Our professional English speaking chauffeur will warmly welcome you at the arrival of Bandaranaike International Airport and then start more safely the great journey to Colombo to Anuradhapura.
Evening visit Anuradhapura ancient city.
Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka founded in the 4th Century AD and it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is very famous among Buddhists pilgrims. Anuradhapura was earlier the capital of the Island (in ancient times) and most of the Kings who ruled Sri Lanka resided in this vast city. While you are here, be sure to marvel at the sight of the three main dagobas, which were among the largest structures ever built in the ancient world. The city is now named as a world heritage site by UNESCO. According to facts, this city has been started by the ancient minister called “Anuradha” over two thousand years ago. Also, this city based on agriculture for that reason in near Anuradhapura found many reservoirs that specially made for irrigation and agriculture purpose. Anuradhapura located in a dry zone and needed to develop the irrigation process. With this found over two thousand well-furnished irrigation system in Anuradhapura. There are many ancient ruins locates in here. Also, it is one of the holy city of Sri Lanka. Many ancient pagodas, Lord Buddha Statues, Irrigation ponds and many more located in here. Not even that Ruwanwali, Jethawana, Mirisawatiya, Thuparamaya are some of the well-known pagodas in Anuradhapura and kept Lord Buddha Relics. Anuradhapura is a city for observing great civilization over two thousand years. Many stone carving things still remaining in a good condition. Everything has been made with stones. Hospital, Buddhist Monasteries also found in here. Not even that recorded world oldest tree found in Anuradhapura. It is the sacred Boo tree that Lord Buddha sat on enlightenment. A great place to explore more and more things with great variety.
Over night in Anuradhapura.
Leave morning to Polonnaruawa visit ancient city.
Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms and the capital of Sri Lanka from 1017 A.D. to 1235 A.D. Travel back in time to the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa under the reign of King Parakramabahu the Great (1153A.C-1186A.C). Polonnaruwa with its preserved ruins and restored ancient irrigation reservoirs is a much anticipated cultural destination of Sri Lanka. Tourists will enjoy stepping back into history with the extensive and well preserved cultural monuments such as the Polonnaruwa Vatagade - believed to house the Temple of the Tooth Relic which is now deposited in Kandy; Lankatilaka Vihara - a gigantic brick structure which preserves a colossal image of Buddha and Gal Vihara - a rock temple featuring four images of the Buddha carved into the face of a large granite rock. Named after King Parakramabahu the Great, the most striking feature of Polonnaruwa is the large Parakrama Samudra (Parakramabahu Sea) on which an irrigation tank was built. This is his largest irrigation project and covers an area of more than 15 kilometers. The dam (or bundle, as it is known in Sri Lanka) is about 14 km long and 12 meters high.
Lunch at Polonnaruwa.
Evening safari at Minneriya National Park.
Minneriya National Park, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, attracts a large number of visitors as wild elephants gather in the grasslands. Elephants have become a significant part of the park as there are over 700 wild elephants that dwell within the premises. The elephants thrive on the Minneriya Tank; the water sustains the forest and is the main source of survival for all the other animals. The park is an important habitat for the two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka. purple-faced langur and toque macaque. Large herbivorous mammals such as Sri Lankan sambar deer and Sri Lankan axis deer frequent the park. Rare and endangered species such as Sri Lankan leopard and Sri Lankan sloth bear inhabit in Minneriya. Minneriya is one of the areas where the gray slender loris is reportedly found in Sri Lanka. Minneriya National Park has recorded over 170 species of birds. From Migrating waders like Woodsand Piper, Common Sandpiper & Kentish Plovers to forest birds like Malabar-pied Hornbills, Rufus Woodpecker the globally endangered Lesser Adjutant and the endemics Sri Lanka Grey Horn-bill, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Brown-capped Babbler and Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl are some of the highlights.
Over night in Habarana.
Leave morning to visit Sigiriya Rock.
Sigiriya is probably the most visited tourist destination of Sri Lanka. The palace is located in the heart of the island between the towns of Dambulla and Habarane on a massive rocky plateau 370 meters above the sea level. It is also called "The Lion Rock" for its initial name of "Sinhagiri", was a royal citadel for 18 years (477-495) when it was fortified by King Kasyapa. The architectural and irrigational technologies of Sigiriya, such as the Water Gardens, still baffle engineers. The palace and fortress complex is recognized as one of the finest examples of ancient urban planning. Considering the uniqueness of Sigiriya UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1982. Sigiriya is an unmatched combination of urban planning, water engineering, horticulture and arts. The frescoes are probably Sigiriya most popular attraction. The whole face of the wall has been used as a picture gallery which to this day have been preserved. The paintings are said to have been of the Anuradhapura period. However the style of painting is unique to that of any found in Anuradhapura during its golden years.
En route to Kandy visit Dambulla golden temple, Spice Garden and lunch.
Dambulla Cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. There are five caves (Deva Raja Viharaya, Maha Raja Viharaya, Maha Alut Viharaya, Paschima Viharaya) in the Dambulla Temple and 157 statues of the Lord Buddha. Most of the paintings on the ceiling and walls emphasize the artistic talents of ancient days. Dambulla Rock Cave Temple can be reached by coming from Kandy (68km) along A9 road which runs up through Dambulla and Anuradhapura, or direct from Colombo. Located at an elevation of 1118 feet from the sea level, the Dambulugala raises as a massive rock from the surrounding plains of Dambulla. It is home to the World’s most acclaimed Cave complex of magnificent Buddha Images and Rock Paintings of vivid colours and shapes constructed and painted from around the 2nd Century BC (Anuradhapura era) and continued up to the Kandyan era of the 18th Century, thus forming an unbroken line of history and painting styles of Sri Lanka through 2500 years. The statues and art found within the cave truly highlight the artistic abilities of those living in the past. It is well persevered and a walk through the caves will prove to be both insightful and a very memorable experience.
Over night stay in Kandy.
Visit Tooth Temple, Botanical Garden, Gem Museum, Wood Carving Factory.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most important place in Sri Lanka. Also known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa, this place of worship was constructed in the 16th century AD. Situated adjacent to the Royal Palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, the shrine overlooks the vast expanse of the Kandy Lake.
Evening Cultural Dance Show.
Over night in Kandy.
Leave to Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya also known as Little England is a town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. There are so many tea plantations and beautiful Water Falls in Nuwara Eliya. So you can en route visit Tea Estate, Tea Factory, Water Falls.
Over night in Nuwara Eliya.
Early morning leave to visit moonsplains in Nuwara Eliya. After breakfast leave to Bentota.
Moon Plains also known as Sandatanne, Sandagalatanne is located in Nuwara Eliya. The main attraction of this place is the mini Worlds End at the edge giving a 360 Degree view of the surrounding peaks and towns. It is a Wide open area with the chances of seeing wild boars, cows, buffaloes, deer and also a total of 105 bird species are recorded in the area of which 16 are endemic to Sri Lanka.
En route White Water Rafting at Kitulgala.
Kitulgala is a small village west of Sri Lanka, just 80km from Colombo. It offers many nature activities which include White Water Rafting. Kitulgala is the world famous and iconic location for having fantastic water rafting experience. Kelani River in Kitulgala covering 5 major fasters and 4 minor fasters. The distance covered is around 5 km. The river and its surrounding will make you feel enchanted, with a memorable experience during your White Water Rafting Tour in Kitulgala. A mere 2 hour drive from Colombo-Nuwara Eliya road, Kitulgala is a Rain Forest patch which attracts many resident and foreign tourists for its natural beauty. Kitulgala is the base for White Water rafting in Sri Lanka but there are myriad of leisure and adventure activities that can be done in Kitulgala. Rafting at Kitulgala is suitable for novices as well as more experienced. Depending on the requirement you will be given a difficult or less adventurous terrain.
Over night in Bentota.
Visit to Turtle farm, Boat Safari at Madu River, Water Sports at Bentota Lagoon.
See Food lunch on the beach.
Turtle watching is a rare and enjoyable opportunity any tour traveler gets in Sri Lanka. Turtle watching in Sri Lanka is available all year round, with a high season from April to July, and a low season from October to January. Sea turtles colour varies between yelling, black and greenish, depending on the species. There are seven species of sea turtles. The sea turtles spend most of their lives in the sea, so walking on the beach is not easy for them. There are several suitable places where you can watch turtles. Mostly southern end beaches are famous for turtle watching.
Over night in Bentota.
Leave Colombo Airport.
On completion of this tour, you will be driven back to your hotel or Katunayake International Airport for Departure.
