Colombo

Colombo is the trade capital of Sri Lanka and is a city that has undergone rapid changes. While most old buildings have been replaced by new apartments and office buildings, some parts of the city yet retains its old charm. The 100 years old clock tower built by the British and some colonial buildings remain examples. The Independence Square, Nelum Pokuna, Pettah Bazaar and BMICH are some of the main highlights of the city. Colombo also provides ample entertainment in terms of an active night life as well as a shopping experience you’d never forget.

Enjoy a 6-hour city sightseeing tour of Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka.

Tour Brief

You will be picked up from your hotel in Colombo at 9 am and then proceed to Kalaniya Temple. Later, you will visit Gall Face Green and Gangarama Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. After the Gangarama Temple you will visit the harbor and fort areas of Colombo and also the Independence Square located just a few minutes away from the Old Parliament building. Next you will have lunch (your expense), and then it is time to go shopping. Being a country where the economy relies heavily on the garment industry, Sri Lanka is known for manufacturing high quality clothes at affordable prices. Before the tour ends, you will be taken back to you hotel.

Inclusions

• Hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Colombo
• Local taxes

Exclusions

• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Gratuities (optional)

Kandy

Last ruled by king Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy – the World Heritage Site and last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings – crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe.

Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha.

Tour Brief

Leave Colombo at 6:30am in a climate-controlled vehicle with your private group of no more than six people. Drive 3 hours to Peradeniya, home of the Royal Botanical Garden. The garden is well-known for its large collection and variety of ornamental, decorative, and medicinal plants, as well as a large collection of orchids. Pause for lunch (at your own cost) before continuing to the city of Kandy. Shop for unique souvenirs, including silk, crafts, gems, and batiks. Soak in the spectacular sight of the city at the Kandy View Point. Watch the Kandy Cultural Show, showcasing traditional dances, fire walking, and more. Arrive earlier to secure the best seat. Afterwards, make your way to the Temple of the Tooth, a holy Buddhist temple that draws pilgrims from all over the world. According to legend, the temple holds a relic of the tooth of Buddha. Leave Kandy en route to Colombo and stop in Ambepussa for dinner (at your own cost). Your vehicle will return you to your hotel when you arrive in Colombo around 11 pm.

Inclusions

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Colombo
• Transport by air conditioned private vehicle
• English-speaking driver

Exclusions

• Entrance Fees (Royal Botanical Garden = USD 11 Per Person, Temple of the Tooth = USD 15 Per Person)
• Food and drinks
• Gratuities (recommended)

Negombo

Negombo is in the heart of Sri Lanka’s fishing industry. Negombo town has several buildings dating back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial days. The sea and catamarans is the backdrop of the Negombo scenery. The lagoon is famous for its harvest of lobsters, crabs and prawns and the fish auctions on the beach are worth a look.

Get a better sense for the colonial history and thriving wildlife of Negombo and its surrounding area during this tour.

Tour Brief

Receive a morning pickup from your Negombo hotel. Start your Negombo excursion with a boat ride on the Dutch canal. This key transportation artery, first built by the Dutch colonial administration runs for more than 96 kilometers (60 miles) through the Negombo area. You’ll soon progress into a lagoon fed by several local rivers and linked to the sea by a channel to the north. The lagoon is known for its mangrove swamps, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the water birds like herons, cormorants, terns, gulls, and egrets that call the area home. Leave the lagoon behind and proceed into the Elakanda Canal, which provides access to the Muthurajawela Wetland. This protected wildlife area is known for harboring a wide range of plant and animal life, including a diverse collection of migratory birds. It’s an area of increasing significance given the rapid industrial development of the surrounding countryside. You’ll finish your trip around 12:30pm and receive a ride back to your Negombo-area hotel, arriving around 2:30pm.

Inclusions

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private boat with life jackets
• English-speaking nature guide
• Light snack during the boat ride
• One liter water bottle per person
• All taxes

Exclusions

• Gratuities (recommended)
• Lunch

Galle

Galle, the epic southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidences of a heritage preserved for more than 3 ½ centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the ‘old gate’ carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion – the oldest of all – and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch Fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle!

Experience the charms of Galle and Sri Lanka’s southwest coast on a day trip from Colombo, with an expert driver-guide.

Tour Brief

Meet your guide at your Colombo or Negombo hotel at 7am for a 12-hour day tour of Galle, Sri Lanka. Begin at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, home to seven species of marine turtles and other wild sea life. Continue to Weligama and gaze at the stilt fishermen hauling their catch in the middle of the clear blue water. Visit Galle Fort, a Portuguese built and Dutch fortified 16th century fort with a complex history. Learn how the city’s strategic location made it a hub for sea trade and a landing point for the island’s colonial rulers. Stop by the Tsunami Photo Museum in Talwatte, which documents the devastating 2004 tsunami that struck Sri Lanka. Enjoy a local lunch before proceeding to wildlife-rich Madhu River and the pristine Bentota Beach. At the conclusion of the tour, you will return to Colombo.

Inclusions

• Entrance fees
• Fuel surcharge
• Local taxes
• Bottled water
• Driver/guide
• Hotel or port pickup and drop-off
• Lunch

Exclusions

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities (optional)

Day 01 – Negombo

Meet and assist on arrival at Airport by Sri Lanka Christi tours Representative. Transfer from Airport to Negombo (Approx 30 Minutes Drive). Check in at the Negombo Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay hotel at Negombo.

Day 02 – Sigiriya

After breakfast transfer to Sigiriya(Approx 4 hours drive). In the evening Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

The 5th 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 splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock resembling the mythological ‘City of Gods’ – is coated by 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 for an epic journey of yester years to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.

On completion of the visit, return to hotel. Overnight stay hotel at Sigiriya or Dambulla.

Day 03 – Dambulla / Kandy

Breakfast at Hotel Sigiriya / Dambulla. After breakfast proceed to Dambulla. Visit The Dambulla Cave Temple.

Located at an elevation of 1118 feet from the sea level rises a massive rock from the surroundings plains of Dambulla of 600 feet high and over 2000 feet in length. It is home to the World’s most acclaimed Cave complex of magnificent Buddha images and Rock Paintings of vivid colors and shapes constructed and painted from around 2nd Century BC and continued up to the Kandyan era of the 18th Century. Sinhalese people call it as ‘Dambulla Gala’ and the Temple is called as the ‘RangiriDambullaViharaya’ (Golden Rock Dambulla Temple).

On completion of the visit, proceed to Matale (Approx 2 hrs Drive). Visit a spice garden to learn about “Sri Lankan spices”. Proceed to Kandy (Approx 1 Hour).

Last ruled by King Sri WickramaRajasinghe – before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy – the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings – crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe.

Check in Hotel free time till evening. In the evening witness a Sri Lankan culture show followed by a visit to The Temple of Tooth Relic of Buddha. Dinner and overnight stay hotel at Kandy.

Day 4 – Peradeniya / Pinnawala

Breakfast at Hotel. After breakfast proceed to Peradeniya (Approx 30 min). Visit The Royal Botanical Gardens.

First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya – today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy – is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147 acre bliss of an experience, passing well tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights – the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree – of this place which overflow in grace.

On completion of the visit, proceed to Pinnawala( Approx 1 Hour). Visit ThePinnawala Elephant Oraphanage. Transfer from Pinnawala to Airport to connect the departure flight.

— Tour End —

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Tour Route Map
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Day 01 – Negombo

Meet and assist on arrival at Airport by Sri Lanka Christi Tours representative and transfer from Airport to hotel. Overnight stay hotel at Negombo.

Day 02 – Kandy

After breakfast, leave to Kandy. En route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphange.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage provides visitors with the best chance of seeing a large number of elephants at close quarters. The orphanage was established in 1975 and commenced with seven orphaned elephants. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their calfs born in the same location. Assisted by local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawala commenced a successful captive program and the first baby elephant was born in 1984. It is most interesting to visit at feeding time to see the baby elephants being bottle fed and the entire herd taken for a bath thereafter to the river near by.

Then transfer from Pinnawala to Kandy. Overnight stay hotel at Kandy.

Day 03 – Peradeniya / Kandy

After breakfast, visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.

This beautiful garden is located 4 miles off Kandy. It was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It covers approximately 147 acres and is a walkers paradise with extensive well kept lawns, pavilions, an octagon conservatory, ferny, a giant Javan fig tree and numerous flower beds. The best attraction is the orchid house.

Evening do Kandy city tour.

Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lanka kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name ‘Kandy’ conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town, the bazar, an arts & crafts center and a gem museum / lapidary. Also visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and thereafter witness a cultural show. Overnight stay hotel at Kandy.

Day 04 – Colombo

After breakfast, proceed to Colombo. Drop guests for shopping in Colombo. Overnight stay hotel at Colombo.

Day 05 –  Airport

After breakfast transfer from Colombo to Airport for departure.

— Tour End —

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Tour Route Map
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Day 01 – Negombo

Arrival, meet greet and proceed to Negombo and check in hotel at Negombo. Overnight stay hotel at Negombo.

Day 02 – Pinnawala / Sigiriya

After breakfast, proceed to visit Pinnawala.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphaned elephants. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but is soon became a conservation and educational center. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawala started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawala was born. The success story of Pinnawala has drawn the attention of scientists from all over the world. A considerable number of books and research on Pinnawala have been published in several languages. The members of the Pinnawala herd have been filmed, videoed and photographed thousands of times by professionals.

Thereafter proceed to Sigiriya and climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a World Heritage Site, built by King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD). The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairways. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster. Overnight stay hotel at Sigiriya or Dambulla.

Day 03 – Kandy

After breakfast, proceed to Kandy en route visiting a Spice Garden in Matale to see different spices for which Sri Lanka is famous for. Here, clients could see different spices and how some of these spices are grown processed. Witness a Cookery Demonstration.

Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay hotel at Kandy.

 Day 04 – Peredeniya / Kandy

After breakfast, proceed to Peredeniya Botanical Gardens.

This Botanical Garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.

On completion do a city tour of Kandy. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lanka kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name ‘Kandy’ conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town, the bazar, an arts & crafts center and a gem museum / lapidary. Also visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and thereafter witness a cultural show. Overnight stay hotel at Kandy.

Day 05 – Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya en route visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the best tea in the world is produced. Here you could observe all about the process of manufacturing tea. You can also see how tea is graded. Taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory.

Thereafter continue to Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world best tea. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 ft) is located here. Nuwara Eliya also has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia. Overnight at hotel at Nuwara Eliya.

Day 06 – Kitulgala / Colombo

After breakfast, proceed to Colombo via Kitulgala. The Kelani River (the broadest river in Sri Lanka) flowing through Kitulgala was the main location where the Oscar winning move ” Bridge on the River Kwai” was filmed. On the hill above this town, a prehistoric cave ‘Belilena’ was recently discovered containing large middens of shells from some unknown civilization.

On arrival check in to hotel at Colombo. Afternoon do a city tour of Colombo, like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained. For example, there is a 100 years old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah bazaar where one can shop for bargain, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo museum, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People’s Republic of China and the Dutch Museum. Overnight stay hotel at Colombo.

Day o7 – Airport

After breakfast transfer to Airport in time for departure.

— Tour End —

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Tour Route Map
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Day 01 – Negombo

Meet and assist on arrival at Airport by Sri Lanka Christi Tours representative and transfer from Airport to hotel. Overnight stay hotel at Negombo.

Day 02 – Trincomalee

After breakfast leave for Trincomalee.

One of the world’s finest natural, deep water harbours, Trincomalee is also home to some of the best beaches in the world (i.e. Nilaveli, Uppuveli and Pigeon Island). Trincomalee city is located on a peninsula which divides the inner and outer harbours. Historically referred to as ‘Gokanna’ or ‘Gokarna’ it has been a sea port that has played a major role in the maritime and trading history of this country. The Koneswaram Temple, Dutch Fort, harbour, beaches and hot springs (Kanniya) are some of the major highlights of the city. Dinner and overnight stay hotel at Trincomalee.

Day 03 – Whale Watching

Breakfast at hotel and do whale watching tour. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04 – Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast at hotel and leave for Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya has earned a reputation for itself as a preferred destination in the hill country by tourists and locals alike because of its incredibly cool climate and amazing sceneries. Whilst delighting travellers with its awe-inspiring beauty, Nuwara Eliya is also home to one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia. This town plays a pivotal role in the world’s tea industry as the produce of this region alone accounts for a substantial portion of tea exports. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05 – Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Breakfast at hotel and visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens.

Located within close proximity to Nuwara Eliya town is the famous Hakgala Botanical Gardens, where you will find an unbelievable selection of plants and flowers that are guaranteed to please your senses. Legend has it that these were once the pleasure gardens of Ravana, of the epic Ramayana. The British period saw the expansions of these gardens, and they now boast a wonderful variety of orchids among other floral classics. Dinner and overnight stay hotel at Nuwara Eliya.

Day 06 – Yala National Park

Breakfast at hotel and proceed to Yala National Park for the Jeep Safari.

Yala National Park is undoubtedly the largest and most popular in Sri Lanka. It consists of five blocks, all of which are at present open to the public. Block 01, Ruhuna is the most visited of the five. Visitors can expect to see wild elephants, wild boars, wild buffaloes, leopards, bears, deer and crocodiles. Large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds are also found here.

Check in to the hotel at Yala for dinner & overnight stay.

Day 07 – Colombo / Departure

Breakfast at hotel and proceed to Colombo.

Do a city & shopping tour of Colombo. Colombo is the trade capital of Sri Lanka and is a city that has undergone rapid changes. While most old buildings have been replaced by new apartments and office buildings, some parts of the city yet retains its old charm. The 100 years old clock tower built by the British and some colonial buildings remain examples. The Independence Square, Nelum Pokuna, Pettah Bazaar and BMICH are some of the main highlights of the city. Colombo also provides ample entertainment in terms of an active night life as well as a shopping experience you’d never forget.

Transfer from Colombo to Airport for departure.

— Tour End —

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Tour Route Map
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Day 01 – Negombo

Arrival and transfer from Airport to Negombo. In the afternoon do a city tour of Negombo.

Negombo is in the heart of Sri Lanka’s fishing industry. The sea and catamarans are the backdrop of the Negombo scenery. Visit the Negombo lagoon and fish action. Also visit the Dutch Fort and Catholic Church. Dinner and overnight stay at Negombo Beach Hotel.

Day 02 – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage / Dambulla

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphaned elephants. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their calfs born in the same location. Assisted by local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawala commenced a successful captive program and the first baby elephant was born in 1984. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawala started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawala was born. The success story of Pinnawala has drawn the attention of scientists from all over the world. A considerable number of books and research on Pinnawala have been published in several languages. The members of the Pinnawala herd have been filmed, videoed and photographed thousands of times by professionals.

Transfer from Pinnawala to Dambulla.

Dambulla Rock Temple was built by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. and it is a World Heritage Site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings, is the largest area of painting found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 meters.

Then transfer to Sigiriya. Overnight stay hotel at Sigiriya or Dambulla.

Day 03 – Sigiriya / Hiriwadunna Village / Polonnaruwa

After breakfast transfer to Sigirya and climb the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress which is a World Heritage Site, built by king Kashyapa (477 – 495 A.D.). The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairways.

Transfer to Habarana. Hiriwadunna village tour in Habarana.

Afternoon visit Polonnaruwa, which was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD and which is a World Heritage Site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures carved out of rock could be seen, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of king Parakramabahu and the Parakrama Samudraya – a lake built by king Parakramabahu the great. There are alsomonuments of famous places of worship such as the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Vatadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Dinner and overnight stay hotel at Sigiriya or Dambulla.

Day 04 – Matale / Kandy

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Matale. Visit a Spice Garden in Matale to see different spices for which Sri Lanka is famous for. Here, clients could see different spices and how some of these spices are grown processed. Witness a Cookery Demonstration.

Transfer from Matale to Kandy.

Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lanka kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name ‘Kandy’ conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town, the bazar, an arts & crafts center and a gem museum / lapidary. Also visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and thereafter witness a cultural show. Overnight stay hotel at Kandy.

Day 05 – Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer from Kandy to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.

Transfer from Peradeniya to Nuwara Eliya. Visit a tea plantation on the way to Nuwara Eliya. Visit Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world best tea. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 ft) is located here. Nuwara Eliya also has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia. Overnight at hotel at Nuwara Eliya.

Day 06 – Udawalawe

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Udawalawe. At Udawalawe do the nature trail.

Tour around Chandrika Wewa (Chandrika Tank) to view natural beauty around the banks of the tank. Possibility of sighting most of the migrant birds as well as the local fishing and the fish market. Also this includes visit to the Udawalawe village to explre the farming done by the village people.

Late in the afternoon optional safari Udawalawe National Park. Dinner and overnight stay hotel at Udawalawe.

Day 07 – Galle

Breakfast at hotel.

In the morning transfer to Galle and visit the historical town Galle. Galle was once the chief port of Ceylon. It is still well known for hand-made lace. You can also visit the Galle Fort (spanning 90 acres) which was originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. Thi is a World Heritage Site. Dinner and overnight stay hotel at Koggala.

Day 08 – Departure

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer from Koggala to Airport to connect the departure flight.

— Tour End — 

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Tour Route Map
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Day 01 – Negombo

Meet and assist on arrival at Airport by Sri Lanka Christi Tours representative and transfer from Airport to hotel. Overnight stay hotel at Negombo.

Day 02 – Dambulla

After breakfast, proceed from Negombo to Dambulla.

Dambulla Rock Temple was built by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. and it is a World Heritage Site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings, is the largest area of painting found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 meters.

Then transfer to Sigiriya. Overnight stay hotel at Sigiriya or Dambulla.

Day 03 – Polonnaruwa

After breakfast, proceed to Polonnaruwa.

Visit Polonnaruwa which was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD and which is a World Heritage Site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures carved out of rock could be seen, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of king Parakramabahu and the Parakrama Samudraya – a lake built by king Parakramabahu the great. There are alsomonuments of famous places of worship such as the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Vatadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Transfer from Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya. Dinner and overnight stay hotel at Sigiriya or Dambulla.

Day 04 – Sigiriya / Habarana

After breakfast proceed to Sigiriya.

Climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a World Heritage Site, built by King Kashyapa (477 – 495 AD). The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairways. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.

Transfer from Sigiriya to Habarana.

Do the village tour which is a 3 hours trek through this archetypal Sri Lankan village. The trek begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa (man-made reservoir). The amazing bird life, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek. Sight of the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect Chena cultivation (slash and burn agriculture). Enjoy the farmer’s humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot. Dinner and overnight stay hotel at Sigiriya or Dambulla.

Day 05 – Matale / Kandy

After breakfast, proceed to Matale.

Visit a Spice Garden in Matale to see different spices for which Sri Lanka is famous for. Here, clients could see different spices and how some of these spices are grown processed.

Transfer from Matale to Kandy. Overnight stay hotel at Kandy.

Day 06 – Pinnawala / Kandy

After breakfast, proceed to Pinnawala.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphaned elephants. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but is soon became a conservation and educational center. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawala started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawala was born. The success story of Pinnawala has drawn the attention of scientists from all over the world. A considerable number of books and research on Pinnawala have been published in several languages. The members of the Pinnawala herd have been filmed, videoed and photographed thousands of times by professionals.

Transfer from Pinnawala to Peradeniya.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.

Transfer from Peradeniya to Kandy.

Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lanka kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name ‘Kandy’ conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town, the bazar, an arts & crafts center and a gem museum & lapidary. Also visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and thereafter witness a cultural show. Overnight stay hotel at Kandy.

Day 07 – Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya.

En route visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the best tea in the world is produced. Here you could observe all about the process of manufacturing tea. You can also see how tea is graded. Taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory.

Transfer from Tea Factory to Nuwara Eliya.

Visit Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country producing a significant share of the world best tea. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 ft) is located here. Nuwara Eliya also has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia. Overnight at hotel at Nuwara Eliya.

Day 08 – Negombo

After breakfast, proceed from Nuwara Eliya to Negombo. Overnight stay hotel at Negombo.

Day 09 – Airport

After breakfast transfer to Airport for departure.

— Tour End —

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Tour Route Map
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