PEARL OF THE INDIAN OCEAN
Sri Lanka is a country that ignites travelers senses with its natural beauty, rich culture, and incredibly hospitable people. Find out just why this paradise isle is known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean as we offer some truly memorable Sri Lanka vacation packages with excursions to the Cultural Triangle, the verdant peaks of the Hill Country and to pristine sun-drenched shores of the famed Southern Coast.
DAY 01 - AIRPORT | PINNAWALA | HABARANA
Arrival and transfer to Pinnawala.
Visit the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala.
Interact with playful jumbo and watch how adorable baby elephants are bottle fed at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Established in the year 1975, the sanctuary provides care and rehabilitates orphaned or injured elephants. The highlight of the visit is, of course, the feedings which take place daily at 09:15 am, 12:15 pm & 05:00 pm. The river bath, the herd indulges in twice a day at 10:00 am & 02:00 pm makes for a must see experience!
Lunch in Pinnawala.
Thereafter transfer to Habarana
Overnight stay in Habarana
Overnight stay in Habarana
DAY 02 – HABARANA | ANURADHAPURA | MIHINTALE | AUKANA | HABARANA
After breakfast transfer to Anuradhapura.
Take a city tour of Anuradhapura.
Commanding a rich Sri Lankan heritage, Anuradhapura - one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world spanning over 1,300 years in its peak. The jewel of its crown is certainly the Sri Maha Bodhi - the sacred Bo sapling extracted from the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment - standing more than 2,200 years in its pride. Stroll through the sacred trails of the venerated city to adore the legacy that interweaves a distinguished culture and heritage.
Lunch in Anuradhapura.
Thereafter, transfer to Mihintale.
Just 16km off the sacred city of Anuradhapura lies the cradle of Buddhism, Mihintale. It’s the sacred site where Arahath Mahinda preached the first Buddhist sermon to King Devanampiya Thissa on a Poson.(a full moon night). Upon visiting, walk pass a massive fountain and head towards the renowned staircase of the temple. Feel the coolness of granite slabs as you take in the the ruins of a hospital and the Kantaka Stupa built in first century B.C.The highlights of this location are the Maha Seya - the main dagoba - and Aradhana Gala, the peak of the rock assuring breathtaking viewpoints of the Kingdom of Lakes, Anuradhapura.
On completion transfer to Habarana
Overnight stay in Habarana
Overnight stay in Habarana
DAY 03 – HABARANA | POLONNARUWA | SIGIRIYA
Transfer to Polonnaruwa.
Do a city tour of Polonnaruwa. Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa - medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I - remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site - blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals, and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures - while observing the relic house - Watadage - which boasts of beautiful stone carvings.
Transfer to Sigiriya. Climb the fifth century Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
The fifth century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site - Sigiriya - doesn't only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock - resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' - is decorated with frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India.
Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs to learn more about the epic saga this location lays claim to.
On completion transfer to Habaran
Overnight stay in habarana
Overnight stay in habarana
DAY 04 – HABARANA | DAMBULLA | MATALE | KANDY
Arrival and transfer to Pinnawala.
Visit the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala.
Interact with playful jumbo and watch how adorable baby elephants are bottle fed at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Established in the year 1975, the sanctuary provides care and rehabilitates orphaned or injured elephants. The highlight of the visit is, of course, the feedings which take place daily at 09:15 am, 12:15 pm & 05:00 pm. The river bath, the herd indulges in twice a day at 10:00 am & 02:00 pm makes for a must see experience!
Lunch in Pinnawala.
Thereafter transfer to Habarana
Overnight stay in Habarana
Overnight stay in Habarana
DAY 05 - KANDY | PERADENIYA | NUWARA ELIYA | KANDAPOLA
First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya is a flourishing national asset. Wander around the finely manicured 147 acre ground and take in terraced pavilions and an octagon conservatory. Towards the North of the entrance, a café offers refreshments to indulge in while taking in the sights. After which you can take a closer look at the famous orchid houses and giant Javan fig tree, charming high lights of the gardens in their own right.
Thereafter, transfer to Nuwara Eliya.
Lunch in Ramboda
Continue to Nuwara Eliya.
Take in the quaint little town of Nuwara Eliya and enjoy its old world charm. Walk around lush tea estates and watch how the delicate buds are picked and later processed in factories to create the world’s finest tea. Relax by the banks of Lake Gregory and breath in the invigorating mountain air!
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
DAY 06 – NUWARA ELIYA | UDAWALAWE
Breakfast at the hotel.
Then transfer to Udawalawe.
Embark on an exciting safari at The Udawalawe National Park by jeep. Marked by relatively large herds of elephants, the national park proves to be one of the best places one could observe them in their natural habitat. Be ready to spot other species - such as spotted deer, barking deer, water buffalo and jackal that call the reserve home.
Meanwhile, Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home bears a different story. Established in 1995, it caters to all injured elephants found in the area before releasing them into their natural habitat. So, make sure to just watch - rather than touch - these gentle giants as they feed, play and mingle with each other.
Overnight stay in Udawalawe.
Overnight stay in Udawalawe.
DAY 07 – GALLE / UNAWATUNA
Set off on a relaxing boat ride in Madhu River and make a brief stop at Kotu Duwa, a small island housing a temple that dates back to ancient times. Relish the cool shade provided by mangrove which shelters an array of flora and fauna including over 70 species of freshwater fish.
Overnight stay in Galle / Unawatuna
Overnight stay in Galle / Unawatuna
DAY 08 - MIRISSA | AMBALANGODA | KOSGODA
Rise before the sun and leave for Mirissa
The chic little town of Mirissa, a beach side haven which offers travellers a quintessential tropical holiday. It’s also famed for being among the 'Top Hot Spots' for Sperm and Blue whale sightings. Some of the types of marine life you might catch a sight of include blue whales, sperm whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, Risso's dolphins, and striped dolphins.
Visit the mask factory in Ambalangoda.
Faces carved into perfection on solid wood and painted cobra hoods are common sites along the seaside suburbs of Ambalangoda. Visit the mask museum - or simply stop by at workshop abuzz with cutting, moulding and painting masks. You might also be able to tune into the mysteries that surround Ambalangoda's heritage of mask making, that acts as the backdrop of folk dances and rituals which takes place across the country.
Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.
Kosgoda is a vibrant tourist destination sitting calm along the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. Apart from its various traditional industries of fishing and cinnamon cultivation, the area is famous for its Sea Turtle Conservation Project.
Overnight stay in Galle / Unawatuna
Overnight stay in Galle / Unawatuna
DAY 09 - COLOMBO | AIRPORT
After breakfast transfer to the Airport for departure.
