crystalh@sltnet.lk

Trekking Tour (14 Nights / 15 Days)

DAY 01
Airport – Sigiriya

Arrival at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka, the tropical paradise, will be met and assisted by representative of Crystal Holidays and transfer to Sigiriya

Check-in at the hotel.

In the afternoon explore on an Elephant back safariis not just a ride on the largest animal in Sri Lanka , it’s an unforgettable experience where clients get to interact with the elephants as well as enjoy a ride through wilderness areas and beautiful riverine scenery.

Dinner & overnight stay in Sigiriya / Dambulla

DAY 02
Sigiriya – Hiriwadunna – Sigiriya

After breakfast, proceed for the scenic village of Hiriwadunna, for a 03 hour trek through this archetypal Sri Lankan village. The trek begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa (man-made reservoir). The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek. Sight the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect Chena cultivation (slash and burn agriculture).

Enjoy the farmer’s humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot and join in the preparation of a simple meal prepared in the traditional method using earthenware pots and firewood as fuel. This is great opportunity to sample authentic local cuisine. The journey continues through dense shrub forests, home to many forest birds and other wildlife including monkeys, bear, python and even elephant.

In the afternoon climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress the world Heritage Site and see the famous decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. The world Heritage Site and see the famous decorated its sides with colorful frescoes. 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.

Dinner & overnight stay in Sigiriya / Dambulla

DAY 03
Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Ritigala – Sigiriya

After breakfast, excursion to World Heritage Site Polonnaruwa by bicycle, home to some of medieval Sri Lanka’s finest art and architecture, including the giant Buddha statues of the Gal Vihara.

Visit the wonderful ancient relics at Polonnaruwa. Sightseeing tour in ancient city of Polonnaruwa ancient city the home to some of mediaeval Sri Lanka’s finest art & architecture. The entire area consisted of several buildings of various sizes, architecture and extravagant interior following with carefully designed sewerage systems, reservoirs and tanks.

Return to the hotel

In the afternoon visit Ritigala Nature Reserve by Jeep, This is an ancient Buddhist monastery and mountain in Sri Lanka and is also a paradise for bird lovers, being home to several endangered bird species, including the Black eagle, Grey hornbill, Sri Lanka spur fowl, Malabar pied hornbill and spot-winged thrush.Also a biodiversity hot spot in the dry zone. The steep mountain clad in evergreen foliage is covered with dense jungle and is the watershed of the Malwatu Oya which feeds the Nachauwa tank and Kalueba Ela which in turn feeds Huruluwewa. Beyond where the human trail ends, it is said that the jungle is home to wild elephants, leopards, sloth bears and diverse bird life.

Dinner & overnight stay in Sigiriya / Dambulla

DAY 04
Sigiriya – Dambulla – Kandy

After breakfast, leave for Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka is a World Heritage Site and has number of tourist attractions.

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

En route visit Dambulla Rock Cave Temple crammed with Buddhist statues and decorated with Sri Lanka’s finest murals

Check-in at the hotel, You will be taken to visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic of Buddha.

The Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, the temple which houses theSacred Tooth Relic of The Buddha, is possibly the most sacred Buddhist shrine in the world. It is venerated not only by Buddhists in Sri Lanka but by Buddhists all over the world. On completion witness a Cultural Show by traditional Kandyan Dancers and Drummers including “Fire Walking”.

Dinner & overnight stay in Kandy

DAY 05
Kandy – Knuckles

After breakfast, start the sightseeing tour of Kandy, visit Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya which is a paradise for nature lovers, Upper Lake, Market and Gem Museum & Shopping etc..,

Thereafter leave for Knuckles Range, is one such popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka that is ideally suited for both amateur and veteran hikers.

In the afternoon 3 – 4 hour hike through dense deciduous forests and typical villages with breathtaking views of the deep valley below them knuckles

Dinner & overnight stay in Knuckles

Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya – Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the kings of Kandy, 147 acres in extent, it has more than 4,000 species of rare and endemic trees and plants as well as flora from the tropical world. This is a haven not only for scientists but to every nature lover too. The Spice Garden and Orchid House within the Gardens are popular with tourists.

Knuckles Mountain Range – as its name suggests, is formed in a shape of a human fist. Spreading over 155 sq km and bordering the Kandy and Matale Administrative Districts, Knuckles Mountain Range that consists of about 35 mountain peaks rising over 915 m is the most popular trekking and hiking site of Sri Lanka.

DAY 06
Knuckles

After breakfast, another hike of about 3 – 4 hours by Knuckles, The trek begins from a tea plantation at the base of the range. The days programme is a climb on rough trails through the plantation, which progresses through scrub jungle and forests descending in to the valley on the eastern side of the range to the little farming village of Meemure, which is only accessible by foot.

Dinner & overnight stay in Knuckles

DAY 07
Knuckles – Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, leave for Nuwara Eliya, is one of the most scenic city & Little England of Sri Lanka,is set against beautiful backdrops of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations and is 6,200 feet above sea level. In 1826 some British Officers out on shooting, chanced on Nuwara Eliya plains, and Sir Edward Barnes investigated on it. In 1828 a road was constructed over the ridge at Ramboda Pass and a station for convalescent soldiers was established. It was Sir Samuel Baker who fell under the spell of Nuwara Eliya, brought hounds, horses, cattle, sheep etc. and started a typical English farm here. Flowers and vegetable were brought from England and planted. 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.

En route visit Tea Factory and a Plantation to witness the manufacturing process of the world famous “Ceylon Tea” and to taste a pure un-blended cup of factory fresh tea. Also pass by eye-catching views with waterfalls

Afternoon enjoy a Nuwara Eliya City tour.

Dinner & overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

DAY 08
Nuwara Eliya – Horton Plains – Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, excursion to Horton Plains National Park& Worlds end, which is approximately 10,000 Hectares in extent, is haunted by Elk, Deer, Giant Squirrel, Wild Boar, Wild Hare , Porcupine, and a variety of Migratory birds, unique to this region. According to a recent count there are 16 Leopards in Horton Plains. If you are very lucky you may get a glimpse of a Leopard during your sojourn in the Horton Plains.

Horton Plains National Park – This Park harbours 52 species of resident birds and 11 species of migrant birds. More than 2,000 to 3,000 sambar, bear, monkey, leopard, barking deer, giant squirrel, fishing cat, wild boar and hare roam in the forests and grasslands but only seldom they could be seen other than the sambar in the evening and morning.

Return to the hotel

Dinner & overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

DAY 09
Nuwara Eliya – Ella

After breakfast,drive to Ella, set in a dramatic location amid tea plantations on the edge of the hill country.

Stop at Ella, the view from Ella gap is one of the most spectacular scenic sights in Sri Lanka. The landscape falls away in a dizzy drop of 3000 feet to the eastern plains

Ella is a wonderful place to trek through, with its breath taking views and varying landscape. One day treks as well as 2 to 3 days treks are available, depending on your preference. The trails will take you through dense forests, past rivers and cascading waterfalls and into nearby villages, where you can share their lifestyle and culture during your brief sojourn.

You can also ascend to the Ella Rock and traverse the tea plantations, while drinking in the awe-inspiring views all around

Dinner & overnight stay in Ella

DAY 10
Ella

As if the magnificent view through Ella Gap wouldn’t do, Ella provides enchanting trekking opportunities with spectacular sceneries among the tea plantations, temples, pine forests and waterfalls. Ella is an excellent base for keen trekkers to explore & discover the surrounding countryside. The largest mountain of the mountain range, Little Adam’s Peak can be reached through a tea estate. We can also visit UvaHalpewaththa Tea Factory. We will stroll down the Ella Gap along the railway track & close to an iron bridge is Rawana Ella Falls (90m) which plunge magnificently down a series of rock faces. We can even climb over the rocks up the falls escorted by monkeys scampering up & down the rocks. A path close to the safe bathing area tempts you to trekking in that direction too.

DAY 11
Ella – Udawalawe

After breakfast, leave for Udawalawe National Park of Sri Lanka is known for its amazing tourism, wildlife, safaris, elephants, elephant orphanage, hotels, animals and birds.

Safari game drive will provide you chances of spotting many herds of Elephants and other animals such as Crocodiles, Deer and Birds. On the same day we do an evening Safari game drive too for many Elephant sightings. If you are lucky enough you may see a Leopard or two.

Dinner & overnight stay in Udawalawe

DAY 12
Udawalawe – Sinharaja

After breakfast, leave for Sinharaja, The World Heritage Virgin Rain Forest Cover in Sri Lanka.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve meaning ‘Lion Kingdom’ is the best known Rain Forest in the country and has been identified as important biodiversity hotspot. The Park was originally declared a forest reserve in 1875 and due to its international importance it was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.

Trek in Sinharaja, This walk enables you to witness many of fauna and flora of the rain forest. You will be walking under the shade of thick rain forest canopy which keeps the forest under low light.

Dinner & overnight stay in Sinharaja

DAY 13
Sinharaja–Kitulgala

After breakfast, leave for Kitulgala, is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka. It is in the wet zone rain forest, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in the country.

Spend much needed quality time together, strengthen family bounds, recharge tired minds and bodies, and indulge in weekend of thrills and pleasures, what better way than a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of the city to the most pictorials site in Sri Lanka, Kithulgala.

Dinner & overnight stay in Kitulgala

DAY 14
Kitulgala – Colombo

After breakfast, leave for Colombo, a port city, with a rich colonial heritage, on the Western coast is a potpourri of races, religions and cultures.

Start sightseeing tour & shopping tour to witness the charm of Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and major port – Colombo, is a fine amalgamation of all the hues and cultures within this paradise isle. This chic metropolitan that accommodates skyscrapers, sandy beaches and a collage of markets and gardens, brings together the many facets of this island nation.

Colombo city tour through the busy market and noisy porters.

Check-in at the hotel

Dinner & overnight stay in Colombo / Mount Lavinia

DAY 15
Colombo – Airport

After breakfast proceed to Airport in time to check in for the departure flight.