8D Sri Lanka Experience

Itinerary

Day 01 / Arrive Colombo
Arrive in Colombo at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into to the hotel (check-in time is 12.00 midday) and enjoy the city. In the evening you will meet your fellow group members to go over the details of your trip. Check the notice board to see what time and where the group meeting will be held.

Day 02 / Sigiriya
After breakfast, 4.5 hour drive takes us to Sigiriya.
In the afternoon, take a walk around the town admiring the views of the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Wander around the old fortress viewing the moat, ramparts, and water gardens. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya which are sheltered in a pocket of rock.

Day 03 / Anuradhapura and Dambulla
Take a full day excursion to Dambulla and Annuradhapura.
Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s most extensive and important ancient city. It was ruled by Sinhalese kings for over 1000 years rising in prominence and greatness as it fell to different invading armies over time. These ruins are now classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Bike through the ancient city, starting at the Bo Tree, a reminder of the Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage. The ruins are situated in a vast woodland setting, dotted with parks and ponds. Take the time to visit some of the museums situated in the area with interesting exhibits on the history of the Anuradhapura or go to Mihintale, where Buddhism in Sri Lanka first sprouted.
In the afternoon, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, home to some 150 Buddga images, the largest area of wall paintings in the world. Also a UNESCO Heritage site, this is certainly the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples.
Return to Sigiriya in the evening.

Day 04 / Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
Rise early on Day 4 to climb the steep steps of Sigiriya fortress and procterate, situated on top of a high 200m high rock mass. Enjoy a fantstic sunrise and tour of the fortress including the famous 5th century frescoes. The water gardens surrounding the fortress have recently been restored to their original look and are a definite highlight.

Travel to Polonnaruwa, which is the ancient capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty, created after Anuradhapura was conquered in the late 10th century. These ruins are in a much smaller area and are in better repair than those at Anuradhapura.
Wander through the 1000-year-old Polonnaruwa, visiting stunning palaces, holy temples and graceful stupas. The highlight, though, is the massive stone Buddhas – including the 14m high reclining Buddha which has become a Sri Lankan landmark and represents the pinaccle of Sinhalese rock carving. Visit museums describing the cultural, artistic and historical significance of the area.
Return to Sigiriya in the evening.

Day 05 / Pinnawala and Kandy
Set out to the elephant orphanage centre in Pinnawala. The orphanage is home to over 60 elephants that have been found abandoned in the wild. Get their early in the morning to see the baby elephants nursing bottles during feeding time.
The second-largest city in Sri Lanka, Kandy has taken the mantle as the culture capital. Situated 500m-high, the city is surrounded by lush green countryside and rolling hills. Home to old shops, a bustling market and a beautiful, picturesque lake, Kandy is a site to behold. Visit the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) and, hopefully, experience drum circles and chants from pilgrims cld in white. The National Museum and Botanical Gardens are said to be some of the best in Asia.
At night, watch a performance by the Kandyan dancers and fire-walkers.

Day 06 / Yala National Park
Enjoy a game drive through Yala National Park where you may catch a glimpse of leopards, elephants, crocodiles, slots, and mongoose in their natural habitat.

Day 07 / Galle
The old colonial port town of Galle is home to an impressive Dutch Fort, containing extensive walls and interesting historic old buildings. Take a walk around the forts before nestling up in the ramparts to enjoy the view. This port has been used by the Portuguese, Dutch and British making for an interesting amalgamation of architectural and cultural styles.

Day 08 / Depart Colombo
On the morning of day 8 we return to Colombo. You are free to depart at any time on day 8, but we recommend that you make your flight bookings for the afternoon in case of any delays upon return to Colombo.

Trip Prices

• USD $1,349 Per Person
• USD $319 Single Supplement

Trip Dates

• Sep 25 – Oct 02, 2011
• Oct 23-20, 2011
• Nov 20-27, 2011
• Dec 18-25, 2011

Inclusions

• Included Highlights Cultural Triangle Ticket (sites in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Kandy), Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy Tooth Temple, Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage, Kandy dancers, (entry fees and local guides included where required)
• Group Size Minimum 06, Maximum 15, Average 10
• Group Leader Tour Leader, local guides
• Accommodation Hotels/simple guesthouses/hotels (7 nights)
• Transport Train, local bus, walking, bicycle, auto rickshaws
• Meals Included None are included. Budget USD $120 for meals not included.

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