Sri Lanka Heritage & Beaches – Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya & Bentota 7D/6N

Arrival Transfer Dambulla, En route visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Providing a caring home for abandoned and wounded elephants, it is a much loved destination for tourists and locals alike. Here, adults and baby elephants from around Sri Lanka thrive, and a captive breeding program is also proving to be highly successful. The feeding and bathing times are generally the ideal times to visit when you can observe these gentle giants at their best Check inn to you Hotel and relax. Overnight stay at Sigiriya/ Dambulla / Habarana

After breakfast leave hotel to discover the Sigiriya Rock Fortress A not to be missed historic attraction, declared a world heritage site and often toured as the eighth wonder of the world. Dating back to the 5th Century A.D, this astounding ‘city’ on the summit of a high outcrop was the royal citadel of King Kassapa for over 18 years. A miraculous feat of artistry and engineering, its unique features and exquisite frescoes continue to amaze all who visit it, even today. After visiting the Sigiriya Rock excursion to Polonnaruwa which is located at a distance of 216 km from Colombo was the capital of Sri Lanka in medieval times. Used by the Sri Lankan kings as a ‘country residence’ from the 7th century, Polonnaruwa became Sri Lanka’s capital in the 11th century A D. During its time the city was fortified with three concentric walls, beautiful with parksand gardens and sanctified by many a shrine and sacred places. The city and the surrounding area were watered by a unique irrigational complex known as the Sea of Parakrama (Parakrama Samudra). Overnight stay at Sigiriya/ Dambulla / Habarana.

After Breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En route visit to Dambulla another cultural heritage site visiting the historic Dambulla Cave Temple Famed for their exquisite painted ceilings and statues – over 130 of them, the temple complex comprises five caves, some dating back to the 1st century B.C. Thereafter head ‘up country’ and the city of Nuwara Eliya, visiting the Ramboda waterfalls and a tea factory along the way. Afternoon The old colonial outpost still referred to as ‘Little England’ Nuwara Eliya certainly lives up to its name. Perched 6200 feet above sea level, the climate too, adds to the illusion of one stepping into an old English town, where neat hedges, quaint cottages and beautiful old buildings stand as serene as they did well over a century ago – the magnificent Grand Hotel presiding over them all. There is, of course, an old golf course as well as horse racing events to complete the picture. Evening city tour with Victoria Park & Gregory Lake. Victoria Park : This is one of the country's most attractive, and best-maintained, town parks. A stroll around its paths, past manicured lawns, is a pleasure. The park comes alive with flowers around March to May, and August and September. It’s also home to quite a number of hill-country bird species, including the Kashmir flycatcher, Indian pitta and grey tit. Gergory Lake : Lake Gregory is one of the significant tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya. It was built by the Governor William Gregory during 1872 – 1877 periods by utilizing the water from the Nanuoya which runs across the town. It is about 91.2 hectares in extent. It was said to be used for water sports and for re-recreational activities during the British rule. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

After Breakfast transfer to Bentota via Kithulgala. En route Optional if you feel adventurous, the incredible experience of White Water Rafting awaits you at Kitulgala. You will be in good hands with safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive safety briefing given by our white water rafting instructors beforehand. Those who prefer to keep their feet dry can take it easy, relax and admire the beautiful views. Check in to hotel Overnight stay at Bentota

After breakfast transfer to Galle Fort. Galle: For centuries Galle has stood strong against invasions - from colonial powers and nature’s volatile outbursts. The famous Dutch Fort was first built by the Portuguese, fortified by the Dutch and preserved by the British. Battered daily for over 400 years by the ocean it even survived the onslaught of a tsunami and is enjoyed today by residents and visitors alike. The colonial architecture of the walled city too has resisted the advance of modernity and holds tightly to its past glory. En route visit Madu river Boat Ride with fish therapy-The bio- diversity of the Madu River is of monumental signification when considering the wide ranges of aquatic and avian life as well as wetland dwellingamphibians, reptiles, mammals that inhabit the environs of this natural treasure. A total of 11 species of agnatic mollusks and 14 land dwelling mollusks are found in thi s system. 70 species of fish, 31 types of reptiles, and 50 kinds of butterflies are just some of colorful array of wildlife that inhabits this abundantly bustling eco-system. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that 111 species of bird have been identified in the mangrove formed environs of the river, and has been known to host several types of migratory birds. Overnight stay at Bentota.

After breakfast transfer to Colombo. Check in at the hotel. Afternoon engage in city tour of Colombo, the commercial capital city of Sri Lanka, from the busy commercial hub to the tree-lined suburbs. Here, colonial architecture vies with glass skyscrapers and the past comes alive in buildings that have withstood great winds of change. The National Museum, The Dutch museum, Parliament complex, Arcade Independent Square, Bandaranayke Memorial International conference hall, Independence Square, Town Hall, Colombo fort, Pettah ,Floating market, Gangaramaya temple, Beira Lake, Colombo national Museum Old Dutch Hospital, Nelum pokuna Mahinda Rajapakshe theatre, Galle Face Green Colombo’s best -loved seafront hangout as some of the most interesting places you could visit. Overnight stay in Colombo

After breakfast (Depending on your flight time) transfer to Airport to connect departure flight.