Dambulla / Day 1
Arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colomba and transfer immediately to Dambulla with the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in between.
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 nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawela was born.
After some time here, continue journey to Dambulla.
Overnight at Dambulla.
Dambulla and Polonnaruwa / Day 2
Visit Polonnaruwa, which was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya and Parakramabahu the great can be seen. 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.
On your way back to hotel you could also witness a wood carving shop where you will be shown all the types of timber and hardwood available in Sri Lanka and all the creative furniture made by the master craftsmen.
In the afternoon visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock.
Overnight stay in Dambulla.
Dambulla, Matale and Kandy / Day 3
The day starts with the Dambulla Rock Temple, which was built by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. metres of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 metres.
En route visit a Spice garden in Matale.
Continue the journey to Kandy.
Overnight in Kandy.
Kandy and Peradeniya / Day 4
Visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden,which 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 this, visit Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798.
In the evening witness the Kandy Perahera Festival.
Overnight stay in Kandy.
Kandy and Nuwara Eliya / Day 5
After some time at a tea plantation, journey on to 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 Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya and Kataragama / Day 6
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Kataragama. En route visit Ravana Ella, a stunning waterfall.
Continue journey to Kataragama.
In the evening visit Kataragama and witness the Perahera. Kataragama is perhaps the most visited holy places in the country. Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims flock to the shrines located there. The deity most often associated with Kataragama is Skanda. Buddhists travel to Kataragama ostensibly to visit the Kirivehera, a dagoba where the uddha is said to have meditated in his 3rd and final visit to Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay in Kataragama.
Kataragama, Yala and Galle / Day 7
Leave for Yala (Ruhuna) National Park situated in the southern province. Yala National Park showcases a vast variety of indigenous animals and is best known for large herds of roaming elephants and the ever-elusive leopard. After a safari, transfer to Colombo. En route go for a city tour in Galle. Galle was once the chief port of Sri Lanka. It is still well known for hand-made lace. You can also visit the Galle Fort (spanning 90acres) which was originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. This is also a World Heritage Site.
Overnight stay in Colombo.
Colombo / Day 8
Flight back.
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