“Ayubowan” on arrival at the recently refurbished modern and State of the art International Airport, you will be blessed to get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality; Representative from Wonder Isle Holidays will welcome you at the Airport & transfer clients to Negombo
Visit to the NEGOMBO FISH MARKET.
The Negombo Fish Market is interesting because it takes place right on the beach, fresh from fishing boats. Crowds of fishermen are seen untangling their fishing nets, playing with their kids, and stretching out miles of fish to dry in the sun on Negombo’s shore.
After proceed to Anuradhapura.
Evening at relax.
Overnight stay at Anuradhapura.
Breakfast at the hotel.
After proceed to visit MIHINTALE.
Mihintale Temple , The rocky hill of Mihintale is synonymous with Buddhism in Sri Lanka. For it was on this very rock that “Mahinda Arahath Thero” had his first encounter with King Devanampiyatissa, which in turn led him to converting into Buddhism. Mihintale soon become a great Monash city comprising 04 rocky hills. Today, Mihintale, which is situated 11km east of Anuradhapura, is visited by thousands of devotees who climb up the 1,840 steps to reach the dagoba located on top of this sacred rock.
After proceed to visit AWUKANA BUDDHA STATUE.
The Buddha statue at Avukana also known as Avukana Pilimaya, is a remarkable rock carving of a standing Buddha. Located about 175 kms away from Colombo in Avukana, near Kekirawa in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, this statue is a masterpiece of man’s artistry and creative skill. Avukana was built during the reign of King Dhatusena in the 5th Century. Standing over 40 feet high, Avukana is the tallest of the ancient Buddha statues in the country.
After proceed to Sigiriya.
Evening at relax.
Overnight stay at Sigiriya.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to Polonnaruwa.
Visit POLONNARUWA ANCIENT CITY.
Polonnaruwa is another “World Heritage Site” was the Capital of Sri Lanka from 11th – 13th Centuries, contains some splendid and spectacular statues. Lankatilake, Tivanka and Thuparama are the most beautiful and largest Image Houses and Tivanka has the best examples of frescoes of the Polonnaruwa period. RankothVehera and Kirivehera are well preserved large stupas, and Gal Vihare – a rock shrine, has four Buddha statues, two seated, one standing and one reclining and Parakrama Bahu statue are examples of Sinhalese stone carver. The Vata-da-ge is a unique creation of the Sri Lankan artists. The medieval capital, Polonnaruwa was fortified with inner & outer moats and inner & outer walls. The Parakrama Samudra is on the western side of the city. The Royal Palace, Audience Hall and other buildings in the inner city were enclosed by another tall wall.
Later afternoon jeep safari at MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK
This is sitting in the centre of the cultural triangle, Minneriya is a good alternative to the busier parks in the south and it’s easy to weave in a day here between visiting the ancient cities. The dry season, preferably from June to September, is the best time to visit the 8,890 hectare park when the ancient tank, the lake that dominates the area, dries out and the grasses and shoots push through. During this time it is possible to see herds of up to 150 elephants feeding and washing, as well as toque macaques, sambar deer and leopards. The hungry bird flocks include cormorants and painted storks. Minneriya, closest by car to the ancient city Polonnaruwa, was upgraded from a nature reserve to a national park because of the increased number of tourists coming to see the elephants. wooden frame is placed on top of the elephant and 4 clients sit on this little platform for a one to two hour ride.
Proceed to Sigiriya again.
Overnight stay at Sigiriya.
Breakfast at the hotel.
After start the journey to CLIMB THE SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Buddhist monastic settlements were established during the 3rd century BCE in the western and northern slopes of the boulder-strewn hills surrounding the Sigiriya rock. Several rock shelters or caves were created during this period. These shelters were made under large boulders, with carved drip ledges around the cave mouths. Rock inscriptions are carved near the drip ledges on many of the shelters, recording the donation of the shelters to the Buddhist monastic order as residences. These were made in the period between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE.
Then proceed to visit DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE.
Located at an elevation of 1118 feet from the sea level raises a massive rock from the surrounding plains of Dambulla of 600 feet high and over 2000 feet in length It is home to the World’s most acclaimed Cave complex of magnificent Buddha Images and Rock Paintings of vivid colours and shapes constructed and painted from around 2nd Century BC (Anuradhapura era) and continued up to the Kandyan era of the 18th Century. Sinhalese people call it as ‘ Dambulu Gala’ (Dambulla Rock) and the Temple is called as the ‘Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya’ (Golden Rock Dambulla Temple).
Then proceed to Kandy.
On the way visit MATALE SPICE GARDENS
During Past history Sri Lanka known as Taprobane, was world renowned for its Quality Spices. During ancient times the Greeks, Romans and the Arabic maintained their links with Sri Lanka through the spice trade. In the 16th century Ceylon, as it was then known, was discovered by Portuguese who soon began trading in cinnamon and other spices. The Dutch and British followed bringing with them their own history and influences, forming a strong Western presence which created a history of food expressed with spices which can be tasted in the dishes today.
Proceed to Kandy.
Evening at relax.
Overnight stay at Kandy.
Breakfast at the hotel.
After city tour of Kandy including visits to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Market Square and Upper Lake Drive.
Visit 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, the latest being the Golden Canopy over the inner shrine where the Tooth Relic is placed. Originally the Temple was within the King’s palace complex as it was the symbol of Royal Authority.
After proceed to visit ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS – PERADENIYA.
This was laid out in 1821 by the British colonial rulers. Prior to that it was the Royal Pleasure Garden of the Kandyan Kings. It is located in a beautiful setting with the longest river of Sri Lanka, Mahaveli bordering on one side. This attractively laid out garden displays many varieties of floral and green plants. Special features are the Orchid House which displays a fine collection of Sri Lankan orchids, the fernery, spice garden, and the trees planted by distinguished visitors to the Island.
After transfer to Nuwara Eliya.
Evening at relax.
Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.
Breakfast at the hotel
After CITY TOUR AT NUWARA ELIYA.
Nuwara Eliya is nicknamed “Little England” because It was established by the British in the 1840s as a as a base for the colonialists and still retains some of the British quirks, like the famous red post box.
Visit around Gregory lake. Gregory Lake was build under the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. This is the most prominent attraction in Nuwara Eliya and all the vistors used to come here and spent some time by the lake and relax. This was used as a place for water sports and for re-recreational activities during the British time.
Later afternoon proceed to Kataragama.
Evening proceed to visit KATARAGAMA TEMPLE.
The Kataragama temple complex dedicated to Skanda-Kumara is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka that is venerated by the majority Sinhala Buddhists, Hindu minority Sri Lankan Tamil people, Sri Lankan Moors and the Vedda people. It is a collection of modest shrines, of which the one dedicated to Skanda-Kumara, is the most important. It has been considered hallowed ground since almost three hundred years before the birth of Christ, and is one of the sixteen places said to have been consecrated by Gautama Buddha as he meditate.
Overnight stay at Kataragama.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Leave for Sinharaja
A TOUR TO SINHARAJA RAIN FOREST.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a forest reserve and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO , its not a jeep safari as it’s a rain forest it’s a trekking.
Later evening proceed to Hikakduwa
Evening at relax
Overnight stay at Hikkaduwa
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day relax on the beach.
Optional : Water sports
Overnight stay at Hikkaduwa.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to Galle for a day excursion.
CITY TOUR AT GALLE.
Visit Galle fort.
Dutch Fort at Galle, close to the island’s southernmost point, 173km from Colombo, has the distinction of being the best-preserved sea fort in South Asia. A living heritage site, this 90 hectare (222 acre) attraction is a superb blend of architecture, with fortifications that resemble those in the coastal areas of Portugal. The fall of Galle to the Dutch in 1640 saw its fortifications consolidated further along the lines of the fortified cities of Europe. The Dutch and the English colonial styles are evident in the deep verandahs of houses supported by timber or masonry pillars.
Later afternoon proceed back to Hikkaduwa again.
overnight stay at Hikkaduwa.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to Bentota / Kosgoda.
Visit, TURTLE HATCHERY PROJECT.
The Turtle Care Centre at Kosgoda beach is one of 18 turtle hatcheries along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The centre is located in the South Western coastal village of Kosgoda and was establised in 1981. It is also very popular as all five species of turtles that visit Sri Lanka nest in Kosgoda. This is not so with many of the other hatcheries around the island whose beaches host only some of the species. The centre functions mainly as a hatchery and makes huge efforts to increase the rate of hatching, and survival of baby turtles in their very initial stages. However the Care centre also works on sick or injured adults; treating them and releasing them back into the ocean. They also run volunteer programs and awareness programs for local and international visitors.
Then proceed to a BOAT RIDE AT MADU RIVER.
Leave for Balapitiya and proceed by boats on the Madu-Ganga river. Here you could see the villagers taking part in their day to day activities , the river, its islands. In this beautiful trip you will be able to see riverside, tropical birds, crocodiles, black monkeys, Cormoranes, Pelicans, Large Iguanas and water Monitors. The fisherman, the peculiar boats and net fishing of jumbo prawns.
Optional : Relax with fish therapy.
Proceed back to Hikkaduwa.
Overnight stay at Hikkaduwa.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to Colombo
On the way visit KALUTARA TEMPLE.
Kalutara is historically important due to the fact that it was one of the 32 places indicated by Arahant Mahinda Thera to the king Devananpiya Tissa in the 2nd century B.C. as a place where one of the thirty two saplings of the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura be planted, to which the King extended his patronage. It is recorded in the Sinhala Maha Bodhi Wansa that until such time when the maritime provinces were subjugated by the Portuguese in 1505 A.D., the historic Kalutara Bodhiya exited intact. In the 16th century this sacred site was turned in to a Portuguese fort. Though no harm is supposed to have done to the Bodhi it was not venerated by the people during that period. It was after the planting of a Bodhi in lower terrace of Pahala Maluwa by an Indian Prince from the Pandya country named Wickrama Pandya in 1042 A.D. that the public began to venerated and consider the site as a sacred place. This prince from Indian became a viceroy in the Kalutara area.
Then proceed to Colombo
CITY TOUR AT COLOMBO.
Colombo was probably known to Roman, Arab, and Chinese traders more than 2,000 years ago. Muslims settled there in the 8th century and controlled much of the trade between Sinhalese kingdoms and the outside world. The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century and built a fort to protect their spice trade. The Dutch captured the city in the 17th century. The British made the city the capital of their crown colony of Ceylon in 1802.
Sightseeing highlights include the, Colombo National and Dutch period museums, old and new parliament houses, Gangarama Buddhist Temple, Town Hall, and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. Apart from excellent shopping, Colombo offers visits to one of the world’s leading tea auctions, an 18 hole Golf Course, seasonal Buddhist and Hindu pageants, international cricket tournaments, plush casinos, enjoyable evening entertainment and excellent restaurants. State-of-the-Art communications and Cyber services are available in the hotels and other outlets.
Evening shopping tour.
Overnight stay at Colombo.
Breakfast at the hotel.
This is your last day of the tour ; clients proceed to the Colombo International Airport from where you can board the flight for your onward destination.