Sigiriya, Habarana, Dambulla, Kandy, Bentota
DAY 01 : Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sigiriya
Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from SHA Tours. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Sigiriya. Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (Per Person USD 5.00).
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage : About 90 KM from Colombo towards Kandy is the home to some 100 or more elephant orphans. A place you will really enjoy and never forget. Most orphans are accustomed to their curious human visitors and are harmless. The Orphanage is open from 8.30am to 5.45pm and visitors can interact a little with the elephants during the regulated bathing and feeding times. You can watch them feeding at 9.15 am, 1.15 and 5.00 pm. Bath times are from 10 am until 12 noon and from 2 until 4 pm.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Sigiriya
DAY 02 : Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park
After breakfast proceed on an excursion to see the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Per Person USD 30)
Climb the 5th century Sigiriya Rock fortress which is a UNESCO world heritage site and was built by King Kashyapa (477-495). The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya rises sheer and impregnable out of the plains of the dry zone. It is a remarkable archaeological site made unforgettable by its dramatic setting. The rock was the innermost stronghold of a 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 stairway.
Evening safari at Minneriya National Park. (Per Person USD 41)
Minneriya National Park is a haven for wild elephants and a jeep safari here will bring you close to the large herds as they come to the water to drink. Birdlife in the park is excellent with the Ceylon fish owl and sea eagle among the species you may see.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Sigiriya
DAY 03 : Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy
After breakfast visit Dambulla Cave Temple. There after drive to Kandy, visit a Spice garden en route.
Dambulla Caves – Dating back to the 1st century BC, this is the most impressive cave temple in Asia. It has five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. In 1938 the architecture was embellished with arched colonnades and gabled entrances. Inside the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images following the contours of the rock. There are images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses.
Spice Garden : See why Sri Lanka became a globally popular country for its herbs and spices. The environment possesses excellent conditions for growing cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, peppercorn, and other flavorful delights. Learn about the process of growing these natural products using ecologically friendly methods. At the end of your visit, stop in the souvenir shop to purchase some exotic spices from the source. The attraction offers free transport wherever needed between the city and the estate. Note that the law strictly forbids harming cinnamon trees.
Thereafter, continue to Kandy and check-in to hotel and relax rest till the evening. Later that evening, go on technical tour related to the arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks. And watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music.
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. Be 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, return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay at Kandy.
DAY 04 : Kandy
After breakfast and relax morning, proceed to visit the famous Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic. (Per Person USD 8.00)
Temple of the Tooth Relic : The Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) was originally built by the Kandyan Kings in 1595, to house and honor the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Attracting crowds of white-clad pilgrims bearing lotus flowers for means of worship, the Maligawa features a myriad of intricate carvings that speak volumes of the architectural values of Kandy. Today the City of Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in part because of the Temple of the tooth relic.
On completion, proceed to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden (Per Person USD 10.00).
Royal Botanical Garden : Home to over 4000 species of plants including an extensive collection of colorful orchids, medicinal plants, spices, palm trees and more, these gardens annually attract nearly 2 million visitors. Greatly contributing towards aspects such as floriculture, butterfly and birdlife conservation and concentrating on the sustainability and biodiversity of the island, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is truly a paradise of tropical greenery, with an abundance of bamboos, lianas and lofty trees to wander amongst.
On completion, return to hotel and relax. Overnight stay at Kandy.
DAY 05: Bentota
After breakfast proceed to Bentota for Leisure.
Overnight stay at Bentota
DAY 06 : Bentota
Breakfast at Hotel.
Full day at Leisure
Overnight stay at Bentota
DAY 07 : Bentota/Airport
Breakfast at Hotel and transfer from Bentota to Airport for your departure.
Includes –
Transportation by private AC car
English speaking chauffeur guide
Water bottles
Excludes –
Accommodation
Food & beverages
Entrance tickets
You can request to customize itinerary where you may choose transport, stay & sightseeing as per your taste & comfort.
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