Ceylon Splendour

What better introduction to the island than taking in the colours and sights of Negombo

Journey the streets of Negombo on foot. Here, fishermen bring fresh catch at the Negombo fish market. Temples and churches attest to the multi-faith community of the island. The remains of a Dutch fort show colonial remnants – much to explore on your morning city tour.

Later in the day, drive north to Anuradhapura (4.5 hrs), stopping at Chilaw to stretch your legs, visit the temple and have some lunch.

Today, you’ll start with a visit to Anuradhapura’s ancient sacred ruins.

Anuradhapura is considered the most extensive and the most important of the ancient cities in the northern region. It served as a capital city of this region for over 1000 years and hence was residence to many ancient kings from 377 BC. The city prospered and became a centre for Buddhist devotion.

Next you’ll visit the sacred mountain of Mihintale, the location where Buddhism was first introduced to the island of Sri Lanka. Learn about the historical and mythological versions of how Buddhism arrived at Mihintale. The mountain peak of Mihintale is approached by a grand stairway of 1840 granite steps, has many temples, lodgings for monks and several splendid statues of the Buddha.

Today, you’ll visit Ritigala, a mountain in central Sri Lanka which is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BCE. The Ritigala mountain consists of four peaks which rise steeply from the surrounding plain, making it the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka

Taller than Sigiriya, Dambulla and Mihintale, Ritigala is also a nature reserve.

This morning, begin with a visit and climb up the Sigiriya Rock Fortress which dominates the landscape and was both a military refuge as well as an aesthetic refuge for king who was a patron of the arts. Sigiriya became world famous for the frescos found on the western surface of the rock about 100 mts above the ground level. Ancient gardens from the 5th century survive at the foot of the rock.

Afterwards, visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

From the tenth century AD the capital of the most powerful kingdom in the island shifted to Polonnaruwa from Anuradhapura. The greatest king of Polonnaruwa was Parakramabahu I (1153 –1186 AD). In his ‘golden reign’ the whole area flourished and several new building projects were started. The buildings were grand and impressive such as the Royal Palace and the Lankathilaka image house. The Gal Vihara with its great sculptures of the Buddha was created.

After enjoying your breakfast, leave for Kandy.

En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temples which is famous for  rock paintings and sculptures. Dambulla is considered as the oldest art gallery of the country. The paintings found on the rock ceiling shows the influence of Kandyan School of paintings became prominent in the 18th – 19th century in Sri Lanka.

Afterwards visit Peradeniya botanical garden near Kandy. This is a much acclaimed botanical garden, which is also good for birds. It is bounded on three sides by the Mahaveli River, which snakes around the 60-hectare gardens. Before its use as a botanical gardens it had served as a royal pleasure garden. Peradeniya is the second largest botanical garden in Asia. Don’t miss the orchid house. In 1905, an avenue of palms were planted and now is one of the most photographed places in the gardens.

Afterwards, arrive in Kandy and check into your hotel.

This morning visit the Temple of the Tooth where the Sacred Tooth Relic is an object of veneration to Buddhists. The temple is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. From ancient times kings have kept the Sacred Tooth Relic in their kingdoms as a symbol of power. It is a traditional belief that whoever takes possession of the Tooth Relic has the power to rule the people.

Visit other temples in Kandy, such as Lankathilaka and Embekke.

Later in the day, visit the nature reserve of Udawattakele, where you can spot the endemic Purple faced leaf monkey, one of the unique species of the island.

Later in the evening, return to Kandy and enjoy a cultural show.

This morning, you’ll experience the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka. Your guide will drop you at Kandy railway station and pick you again from Nanu Oya railway station. Depending on the availability, we will provide you A/C first class/observation class train tickets.

After the train ride, you’ll take a short drive to the nearby town of Nuwara Eliya and check into your hotel.

This afternoon, visit a tea plantation and the tea factory to learn all about tea estates and cultivation of one of Sri Lanka’s finest exports.

A relaxed evening back at the hotel.

Drive to the scenic city of Ella to explore its beautiful surrounds of Ella. First a gentle climb to Little Adam’s Peak, which takes 1.5 hours. The eye catching views are not to be missed. Afterwards, visit the famed Nine Arches bridge and enjoy a walk around the town.

Proceed to Wellawaya and check into your hotel.

Today, visit the ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala. The complex consists of seven statues dating back to the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted. The central of the three figures to the Buddha’s right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure-the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To the left of this white painted figure is a female figure in the thrice-bent posture, which is thought to be his consort-Tara.

Later, enjoy a village tour to see a slice of rural Sri Lanka.

This morning, relax at your resort’s peaceful surrounds.

Later, drive to the southern coast for Mirissa, where you’ll have time to chill by the stunning beach.

Today, enjoy a guided tour of the World Heritage city of Galle, with its colonial fort, churches and lighthouse. The city has a quaint laid back charm, inviting leisurely exploration.

Relax at your hotel for the last evening of your holiday. You may enjoy the hotel facilities or visit nearby beaches. This beautiful location is the perfect spot to savour your last
glorious sunset of the holiday.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your last day of your holiday.

You’ll be driven to the airport (about 2.5 hours drive) in time to catch your return flight home.