Sri Lanka Guaranteed Group Departure 07 Days

Welcome at the airport (Arrival details to be advised) & proceed to Negombo for check-in ( Standard check in time : 14.00 hrs). (15KM/0h 20m)

Overnight stay at Negombo.

After breakfast engage in a city tour of Negombo.

Negombo (Duration of visit : approx 1h 0m)

OLD DUTCH FORT IN NEGOMBO - Originally built in 1672, not far from the coastline, the fort was part of a colonial prison complex. Today the fort itself is largely in ruin, but the gate with its date of construction inscribed on it is still visible. In addition to the fort ruins, there's a lovely Dutch church nearby and other buildings around Negombo dating from this period. A bicycle ride on the path along the canal is a good way to see many of these colonial constructions.

Afterwards proceed to Sigiriya en-route visit Dambulla Cave temple. (150 KM/4h 30m)

Dambulla Golden Cave Temple (Duration of visit : approx 1 – 1 ½ Hours)   

Designated as a world heritage site, the Dambulla Temple is located on a gigantic rock towering more than 160 m above the surrounding area. The Rock itself is more than 1.5 km around its base and summit is at 550 km. The caves on this rock were the refuge of King Walagamba’s when he was in exile for 14 years and feature a mixture of religious and worldly paintings and sculptures. Several reclining Buddha's which includes the 15 meter long sculpture of the dying Buddha.

Overnight stay at Sigiriya.

After breakfast morning at leisure (Relax at hotel until others climb Sigiriya rock and return to hotel) or optionally climb Sigiriya rock fortress. (Not included in cost, payment direct at entrance)

OPTIONAL - Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Duration of visit : approx 3 – 3 ½  Hours) (US $ 35.00 per person)

Sigiriya Located a few hours’ drive from Colombo, Sigiriya is a magnificent rock fortress built in the 5th century A.D.  This majestic Citadel in the sky was the refuge of King Kasyapa and is world-renowned for its Mirror Wall’, which consists of poems and paragraphs carved by some of the thousands of visitors who visited the rock many years ago, and for its magnificent frescoes, similar to the Ajantha frescoes of India.

Afternoon engage in a Safari at Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park (Duration of visit: approx 3 ½  – 4 Hours) 

The extent of the Minneriya national park is approximately 8889 hectares. Dry zone plant and Animal Species are common. The elephant are a highlight of the park. Approximately 160 species of birds, 9 amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more that 78 butterfly species can also be found here. There are also rare bamboo trees in this park which is unique to Minneriya national park.

Overnight stay at Sigiriya

After breakfast proceed to Kandy enroute engage in a trek at Sudu Ganga. (90 KM/3h 0m)

Sudu Ganga Trek (Duration of visit : approx 1 ½  – 2 Hours)   

You get an opportunity to walk through the rubber plantations, pepper, Cocoa and meet the Tamil local community. Then we descend to the Sudu Ganga river “Known as the WHITE RIVER” which you cross by a small bridge. You also have the opportunity to swim in the river.

In the afternoon engage in a Kandy city tour including Temple of Tooth Relic.

Kandy Temple and City (Duration of visit : approx 1 ½  – 2 Hours)

The Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a temple in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. It was built within the royal palace complex which houses the only surviving relic of Buddha, a tooth, which is venerated by Buddhists. The relic has played an important role in local politics since ancient times; it's believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country, which caused the ancient kings to protect it with great effort. Kandy was the capital of the Sinhalese Kings from 1592 to 1815, fortified by the terrain of the mountains and the difficult approach. The city is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO, in partly due to the temple.

OPTIONAL: Evening witness a cultural show (USD 5.00 per person – not included in below prices)

Tips & suggestions :

Kandy has many local restaurants & pubs  in the city that can be visited after the cultural show therefore have booked on BB basis. (Breakfast Only).

Overnight stay at Kandy.

After breakfast engage in a trek at Udawattakele Sanctuary.

Udawatakelle Sanctuary (Duration of visit : approx 2 ½  – 3 Hours) 

The lush forest cover of Udawatta Kele Sanctuary behind Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy has a long history dating back to many centuries. This forest extents about 257 acres and is considered to be a vital Bio reserve for the much populated Kandy City. Centuries back, area surrounding Kandy had been a Rain Forest and the human settlements took place during the era of King Panditha Parakramabahu (1302-1326 AD) and in 1371 AD, King Wickramabahu made Kandy his Kingdom. During this era Kandy was called as "Senkadagala". During the trek, you will discover medieval rock shelter dwellings of Buddhist monk hermits, Garrison Cemetery – A British military burial ground and a variety of over 400 plant species, 70 bird species, 32 species of butterflies and various mammal species.

In the afternoon visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.

Royal Botanical Gardens (Duration of visit : approx 1 ½  – 2 Hours) 

The history of the Royal Botanical Gardens dates as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near Mahaweli Ganga. Later, in the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe from 1747 to 1780 this was made a Royal Garden and from 1780 – 1798 King Rajadhi Rajasinghe resided therein, where a temporary residence was erected for him.

Tips & suggestions :

Kandy has many local restaurants & pubs in the city that can be visited, therefore have booked on BB basis. (Breakfast Only).

Overnight stay at Kandy.

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya enroute visit a Tea Factory. (80 KM/3h 0m)

Tea Factory (Duration of visit : approx 20 - 35 mins)

Sri Lanka is one of the largest exporters of Tea in the world which was introduced by the British Tea Planter James Taylor in 1867. The production of tea involves a tedious procedure of plucking, withering, rolling, oxidizing and drying – a process that requires heavy machines and plenty of manpower. You will be taken through the Tea Factory and explained the above process. After the session you will enjoy a wonderful cup of Ceylon tea. Additionally Tea’s of various kinds will be available for purchase.  

In the afternoon engage in a city tour of Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya City (Duration of visit : approx 40 mins)

Nuwara Eliya is also known as 'Little' England', was the favorite hill station of the British who tried to create Nuwara Eliya into a typical English Village. The old brick Post office, country house like hill club, with its hunting pictures, mounted hunting trophies and fish, and it's strict formal dinner attire; the 18 hole golf course, race course etc., all remind you of 'England'.

Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast proceed to Colombo for drop off. (150 KM/5h 30m)

Drops beyond Colombo, a supplement will apply depeding on location.

Kindly note : Driving times mentioned above are approximate and subject to change due to traffic, weather conditions or unexected interruptions en-route. It does not take into account stoppages for site visits, photo oppurtunities, lunch etc. (Purely driving time)

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