CEYLON TRANQULITY

Welcome to Sri Lanka! You will be met in the arrival lobby of Colombo International Airport by a representative displaying a sign with Beyond Travel/Your Name and transferred to your hotel in Colombo (approximately 45 min).
Accommodation: Hotel in Colombo
Transport: A/c Vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Dinner  Depending on arrival time

Meet your host at independence square, an historic backdrop to begin the experience. From here you will travel by Tuk Tuk through winding streets that reflect both the bustling city that exists today and its colonial heritage. Reflect in the gloriously colourful Gangaramaya temple and marvel at the granite structure of Sri Ponnambala Vanneswarar Temple. It is here you will learn about the influence of Buddhism and Hinduism continue to have on one another long after their inception in Sri Lanka.

After you travel through some of modern-day Colombo you will reach Pettah. Your knowledgeable guide will walk you through the bustling streets of this merchant city developed over time since 1656. By far the most stunning landmark in this area is Jami Ul-Alfar, a red and white brick mosque built in 1909. Marvel at its detailing before you hit a side road out of the hustle of Pettah to refresh yourself in a colonial hotel. It is from here you will travel a short distance to climb to a viewpoint unparalleled in the city.

Accommodation: Hotel in Colombo
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Depart Negombo and travel along the bustling Kandy Road past small villages, chaotic towns and roadside carts to reach Habarana.

En-route you will visit the Millennium Elephant Center, originally founded in order to protect and look after the wild elephants found wandering in and around the forests of Sri Lanka. Here they are under treatment before being released into the jungle. It is a place where you may have the opportunity to feed baby elephants and perhaps you could give them a bath at the nearby river and spend some time with these giants to understand their lifestyle.

On completion head to Habarana and this afternoon settle in and enjoy your new surroundings.

Accommodation: Hotel in Sigiriya
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, or Lion Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights. Take the opportunity to climb to the top of this striking rock with its vertical walls supporting the remnants of an ancient city constructed in the 5th century. Built 1600 years ago, by King Kasyapa a much maligned but brilliant king, Sigiriya is an exquisite example of ancient Sri Lankan art and architecture. Along the way you will see the Fountain Gardens, Boulder Gardens, the Mirror Wall, frescoes of the ladies of the king’s harem, the Lion’s Staircase and finally Sky Palace for spectacular panoramic views.

On completion enjoy a fresh king coconut to quench your thirst.

Note:
Climbing to the top of Sigiriya is strenuous but not hard. There are about 1200 steps all the way to the top; some of which are very narrow and steep. When you climb take your time, rest often and drink lots of water. Dress in loose cotton, linen or breathable fabrics. Sunglasses are a good idea to protect your eyes. Closed footwear or at least firmly fastened footwear is recommended.
This afternoon join a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. The expansive park is also home to toque macaques, sambar deer and leopards. The Park is also of interest because of its ancient Minneriya Tank, which was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD.
Once you completed head back to the hotel and enjoy a dip in the pool.

Accommodation: Hotel in Sigiriya
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast you will be transferred to Girithale where you could experience the bicycle ride through the local villages, Paddy fields and the canals.

Starting from the Giritale dam, you will ride along the irrigation canal on a generally flat terrain. The canal serves many purposes as you will witness: it not only provides water for the paddy fields, but also serves as a gathering place for the local residents to enjoy a bath. They enjoy talking to tourists who pass by – should you wish to engage.

Your guide will explain about the paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka and the role played by farmers towards the agricultural needs of the island. If you love to take pictures, this is an ideal spot to do so. There will be plenty of birdlife and scenes to enjoy.

This will be followed by a visit to a family’s home, to get a sense of the local lifestyle. First you will enjoy a cookery demonstration using local organic produce, after which it will be time to taste some homemade traditional sweets and tender coconut water. You will then continue our Giritale Tour and head towards a few village tanks and more paddy fields. Finally you will ride to a small farming village, closer to the famous city of Polonnaruwa.

Afternoon explore the ancient royal capital of Polonnaruwa, one of the most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital and crown jewel of King Parakramabahu, remains superior proof of ancient culture and heritage blended with religious beliefs. Discover on foot or by bicycle the wonderful treasures that remain in the archaeological park including the four beautiful rock-cut Buddha statues at Gal Vihara Temple.

On completion, proceed back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Sigiriya
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Proceed to Kandy, stopping en-route to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This Buddhist place of worship is thought to date back to the 1st century, and houses the country’s most sacred Buddha images.

Sri Lanka is famous for its spices. At Matale you will have an opportunity to explore the delightful green and fragrant Spice Garden. Trained staff will introduce you to different spices including nutmeg, pepper vines, cloves trees, curry, cinnamon, and the precious cardamom (which grows in the shade of high jungle trees and can only be harvested by hand). They will explain how some of these are grown and show you how they are processed. If you are interested, you can purchase spices, traditional remedies and cosmetics here. (A processing and training unit has been set up in the area and farmers are grouped in a cooperative to ensure fair prices).

On arrival in Kandy, visit the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a complex said to hold the tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.
In the evening enjoy a cultural show; the traditional Sri Lankan dance which flourished in the hill country during ancient times. The dancers, who are attired in frilled costumes with glistening head-dresses and breastplates, skip and whirl to the beat of drums executing astonishing acrobatics in mid-air; the highlight is the fire walking at the end of the performance.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kandy
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning you will be transferred to Kithulgala.

White water rafting is one of the most amusing and recreational activities that people love to have once in their life time. It is a highly exciting and thrilling water sport that demands extraordinary physical strength. Experience White Water Rafting in the picturesque Kelani River, covering 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids.

You have the opportunity to experience the Rain Forest walks to see beautiful streams and waterfalls, Stream slides and confidence jumps (Canyoning), Mountain biking on the roads or in the forest, Bird Watching and its surrounding will make you feel enchanted, with a memorable Experience during your White-Water Rafting Tour in Kitulgala.

On completion head to the hotel & rest of the day at your leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kithulgala
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Enjoy the day at this nature resort.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kithulgala
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Your journey today leads you through the scenic high country.
On arrival in Nuwara Eliya begin your exploration of the city where the colorful chaos of Sri Lanka meets colonial bungalows, well-tended lawns and red telephone boxes. Discover the journey from tree to cup of the world-famous high-grown Ceylon Tea. With your expert guide walk through a local tea plantation, meet with a Tea plucker and visit the factory to see the processing stage followed by a tea-tasting session.
On completion continue your journey to Ella.
Enjoy the balance of the day to explore this beautiful mountain village which is famous for Ella Rock and mini-Adam’s peak. You also have the opportunity to visit Demodora Nine Arch Bridge, one of the best examples of colonial era construction in the country before arriving at your hotel.
Spend your first evening in Ella relaxing at your hotel or head out to explore to city.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ella
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

One full day at your leisure.
The hotel features just a handful of luxury thatched villas, built from sustainable local resources and scattered unobtrusively over the hillside. Set amidst stunning mountains, this historic tea estate offers mind-blowing views across waves of emerald Ceylon tea towards Little Adam’s Peak.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ella
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Descend from high country to Yala the gateway to the most famous national park of Sri Lanka.
In the evening engage with the local community and do some fishing in the lake.
Fishing is a very famous and interesting hobby among many tourists. If you can join a real fisherman in lake fishing [fresh water fishing] it certainly will add to the excitement and make it a unique experience you would not want to miss.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yala
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

This morning you will head to Yala National Park to enjoy a private half day 4×4 jeep safari. One of the largest national parks in the country, the terrain at Yala is varied with grassy plains and forest, rocky scrubland, lagoons and a coastline. This multitude of environments supports an abundance of birdlife and a diverse range of animals including crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, monkeys, tortoises, mongoose and, of course, leopard.
On completion head back to the hotel and balance of the day at your leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yala
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Travel the scenic route from Sri Lanka’s southeast coast to Galle in the southwest. En-route visit beautiful beaches, the Wevurukannala Buddha Statue (the largest in the island) and see the iconic stilt fishermen at work in Koggala.
You will then continue on to Aditya Resort where you will spend 3 nights in a Deluxe Room with breakfast and dinner included. The gentle sea breeze backed with the lull of the waves makes for an irresistibly relaxing environment.

This afternoon you can relax by the pool and take in your new surroundings.

Accommodation: Hotel in Galle
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Witness the timeless beauty of Galle in style in a classic car with a local resident.

Galle is remarkable due to its extensive maritime history and colonial influence. Today, the city is a melting pot of culture, cuisine and craft. Your visit of Galle begins in a brilliant white 1972 Volkswagen Beetle convertible, which is a treasured procession of your host. With the salty wind swooshing across your face and crooning in your ears, catch a glimpse of the port city’s colonial elegance as you whiz along the streets.

First, stop by a local vegetable and fruit market where piles and piles of local veggies and fruits are on sale in make-shift stalls or simply laid out on mats for passer-by. Galle International Stadium is an integral part of the island’s cricket loving culture.

Galle fish market is a must-visit where local fishermen bring ashore their catch and sell it fresh. Fish of every kind lay waiting to be sold as mongers call for prices. Watch fishing boats bobbing in the shallow waters of the fishing harbour.

Finally, drive through the arched gate of the thick rampart of Galle Fort to explore the history and mystery of this fortified city. Declared by UNESCO “the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia”, the Fort is a legacy of the island’s colonial timeline. Get to know about the history of this remarkable fortification, the Indian Ocean beyond as your host regales you with intriguing tales about the port city.

Once you done proceed back to the hotel & rest of the day at your leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel in Galle
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

One full day to relax and enjoy Galle and the stunning South Coast; relax on the tranquil sandy beach, dip in the pool or take a treatment in the spa.

Accommodation: Hotel in Galle
Transport: A/c vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

This morning after breakfast and hotel check out at evening, you will be transferred to the Colombo Airport.