The Tropical Isalnd Of Ceylon With Maldives Extension

The Tropical Isalnd of Ceylon With Maldives Extension

Colombo – Negambo – Sigriya – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Yala National Park – Galle – Colombo – Male

15 days trip starting from $2055 per person

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HIGHLIGHTS

Enjoy the jeep safari through the Minneriya National Park.
Admire the floral beauty of Kandy Botanical Gardens.
Visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Galle, Sigiriya, the Dambulla Cave Temples and Kandy.
Enjoy the game drives in Yala National Park in search of leopards, sloth bears and Asiatic elephants.
Visit Turtle Hatchery at Galle.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches, under water adventure activities and the famous cuisine of the country of Islands – Maldives

THE TROPICAL ISALND OF CEYLON WITH MALDIVES EXTENSION

The tropical island nation of Sri Lanka is in the Indian Ocean in South Asia. Its history is dating back to the birth of time. This is the place where the soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature is at its best, remains abundant and unspoilt. Only few places in the world can offer such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location. Within a mere area of 65,610 kilometres, here are 08 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, much of it pristine beaches, 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, so many acres of lush tea estates and botanical gardens, so many waterfalls and to a culture that is more than 2,500 years old. Maldives – Is the ultimate dream vacation. You cannot feel boredom with these beautiful islands whether you are on your honeymoon or spending time with your family / friends. The Maldives with its turquoise waters, serene beaches and the luxurious stay options has more to offer to keep one’s vacation fun-filled and exciting. Maldives comprises of thousands of islands and each island will leave you with beautiful memories. Enjoy never ending beaches, perfect sunsets, and adventures such as scuba diving, snorkelling, underwater dining and spa and so many more. You can swim along with turtles – every dive is a unique and enriching experience. Apart from the beach and sand island glory, the capital Male is popular among tourists for the bustling markets, lively art and culture also a few Historic architectural creations. Enjoy the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets and come back with your heart and soul rejuvenated and full of beautiful memories!

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 01: Arrive Colombo – Negambo (08 Kms – 20 Mins.)

Day 02: Negambo – Sigriya (150 Kms – 04 Hrs)

Day 03: Sigriya

Day 04: Sigriya – Kandy (90 Kms – 03 Hrs)

Day 05: Kandy

Day 06: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (80 Kms – 03 Hrs)

Day 07: Nuwara Eliya – Yala National Park (140 Kms – 3½ Hrs)

Day 08: Yala National Park – Galle (150 Kms – 02 Hrs)

Day 09: Galle

Day 10: Galle – Colombo (125 Kms – 02 Hrs)

Day 11: Colombo – Male (Maldives)

Day 12: Maldives

Day 13: Maldives

Day 14: Maldives

Day 01: Arrive Colombo – Negambo (08 Kms – 20 Mins.)

Arrive at Bandaranayake International Airport, Colombo and met by our representative. Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Check in at the hotel. Negambo is a characteristic fishing town north of Colombo, Negombo is a gourmet’s paradise with sea food in plenty. Old world fishing craft like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran bring seer, while lobster & prawn are caught in the lagoon. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02: Negambo – Sigriya (150 Kms – 04 Hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Sigriya by surface. Arrive at Sigriya and check in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Sigriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Culavamsa – the site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 AD) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure —Sīhāgiri, the Lion Rock. The capital and the royal palace were abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka. King Kasyapa had reverted his fortress to an ecological wonder by having Royal Pleasure Gardens, Water Gardens, Fountain Gardens and Boulder Gardens made inside the inner city as well as at the palace premises on the Rock summit. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03: Sigriya

After breakfast, day excursion of Polonnaruwa – 60 kms away from Sigriya.
Polonnaruwa was a great city in Sri Lanka which came into prominence during its' brief period of 2 Centuries of Sri Lankan history, being second only to the ancient city of Anuradhapura in ancient cultural heritage.
Polonnaruwa today is a showcase of the great ancient Sri Lankan architecture dating back to 12th Century AD, which was interwoven with many Buddhist monasteries and monuments which were built by the King Parakramabahu I. Later King Nissankamalla (1187-1196 AD) from Kalinga dynasty also had contributed to the development of many buildings and monuments at Polonnaruwa.
Afternoon, jeep safari through the Minneriya National Park, looking for elephants, deer, peacocks, boars, and many kinds of birds. The tank in the park is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD.
Back to Sigriya hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04: Sigriya – Kandy (90 Kms – 03 Hrs)

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and leave for Kandy by surface via Dambulla and Matale.
Enroute visit the Golden rock temple. Golden Rock is a cave temple which dates back to the 1st Century B.C. Its rock ceiling is one large sweep of colorful frescoes which depict Buddhist mythology and the tales of the Buddha’s previous births. The caves house the largest collection of Buddha statues in one place.
From Dambulla drive to Matale to visit the Nalanda Gedige temple. The small building is designed like a Hindu temple with a mandapa, an entrance hall (originally roofed), a short passage to a bare cello, and an ambulatory round the holy center. There is no sign of Hindu gods, however, and the temple is said to have been used by Buddhists.
Arrive at Kandy and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05: Kandy

After breakfast, city tour of Kandy –
Kandy is one of the most beautiful cities of Sri Lanka that is known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural value, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, spread over an area of around 1940 square kilometres; it is counted amongst the world heritage sites of UNESCO. Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka. It's set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiversity rainforest. The city's heart is scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), which is popular for strolling.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic: - Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage site mainly due to the temple.
Visit Gem Museum & Jewellery Workshop: - Visit to a gem museum and jewellery making workshop, demonstration and film of world best gemstones and mining in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's gem industry has a very long and colourful history. Sri Lanka was affectionately known as Ratna-Dweepa which means Gem Island. The name is a reflection of its natural wealth. Marco Polo wrote that the island had the best sapphires, topazes, amethysts, and other gems in the world. Sri Lanka is blessed with over 70 varieties of coloured stones out of 200 found in the world and is among the five most important gem-bearing nations of the world.
Notably, Sri Lanka’s major strength is the “Ceylon Sapphire”. While Sri Lankan Jewellery manufacturers demonstrate remarkable craftsmanship, Sri Lankan gem suppliers offer a wide range of Ceylon Gems to the global gem market representing the country’s breath-taking natural heritage.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (80 Kms – 03 Hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Nuwara Eliya by surface.
En-route visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya and Tea Factory.
The Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya is well known for its large variety of plant life. The great lawns highlight huge tropical trees, and a variety of bamboo can be found in one place.
Onto Nuwara Eliya. Enroute visit a Tea factory and Tea plantation. Sri Lanka being famous for its “Ceylon Tea” has added cheer to many the world over for more than a century.
Also visit the Ramboda Falls Waterfall: - Ramboda Falls is 109 m (358 ft) high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass.
Arrive in Nuwara Eliya to be greeted by the fresh wintry atmosphere, the cottage type bungalows and the colonial air. (Nuwara Eliya is also known as “Little England”).
Check in at the hotel and time to relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07: Nuwara Eliya – Yala National Park (140 Kms – 3½ Hrs)

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and leave for Yala National Park by surface. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel / resort. Time to relax.
Later, evening safari through the park, keeping your eyes peeled for the endangered Sri Lankan leopard. After safari, return to hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 08: Yala National Park – Galle (150 Kms – 02 Hrs)

Early morning safari through Yala National Park. Track leopards, elephants, wild buffalo, musk deer, mongooses, pangolins, sloth bears, black bears, macaques, jackals and 215 species of birds.
Return to hotel for your brunch. Later, check out from the hotel and leave for Galle by surface. Upon arrival at Galle, check in to the hotel. Time to relax.
Set out on an evening walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Galle, visiting its Dutch fortress. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 09: Galle

After breakfast, see the famous stilt fishermen, who use an age-old fishing method to bring in their daily catch. Learn the secrets of Virgin White Tea, a variety widely regarded as the world’s purest tea at a nearby plantation. Continue onto a cinnamon experience on the lush grounds of nearby spice plantation and learn how this versatile spice is processed and packaged, and why Sri Lanka produces the best cinnamon in the world. Also visit the Sea Turtle hatchery.
Return to the hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10: Galle – Colombo (125 Kms – 02 Hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and leave for Colombo by surface. Upon arrival at Colombo, check in to the hotel.
Afternoon, city tour of Colombo and experience Pettah Bazaar, Old Parliament, Town Hall, Independent Square and visit the Old Dutch Museum – former home to Count August Carl Van Ranzow. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 11: Colombo – Male (Maldives)

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure and for shopping. Checkout from the hotel and transfer to the airport to fly Male (Maldives).

Day 12: Maldives

Full day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 13: Maldives

Full day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 14: Maldives

Full day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 15: Maldives

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and transfer to airport (by speedboat) to fly back home / onward destination.