"Sri Lankan Odyssey: From Colombo to Bentota"
Day 01 - Colombo
Upon arrival you will be greeted by our representative.
Transfer to Colombo.
Evening city tour of Colombo.
Colombo
It is a city where great colonial era buildings are still left intact and are immaculately maintained to stand side by side with the modern in the most elegant manner. This outlook in fact is not seen so prominently in any other city in Asia. It no doubt speaks volumes of the glorious past attached to the city of Colombo from the 15th century onwards when the ownership of the city changed hands from the King to the Portuguese and then to the Dutch and to the English later, until the Island became a sovereign state once again in 1948. All Europeans left their own footprints in the city and more importantly their values among its people that made the Islanders a great Nation and their capital so ple asingly special. You will get to visit the 17th century Dutch Wolfendhal church, The Museum, the Town Hall and The Victoria Park built by the British, a lovely temple of Buddha in a lake setting and a colorful Hindu shrine. The latest attraction is the tastefully salvaged 400 year old Dutch Hospital in Colombo Fort which is now renovated to its former glory ever so wonderfully. You will find lively pubs, ritzy restaurants offering choice cuisines, coffee and tea houses, up-market spas and even ample shopping, all within the unparallel charm of the vast hospital complex. The area with classic court yards, maze of alluring terraces with seating resembles European thoroughfares of the colonial times.
Transfer back to the hotel and spend leisure.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Colombo.
Day 02 - Colombo / Dambulla:
After breakfast, transfer to the Cultural triangle. En route stop at Pinnawala to visit the Elephant Orphanage,
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, halfway between the present capital Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy in the hills of central Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka wildlife department in a 25 acre coconut property near the Maha Oya River. The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungle.
Upon completion transfer to Dambulla / Habarana
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03 - Dambulla / Habarana:
Breakfast at the hotel. Rest of the day Free for “Optional” excursions such as,
01. Visit to Sigiriya
SIGIRIYA
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle.
02. Hiriwaduna Local Village walk
This excursion is also named as the “Hiriwaduna” village experience.
Take part in a Hiriwadunna village trek. The clients will first be taken on a village tour by foot, thereafter they will hop on a catamaran boat, which is called an “oruwa” in Sinhalese terms. To cross a small lake / river, and thereafter they will be sent on bullock carts through the village until they get to a small local house. At this location they will enjoy a nice hot cup of tea or a nice refreshing king coconut juice at a locals house before reaching the coach.
03. Minneriya Jeep safari
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 04 - Habarana / Dambulla / Matale / Kandy:
After breakfast Leave for Kandy, “Optional” visit to Dambulla Rock Cave temple.
Dambulla
Located in the north central province this UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 01st century BC, is an amazing complex of 05 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock, Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. Cave inscriptions from the 2nd Century BC are found and on the walls are many paintings most of which belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century). This temple is a perfect location to view evolution of ancient Sri Lankan art and is an important historical site due to the amalgamation of the material from many eras.
Upon completion transfer to Matale to visit a spice garden where you will witness many spices and herbs in Sri Lanka,
(Distance from Sigiriya to Matale – 66KMs – Approx. 1 ½ Hours)
Spice Garden
The Island had been famous for its spices since the medieval times and is considered as one of the main reasons for the Europeans to conquer the Island and for the Arabs to trade upon from the 14th century onwards. The most interesting feature would be the opportunity you’ll get to identify the real plants of spices you are so familiar with in your day to day life. A qualified guide will do a conducted tour of the garden and a presentation of its products.
Enjoy a special head and shoulder massage at the spice garden, along with a lovely Sri lanka rice and curry meal at the spice garden.
Transfer to Kandy, conduct a sightseeing tour of Kandy.
Visit a Batik Factory, a Gem Museum and drive through the local Market.
Kandy
A lovely exotic city, the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which retains an aura of grandeur, time has not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the renowned temple that enshrines the Tooth Relic of the Buddha and the Royal Botanical gardens – home to one of the world’s best collections of Orchids. A cultural sanctuary where many legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive, Kandy and its satellite villages are the centre of the islands handicraft industry (items of wood, brass & silver) exquisite silver or gold jewellery and precious gems of many varieties including the world’s best blue and star sapphires. The highlight of the city’s calendar is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the casket enclosing the Tooth is taken in procession for ten glittering nights in July/August by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and approximately 100 Elephants.
Late evening witness a cultural dance performed by our famous Kandyan Dancers.
Overnight Stay at Hotel Knady
Day 05 - Kandy Sightseeing / Nuwera Eliya:
After breakfast at the hotel, leisurely visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy.
Thereafter proceed to the Little England of Sri Lanka “Nuwara Eliya”.
(Duration from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya – Approx. 2 Hours)
En-route make a visit to a Tea Plantation/Factory where you will be able to examine the process of how the world’s finest tea is being made.
You will also be able to make a stop in Ramboda to witness the astonishing Ramboda Waterfall.
Overnight Stay at Hotel in Nuwera Eliya
Day 06 - Nuwera Eliya / Bentota:
This morning the clients have some time free for “Optional” Horton Plains excursion, or spend time at leisure with free time to make boat rides in the Gregory lake or horse back rides etc…
Thereafter leave for your beach resort on the Southern Coastal belt. En route visiting Kithulgala .
“Optional” white water rafting excursion.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Bentota.
Day 07 - Bentota:
Full day at leisure.
Free for “Optional” boat ride in Madu River or Turtle hatchery visit.
Overnight stay at Hotel in Bentota.
Day 08 - Departure:
Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to the airport in time for the departure flight.
Contact us on:
📞+961 1 888 148
📧 ariane@arianetravel.com
🌐 www.arianetravel.com