SCHEDULE

• On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet & greet and transfer to Negombo
• Check in to the hotel (check in time after 12. 30p.m)
• Evening enjoy a short visit to the neighbouring communities with your guide (Depending on your arrival time)
• Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Negombo

Less than 5 kilometres from the airport is the fishing coastal city of NEGOMBO. Captured by colonisers starting in the 17th century, its priceless cinnamon trees were a gold mine for the likes of the Dutch, Portuguese and the British. Today, regal churches and colonial styled buildings reflect a bygone era, amidst the hustle and bustle of a vibrant fishing city, blessed by a beautiful lagoon and canals to explore the place and of course the beach - warmly embraced by the Indian Ocean.

SCHEDULE

• Early morning visit to an authentic fish market in Negombo and interaction with a vibrant and busy fishing community
• Leave for Anuradhapura via Yapahuwa after breakfast
• Visit Yapahuwa Historical Site
• Continue to Anuradhapura and check in at the hotel
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Anuradhapura

YAPAHUWA

En route to the cultural triangle - the ancient cities of Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa - we will take you to the Rock Fortress of Yapahuwa, the capital city for King Bhuvanekabahu, in the 13th century. Chosen as his capital city and as a strategic location to defend his kingdom and the Sacred Tooth Relic from a Dravidian invasion from South India, King Bhuvanekabahu built a palace and a temple in the backdrop of a formidable rock. Along with a shrine, there is a cave that houses ancient inscriptions at the base of the rock. Following the death of King Bhuvenakabahu in 1284, Yapahuwa succumbed to the the Pandyans of South India, who invaded Sri Lanka once again, and succeeded in capturing Sacred Tooth Relic. Thereafter, Yapahuwa was largely abandoned and inhabited by Buddhist monks and religious ascetics.

The citadel of Yapahuwa is considered a monumental archeological site to visit.

SCHEDULE

• Visit Anuradhapura Historical Site in the morning
• Proceed to Mihintale and visit Mihintale Temple
• Relax in the evening
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Anuradhapura

Our next stop is recognised as one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world dating way back to 377 BC; ANURADHAPURA is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Favoured as the capital city by several kings, with King Pandukabhaya planning its layout, as early as the 4th century. History shows how this momentum continued until the end of the 12th century. The ruling dynasties left a legacy of architectural and engineering achievements: monasteries, temples, baths and palaces were structures familiar to society at the time.

Mirisawetiya, Ruwanweliseya and Jetavanaya are the three stupas of Anuradhapura which have etched their place in ancient history, alongside the Pyramids of Egypt and South America. Built between 161 BC and 331 AD, these monuments were constructed using extremely heavy and large stones. Ruwanweliseya is considered the tallest dagoba ins Sri Lanka,

The temple of the Sri Maha Bodhi (temple of the holy Bo-tree) is also found in this historical city. The Sri Maha Bodhi Bo tree was grown from a branch of the tree, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment while he was meditating - more than 2500 year ago.

A grand stairway of 1840 steps made of granite slabs leads to the summit of a rock called the Aradhana Gal (The Rock of Invitation) in MIHINTALE. This is the place where Mahinda, son of the Indian Emperor Ashoka called out to Lankan King Devanampiyatissa to prevent him from shooting a deer. Thereafter he conveyed the message of Buddhism - marking the birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. There is a 32-cell rock hewn cave built by Devanampiyatissa for Mahinda, who lived here in the jungle for 48 years while spreading the message of peace. Mihintale is dotted with various shrines such as the Mahinda Maha Seya which is the largest stupa here, along with rock boulders and sacred caves, used by monks for meditation and visited by devotees.

SCHEDULE

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Leave for Polonnaruwa via Ritigala
• Visit Ritigala Monastery and the Archaeological Site
• Proceed to Polonnaruwa and check in at the hotel
• Visit Polonnaruwa Historical Site in the evening
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Polonnaruwa

A 43 kilometre drive from Anuradhapura will take you to RITIGALA, the highest mountain in the North Central dry plains of Sri Lanka, which is about three miles long and about two miles wide at its widest point. Covered with dense jungle inhabited by wild elephants, leopards and bears, it has been declared a Strict Natural Reserve in order to maintain its pristine environment. Ritigala’s cloud cover and mist that cloaks it most of the year, has resulted in a flora much more characteristic of the wet zone found in the central hills than in the dry zone: the upper part of the mountain is well known for its rare flora and it also has a range of wild orchids. It is also believed that powerful medicinal herbs are found only near the crest of the mountain.

Ritigala is also home to 70 rock caves that were believed to have been inhabited since the 1st century BC. Narrations from the Chronicles of the Mahavamsa document that Ritigala was known by the name of Arittha-Pabbata meaning "The Dreadful Mountain” during the reign of Pandukabhaya (377-307 BC), the third king of Sri Lanka. Since then Ritigala had been, periodically, a sanctuary for the kings at war against the Dravidian invaders to the island until around the 7th century.

POLONNARUWA has historically been a favoured capital city in ancient Lanka. King Vijaya Bahu was the first to make the city his capital but it is during King Parakrama Bahu’s rule, that the city experienced a renaissance. The planned development of the city saw intense activity in irrigation systems, strengthening of trade and special emphasis on sculpture, art and architecture. The 2500 hectare tank called 'Parakrama Samudra' (Sea of Parakrama) is a scenic reservoir draped with greenery and brushed with sweeping, cool winds. Walk around the historic sites and be a guest at the ruins of the Audience Hall and ‘Nissanka Malla’, the Royal Palace, all impressive structures, reflecting the grandeur of that civilization. Interestingly, one will see the emergence of South Indian architecture along with Dravidian and Hindu artistry – a facet never seen before this era. The Shiva temple, made entirely out of stone, captures Chola temple architecture taking its place prominently - along with other forms of art and sculpture - in Polonnaruwa.

SCHEDULE

• Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Sigiriya
• Visit Pidurangala Rock
• Check in at the hotel in Sigiriya
• Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the evening
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Sigiriya

The ancient city of SIGIRIYA is a signature historical destination in Sri Lanka. A World Heritage Site since 1982, it shares the stage with the monumental wonders of the Pyramids and the Grand Canyon, and is even considered as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The Rock gets its name from the words ‘sinha’ (lion in Sinhala) and ‘giriya’ (throat), hence the word: Sigiriya. The iconic paintings of the ‘Cloud Maidens’ have been paid tribute to by poets over the ages. The frescoes exude a beauty and artistry only comparable to the Ajanta frescoes of India. The final and almost precarious ascent to the top of the Rock, is through – what remains of a majestic lion sculpture: the gigantic paws, sculpted into the side of the rock. And on reaching the summit one stands tall, 600 feet from the ground, with a breathtaking panoramic 360 degrees view with gusts of wind that can catch you unawares.

Located approximately 2 kilometres north of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, is the PIDURANGALA ROCK. It is believed to be a monastery that existed over 2500 years ago. The Reclining Buddha Statue in the Pidurangala Temple was considered as the largest brick statue of Buddha in the world until some decades back. The climb of the rock has two stages of climb: the first segment has irregular steps, while the second is without a proper path. Legend has it that the women depicted in the Sigiriya Frescoes were going to worship the temple on Pidurangala Rock. The existing stupa on the foot hills is believed to be the place where King Kasyapa was cremated.

SCHEDULE

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Leave for Kandy after breakfast
• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
• Check in at the hotel in Kandy
• City Tour in Kandy in the evening, including a visit to Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic & a Cultural Show.
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy

DAMBULLA Rock Cave Temple, known as the “Golden Temple” consists of 5 caves, containing countless images of Buddha and goes back to the 1st century BC when king Valagambahu took refuge here. The most elaborate and most spectacular of the five, is the second cave – which at 170 feet in length 75 feet in width and 21 feet high, is the largest of all. There is a large reclining Buddha statue and statues of two kings namely, Valagambahu who took first took refuge there and did most of the constructions and Nissankamalla who later improved on the cave. In the centre of this cave, is a large container to collect the water that drips from the rock ceiling even during the dry season. This place is worth visiting not only for the cave temple, but also for the beautiful view over the countryside one gets from near the caves situated at around 150m above the road.

Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth located in KANDY, dates back to the 16th century, with many extensions and changes occurring until the 19th century. It is home to the Sacred Relic of the Tooth of Buddha – the most venerated object in the Buddhist world. Walking into the shrine will take one through numerous buildings, corridors and chambers that are highly decorated with colourful and ornate carvings. Various services are held daily for the worshippers. The distinct sounds of traditional drums skillfully handled by costumed artistes, accentuate the spiritual ambience. The drums also signal the ceremonial opening of the Inner Chamber’s window for the public viewing of the casket with the Relic - brought from India 2500 years ago. The tour does end prior to the commencement of the drumming.

Kandy is great city to do walking tour should time permit, with so many places of worship built many hundreds of years ago, to be seen, such as: the distinct red and white patterned Hanafi Mosque, the St.Paul’s Church which, interestingly, lies in the sacred grounds of the Dalada Maligawa and the grand Pillaiyar Kovil - to name a few.

SCHEDULE

• After breakfast we will proceed to the Kandy Railway Station
• Enjoy a train ride from Kandy to Ella ( Approx. 6 hours)
• Check in at the hotel in Ella
• Leisurely evening
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Ella

The railway system was initiated by the British in the 19th century, mainly for the transportation of merchandise and tea from the plantations upcountry. This train ride will take you over 1700 feet from Kandy to Ella, snaking along hills and cutting across historical locations. The breathtaking views with heavy mist almost covering the wondrous array of flora and distant mountain ranges, will you captivated during the journey. The crisp, cold winds are a pleasant companion as you chug along to Ella.

SCHEDULE

• After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Yala
• Check in at Big Game Campsite in Yala
• Go for an evening jeep safari in Yala National Park
• Dinner and overnight stay at the Big Game Campsite (Tent) in Yala

Located South East of the island, covering almost 1000 square kilometres and the second largest national park in the country, Yala National Park is home to over 40 varieties of mammal and 200 bird species. Ironically what were previously the hunting grounds of the British, was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900. Leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks and crocodiles - are just some of the stars to be seen here. But it is the leopard who is the cynosure of Yala with the highest density per square kilometre.

The bird life will also impress you, diverse species, such as: Rosy Starlings, Paradise Flycatchers, Crested Hawk eagles, Blue-Tailed Bee-eaters and common Loras have taken up residence at this sanctuary.

In all that splendour of wildlife, the tell-tale signs of a bygone civilisation will reach out to you. The Monastic settlement of Sithulpawwa, an important pilgrim site, is said to have housed 12,000 inhabitants seeking solace, some 2000 years ago. The restored rock Temple, among a series of well-preserved ancient temples, offers a glimpse into a vibrant past. Yala was central to a thriving civilisation: hundreds of water tanks that once served a dynamic agri-based civilisation, today, crucially provide a lifeline to the animal kingdom.

SCHEDULE

• Breakfast at the campsite
• After breakfast, proceed to Galle after breakfast
• Check in at the hotel
• Walk into the colonial era of the South Coast in Sri Lanka with a unique, one-of-a- kind host
• Overnight stay at the hotel in Galle

The earliest records of GALLE trace back to its mention in Ptolemy’s World Map in the 2nd century AD. It was an ancient port city which traded with some of the biggest powers of that time; such as Greece, Arabia and China. The historically famous traveller Ibn Batuta who lived in the 14th century also mentions having passed through the port on his visit to Sri Pada and Tenavaram Temple. Even today, Galle still commands importance in the international arena of commerce and shipping. As a coastal town, Galle’s architecture largely evolved influenced by colonial direction.

GALLE FORT

First built in 1588 by the Portuguese, the fort was then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century and finally modified slightly by the British - the Galle Fort is today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Galle Fort is upheld as symbolic of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.” Today, the 36 hectare fortress with its signature stone sea walls, is an architectural heritage monument maintained impressively by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Its old gate and main gate, the rampart and the Flat Rock bastion used to warn ships of deceptive underwater rocks.

With the streets laid in a rectangular grid, one can walk down cobblestone streets and discover the low gabled houses and terraces in the Dutch Colonial style and the Arab quarter. The entire town gives a feeling of quaint but beautiful nostalgia. There are many things to see in the town; from historic churches and mosques to many government and commercial structures which have withstood the ages. The Dutch Reformed Church built in 1640, the National Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Hospital and the Meera Mosque built in 1904 - are all great sites to visit.

Shanjei Perumal

Shanjei Perumal, a former advertising executive, took to becoming a full-time tour guide of Galle Fort – simple because he was obsessed with the legendary place and desired sharing his knowledge and stories with curious visitors.

SCHEDULE

After breakfast depart for the Airport (check out time from the hotel is before noon)

[Please check-in at least 60 minutes before the scheduled time of departure]