ESCAPE SRI LANKA

Day 01 : Dambulla 3 Hrs (129KM) (- / - / D)

On arrival in Sri Lanka you will be met and assisted by your guide who will transfer you to Dambulla.

On reaching check-in at the hotel and relax.

Dinner & Overnight stay in Dambulla

Day 02 : Dambulla  (B / - / D)

Sigiriya Rock  Drive ½ Hr (13KM) :

After breakfast visit Sigiriya also known as the ‘Lion Rock’. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. A spectacular pillar of rock visible from miles around, geologically Sigiriya is a hardened magma plug of an extinct volcano. Historically, the origins of the remains are disputed and thought to have been either a royal fortress built under the reign of King Kashyapa (477 - 495 AD) or a Buddhist monastery.

The climb up the rock and back down will take from 1.5 hours to 3 hours. (Depending on your fitness,  age and the crowds.) There are some 1,200 steps to the top of the rock, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views and most certainly, a sense of accomplishment for completing the climb.

You will pass beautiful frescoes and a sheer ‘mirror wall’ before arriving at the massive stone lion’s paws, which lend the rock its nickname ‘Lion Rock’. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. The summit, covering an area of 1.6 hectares, was originally completely covered by buildings, but only remains of the royal citadel can be seen today.

Minneriya National Park Drive: ½ Hr (16KM) :

Afternoon commence a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park by private jeep accompanied by a tracker. 
Located between Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa the 8890 hectares of Minneriya National Park is an ideal eco-tourism location in Sri Lanka. The park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas.

However, the central feature of the park is the ancient man-made lake, Minneriya Tank -built in 3rd century AD by King Mahasena. During the dry season this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants that come to bathe and graze on the grass as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants and painted storks to name but a few) that come to fish in the shallow waters.

Making your way through the park, you will see elephants, Spotted Deer and also the Sambar, which is a deer with no spots and an apt scientific name, carves uncolored.

Depending on the movement of the elephants you may visit the nearby Kaudulla National Park or Eco Park instead. 
Once completed, return to the hotel.

Dinner & Overnight stay in Dambulla

Day 03 : Kandy (B / - / D)

Dambulla Cave Temple :

After breakfast proceed to Kandy; Sri Lanka’s second largest city, Kandy was the capital of the last Sinhalese Kingdom and enjoys a scenic setting around a lake surrounded by green hills.

Before proceeding explore the famous Dambulla Golden Rock Cave temple which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The hike up to the caves is short but steep. At the top you can explore the caves and enjoy spectacular far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside.

Dambulla is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over five caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Gautama Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include Vishnu and the Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres (23,000 sqft). Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon. Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.

Spice Garden Matale 1Hr (32KM) :

Thereafter stop at a Spice Garden in Matale. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are the leaves, flowers, or stems of plants used for flavoring or as a garnish. Spices are also used in medicine, religious rituals, cosmetics or perfume production. Visit the peaceful green garden, where you can see how herbs are grown in their natural environment then learn how you can use them to enhance the taste of meals. These spices will reveal to you the secret of traditional Sri Lankan dishes, which have great nutritional value as well as being delicious.

Once completed, continue drive to Kandy and reaching (Approximately 1 Hr - 25KM)check-in at the hotel.

Dinner & Overnight stay in Kandy  

Day 04 : Kandy (B / - / D)

Kandy Lake :

After breakfast visit Kandy Lake. Drive up a hill situated close to the Kandy Lake where you can enjoy the spectacular views of the lake and surrounding town. The Kandy Lake was artificially constructed by the last king of Kandy – King Sri Wickrama Rajasingha. The man-made Kandy Lake known as the Milky Ocean, a lovely centre piece to the town. Kandy Lake was created in 1807 by Sri Wickrama Rajasingha, the last ruler of the kingdom of Kandy. Go for a calming walk gazing at the enchanting man-made body of water, absorbing the daily life around it.

Temple of the tooth Relic :

Thereafter visit the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. The relic was historically held by Sinhalese kings. The temple of the tooth is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple and the relic.

Kandyan Dancing and Cultural Show :

On completion watch a cultural show and embrace the unique dance forms and styles.

It plays an important role in Sri Lanka’s culture and is one of the most revered features of the Perahera. Inbred with art and culture from the ancient Kandyan kingdom, Kandy plays an integral part of the country’s cultural identity with Kandyan dancing taking centre stage as the National dance of Sri Lanka. Kandyan dancing originated from the Nayakkar rulers of that era when dancing became regular in the Royal Court. The dance involves spectacular acrobatic movements while drummers walk beside them pounding out heart-thumping tribal rhythmic beats.

Once completed, return to the hotel.

Dinner & Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 05 : Nuwara Eliya (B / - / D)

Tea Factory and Plantation 2 ½ Hrs (76KM) :

After breakfast continue your journey inwards to Nuwara Eliya.

Indulge in an authentic tea plucking experience and a guided visit to Tea Factory where the best tea in the world is produced.

Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest exporters of tea with a roaring tea industry that dominates the island’s central highlands. Also Sri Lanka is one of only a few countries where tea is still plucked by hand, from bushes planted along the contours of the slopes. A highly skilled workforce, predominantly women, moves along rows of bushes, stripping two leaves and a bud from each plant and often covering over 10kmin a day. The leaves are immediately carried to the nearby factories where they are dried, processed and packed into crates ready for transportation. 

Visit the factory with a staff member who will explain the process of fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and grading of tea. At the end of the tour enjoy a cup of high grown processed tea.

(It’s usually dusty and noisy and inside the factory and its might be closed on weekends.)

City Tour of Nuwara Eliya :

Afternoon explore the charming city of Nuwara Eliya, also known as little England on a full day tour visiting all the main attractions which include colonial buildings, Lake Gregory and seeing beautiful landscapes covered with tea, a contrasting view. 

You will be shown one of Sri Lankas oldest post offices. A typical Tudor styled colonial building that stands proud with its red brick exterior. Visit Lake Gregory, a man made marvel of colonial days. It was initially built for the purpose of electricity and is now used for recreation and leisure. This beautiful lake is surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains in the distance. 

Check in at the hotel.

Dinner & Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya

Day 06 : Induruwa (B / - / D)

Ravana Falls 2 Hrs (57KM) :

After breakfast proceed to Induruwa. 

En-route witness Ravana Falls in Ella. 

It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. The falls have been named after the legendary king Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall, now simply known as the Ravana Ella Cave.

Galle Fort Visit 3 ½ Hrs (198KM) :

On reaching Galle explore a tour, southern province with a colorful history. Galle Fort offers the best preserved example of a European built fortified city in Asia. It was built by the Dutch from the 17th Century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Walk along the ramparts, pass the lighthouse and the old Portuguese harbour and stop to see some of the many colonial era buildings, including the Dutch Reformed Church, the Anglican All Saints Church and the former house of the Dutch governor, built in 1684 and now the luxurious Amangalla hotel.

Stroll the winding streets of this immensely charming town and discover its decaying colonial buildings, grand fort walls and numerous boutiques and cafés. Stretching along the coast nearby are ruggedly beautiful beaches, which may be narrow but are peaceful and secluded.

Once completed continue drive to Induruwa and on reaching (Drive: Approximately 1 ½ Hrs - 61KM) check-into the hotel.

Dinner & Overnight stay in Induruwa

Day 07 : Departure (B / - / - )

City Tour of Colombo 2 Hrs (92KM) :

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and proceed to Colombo; with amazing cuisine and luxury hotels, Colombo has been earning itself a well-deserved reputation as a top destination for international travelers.

Colombo is a city with a rich history. Known the Greeks, Arabs, and Chinese for over 2000 years because of its natural harbour and as a centre of trade, it was colonized by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and then the British between 1505 and 1948. Each colonial power left a distinctive mark and contributed greatly to the character of the city.

On reaching explore the exotic city of Colombo.

Visit the grand mosque of Jami Ul-Alfar is that of its candy-like red and white striped exterior. You’ll zoom onward to visit Wolvendaal Church, a colonial-era Dutch structure that dates back more than 360 years. Take a look at the church’s collection of old tombstones from the city’s historic Dutch governors and then have a talk with the church keeper, who can share insights into city history and culture. Head next to to Independence Square, the location where Sri Lanka proclaimed its independence from British rule in 1948. 

Visit the Old Parliament (External visit only) Building which is reminiscent of the New-baroque architectural style. Drive past the Town hall, Cinnamon Gardens. Make the last stop of the day at Gangaramaya Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Colombo. Explore the architecture and paintings of the religious site.

Bandaranayake International Airport 1 Hr (35KM)

Once completed your guide will comfortably drop you off at the international airport in time for your departure flight

 End of the Tour