Sri Lanka’s World Heritage

On arrival at Bandaranaike International airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in Chilaw.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.

After breakfast leave for Wilpattu National Park, where you’ll enjoy an afternoon safari. Although equally beautiful and teeming with the same iconic wildlife species as Yala National Park, Wilpattu is less visited than Yala, allowing you to enjoy your wildlife exploration with greater solitude.

The biggest draws in Wilpattu are Leopards and Sloth bears. Alongside these, it is possible to see Asian Elephants, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Pig, Asiatic Buffalo and Mugger Crocodiles. Endemic birds include the Ceylon Junglefowl, Browncapped Babbler, Ceylon Woodshrike and Black-capped Bulbul in riverine habitats.

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.

Afterwards proceed to Sigiriya and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

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 Pidurangala. Before King Kasyapa constructed his fortified palace upon Sigiriya, a number of monks resided within the royal grounds to be. To accommodate his kingdom in the clouds, the king graciously relocated the monks to the adjacent rock formation of Pidurangala in the 5th century AD, where he built a humble temple and monastery amidst a religious complex of dagabas and temples at its base. Today, Pidurangala serves as an additional climb to Sigiriya with panoramic views of the ancient fortress and the surrounding landscapes. Enveloped by foliage from all sides, the gentle ascent consists of irregular steps that lead to a landing which houses a large reclining Buddha statue, now considered to be the oldest one built in brick within Sri Lanka. Beyond the landing, your adventure is led by no defined path, but a natural instinct that draws visitors to the open summit of Pidurangala and its breathtaking vistas of the region.

This morning, you’ll visit 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.

In the afternoon, enjoy a safari at Minneriya National Park, which is dominated by the Minneriya tank. The tank, surrounding flood plains, forest and wooded hills are listed as Asian wetlands of international importance. The tank provides water to acres of paddy fields and is thriving with fresh water fish. You’ll have a very good chance to spot Elephants and other wildlife here.

After enjoying your breakfast, visit Dambulla Cave Temples. Dambulla leaves a lasting impression
on many visitors. Entering the cool dimly lit caves there is a breath-taking array of murals and Buddhist statuary. Pilgrims clad in white offer flowers and chant prayers. Monks attired in yellow robes go about their monastic life. The heady mix of ancient art and fervent religious activity combined with the spiritual location makes for a memorable experience.

Later, visit Ibbankatuwa tombs.

Proceed to the beautiful Knuckles mountain range and check into your hotel.

Today, you’ll explore the Knuckles mountain range, the most rugged and picturesque terrain of Sri Lanka. The drive from Riverston to Pitawala-Patana grasslands offers panoramic views of with rugged hills & valleys. The climate changes within a matter of 45-minutes from wet to dry zone and so do the birds & vegetation. Walk in Pitawala-Patana grassland, which is the largest natural wet grassland in Asia. Walk up to the escarpment of Pitawala-Patana to see breath-taking views of the forested lowlands below.

Enjoy lunch in a local village.

Afterwards proceed to Kandy.

A day to explore the holy city of Kandy and the environs begins with a morning visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, the 2nd largest botanical garden in Asia, and is also a great place for spotting 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.

On the way back to Kandy city, you have the option to visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Kandy.

Afternoon visit Temple of the Tooth during Pooja ceremony time. The Sacred Tooth Relic, housed in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is an object of veneration to Buddhists. 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.

Today, 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.

After the train ride, you’ll drive to Nuwara Eliya, and if time permits you’ll explore its unique colonial charms on a short tour and then proceed to Ella to check into your hotel.

This morning, you’ll visit a tea plantation and tea factory to experience the Ceylon tea making process.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.There are several optional activities and local excursions available at your resort.

Today, you’ll explore Ella and the environs. Visit Little Adams peak, Nine arch bridge & Ravanaella waterfalls.

Afterwards leave for Sinharaja.

Visit Sinharaja rainforest, the best location to see mixed species bird flocks. The former logging roads provide the best access for prime birding in Sinharaja where a mixed species bird flock. Bird lovers will relish the mouth-watering list of species here, but the gentle trek amidst pristine natural beauty will be memorable for everyone.

Afterwards leave for Koggala and spend the afternoon by the beach.

Visit Galle’s famed Dutch fort. Visit the Bastions, and the spot where the first Breadfruit tree was planted by the Dutch, and the Old Gunpowder Magazine. Walk along the narrow streets, admiring the Old Dutch Houses and the private museum of Dutch antiques.

Afterwards leave for Colombo to check into your hotel.