Sri Lanka Tour: Enchanting Sri Lanka Itinerary
Day 1: Airport / Anuradhapura
Upon arrival to Bandaranyaike International Airport, you will be welcomed by your chauffeur/guide who will drive you to Anuradhapura to your hotel.
Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the north central part of the Island. This was the first capital from the 5th century BC to the 9th century AD. 
This is the center of the island's Buddhist civilization and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. In antiquity and interest, it is the equal to any ancient 'buried city' in the world.
Enjoy free time to relax after your long journey.
HOTEL: Palm Garden Village (For 4 and 5 star category) (B)
Day 2: Anuradhapura / Mihintale / Anuradhapura
After breakfast start your sightseeing of Anuradhapura. The Bohdi tree at the Mahabodhi Temple is called the Sri Maha Bodhi. It was brought as a sapling of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Anuradhapura has some of the island's oldest Buddhist shrines. Some date back to the 3rd century BC.
Impressive white 'dagabas' (relic chambers) and monuments embellished with handsome stone carvings or sculpture, pleasure gardens, beautifully executed stone baths and ponds and a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals are the main attractions of Anuradhapura. Specific places to visit are the Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C.) with 1600 significant stone columns are the remains of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks which was an engineering marvel at the time. Ruwanweli Seya (2nd century B.C) the most famous of all the dagobas originally depicted the perfect water-bubble shape that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce.
Samadhi Buddha (3rd century B.C.) regarded as the finest rock sculpture in the island depicts the Buddha in a state of deep meditation. Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century B.C.) known for its rock carving of the "Lovers", Kuttam Pokuna, twin ponds, (3rd century B.C.) were used by monks of this glorious era as a bathing pool and Thuparama (3rd century B.C.) is the oldest dagoba on the island.
Proceed to Mihintale. Mihintale is a few minutes from Anuradhapura. The forest - clad mountain is of great spiritual significance to Buddhists because it was the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. Mihintale has many different points of interest: 1840 ancient granite steps, dagabas, the relic house and monks refectory, the assembly hall, meditation rock, caves and ponds. The climb to the summit is also interesting from a scenic aspect for stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
HOTEL: Palm Garden Village (For 4 and 5 star category) (B)
Day 3: Anuradhapura / Sigiriya / Harbarana
After breakfast depart for Sigiriya. Sigiriya is a rock fortress situated 66 kms from Polonnaruwa where King Kashyapa built his fortified palace atop and around a 183 m rocky outcrop in the 5th century. 
Sigiriya is best known today for the paintings of beautiful women found on a sheltered ledge on the side of the rock. On the summit are the remains of the vast palace of Kashyapa complete with bathing pool and platforms for dancing girls.
SPECIAL EXPERIENCE: After climbing Sigiriya, visit Hiriwadunna, a local village, and experience the lifestyle of this village. Before lunch have a cooking demonstration and then enjoy a typical Sri Lanka village lunch with a local family. After you can have a walk around the village and experience local village life.
HIRIWADUNNA TREK: This trek begins with an awesome walk along a bund of a "wewa" or manmade reservoir. The reservoir itself, the surrounding scrub jungle, marshland and village are a hive of early morning activity. The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of seeing the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Afterwards, take a boat ride in a traditional boat.
HOTELS: 4 star – Chaaya Village (B)
5 star – Cinnamon Lodge (B)
Day 4: Habarana / Polonnaruwa / Habarana
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka.
This was the capital from the 11th to 13th Century. Its centerpiece is the Terrace of the Tooth Relic. The best examples of the sculpture at Polonnaruwa are seen at Gal Vihar., This is a monument with four beautifully carved images of the Buddha. A sampling of medieval Buddhist art is preserved at the Tivanka Image House. One of the islands largest known irrigation reservoirs is the Parakrama Samudra, an inland sea contracted in the 11th century.
Option – If you want, you can visit this site by bicycle.
Visit a wood - carving factory in Polonnaruwa to witness the splendid craftsmanship.
Return to hotel.
In the afternoon enjoy an Elephant Safari.
Special Experience: Take an Elephant Back Safari at the Chena cultivation where you will stop to enjoy the farmer's humble hospitality. Enjoy a refreshing drink of King Coconut or whatever fruit is in season. The journey continues through dense shrub forests, home to many forest birds and other wildlife including monkeys, bear, python and even elephants.
HOTELS: 4 star – Chaaya Village (B)
5 star – Cinnamon Lodge (B)
Day 5: Habarana / Dambulla / Matale / Kandy
After breakfast depart for Kandy and visit Dambulla Rock Cave
Temple. The drive will take approximately one hour. This temple dates back to the 1st century BC. 
The 500 foot rock mass consists of a series of caves turned into shrines with numerous life size images of the Buddha and other Gods. The most impressive is the 147 long statue of the Buddha.
Visit the Dambulla market. This is the largest market in Sri Lanka where the local farmers bring their produce to sell to the local buyers.
You can buy fresh vegetables and fruits for lower prices. This market is usually crowded and you can also experience how people bargain and buy things.
Proceed to Kandy to visit the Spice Gardens and Batik Factory in Matale. There are several gardens in the Matale area that have a variety of spices such as cinnamon, clove, cardamom, black pepper, and nutmeg. You will be taken around the garden to see the plants in their natural state. You will also be able to see the extracting process of certain spices.
Check into your hotel
Afternoon sightseeing of Kandy and cultural dance show.
Cultural Dance show (Times subject to change)
Sri Lankan Cultural Show comprises of various dance forms including dances from the low country areas and the more elaborate Kandyan Dance form.
The main program has a Peacock Dance, a Tambourine Dance, Fire Dance, Harvest Dance and other typical Sri Lankan Dances with masks, sticks, and oil lamps etc.
The Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha Temple is one of the Holiest Buddhist places of worship in the world. Every year the Tooth Relic is paraded on the street during the Esala Perehera. This is one of the most colorful pageants of Asia and is held in July/August each year in honor of the Tooth Relic. As the pageantry of the Esala Perehera unfolds through ten nights each year, the city takes on the air of a torch lit dreamland complete with hundreds of colorful elephants, drummers, dancers and chieftains.
HOTELS: 4 star – Chaaya Citadel (B)
5 star – Earl's Regency (B)
DAY 6: Kandy / Pinnawela / Kandy
After breakfast depart for Pinnawela to visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. This orphanage is home to nearly 60 – 70 mature and baby elephants. Some babies were abandoned by the herd or by their mothers, injured or wounded by the poachers. This is the only elephant orphanage in the world. Feeding time for baby elephants is at 9:15 am. This is an event not to be missed.
Return to Kandy and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy. The 147 acre garden was originally a pleasure garden of the last Queen of Kandy. Later this garden became the operational headquarters of Lord Mountbatten who was Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces during the Second World War. This garden is one of the best in the world with its variety of plants. The orchid house has more than 300 varieties of orchids. The spice garden gives you a first hand introduction to the trees, plants and creepers that produce the special spices of Sri Lanka
Evening at leisure at the hotel.
HOTELS: 4 star – Chaaya Citadel (B)
5 star – Earl's Regency (B)
Day 7: Kandy / Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast at the hotel depart for Nuwara Eliya to visit a tea plantation and factory.
Nuwara Eliya is the heart of Sri Lankan hill country. It is the home of the famous Ceylon Tea and the rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. The salubrious climate, misty glens and the decidedly British character make Nuwara Eliya a must on any Sri Lankan travel itinerary.
Have a tour of the tea factory where the whole tea manufacturing process will be explained. Experience this unique chance to sip the tea as soon as it is produced.
HOTELS: 4 star – St. Andrew's (B)
5 star – The Tea Factory (B)
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya / Horton Plains / Yala
Breakfast at the hotel.
Leave for Horton Plains through the narrow steep mountain roads to reach the entrance to the plains.
Take a soft trek to the worlds end cliff where you can see the low country approximately 1000 feet below. See the cascading Bakers Falls. Trek approximately 8 kms in total. With the cool weather in the plains, you will not feel tired. Enjoy the endemic plants and lizards.
HOTEL: 4 and 5 star – Chaaya Wild (B)
DAY 9: Yala National Park / Katharagama
After breakfast, depart for a safari to Yala National Park in a 4x4 jeep. You will board the jeep from the reception area of the hotel and drive to the park. Apart from the regular sightings of deer, rabbits, buffalos, sambas, wild bores and elephants, you may be lucky and spot an Asian black bear or leopard.
Hotels: 4 and 5 star - Chaaya Wild (B)
DAY 10: YALLA / GALLE
Today, you will transfer from Yala to Galle.
GALLE: The port of Galle, thought by some to be the Biblical city of Tarshish. The port splendidly illustrates the solidity of the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka. The 36-hectare (89 acre) Dutch Fort, built in 1663, has withstood the ravages of time. Its massive ramparts surround the promontory that forms the older part of Galle and shelters within its walls sturdy Dutch houses, museums and churches. This area has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere that seems almost detached from the flow of history.
HOTELS: 4 star – Closenberg Hotel (B)
5 star – Light House (B)
DAY 11: GALLE
Breakfast at hotel. Full day at leisure and if you want spend the day at the beach at Unuwatuna, Wellgama or Tangalla.
HOTELS: 4 star – Closenberg Hotel (B)
5 star – Light House (B)
DAY 12: GALLE / COLOMBO
After breakfast at hotel leave for Colombo.
COLOMBO is the trade capital and has long been the traditional gateway to the orient. Today, Colombo is a fascinating city with a happy blend of east and west and past and present with a charm of its own. The main seaport of Sri Lanka is in Colombo. Adjoining the port area is Pettah which is the local bazaar and trading area. Other places of interest are the beautiful Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, the historic Wolfendhal church, the main residential areas, Cinnamon Gardens and the BMICH, International Conference Hall and the commercial area.
Hotels: 4 star – Galle Face (B)
5 star – Cinnamon Grand (B)
DAY 13: Depart Colombo
After breakfast departure to the international airport to board your onwards flight.
Please note that Anuradhapura and Yala do not have five star accommodations. The same hotel has been used for both the four and five star category.
Quotes:
4 Star Package:
From $2225 / person on twin (2 pax) sharing basis
5 Star Package:
From $2935 / person on twin (2pax) sharing basis
THE ABOVE RATES ARE APPLICABLE until 12/ 31/ 2012.
There are additional supplements during the below periods.
Included Sites:
- Anuradhapura
- Mihintale
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Polonnaruwa
- Dambulla Rock Cave Temple
- Matale Spice Garden
- Cultural Dance Show
- Temple of the Tooth
- Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
- Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
- Tea Plantation & Factory in Nuwara Eliya
- Horton Plains Excursion
- Yala Safari
- Galle City Tour
- Colombo City Tour
- Elephant Back Safari in Habarana
- Local Village Visit and Hiriwadunna Trek
- Dambulla Local Market Visit
Cost Includes:
- Accommodation based on the hotels mentioned above with breakfast
- Transport by an A/C vehicle with accompanying English speaking chauffeur guide for 1- 6 pax and an English speaking guide will be available for 6 pax and above
- Arrival and departure transfer from and to airport.
- All entrance fees mentioned above
- Government taxes (which are subject to change)
Cost Does Not Include:
- International flights
- Passport and visa fees
- Any meals or options mentioned as a supplement
- Any insurance
- Tips
- All personal expenses such as gratuities, meals, medical expenses, laundry, drinks, telephone and fax services, video or camera fee at the monuments and all other services not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions
