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CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
4 NIGHTS / 5 DAYS
As its name states, this tour specifically focuses on visits to the popular and well known ancient cities and cultural sites in Sri Lanka. As it is planned for a shorter duration, the tour would appeal to those who are interested in seeing these highlights only and prefer to spend more time on the beaches of the island or in Maldives.
DAY 1
Arrival at Colombo Airport in the Morning. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Colombo, the Commercial Capital of Sri Lanka. Your afternoon tour of this colourful city will take you from its noisy bazaars to its fashionable residential area passing places where Grand Colonial era buildings stand alongside modern office structures. The diversity of religion, ethnicity and customs of the people in this city becomes very evident. Overnight at Colombo.
Day 2
After breakfast, leave for Pinnawela to visit the Elephant Orphanage where over 70 Elephants ranging from little babies to adults are cared for. Almost all of them have been found in the jungles wounded or separated from their herd. The feeding and bath time in the river are a treat to watch. Proceed to Sigiriya and check into hotel for Lunch. Late afternoon climb Sigiriya Rock, the "Lion Mountain". In 470 AD, King Kasyapa, built his magnificent palace on top of this 360 metre high rock. This architectural wonder is famous for its well preserved rock painting of the beautiful "Cloud Damsels" seen half way up the rock and the "Lion Stairway" that provides access to the summit. The complex of the fortress on the plains around the rock extends over 15 hectares.
Return to hotel in Sigiriya for Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3
After breakfast proceed to Dambulla to visit the 1st century BC Rock Cave. Located at a height of over 100 m on a huge rock the caves contain beautiful images of the, Buddha totaling up to 150 as well as those of Hindu deities. The walls are also adorned with colourful frescoes of various scenes related to the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and great deeds of the kings. Return to hotel for Lunch, thereafter proceed to commence a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa, the Medieval Kingdom from the 11th to the 13th century. Ethnic harmony prevailed between the Sinhalese and the Tamils during this period. Buddhist and Hindu Temples located in the same complex and many other ruins symbolizes this fact. The Palaces, Huge granite sculptures and the massive tanks and complex irrigation systems built by the Great Kings conveys the extent of development that existed in this middle history period. After sightseeing return to Sigiriya for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 4
After breakfast leave for Kandy, en route visiting a Batik Factory and a Spice Garden in Matale.
On arrival to the beautiful Hill Capital of Kandy, check into hotel. Surrounded by lush tropical scenery, this was the last capital city and Kingdom of the Sri Lanka's Royalty until the British took over the city in 1815. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon commence city tour of Kandy. Visit Dalada Maligawa - the Temple of the tooth relic of the Buddha. View a Cultural Dance Show and return to hotel in Kandy for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 5
After breakfast proceed to commence Beach Stay (or to airport for departure flight to Maldives). En route visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and a Tea Plantation and Tea Factory. Lunch at Ambepussa Rest House.
END OF TOUR
