SRI LANKA – THE SMALL MIRACLE

1 Day NEGOMBO.

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka – country of smiles…J. Today you will arrive at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. After handling the formalities for an entry into the country and picking up your bags, you will be met and assisted by our company’s representative and our local English or Russian-speaking guide. Later transfer to Negombo and check in to the hotel. Having free time and resting after the flight. Then dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

2 Day NEGOMBO – DAMBULLA.

After the breakfast at hotel and check out, we will start a wonderful tour of Sri Lanka. Today we will visit the city of Colombo. Colombo like many other developing countries capitals is changing very rapidly and on place of old buildings skyscrapers are raising very fast. Here you will see many Buddhist and Hindu temples, an old Dutch church, Independence Square, House of Parliament and will pass at “Cinnamon gardens” – the most exclusive and stylish Colombo suburb. After excursion in Colombo on the way to Polonnaruwa we will stop and visit Dambulla Temple Cave Complex. Dambulla is one of the most impressive temples in Sri Lanka, which is 350 meters in high rock and consists of five caves with unique wall and ceiling paintings that has saved authentic colors. Here you will see a big collection of Buddha statues many of which are already more than 2000 years old. After leaving Dambulla we’ll proceed for the check in to the hotel. Later dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

3 Day POLONNARUWA – MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK.

Breakfast in the hotel. Today we are going to visit the Medieval Capital of Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa was the island's medieval capital between the 11th and 13th century. Built alongside a large ancient artificial lake. There are well-preserved ruins of palaces, bathing pools, stupas and exquisite rock sculptures of Buddha at the Gal Vihara. After excursion in Polonarruwa later in afternoon a visit to Minneriya National Park by jeeps. 8,890 hectares of Minneriya National Park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to a local fauna such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants. It is estimated that the national park is home to about 160 birds, 9 amphibians, 25 reptiles, 26 fish and more than 78 species of butterflies. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

4 Day SIGIRIYA – KANDY.

Breakfast in the hotel. Today we will visit the legendary sky citadel of Sigiriya. The magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an awe-inspiring rock complex sitting atop a 200 m rock outcrop. Built in the 4^th century by a King Kasyapa, this fortress, now rated, as the eighth wonder of the world, is an enthralling architectural marvel. The Sigiriya Rock is also famous for its’ frescoes of ‘Celestial Maidens’. Although it is a steep climb, the views and frescoes are definitely worth the effort. Later we take a travel to Kandy, on the way to Matale you will have the chance to visit spice plantations that grow a variety of spices such as cinnamon, pepper and nutmeg, for which Sri Lanka was renowned and initially colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch and British.  You could also visit a batik factory and watch the production of the artistic fabric. Then we will continue our trip to Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Ever since it was founded in the 16th Century, it has housed one of the most sacred relics of Buddhism – a tooth of Buddha that was smuggled into Sri Lanka in the Princess’s hair. We will see the blessing ceremony with all the fanfare, drums, trumpets and brightly coloured Monks performing their rituals. Then check in to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

5 Day KANDY – PINNAWELA.

Today after breakfast at hotel we leave to visit the elephant orphanage in Pinnawela. The Elephant Orphanage is about an hour drive from Kandy and is a good chance for people to get closer and personal with these animals. Here you can see a numerous elephants bathing in the river and watch little ones up to 6 years old drinking milk from the bottle. Elephants have always been and will be the major part of Sri Lankan culture as they are the most important helpers in difficult and hard works. Later we are going for an excursion to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya. This Garden is a true oasis of tranquillity in the bustling Kandy town where grow 4000 different plant species. Among them is a large number of palms, orchids and other exotic plants. After a nice and enjoying walk in the gardens we will continue an excursion in Kandy: visiting the market square, a gem museum and watch a Cultural Show in the evening. Later dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

6 Day NUWARA ELIYA.

After a breakfast at the hotel we will travel to Nuwara Eliya, visit a tea factory and a tea plantation on the way. In the tea factory we will see how the tea leafs are dried and sorted and get to know more about different kinds of tea. You could enjoy a short break while drinking a cup of fresh tea. After that we will take a tour of Nuwara Eliya. Aptly called the ‘little English town’, Nuwara Eliya wаs founded by the English as a hill retreat to escape from the warm weather of the lowlands. It is popular for the lush tea plantations that cover the mountain ranges like a blanket. The English architecture, the inglenook fireplaces, well-m/manicured gardens and paved walkways bear testimony to the British era that ended not too long ago. Later check in to the hotel. Then dinner and overnight stay.

7 Day NUWARA ELIYA – BEACH STAY / AMBALANGODA.

In the morning after the breakfast, we are leaving to a resort at the Indian Ocean shore. On the way you could enjoy a nice view of the mountains, tea plantations and breathtaking waterfalls. We will arrive at the beach resort in the late afternoon. Now you could enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful white sandy beaches, sunbaths and swim in the sky-blue water. Here you would be willing to stay for a long J Later check in to the hotel. Then dinner and overnight stay.

8 Day  BEACH STAY / AMBALANGODA.

Breakfast in the hotel. Free day to rest near the Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
 

9 Day BEACH STAY / AMBALANGODA.

Breakfast in the hotel. Free day to rest near the Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
 

10 Day BEACH STAY / AMBALANGODA.

Breakfast in the hotel. Free day to rest near the Indian Ocean. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
 

11 Day  BEACH STAY / AMBALANGODA – COLOMBO.

Breakfast in the hotel. After that check out from the hotel and proceed to Colombo. After transfer to Colombo Bandaranaike International airport for the flight back.