crystalh@sltnet.lk

Explore Sri Lanka Tour (27 Nights / 28 Days)

DAY 01
Airport – Negombo

Arrival at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka, the tropical paradise, will be met and garland by representative of Crystal Holidays and transferred to Waikkal, Check in at the hotel.

Rest of the day you can spend leisurely at the hotel. Pamper and invigorate yourself before you commence the adventure the next day and Overnight stay in Negombo.

DAY 02
Negombo – Wilpattu -Anuradhapura

Today after breakfast we set off to Anuradhapura Heritage site.

En route: Optional – Wilpattu National park for a jeep safari.

The dry zone jungle is thickly grown. It is home for many villus, or natural lakes which dot the landscape in the Wilpattu National Park. Except for two, these lakes contain rainwater, thus are important for resident and migratory water-birds. There are approximately 30 species of mammals in the Wilpattu National Park which include the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Leopard, Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri, Spotted Deer, Buffalo, Sambar and Mongoose. Thereafter drive to Anuradhapura.

Evening relax

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura .

DAY 03
Anuradhapura – Mihintale – Anuradhapura

Today after breakfast we drive to visit the heritage site. It is an essential stop on any tour of Sri Lanka

Which is also considered the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Its vast network of ancient Buddhist temples, monasteries and places of worship which cover over 40 sq kms has made it a sacred site to Buddhists around the world. Anuradhapura is now a picturesque ruined city, filled with mystery and steeped in a rich Buddhist culture. The ancient city lies adjacent to the modern, and ruined buildings, ancient temples, cobbled streets, and even crumbling fort walls are spread out and interspersed with all signs of modern life in this bustling and thriving city.

In the afternoon drive to Mihintale. The area of Mihintale surrounds with a jungle and there are rock boulders scattered around the mountainous area. There are many caves which were earlier used by monks for meditation in a quite surrounding away from the main city of Anuradhapura. There is abundance of ancient stone architecture surrounding the many Stupas, monastic complexes and other sacred places. Return to the hotel

Overnight stay in Anuradhapura .

DAY 04
Anuradhapura – Mannar

Today after breakfast you will be driven to Mannar is Sri Lanka’s largest, covering 130 sq kms and has one of the oldest ports in the country. Visit the Tantirimale monastery is a vast panoramic site having sprawling extensive boulders spreading over 250 acres in the midst of thick forest covers.

Tantirimale monastery can be reached by Anuradhapura-Mahavillachchiya road: 27 km along road is Sri Wimalagnana road to the right. Tantirimale is located another 18km onwards the turn. The motorable road from Anuradhapura has made Tantirimale a popular place of pilgrimage among the Sinhalese Buddhists of Sri Lanka. The climb and the walk around the caves and restored ruins is a pleasant experience. Walking to the right and reaching the top of the rock, we reach the Bodhi tree, one of the first eight offshoots of the original Bo-sapling brought to Sri Lanka during the time of King Devanampiyatissa in the third Century BC.

Overnight stay in Mannar .

DAY 05
Mannar – City Tour of Mannar

After breakfast, commence full day city tour of Mannar including the Doric Bungalow (Arippu Fort / AlliRani Fort), Mannar Fort & Church, Talaimannar Light house and visit the naturalists the baobab trees, introduced from Africa centuries ago by Arab traders are especially impressive

Mannar Island is a beautiful, eerily dry near-peninsula with lots of white sand and palm trees, gulls and terns, wild donkeys, and little lanes and fishing boats. Jutting out into the Palk Strait, the island is only about 30km from India. Because of its location, Mannar Island was hard hit by the war: it was a major exit and entry point to and from India, and became a key host of refugees. Return to the hotel

Overnight stay in Mannar .

DAY 06
Mannar – Jaffna

After breakfast, leave for Jaffna, the northernmost region of the Island of Sri Lanka, is one of the oldest habitation sites in Lower South Asia En-route visit Thiruketheeswaram Kovil

Jaffna – The Jaffna peninsula has an area of 380 square miles. Jaffna was important for both Portuguese and Dutch. Jaffna Fort was completed in 1632 and it covers 55 acres in extent. The Dutch Church inside the Fort dates to 1706. There are ruins of Portuguese churches at Myliddi and Chankanai and a ruined Dutch church at Atchuveli. The Dutch Fort Hammenhiel is at the entrance to the Kayts Harbour and is located in an island off the sea. Jaffna is full of Hindu temples. The Nallur Kandasamy Kovil and Vallipuram Kovil at Point Pedro are two of the important Hindu temples. The Buddhist temple at Nagadeepa (Nainativu) Island is a place sanctified by the visit of the Buddha and the dagoba is an old one. The large number of dagobas in the Kantharodai site dates from 2nd to 10th Centuries AD. At Keeramalai there is a freshwater bathing pond on the beach which is said to possess therapeutic properties.

Check in at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Jaffna .

DAY 07
Jaffna – City tour of Jaffna

After breakfast commence City tour of Jaffna, including Nallur Kovil is one of the most significant Hindu temples in the Jaffna District of Northern Province, Sri Lanka. The Naga Pooshani Ambal Kovil, Murukkandy Pillayar Shrine, and the Jaffna Fort etc.., Return to the hotel

Overnight stay in Jaffna .

DAY 08
Jaffna – Trincomalee

After breakfast, leave for Trincomalee

Visit Rangiri Ulpotha Rajamaha Viharaya is in the Divisional Secretary’s Division of Gomarankadawala of the Trincomalee District.

Rangiri Ulpotha Rajamaha Viharaya – To reach this site one has to turn off at Pankulam Junction on Anuradhapura – Trincomalee Road and turn to the right passing Gomarankadawala. Ruins of a dagoba and other buildings of this ecclesiastical building complex are spread throughout the site. Ancient stone foot prints, guard stones, flower alters are strewn about in the site. In the vicinity two hot water wellsare found.

Overnight Stay in Trincomalee .

DAY 09 – DAY 10
Trincomalee – City tour of Trincomalee

After breakfast, leisure at the hotel

Optional: Boat cruise to Pigeon Island or Whale Watching

Trincomalee – A port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. The city is built on a peninsula, which divides the inner and outer harbours. It is one of the main centres of Tamil speaking culture on the island. It has been a sea port that has played a major role in maritime and international trading history of Sri Lanka.

The bay of Trincomalee’s harbour is renowned for its large size and security; unlike any other in the Indian Sea, it is accessible to all types of craft in all weathers. The beaches towards the north up to Nilaveli are used for surfing, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching. The city also has the largest Dutch Fort in Sri Lanka.

Overnight Stay in Trincomalee .

DAY 11
Trincomalee – Pasikuda

Today after breakfast we set off to Pasikuda.

Pasikuda, meaning “green-algae-bay” is situated in Eastern seaboard of Sri Lanka between Kalkuda and the Indian Ocean, approximately 35 kilometers from Batticaloa Town. The turquoise blue waters of the bay attracts local and foreign tourist to this wide sandy place under the hot tropical sun to surf, swim or just frolic in the water. Many other activities are available from kite surfing, boogie boarding to surfing and sailing across in a canoe.

Long out of reach due to the civil conflict in Sri Lanka, is now re-emerging as a tourist hot spot in the East of Sri Lanka. Coconut palms and palmyrah tree adorn the shores of this area, due to the semi-arid state, Sun screen and a large brimmed hat is recommended along with lots of liquid, to keep the heat under control.

Overnight stay in Passikudah .

DAY 12 – DAY 13
Passikudah – Leisure

Breakfast at the hotel

Relax by the beach or hotel

In the afternoon you will be set aside for total relaxation.

Explore your surrounding at your leisure or spend the day at the hotel making use of all the recreational activities it offers

Enjoy all the luxuries of the hotel including the spa where you can treat yourself to calming massages and spa treatments.

Pamper and invigorate yourself as you enjoy the beach stay in this tropical island.

Overnight stay in Passikudah.

DAY 14
Passikudah – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla

After breakfast you will be driven to Dambulla.

En route visit Polonnaruwa heritage site.

Visit the many sites of archaeological and historical interest in the Sacred City including the Grate Statue, Quadrangle, Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, Kumara and Lotus Ponds, Thiwanka Image House and many more, and see one of the country’s biggest water reservoirs the Parakrama Samudraya Check in at the hotel

Overnight stay in Dambulla .

DAY 15
Dambulla -Sigiriya – Hiriwadunna – Dambulla

Wake up to the graceful sunshine and chirping of birds.

Have the delicious breakfast arranged at the hotel’s main restaurant. Soon after that you will be driven to climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The world Heritage Site and see the famous decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. Its view astonishes the visitors with the unique harmony between the nature and human imagination. The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains.

Afternoon drive to Hiriwadunna for the village tour.

In the afternoon proceed to Hiriwadunna, take a walk through the typical Sri Lankan village (Hiriwadunna), which begins at the edge of an impressive artificial reservoir.

Optional – Elephant back safari

The incredible birds, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodiles are added to the charm of seeing the villagers in performing their daily tasks. At the Chena cultivation you will enjoy the hospitality of the humble peasant, perhaps enjoying a coconut drink or an aromatic tea with ginger or other seasonal fruits.

Bullock Cart Rides is one thing that a visitor to Sri Lanka must not miss out on as it provides an exhilarating experience to both young and old alike. The bullock cart, which at one time was the main mode of transportation for the rich in Sri Lanka, although the ride covers only a short distance in the surrounding areas, it nevertheless is an experience not to be missed by all.

Overnight stay in Dambulla .

DAY 16
Dambulla – Kandy

Wake up to the chattering of birds step to the balcony and be compensated with the vista of the nature waking to the sunrise. After breakfast we continue our journey of exploring the history, heritage and culture in Sri Lanka by driving down to the vibrant city of Kandy, the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka.

On route we patronise the magical Dambulla Cave Temples, which is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka & also visit the Spice Garden in Matale and take part in a conducted tour to get some knowledge about the growth and use of spices in the day to day life of Sri Lankans.

Check in at the hotel in Kandy.

Kandy is an example of Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today. Temples, shrines and monasteries keep Buddhist traditions alive. It was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.

Overnight stay in Kandy .

DAY 17
Kandy

After breakfast drive to Temple of the Tooth Relic of Buddha the most important place of worship for Buddhists world over. Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka.

You may also visit the famous Botanical Gardens.

In the afternoon visit a gem museum and get discovered how a raw material becomes a beauty along with professional gem cutters armed with skilled craftsmen. Complex consist of a jewellery workshop, lapidary, mini theatres and also a model of a natural mine explore the exclusivity of a gem stone while providing customer a very good knowledge of minerals and gem stones originated in Sri Lanka and Overseas.

In the afternoon you may wander around the city center of Kandy

Purchase exceptional items available at the local market. A unique show of Sri Lankan Traditional dances accompanied by Ceremonial drums and drum orchestra will perform. As well as energetic acrobatic performances where the men perform a series of leaping pirouettes and stunts such as plate-spinning and the dramatic ‘fire walk’ which ends the show. Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

DAY 18
Kandy – Nuwara-Eliya

After breakfast you will be driven to Nuwara-eliya is one of the most scenic city & Little England of Sri Lanka. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you take in all the beauty this place has to offer with its hills, waterfalls and green forests. En route visit a Tea Factory and a Plantation and tea tasting at Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Centre. Visit to a Tea Factory, demonstrating how the raw leafy green is converted into the familiar dark brown product through a drying process, cutting, rolling and fermentation. At the factory, you will also learn to “taste” the tea and to try to identify subtle differences of flavor. Take advantage of the hotel’s luxurious facilities with a day of relaxation or step outside for a walk in the hillside to truly enjoy the cool mountainous climate. You could even ride a horse or visit the Hakgala Botanical Garden during the day.

Overnight stay in Nuwara-Eliya .

DAY 19
Nuwara-Eliya – Horton Plains – Nuwara-Eliya

After early/packed breakfast you will be driven to Horton Plains.

Horton Plains in Sri Lanka, is the coldest and windiest location in the country. It consists of ecosystems such as Montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem. At an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, Horton Plains spreads across over 3,169 hectares of the highest tableland of the island. In view of the large number of endemic flora and fauna species, Horton Plains was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 30th July 2010.

Overnight stay in Nuwara-Eliya .

DAY 20
Nuwara-Eliya – Ella

After breakfast, take a romantic train ride to the breathtaking mountains of Nuwara Eliya. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you take in all the beauty this place has to offer with its hills, waterfalls and green forests. Pick up from the station and drive to the hotel

Overnight stay in Ella.

DAY 21
Ella

Today will be a relaxed day where you will be able to go on a short excursion to visit some of the popular tourist sites in Ella. This includes the Little Adam’s Peak, the Halpewatte tea factory and the grand Ravana Ella Falls. You will also be able to see the breathtaking Ella Gap waterfall and stand on the Ella Rock before heading back to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Ella.

DAY 22- DAY 23
Ella – Yala – Tissamaharama

After breakfast you will be driven to Yala

In the afternoon you may do a jeep safari at the Yala National Park.

The jeep safari inside the park is something not to be missed in your visit.

Late evening also affords the photographic opportunities in the backdrop of loveliest sunsets.

Other than the elephants, the national park provides home for many other species of mammals such as the rusty-spotted cat, fishing cat, Sri Lankan leopard etc

Thereafter drive to the hotel in Yala

Overnight stay in Tissamaharama.

DAY 24
Tissamaharama – Mirissa

It’s time to leave the jungle adventures behind and head down to the coast. You will be taken to the coastal town of Mirissa, which is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and its warm ocean waters.In the afternoon you will be set aside for relaxation. Explore your surrounding at your leisure or spend the day at the hotel making use of all the recreational activities it offers

Enjoy all the luxuries of the hotel including the spa where you can treat yourself to calming massages and spa treatments. Pamper and invigorate yourself as you enjoy the honeymoon in this tropical island.

Overnight stay in Mirissa.

DAY 25 – DAY 27
Mirissa

Have breakfast at the hotel.

Today is dedicated to relaxation. Laze around on the sandy beaches and swim in the warm ocean waters of Weligama.Refresh your body, mind and soul with a complete day of rest, to recuperate from your adventures and prepare for the many adventures that lie ahead. There is nothing like and energizing swim in the sun kissed waters of the Indian Ocean while you get yourself a deep tan.

Overnight stay in Mirissa Paradise beach Club (3*) or similar

DAY 28
Mirissa – Airport

On the last day of the tour, you will be transported back to the airport in time to catch your flight back home. Take home with you an inspiring experience unlike any other, which will strengthen your bond and provide you with memories for life.