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Kingdoms of Ceylon

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

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Kingdoms of Ceylon

10 Day tour of Sri Lanka

Visit the rock fortress of Sigiriya and discover its marvels. Explore the Golden Temple of Dambulla long with its five main caves dedicated to Buddha and Buddhism. See the many pagodas, monasteries and palatial buildings of Polonnaruwa. Visit the highlands of Kandy, the place of the last majestic Kingdom of Sri Lanka. Walk through the streets of Nuwara Eliya with its picturesque colonial architecture and plenty of holiday activities to do. Long relaxing beach stay in Hikkaduwa where the golden sand, bright blue sea and swaying palms bask in the sunlight.

Highlights

  • World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Into the Wild – Yala & Horton Plains National Parks.
  • Spice Trails – Spice & Herbal Gardens in Matale.
  • Last Kingdom – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandyan Culture.
  • Little England – Cold, Scenic Peaks and Cozy Little Town of Nuwara Eliya.
  • Misty Mountains – See the nature’s creations at Ella.
  • On the Shores – Explore the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka.

Itinerary

Negambo - 1 Night

Day 01

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Negombo and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Negombo

Enjoy the sun on the sandy beaches of Negombo on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Watch the flourishing fish industry, which is a centuries-old tradition. Ride an adrenaline high with some fun water sports. Enjoy the corals and underwater life while diving. See the 50-year-old ship-wreck just off the coast, where many varieties of fish make their home.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel J
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing Beach
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Negombo

Anuradhapura - 1 Night

Day 02

After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Panduwanuwara. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

The Panduasnuwara Kingdom

Explore the ancient kingdom of Panduwasnuwara, which was briefly the capital during the 12th century. Wander amongst the ruins of the city with its pagodas, image houses, meeting halls and the citadel. Visit the now restored former temple of the tooth relic, which lies just outside the citadel’s walls. View the palace and listen to the many legends that surround it.

Thereafter proceed to Anuradhapura and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs) Later on, proceed to Anuradhapura Sacred city.

Anuradhapura

Walk through the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital for over a millennium until the 10th century AD. View the pagodas, monastic buildings and ponds that are scatter all over the vast area. Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings of the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery. Gain more knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history as you walk in the footsteps of Kings.

On completion check in to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Rajarata Hotel
Standard Option (4 Star) – Lakeside At Nuwarawewa
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Ulagalla By Uga Escapes

Dambulla - 1 Night

Day 03

After breakfast check out of the hotel and proceed to Visit Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs)

The Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

Which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka’s ancient history.

Thereafter proceed to Dambulla and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins) Later visit Cave Temple in Dambulla. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Dambulla Cave Temple

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Fresco Water Villa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Lodge
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Kandalama

kandy - 1 Night

Day 04

After breakfast check out of the hotel and proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ‘ the Lion Rock’. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

There after proceeding to Kandy. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs) En- Route visit Matale spice garden.

Matale Spice Gardens

Do a guided tour of a spice and herbal garden, where you learn about spices, such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg; and their uses. Take part in a traditional cooking demonstration that shows you how to make Sri Lankan cuisine while making full use of spices. Learn to make roti or create curry powder from scratch in one of the workshops.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy and check in to the hotel. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins) Later in the evening Go on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks. Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music.

Technical Tours

Go on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks. And watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music.

Cultural Show

The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

On completion proceed back to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Oakray Regency
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Citadel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Earl’s Regency

Nuwara Eliya - 2 Nights

Day 05

After the breakfast at the hotel check out and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.

Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En-route make a stop at Ramboda Falls and visit Ramboda Falls, which is the 11th tallest in the country and a Tea factory and get a guided tour through a Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Tea Factory Visit 

Tea Factory to learn how tea is manufactured in Sri Lanka. You can observe the tea pickers, locally known as ‘tea pluckers’ as they move between the lush green rows along the mountains with their large baskets.Thereafter you will be given a guided tour explaining fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and the grading of tea. Finish with a tea tasting process and learn of the history, and why Ceylon Tea is considered among the best in the world.

Thereafter continue to Nuwara Eliya and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins) Later in the evening go and explore the scenic city of Nuwara Eliya.

Explore the beautiful city

The highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas, and beautiful mansions. Make a memory in the old red-bricked post office as you purchase an inexpensive and colorful postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 06

After an early breakfast, proceed to Horton Plains National Park to go on a Lovely Trek. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Horton Plains National Park

Visit the beautiful Horton Plains National Park in Ohiya, with its montane grasslands and cloud forests. Enjoy the majestic views from the precipice of World’s End and the cooling sprays from Baker’s Falls. Catch glimpses of the many endemic fauna that make their home in the plains. Get to know more about the archeological finds that were discovered in the area.

After the trek, return to the hotel and relax. Later in the afternoon visit Hakgala Gardens and Seetha Amman Kovil.

Hakgala Gardens

The pleasantly dishevelled Hakgala Gardens, 10km southeast of Nuwara Eliya (and about 200m lower), are a peaceful retreat. Legend has it that Hanuman, the monkey god, was sent by Rama to the Himalayas to find a medicinal herb. He forgot which herb he was looking for and decided to bring a chunk of the Himalayas back in his jaw, hoping the herb was growing on it. The gardens grow on a rock called Hakgala, which means ‘jaw-rock’

Seeta Amman Kovil

Explore the village of Seetha Eliya; where the demon king Ravana is believed to have imprisoned the kidnapped Seetha, wife of Lord Rama. Worship at the historic Seetha Amman Temple where three ancient idols were discovered. Listen to the legends of the region, and see the ancient ruins and evidence that point towards the Ramayana having actually happened.

On completion of the day return to the hotel.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Summer Hill Breeze
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing St.Andrews
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Tea Factory

Yala - 1 Night

Day 07

After breakfast check out of the hotel and proceed to Ella and Explore Misty Ella. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Explore the Marvels of Ella

Explore Ella’s most interesting places. Pass through bright green tea fields, and tough stretches of rock, and get to see the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the history seeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction. End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best sights of Sri Lanka.

On completion proceed to Yala and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Chaarya Resort & Spa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Jetwing Yala

Hikkaduwa - 2 Nights

Day 08

After the early breakfast check out of the hotel and go on a lovely jeep safari in Yala National Park. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Yala National Park

This amazing Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

Thereafter proceed to Galle and visit the Colonial City and the Galle Fort. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4 hrs)

Old Colonial City of Galle

Discover the city of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters, and its secrets. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best preserved fortifications in Asia. View the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories.

Thereafter proceed to Hikkaduwa and check into the hotel for relaxation. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Day 09

After the breakfast proceed to Balapitiya for lovely boat safari in Madu River. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4  hrs)

Madu River Boat Safari

Go on a wonderful two hour boat ride down the Madu River with its flourishing ecosystem. Pass through the secretive passages created by the mangroves. See the basking crocodiles and water monitors. Visit one of the small islands with its cinnamon harvesting natives. Enjoy the restorative qualities of the famous fish massage. Observe the waterbirds in their natural habitats.

Later, Proceed to Kosgoda for Turtle Hatchery.

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Learn more about the five endangered sea turtle species that come to the shores of Sri Lanka to nest. Learn how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program helps protect the nests until they hatch and increases the chances of survival for the babies. Get a chance to see, touch and feed baby turtles; or even injured adult turtles that the Turtle Hatchery cares for.

Thereafter proceed to Lunuganga Estate at Bentota.

Lunuganga Estate, The country house of  Geoffrey Bawa

Lunuganga Estate was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Started in 1947, the garden led Bawa, a lawyer called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1940, to decide to become an architect. As he went on to become Sri Lanka’s and one of Asia’s most prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas. He continued to change and experiment with its spaces and structures throughout his life until his final illness in 1998. Left to the Lunuganga Trust on his demise in 2003, the gardens are now open to the public and the buildings on the estate are run as a country house hotel.

On completion proceed back to the hotel and relax.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Coral Rock By Bansei
Standard Option (4 Star) – Coral Sands Hotel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Hikka Tranz By Cinnamon

Departure

Day 10

After breakfast at the hotel on your final day, proceed to the Colombo International Airport (CMB) and get ready for your departure after spending a memorable time on the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Price Starting From:

USD 835 Per Person

When to go on this trip?

The best time of the year you can enjoy this trip is from December to May. Calm south coast beaches, cool and sunny climate and green sceneries that blend perfectly with the locations you are traveling to.

When to book

We recommend that you book this tour at least 6 months ahead.

What add-ons are available for this trip?

We can arrange for just about any add-on’s on this trip. Have a chat with one of our Tour Consultants to help you decide.

Our Experts are ready to help

For more information or to book this wonderful tour please email our travel experts.

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    Hotel Timing

    Standard Check in time : 1400 hrs.
    Standard Check out time : 1200 hrs.
    The above may differ from hotel to hotel. Speak to your travel expert for more details.
    We are able to arrange early check-in and late check-outs depending on the hotels you choose. However, you may be subject to additional charges.

    Booking Process

    After deciding on which trip you want to go, send us an inquiry with the requested details. If you want to further customize this trip, our travel experts would be glad to help perfect the tour itinerary for you. Once all planning is final, the next step is starting the booking process. We request for a 20% deposit to confirm the booking. On receipt of the deposit, our team will start booking your hotels and the vehicles that were agreed upon. The balance 80% payment can be made 30 to 45 days prior to the date of arrival. For cancellation and refund policies please take a look at the terms & conditions.

    Price

    The price quoted is valid till April 2018. Will be subject to seasonal supplements. Speak to your travel expert to learn more details.

    Packing Essentials

    When packing for Sri Lanka, you only need to remember that this is a tropical country. Sunny weather & warm water. Hence, packing thin cotton clothing is essential. However, if your stay includes places like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya & Ella, we recommend that you pack a few sweaters just in case. You must not forget the following:

    • Effective mosquito repellent.
    • A good sunscreen.
    • (Ladies) Tampons – Nearly impossible to find outside Colombo.
    • Universal power adapter.

    Travel Insurance

    We recommend that you purchase travel insurance before you travel.

    VISA

    Visa can be obtained online via www.eta.gov.lk. You can obtain Visa on arrival as well, however, this option is not available for some countries. Do read more on this topic here.

    Travel Information

    Sri Lanka is a developing nation. Yet, there are many things you must look out for during your travel. For example; when visiting religious sites, it is important that you dress to cover. All key information you need to know before traveling is right here.