Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Airport – Pinnawala - Sigiriya
Arrive in Sri Lanka and clients will be met by representatives of Karusan Travels and transferred to Sigiriya. En route visit Pinnawala Elephant orphanage.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage - started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded, the orphanage has grown to be a big family today. The number of elephants has increased to more than 40 now, including baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as the babies born, as a result of the captive breeding programme. A unique experience never to be missed, check in at the hotel, Evening Climb the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya - is home to the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. Within its triple-moated defence the huge rock rises almost to a sheer height of 500ft. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour.
Dinner & Overnight stay at the Hotel in Dambulla.
Day 02: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa - Kandy Hotel
After breakfast excursion to Polonnaruwa for sightseeing.
Polonnaruwa - Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th - 13th C.A.D Great revival was achieved in the country, politically, economically and socially during the period of Kings Vijayabahu 1, Parakramabahu 1 and Nissankamalla of the Polonnaruwa period.
The monument are better preserved than at Anuradhapura. Parakrama Statue, Royal Palaces, Audience Halls, Vata-da-ge, Thuparama, RankothVehera, Kiri-Vehera, Gal-Vihara, Lankathilaka and Tivanka Image House are some of the interesting monuments here. Thereafter proceed to Kandy en route visit Dambulla Cave Temples & a Spice Garden.
Dambulla - Dambulla is famous for the five cave Temples on a rock. The first 03 caves are better, older and larger than the other two. Some caves dates to 1st C.B.C. All the 5 cave walls and ceilings are covered with Buddhist murals and there are more than 130 Buddha statues, statues of Gods and Kings are also found here.
Spice Garden at Matale and see the luscious Cinnamons, Cardamons, Pepper plants etc. You can also purchase your requirements of spices.
Day 03: Kandy – Colombo
After breakfast commence city tour of Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Kandy - the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera. The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism's influence in Sri Lanka today. Temple's shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha's Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess' hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka's most prized possession.
Lunch at local restaurant, thereafter leave for Colombo. Evening commence city tour & shopping in Colombo.
Colombo - a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and Independence Square.
Shopping - visit Mlesna exquisite tea boutique, cashew nut shop, ready made garments and all sorts at Majestic City. Visit the Lanka Ceramics Centre, a place where you can buy “NORITAKE SET” or other ceramic items, visit the ‘ODEL SHOP’, Visit ’BAREFOOT’, ’HOUSE OF FASHION’.
Dinner & Overnight stay at the Hotel in Colombo.
Day 04: Colombo Departure
Morning after breakfast our representative will assist you to transfer to the airport for your flight to onward journey.
