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Distinguished cultural and wildlife safaris
Day 1:
Arrive in Sri Lanka and transfer to Browns Beach Hotel, Negombo for the first night.
Overnight Negombo Beach. (Brown's Beach Hotel or similar).
Day 2:
Depart for Habarana. On the road visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Arrive and check into Cinnamon Lodge in Habarana. Visit Hurulu Eco Park in the afternoon.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary for young elephants who have lost their mothers. During the 1980's and early 1990's, Sri Lanka experienced a tragic period of civil war. Vast stretches of elephant habitat became mine strewn battle grounds. Although this period of strife has ended, environmental pressures persist, and the orphanage remains a much needed sanctuary. Today there are approximately 85 elephants at the facility. It is a delight to watch them play and interact during their daily communal bath in the Maya Oya River.
The Cinnamon Lodge will be your base for the next three nights. It offers unique bird watching excursions, as well as delicious traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. After settling into your accommodations, take an evening game drive into Hurulu Eco Park, an excellent setting for viewing wild elephants and other species.
Overnight Habarana. (Cinnamon Lodge or similar).
Day 3:
After breakfast proceed to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, visiting Avukana en route. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
The Avukana Buddha Statue is an imposing monument, carved out of solid granite and measuring over 38 feet. The statue provides you with an impressive introduction to the magnificent kingdoms that once occupied the isle.
Carry onto the ancient city of Anuradhapura, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya River. According to historical records, the city was founded in the 5th century BC and remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia for an astounding 1300 years. During this period, vast monastery complexes and some of the tallest buildings in the ancient world were built. The Jetavanaramaya dagoba of the city is still the tallest brick structure in the world. In its prime, it ranked beside Nineveh and Babylon in its colossal proportions - its four walls, each 16 miles (26 km) long, enclosed an area of 256 square miles - in the number of its inhabitants, and in the splendor of its shrines and public edifices. Anuradhapura is situated in Sri Lanka's dry zone. As a result, the administration built the most complex irrigation systems of the ancient world. Most of these reservoirs are still functioning today, making them vital to the agricultural output of the country.
Later rulers of Anuradhapura lacked the political stature of their forbearers. The civilization began to decline as the irrigation infrastructure crumbled and the increasingly powerful kingdoms of South India began to assert their preeminence. The city was sacked in AD 993 by Indian armies and finally abandoned by 1017. The splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, was hidden away in dense jungle for hundreds of years. It was not until the 19th century that the jungle was cleared away, the ruins laid bare, and some measure of prosperity brought back to the surrounding country by the restoration of hundreds of ancient village reservoirs by the British.
Today, the picturesque ruins consist of three classes of buildings, dagobas, monastic buildings, and pokunas. The dagobas are bell-shaped masses of masonry, varying from a few feet to over 1100 ft in circumference. Some of them contain enough masonry to build a town for twenty-five thousand inhabitants. Remains of the monastic buildings are found in all directions in the shape of raised stone platforms, foundations and stone pillars. The most famous is the Brazen Palace, erected by King Dutugamunu about 164 BC. The pokunas are reservoirs used for bathing and supplying drinking water. They are scattered throughout the jungle that surrounds the ancient ruins. The site also contains a sacred Bo-Tree, a cutting from the "tree of enlightenment" (the fig tree under which Buddha reputedly achieved enlightenment), brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century B.C. Anuradhapura still holds tremendous religious importance to Buddhists, making it fascinating not only for its historical implications but also for its modern cultural significance. In addition to exploring the ancient history, you will have ample opportunity to experience the vibrant religious life of today.
Overnight Habarana. (Cinnamon Lodge or similar).
Day 4:
Visit the ancient city and museum of Polonnaruwa (a UNESCO World Heritage site). If interested, you can enjoy an hour long elephant ride at Habarana Jungles in the afternoon. Return to the hotel for the night.
Polonnaruwa is home to a modern town, but it also provides fascinating insights into the ancient civilizations of Sri Lanka. The ancient state was established around 1070 by King Vijayabahu, who selected the region for its strategic distance from the powerful kingdoms of Southern India after the invasion of Anuradhapura, further to the north. The kingdom rose to its apex during the reign of Vijayabahu's grandson, Parakramabahu I. It was during his reign that trade and agriculture flourished. The king was adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens could be wasted; each was to be used toward the development of the land. Irrigation systems far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed during Parakramabahu's reign, systems that, to this day, supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the scorching dry season in the east of the country. The greatest of these systems is the Parakrama Samudraya (the Sea of Parakrama), a reservoir so vast that it is often mistaken for an ocean. It is of such a width that it is impossible to stand upon one shore and view the other side. It encircles the city of Polonnaruwa like a ribbon, providing a defensive border against intruders. The reservoir still supplies vital irrigation water to the region; it is astounding that 800 years after construction it still provides such dividends.
The kingdom itself was not so long lived. With the exception of Parakramabahu's immediate successor, the rulers of Polonnaruwa, were weak-willed and lacked the leadership skills of their predecessors. By 1284 the dominant civilization of Sri Lanka was again brought under the sway of South Indian kingdoms, first indirectly though matrimonial alliances and later by overt political control.
A visit to Polonnaruwa reveals how advanced and developed Sri Lanka's ancient civilizations were. This history is brought to life in the national museum situated in the heart of the ancient ruins. On display is fabulous bronze artwork, scale models of the ancient city and a fascinating photographic record of the restoration effort.
Overnight Habarana. (Cinnamon Lodge or similar).
Day 5:
In the morning climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and then proceed to Kandy. On the way visit Dambulla and Matale Spice Garden. Check in to Amaya Hills Hotel for overnight stay.
After departing the hotel early in the morning, visit the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, another World Heritage Site and one of the most extraordinary and dramatic of all the world's great fortresses. Fearing an invasion by his half brother, King Kashapa began building this supposedly impregnable fortress in 477AD. The massive rock on which the site is situated rises 600 feet from the jungle floor. Upon it was constructed a subtle blend of fortress and palace. Sigiriya has a number of wonderful features that can still be enjoyed, such as the "Heavenly Maiden" frescoes, water gardens, moats, ramparts and the Mirror Wall. After the death of Kashapa, the magnificent fortress was abandoned because Sri Lankans of the day believed that the King and his capital were cursed. After only two decades of use the site fell into disrepair and receded into the jungle for the next thousand years.
After a lovely traditional Sri Lankan lunch visit the remarkable cave temple of Dambulla, a World Heritage Site and an archaeological treasure. It dates back to King Valagam Bahu, who initially sought refuge in the caves during the 1st Century BC. Upon regaining his throne, he dedicated the caves to the monks and converted them into this extraordinary rock temple. Spread over a series of five caves are more than 150 murals of the Buddha, as well as a rock carving of the reclining Buddha that is 14 meters in length. There are over 2000 sq. meters of paintings on the walls and ceilings, making it a truly remarkable spectacle.
Before arriving in Kandy, make a stop at Matale Spice Garden to take an informative tour of a private botanical garden that houses many plants used in traditional Sri Lankan herbal remedies and Ayurvedic medicines.
Overnight Kandy. (Amaya Hills Hotel or similar).
Day 6:
Spend the day exploring Kandy (another World Heritage Site).
The second largest city in Sri Lanka, Kandy is the capital of the hill country. Set amongst rolling hills and around the beautifully picturesque Kandy Lake, the city has numerous attractions, including a vibrant cultural scene, shopping, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic of Buddha. This temple tells the story of a fascinating aspect of Sri Lankan history. According to Sri Lankan legend, when the Buddha died, his body was cremated in a sandalwood pyre at Kusinara in India. His left canine tooth was retrieved and given to King Brahmadatte for veneration. For 800 years the tooth remained in India, and a belief grew that whoever possessed the Sacred Tooth Relic had a divine right to rule the land. Wars were fought to take possession of the relic, and as Hinduism grew in popularity, remaining Buddhists began to fear for the safety of the tooth. It is said that Sri Lanka was chosen as the new home for the tooth relic because the Lord Buddha had declared that his religion would be safe in Sri Lanka for 2,500 years. As time went on, Sri Lankan civilizations rose and fell. The seat of power shifted from Anuradapura to Polonnaruwa, then to Dambadeniya and other cities. With each change of capital, a new palace was built to enshrine the Relic, a potent symbol of political legitimacy and spiritual power. Finally, the tooth was brought to Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan royalty, which fell to the British in 1815. The tooth remains in Kandy today in the Temple of the Tooth, a splendid golden-roofed temple.
Kandy is at the center of the Sri Lanka's artistic roots and is a hotbed of creative talents. A visit to some of the markets and bazaars is well worthwhile. In the evening view a cultural dance show with fire-walking before returning to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight Kandy. (Amaya Hills Hotel or similar).
Day 7:
In the morning visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and proceed to Nuwaraeliya.
Your first stop of the day will be just outside of Kandy at the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Once a royal pleasure garden, the botanical gardens are now open to the public and cover 147 acres. These well kept gardens are home to a huge variety of plants, including a fine collection of orchids, palms and other exotic flora.
Next, drive to Nuwara Eliya through a picturesque landscape. You will pass several villages, tea gardens, and beautiful forests as you drive. Nuwara Eliya was the favorite hill station of the colonial British, and much of the architecture and atmosphere of the colonial period still exists today. The town is also in the heart of Sri Lanka's tea growing region, one of the country's most important export economies. After enjoying lunch, visit a tea estate and tea factory near Nuwara Eliya. The winding pathways through the sloping the tea estates make the visit quite scenic. The panoramic beauty of the whole area is just spellbinding.
In the evening check into St. Andrews Hotel, a hotel with distinctive history. As it was a popular summer getaway for the colonial British, the St. Andrews provides fascinating insight into the colonial era.
Overnight Nuwaraeliya. (St. Andrews Hotel or similar).
Day 8:
In the morning take the train from Nuwaraeliya to Ella.
Enjoy the diversity of nature during your train journey. Arrive in Ella and transfer to the Bandarwela Hotel, another colonial era hotel. The hotel is built in a traditional Sri Lankan style, yet it shows a marked British influence with its old world charm and graciousness. The town of Bandarawela was once said to have one of the healthiest climates in the world. Some of the best and most "flavored tea" is said to come from this area. The best pears and strawberries are also grown here since the climate is dry and mild.
Overnight Bandarwela (Bandarwela Hotel or similar).
Day 9:
After an early breakfast, drive to Yala. If the weather is clear, you get lovely views of the valley called the Ella Gap. Check in to Yala Village and take an evening game drive.
Encompassing an area of 500 square miles, Yala is one of the Sri Lanka's oldest, best known and biggest wildlife reserves. The ecosystems of the park are incredibly diverse, ranging from dry monsoon forests to semi-deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, fresh water, marine wetlands and sandy beaches. It was declared a protected area in the year 1900 and later set aside as a National Park. The availability of water throughout the year makes Yala an important area for the conservation of the flora and fauna on the island. Home to a plethora of species, Yala National Park is a fascinating place to visit for those with an interest in wildlife and vegetation.
Given the diversity of jungle habitats, Yala is widely considered the best park in Sri Lanka for viewing animals and birds. According to leopard research that was sponsored by Yala Safari Game Lodge, the park has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, making Yala one of the premiere places in Asia to view wild leopards. Other large animals you may see include Elephant, Sloth Bear, Mugger Crocodile, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, Jackal, Grey Langur and Mongoose. More than 135 species of birds have been recorded in this Park and include, amongst others, the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, Brown-capped Babbler, Stone Curlew, Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant stork, Painted Stork, Sirkeer Malkoha, Blue-faced Malkoha and Orange-breasted Green Pigeon.
Overnight in Yala Village Resort
Day 10:
In the morning take another game drive or alternatively visit Katharagama Temple for the Pooja ceremony, a Buddhist spiritual dedication.
The spirituality of Kataragama is indigenous and long-celebrated in Sri Lankan lore and legend. Today the site is a popular place of pilgrimage for Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, and indigenous Vedda communities of Sri Lanka and South India.
In the afternoon again visit Yala National Park.
Overnight in Yala Village Resort
Day 11:
After an optional morning game drive, proceed along the southern coast to the city of Galle (another World Heritage Site).
En route visit Tangalle fishing harbor. The city of Galle is the best example of a European-built, fortified city in south Asia. Its aesthetic shows the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.
Overnight at the Light House Hotel.
Day 12:
Rest and relax at the beach.
Today you will be at leisure to enjoy the beaches, swim in the Indian Ocean, or if you choose to be more adventurous, you can go scuba diving or deep sea fishing. You will also have the option of the many luxurious spa treatments the Light House has on offer. Early mornings you can observe fishermen coming back in their catamarans with their catch, which might be fish, lobster or crab.
Overnight at the Light House Hotel.
Day 13:
Depart for Rathnapura and overnight near Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
If time permits, you can visit Meetiyagoda Moonstone Gem mine, the Ambalangoda mask factory, or a sea turtle hatchery on the way to Rathnapura.
Overnight at the Blue Magpie Hotel.
Day 14:
In the very early morning, proceed to Sinharaja Forest Reserve for a walking tour. After exploring the reserve, drive to Colombo and check in at the historic and renowned Galle Face Hotel, a well-situated colonial era hotel with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.
Sinharaja is a biodiversity hotspot of international significance. It has been designated a "Biosphere Reserve" and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hilly virgin rainforest, the only lowland rainforest left in Sri Lanka, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility. The reserve is only 21 km from east to west, and a maximum of 7 km from north to south, but it is a treasure trove of endemic species of trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as in dry-zone national parks such as Yala. The most commonly sighted larger mammal is the endemic Purple-faced Langur. An interesting phenomenon occurs in Sinharaja: birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks, invariably led by the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and the noisy Orange-billed Babbler. Of Sri Lanka's 26 endemic birds, all 20 rainforest species live in Sinharaja, including the elusive Sri Lankan Blue Magpie. The reserve is of obvious significance to serious bird watchers, but it provides a fascinating biological display for any sightseer.
Enjoy dinner and overnight at the Galle Face Hotel before departing for the airport.
Day 15:
Transfer to international airport for final departure.
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