail through a dense pine tree plantation to finish at the small village of Galpothuthenna, a short drive from Belihuloya.
Day 8
Belihuloya â Udawalawe by surface [65 Kms. ± 02 Hrs]
Today, travel by road to Udawalawe National Park is an expansive area in the southern dry zone of Sri Lanka. The 31,000-hectare park is home to elephants, water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, birds, monkeys and the occasional leopard. The park is famous for its 400 resident elephants that gather in herds to feed and bathe at the waterholes. The Census of August 2011 stated that there are approximately 5,800 Asian elephants in Sri Lanka with many young and old elephants in Udawalawe. Take an open-top 4WD safari is an ideal way to see all the natural wonders in this reserve. Bird enthusiasts can look out for various types of Hornbills, Eagles, and the peculiar Red-faced Malkoha. Experienced and knowledgeable guides and naturalists will make sure you have an unforgettable wildlife experience!
Day 9
Udawalawe - Galle â Unawatuna by surface [65 Kms. ± 02 Hrs]
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. This Unesco World Heritage Site is a 36-hectare fortress built by the Portuguese in 1587 and built again by the Dutch. It is surrounded on three sides by the ocean. Even as the city of Galle modernizes, its remarkable collection of ancient structures transports visitors to another time. Aftenoon visit Old Galle a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Galle Fort itselfisstill a living monument with a bustling community within the great ramparts, massive bastions, pepper pot towers, while narrow streets display its Dutch heritage with beckoning pillared verandas and fretwork facades. Walking aroundis best soyou can peep through frangipani filled courtyards at houses, galleries or shops selling antiques, spices, pictures, nouveau-boule and hand-woven sarongs. Boutique hotels in Galle incongruously cheek by jowlwith postage-stamp size cafes, soyou are never far from a perfectsun-downer. Ariyapalamask workshop and museum in Ambalangoda â Mask makers on the island.
Day 10
Unawatuna â Colombo by surface [150 Kms. ± 04 Hrs] & Colombo Departure
After breakfast, drive to Colombo & take 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 Goldsmithâs 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 âNORITAKE SETâ or other ceramic items, visit the âODEL SHOPâ at Lipton Place. Visit âBAREFOOTâ, âHOUSE OF FASHIONâ and 'BEVERLY STREET' â 24 hours shopping arcade (garments only) at Kollupitya. Thereafter transfer to Airport to connect the departure flight.
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