Week in Paradise

Day 01 : Airport > Dambulla > Sigiriya

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Dambulla, en route make a pause at Chilaw and visit Munneswaram Temple. (Travel Time: 2 to 2 ½ hrs)

Later on, proceed to Chilaw to Munneswaram temple is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of five ancient temples dedicated to Shiva in the region.

Thereafter continue to Dambulla and check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 3 to 3 ½ hrs)

Later in the evening visit Dambulla Cave Temple.

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

On completion return to the hotel and relax. (Image: LK31)

Day 02 : Sigiriya > Polonnaruwa > Minneriya > Sigiriya

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Polonnaruwa and explore the ruins of the Ancient Kingdom. (Travel Time – 50 to 60 mins)

Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walkthrough the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka's ancient history.

Afterward, proceed to the entrance of Minneriya National Park and hop into the safari jeep to go on a lovely safari. (Travel Time:  30 to 40 mins)

This three-hour safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.

On completion return to the hotel and relax.

Day 03 : Sigiriya > Matale > Kandy

After breakfast at the hotel check out and visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress and witness the sunset from the top of the Rock Fortress. (Travel Time – 20 to 30 mins)                        

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walkthrough the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ' the Lion Rock'. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns.  Walkthrough the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

proceed to Matale visit a Spice Garden and a guided tour of a spice and herbal garden, where you learn about spices, such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg; and their uses. (Travel Time - 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Euphoria Spice and Herbal is located 12 km away from Matale (The spice capital of Sri Lanka). Enriched with herbs, spice groves, and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that enlightens the unique aroma of each spice and herb. We give the opportunity for our visitors to explore and gain knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, herbs and the benefits of Ayurveda. The tropical climate in which our plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality. The educational tour around the garden, which we call “The Spice Tour”, let the visitors feel the sensation of the Sri Lankan spices and herbs which is demonstrated in different foreign languages to suit our customer need.

Thereafter proceed to Kandy and check into the hotel. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Later in the evening go on technical tours related to arts such as gem crafting, woodcarving and batiks. Watch the Kandyan Cultural Show with its colorful traditional dances and delightful music.

The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

On completion of the visit return back to the hotel and relax.

Day 04 : Kandy > Nuwara Eliya > Kandy

On this day go on a day tour to Nuwara Eliya. 

First, proceed to Ramboda and visit a Tea factory and get a guided tour through a Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea and visit Ramboda Falls, which is the 11th tallest in the country. (Travel Time – 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Tea Factory to learn how tea is manufactured in Sri Lanka. You can observe the tea pickers, locally known as 'tea puckers' as they move between the lush green rows along the mountains with their large baskets. Thereafter you will be given a guided tour explaining fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and the grading of tea. Finish with a tea tasting process and learn of the history, and why Ceylon Tea is considered among the best in the world.

Afterward, continue to Nuwara Eliya and evening go on a scenic tour in cozy Nuwara Eliya city.

Visit the highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas, and beautiful mansions. Make a memory in the old red-bricked post office as you purchase an inexpensive and colorful postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory.

On completion return back to your hotel in Kandy and relax.

Day 05 : Kandy > Bentota

After breakfast at the hotel check out and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walkthrough the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.

On completion proceed to Bentota, on your arrival to Bentota check in to the hotel and relax. (Travel Time: 5 to 5 ½ hrs)

Day 06 : Bentota > Galle > Bentota

Spend the morning leisurely enjoying the beach and the hotel facilities.                                                                       

Later in the evening visit the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Learn more about the five endangered sea turtle species that come to the shores of Sri Lanka to nest. Learn how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program helps protect the nests until they hatch and increases the chances of survival for the babies. Get a chance to see, touch and feed baby turtles; or even injured adult turtles that the Turtle Hatchery cares for.

Afterward, proceed to Galle and visit the old colonial fort of Galle. (Travel Time: 50 to 60 mins)

Explore the secrets of Galle where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the museums of Galle and the lighthouse. Walkthrough the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names and listen to your guide tell their stories. Relax with a king coconut or a cup of tea caressed by a breeze of the tropics.

On completion return to back to the hotel and relax.

Day 07: Bentota > Colombo > Airport

After the breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Colombo and go on a city and shopping tour in the commercial city of Sri Lanka.

Experience the colorful lights and the bright life of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green and the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores.

On completion proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island. 

Tour Includes

• Accommodation on sharing a double/twin/triple room at the hotels specified in hotel collection. 
• Meal plan on Bed and Breakfast basis starting with breakfast on day 2 and ending with breakfast on day 7.
• Transport in a Private Vehicle, inclusive of all chauffer accommodation, cost of fuel, parking & highway tolls.
• Private Transport with airport transfers in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle throughout the tour. (2015 and Above Manufactured)
• Service of an English-Speaking Chauffer Guide. Service of an English-Speaking Chauffer Guide throughout the tour.
• All prevailing taxes and service charges (Except for Credit Card/Bank Charges).

Tour Excludes

• Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details / submit your individual visa application.
• X’ Mas & New Year Evening Gala Dinner Supplements.
• International / Domestic Airfare.
• Any expenses of personal nature.
• Tips & Portages.
• Cost of Beverages
• Meals where not specified.
• Entrance fees.