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Ceylon
offered by supplier M15964 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 13
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 12
people
Destination(s):
Sri Lanka
Specialty Categories:
Cultural Journey
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 1375 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1375 US Dollar (USD)
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Ayubowan! May you all live long and prosper! Says a traditional-warm Sri Lankan greeting. Five centuries before Christ, Sri Lanka was a land throbbing with vitality and a well-ordered civilization. Cities, palaces, reservoirs, parks, temples, monasteries, monuments and works of art bore testament to the character, imagination, culture, philosophy and faith of the people of Sri Lanka - the Resplendent Land. Vestiges of this ancient civilization are abundantly extant today, all ours to explore and wonder...
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Colombo – Sri Lanka
After our arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, we meet our guide and driver and are transferred to our Colombo Hotel for immediate check-in. Afternoon, if time permitting, we’ll have a short visit of the commercial capital – Colombo.
Overnight: The Cinnamon Grand, Colombo (2 nights). Includes: (D)
Day 2: Colombo
Colombo is the nations first financial hub, a diverse blend of colonial architecture and modern highrise buildings. The Pettah area, in the heart of the city is a hive of activity. Traders and payment hawkers flock to Pettah and this is where the best bargains are available. The hustle and bustle of Pettah is in stark contrast to the Colombo Fort area where many highrise buildings are found. Colombo is the venue for the world’s famous ‘Tea Auction’. Gangarama Buddhist Temple, Wolfendall Kirk, Town Hall, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Zoological Gardens and the new Parliamentary Complex are some attractions in Colombo we’ll encounter for. Later we return to the hotel for rest followed by some free activities. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 3: Colombo / Anuradhapura (drive)
After breakfast we leave for Anuradhapura, en route visiting the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela. The Orphanage was established to feed, nurse and house young elephants abandoned by their mothers and displaced from their natural environment due to development projects. Most orphans cannot be returned back to the wild, as other elephant family groups will not accept them. Thereafter, continue the journey to Aukana and visit the sight, followed by Sasseruwa. Ancient monks occupied nearly 100 caves between the 3rd Century B.C. and 2nd Century A.D. It is best known today for its rough – hewn Buddha image, carved from a sheer rock face. It is reached by a climb of 280 stone steps. About three feet (one meter) shorter than the Aukana, it is cruder and less discreet in style.
Some say it is a 5th Century prototype of the Aukana or the creation of an apprentice to the Aukana sculptor. Both are directly facing the old Kalawewa sluice. Later arrive in Anuradhapura to visit the ancient city. This ancient and historical city of Anuradhapura dates back to the 4th Century BC and it is famous for its Dagobas (Temples), reservoirs, and beautifully landscaped pleasure gardens, which were homes to the ancient kings. The World's oldest tree on record, the "Sri Maha Bodhi" Bo tree and the "Ruwanwali Seya" Temple, which are two of Sri Lanka’s most sacred places, are found in Anuradhapura.
Overnight: Palm Garden Village Hotel, Anuradhapura (2 nights). Includes: (B), (D).
Day 4: Anuradhapura
After breakfast we start our full day visit in Anuradhapura. This was Sri Lanka's first capital city. It was a model of systematic planning set in rolling parkland. Here are Dagobas, pleasure gardens and reservoirs, indicating what a high level of civilization existed. Places of interest include the Brazen Palace and the Sacred Bo Tree, considered to be the oldest historically documented tree on earth, grown from a sapling of the original tree under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. After we visit the Archaeological Museum we’ll proceed to Mihinthale.
Mihinthale is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is dotted with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1840 steps, 5 meters wide, leads to the summit with a splendid view of the surrounding countryside. The ‘Thuparamaya’ and the ‘Jethawanaramaya’ are two other popular Buddhist temples to be visited. Later we return to our hotel for rest, dinner and overnight stay. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 5: Anuradhapura / Sigiriya / Dambulla (drive)
After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya and climb the famous Rock Fortress. Sigiriya, a massive rock in the green scrub jungle, is perhaps the most memorable place for visitors to Sri Lanka. The site was known from ancient times as a hermitage for Buddhist monks. A well planned monastic complex includes caved temples, bathing pools, lovely ponds and Asia's oldest surviving landscaped gardens. Today Sigiriya is famous for its frescos painted in the pocket of the rock. The "Lion stairway", the "Mirror Wall" and the "Water Gardens" are the other highlights of Sigiriya. Later in the afternoon we leave for Minneriya to enjoy a Jeep safari.
Situated in the Polonnaruwa district of the North Central Province of the country, the Minneriya National Park covers an area of 8,889 hectares. Many animals and species of plants are found in this National Park. Herds of Elephants and Deer are a common sight. Other animals sighted are Sambur, Donkeys, Monkeys, Mongoose, Leopard, Bats and reptiles such as Crocodiles, Pythons, Tortoise and Monitors. Around 160 species of birds, 09 amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more than 78 butterfly species have been found in the Minneriya National Park.
Overnight: Amaya Lake Resort, Dambulla (2 nights). Includes: (B), (D).
Day 6: Dambulla / Polonnaruwa / Dambulla (drive)
After breakfast, we’ll visit the medieval capital of Sri Lanka - Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa was the mediaeval capital of Sri Lanka, and today it is one of the most beautiful centers of our cultural heritage. With its comparatively brief history and a dozen rulers, it is a far more completely preserved ruin city than Anuradhapura. We’ll visit the ancient ruins and the Gal Vihara complex, where three very large Buddha statues are caved out of a single rock. Though smaller in scope, it is said to be aesthetically superior to Anuradhapura. The ruins of palaces, shrines, temples and Dagobas built by King Parakrama Bahu the Great, whose statue stands sentinel over the 5,940 acre Parakrama Samudra or "Sea of Parakrama", (an enormous reservoir built by him for irrigation, and supply of water) are as fascinating as the history they unfold. Later we return to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure by the pool or enjoying the surroundings. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 7: Dambulla / Kandy (drive)
After breakfast, we leave for Kandy, en route visiting the World Heritage Site of Dambulla Cave Temples. Of all the cave temples in Sri Lanka, the five caves that form the Raja Maha Vihara at the village of Dambulla, by far is the most impressive. Dambulla is about 12 miles south west of Sigiriya, on the Matale-Anuradhapura Road. The largest cave carries some 48 statues of Lord Buddha alone, with statues of some Hindu gods, (Vishnu and Saman). The statues of the Hindu gods date back to the 12th Century, when Hinduism took root in Sri Lanka and started influencing the arts.
The history of the caves themselves dates back to the 2nd or 1st century B.C., when King Valagam Bahu who was escaping the invading army that drove him out of Anuradhapura, took refuge in these caves. From here we visit Matale with its spice garden and a batik factory. Batik is an ancient art of mixing colors by using wax as the main component and today Sri Lanka is among the world leaders in the design of batik. Batik galleries and factories offer batik from simple single colored designs to intricate multi-colored masterpieces.
Also, for centuries, spices have been one of Sri Lanka's celebrated exports. Spices are grown mostly in home gardens (as a home industry) and used to flavor food as well as for medicine and cosmetics. Visit to a spice garden and to sample scents and flavors such as cinnamon, ginger, Pepper, Vanilla, cardamom, etc can be an exciting experience. When we arrive in Kandy we check-in at the hotel first and later have a short sightseeing of the city of Kandy.
Overnight: Amaya Hill (formerly Le Kandyan Resort) (2 nights). Includes: (B), (D).
Day 8: Kandy
The hill capital Kandy was the last stronghold of the ancient Sinhala Kings against the British Empire. The city known as ‘Senkadagalapura’ lies around picturesque mountains and rivers just 72 km away from Colombo and features the most sacred of all Buddhist shrines. The annual Esala Perahera, which takes place during the month of August each year, is a magnificent street parade where over 100 caparisoned elephants, drummers and dance troops from all provinces participate.
Known in the early days as "Senkadagalapura", the city is a declared World Heritage Site. Kandy lies in a triangular valley surrounded by mountains and hills with tea plantations, resembling a sheet of green velvet covering the hills. A modern commercialized location serving as the hub of the central province, Kandy remains the Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka with a rich heritage of living monuments. This evening we’ll witness a cultural dance performance. A pageant of traditional Sri Lankan dance, which flourished in the hill country during ancient times. The dancers are attired in frilled costumes with glistening head-dresses and breastplates. They skip and whirl to the beat of the drums executing astonishing acrobatics in mid-air. The highlight of the performance is the fire walking at the end of the pageant. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 9: Kandy / Nuwara Eliya (drive)
After an early breakfast, we’ll visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Buddhists all over the world venerate the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Watch the traditional rituals performed daily by the religious dignitaries of the temple in keeping with the cultural heritage of the country. The ‘Raja Wasala’ and the ‘Magul Maduwa’ within the Royal Palace complex dating back to 1784 explains the unique wooden craftsmanship in this historic temple. Later also visit the nearby Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, named “One Of The Best Kept Secrets of Kandy” it is well known for it’s large variety of plants and creepers. The best attraction is the orchid house, which houses more than 300 orchids and the nutmeg grove. Thereafter, proceed to Nuwara Eliya, en route visiting a Tea Plantation and a Factory.
A journey through narrow passes, beside deep ravines and over gushing streams takes us to the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, Nuwara Eliya. Located approximately 2000 meters above sea level this town resembles ‘English’ with its colonial architecture gaining prominence. The temperature averages 100C and high-mountain peaks - including Pidurutalagala - are within this district. Vegetable plantations, scenic flower gardens, strawberry nurseries, walkways and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens are places of interest. Once we arrive in Nuwara Eliya will have a short visit of the city. Nuwara Eliya which means the "city of lights" is also known as the city of eternal spring, where the air is pure, cool and distilled up through 1,884 meters. Windswept peaks lie shrouded in mist, while gaily clad tea pluckers wind their way between the tea bushes. Listen to the wild music of the water falls. This is a holiday resort ideal for hiking, golfing and boating - the setting is a nostalgic reminder of the English country-side.
Overnight: Grand Hotel (Colonial – Golf Wing) (1 night). Includes: (B), (D).
Day 10: Nuwara Eliya / Bentota (drive)
After breakfast, proceed to Bentota via Kitulgala. Once we arrive in Bentota we’ll check-in at hotel. At the other end of “The Golden Mile” is Bentota, a popular tourist destination. An hour and a half’s drive from Colombo, Bentota is a well-developed town, which sits on an estuary where the river and the sea meet. This makes Bentota famous for windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling. A boat ride on the ‘Bentara Ganga’ will take us to islands, which are worth exploring.
Overnight: Bentota Beach Hotel (3 nights). Includes: (B), (D).
Day 11: Bentota
A full day excursion today, as we’ll visit the surroundings of Bentota & go to some places like Koggala, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and definitely to Galle. The ancient town of Galle has seen many changes & ups and downs during the last few centuries. The Portuguese captured Galle from the Sinhala Kings in 1587, only to succumb to the Dutch in 1640. The Dutch considerably enhanced the Portuguese fortifications, then all Dutch possessions in Ceylon passed to the British by treaty in 1796, including the legacy of Dutch style tropical houses & grander administrative buildings within Galle Fort. The British continued to use Galle as Ceylon's chief port until Colombo superseded it, around 1880. When the British moved from Galle Fort to Colombo, the Muslim community began to establish a presence there. Today, reports indicate that the Muslim community accounts for 80 % of Galle Fort's population, while the majority Sinhalese community account for the remaining 20 %. A combination of historical & architectural significance had led Galle Fort to be declared a World Heritage Site. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 12: Bentota
After breakfast have a full day at leisure, on the beach or by the pool. Includes: (B).
Day 13: Bentota / Homebound (drive)
This morning we’ll have short ride to Bandaranaike International Airport, where we arrive just in time to connect with our flight back home, or – why not? - to our next destination. After an exciting journey we’ll leave this island and take back strong memories. Includes: (B).
Tour Price Includes:
• Accommodation in double rooms at the hotels indicated (or similar - all
hotels are 4* & 5* category)
• Meals as indicated (B-breakfast, D-dinner)
• Transfers and sightseeing by luxury air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking chauffeur and guide
• Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
• All Entrance fees at the places of visit as indicated in the itinerary
• Government Taxes
Tour Price Excludes:
• Lunch throughout itinerary
• Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, telephone, etc
• Photographic and video permits
• Compulsory seasonal supplements for Christmas and New Year
• Tips and gratuities
• Services other than specified above
With compliments:
• Garland on arrival at the airport
• Souvenir on departure.
Tour highlights and World Heritage Sites (WHS):
• Colombo & The Pettah area
• Sacred City of Anuradhapura (WHS)
• Ancient City of Sigiriya (WHS)
• Minneriya National Park
• Ancient City of Polonnaruva (WHS)
• Dambulla Cave Temple (WHS)
• Sacred City of Kandy (WHS)
• Nuwara Eliya - the ‘city of lights’
• Bentota
• Old Town of Galle and its fortifications (WHS)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour cost 2008: USD: 1,375.00 / CAD: 1,445.00 per person in double
occupancy. Single room supplement is USD: 475.00 / CAD: 500.00
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Sri Lanka
Cultural Journey
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