TAKE A ROUND TRIP – SRI LANKA 13 NIGHTS - 14 DAYS

General Introduction to the area visited: West coast at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon

Activities: Touring of Negombo town

Highlights:

• Visit of the Fishing village & the fish market in Negombo.
• Visit the ancient Dutch churches, canals, & the famous Dutch fort.
• Famous catholic churches of the Portuguese era.
• Canal boat trip in the Negombo lagoon.
• Water birds such as herons, egrets, are in abundance

Significance:

• Main tourist attractions which boast of popular resorts
• Long sandy beaches.
• Centuries of old fishing towns
• Oruwas (Outrigger canoes) is a charming sight.
• A boat trip through the Dutch Canal with sightings of monitor lizards and flocks of migratory birds.
• Diving enthusiast can explore the wreck of a World War II British cargo plane in nearby Marawila.
• Equipped with star class hotels which offer water sports such as windsurfing, sailing and skiing.

• The largest artificial harbour in the World. and handles the majority of Sri Lanka’s foreign trade.
• It is the Capital of the Island Country.
• Colonial buildings such as the Independence Square / Fort station / the red mosque / the Khan clock tower / Old parliament

• Swanky office blocks
• Sprawling bustling street markets brimmed with fragrant spices, colourful silks, cottons and fresh fruit and vegetables at the whirling Pettah bazaar.
• Multi ethnic legacy with churches, mosques and temples.
• Relish high tea at the colonial style hotels overlooking the azure ocean.
• Play a round of golf at the scenic green courses.
• Shopper’s paradise, exquisite boutiques featuring international brands and charming shops offer colourful local art and textured fabrics.
• Colombo is Sri Lanka’s capital is one of Asia’s favoured travel destinations.

General Introduction to the area visited: Travel from the coastal belt to the Inland of the North Central Province of the Island country situate along the banks of “Malwathu Oya” river a tributary of the “Aruvi Aru” river in the Dry Zone.
Geographically the area is almost completely built of Precambrian crystalline rocks.
The ground water is stored in the weathered rock zone and the deeper zone of the un-weathered basement.

Activities: On the way to Anuradhapura enroute to Anuradhapura a brief stop at Chilaw & the Yapahuwa citadel Kingdom

Highlights:

• Visiting a famous Munneswaram Hindu Temple.
• Impressive ruined city the First Capital of the Sinhala Kings.
• The “Dry Zone” where sophisticated canal systems (about 2500 years ago) for irrigation.
• Acclaimed a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
• Rock monasteries, Oldest Dagaba, meditation centres.
  Yapahuwa Rock / citadel was the palace and military stronghold against foreign invaders. 300 foot isolated rock fortified.

Significance:

• Ancient water harvesting and management systems is a unique example of rich cultural heritage.
• Anuradhapura and its hinterlands are considered the epicentre of what is identified as the hydraulic (vapi) civilization nurtured by ancient water harvesting.
• A sacred city formed in the 5th Century BC after Sangamitta the founder of Buddhist monk’s consequent to the Buddha’s fig tree sapling planted in the 3rd Century BC. A sacred Bo-tree is the oldest tree in Sri Lanka which is over 2000 years.
• A centre for Theravada Buddhism and possess ruins of civilization of ancient Sri Lanka.
• Yapahuwa was the Capital of Sri Lanka in the latter part of the 13th Century.
• Yapahuwa has the remains of Stupa, Bodhi tree enclosure and caves that Buddhist monks use.
• The cave has different inscriptions of Brahmi inscriptions.

Yapahuwa Rock Fortress is popular for its steep ornamental staircase.

General Introduction to the area visited: City Tour of Anuradhapura the Oldest civilizations. A cycle tour can be arranged to tour the town.

Activities:  Visit Mihinthale, Isurumuniya, Ruwanwelisaya, Lowamahapaya

Highlights:

• It is at the summit of Mihithale that King Dewanam Piyatissa met Arhath Mahinda the supremely enlightened Buddhist monk in 03rd Century BC.
• The ancient Meygiri Vihara is presently known as Isurumuni Vihara.
• Isurumuniya Buddhist temple is situated near the Tissa Wewa.
• Ruwanwelisaya the oldest Stupa in Sri Lanka
• Lowamahapaya was built by King Dutugamunu a majestic 09 storied monastic structure.

Significance

• Mihinthale is an isolated peak of 1019 feet A pilgrim site for Buddhist. It is considered the cradle of Buddhism.
• Mihinthale piller inscriptions tell of the administration of the Temples.
• 1840 steps connect to various shrines at the summit of Mininthale.
• Isurumuniya Vihara was built to house 500 high – caste ordained children.
• There are carvings of special interest such as Isurumuniya lovers, Elephant Pond, Royal family.
• Ruwanwelisaya is an icon of Architectural glory of ancient Sri Lanka.
• The Lohaprasada is an edifice of 9 stories consisting of 1600 pillars of 400ft in length.

General Introduction to the area visited: Travel from the North Central province to the Eastern Coastal belt

Activities:  City Tour of Trincomalee

Highlights:

• Koneswaram Temple
• Fort Fredrik
• Pathirakali Amman Temple
• Velgam Vehera
• Maritime & Naval History Museum
• Uppaveli & Nilaveli Beaches
• Pigeon Island National Park
• Trincomalee War Cemetery
• St.Mary’s Cathedral

Significance:

• Koneswaram temple is atop a cliff inside Fort Fedrick. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage displaying Darvidian architectural style. It is believed to be the one of the five abodes of Lord Shiva overlooking the magnificent Indian Ocean.
• Fort Fedrick is a historical landmark for nature enthusiast. You see freely roaming spotted deer adds charm to the locality. It is constructed by the Portuguese under military occupation and houses famous Buddhist vihara and sacred Hindu Temple. Breath taking sunset and sweeping views of Trincomalee bay and town is a truly rewarding.
• The Pathirakali Amman temple is vibrant in colours and myriad sculptures together with unique interiors will leave you spell bound. It will leave you awestruck with its colourfully adorned walls and spiritual vibes which is also called the kali Kovil.
• Velgam Vehera, the remains of an ancient Buddhist temple is a serene place which house a monastery with a beautiful settings of tall trees and lawns which is a perfect setting for meditation. The original crystalline Buddha statue still stand tall together with ruins of intriguing inscriptions surround by a jungle.
• The maritime & naval History Museum is a beautifully restored 17th century Deutch mansion. Takes you through the country’s naval history dating back to Marco polo’s time. The marine eco system with special emphasis on flora & fauna of the East Coast.
• Uppuveli is North of Trincomalee pristine palm – fringed beaches with powdery white sand, clear emerald waters and a lovely beach vibe
  Nilaveli beach is a much bigger calmer and totally unspoilt although thronged by tourist from around the world. Perfect for swimming, whale watching, volley-ball, or simply relax. (SEASONAL)
• The pigeon island is a national park off the coast of Nilaveli. It comprises of two islands which is home to endangered rock pigeons, vibrant marine life, stunning rock formations, Snorkeling opportunities in shallow turquoise water which will make your trip a memorable one. (SEASONAL)
• The Trincomalee War Cemetery is a final resting place of the British & local soldiers that laid down their lives during the Word War II. Set in a well-maintained garden is one of the six Commonwealth was cemeteries in Sri Lanka is a place for quiet contemplation.
• The St. Mary’s Cathedral was built in 1852 is in walking distance to the beach. The attractive blue & white façade of the cathedral exudes warmth & tranquility.

General Introduction to the area visited: Eastern Coast to the Central Province Highlands

Activities:  In addition to the Highlights visit to either Kawudulla or Minneriya National Park

Highlights:

• Piduragala Rock
• Sigiriya Lions Rock & Museum
• Minneriya National Park
• Kawudulla National Park

Significance:

• The Piduragala Rock is an outcrop in Sigiriya. Those of adventure enthusiast could climb a 30-minute hike on steep steps and boulders. The best view of Sigiriya Lions Rock.The hike through the dense forest through the ancient Buddhist temple prior to the ascent is recommended at sunrise for a breath-taking views and tranquil setting.
• A UNESCO World Heritage site the Sigiriya Lions Rock is a magnificent fortress and temple complex atop a high volcanic plateau. The Eights wonder of the World Its western wall is adorned with beautiful frescoes. The museum is placed on the base of the rock fortress was constructed in 2009. It boasts of a collection of artifacts that dates back to prehistoric period. It would enhance the knowledge of the Kingdom of Sigiriya which consist of more than five galleries that includes photographs, videos, and models.
• Minneriya National Park gives you a glimpse of the wild life. It is declared as a wild life sanctuary in the year 1938 & converted as a national park in 1997. Renowned for elephant sightings. 300 nos of herd could be seen near the Minneriya Reservoir.
• Kaudulla was declared a National Park on the 01st April 2002. Kaudulla national park is dominated by the Kaudulla tank built by the sister of the famous King mahasen who was the creator of the Minneriya Tank. The Kaudulla National Park includes Relapanawa Tank, Olumadu Wewa, Puliyan Kalla wewa, Mineriya-Kanthale Yoda Ela, Aluth Oya and hatharas Kotuwa Oya. The park is an elephant corridor and sits between Somawathi national Park and the Minneriya National Park. Large herds of Elephants, Deer, Sambur, Wild boar, Leoperdm Bear, Birds and Fish are available.

General Introduction to the area visited: The Central Province Highlands

Activities: Whist Travelling to Kandy Enroute visit the Highlights

Highlights:

• Dambulla Cave Temple
• Matale Spice Gardens
• Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
• Nalanda Gedige

Significance:

• Towering above the plains of Dambulla the Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The five major caves are dotted with 150plus stunning buddha statues depicting Sri Lankan Kings, Gods, and Goddesses.
  The huge intricate cave painting & murals and serene Buddha statutes make these caves a beautiful sanctuary spiritually enchanting. Dates back to 12 Century Ad.
• Spice Gardens exhibits the Sri Lankan flavours and zest of spices of cinnamons, pepper, cardamon, nutmeg, and mace which are major export commodities of foreign exchange earnings.
• The Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs is a well-maintained site in a picturesque setting also has a small museum with the findings from burial grounds, clay pots, urns, copper, & gold jewellery, gem stones. This ancient burial site belongs to the megalithic prehistoric and proto-historic period of Sri Lanka dating back to the Iron Age.
• Nalanda Gedige is a monastic building in Matale area 29 Km from Aluvihara. This site was where the Theravada Buddhist teachings were compiled in written form after a period of over 4 centuries which is known as “Tripitaka”

General Introduction to the area visited: Highlands of the Central Province

Activities:  Glimpse of the Kandyan Kingdom

Highlights:

• Kandyan Kingdom
• Botanical Gardens
• Visit the Gem Grindery & Gem Museum
• Peradeniya Old Railway Station
• Temple of the Tooth Relic
• Cultural Dance Show

Significance:

• • The Kandyan Kingdom is the last Kingdom which spanned from 1592 where Don Juan or Konappu Bandara defeated Portuguese in Danthure battle and became the king of the upcountry by the name of Vimaladharmasuriya and affirmed Dhona Kathrina his Queen marking the beginning of the upcountry kingdom. It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Spanned from 1593 to 1815.
    Tribes such as Yaksha, Raksha & Naga have inhabited the central Province.
  • The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya was formally established in 1843 with plants brought from Kew Garden, Slave Island, Colombo and Kalutara Garden. The origins of botanical gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya. History tells us that King George V and Queen Mary of England planted the Cannonball Tree in 1901.
    During the World War II the Botanic Garden was used by Lord Louis Moutbatten the supreme commander of the allied forces in South Asia as the headquarters of the South East Asia Command. It was the Royal Gardens from 1780 to 1798.
    Memorial collection consists of trees planted by eminent persons including heads of state, state guest, astronauts, and royalty. The palm collection is amongst the best in Asia with about 220 species. The prime attraction is the Orchid house with more than 300 varieties of exquisite Orchids blooming in profusion.
  • Visit Gem stone factories where high quality and unique design in our jewellery collection. Our skilled and talented
    Jewellers are dedicated to ensure you the finest jewellery available using only top-quality select stones and pearls.
    selection of Sapphires, Diamonds, Emeralds, Pearls and other gemstone jewellery in the world.
  • In 1858 the then Ceylon Governor, Henry George Ward commenced the construction of the first railway line in the Country to facilitate the planters the transportation of their harvest from Inland to the seaports located in Colombo.
  • The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a World renowned place of worship when the left canine Tooth of Lord Gautama Buddha is enshrined. It is named as a World heritage site in 1988 by UNESCO. It is of immense cultural value. Unique Kandyan architectural style is used to build the “Dalada Mandira” the shrines which house the Sacred Tooth Relic. The Temple is adorned with intricate carvings of Gold, silver, bronze and ivory.
    The Temple of the Tooth relic is built in the city of Kandy near the ancient Royal Palace which is situated to the North of the Temple and the forest reserve called “Udawaththa Kelaya” to the East. The famous Kandy Lake also known as “Kiri Muhuda:” to the South and “Natha & Paththini Devala” on the West.
    The first “Dalada Madura” which housed the Sacred Tooth Relic was built by King Wimaladharmasuriya I during his reign from 1592 – 1604.
  • The Cultural dance Show is a distinctive local music culture on the Island best reflected in the Hill Country.
    The show takes place every evening in the city of Kandy an in-house performance hosted near the Tooth Relic Temple.
    The popular places of the cultural show are lake club Kandyan cultural show, Redcross Kandyan cultural show, YMBA cultural performance.
    The proceedings of the Kandyan cultural show.

General Introduction to the area visited: Central Province

Activities:  View the lush surroundings of the highlands with picturesque mountainous landscapes dotting with water falls and temples and village folklore entwined.

Highlights:

• View water falls – Ramboda , Devon, Lover’s Leap & St. Clair’s
• Take a refreshing boat ride on Gregory’s Lake
• Visit the Rama Seetha Hindu Temple of much significance of the surrounding areas.
• Best scenic views of Tea Plantations & Visit to a Tea factory. Among them are Mackwoods Tea Museum, Best Tea & Pedro Tea Estate.
• Engage in a soothing Nature Trail at the Horton Plains National Park.
• Leisure in “Little England”
• Historical Value

Significance:

• View the spectacular Ramboda water falls.
  Ramboda falls (Ella) consist of 3 parts called Upper Ramboda Ella, Middle fall, lower fall. The middle fall is situated right after the Ramboda tunnel which is 6m in height. This is a popular bathing spot for travellers.
• A breath-taking view amongst plantation vegetation of 97 m Devon waterfalls is known as the “Veil of the Valley” west of Talawakele named after the pioneer English coffee planter – Devon
• Lovers Leap Water Fall with its height of 30 meters which is a small but a scenic waterfall which offers sweeping views of tea plantations.
• St. Clar’s Falls is one of the widest falls in the country. It is commonly known as the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka”. It is utilized for hydropower generation of the upper Kotmale.The falls is located along the Kotmale Oya a tributary of the Mahaweli river as it cascades over three rocks into a large pool.
• The Gregory’s Lake is a significant tourist attraction. It was built by Govenor William Gregory during 1872 – 1877 utilizing the water from Nanuoya . It was used for water sports and recreational activities during the British era. Visitors are offered boating and rowing.
• Tea first came to Sri Lanka in 1824 for a botanical exhibit. But the real production started 40 years late when a disease had destroyed a lot of coffee plantations in the Island. British tea planter James Taylor found out in 1867 that the highlands of Sri Lanka had a perfect climate for tea production. Best scenic tea plantations to view from are Mackwoods Tea museum, Best Tea, Pedro Tea estate.
• Start with a round-trip hike up Little Adam’s Peak. This verdant 3,743-foot (1,141-meter) hill is named after the bigger, similarly shaped Adam’s Peak — Sri Lanka’s fifth highest mountain. Ascend through the emerald tea plantations, and at the top, admire the spectacular,
  far-reaching views at their best during morning over the island’s central highlands and tea plantations.
• Array of Golf courses, Race courses, Horses, Rose gardens & British styled houses offering a level of perfection.
• Nuwara Eliya post office is a Tudor style two storied red-brick building with a clock spire constructed in 1894. One of the oldest post offices in the country.

General Introduction to the area visited: Through palm jungles through I incredibly steep hills with huge open vistas.

Activities:  An exhilarating train journey with a breath-taking view.
Visit Nine Arches Bridge
Buildings of Historical value.
Adventure Tour

Highlights:

• Witness many Towns, Tea plantations, Water falls.
• Eucalyptus forest
• Lots of cloud forest
• Beautiful Water Falls in view
• Scenic tea plantations in view
• Take a walk through the woodlands to the famous Nine Arches Bridge
• An exhilarating flying Ravana experience – Unique to Ella

Significance:

• Most magical train journeys in the World.
• Pass through Beautiful Towns of Nanu Oya, Ambewela, Ohiya, Diyathalawa & Bandarawela Towns and witness village life. Village
  Folk waiving you through with a broad smile.
  A breath-taking view amongst plantation vegetation of 97 m Devon waterfalls is known as the “Veil of the Valley” west of Talawakele named after the pioneer English coffee planter – Devon
• Interact with the locals up close on the train ride to Ella.
• A British colonial-era viaduct standing 100 feet (30.5 meters) high. Walk across this rail bridge and uncover its history as you absorb the beautiful surroundings. Then, follow the rail line to the Demodara railway station, home to a charming British-built station house. See how the track loops back through an under- station tunnel here.
• Sri Lanka’s first-ever mega dual zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella, Sri Lanka. (Near Little Adams Peak – Ella’s main
  attraction) The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometer (Length 550m), slides at max 80kmph, and offers a bird’s-eye view
  of the beautiful hills of the island. Flying Ravana is true, Ella in all its glory.

General Introduction to the area visited: Leave the Highlands of the Central Province via WELLAWAYA to the dry forest grasslands of Udawalawe of the Sabaragamuwa Province.

Activities: 

• Brief stop at Ella waterfalls.
• Feeding of baby elephants at the elephant orphanage.
• Evening safari at the Udawalawe National Park

Highlights:

• On the way to Udawalawe, stop for a brief view of the spectacular Ella waterfall
• By 14:30 a visit to the elephant orphanage an elephant transit camp
• Udawalawe evening safari tour that spans from 03pm to 6pm in the evening

Significance:

• Brief view of the spectacular Ella waterfall.
• The transit camp where injured and stray elephants are cared for and release to the wild systematically. A nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants.
• Udawalawe national park which is a wildlife sanctuary. The Udawalawe National Park is mainly consisting of mixture of scrubland and teak forest and very rich in scenic landscape. The park is home for around 500 elephants and apart from the elephants there are Wild buffaloes, Deer, Crocodiles, Jackals and Sloth bears. Udawalwe National Park is considered to be a great place to witness Birds

General Introduction to the area visited: Traverse the dry forestry of the lowlands to the beach front properties of the Lower lands of the South West coast.

Activities: 
Visit the Galle Town and the significant monumental sights of cultural and architectural importance.

Highlights:

• Monumental highlights of the Galle Fort.
• The Galle Lighthouse
• Buddhist Temple
• Meera Mosque
• National Maritime Museum
• The old gate
• Old Dutch Hospital
• Clock tower
• Natural Habor
• All Saints Anglican Church

Significance:

• The Galle Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1588. The Fort was fortified by the Dutch in the 17th Century.
• The Galle Lighthouse was constructed in the 19th century by the British and is located South West of the Utrecht bastion. It is listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
• The Buddhist Temple in Galle Fort, Sri Sudharmalaya was built in 1889 and features Dutch – European architecture style. The temple is a UNESCO World heritage site. The statue of the sitting Lord Buddha faces the sea over the Clippenberg Bastion.
• The Meera Masjid Mosque is located across the Galle Lighthouse. The façade looks more like a Portuguese church. The iconic white mosque is an architectural mix of baroque British Victorian and Islamic details.
• The National Maritime Museum is located on Queen Street close to the Dutch reformed church. The building was constructed in 1669 which used to be the cinnamon warehouse of the Dutch VOC. One of the collections were the shipwreck of the Avondster (Evening Star). There are objects such as flags, bottles, vases and objects on shipwrecks.
• The Old gate is situated next to the Maritime Museum and is used as main gate to the Old Habor in the Dutch era. On the inside of the gate, you can see the coat of arms of the Dutch VOC surrounded by two Lions with the year 1669.
• The Dutch Hospital which is now a shopping & dining area including a courtyard was an excellent example of the 17th century Dutch colonial architecture. The structure is designed to keep out humidity and heat.
• The Galle Clock Tower is a popular landmark. It is located at the Moon Bastion at the same spot as the old guard room. The tower is built to honour Dr. Anthonisz.
• The Natural Harbour was already known in ancient times. It is said the biblical Tarsis from the time of King Salomo was located here. It was an important harbour of Sri Lanka until an artificial harbour was created in Colombo.
• All Saints Anglican Church is built in a Victorian gothic revival architectural style.