9 Nights - Discovery Tour Sri Lanka

9 Nights - Discovery Tour Sri Lanka

With these carefully studied tour packages in Sri Lanka you will explore the lesser known as well as the major highlights of the destination in much longer version of tours. This enables you to experience the fabulous luxury camping accommodation and other quality accommodation choices with character. Exposure to Sri Lanka’s indigenous community (Veddhas) and night in luxury camping near their village as well as the glorious moments of camping inside the Yala National Park will be unforgettable moments of your journey. Beach stay can be arranged in luxurious boutique hotels in various locations according to your choice.

Holiday Highlights

• Unforgettable Bullock Cart Ride
• Visit to Aukana, an architectural marvel
• Discover the first capital of Ceylon, Anuradhapura
• Climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Explore the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa
• Dambulla's serene Buddhist cave temples
• Visit to Nalada Gedige Temple in Matale
• Temple of the Tooth in honor of Lord Buddha
• Kandyan dancing and drum beats
• Visit to Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya
• Elephant bathing & bottle feeding of baby elephants in Pinnawala

• Meet the Veddhas, Sri Lanka's indigenous people in Dambana Village
• Luxury Camping in Dambana and discover the lives of Veddhas
• Engage in an exciting mock hunting
• Witness hunting tricks
• Visit to a Tea Plantation & Factory while tasting high grades of tea
• Discover the colonial city of Nuwara Eliya
• Romantic Escape to Dutch House Bandarawela
• Buduruvagala complex of Buddha statues
• Guided 4 x 4 jeep safaris to Yala National Park
• Magnificent opportunity of luxury camping inside Yala National Park
• Galle Fort and a turtle hatchery in Kosgoda

Day 1 - Day 3

1^st Day - Arrival at the Colombo International Airport ...

Arrival at the Colombo International Airport. You will be met by our English speaking / other language speaking depending on availability Chauffeur Guide. Thereafter transfer direct to Habarana according to the category of hotels selected with a comfort stop en route in Kurunagala. Habarana is conveniently located for all the ancient city sites and have a hotel complex principally for package tourists; also many better-heeled independent visitors also use it. Arrival at Hotel Sorowwa and check-in. At 1630hrs: Bullock cart ride on a jungle path that wends through dense shrub forests home to many forest birds and other wildlife including monkeys, bear, python and even elephant. Simply lie back on the cart and enjoy the unique view of the forest canopy as the cart rambles through… flashes of blue sky through the dense forest cover, the sight of a giant squirrel hanging precariously off a branch or a flock of rose ringed parakeets flying overhead… all this accompanied by the sound of the bullock clip clopping on the gravel path and the tinkle of the l arge bells hanging round its neck… a dream holiday in the making….! This journey also enables the interaction with village people while crossing a small village path discovering their rural life style. Overnight at Sorowwa Hotel – small luxury hotel with 23 rooms

 

2^nd Day - Breakfast at the hotel. Thereafter visit to Aukana ...

Breakfast at the hotel. Thereafter visit to Aukana, What may be called one of the wonders of the world is the tall, standing statue of the Buddha at Aukana, another architectural marvel of the ancient Sinhalese. The rock cut statue which stands 39 feet above its decorated lotus plinth and 10 feet across the shoulders, belongs to the period of King Dhatusena (459-477 AD), the builder of the great reservoir Kalawewa. It has been very well preserved over the years and is a joy for anyone to see and appreciate. It is a unique creation by an unknown sculptor. PM Visit of Anuradhapura Sri Lanka's first capital, founded in the 5th century B.C. is situated 206 km. from Colombo. Attractions worth seeing are:- The Sacred Bo Tree, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Brazen Palace, Thuparama Dagaba, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna and Mirisavati Dagaba. Return to Habarana. Overnight at Sorowwa Hotel.

 

3^rd Day - After breakfast visit the Rock fortress of Sigiriya ...

After breakfast visit the Rock fortress of Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka's most fascinating UNESCO world heritage sites - A mighty 600 ft high rock-fortress of a 5th century King is famous for its entrancingly beautiful frescoes which are found in a sheltered pocket of the rock. One cannot fail to marvel at the masterful execution of the sinuous forms of these women (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today). The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a huge crouching lion, carved from the rock- today only the paws remain. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit. Proceed to Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an en route Stop at a village house to witness the rural life style and to enjoy a friendly chat with some villages. Visit of Polonnaruwa, the 11th to 13th Century capital of Polonnaruwa has more to see and less to conjecture than the older metropolis of Anuradhapura. With its comparatively brief and uncomplicated history (two centuries and a dozen rulers, in contrast with 1,400 years and 123 kings of Anuradhapura) and its far more completely preserved ruins, much more recently exposed to the ravages of time, Polonnaruwa (say Poh-loh-NA-roowah) has a particular fascination for the average visitor. The age of the city's foundation is not known with any certainty. A military garrison from Anuradhapura may have been stationed here in the early years of the Christian era. By the 6 th Century, it was a military camp of some importance, strategically located guarding the Mahaweli River crossing from Ruhuna, the southern province where rebellions continuously fomented. Return to Habarana. Overnight at Sorowwa Hotel

Day 4 - Day 5

4^th Day - After breakfast leave for Kandy visiting the Rock Cave Temple of Dambulla .. .

After breakfast leave for Kandy visiting the Rock Cave Temple of Dambulla, another protected UNESCO world heritage site. The caves at first came into use as a refuge for King Valagambahu in 1st century BC. Concealed by the local monks, upon returning from exile to his throne at Anuradhapura, he had the magnificent cave temple built for them. The cave temple consists of a complex of Buddhist image houses. Its rock ceiling is one large sweep of colourful frescoes, some of which dates back to over 2,000 years, which depicts Buddhist mythology, and the tales of the Buddha's previous births. This cave temple has the largest number of Buddha statues all housed in one place, including a 14m-long figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock. Continue the journey up to Kandy through roads in sharp curves and looking down are the deep valleys, abysses, rocks, waterfalls and streams glittering in the sun and patterned in emerald with terraced rice fields. Visit to Nalanda Gedige in Matale which is found about 20 miles south of Dambulla, precisely in the geographical centre of the island may be a statue in the south Indian style house, with a special history of the detour from the A 9 worthwhile (to Matale and Kandy). At least 1000 years the building stood on the banks of the Mahaweli. The city of Kandy, lies in a triangular valley surrounded by mountains. Arrival at Hotel Randholee Resort. Evening sightseeing of Kandy city including a visit to the Temple of the much revered Temple of the Tooth relic. Also witness a Cultural Performance. Temple of the Tooth Relic. Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is the most venerated place of worship for Buddhists throughout the world. Built in the 16th century this temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka from the Kalinga province in ancient India in the 4th century AD. Several buildings have been added to the temple complex by successive rulers. Return to hotel. Overnight at Randholee Resort. – small luxury hotel with 25 rooms

 

5^th Day - visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens after breakfast ...

visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens after breakfast, the most beautiful in the world and begun as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King. Every variety tropical and temperate tree and flower is cultivated here and special houses with orchids and e cacti are too beautiful to be true. Thereafter proceed to Pinnawala to Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in time to witness the bathing and bottle feeding of the baby elephants. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Among the green hills of Kegalle, about 50 miles (85km) from Colombo on the road to Kandy in the hill country, a herd of about 60 elephants roam free in the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. This popular attraction, established as a sanctuary covering 25 acres of lush forest by the Sri Lankan Government in 1975, is unique. Its purpose is to feed, nurse and house young elephants lost or abandoned by their mothers. Recently the sanctuary has also started a breeding program. The sights of herds of elephants splashing and playing in a river and bottle feeding of baby elephants have charmed countless tourists. Return to Kandy and leisure walk in the Kandy city with free time for shopping. Fabulous options to buy souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony, and bronze are available. Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewellery and rush and reed-ware can also be purchased. Return to hotel. Overnight at Randholee Resort.

Day 6 - Day 8

6^th Day - Leave towards Dambana .. .

Early breakfast at the hotel. Leave towards Dambana through luxurious landscapes and with breathtaking sceneries to meet the Aborigines of Sri Lanka, Veddhas with overnight in a camp site near their village. Arrival at the camp site near Veddha Village – Luxury Camping accommodation on Full board basis. Little rest and lunch served at the camp site. Afternoon visit to Veddha Village. Take part in a mock hunting program. Witness one of their traditional dancing and live the experience. Meet the Veddha Village Chief. Another interesting activity to witness would the extracting honey from a honeycomb from a tree. This activity, which could be very dangerous to a layman, is handled with ease by these men. Watching them making their traditional bow & arrow and watch them laying traps for hunting with simple techniques. After spending some quality time with them return to camp site, freshen up and get ready for fabulous BBQ dinner in the Veddha Village. Unforgettable experience with lifetime memories. Overnight in Mahoora Luxury Camp site near Veddha Village in Dambana. Ultra spacious tent with a bed room / living room / attached toilet and just outside the tent open living area. Refer fact sheet for more details.

 

7^th Day - After breakfast departure towards Nuwara Eliya via Kandy ...

After breakfast departure towards Nuwara Eliya via Kandy (Journey of approx 3 ½ hrs but will have many en route stops). Numerous photo stops en route to capture magnificent sceneries and enjoy them while tasting some seasonal fresh fruits. Visit a Tea factory & Plantation where you will gain insight into the manufacturing process as well as an opportunity to taste and purchase the different grades of hill country tea. Arrival in Nuwara Eliya and brief city tour with free time for shopping. This town seems like a piece of English district. Tudor-style and Victorian homes look across the blue lake. These buildings are the other architectural monuments to the English, the Post Office, the English country house like Hill Club with its hunting pictures, mounted hunting trophies and fish, Anglican Church and private residence. The Golf course here is one of the best in Asia. Overnight at Heritance Tea Factory Hotel

 

8^th Day - Arrival at the Dutch House Banadarawela ...

Arrival at the Dutch House Banadarawela. Perched high on the hills of Bandarawela, overlooking the city below, the Dutch House is a brand new three-bedroom boutique villa with a feel of an 18th century colonial bungalow. The scenic towns of Ella and Haputale are half an hour away. Dutch House is a luxurious home tastefully designed by its British and Sri Lankan owners. Set on an extensive flowering garden, with magnificent views of the Bandarawela town and the mountains beyond, the Dutch House can accommodate up to 6 people. This two-storey villa incorporates design elements from the colonial bungalows found in the south of the island including columns and verandahs, a satin wood and ebony staircase, and boarded floors. Interiors are luxurious with Dutch period furniture, flowing raw silk drapes, rare pieces of porcelain and art – all from the owners personal collections. Explore the s urrounding tranquil gardens with exotic flowers that attract numerous species of birds and butterflies. For those who are keen on bird watching, there is also the Thangamalai Bird Sanctuary located half an hour away in Haputale. Adisham, a Benedictine Monastery, and several waterfalls including Dunhinda, Diyaluma, and Ravana Ella are all located nearby in the towns of Haputale and Ella. With the time permitting our chauffeur guide will perform one or 2 visits nearby from above mentioned.

Full English breakfast and dinner. The three-course dinner consists of traditional home cooked Sri Lankan food or a selection of Western dishes. Dinner includes a complimentary bottle of wine for two or fresh fruit juices. Tea and freshly ground coffee also included with the dinner. As there is no alcohol sold on the premises, guests are most welcome to bring along their favorite wine or spirits. For less formal eating, your meals can be arranged on the verandah or even in the garden under a mango tree!Dinner & overnight at Dutch House Bandarawela.

Day 9 - Day 10

9^th Day - After breakfast direction towards Yala .. .

After breakfast direction towards Yala. En route visit to Buduruvagala, literally it means images of Buddha. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. The statues date back to 10 century AD. 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. Arrival in Yala at Mahoora Luxury Safari Camp Site set inside the national park.Stay on Full Board with welcome delicious lunch at the camp site. Around 1530hrs - jeep safari to the YALA NATIONAL PARK. – Sri Lanka's best known national park is popular for Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Crocodile and Wild Boar. More than three times larger than Undawalawe at 97,800 hectares, this is the second largest of Sri Lanka's national parks. Its open undulating terrain made it famous for elephants for many years, but recently the park has also received much fame through publicity by National Geographic and the Discovery TV channels, which focused on a leopard research/conservation and identification project. Claims have subsequently been made that Yala National Park has the world's highest concentration of leopard per square kilometre. This park is primarily shrub jungle with several salt and fresh water lagoons. The areas popular with leopard are rock strewn hillocks with dense shrub in which the animals hide.

Return to camp site. This is camping in style! The camp is set up prior to your arrival, transporting in comfortable tents, a fully equipped kitchen, chairs and tables, hammocks, flushable toilets, showers and even cold beer. In the evening you can enjoy a hearty barbecue meal in a magical setting – the whole area is lit up with traditional flame torches and a roaring campfire. So sit back, relax and let our experienced staff cater to your every need. BBQ Dinner at the camp site and overnight in Mahoora Luxury Camp. Ultra spacious tent with a bed room / living room / attached toilet and just outside the tent open living area. Refer fact sheet for more details.

 

10^th Day - Once again a jeep safari conducted to Yala National Park ...

Once again a jeep safari conducted to Yala National Park in early morning hours through other paths in the park which were not discovered in the previous day safari. Early morning safaris provide greater opportunities to witness leopards and many species of colourful birds. Picnic breakfast will be provided. Leave towards your beach resort in Kosgoda with a brief stop in Galle, Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include St. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, one of the main Shiva temples on the island. City tour of Galle & thereafter further proceed to Colombo with an en route stop in Kosgoda to visit a turtle hatchery.

Arrival at Kosgoda Beach Resort recently renovated small luxury hotel in Kosgoda set in a secluded coconut grove overlooking the Indian Ocean. There is a river lagoon at the back of the resort providing natural characteristics, and immensely attractive. The resort accommodation of 42 villas are interspersed with the natural beauty of the original coconut plantation and connected by outdoor garden courtyards. Stay at their choice in Kosgoda Beach Resort in Deluxe Room. You can also select from other beach properties not restricting yourself to Kosgoda Beach Resort only. If your stay is more than 2 nights at the beach location the cost for departure transfer to airport will apply separately