Itinerary in Detail
Day 01: Colombo
On your arrival in Sri Lanka you will be met at the airport by your chauffeur and transferred to Colombo. During the 60 minute journey from the airport you can catch a glimpse of Sri Lankan life. Throngs of street vendors, tuk-tuks weaving crazily about in traffic, 60 seater busses that always seem come right at you are all part of the sights and sounds that would greet you on your way.
Upon arrival at the Galle Face Hotel, you can rest, relax and recover from jetlag. We will host you to a complimentary dinner in the evening. During this dinner we will answer all your questions regarding the tour and also familiarize you with general information.
Day 02: Anuradhapura
Travel to Anuradhapura after Breakfast. This part of the journey is the longest in your holiday but is relatively comfortable. Enroute visit the Yapahuwa rock fortress. Arrive in Anuradhapura towards late afternoon and relax in your hotel or by the pool.
Day 03: Anuradhapura
After breakfast we explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka and held this position for approx 1300 years (3BC – 10 AD). The city is a UNESCO world heritage site. The city is home to the Sri Maha Bodhiya which is a Bo tree sapling brought from the tree under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The Abayagiri Stupa at 125 m tall is the largest brick monument in the world and the largest Stupa in the world is also part of this ancient city. Other attractions at this site include the Ruwanweliseya, Abayagiri Monastery, Kutam Pokuna (Bathing Pool), and the Isurumuniya. The Isurumuniya houses the sculpture of the Isurumuniya Lovers which is supposed to be Dutugemunu's son and a low caste maiden Asokamala. He is known to have given up his throne for her. After exploring Anuradhapura travel to Giritale which will be your overnight stop. Spend the night at a beautiful hotel overlooking the Giritale Tank.
Day 04: Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya
After breakfast visit the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa was the capital from the 11th to the 13th Century AD. The most famous site of Polonnaruwa is the Gal Viharaya which consists of Granite statues of Lord Buddha in the meditation, standing and passing away postures. These statues are carved out of solid granite.After exploring the ancient city travel to Dambulla. En route visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress was home to King Kasyapa. This 200m high flat top rock is a World Heritage site and is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world. We witness the sunset from the top of Sigiriya.
Spend the night in Dambulla.
Day 05: Dambulla and Kandy
After an early breakfast leave Dambulla and head towards Kandy. En route visit the Dambulla Cave Monasteries. The Dambulla cave monasteries were created when the fleeing King Walagamba took refuge in these caves. Upon returning to the throne he had this monastery built as a sign of gratitude. The 5 caves house 167 Buddha Statues and over 2100 square meters of Buddhist murals. We then proceed to Kandy via Matale which is generally considered the spice capital of Sri Lanka. We stop at a spice garden where one can sample the many spices and be treated to an Ayurvedic Massage. We arrive in Kandy and witness a colorful pageant featuring drummers, dancers and firewalking. We spend the night in Kandy.
Day 06: Kandy
Explore Kandy after breakfast. Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lanka and was home to the last king of Sri Lanka Sri Wickrama Rajasingha. Our exploring begins with a visit to the Peradeniya Gardens. This magnificent botanical garden was the pleasure garden of the King. We then return to Kandy and visit the Museum and explore the city of Kandy. In the evening visit the Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the tooth as it is most commonly known. Spend the night in Kandy.
Day 07: Colombo
We leave for Colombo after breakfast. On arrival you may visit the various clothing and souvenir shops in Colombo or simply relax at your hotel.
Day 08: Airport
Travel to the airport after breakfast depending on departure time for your flight back home.
