Colombo Fort •Sea Street (Pettah Market) • Wolvendaal Church • Sunset at Galle Face Green

On arrival you will be warmly welcomed by the representatives of Insight Indien and transferred to the hotel.

Afternoon enjoy a city tour in Colombo. Colombo is the business and commercial center and the new capital is Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte, only a few miles away. Colombo was only a small seaport, which came into prominence in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 and the development of it as a major harbor took place during the British period. Colombo became the capital of Sri Lanka in 1815 after the Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to the British. The remains of the buildings during the period of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city. None of the Portuguese & Dutch fortifications are found today but some of their buildings and churches could be seen in the Fort & Pettah areas. Visit Colombo Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and visit Wolvendaal Church as it is the most famous Dutch colonial church in Colombo and one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka and spend the evening at Galle Face Green. Overnight stay at Hotel.

2 Nights in Colombo

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Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara • Gangaramaya Temple • Seema Malaka Temple • National Museum of Colombo • Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil

Today after the Breakfast we will visit Kelaniya Buddhist Temple dating to 6th C.B.C., The temple’s modern form, rebuilt under colonial and local rulers, harmonizes Kandyan and modern Sinhalese design elements. Its ornate image house contains murals painted by Soliyas Mendis (early 20th century) depicting scenes from Buddhist history and Sri Lankan culture.

Later head towards Gangaramaya Temple and Seema Malaka Temple as these are the prominent Buddhist temples and cultural landmarks in Colombo and straight to Colombo National Museum and the Natural History Museum are some of the sites to be visited. The museum’s 100,000 plus artifacts span prehistory to the colonial era. Highlights include the red-velvet throne and crown of the Kandyan kings, the 4th-century Toluwila Buddha, ancient rock inscriptions, jewelry, and demon masks used in ritual dance. Thematic galleries trace periods from Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa through Kandy and the British colonial era. The museum’s adjoining Natural History Museum (est. 1986) showcases Sri Lanka’s fauna, fossils, and geology Also visit the Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil Temple. It is one of the oldest and most prominent Hindu temples in Colombo, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha.

 Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.

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Ruwanwelisaya • Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree • Dambulla cave temple

Morning after breakfast at the hotel proceed to Anuradhapura. Arrive in Anuradhapura

Enjoy a city tour in Anuradhapura (The excursion will take approx - 3hrs) The capital of Sri Lanka from the 05th Century B.C. to the end of the 10th Century A.D. was the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. The city’s greatest treasures are its dagobas constructed of bricks and are hemispherical in shape. The most notable of these dagobas are the Ruvanveliseya dating back to the 2nd Century B.C. and is 300 feet in diameter, the Jetawanarama is 370 feet and the Thuparama Dagoba is enshrined with the collarbone of the Buddha.

The city’s most renowned relic is the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, which is said to have grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha gained Enlightenment. It was planted 2250 years ago and is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. Anuradhapura is a “World Heritage Site”

On completion proceed to Dambulla. Arrive in Dambulla

Upon Arrival visit Dambulla cave temple Dambulla Cave Temple is a vast isolated rock mass 500 feet high and a mile around the base. Here is found the famous Rock Temple dating to the First Century B.C. The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples to be found in the Island. In the first Cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 47ft long cut out of the Rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism all around. The frescoes on the walls and the ceiling are the oldest here but they are over-painted in the Kandy period. In the Second Cave, the finest and the largest of all, there are 150 life-size statues of the Buddha in various postures with few statues of Gods and Kings. The ceiling is also covered with frescoes, which depict great events in the life of the Buddha and landmarks in the history of the Sinhalese people. On completion of the visits check in at the hotel. Stay overnight at a hotel.

2 Nights in Dambulla

(Distance: approx. 240 kms; Travel time: approx. 5.30 hours)

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Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu • Gal Vihara •Vatadage • Rankoth Vehera • Lankatilaka Temple • Minneriya National Park in Dambulla

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Polonnaruwa and enjoy a city tour in Polonnaruwa. As Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital and one of the best-preserved UNESCO World Heritage archaeological cities

Polonnaruwa - The extraordinary ancient city of Polonnaruwa was the island’s medieval capital between the 11th and 13th century. Built alongside a huge man-made lake (referred to as a sea in Sinhala), there is an outstanding collection of well-preserved remains of palaces, bathing pools, stupas and exquisite rock sculptures of the Buddha, all testifying to its brief but brilliant period as the island’s capital. Here we will visit the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, Gal Vihara,Vatadage,Rankoth Vehera, and Lankatilaka Temple.

In the evening enjoy a safari at Minneriya national park.

Minneriya National Park: This National Park 8889 hectares in extent is famous for its large population of Elephants in herds of 100 to 150 roaming in the jungle and seen in the catchment area of the lake. Entrance is at Ambagaswewa about 6 km from Habarana on the main Habarana Polonnaruwa road. Office is by the side of the main road. Elephants, about 300 wild Elephants, Wild Buffaloes, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Sambhur, Leopards, Crocodiles, Jackals, 9 kinds of amphibians, 25 kinds of reptiles, 160 species of birds, 26 varieties of fishes, 78 varieties of butterflies are recorded from the Minneriya National Park. Afterwards return to the hotel. Stay overnight at a hotel in Dambulla.

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Sigiriya • Matale Spice Garden • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic • International Buddhist Museum • Kandy Market Hall • Kandy Lake

After breakfast at the hotel climb Sigiriya rock fortress.

Sigiriya (The excursion will take approx: 3hrs for climb and descent) Sigiriya is a “World Heritage Site” and 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 lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels still shining in their original colors. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, Summerhouses, Boulder Gardens and the Caves within the enclosed area should not be missed.

Afterwards proceed to Kandy via visiting Matale Spice Garden.

You will see many spice gardens at Matale and in Mawanella on the Colombo-Kandy Road where Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pepper Creepers and all other spice trees, plants and creepers are planted for visitors to see them. Spice products are also available for those who would like to buy them. At all Spice Gardens visitors are taken round explaining each tree and plant and at the end explaining the use of them in food preparations.

Arrive in Kandy, Afternoon on visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Museum, Market Square and drive around the KandyCity Market & lake.

Kandy - the hill capital is another “World Heritage Site”. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement. To the Buddhists of Sri Lanka and the World, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa” - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Close by are the remains of the Royal Palace (“Maha Wasala”), “Palle Wasala”- where the Queens stayed-now used for the National Museum, “Meda Wasala” where other close relatives lived, Audience Hall, Natha Devala and Vishnu Devala are situated close by. The Bathing Pavilion (“Ulpenge”) is by the Lake and in the Center of the lake is the Island called “Kiri samudraya” (Milk white ocean) used by the kings as the summerhouse. Today it is the center of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts, Dancing, Music and Culture. Visitors can see these Dance & Music at the daily Cultural Performances held at several places in the city. On completion check in at the hotel and in evening time visit Market Square and Kandy Lake. Stay overnight at a hotel.

2 Nights in Kandy

(Distance: approx. 72 kms; Travel time: approx. 1 hour)

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Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage • Royal Botanical Garden Peredeniya

After breakfast at the hotel visit Pinnawala elephant orphanage, This Orphanage Approx 40 kms from Colombo, off the Colombo – Kandy Road is Pinnawala, where an 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 as a result of the captive breeding programme. 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.

Thereafter visit Royal Botanical Garden Peredeniya, known as Royal Botanical Garden (The excursion will take approx: 2 hrs) \147 acres in extent; Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 4,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest Palm Avenue (Royal Palm Avenue) was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world are one such avenue. On completion return to the hotel. Stay overnight at a hotel.

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Tea Plantation/Factory • Gregory Lake • Walk Around Colonial Town

After breakfast, proceed to Kandy railway station and board the 1st class A/C train to Nanu Oya which will travel through manmade tunnels, beautiful mountains & tea plantations in the hill country.

On arrival at Nanu Oya, proceed to Nuwara Eliya

Afternoon visit a Tea Plantation/Factory and later visit the Gregory Lake, it is a man-made reservoir located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, Central Province, Sri Lanka. Constructed in 1873 under British Governor Sir William Gregory, it remains one of the hill country’s most popular leisure attractions, known for boating, scenic walks, and its cool high-altitude climate.

In the evening walk around theNuwara Eliya Town. This Town is also known as ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the Island, but it is really just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for Birding as you get some rare birds in this Park. Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the spring (March to May) and the fall (August and September). These are the “seasons” when low-country folk flock to Nuwara Eliya to escape the sea level heat and humidity. Stay overnight at a hotel.

(Distance: approx. 74 kms; Travel time: approx. 2 hour)

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Leisure on the beach

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Bentota. This is one of the most beautiful transition routes in Sri Lanka — from the cool tea-covered mountains of Nuwara Eliya down to the tropical beaches of Bentota. On The way you will experience Tea country, waterfalls, scenic mountain roads, Rainforests, Riverside scenery and many more. This way is full of scenic views. Arrive in Bentota. Check in at the hotel in Bentota. Leisure at the hotel. Stay overnight at a hotel.

3 Nights in Bentota

(Distance: approx. 190 kms; Travel time: approx. 4-5 hours)

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Leisure time at the beach hotel on the Indian Ocean

Enjoy the sweet art of doing nothing and treat yourself to pure relaxation! Situated right on the beach, the hotel offers plenty of ways to unwind and enjoy yourself. Spend your time exactly as you please: sleep in, relax with a good book, take a refreshing dip in the turquoise sea, or stroll along the vast sandy beach.

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Leisure on the beach

Another day to relax or explore on your own. Those feeling adventurous can book a water-based activity; Bentota is the ultimate hotspot for all kinds of water sports!

Morning after breakfast transfer to Colombo airport for the departure flight.
(Distance: approx. 62 kms; Travel time: approx. 1 hour)