Gondolas

Welcome on arrival at the Airport and transfer to Hotel in Negombo. Enjoy Ayurveda & Herbal Massage Therapies and relax. In the evening brief sight-seeing in Negombo along the beach road and to visit a Catholic Church, a Buddhist Temple, The Fish Market, The Dutch Canal and The Lagoon.

Do a City Tour of Anuradhapura. It was the first capital built for the first time by King Pandukabaya and the grandest city of the ancient Ceylon. You can visit two of the World Heritage Sites and many places of historical and archaeological interest. SRI MAHA BODHI which is over 2200 years old, was brought as a sapling of the tree under which prince Siddhartha attained to enlightenment. THE BRAZEN PALACE, the 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. RUWANWELISEYA is the most famous of all the DAGABAS. It originally depicted the perfect bubble shape that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce. SAMADHI BUDDHA STATUE is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of SAMADHI or deep meditation and ISURUMUNIYA ROCK TEMPLE which is well known for its rock carvings. There is an archeological museum that should not be missed before you complete the visit.

Polonnaruwa – Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th - 13th C.A.D. Great revival was achieved in the country, politically, economically and socially during the Polonnaruwa period.

The monuments here are better preserved than at other sites. THE KING PARAKRAMA STATUE, ROYAL PALACES, AUDIENCE HALLS, VATA-DA-GE, THUPARAMA, RANKOTH VEHERA, KIRI VEHERA, GAL VIHARA, LANKATHILAKA and TIVANKA IMAGE HOUSE are some of the interesting monuments here.

After breakfast you will climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya and then visit the museum.

Sigiriya is home to the 5th Century "Fortress in the Sky" which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge crouching lion image that is carved at the entrance to the fortress. King Kashyapa, built this impregnable fortress on a 650 ft rock. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways lies the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting in the form of Frescoes of life sized beautiful damsels in all the freshness.

Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass 500 ft high and a mile around the base. The famous Rock Temple dating to the First Century BC is found here. The caves of Dambulla sheltered the King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent Rock Temples to be found on the Island. The frescoes on the ceiling date back to the 15th - 18th Centuries.

Spice Garden -See the luscious Cinnamons, Cardamoms, Pepper plants etc. in these privately developed gardens. You can also purchase your requirements of spices and herbal oils. Visit a Batik Factory where you can see the manufacture of beautiful Batik prints. The shop contains a wide variety of Batik items.

Kandy - Surrounded by hills, the Mahaweli River and the Virgin Forest, Kandy was well protected and was the hill capital of Sri Lanka. Today it is the centre of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts and Culture. One would always return a second time to this beautiful city which is the heart and soul of the country. After lunch visit the Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya. The garden contains more than 4,000 varieties and this is one of the best and valuable collections in the world.

In the evening you will visit the Arts & Crafts centre and thereafter witness the splendid Cultural Show. From there proceed to the DALADA MALIGAWA - Temple of the Tooth Relic - to view the traditional religious service which is known as POOJA. Later drive to enjoy cool breeze around the Kandy Lake built by the last King, SRI WIKRAMA RAJASINGHE in 1798.

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage that was established in 1975 to nurse and house young elephants found abandoned. At present this has become a conservation and educational centre. Today some of these orphans have been fortunate enough to see their grand children born in the same location. You can enjoy seeing elephants playing and bathing in the nearby river which is really an eye-catching scene.

On the way to Colombo you can stop at fruit stalls to enjoy the variety of Sri Lankan fruits. After arriving to Hotel, brief sightseeing tour in Colombo at Night.

After breakfast a city tour of Colombo visiting old Parliament Complex, BMICH, Independence Square, Cinnamon Garden, Town Hall, Colombo Bazaar, Gall Face Green and Fort.

Before leaving the Paradise of Sri Lanka do not forget to do your shopping covering Gems, Jewelry, Batik Cloths, Handicrafts, Tea, Spices and Souvenirs etc.

Beach & Culture Tour