Day 01 AIR PORT / COLOMBO Colombo Do a city tour of Colombo, like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah bazaar - where one can shop for bargain, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo museum, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH)- an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People's Republic of China, the new Parliament and the Dutch Museum. Overnight in Colombo

Day 02 COLOMBO / ANURADHAPURA / DAMBULLA OR SIGIRIYA

Breakfast at hotel and leave to Anuradahapura. Anuradhapura Visit Anuradhapura. It was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Sri Lanka. It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological interest could be visited. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) was brought as a sapling of the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained to enlightenment and it is over 2,200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world.

At Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C), the 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C) is the most famous of all the Dagobas. been able to accurately reproduce. 'Samadhi' Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of 'Samadhi' or deep meditation. Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century B.C) is well known for its rock carvings. After your visit leave to Sigiriya or Dambulla. Overnight in Dambulla or Sigiriya

Day 03 DAMBULLA OR SIGIRIYA/ POLONNARUWA /DAMBULLA OR SIGIRIYA

Breakfast at hotel and leave to Polonnaruwa city tour of Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa The city which was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and which is a world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures carved out of rock could be seen, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of king Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama Samudraya - a lake built by King Parakramabahu the great.

There are also monuments of famous places of worship such as the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Transfer from Polonnaruwa to Dambulla or Sigiriya. Overnight in Dambulla or Sigiriya

Day 04 GIRITALE OR SIGIRIYA / MIHINTALE / MINNERIYA / DAMBULLA OR SIGIRIYA

Breakfast at the hotel. And leave to Mihintale. Mihintale Mihintale where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Mihintale is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is riddled with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made out of granite slabs 15'' wide leads to the summit from where one could get a splendid view of the surrounding countryside. And after wards leave to Minneriya national park. Minneriya Do a safari of the Minneriya National Park by jeep. The extent of the Minneriya National Park is about 8,889 hectares.

There are wet-lands in this National Park, which have international importance, animal and plant species, which are plenty in dry zone are found in this park. Wild elephants, various amphibians, local and immigrant bird species are plenty in this park. About 160 species of birds, 09 amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more than 78 butterfly species have been found in this area.

There are bamboo trees which are rare in other parks and wild elephants can be seen conveniently. The significant feature is that these elephants can be seen going closer to them. After the visit leave back to the hotel. Overnight in Dambulla or Sigiriya

Day 05 DAMBULLA OR SIGIRIYA / WASGAMUWA / DAMBULLA OR SIGIRIYA

Breakfast at Giritale Hotel. Morning leave to wasgamuwa national park Full day free to visit the Wasgamuwa park. After the visit leave back tom the hotel. Overnight stay in Dambulla or Sigiriya

Day 06 DAMBULLA OR SIGIRIYA / DAMBULLA / KANDY

After breakfast at the hotel leave to Sigiriya to visit the world's 08th wonder. Sigiriya Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, view the worlds 08th wonder the Sigiriya one of the most impressive sites in Sri Lanka, the spectacular Sigiriya fortress, built on a huge rock set in what were the Royal Gardens planned around water, rocks and terraces. On the way up there is a sheltered gallery containing a frieze of celestial nymphs from the 5th Century and the only secular old painting in the country. The final ascent begins between giant lion's paws carved in the rock.

There are magnificent views from the fortress' summit. After climbing Sigiriya visit the historic Dambulla Cave Temple, this temple was built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC and is the site for a complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. metres of painted walls and ceilings which contains over 150 images of the Buddha. After breakfast proceed Kandy en route visit the a spice garden and a Batik Factory. Late evening in Kandy experience a colorful cultural show where you can really taste the Sri Lankan . Overnight stay in Kandy NUWARA ELIYA Visit Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka s tea country producing a significant share of the world best tea. Sri Lanka s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located here. Nuwara-Eliya also has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia. Dinner and overnight stay at Tea Factory Hotel.

Day 06 NUWARA ELIYA / HORTON PLAINS / YALA

After breakfast morning visit Horton Plans HORTON PLNANS Horton Plains is located on a high windswept saddle at about 7000-ft elevation. The Plains are an expanse of misty grassland with scraggy trees and ice-cold rivulets. Visit World's End considered to be the finest view in all of Sri Lanka. The awesome escarpment drops vertically for about 4000 ft, hence its named as Horton Plains. Here you could find endemic Slender Loris and endemic Purple Monkeys amongst the animal species that can be seen.Transfer from Horton Plains to Nuwara Eliya.After visit proceed to Yala. Dinner and overnight stay at Yala Village.

Day 07 YALA / BENTOTA

Early Breakfast at Yala Village and do a Yala Safari. YALA NATIONAL PARK Do a safari of the Yala National Park by jeep. Yala is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka which is the home for wild elephants, wild boars, wild buffaloes, leopards, bears, deers and crocodiles. Large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds are also found here.Transfer from Yala to Bentota.. Dinner and overnight stay at Taj Exotica Hotel

Day 08 BENTOTA

Breakfast at Taj Exotica Hotel in Bentota . Leisure or own activity at the Bentota Beach . Dinner and overnight stay at Taj Exotica Hotel,.

Day 09 BENTOTA / AIRPORT

Breakfast at Taj Exotica Hotel and transfer to the airport for departure. [ PLEASE ADVISE THE DEPARTURE FLIGHT DETAILS ]

OR

Day 07 KANDY / PINNAWELA / KANDY Breakfast at hotel and excursion to Pinnawela. Visit the Pinnawela elephant orphanage. Elephant Orphanage The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but is soon became a conservation and educational centre. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawela was born. After your visit leave to Kandy and en route visit the Royal botanical garden in Peradeniya. Royal Botanical Garden This botanical garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.

After your visit leave to Kandy. Kandy Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts centre, a gem museum and a lapidary. Also visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Thereafter witness a Cultural show. Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 08 KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA

Breakfast at hotel leave to Nuwraeliya. Nuwara Eliya Visit Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka s tea country producing a significant share of the world best tea. Sri Lanka s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located here. Nuwara-Eliya also has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia. Overnight stay in Nuwaraeliya

Day 09 NUWARA ELIYA / HORTON PLAINS / NUWARA ELIYA

Breakfast at hotel and leave to Horton plains. Worlds End Horton Plains is located on a high windswept saddle at about 7000-ft elevation. The Plains are an expanse of misty grassland with scraggy trees and ice-cold rivulets. Visit World's End considered to be the finest view in all of Sri Lanka. The awesome escarpment drops vertically for about 4000 ft, hence its named as Horton Plains.

Here you could find endemic Slender Loris and endemic Purple Monkeys amongst the animal species that can be seen.After the nature trek leave back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Nuwaraeliya

Day 07 KANDY / PINNAWELA / KANDY Breakfast at hotel and excursion to Pinnawela. Visit the Pinnawela elephant orphanage. Elephant Orphanage The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but is soon became a conservation and educational centre. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants.

The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawela was born. After your visit leave to Kandy and en route visit the Royal botanical garden in Peradeniya. Royal Botanical Garden This botanical garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.

After your visit leave to Kandy. Kandy Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts centre, a gem museum and a lapidary. Also visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Thereafter witness a Cultural show. Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 08 KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA

Breakfast at hotel leave to Nuwraeliya. Nuwara Eliya Visit Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka s tea country producing a significant share of the world best tea. Sri Lanka s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located here. Nuwara-Eliya also has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia. Overnight stay in Nuwaraeliya

Day 09 NUWARA ELIYA / HORTON PLAINS / NUWARA ELIYA

Breakfast at hotel and leave to Horton plains. Worlds End Horton Plains is located on a high windswept saddle at about 7000-ft elevation. The Plains are an expanse of misty grassland with scraggy trees and ice-cold rivulets. Visit World's End considered to be the finest view in all of Sri Lanka. The awesome escarpment drops vertically for about 4000 ft, hence its named as Horton Plains.

Here you could find endemic Slender Loris and endemic Purple Monkeys amongst the animal species that can be seen.After the nature trek leave back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Nuwaraeliya

Day 10 NUWARA ELIYA / BUNDALA / HAMBANTOTA

After breakfast leave to down south of Srilanka. En route safari at the Bundala national park. Bundala National Park Bundala National Park is the latest addition to Sri Lanka''s National parks which is situated 250 kms. away from Colombo. All species of Water birds resident in the country and migrant birds inhabit this park. After the visit leave to Hambantota . Overnight stay in Hambantota

Day 11 HAMBANTOTA / YALA

Breakfast at Hotel and leave to Yala national park one of the largest national parks in Srilanka Yala National Park Safari of the Yala National Park by jeep. Yala is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka which is the home for wild elephants, wild boars, wild buffaloes, leopards, bears, deers and crocodiles. Large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds are also found here. After the Safari at Yala national park leave back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Yala

Day 12 YALA / BENTOTA Breakfast at hotel and leave to Kalutara for a beach stay. Overnight stay in Kalutara.

Day 13 BENTOTA / AIRPORT Breakfast at Tangerine Beach Hotel. As per your flight details depart to the airport.

Contact us :  sales@essenceofsrilanka.com