Ancient Cities and Colonial Splendors

Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days

Destinations Covered : Colombo - Kandalama - Sigiriya Rock fortress - Polonaruwa - Kandalam - Anuradhapur - Kandy - Tea Country (Bogawantalawa Valley) - Galle - Colombo

Day 01 : Arrive in Colombo By: flight TBA at: TBA hours

This morning arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. Meet & greet on arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of Colombo. This chameleon city absorbs new influences, while still retaining own unique Sri Lankan character:

Seema Malaka Temple, Colomb
Seema Malaka Temple - Colomb

Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the old smith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Kaymans Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of Wolvendaal dating back to 1749, and Davatagaha Mosque. Also visit the BMICH. (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), see the replica of Avu kana Buddha and the Independence Square.

Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: None

Day 02 : Colombo - Kandalama

This morning leave for Kandalama in the heart of the cultural triangle. The trip to the Cultural Triangle takes approximately 4 hours.
En route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded elephants, the number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now; including Baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as the 23 baby elephants born as a result of the captive breeding program.
On arrival, check in to your hotel.

Evening visit Dambulla rock cave temple. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a UNESCO world heritage site. Situated in the central part of the country, it is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This complex dates from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, when it was already established as one of the largest and most important monasteries.

Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 03 : Kandalama - Sigiriya Rock fortress - Polonaruwa - Kandalama

This morning visit 5th century rock fortress of Sigiriya - a UNESCO world heritage site, also known as the "Lion Rock".
Later continue north towards the ancient city of Pollonaruwa - a UNESCO world heritage site. Polonnaruwa became Sri Lanka’s capital in 10th century AC at a time when Sri Lanka achieved its triumph as a civilization with an ingenious network of hydraulic engineering - the construction of water tanks and irrigation canals.

Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
The Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
- Anuradhapura
Day 04 : Kandalama - Anuradhapura - Kandalama

Leave for a full day excursion to Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, world famous for its well preserved ruins of the Great Sri Lankan Civilization. The city now a UNESCO heritage site lies in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, on the banks of the historic Malvathu River. Today this ancient city of Sri Lanka, which is sacred to the Buddhist world, is one of the world's major archaeological sites.

Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 05 : Kandalama - Kandy

Today morning leave for Kandy, approximate 02 hours drive.
Stronghold of the Sinhala Kings and capital of Sri Lanka’s hill regions, Kandy is perhaps the most beautiful and romantic city in the island. Surrounded by green hills and with a large lake in the town centre, Kandy combines the sophistication of a modern city with the timeless appeal of ancient temples.
On arrival, check in to your hotel.

Late afternoon visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
The Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a temple in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. It was built within the royal palace complex which houses the only surviving relic of Buddha, a tooth, which is venerated by Buddhists. The city is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO, in part due to the temple.

Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Temple of the Tooth
Temple of the Tooth
- Kandy
Day 06 : Kandy

This morning visit Royal Botanical Garden. Located in close proximity to the city of Kandy, It is renowned for the collection the variety of Orchids, and has more than 300 varieties of Orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palms trees attach it is the National Herbarium.

Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 07 : Kandy - Tea Country (Bogawantalawa Valley)

Your next stop is the hill country, also known as the tea country. The train ride from Kandy to the heart of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country is one of the most scenic train rides in Asia. There are two trains daily and the travel time is approximately 2.5 hours. The train stops in Hatton where your driver will await at the station to drive you to the Tea Trails bungalow of your choice.
On arrival, check in to your hotel.

In central Sri Lanka lies the Bogawantalawa Valley, known as the Golden Valley of Tea and home to old Ceylon, replete with rolling green hills, plantation bungalows, high tea and exquisite service. Experience life on a working tea estate, unchanged for over a hundred years. Unwind in the beautiful gardens, visit a tea factory for gentle education in the art of making the world’s finest tea, or spend an adventure filled day trekking, biking or white water rafting.

Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 08 : Tea Country (Bogawantalawa Valley) - Galle

This morning leave for Galle.
Galle was known as Gimhathiththa (although Ibn Batuta in the 14th century refers to it as Qali) 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, before the arrival of the British, who developed the harbor at Colombo. Walking around is best so you can peep through frangipani filled courtyards at houses, galleries or shops selling antiques, spices, pictures, nouveau-boule and hand-woven sarongs.

Galle Fort
Galle Fort - Galle

On arrival, check in to hotel. Day will be at leisure

Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 09 : Galle

Visit Galle Fort. Old Galle is a UNESCO world heritage site; a unique example of a preserved 17th century colonial Fortress. The Galle Fort itself is still 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.
Rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10 : Galle - Colombo

Leisurely this morning transfer to Colombo where rooms will be available till your final departure.

Overnight at the hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11 : Depart Colombo

A Trip to Holiday representative will assist you for your flight to onward destination.