DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO, PARO – THIMPHU (55KM 1-1.50 HOURS)
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Chen-Ray Travel & Tours representative will receive you with traditional welcome scarf and will drive to Thimphu with sightseeing along the way.
- Drive towards the capital city, Thimphu.
- Stop at Tachogang: Tachogang Lhakhang (Temple) was built by Thangthong Gyalpo in the fifteenth century. The temple was likely constructed in 1420.
- Chuzom: The confluence of Paro (Pachu) and Thimphu (Wangchu) rivers. You can see three different types of Stupas – Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepalese.
- Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.(lunch & Dinner)
DAY 02: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
- Drive to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city below.
- Visit the Takin (National Animal of Bhutan) enclosure at Motithang. The unique animal is only seen in Bhutan with a story of its own as to how it came into existence (your guide will narrate the story).
- Drive down to the view point of Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices.
- Zorig chusum (meaning 13 arts and crafts) which is popularly known as the painting school. Students in this institute learn 13 different traditional arts and crafts like painting, sculpture, wood carving, weaving, embroidery, etc.
- Folk Heritage Museum.
- Postal Museum – where you can also make a postage stamp with your own photo and can be posted in Bhutan.
- Centenary Farmer’s Market – popularly known as the weekend vegetable market where the local farmers sell their farm produce. Across the wooden cantilever bridge you will find handicraft shops.
- Witness an archery (National) game if one is going on during your visit.
- Traditional handmade paper factory – where age old traditional method of paper making is still followed.
- Evening visit Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong.
- Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu. (B,L,D)
DAY 03: THIMPHU-PUNAKHA (3 HOURS DRIVE)
- An early morning drive (3hrs) east to the milder and warmer climate of Punakha climbs through apple orchards and forests of blue pine before entering pristine mixed forests. The pass at Dochu La (3,116m), is an awe-inspiring sight; with prayer flags strewn across its width. Sip warm tea until dawn breaks over the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
- Proceed down to the green terraced fields, famous for growing red rice around Punakha. A gentle walk to the temple of Chemmi Lhakhang; perhaps in time to hear the monks at prayer in this tranquil rural landscape.
- In the afternoon walk around Punakha Dzong (1637). This pristine environment is also a nature-lovers paradise where we may catch sight of the rare and endangered White-bellied Heron.
- Punakha Dzong is considered to be one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. Inside the dzong is the Kuenrey, a beautiful temple housing the ‘hundred-pillar’ assembly hall with exceptional murals, enormous 18th century golden statues, and most surprising of all is the high ceiling, exquisitely painted with hundreds of dragons. We have chosen the afternoon when the light is perfect to bring the richness of the paintings and a quieter time to enjoy the ambience of this remarkable dzong.
- The 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.
- Evening at leisure.
- Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
DAY 04: PUNAKHA -PARO (3.5 HOURS)
- Drive to Paro.
- Ta Dzong : Built in 1656 as a watchtower for Rinpung Dzong is now used as the National Museum which is a repository of not only precious works of art but also costumes, Armour and other hand crafted objects of daily life that provide a good snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.
- Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Lama Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal and strategically located to thwart Tibetan incursions into the rest of the country, this Dzong became one of Bhutan’s strongest and most important fortresses.
Kyichu Lhakhang: It was built in 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The temple fell into disrepair but was superbly restored in 1839 by the 25th Je Khempo (Chief Abbot). He also contributed the outstanding statue of Avalokiteshwara, with eleven heads and thousand arms, which is located in the sanctuary.
- Overnight at your Hotel in Paro.
DAY 5: PARO-TAKTSHANG HIKE
- Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery: The hike to Taktshang Monastery perched on a cliff at 2950m/9700ft takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours as per your hiking ability. It is an uphill hike to the Monastery. There is a cafeteria (Taktsang Jakhang) on the half way. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.
- Drive up the valley to view the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong, which once defended this valley from several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. It is now under re construction to its former glory.
- Overnight at Hotel in Paro. (B, L & D)
DAY 6: PARO-AIRPORT DROP
- End of your Bhutan journey – Our team will drop you to the airport in time for your flight to Colombo via Delhi
Druk Air: Paro – Delhi 1155-1345
Sri Lankan: Delhi – Colombo 1845-2220
Arrive in Colombo and check into your hotel near the airport
Hotel: Galle Face Hotel or similar
Day 7: Colombo Sightseeing
After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy a Tuk Tuk tour in Colombo with the visit to Gangaramaya temple and Seema malakaya. The colourful and busy streets of capital Colombo will be an exciting treat, and riding the tuk tuk driven by your friendly local guide adds to the charm. You get to visit some of our guides favourite and secret locations, meet some of his friends and learn about the history of the area. The tour includes visits to a serene temple, a famous red-mosque and a visit to the main vegetable market, all places where you’ll love experiencing different cultures and religions. Enjoy a potent espresso at a coffee export merchant and a cold beer on a rooftop overlooking the port and a lot more.
Hotel: Galle Face Hotel or similar
Day 8:
Route- Colombo – Wilpattu (4.5 hours drive)
Stop on the way to walk in the Anawilundewa wetland for birds
Hotel- Claughton Wild or Similar
Day 9:
Site- Full day safari at Wilpattu national park.
Hotel- Claughton Wild or Similar
Day 10:
Drive to Dambulla (2.5 hours drive).
Enjoy your hotel surrounds at leisure
Hotel – Lake Lodge or Similar
Day 11:
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 a local village n a rural tour to see local village life and interact with the locals
Hotel- Lake Lodge or Similar
Day 12:
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.
In the late afternoon, go for a Loris watching tour.
Hotel- Lake Lodge or Similar
Day 13:
Drive Dambulla-Kandy (5 hours drive)
Enroute, visit a spice garden to look at spice cultivations in Matale
Hotel- Amaya Hills or similar
Day 14:
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.
Later in the day, enjoy a cookery demonstration and visit the local markets
Hotel- Hotel Suisse or Similar (BB basis)
Day 15:
Today, visit a brass working village, a Gem museum.
Later, walk in the Udawattakele sanctuary, where you can spot wildlife including endemic monkeys.
Hotel- Amaya Hills or Similar (BB basis)
Day 16:
Drive to Nuwaraeliya (3 hr)
Enjoy Ramboda waterfalls on the way.
Relax in your hotel for the rest of the day.
Hotel- Oatland by Jetwing or similar (BB basis)
Day 17:
Visit Horton Plains National Park, the only National Park in Sri Lanka where visitors are allowed to walk freely inside. It is situated 2200 m above sea in the central highlands of SriLanka, approximately 20 km south of Nuwara Eliya and covers 3162 hectares in extent. The climate here is a wet montane climate with a mean annual temperature of 15 centigrade. The vegetation in Horton Plains is defined as Montane Rainforests or Cloud Forests which shows gnarled and stunted growth not exceeding 15 meters in height. Horton Plains is famous for the World’s End, a stunning viewpoint, which is a sheer drop of 870 meters hidden in clouds, and Baker Falls.
Visit a tea plantation and the tea factory to learn all about tea estates and cultivation of one of Sri Lanka’s finest exports.Taste fine Ceylon teas with a tea master.
Hotel- Oatland by Jetwing or similar (BB basis)
Day 18:
Experience the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka. Your guide will drop you at Nanu Oya railway station and pick you again from Ella railway station. (3 hours train ride). Depending on the availability, we will provide you A/C first class/observation class train tickets.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Ella, where lush tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and iconic landmarks like Ella Rock and Nine Arches Bridge await. This picturesque hill town offers a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and stunning views.
Hotel- Jetwing Kaduruketha
Day 19:
Diyaluma waterfall trek in the morning
Village walk later in the day.
Hotel- Jetwing Kaduruketha
Day 20:
Ellewala waterfall cycling tour in the morning.
Rest of the day, enjoy at leisure
Hotel- Jetwing Kaduruketha
Day 21:
Drive to Mirissa (4.5 hours drive)
On the way, stop to 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.
Arrive at your beach resort and enjoy the evening at the beach.
Hotel- Sri Sharavi Beach Villas or similar
Days 22-23-24-25:
Enjoy full days at leisure at the beach
Hotel- Sri Sharavi Beach Villas or similar
Day 26:
To end your grand tour, you will transfer to the airport in time for your check in this morning (1.5 hours drive)
