Arrive Colombo. Met by our Novaturient representative and driven to the iconic Galle Face hotel for 1 night. Take an evening stroll along the beach to enjoy the cool sea breezes.
A sightseeing excursion of this pulsating port city. The bright modern business centre contrasts sharply with the old Hindu Temple at Kochcbikade and the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. See the smallest Buddha statue in the world, then visit the prison cell of the last king of Sri Lanka - Sri Wickrama Raja Singhe, where he was imprisoned prior to being shipped off to India. Then drive to Kandalama to stay at The Lake Lodge for 3 nights stay.
Feel the very heart of Sri Lanka visiting the ancient cities of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Make an early morning start to climb to the top of the awe-inspiring Rock Fortress of Sigiriya. Built by King Kasyapa, who imprisoned and subsequently murdered his father, view the elegant frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens and wander the ruins on the summit. Later drive to Polonnaruwa, the Medieval capital of Sri Lanka, and see the sublime sculptures of the Lord Buddha. Explore the King's Council Chamber and visit the delightful swimming pool adorned with crocodile mouth spouts!
Drive to Sri Lanka's largest and most incredibly well-preserved Cave Temple complex of Dambulla. View the 153 beautiful statues of The Lord Buddha and others dedicated to Kings, Gods and Goddesses The wall frescoes are stunning and still amazingly vibrant. Later go on a jeep safari to Minneriya National Park - home to hundreds of wild elephants and over 160 species of birds.
Visit the 5th C. BC capital of the country, one of eight World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. See the spiritually important ancient Sri Mana Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting brought from Bodhgaya in India. Also visit the Abhayagiri Dagoba and the magnificent Ruvanelisaya white Dagoba. Afternoon drive to Wilpattu National Park famed for its unique natural lakes 'Willus'. Search for the elusive leopard or herds of majestic elephant. Stay at The Palm Garden Village for 2 nights.
Exciting jeep safari to the Park with its diverse range of vegetation including salt grass and low scrub monsoon forest. Look out for elephant, sloth bear and leopard. Birders can see painted stork, kites and buzzards. If exceedingly lucky you might spot a mongoose or a shrew - small is beautiful too! Afternoon at leisure.
On your farewell safari watch out for monkey, crocodiles, elephants, parakeet's, grey hornbill and red backed woodpeckers. Then drive to the coast for a relaxing stay at The Dolphin Beach Resort for 3 nights.
Relax. Unwind and enjoy the Sri Lankan seaside... azure warm blue waters, golden sands and whispering palms... paradise!
Relax. Unwind and enjoy the Sri Lankan seaside... azure warm blue waters, golden sands and whispering palms... paradise!
Transfer to Colombo airport & fly home.
