Taste of Sri Lanka
A cultural epicentre with a beautiful coastline, clear blue waters and spicy treats. Sri Lanka will welcome you with open arms and a smiling face. This tour is a taste of the highlights with your own private guide and driver to explore at your own pace.
DAY 1 - AIRPORT - NEGOMBO
Meet and assist on arrival at Airport by Beacon Holidays Representative. Proceed to Negombo and check in at hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure.
DAY 2 - NEGOMBO-DAMBULLA-KANDALAMA
After breakfast at hotel, proceed to Kandalama. Afterwards proceed to visit the Dambulla Caves.
In the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.
DAY 3 - KANDALAMA-SIGIRIYA-HABARANA-KANDALAMA
After breakfast at hotel, proceed to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site - Sigiriya - doesn't only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock - resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' - is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.
Afterwards proceed to Habarana to experience the Hiriwaduna trek.
The trek begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa (man-made reservoir). The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek. Sight the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect Chena cultivation (slash and burn agriculture). Enjoy the farmer's humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot and join in the preparation of a simple meal prepared in the traditional method using earthenware pots and firewood as fuel. This is great opportunity to sample authentic local cuisine. The journey continues through dense shrub forests, home to many forest birds and other wildlife including monkeys, bear, python and even elephants.
DAY 4 - KANDALAMA-MATALE-KANDY
After breakfast at hotel, proceed to Kandy, enroute visit the Spice Gardens located in Matale.
An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden - into which you will be most welcome - and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colors.
Upon check in to the hotel, leave on a City Tour of Kandy.
Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy - the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings - crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town - cradled among the misty hills - will feature the Kandy City Centre - bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary.walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.
DAY 5 - KANDY-ELLA
After breakfast at hotel, proceed to the Railways station in Kandy to embark on a scenic train journey to Ella. You will be picked up from Ella Railway Station and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 6 - ELLA
After breakfast visit Little Adam’s Peak.
Don’t defiance the beautiful tourism site in Sri Lanka, Little Adams Peak whether considering the word ‘Little’,it is named after the sacred Adams Peak (Sri Pada –where the foot print of Lord Buddha is preserved) regarding the similarity between the two mountains. Therefore the mountain was called as Little Adams Peak. Punchi Sri Pada” is another name for this peak. It is 1141 m in height. Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries
Afterwards en-route back to the hotel, visit the Ravana Falls.
DAY 7 - ELLA-YALA
After breakfast at hotel, proceed to Yala and check in to hotel, in the afternoon proceed on a Game Drive to Yala National Park.
Spreading into a vast 1259 Km2 Yala - with its glory spinning around vast grasslands, shrubs, tanks and dunes - rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country, but also the lands of a civilization which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted dear, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun.
DAY 8 - YALA-KOGGALA
With a packed breakfast depart early in the morning, for a Game Drive at Yala National Park. Afterwards transfer to Koggala. Check in to hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 9 - GALLE
After breakfast proceed on City Tour of the city of Galle.
Galle, the epic Southern capital, is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidences of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utretcht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture, Galle!
DAY 10 - GALLE-AIRPORT
After breakfast at hotel, proceed to the airport for a safe departure home.
Cost per person on a twin sharing basis (land only) starting from - $1750
THE ABOVE PRICE INCLUDES:
- 9 nights Accommodation in rooms mentioned above on BB basis for specific travel periods
- Entrance Fees to Dambulla Rock Caves, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Kandy Temple, Cultural Show,
- Ravana Falls, Yala National Park (2 drives), Galle Museum andLittle Adam’s Peak
- A Galle city tour with Shanjay
- Train Tickets from Kandy to Ella (Subject to availability 20 days prior to arrival)
- Cost of transportation throughout the tour
- Cost of English Speaking Chauffeur Guide
ABOVE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Lunch and Dinner throughout the tour
- Cost of beverage throughout the tour
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Any other services not specified above