CLASSIC SRI LANKA

Day 1  : Colombo - Dumbulla / Habarana (- / - / D)

Arrive at Colombo International Airport where the group is greeted by the English-speaking guide. Departure to Dambulla / Habarana with a transfer of about 4 1/2 hours (Km 150). 

On the way to the hotel you will have tropical refreshments with Coconut drink.  

Free day or optional excursions with an extra charge: 25/- Per person

Cultural dance show in Habarana. 

Optional excursions with an extra charge : 60/- Per person  

Jeep safari to Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park based on the chance to spot the large number of Sri Lankan elephants on the day that clients do the jeep safari. Kaudulla has its own dry season, with the gathering at Kaudulla Reservoir (on a supplement as mentioned below) 

MINNERIYA : 

Located between Habarana and POLONNARUWA, the 8890 hectares of MINNERIYA National Park is an ideal eco-tourism location in Sri Lanka. The park consists of a mix of green forests and scrubbled areas and is home to Sri Lankan favorites such as sambar deer, leopards, and elephants. However, the main feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in the 3rd century BC by King Mahasena). During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an amazing place to observe the elephants that have come to graze on the grasses and swim as well as the huge flocks of birds.  

Dinner and overnight in Dambulla / Habarana.  

Day 2 : Dumbulla / Habarana (B / L / D)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Departure  to Sigiriya to visit the Sigiriya Fortress Fortress, famous for its frescoes, reachable by a 45-minute transfer (23 Km). 

FORTRESS OF SIGIRIYA (UNESCO) :

It is a World Heritage Site, built by King Kashyapa (473 – 491 A.D.). The Rocca del Leone is a citadel of unusual beauty that reaches 200 meters above the forest. It is the innermost fortress of a 70-hectare fortified city. The base of the fortress is surrounded by a moat, a bastion and an immense garden including the new water garden. The world-famous frescoes depicting 500 women (now 19 remain) are located in a protected area of the fortress near a spiral staircase and are the main attraction. Many of these frescoes were lost because they were erased when the fortress became a monastery, in order not to disturb meditation. The frescoes are painted with earth pigments, on the plaster. 

The important thing about  Sigiriya : Sigiriya is not a "difficult and impossible" climb, but it is certainly a hike that requires some activity and a minimum of physical endurance. Obviously, if there are people with physical problems or disabilities, pregnant women for example, it is therefore necessary to inform them well and perhaps in some cases it is advisable not to do it. You have to take into account that there are 1200 (one thousand two hundred) steps to the top, so slowly, perhaps making intermediate stops.  In principle it takes 2/3 hours, it is subjective because it is based on the physical endurance of each one. The site opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. The best time to go up is definitely in the morning or late afternoon, when the number of people is minimal and the temperatures are less heavy and cooler.  We recommend light, comfortable clothes and definitely sneakers! Not an excursion to do in flip-flops!! 

After getting off Sigiriya, customers will enjoy King Coconut. After visiting the Rock, visit Sri Lanka's second ancient capital, Polonnaruwa. 
Lunch at local restaurant (PRIYAMALI GEDARA). Meals are cooked in the traditional way with a fire and lunch is served in the shade of a pergola and on wooden tables with a view of the surrounding nature.  

POLONUWA (UNESCO) :

Polonnaruwa is the second capital of Sri Lanka, built between the 11th and 12th centuries A.D. and a World Heritage Site. Here you can visit the ruins of the Royal Palace, the "Gal Viharaya" (3 beautiful statues of the Buddha standing, sitting and reclining, carved into the rock). Also wonderful are the audience hall, the lotus bath, the statue of Polonnaruwa (12th century) and the "Parakrama Samudra" Lake built by King Parakramabahu the Great. There are also ruins of famous places of worship such as Shiva Temple, Lankatileka, Watadage, Galpotha, Kiri Vihare Dagoba, and the remains of what was originally the Temple of the Tooth. During the visit, there will also be a stop at a wood inlay center. Explore the site by bike. 

After the visit of Plonnaruwa, transfer to Dambulla / Habarana, about 1 hour and a half (Km 55). 

Dinner and overnight at Dambulla / Habarana.  

 Day 3 : Dumbulla / Habarana (B / L / D)

After breakfast, depart for Anuradhapura.  

Travel time: 70 km – Approximately 1 1/2 hours. 

Anuradhapura  :

A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the north-central part of the island, it was the first capital (5th century BC – 9th century BC), the center of the island's Buddhist civilization and undoubtedly the largest city in ancient Sri Lanka. In antiquity and interest, it is equal to any ancient 'buried' city in the world. The oldest historically documented tree in the world (over 2,200 years old) – Sri Maha Bodhi, brought as a sample of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, and the oldest Buddhist shrines – some from the 3rd century BCE, impressive white 'dagabas' (relic chambers) and monuments embellished with attractive stone carvings or sculptures, pleasant gardens,  beautifully executed stone baths and ponds and a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals are the main attractions of Anuradhapura.

Specific places to visit are The Brazen Palace (2nd century BC), with 1600 significant stone columns, are the remains of a magnificent multi-storey residence for monks – an engineering marvel for that time, Ruwanweli Seya (2nd century BC) the most famous of all gagobas, originally depicted as the perfect bubble-shaped shape of water that modern catering was able to reproduce,  Samadhi Buddha (3rd century B.C.)  recognized as the most beautiful sculpture on the island – depicting the Buddha in a state of deep meditation, temple of roccua Isurumuniya (3rd century B.C.) known for its rock cave of the "Lovers", Kuttam Pokuna, two ponds (3rd century B.C.), the oldest Dagobah on the island – enshrines the right collarbone of Buddha, Ratnaprasada with the best Guard Stone,  the place of Mahasena with its renovated moonstone, Abayagiri and Jetevanarama – a huge Dagabah told to the largest brick built structure in the world. 

Lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards proceed to Mihintale  – Travel time: 40 km – About 1 hour. 

MIHINTALE  :

Not far from Anuradhapura, the forest-covered mountain is of great spiritual significance to Buddhists because it was the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century B.C. Mihintale has many different points of interest – the ancient stairs from the 1840s, the meeting room, meditation rock, caves and ponds. The climb to the top is also interesting from a scenic aspect to spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Afterwards proceed back to the hotel in Dambulla/Habarana 

Mihintale – Dambulla / Sigiriya : 1 ½ - 2 Ore / 100 Km  

Dinner & Overnight in Dambulla / Habarana 

Day 4  : Kandy (B / L / D)

After breakfast, departure for Kandy and during the journey, stop for a visit to the Dambulla Rock Temples which can be reached in 15 minutes (Km 23). Also visit the Spice Garden. 

DAMBULLA : 

The largest temple in the Sri Lanka Cave, dating back to the first century BC and containing over 150 Buddha images, subtly illuminated for maximum atmosphere. A series of five caves the temple is called Raja Maha Vihara by the locals, but is known simply as Dambulla by visitors. The entrance is marked by a wide white dagoba along a sloping rock façade, from where there are views of the Sigiriya rock fortress, about 20 km away. Most of the caves were worked by hand and some of the fantastic Buddha arrays are still attached to the wall. 

After the visit to the Temple of Dambulla, departure for Kandy which can be reached with a transfer of about 2 and a half hours (Km 80). During the journey, stop in Matale where you visit  the Spice Garden to see the spices growing in their natural habitat. The Garden guide teaches the uses of spices in the local cuisine.

Lunch at a local restaurant. 

After lunch, depart for Kandy. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. 

KANDY  :

Kandy is surrounded by green hills and is embellished with a beautiful lake that makes it one of the most relaxing and romantic cities in Sri Lanka. Its pleasant atmosphere and quiet location make many people choose to visit Kandy. In addition to being a fascinating place, the city of Kandy is considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.Here is one of the holiest temples in the country: the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel. 

Day 5 : Kandy (B / L / D)

After breakfast, visit the ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS. 

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS : 

At Peradeniya (109 km from Colombo) near Kandy was established by the rules of the British colonies. Beyond that was the Royal Garden of Pleasure of the Kandyan kings. It is a beautiful place with the longest river in Sri Lanka, bordered by Mahaveli on one side. 
This attractive garden established there are many varieties of flora and green plants. Special features are the Orchid House which features a beautiful collection of orchids, fern garden, spice garden, and trees planted by different visitors to the island. 

Lunch at a local restaurant 

In the afternoon, visit  the Temple of the Golden Tooth. Afterwards, sightseeing, dancing and Kandy shows and free time for shopping.  

TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH (UNESCO) :

The Temple of the Tooth is the most important attraction of the city and the place of greatest interest for those who decide to visit Kandy. The temple is located north of the lake and its importance is due to the fact that it houses one of the most precious relics for Sri Lankan Buddhists. The Sri Dalada Maligawa houses a Buddha's tooth: hence the name Sacred Temple of the Tooth.According to legend, the tooth was taken from the flames of Buddha's funeral pyre and then brought to Sri Lanka in the fourth century AD. The relic was first taken to Anuradhapura, then to Polonnaruwa and finally to Kandy. In 1200 an invading army took it to India, but then it returned to Sri Lanka.With the passage of time, Buddha's tooth took on an extremely important role: in fact, in addition to being a sacred relic, it was thought that anyone in possession of it had the legitimate right to rule the island. The Portuguese tried to destroy it during their rule, trying to throw it into the flames. But it turned out that what they had burned was actually just a copy. The Temple houses one of the most important relics, the Buddha's Tooth, preserved in the 6 caskets inserted one inside the other. This temple has always attracted many visitors.  

Return to your hotel in Kandy. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel. 

Day 6 : Nuwara Eliya (B / L / D)

After breakfast depart for NUWARA ELIYA by train.

Transfer to Peradeniya station waiting for the train at for a trip to Nanu-Oya station with a reserved 01/02/03 class upon availability. The duration of the train journey is 4 1/2 hours. Only customers will travel by train.  

Important : Note, that the operations of the Srilanka train are not at the European standard levels. The quality of transportation and seating available is very basic. So customers will always have to sit down and if they are standing or hoping to get the local experience they will have to hold on to the safety rails provided. Train schedules are not always accurate, and we often experience cancellations and even last-minute cancellations of trips. The Government Railway Authority shall not take any responsibility for any of the things listed above and will not be held liable for accidents resulting in injuries to customers or inconvenience caused to customers by the cancellations and cancellations of train journeys. 

From Nanuoya, they will disembark the train and continue the journey by vehicle to Nuwaraeliya visit  a tea plantation and a tea factory where the procedures for the production of this typical Sri Lankan drink will be explained. Walk along the tea plantations. Here we would give a demonstration on how the tea leaves are harvested every day. 

Lunch at a local restaurant. 

NUWARA ELIYA  :

It is the heart of the hilly area of Sri Lanka. It is the home of the world-famous Ceylon Tea and the hills are covered with a carpet of tea plantations interspersed with streams and small waterfalls. The area is characterized by a healthy and cool climate, different from the rest of Sri Lanka where the climate is warmer and more humid. The atmosphere is delicately English and feels like a small country within a country that attracts many visitors because of its uniqueness. 

Pomeriggio – City tour to Nuwaraeliya. 

Scene and pernottamento to Nuwaraeliya. 

Day 7 : Colombo (B / L / D)

After breakfast, departure for Colombo which can be reached after about 5 1/2 hours by car (250 km). 

Lunch at the local restaurant. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit of the city. 

COLOMBO :

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and the country's largest city with a population of about 3 million people. Colombo is the best city in sri lanka, where I can try the best street food in Sri Lanka, try the tuk tuk ride, visit markets, shopping malls, of course and for a modern experience Colombo is definitely the best city from the point of view of nightlife in Sri Lanka.  Tenamo, City for night life in sri lanka.  Among the best hotels are Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside, Cinnamom Red (our hotel chain), and then the international hotel chains Galadari Hotel, Shangri la, Ozo, Fairway, Movenpick, Taj Samudra Colombo, Hilton Colombo and the Galle Face, all located in the heart of the city and right downtown.

Colombo is a live city and the heart of the country and you can't stay in Sri Lanka without spending at least one evening in Colombo. It concentrates all the cultures, religions and influences of foreign countries and is characterized by a mix of sounds, scents and is truly a kaleidoscope of colors. The merchants and those who settled in the country (Arabs, Portuguese, Danes and British) left traces of their culture such as churches and monuments, names and religions, traditions and food, as well as linguistic influences that entered the common language of the Sri Lankan people.

Today Colombo is a fascinating city, a happy mix of east and west, past and present that gives it charm.  Colombo, although not everyone knows it, offers a wide choice of top-notch restaurants offering food from all over the world, as well as one of the largest shopping opportunities in the Asian world. In the vicinity of Colombo is Pettah which is a local area of bazaars and commerce. Other places of interest include the Buddhist temples, the Columbus Museum and the New Parliament of Sri Lanka. 

Dinner and overnight in Colombo.  

Day 8 : Departure (B / - / -)

After breakfast, transfer to Colombo airport - 40 Km/40 minutes 

End of services.