Day 2: ARRIVAL COLOMBO / ANURADHAPURA
- Arrival assistance at Colombo International airport.
- Transfer to Anuradhapura.
- Overnight stay in Hotel.
Arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be met on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport by your Chauffeur-Guide who will assist you with your luggage and guide you to your vehicle.
Then, transfer to Anuradhapura.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Anuradhapura.
Day 3: ANURADHAPURA / WILPATTU / ANURADHAPURA
- Early Morning Jeep Safari at Wilpattu National Park. (Approximately 5 ½ hours)
- Visit the Ancient City of Anuradhapura in the Afternoon. (Approximately 2 ½ hours)
- Overnight stay in Hotel.
Jeep Safari at Wilpattu National Park
This is the land haunted by big cats of the island paradise. Recording a vast number of Sri Lankan Leopards – smarter looking than its Indian cousin – Wilpattu National Park has been named due to ‘Willus’ (Natural Lakes) studded throughout the park. Apart from big cats & precious flora, the park is well known for a healthy population of elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, mongoose and water buffalo. Do not be surprised if the squeal of a helpless wild boar pierce through your ears, just observe closer and you might be presented with a fantastic hunt because it is all action that speaks at Wilpattu.
Ancient City of Anuradhapura
Commanding a rich Sri Lankan heritage, Anuradhapura – one of the greatest and oldest civilizations in the world spanning over 1300 years in its peak – avows of being the greatest city of ancient Sri Lanka following its reign as the first capital. The sapphire of its crown is certainly the Sri Maha Bodhi – the sacred Bo sapling extracted from the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment – standing more than 2200 years in its pride. Stroll through the sacred trails of the venerated city to adore the legacy that interweaves Ruwanweliseya – the gigantic dagoba resting alongside the Basawakkulama Tank – shading the Samadhi Buddha Statue & Isurumuniya Rock Temple that empower the culture, heritage and supremacy of arguably the strongest kingdom in Sri Lankan history. OPTIONAL – Bicycle hire
Overnight stay at a hotel in Anuradhapura.
Day 4: ANURADHAPURA / POLONNARUWA / SIGIRIYA
- Breakfast at Hotel
- Visit the Ancient city of Polonnaruwa. (Drive approx. 2 ½ hours)
- Transfer to Sigiriya. (Drive approx. 2 and ½ hour)
- Overnight stay in Hotel.
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa – medieval capital & crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I – remains superior proof of ancient culture & heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site – blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures – while observing the relic house – Watadage – which boasts of beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa. Or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya – sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation!
OPTIONAL – Bicycle hire
Overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya
Day 5: SIGIRIYA / MINNERIYA / SIGIRIYA
- Breakfast at the Hotel.
- Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Approximately 2 and ½ hours)
- Jeep safari in the afternoon at Minneriya National Park. (Approximately 3 hours)
- Overnight stay in Hotel.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site – Sigiriya – doesn’t only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic ‘Lion Paws’ – overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below – to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock – resembling the mythological ‘City of Gods’ – is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent ‘mirror wall’ embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti.
Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.
Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park
If you’re up for a serious rumble in the jungle, then Minneriya is your Colosseum! Spreading over 8800 hectares, this is a sanctuary for elephants. Minneriya is home to herds of deer and ample birdlife, but its spotlight remains between swaying trunks & flapping ears. Park your jeep on the bank of the reservoir and switch off its engine. Watch carefully as herds of elephants – one by one – roll on to the grass-covered banks, to feed on tender shoots. In fact, this is the largest elephant gathering in the world – over 700 at a time – which has garnished the park to become a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts across the globe.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Sigiriya.
Day 6: SIGIRIYA / DAMBULLA / MATALE / KANDY
- Breakfast at the Hotel.
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temples in the Morning. (Drive approx. 1 ½ hours)
- Visit Matale Spice Garden en- route to Kandy. (Drive approx. 45 mins to 1 hour)
- Visit the Kandy bazaar as well as the Temple of Tooth and see a cultural show.
- Overnight stay in Hotel.
Dambulla Cave Temples
As one reaches the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land which today houses an important junction in the country’s economic and cultural uplifting.
Matale Spice Garden
An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden – into which you will be most welcome – and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colors.
Visit the Kandy bazaar, the Temple of the Tooth and see a traditional cultural show.
Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe – before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy – the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings – crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town – cradled among the misty hills – will feature the Kandy City Centre – bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Drive towards Victoria Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world for a sweep blended with class and style. Or walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.
Day 7: KANDY / PERADENIYA / PINNAWELA / KANDY
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden in the Morning. (Approx. 2 ½ hours)
- Visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage in the Afternoon. (Drive approx. 2 ½ hours)
- Overnight stay in Hotel
Peradeniya Botanical Garden
First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya – today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy – is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147 acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights – the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree – of this place which overflow in grace.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
As you enter the 25 acre coconut property, do not be surprised to witness baby elephants being bottle fed or moving around freely causing absolutely no harm to anyone. It is rightly a sincere sight to observe how these gentle giants – orphaned and sometimes three-legged – are taken care of since 1975 at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Up to date, over 20 calves have been born here, and it is surprising to hear that some of its inmates have even seen their grandchildren during the past few decades! Watch as they feed at 09:15 am, 0:15 pm & 05:00 pm and take a river bath twice a day at 10:00 am & 02:00 pm respectively for an experience that could never be felt anywhere else on earth
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.
Day 8: KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Nuwara Eliya (Optional – By Train) (Drive approx. 3 ½ hours)
- Visit of a tea plantation and tea plucking experience
- Overnight stay in Hotel.
Nuwara Eliya
Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate, remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light – once governed by English & Scottish planters – is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet.
Tea plantation and tea plucking experience
Sri Lanka, Tea and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Take a tour to the cold & misty hills that take pride of an ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of tea plantations. Or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea.
You will also experience to pluck tea amongst the local workers which a great way to get closer to locals as well as understanding the organisation of a tea plantation.
OPTIONAL – Train Ride to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy
Hop into a rattling train smoking and hissing its way through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls & dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-colored saris.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 9: NUWARA ELIYA / ELLA
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Ella. (Drive approx. 2 ½ hours)
- Rest of the day at leisure.
- Overnight stay in Hotel.
Ella is known as everyone’s favorite hill country village and the place to ease off the travel accelerator. Only 8Kms from Bandarawela, this small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding country side. A taste of the breathtaking scenery of Ella could be had, if you just walk into the Garden of the Grand Ella Motel (Formerly Ella Rest House), where you seem to be standing at the edge of the world, and everything around you seems to disappear at your feet. Some of the places you could see in Ella are the Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak and Bambaragala Peak among the other many varied pleasant walks with stunning scenery.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Ella.
Day 10: ELLA / UDAWALAWE / YALA
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free time
Overnight stay at a hotel in Ella
Day 11 ELLA / UDAWALAWE / YALA
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Jeep Safari at Udawalawe National Park. (Drive approx. 3 hours)
- Proceed to Yala. (Drive approx. 2 hours)
- Overnight stay in Hotel.
Jeep Safari at Udawalawe National Park
Be ready to witness trumpets across the border as you approach elephant country around the corner! Udawalawe truly is a sanctuary for the big footed & tusked. Marked by relatively large herds of elephants, the national park proves to be one of the best places one could observe them in their natural habitat. Hop into a safari jeep and head into the park, you are most likely to drive into your first herd of giants within the maiden hundred meters. Turn on your radar into other species – such as potted deer, sambur, barking deer, water buffalo and jackal – found within the park.
Meanwhile, Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home bears a different story. Established in 1995, it caters to all injured elephants found in the area before releasing them into their natural habitat. So, make sure to just watch – rather than touch – these gentle giants as they feed, play and mingle with each other, before heading into the wild with one another.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Yala.
Day 12: YALA
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Jeep Safari at Yala National Park
- Rest of the day at leisure.
- Overnight stay in Hotel.
Jeep safari at YALA National Park
Spreading into a vast 1259 Km2 Yala – with its glory spinning around vast grasslands, shrubs, tanks and dunes – rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country, but also the lands of a civilization which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted dear, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Yala.
Day 13: YALA / GALLE
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Galle and visit of the Old Fort. (Drive approx. 3 and ½ hours)
- Overnight stay in Hotel
Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidences of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the ‘old gate’ carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion – the oldest of all – and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utretcht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle!
Overnight stay at a hotel in Galle or Unawatuna.
Day 14: GALLE / KALUTARA
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Proceed to Kalutara.
- OPTIONAL – BALAPITIYA BOAT RIDE on the way to Kalutara.
- Rest of the day at leisure at beach.
- Overnight stay in Hotel. Driver leaves and comes back for airport transfer on day 17.
Balapitiya Boat Ride – OPTIONAL
Balapitiya is where one could just sit back and observe how ecology and culture combines under the sun! Cut through the clear water of Madu River – a lifeline of Balapitiya – and head towards Kotu Duwa, the small island housing a temple that dates back to ancient Sinhalese kings. Or, sail through tunnels of shady mangroves swaying alongside Madu River – hiding an ecological treasure – to witness the tranquility of this bio-diversity hot spot which boasts of reptiles, mollusks and over 70 species of fresh water fish. Today the region – which is strong in observing rural folk life in the island – does not only boast of cinnamon plantations in abundance, but also has a fine ‘fish pedicure center’ – one of the most potent & latest rejuvenation techniques. Apart from these amenities Balapitiya has also become a household name in the minds of bird watchers ensuring a thrilling offshore experience.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kalutara.
Day 15, 16 & 17: KALUTARA
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Leisure at Beach
- OPTIONAL – VISIT KOSGODA TURTLE HATCHERY
- Overnight stay in Hotel.
Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery – OPTIONAL
Both locals and international volunteers battling it out for ”Sea Turtles’ Sake” is a common sight at Kosgoda. This vibrant tourist destination sitting calm along the Southern coast of Sri Lanka – apart from its traditional industries of fisheries and cinnamon cultivation – was later recognized by the Wildlife Protection Society who studded the region with a Sea Turtle Conservation Project which operates on a formidable scale today. Indirectly, this has become a watering hole of flipper & shell enthusiasts!
Overnight stay at a hotel in Kalutara.
Day 18: KALUTARA / AIRPORT
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Driver comes back for airport transfer. Leave to Airport for flight departure.
Day 19: arrival in Brussels
| 3 * Star Hotel List Standard Hotels ( The rooms are subjected to availability) | |||
| City | Hotel | Room Category | Nights |
| Anuradhapura | Hotel Randiya | ||
http://www.hotelrandiya.com/Standard Room02 NightsSigiriyaElephas Hotel
http://www.elephassigiriya.com/Deluxe Room02 NightsKandySenani Hotel
http://www.senanihotel.com/Standard Room02 NightsNuwara EliyaHeaven Seven Hotel
http://www.heavensevenhotels.com/Deluxe Room01 NightEllaElla Mount Heaven Hotel
http://www.ellamountheaven.com/Deluxe Room02 NightYalaChandrika Hotel
http://www.chandrikahotel.com/Deluxe Room02 NightsGalleLady Hill Hotel
http://www.ladyhillsl.com/Standard Room01 NightKalutaraCoco Royal Beach Resort
http://www.cocoroyalbeach.com/Standard Room04 Nights
| Pax Count – | 2 Pax |
| Price per person in a double room on BB basis. |
Chauffeur –guide from day 1 to day 13 and on day 17.vanaf 1650 euroHalf Board Supplement Per Person200 euro
IMPORTANT – TRAIN TICKETS:
The confirmations of the Train tickets are provided only 14 days prior to the train journey, as such, it is Advisable to recheck the confirmation with the concern personal beforehand. The trains could be delay without any prior notification due to unavoidable operational issues or due to adverse weather conditions. Also there could be instance where the train journeys could be postponed or even cancelled without any prior notification, in such a situation the ticket payments will not be refunded.
THE ABOVE PRICE INCLUDES:
- Accommodation in double rooms on Bed and Breakfast basis
- Tour starts with Breakfast on day 02 ending with breakfast on day 17 at hotels specified or similar categories.
- Transport in a comfortable vehicle from day 1 to 13 and then for the transfer to the airport on day 17.
- Yala Jeep, Udawalawe Jeep, Wilpattu Jeep & Minneriya Jeep.
- English Speaking Guide.
- Water will be provided throughout the tour.
- Entrance Fees: Dambulla Cave Temples, Sigiriya Rock Fort, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Pinnawela Elephants Orphanage, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Matale spice garden, Kandy Tooth Temple and cultural show, tea factory and tea plucking experience, Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Wilpattu National Park and Minneriya National Park.
ABOVE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Video Camera and Still Camera visiting different sites.
- Lunch & Dinner Throughout the tour
- Cost of supplementary excursions mentioned above.
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- Any other services not specified above.