| PROGRAMME |
: Mixed Activity Tour. |
| DURATION |
: 9 Nights / 10 Days. |
| PERIOD |
: Valid till 31-Oct-2006 |
| Arrival and transfer to a hotel in Colombo. |
|
COLOMBO
Like many capital cities in developing countries, the face
of Colombo is quickly changing. Skyscrapers now tower over
the streets where old buildings once stood and modern shopping
malls attract locals and foreigners alike in search of a bargain.
However, in some parts the ‘Old World’ charm is retained,
such as the 100-year-old clock tower and several British built
colonial buildings. Other places of interest include the Pettah
markets, the old Parliament in the Fort district, the new
parliament in Thimbirigasyaya, and a wide variety of churches,
mosques and temples that are sentiment to the many different
religions that dominate the country. In terms of shopping,
there is a wide range of colourful fabrics, batiks, handicrafts
and other souvenirs. Clothes are also especially good value
and there are a number of specialised outlets sure to satisfy
the most serious of shoppers!
SCHEDULE
• Arrival and transfer to a hotel in Colombo.
• At leisure after a long flight.
• Dinner & night stay at colombo. Value – Grand Oriental
Hotel or similar / Standard – Galle Face Hotel or similar
/ Deluxe – Trans Asia Hotel or similar.
|
| Day 02: Colombo – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa
(FB) |
|
|
Leaving to Sigiriya
early in the morning for a climb & then proceed to Polonnaruwa
for a visit. |
|
The ancient city of SIGIRIYA
was designated a cultural World Heritage Site in 1982. It
is also proposed that the site should be named the eighth
wonder of the world, indicating it is in the same league as
other international wonders such as the Grand Canyon and Ancient
Pyramids. Translated as ‘Lion Rock’ into English, the name
of the monument indicates the way in which visitors used to
begin their final ascent to the top – through the open jaws
and throat (‘giriya’) of a lion (‘sinha’). Unfortunately,
the only remains of this lion figure are the gigantic paws,
sculpted into the side of the rock. The topography of the
area is flat except for the massive rock outcrop of the fortress
itself (which rises an incredible 600 ft up from the green
scrub jungle). The unusual rock is particularly interesting
due to its flat top (nearly an acre in size), that was used
in its entirety to build King Kasyapa’s fortress complex,
still evident by the presence of the extensive ruins.
POLONNARUWA
At nearly 1000 years old, POLONNARUWA
is one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital cities (and part of
the famous ‘Cultural Triangle’). Although King Vijayabahu
1 was the first to claim the city as his capital, it was King
Parakramabahu who made it what it is today, with its massive
buildings, ornate parks and the ‘pièce de resistance’ – a
2500 hectare tank called ‘Parakrama Samudra’ (‘Sea of Parakrama’).
The city itself is divided into new and old town with the
impressively preserved ruins split into five main areas, including
‘The Quadrangle’ (aka ‘Terrace of the Tooth Relic’), the Northern
City group and the Rest House group (with the royal palace
ruins of ‘Nissanka Malla’). Due to its reasonably compact
layout, the ruins can be easily explored on foot, and with
the surrounding area’s flat well maintained roads, you can
leave the car behind and jump on a bicycle to get around!
SCHEDULE
• After an early breakfast or packed breakfast, proceed to
Polonnaruwa via Sigiriya.
• Sigiriya rock climb in the morning.
• Lunch at Sigiriya.
• After lunch proceed to Polonnaruwa.
• Polonnaruwa sightseeing.
• Dinner & night stay over at Polonnaruwa. Value – Sudu
Araliya or similar / Standard – The Royal Lotus Hotel or similar
/ Deluxe – Deer Park Hotel or similar.
|
| Day 03 : Polonnaruwa – Anuradhapura
(FB) |
|
| Leaving to Anuradhapura early in
the morning to visit the ruins. |
|
ANURADDHAPURA
This sacred city was established around a cutting from the
"tree of enlightenment", Buddha's fig tree, brought
there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder
of an order of Buddhist nuns. Anuradhapura, a Ceylonese political
and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was
abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in thick jungle
for a long time, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries
and monuments, is once again accessible.
SCHEDULE
• After an early breakfast, proceed to Anuruddhapura.
• Visit the ruins.
• Lunch at a hotel in Anuraddhapura.
• Dinner & night stay over at Anuraddhapura. Value – Nuwarawewa
Rest House or similar / Standard – Miridiya Hotel or similar
/ Deluxe – Palm Garden Village Hotel or similar. |
| Day 04 : Anuradhapura
– Dambula – Kandy (FB) |
|
| Visit the Dambulla cave temple
on your way to Kandy. |
| DAMBULLA,
an ancient city, is known for its beautiful Cave
temples and a huge Buddha statue. The history
of the 5 caves containing over 150 images of Buddha
goes back to 1st century BC when king Valagambahu
took refuge here. This place is worth visiting
not only for the cave temple, but also for the
beautiful view over the countryside you can get
from the hill.
KANDY was
the last stronghold of the Buddhist political
power against colonial powers. It is also the
home of the Temple of the Tooth relic. Its architectural
monuments date mainly from the 19th century, when
Vikrama Rajashinha went on a building spree, the
cost of which hastened the downfall and eventual
surrender to the British forces.
DALADA MALIGAWA
The Temple of the Tooth or
Dalada Malgawa dates from the 16th century, though
most of the present buildings were built in the
19th century. Entering the shrine over a moonstone
step, you pass a stone depicting the Indian goddess
Lakshmi and a wall with frescoes illustrating
the Buddhist conception of hell. The upper stories
house the relic of the tooth, caged behind the
gilded iron bars. Behind the tooth relic sanctuary
is a hall with a number of golden Buddha statues
and modern paintings, showing Buddha’s life and
the arrival of Buddhism in the land. We end our
tour just before the evening drumming begins,
which precedes the ceremonious opening of the
window for the public viewing of the casket with
the tooth.
SCHEDULE
• After an early breakfast proceed to Kandy via
Dambulla.
• Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple.
• Lunch at a hotel in Dambulla.
• After lunch proceed to Kandy.
• Visit the “Dalada Maligawa” (temple of the tooth)
in the evening at the end of a city tour in Kandy.
• Night dinner & stay in Kandy. Value – Gem
Inn or similar / Standard – Suisse Hotel or similar
/ Deluxe – Earls Regency or similar.
|
| Day 05 : Kandy
- Kitulgala – Adams Peak (FB) |
|
| You will proceed to
Adams Peak via Kitulgala for white water rafting. |
“An interesting
affair between currents & rapids”…………
WHITE
WATER RAFTING.
This thrilling adventure on the white water
sections of Kelani River is suitable for
amateurs as well as professionals alike.
During the run you will experience the thrill
of shooting rapids and euphoria of making
it through. The river’s clear water is born
in the heart of the peak wilderness reserve
and tumbles through a rocky gorge just above
Kithulgala.
ADAMS
PEAK
Begin the arduous 08 km climb to the misty
mountaintop with experienced local guides.
You may reach the 2,240 metre high peak
- the island’s fourth highest - at dawn
to witness a glorious sunrise and the mountain’s
shadow, cast by the rising sun on to the
clouds below. Legend has it that, the footprint
originally carved in the rock, and, now
covered by an oversized reproduction set
in cement, was made by the Buddha, on his
third visit to the island.
Some believe it is the spot
where Adam, from Christian creation myth,
first set foot on earth, after being banished
from the Garden of Eden. Other Christians
believe, it belongs to St. Thomas, the Apostle.
To Hindus, the footprint is ‘Lord Shiva’s.
Peak wilderness sanctuary
is among the best areas for birds and butterflies
in Sri Lanka as well.
It usually takes three to four hours to
reach the top, but during the pilgrim season,
which begins in December
and lasts till May, the throng is
sometimes so great, it can take over - 30
minutes to move from one step to the other.
SCHEDULE
• After breakfast proceed to Kitulgala for
white water rafting.
• Start rafting at 10 am. Finishing at 12
or 12.30pm.
• Lunch at the Rafters Retreat.
• After lunch at leisure until dinner is
served at the Retreat.
• After dinner proceed to Adams Peak for
the climb.
• Start climbing at 8pm.
• Witness the sunrise
• Sleeping bags will be provided for all
categories. (Value / Standerd / Deluxe) |
|
| Day 06 : Adams
Peak - Belihuloya (FB) |
|
| Transfer to Belihuloya
River Garden Nature Related Activity Center |
| BELIHULOYA
is a very picturesque hamlet situated about
160km from Colombo in the historical “Sabaragamuwa”
province. This zone is a climatically transitional
area linking the wet & dry zones and the
hill country & the low country. This very
important location has made it one of the
places in the country with the highest bio-diversity.
River Garden Resort is built in this little
hamlet. KINCHIGUNE
ECO LODGE
The small old house, now the Kinchigune
ECO LODGE, maintained
by the River Garden Resort, built on a land
at the waters’ edge of the “Samanalawewa”
reservoir, is over hundred years old. Though
renovated, every effort was taken to preserve
its’ old architecture, while keeping the
basic requirement of the modern person in
mind. It still has its mud walls, mud &
cow dung mixture spread floor, kithul poles
in windows etc. Old Sinhala tiles have been
replaced by new tiles but are covered with
straw to give it the old appearance. While
camping the lodge will act as the main facilitation
center.
KINCHIGUNE
CAMP.
Forget any ideas about cramped tents and
sitting on the ground for mealtimes – this
is camping in style! The site is set up
prior to your arrival, you will depart with
a hearty barbecue meal the night before
– the whole area is lit up with traditional
flame torches and a roaring campfire. So
sit back, relax and let our experienced
staff cater to your every need.
KINCHIGUNE
NATURE TRAIL
This diverse trail of approximately 6km
begins at the River Garden Resort in Belihuloya,
running alongside a riverine forest and
the Belihuloya river itself. During the
trail, you will venture through paddy fields,
across rivers and past local village houses
with their extensive vegetable plots. It
is an ideal opportunity to learn a bit about
the local agricultural systems and simple
way of village living. Along the way, you
will also witness several types of beautiful
birds and butterflies and some charming
waterfalls. The trail finishes where the
Belihuloya river meets the Samanalawewa
reservoir. From there, it is a short climb
up through the forest to the Kinchigune
Eco Lodge where you could extend your stay
and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The
whole journey takes between 2 and 4 hours,
depending on how often you want to stop
for rest, photos, or simply to take in the
wonderful surroundings.
SCHEDULE
• Breakfast will be provided once the clients
decend at the bottom of the mountain on
to the Ratnapura side.
• Arrival at River Garden Resort for lunch.
• After lunch at leisure or optional – trekking
to Kinchigune (8km)
• Night dinner & stay at Belihuloya.
Value – Camping / Standard – Cottages or
similar / Deluxe – Eco Lodge or similar. |
|
| Day 07 : Samanalawawe
Reservior (FB) |
|
| Activities at Belihuloya.
|
CANOEING
IN SAMANALAWEWA
The still calm waters of the Samanalawewa
reservoir are perfect for canoeing. Whether
you want to take your time and go for a
leisurely paddle for a couple of hours,
perhaps venturing out to the mouth of the
Belihuloya River or spend an entire day
exploring the perimeter of the reservoir,
you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
The Samanalawewa reservoir is named after
the Sinhalese word ‘samanala’, meaning ‘butterfly’,
hinting not only at the terrific number
of butterflies in the area but also the
actual shape of the reservoir. The word
‘wewa’ literally means ‘ tank’ (another
term often used to describe reservoirs).
The surrounding mountains add to the idyllic
setting of the reservoir. All groups will
be supplied with an experienced guide and
modern life jackets, and a proper orientation
will be offered for those who are new to
canoeing.
SCHEDULE
• After breakfast proceed to the Samanalawewa
Reserviore for canoeing 7km (from one end
to the other).
• Finishing the canoeing, packed lunch will
be provided.
• Start cycling along the reservoir after
lunch up to the Kinchigune “Eco Lodge”.
(8 – 9 km)
• Night dinner & stay at Belihuloya.
Value – Camping / Standard – Cottages or
similar / Deluxe – Eco Lodge or similar. |
|
| Day 08 : Belihuloya
- Horton Plains – Bambarakanda – Belihuloya
(FB) |
|
| Leaving to Horton Plains
in a vehicle. |
| Nature
walk in HORTON
PLAINS NATURE RESERVE,
which is approximateli 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.
SATAN’S
STEPS TRAIL STARTING FROM THE HORTON PLAINS
ENTRANCE.
You have two options where you can travel
in the vehicle for about 6 km up to “Udaweriya”
estate junction & then start trekking
or start the trek from the gate entrance
itself. Distance to the Bambarakanda Falls
from the junction is 14km. Along this trail
you will cover Kingslyn estate, West Haputale
estate then Bambarakanda Falls. From the
falls you can either trek for another 6km
& get in to your vehicle at Kalupahana
to be driven to River Garden or get in to
the vehicle near the falls itself.
BAMBARAKANDA FALLS
Within a majestic basin-shaped valley bordered
by huge steep rocks and dark green forests
of pines and tropic trees the highest waterfall
of Sri Lanka [ 240.8m] plunges with two
silver ropes over a vertical dark grey wall
from the green saddle between Mt.Welihena
and Mt. Bambaragala into a deep pool only
500m walking distance from the trail.
SCHEDULE
• After an early breakfast or packed breakfast
leaving to Horton Plains by 6.30 in a vehicle.
• Arrival at the Horton Plains around 7.00am.
• Trekking inside the park. Total distance
of trekking in side the park would be 6km.[
Graded as a soft trail]
• Lunch at a suitable location.
• Satan’s Steps & Bambarakanda trail
starting from the Horton Plains Entrance.
• Night dinner & stay at Belihuloya.
Value – Camping / Standard – Cottages or
similar / Deluxe – Eco Lodge or similar. |
|
| Day 09 : Belihuloya
– Negambo / Waikkala (FB) |
|
| Half a day cycling though
the “Devil Staircase”. 32 hair pin Bends are found.
Or cycling through a narrow road. |
NEGAMBO
Bustling Negambo town is a historically interesting
place strongly influenced by the Catholic
Church. The narrow strip of land between the
lagoon & the sea and the many cannals
make for a good exploring.
The Dutch captured the town from the Portuguese
in 1640, lost it again in the same year, then
captured it again in 1644. The British then
took it from them in 1796 without a struggle.
Negambo was one of the most important sources
of cinnamon during the Dutch era, and there
are still reminders of the European days.
WAIKKALA
Waikkala is located in the Puttalam District,
which falls into the dry zone category.
Waikkala is in the midst of marine, coastal,
estuarine, mangroves, marshland and man
made habitat systems. All of these have
contributed to the avifaunal diversity visible
in the immediate surrounding. Much of the
avifauna is characteristically wetland.
More than 60 species of birds can be observed
here.
SCHEDULE
• After breakfast cycling through the “Devil
Staircase”.
• Lunch at Belihuloya.
• After lunch departure to Negambo / Waikkala
• Night dinner & stay at Negombo / Waikkala.
Value – Sunset Beach or similar / Standard
– Ranweli Holiday Village or similar / Deluxe
– “The Beach” or similar. |
|
| Day 10 : Negombo
/ Waikkala - Airport |
|
SCHEDULE
• Departure. |
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| - End of Programme - |
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of Pax |
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02 Pax |
03 Pax |
04 Pax |
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Naturally our ready made programmes will come cheaper than the tailor make programmes. How ever we are flexible enough to do minor changes to the ready made itineraries, with out any charge. ? Please write to us.
Do you own programme – Visit the location and activity pages on our site and you will come across mini tours in all of those pages. By combining them you can design your own tour. We will complete it by adding on the hotels and other cultural locations you may require.
Your tour will be handled by an experienced travel consultant who will provide a personalized service.
Our programmes are offered in the following 3 standards. Accommodation options have been selected after careful evaluation.
Standard -Value: Basic but clean. With a typical Sri Lankan touch , relaxed atmosphere and personalized service at Small family / enterprise run operations.
Standard - 3 Star equal: Better comforts and facilities with extra comforts. Mostly large establishments with Standardized service.
Standard - Deluxe: High standards of quality, décor, service and much more, with many extra comforts and activities to indulge yourself. We have offered locations with a unique Sri Lankan individuality, measuring up to international standards. |
 Please inquire for our special group rates for more than 4 pax. |
| Tour operators/agents & tourism related web portals may contact with all information for special rates. |
Please read Expectations ours and yours before confirming a tour. |
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