Day 01
Arrival, welcome by a Representative of Lanka Sportreizen and transfer to Hotel in Dambulla
Relax
Overnight stay at Dambulla
Day 02
After breakfast leave for Polonnaruwa - the Medieval Capital of Sri Lanka- 11th Century AD
Polonnaruwa.… the island’s Medieval Capital (11th – 13th Centuries AD) which rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. The city was fortified with three concentric walls, beautified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many shrines. A unique Irrigation complex watered the city as well as the surrounding plains helping in agriculture which made the island "the Granary of the East" . The largest of the man-made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra (the Sea of Parakrama), is larger in size than the Colombo Harbor. Polonnaruwa is home to two magnificent World Heritage Sites and numerous other sites of archaeological and historical interest, some of which depict the influence that Hinduism had on the Buddhist Civilization during that period of history.
In Polonnaruwa, visit the many sites of archaeological and historical interest in the Sacred City including the Grate Statue, Quadrangle, Royal Palace, Vatadage, Hatadage, Siva Devalaya, Gal Viharaya, Alahana Pirivena Complex, Kumara and Lotus Ponds, Thuparamaya, Rankoth Vehera, Pabalu Vehera , Thiwanka Image House , The Museum etc. some of which depict the influence that Hinduism had on the Buddhist Civilization during that period of history.
Hop in to a Wood Carving Factory to see the skills of Sri Lankan Craftsmen
In the afternoon undertake a Jeep Safari of the Minneriya National Park famous for its many large herds of wild elephants
Minneriya…It is situated around the reservoir of the same name in the south central area of the island. This park comprises of grasslands, thorny scrubs and many valuable species of trees. Large herds of elephants, species of deer, wild boar, water buffalo and jackals are some of the wild animals found, along with a variety of avifauna that abounds the park. Has become synonymous with the annual “Elephant Gathering”
Overnight stay at Dambulla
Day 03
After breakfast leave for Sigiriya
Sigiriya… a Royal Citadel for 20 years in the 5th Century AD - stark and forbidding, haunted by an epic story of murder and betrayal is attributed to King Kasyapa who found hiding here after killing his father more fruitful than meeting the wrath of the people who loved King Dhatusena much more before meeting his rival - Prince Mugalan who had fled to India seeking reinforcements of his Army. This unique Rock Fortress or "castle in the sky" - a massive monolith of red stone that rises 600ft above ground, derived the name "Lion Rock" as the entrance to the climb to the summit is reached between the paws of a lion.
Climb and visit the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, a Royal Citadel for 20 years in the 5th Century AD built by King Kasyapa, contemporary with the paintings of Ajantha and Ellora Caves in India, highlights being the Frescoes, Mirror Wall and the Lion's Paw, considered as the 8th Wonder of the modern world, thought to be equivalent to the "Alakamanda" - Celestial Palace of God Kuvera.
Continue to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple considered to be the largest painted caves in the world with more than 22,000 sq. ft. of painted surfaces with many paintings, sculptures, statues of Lord Buddha, his disciples, Kings, Gods etc.
Dambulla... a collection of five caves of different sizes declared a World Heritage Site. Initial authorship is attributed to King Valagambahu who took refuge here after being driven out of Anuradhapura by invading armies, although the works span over all periods since then to the late Kandy Period in the 18th Century
Overnight stay at Dambulla
Day 04
After early breakfast leave for Kandy - the Hill Capital
Kandy…………. literally the "City on the Hills" so named as it was protected by the nature - water, rocks and jungles. The last capital of the Sri Lankan kings before falling to the British in 1815AD which is a World Heritage Site. The name Kandy conjures vision of splendour of magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. The centre of attraction is the golden roofed Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The Kandy Lake built by the last King Sri Wickramarajasinghe in 1806 holds a prominent view of the City. It is a City for arts and crafts as well culture and history
Walk in to a Spice Garden and take part in a conducted tour to get some knowledge about the growth and use of spices in the day to day life
Visit the Muthu Mari Amman Hindu Temple in Matale
In Kandy, undertake a City Tour including the Upper Lake Drive - a place where one could have a bird's eye view of the city below, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha - by far the most important place of worship for Buddhists world over ,the Royal Botanical Gardens - one of the best of its kind in Asia with more than 5000 species of different varieties of flora which incidentally was the Headquarters of Lord Louise Mountbatten - the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during the 2nd World War, a Gem Museum - to see how the valuable gems that you see on a shop shelf are turned out from a raw stone with the back ground history.
In the evening watch a Cultural Performance by traditional Kandyan Dancers and Drummers including devotional "Fire Walking"
Overnight stay at Kandy
Day 05
After breakfast leave for Nuwara Eliya - "Little England" through the Ramboda Pass surrounded by "Green Carpets"- hills covered with Tea and cascading Water Falls amidst breathtakingly beautiful landscapes
Nuwara Eliya… nestled in a wooded basin at the foot of Mount Pidurutalagala Sri Lanka’s highest peak, this region at 6,183ft above sea-level Has a cool, crisp climate unknown elsewhere in Sri Lanka. A serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo, the town seems like a piece of the English Lake District. Unusual plants, birds and animals thrive here besides natural feature like waterfalls and caves. Tea, the glistening green leaves of this lovely shrub, along with neat rows of green, cloak ridges and valleys providing a lasting impression of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. The Golf Course – one of the finest and picturesque in Asia – the serene Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity, beautiful parks and well-kept lawns and hedges give the place an air of nostalgia.
En route visit a Tea Factory and a Plantation to witness the manufacturing process of world famous "Ceylon Tea" and to taste a pure unblended cup of factory fresh tea before being sent to the Tea Auctions in Colombo leading to Export.
Evening is free for walks /tour around the city - the important places being the Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, Golf Course, Market etc.
Nature Lovers could make a visit to see the Lover's Leap Water Falls just outside the city which will involve a little bit of hiking for about 1 hour both ways.
Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya
Day 06
After breakfast leave for Colombo – Commercial Capital
Colombo .... is a fascinating city, not only for its comfortable blend of East and West, but also for its balanced mixture of the past and the present. It is the Commercial Capital of the country, and is only 35 km south of the country's only International Airport. Many attractions, opportunities for shopping, availability of tasting a multitude of cuisine etc. makes it an interesting city
Enjoy the natural beauty on this mountainous route passing the two Water Falls - Devon and St. Claires.
Stop in close proximity to the location of David Lean's award winning film "Bridge on the River Kwai." - You might be lucky to find the "Jungle Boy" who will be willing to escort you to the site.
Undertake a City Tour of Colombo including a Buddhist Temple, Dutch Wolvendhal Church, a Hindu Temple, Town Hall, BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), Cinnamon Gardens - Prime residential area, the Nelum Pokuna – the newly opened Performing Arts Theatre, the recently developed New Parliament Area, Lotus Tower claimed to be South Asia’s tallest tower etc.
Shopping
Overnight stay at Colombo
Day 07
Transfer to the Airport for departure
Tour includes
1. Transport in an A/C Vehicle with an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide from/to Airport as per itinerary except free times.
2. Accommodation sharing Double / Twin basis with Breakfast in Hotels as specified above.
3. Entrance Fees to all the tourist sites that are included in the programme.
4. Services of an English-Speaking Local Guide from 07 Pax & upwards.
5. Jeep Hire to National Park (Wherever applicable)
6. Other local assistance
Tour price excludes
1. Lunch & Dinner
2. All beverages, Tips and Portages.
3. Compulsory Supplements (Christmas & New Year’ Eve Gala Dinners Supplement / Kandy Perahera Room Supplement)
4. All expenses of personal nature such as Telephone Calls, Laundry and Tipping etc.
5. Any supplements that may incur due to events / matches / sports activities taking place in those localities
6. Additional transfers other than the itinerary will be charged locally. Mileage will be calculated from office to office
Lufthansa City Center