TOUR OF SRILANKA (7D / 6N)

DAY 01

Arrival, welcome by a representative of Lanka Sportreizen and transfer to Sigiriya.

En route visit the Elephant Orphanage to see the world's largest herd of domestic Elephants including babies who are still being fed by bottle thrice a day

Elephant Orphanage...  established in 1975 as an effort towards education and conservation by way of scientific captive breeding. Located on the banks of the Maha Oya, the Elephant Orphanage provides shelter to house young elephants who find themselves displaced and lost from their natural habitats for various reasons such as environmental changes due to development projects, being abandoned by their parents when they fall into pits and  ravines, etc

Overnight at Sigiriya

Day 02

After breakfast, climb the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, a Royal Citadel for 20 years in the 5th Century AD built by King Kasyapa, with the contemporary paintings of Ajantha and Ellora Caves in India highlights being the Frescoes, Mirror Wall and the Lion's Paw.

Sigiriya... a Royal Citadel for 20 years in the 5th Century AD -stark and forbidding, haunted by an epic story of murder and betrayal is attributed to King Kasyapa who found hiding here after killing his father more fruitful than meeting the wrath of the people who loved King Dhatusena much more before meeting his rival - Prince Mugalan who had fled to India seeking reinforcements of his Army. This unique Rock Fortress or "castle in the sky" - a massive monolith of red stone that rises 600ft above  ground , derived the name "Lion Rock" as the entrance to the climb to the  summit is reached between the paws of a lion .The frescoe paintings are thought to be contemporary with Ajantha & Ellora Cave Paintings

In the afternoon undertake a Jeep Safari of the Minneriya National Park to see wild life ,mainly herds of wild elephants

Overnight at Sigiriya

Day 03

After breakfast leave for Kandy - the Hill Capital

Kandy.............literally the "City on the Hills" so named as it was protected by the nature - water , rocks and jungles. The last capital of the Sri Lankan kings before falling to the British  in 1815AD which is a World Heritage Site. The name Kandy conjures vision of   splendour of  magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still  lovingly kept alive. The centre of attraction is the golden roofed  Temple of  the Tooth Relic of Lord  Buddha .The Kandy Lake built by the last  King Sri Wickramarajasinghe in 1806 holds a prominent view of the City.It  is a City  for arts and crafts as well culture and history.

En route visit the Dambulla Cave Temple considered to be the largest painted caves in the world with more than 22,000 sq ft of painted surfaces with many paintings, sculptures, statues of Lord Buddha, his disciples, Kings, Gods etc.

Dambulla... a collection of five caves of different sizes full of paintings, sculptures, statues of Lord Buddha, his desciples, Kings , Gods etc considered to be the largest painted caves in the world with more than  22,000 sq ft of painted surfaces declared a World Heritge Site.Initial  authorship is attributed to King Valagambahu who  took refuge here  after being driven out of Anuradhapura by invading armies, although  the works span over all periods since then to the late Kandy Period in the 18th Century

Walk in to a Spice Garden and take part in a conducted tour to get some knowledge about the growth and use of spices in the day to day life

In the evening watch a Cultural Performance by traditional Kandyan Dancers and Drummers including devotional “Fire Walking" and walk across in the star lit night to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha - by far the most important place of worship for Buddhists world over.

Overnight stay in Kandy

Day 04

After breakfast leave for a City Tour including the Upper Lake Drive - a place where one could have a bird's eye view of the city below, a Gem Museum - to see how the valuable gems that you see on a shop shelf are turned out from a raw stone with the back ground history.

Leave for Nuwara Eliya - "Little England" through the Ramboda Pass surrounded by "Green Carpets"- hills covered with Tea and cascading Water Falls amidst breathtakingly beautiful landscapes

Nuwara Eliya... nestled in a wooded basin at the foot of Mount Pidurutalagala Sri Lanka's highest peak, this region at 6,183ft above  sea-level Has a cool, crisp climate unknown elsewhere in Sri  Lanka. A serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo, the town seems like  a piece of the English Lake District. Unusual plants, birds and animals thrive here besides natural feature like waterfalls and caves. Tea, the glistening green leaves of this lovely shrub, along with neat rows of green, cloak  ridges and valleys providing a lasting impression of Sri Lanka's Hill  Country. The golf course - one of the most finest and picturesque in Asia - the serene Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity, beautiful parks and well kept lawns and hedges give the place an air of nostalgia.

En route visit the Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple which has Hanuman as the presiding deity where rituals are made on full moon days. This is thought to be the place where Hanuman was searching for Sita Devi

Also visit a Tea Factory and a Plantation to witness the manufacturing process of world famous “Ceylon Tea" and to taste a pure unblended cup of factory fresh tea before being sent to the Tea Auctions in Colombo leading to Export.

In Ramboda identify,

1.  Manikattuther , the hill on which Hanuman rested on his way to pass on the Happy information
2.  of his  meeting Sita to Lord Rama - visit the Temple there
3. The Jungle on top of the Pussellawa Hills - where Hanuman first set foot in Sri Lanka
4.  Kondagala which gives the appearance of a woman who is facing skywards with spread out  hair--   where Sita is supposed to have spread her hair after a bath and relaxed 

Evening is free for walks /tour around the city - the important places being the Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, Golf Course, and Market etc.

Overnight at Nuwara Eliya

Day05

After breakfast start the day by visiting the Gayathri Pedam , the first and foremost Temple devoted to Gayathri Amman in Sri Lanka built enshrining a lingam brought from River Narmada built at the place believed to be where Meghanath - King Rawana's son was blessed by God Shiva

Thereafter visit the Sita Amman Temple - which is dedicated to all major characters Sita , Rama , Lakshman and Hanuman where the differently sized foot marks prove the immense powers of Hanuman passing through Sita Eliya where she was allowed to live a free life to reach Ashok Vatika - the main place where Seetha was kept in hiding.  

It is also thought that King Ravana's mummy lies hidden somewhere in this region 

Leave for Bentota on the south west coast via Hatton

Enjoy the natural beauty on this mountainous route passing the two Water Falls - Devon and St. Claires.

Stop in close proximity to the location of David Lean's award winning film "Bridge on the River Kwai." - You might be lucky to find the "Jungle Boy" who will be willing to escort you to the site.

Overnight at Bentota

Day 06

Enjoy a Boat Cruise up river which will enable you to have a glimpse of different life styles of the rural folks.

Relax on the beach /Enjoy Water Sports at the Confifi Marina Waters at own cost

Leave for Colombo via Kelaniya

In Kelaniya visit the  Temple in veneration of Vibhishana - located in the premises of the Kelaniya Temple constructed at the place blessed personally by the Lord Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka , who became the King of Lanka after the demise of King Rawana and is still considered as one of the four Guardian Deities of Sri Lanka

Proceed to Colombo

Colombo .... is a fascinating city, not only for its comfortable blend ofEast and West, but also for its nice mixture of the past and the present. It is the Commercial Capital of the country, and is only 35 km south of the country's only International Airport. Many attractions ,opportunities for shopping , availability of  tasting a multitude of cuisine etc makes it an interesting city

Undertake a City Tour of Colombo including the Panchamuga Anjaneyer Temple - the only Temple in the world to have a Chariot for Anjaneyer (Hanuman) Replica of the Avukana Standing Buddha Statue,Dutch Wolvendhal Church, , Town Hall, BMICH(Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall) , Cinnamon Gardens - Prime Residential area etc.

Transfer to the airport for departure.

ACCOMODATION

COST

NOTE: Peak Period Supplement – 20th December 2009 to 15th January 2010 - US$ 15.00 Per Room Per Day

COST INCLUDES

• Mumbai / Colombo/Mumbai economy class airfare including all country taxes
• Accommodation on sharing double basis with breakfast ( 6 breakfasts).
• Transport in an A/C vehicle with an English Speaking Chauffer/Guide.
• Sightseeing’s of Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya ,Bentota & Colombo.
• Entrance Fees to Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy Temple, Elephant Orphanage, Minneriya National Park & Culture Show Only.
• Boat Ride on Bentara River
• Other local assistance

COST EXCLUDES

• Lunch & Dinner – This will cost between US$ 5.00 – 10.00 at many places and your Chauffeur/Guide will be able to assist you to find a good place
• Compulsory Supplements for X’mas and New Year
• All beverages and any other expenses not mentioned in above
• All expenses of personal nature such as Telephone Calls, Laundry and Tipping – which is quite natural etc.
• Additional transfers: all additional transfers will be charged, mileage will be calculated from office to office

Note: Rates are valid for Indian Nationals bearing Indian Passports who will be issued a visa for one month free of charge upon presentation of a valid Passport when they arrive in Sri Lanka .