From Colombo to Negombo to Anuradthapura to Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya to Kandy, you will be told of marvelous prosperity of culture of the past Sri Lanka by various ancient relics one after another. Its exquisite artworks, fascinating architectural works of ancient palaces, or the impressive Buddhist and Hindu monasteries are all the testament of cultural richness of this Emerald Island. After being overwhelmed with the majesty of ancient Sri Lanka. A harmony of cultural appreciation will make your trip in Sri Lanka unforgettable.

DAY 1: ARRIVE COLOMBO AIRPORT-NEGOMBO
Arrive in Sri Lanka. You will be welcomed by representatives & transferred to Colombo.

Free & Easy at Hotel
Overnight stay at A HOTEL IN NEGOMBO.

DAY 2: NEGOMBO-ANURADHAPURA-DAMBULLA
After breakfast proceed to Anuradhapura. Lunch at Miridiya Hotel

Sightseeing of *Anuradhapura - the capital of Sri Lanka from the 05th Century B.C. to the end of the 10th Century A.D. was the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. The city’s greatest treasures are its dagobas constructed of bricks and are hemispherical in shape. The most notable of these dagobas are the Ruvanveliseya dating back to the 2nd Century B.C. and is 300 feet in diameter, the Jetawanarama is 370 feet and the Thuparama Dagoba is enshrined with the collarbone of the Buddha. The city’s most renowned relic is the sacred Bo Tree, which is said to have grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha gained Enlightenment. It was planted 2250 years ago and is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world. Anuradhapura is a “World Heritage Site”.

Transferred to hotel
Dinner & Overnight stay at A HOTEL IN DAMBULLA.

DAY 3: DAMBULLA-POLONNARUWA-SIGIRIYA-DAMBULLA
After breakfast excursion to *Polonnaruwa - the Capital of Sri Lanka from 11th - 13th Century, contains some splendid and spectacular statues. Lankatileke, Tivanka and Thuparama are the most beautiful and largest shrine ruins and Tivanka has the best example of frescoes of the Polonnaruwa period. Rankot Vihara and Kiriwehera are well preserved large stupas, and Gal Vihare - a rock shrine, has four Buddha statues, two seated, one standing and one reclining and Parakrama Bahu statue are examples of Sinhalese stone carver. The Vata-da-ge is a unique creation of the SriLankan artists.

Lunch at Hotel Sudu Araliya
Afternoons proceed to climb *Sigiriya Rock Fortress - is home to the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. Within its triple-moated defence the huge rock rises almost to a sheer height of 500ft. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour.

Transferred to hotel
Dinner & Overnight stay at A HOTEL IN DAMBULLA.

DAY 4: DAMBULLA-MATALE-KANDY
After breakfast visit *Dambulla Cave Temple - a vast isolated rock mass 500ft high and a mile around the base. Here is found the famous Rock Temple dating to the First Century BC. The caves of Dambulla sheltered the King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples to be found on the Island.

En route visit a *Spice Garden in Matale to see the different spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.

Lunch at Restaurant
On arrival city tour of Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum & Royal Botanical Gardens. *Kandy - the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera. The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism's influence in Sri Lanka today. Temple's shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere.

*Royal Botanical Gardens - 147 acres in extent: started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the King’s of Kandy. There are more than 5000 species of tree and plants. Some and endemics as well as flora from the tropical world. Spice garden and Orchid House are popular with Tourists.

Late afternoon visit *Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha's Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess' hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka's most prized possession.

Evening witness a cultural show featuring various dance types of Sri Lanka.
Dinner & Overnight stay at A HOTEL IN KANDY.

DAY 5: KANDY-NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast proceed to *Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.

Evening free to explore the scenic surroundings of the hill station.
Dinner & Overnight stay at A HOTEL IN NUWARA ELIYA.

DAY 6: NUWARA ELIYA-KALUTARA-BENTOTA
After breakfast proceed to the beautiful beachside of Sri Lanka.

En route lunch at Kitulgala

Rest of the day free & easy
Dinner & Overnight stay at A HOTEL IN BENTOTA.

DAY 7: BENTOTA-COLOMBO
After breakfast Free & Easy, Lunch at Hotel

Proceed to Colombo and commence city tour of *Colombo - a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and Independence Square, including *Gangarama Temple.

Afternoon shopping in Colombo - visit Mlesna exquisite tea boutique, cashew nut shop, ready made garments and all sorts at Majestic City. Visit the Lanka Ceramics Centre, a place where you can buy “NORITAKE SET” or other ceramic items, visit the ‘ODEL SHOP’. Visit ’BAREFOOT’, ’HOUSE OF FASHION’ and 'BEVERLY HILLS'.

Dinner at Restaurant
Overnight stay at A HOTEL IN COLOMBO.

DAY 8: COLOMBO-AIRPORT
After breakfast transfer to the Airport for flight departure.

Price per person in U.S. Dollars