NATURE IN SERENDIB

Day 1 : Colombo - Dambulla / 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. 

Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park : 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 : Dambulla / 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 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 . 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. 

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 : Dambulla / Sigiriya (B / L / D)

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Depart for Dambulla to visit the grotto temple of Dambullae and after, the Hiriwadunna Village Trekking excursion.  

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 that we proceed towards Hiriwadunna trip.  

Experience the laid-back rhythms of small-town life in Sri Lanka during this private 5-hour day trip to Hiriwadunna village. Watch for wildlife such as crocodiles, butterflies, and birds in the local reservoir as local villagers fish and wash their clothes. Then take a boat ride to the other side of the lake, enjoying an ox cart/tuk ride and an included Sri Lankan lunch. 

Afterwards you will return to the hotel and have dinner.  

Dinner and overnight at Dambulla / Sigiriya.  

Day 4 : Kandy (B / L / D)

After the first breakfast, depart for Kandy visiting a spice garden en route to see the spices grow in their natural habitat. You will learn about spices and their use in Sri Lankan cuisine.  

Travel time: 60- km – About 1 1/2 hours. (Dambulla / Matale) 

Afterwards you continue the journey to KANDY. Lunch at a local restaurant. Travel time: 72km - About 2 hours. (Matale / Kandy) 

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. The highlight of the year is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the relic's basin is taken in process accompanied by the exotically costumed dancers, drummers and elephants during the ten brilliant evenings in July/August. Visit Kalapuraya in the beautiful Dumbara Valley. There are many shrines and temples, where you will see rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings. 

Check in all’hotel in Kandy. 

In the afternoon, visit  the Temple of the Golden Tooth (Dalada Maligawa). 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. In fact, Sri Dalada Maligawa houses a Buddha's tooth: hence the name Sacred Temple of the Tooth. 

According to legend, the tooth was caught in 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.  

Dinner and overnight at Kandy hotel.  

Day 5 : Nuwara Eliya  (B / L / D)

After breakfast, transfer to Peradeniya station waiting for the train at for a trip to Nanu-Oya station with a reserved 03/02/01 class on availability.  

Duration of the train journey : 4 1/2 hours.  

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 their journey by vehicle to Nuwaraeliya visiting the tea plantation and a tea factory where the procedures for making Ceylon Tea 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.  

Nuwaraeliya :

The hill of Sri Lanka is  characterized by a beautiful invigorating mountain climate, Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country, producing some of the best teas in the world. The mountain slopes and valleys are a velvety carpet for tea plantations, interspersed with roaring rivers and tumbling waterfalls. Red or green plant plantations, English-style country houses and hotels with beautiful flower gardens, a beautiful 18-hole golf course and a running course give Nuwara Eliya a distinctly British character. 

Afternon, City Tour in Nuwaraeliya.

Day 6 : Ella (B / L / D)

Packed breakfast and check out from hotel and departure for visit of the Horton Plains be at the entrance at 6am. After visiting Horton Plains, proceed to Ella. 
Nuwaraeliya – Horton Plains : 35 Km / 1 ½ hours

Horton Plains :

The only national park located 35 km from Nuwara Eliya from which you can admire a breathtaking view of the city. Inside the park you can go trekking near the Bakers Falls. Horton plains – and well recognized for its rich biodiversity, its flora given a high degree of endemism. The total extent of Horton Plains is 3159.8 hectares. Formed as an amphitheater of mountains and prairies, Horton Plains is a highlight in the central country hill. 2359 meters, Totupolakanda in the northern part of the park is the third highest mountain in Sri Lanka.Latitudinal extension of the park is 2100-2300 meters. 

After the Horton Plains hike, depart for Ella.  
Horton Plains – Ella: 70 Km /  2 ½ hours. 

Lunch at a local restaurant.  

SHE :

A trip to Sri Lanka is not complete without a stop in its lush Hill Country where, as you climb in altitude, the greenery becomes brighter and brighter and tea plantations reign. There are many areas worth mentioning in terms of breathtaking mountain scenery and trekking on the island of Ceylon. An excellent solution for its enviable location, with views of beautiful mountains and many paths to walk, is the small and vital Ella.  

Get to Ella. 

Visit 9 arch bridge – The Nine Arch Bridge offers a unique spectacle and the walk to get there is short but pleasant. It is located between Ella and Demara stations. It is considered one of the engineering marvels of the early twentieth century. Giant arches support the bridge in a curved path that connects the mountains, and was commissioned during the British government. If you're lucky, you'll also pass by one of the beautiful colorful trains that make this area so photogenic.  

Check-in at the hotel in Ella.  Dinner and overnight at the hotel. 

Day 7 : Yala / Tissamaharama (B / L / D)

Breakfast and departure for the Little Adam's Peak hike and visit the RAVANA WATER FALLS  

The hike to Little Adam's Peak is one of the must-do things to do in Ella. Little Adam's Peak is named after its older brother Adam's Peak (another name for Sri Pada). Climbing to the top of Adam's peak is one of the experiences to do for those traveling to Sri Lanka, especially because the view from the top is incredible: among the mist you can admire the waterfalls and some tea factories. 

After, visit the Ravana Falls.  

The Ravana Falls which are located just 10 km from Little Adam's Peak. You can observe them from the street or climb up to get a closer look at them (and even take a bath in a pool of freezing water with the locals). 

Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, depart for Yala/Tissamaharama.  

Ella: Yala / Tissamaharama: 150 km / 3 1/2 hours.  Afternoon arrival at the hotel. 

Check-in, cena e pernottamento in Yala / Tissamaharama.  

Day 8 : Colombo (B / L / D)

Wake up early in the morning to set off on an exciting 4x4 jeep safari inside Yala National Park.  

YALA :

Yala National Park is the most visited and the second largest national park in Sri Lanka is about 300 km from Colombo. Along with Wilpattu National Park, it was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been established in 1938. Located in the southern part of the country, it has an area of 980km². Yala Park is best known for its variety of wildlife; It plays an important role in the conservation of the Sri Lankan elephant and waterfowl. It is home to 215 species of birds, including six species endemic to Sri Lanka. It also has the highest density of leopards in the world. Lakes, ponds, lagoons and streams provide water for many different animals including such as leopards, crocodiles and especially elephants very numerous here as well as hundreds of species of birds.

Going to this park, which has a large part of its territory overlooking the sea, means coming into contact with the well-preserved nature of this portion of Asia surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Yet every evening this protected animal comes out of its den and goes in search of food. Especially just before sunset, when he leaves his day shelter and ventures into the clearings of the park in search of his favorite prey, the spotted deer. Yala Park is known for the variety of wild animals that inhabit it and plays an important role in the conservation of many species of birds, both migratory and sedentary. As many as 215 species are present on the island, many of which can be seen in Yala, including six endemic species. An unsuspected presence, considering the tropical climate, is the Sri Lankan sloth bear, in the Sinhalese subspecies (Melursus ursinus inornatus), which lives and reproduces in the territory of the Park. Other species of animals include large herds of spotted deer, wild boar, golden jackal, peacock, entello (a monkey of the vervet monkey family), wild buffalo and marsh crocodile. Definitely a park to visit in sri lanka. 

Return to the hotel for breakfast and refreshments.  

After breakfast, departure to Colombo and during the journey, stop for a visit to Galle Fort. 

Promise – Galle: 180 Km / 3 hours. 

GALLE  :

It was one of the most important ports in Ceylon, as the British had named Sri Lanka. 

Nowadays it is still famous for its handmade lace, products made from the carapace of turtles and ebony elephants. You can also visit the Galle fort (about 90 acres) which was originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. It is a World Heritage Site. Many believe that Galle was the famous Tarshish mentioned in the Bible, but it was the port where the Portuguese first arrived. Galle was fortified by the Dutch who ruled it in the 17th and 18th centuries and still maintains a certain Dutch atmosphere characterized by ancient churches, monuments, forts and bastions and remarkably preserved typically Dutch wooden houses and narrow alleys that still maintain us Dutch. 

As souvenirs, the town of Galle offers exquisite handmade lace, carved ivory products, jewellery stones and some products made from the carapace of turtles. This southern city, rich in Dutch monuments, owes its glory to the port that must be visited. Worth mentioning is the New Oriental Hotel, built for a Dutch governor in 1648, which has been converted into the renovated Amangalle Hotel, known worldwide for its service and its colonial style. 

Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, continue the journey to Colombo. 

Galle – Colombo: 170 Km / 2 ½ hours. 

Check-in at the hotel in Colombo and free time to relax. Optional visit: City Tour of Colombo (at no extra cost) 

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.  Some of the best hotels include Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Cinnamon Lakeside, Cinnamon Red (our hotel chain), and the international hotel chains Galadari Hotel, Shangri la, Ozo, Fairway, Movenpick, Taj Samudra Colombo, Hilton Colombo and 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. Also visit Buddhist temples. 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel. 

Day 9 : Departure (B / - / -)

After Breakfast transfer to Airport - 40 Km / 40 minutes. 

End of service.