CITADEL Tour – Water sports and Kandy
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| Day 1 |
| AIRPORT / NEGOMBO |
| •Meet on arrival and transfer to Negombo [Please advise the arrival flight details]•Dinner & Overnight in Negombo |
| Day 2 |
| NEGOMBO / PINNAWALA / SIGIRIYA / DAMBULLA |
| •After early breakfast (6:30am) proceed to Dambulla •En-route visit at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage |
| Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage This orphanage was started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now; including Baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as some of the (more than 25) babies born in here, due to the captive- breeding programme. The elephants at Pinnawala have their time-table. The best time to visit is the feeding time from 0930-1000 hrs. and 1330-1400 hrs. and the bathing time from 1000-1030 hrs. and 1400-1430 hrs., when all the elephants are taken to the river close by. Today some of these orphans enjoy the luck of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but it soon became a conservation and educational centre. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawala started a scientific captive-breeding programme for elephants. The Free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river plays a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawala was born. The success story of Pinnawala has drawn the attention of Scientists from all over the world. A considerable number of books and research articles on Pinnawala have been published in several languages. The members of the Pinnawala herd have been filmed, videoed and photographed thousands of times by professionals. Anyone can observe how these giants of the jungle have compassionate connection. |
| •After visit proceed to Sigiriya and climb the famous rock fortress •Also view the ancient paintings “The Maidens of Sigiriya” |
| Sigiriya The Lion Rock -This mountain in the jungle was converted to a fortress in the 5th century. Sigiriya rock fortress, which is a World Heritage Site, was built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). There, is a historical legend that encompasses this feast to the human eye. The “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the dark and wide spread Jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens are rising from the base of the rock. The mechanism of the man-made fountains on the rock is yet a secret. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the “Heavenly Maidens” of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These Frescoes, painted on plaster with earth pigments under the patronage of King Kashyapa, carry many reasons for its production. The ‘Mirror Wall’ is famous for ancient poetry which had been read by the historians. |
| •On completion transfer to Dambulla •Dinner & Overnight in Dambulla |
| Day 3 |
| DAMBULLA / KANDY |
| •After breakfast (7:30am) visit Golden rock temple & caves in Dambulla. |
| Dambulla rock temple This was built by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C; it is a World Heritage Site. In addition, it is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 meters. Although the area contains hot weather, inside of the cave is very cool and airy. One can see the famous water collection; as water droplets travel from lower altitude to higher altitude and get collected in a stone bowl. |
| •After visit proceed to Kandy via Matale •En-route stop and visit a Spice & Herbal garden in Matale |
| Matale Visit a spice garden in Matale to see different spices which Sri Lanka is famous for. Here, clients could see different spices and how some of these spices are grown and processed. The spices are essential not only to make our food tasty but also to heal many ailments in human body or mind. Witness a cookery demonstration how to prepare meals by means of spices without destroying their healing power and taste. |
| •Thereafter continue to Kandy •Evening (5:00pm) visit Kandyan cultural show and Dalada Maligawa Temple known as the “Sacred Temple of the tooth relic” |
| Kandyan Cultural Show Visitors can see Dance & Music at the daily cultural performances held at several places in the city. There is specific pattern of dancing called ‘Kandyan Dancing’ together with drums, carried from father –to-son tradition, and the annual pageant very much appreciated by the Buddhists. This festival or pageant is been held as a respect to the ‘Tooth Relic of The Buddha’ which is the highest treasure of Buddhists all over the world. |
| Dalada Maligawa Is known as the ‘Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic’ of the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. This was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century A.D by a princess from India. The sacred relic has ever since been the symbol of sovereignty for its rulers and always enshrined in great splendour. Dalada Maligawa – The Temple of the Tooth is a magnificent shrine, with decorative walls, wood carving, work of silver and gold. In this temple one can witness 16th – 19th century ambience alive. Three religious services (Theva) with traditional music, held daily at dawn, midday and in the evening, can be viewed by visitors. The traditions and customs are intact from the ancient times of the Kandyan kings. The golden casket of ‘The Sacred Tooth Relic’ could be viewed by the visitors during these specific occasions daily. |
| •After visit transfer to hotel •Dinner & Overnight in Kandy |
| Day 4 |
| KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA |
| •After breakfast (8:30am) city tour in Kandy[Visiting Gem museum, Batik factory, Kandyan art and craft centre, Silk show room, upper lake view of Kandy temple] |
| Kandy Was the last kingdom of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan kings who ruled Kandy battled against a series of colonial invaders from the western world. This is a world heritage site, 500 meters above sea level in the hill country. The clients can experience Kandy as a city where ancient traditions meet contemporary society. The people here protect the traditions since it is a place still remains as a sanctuary for traditional Sinhalese cultures. The name “Kandy” conjures visions of splendour and magnificence, with a number of important sites in and around the city. The climate is appealing for a placid holiday. |
| •Thereafter visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens |
| Peradeniya Botanical Gardens This has been first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhalese King and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of plants, flowers of tropical flora and a fine collection of orchids, roses, medical herbs specific to Sri Lanka. One can spend a special day outing in a small protected wood here. This area is overlooking the longest river of Sri Lanka – River Mahaweli – and one can experience the cradling bridge that connects the two banks of the river. |
| •Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda Pass waterfalls and visit a Tea Factory. |
| Tea Plantation Our clients can visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the best tea in the world is produced. Here they could observe all about the process of manufacturing tea. In addition, can see how tea is graded. Taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory grounds which is enveloped by cold mist. Then, anyone can experience the energetic power of Sri Lankan tea. |
| •Evening walk around Nuwara Eliya town and visit Bail Bazaar |
| Nuwara Eliya Is famous due to refreshing climate, mountains and sceneries. It is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort. It is possible to reach within few hours from Colombo. Nuwara Eliya is also the Heart of Sri Lanka’s tea production with a significant share of the world best tea. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located here. Nuwara Eliya also has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia .Horse riding is popular during the season from April to end of June. One can get a heavenly peace in mind when exploring ‘Black Pool’ and many other natural pools and jungles in this area. |
| •Dinner and Overnight in Nuwara Eliya |
| Day 5 |
| NUWARA ELIYA / BENTOTA |
| •After breakfast (9:00am) proceed to Bentota via Kithulgala where the famous film “Bridge on the River Kwai” was filmed. •En-route stop & view St. Clair’s and Devon waterfalls. •Dinner & Overnight in Bentota |
| Day 6 |
| BENTOTA |
| •After breakfast at leisure or own activity Optional: Water sports in Bentota Lagoon •Afternoon visit Turtle Hatchery and Madu River boat safari in Kosgoda and Balapitiya |
| Turtle Hatchery Is a conservation project to survive the turtles because it’s an endangered species. Sri Lanka is a safe haven for turtles. Out of eight remaining turtle species five of them lay their eggs on Sri Lankan coast during the breeding season (December to February). |
| Madu River Which is one of the most beautiful wetlands of Sri Lanka. The importance of this estuarine lagoon was recognized with the declaration as a RAMSAR in March 2004. With this declaration, Madu river has been given the status as a wetland of international importance. Madu River is very rich in natural stands of Mangroves. These Mangroves are able to grow in this river area due to development of special adaptations. There are total 14 different species of Mangroves to be found. It is also a wonderful place to observe animals, especially birds. The best time to do so just after sunrise or just before the sunset. At this time bird-singing is eminent. The boat travels are available for whom, loves to travel in water through this wetland and jungle. |
| •Thereafter return to Bentota •Dinner & Overnight in Bentota |
| Day 7 |
| BENTOTA / COLOMBO |
| •After breakfast (8:30am) proceed to Colombo •Afternoon (2.30 pm) city tour in Colombo [Visiting Asokaramaya Temple, Galle face Green, Independent square, Hindu Temple Bandaranayke memorial International Conference Hall, Pettah Bazaar, Town Hall, Cinnamon Garden, New Parliament and Old Parliament] •Dinner & Overnight in Colombo |
| Day 8 |
| COLOMBO / AIRPORT |
| •After breakfast transfer to airport for departure[Please advise the departure flight details] |
| HOTEL USED (First class) |
| DATE | PLACE | HOTEL | NO OF NTS | MEAL BASIS |
| Day 1 | Negombo | The Beach | 1 | HB |
| Day 2 | Dambulla | Heritance Kandalama | 1 | HB |
| Day 3 | Kandy | Earls Regency | 1 | HB |
| Day 4 | Nuwara Eliya | Tea Factory | 1 | HB |
| Day 5 & 6 | Bentota | Taj Exotica | 2 | HB |
| Day 7 | Colombo | Hilton | 1 | HB |
| Day 8 | Transfer to airport for departure. | |||
| HOTEL USED (Luxury) |
| DATE | PLACE | HOTEL | NO OF NTS | MEAL BASIS |
| Day 1 | Negombo | Browns Beach | 1 | HB |
| Day 2 | Dambulla | Amaya Lake | 1 | HB |
| Day 3 | Kandy | Amaya Hills | 1 | HB |
| Day 4 | Nuwara Eliya | Grand Hotel | 1 | HB |
| Day 5 & 6 | Bentota | Bentota Beach | 2 | HB |
| Day 7 | Colombo | Cinnamon Lakeside | 1 | HB |
| Day 8 | Transfer to airport for departure. | |||
| HOTEL USED (Standard) |
| DATE | PLACE | HOTEL | NO OF NTS | MEAL BASIS |
| Day 1 | Negombo | Sunset Beach | 1 | HB |
| Day 2 | Dambulla | Kassapa lion Rock | 1 | HB |
| Day 3 | Kandy | Hilltop | 1 | HB |
| Day 4 | Nuwara Eliya | Galway Forest Lodge | 1 | HB |
| Day 5 & 6 | Bentota | Hotel Serendib | 2 | HB |
| Day 7 | Colombo | Galle Face Hotel | 1 | HB |
| Day 8 | Transfer to airport for departure. | |||
| COST INCLUDES |
| •Accommodation for 7 nights in above hotels or alternative •Meals basis – Breakfast & Dinner [HB] •Transport in an air-conditioned Car, Van, Mini coach or Large coach for transfers, tours, sightseeing with an English speaking Chauffeur or National guide for 8 days •All mileage as per the tour •Entrance fees as per the itinerary |
| COST DOES NOT INCLUDE |
| •Photographic / Video permits •Expenses of personal nature / All extras at hotel (beverages, phone calls, laundry etc) •Tips & portage •Lunch on tour •Optional visits |
| PLEASE NOTE |
| •Accommodation strictly subject to availability •Hotel check in14.00hrs /Check out time 12.00hrs •Price is subject to change in the event of increase of fuel, Government tax or any other related increases •50% advance when confirm the tour direct to Lymarah (Pvt) Ltd •Balance payments ten days before arrival direct to Lymarah (Pvt) Ltd •For credit card payment a 3% bank surcharge is applicable (Inward remittance per amount) |