Best of Sri Lanka

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  AIRPORT - DAMBULLA (160 km - 4h30)

  Arrival at Colombo/Bandaranayake International Airport and welcome with a flower garland. Direct transfer to Dambulla and check-in to the rooms. Lunch at leisure (not included). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Dambulla.

• day 2

  DAMBULLA - SIGIRIYA - HIRIWADUNNA - DAMBULLA

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Visit of the Sigiriya Citadel or “Lion Rock”, a romantic and grandiose ancient site, famous for the world-renowned frescoes of the “Maidens of Sigiriya”. Climb the Sigiriya Rock fortress, which dates back to the 10th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The "Lion Rock" is a citadel of rare beauty, rising more than 200 meters above the jungle. A moat, a rampart, and vast gardens surround the base of the rock. Visit this grand and ancient site, adorned with world-famous frescoes, the "Maidens of Sigiriya". Entrance fee: EURO 30.00 per person (not included). After discovering this ancient fortress, you will set out to discover local life. A few minutes from Sigiriya is the typical Sri Lankan village of "Hiriwadunna". The walking tour in the village allows you to discover the surroundings. It begins with a pleasant walk along a protective wall of the Wewa, an artificial lake. You can observe birds, butterflies, crocodiles, as well as villagers going about their daily tasks: men fishing, women washing clothes – all contribute to the charm of this exotic place. Catamaran ride – a double canoe equipped with seats – on the lake, with a visit to a "Chena Cultivation" (agricultural field). Also enjoy a ride in an ox cart. You will have the opportunity to communicate with the villagers and experience local life. Lunch on your own (not included). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Dambulla.

• day 3

  DAMBULLA - MATALE - KANDY (90 km - 3h00)

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Departure by road to Kandy via Matale. Visit of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC. Today, it is one of the World Heritage sites. You will go from room to room to discover magnificent Buddha sculptures. Its walls and ceilings, covered with colorful paintings, represent the largest surface of frescoes in the world. Please note: for the visit of this temple, it is required to wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Entrance fee: EURO 8.00 per person (not included) Arrival in Matale, visit of Nalanda Gedige, the oldest building constructed entirely of stone in Sri Lanka. It dates from the 8th century and forms a remarkable blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectures. Probably a Mahayana sanctuary, its stones, which are being put back in place, show tantric sculptures with sexual subjects, rare in Sri Lanka. *Matale: visit of the spice gardens offering all the indigenous varieties such as pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, chilies... Tasting of spiced tea and demonstration of the therapeutic virtues of each plant. Tasting of spiced tea and massages with natural products in the gardens, then free time in the shop (sale of spices and plant-based products). Continuation to Kandy and check-in to the rooms. Free evening. Lunch on your own (not included) Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kandy.

• day 4

  KANDY

  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Then, transfer to Kandy and the rest of the day free to explore the city of Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth at the time of the religious ceremony around 09:00. Kandy, the capital of Buddhism, is located at an altitude of 350 m and bordered by hills, naturally arranged around the Sacred Lake. The cultural center of the country, the city fell into the hands of the English as early as 1815. Nestled in a green valley (between the last rice fields and the first tea plantations), surrounded by low hills and enclosed by the Mahaweli, the largest river in Sri Lanka, Kandy remains a center of crafts, music, and dance. Charm, splendor of the past, and serenity describe the city. Visit the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Tooth or "Dalada Maligawa" which houses the sacred relic of the Buddha's Tooth. Entrance fee: EUR 12.00 per person (not included). Note: for the visit of this temple, it is required to wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders. Then, visit the city and the local market of Kandy, and free time for shopping in the alleys lined with many stalls offering: silks, local crafts, jewelry, basketry, masks, etc. Visit the city of Kandy and free time for shopping. In the afternoon, you will first enjoy a walk in the Botanical Gardens. The Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya is located about 5.5 km west of the city of Kandy, in the central province of Sri Lanka, and attracts 2 million visitors each year. It is renowned for its collection of a great variety of orchids. It includes more than 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palms. Attached to it is the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka. The total area of the botanical garden is 147 acres (0.59 km²), at 460 meters above sea level, and with an annual rainfall of 200 days. It is managed by the Division of National Botanical Gardens of the Ministry of Agriculture. The deputy director of the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, in Sri Lanka, around 1910. Entrance fee: EUR 12.00 per person (not included). Lunch on your own (not included). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kandy.

• day 5

  KANDY - NEGOMBO (105 km - 3 h)

  

  This morning, after breakfast, departure for Negombo. On the way, visit to the tea plantation in Giragama. Visit of the tea factory and plantation. Tea tasting and free time in the factory shop. Sharing time with the local community of tea pickers! (They do not usually work on Sundays and public holidays.) Continue to Negombo and check into the room. Free evening. Lunch on your own (not included). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Negombo.

• day 6

  NEGOMBO - AIRPORT (15 km - 15 min) OR BEACH STAY

  Breakfast at the hotel. Final transfer to Colombo / Bandaranaike airport. **End of our services**