This six night/seven day tour has been designed to reveal an insight to the cultural heritage and famous cities of Sri Lanka in a brief, visit. It begins with a Pickup from Colombo Airport . and drive to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and then have lunch while watching over 35 elephants being bathed in the nearby river. After lunch, visit Sigiriya Lion Rock at the evening and satay at night in Sigiriya.
Visit the wonderful ancient relics at Polonnaruwa and climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and visit the world famous frescos. In the evening, a Jeep Safari to Mineriya National Park and watch around 150 – 200 wild elephants and other animals, then come back to Sigiriya. Overnight we stay at Sigiriya.
Visit the wonderful Buddhist Temple of the Tooth Relic and go on a Kandy City Tour. Next we travel to Nuwara Eliya. On the way visit a tea factory and drive through hills and green tea plantations, Ramboda Water Fall and Nuwara Eliya city. Overnight we stay at Nuwara Eliya.
Called by many names including “The Lion Rock” for its initial name of “Sinhagiri”, Sigiriya is near the town of Dambulla and is a colossal column of rock nearly 200m high. It was a royal citadel for 18 years (477-495) when it was fortified by King Kasyapa. The architectural and irrigational technologies of Sigiriya, such as the Water Gardens, still baffle engineers. The climb up steep steps of metal with railings passes a wall decorated with frescoes of bare-breasted women. Art experts consider them unique.
The summit of the rock is a hectare in area and the outer wall of the palace was constructed on the brink of the rock with gardens and ponds softening the harshness of the eerie. Since it was constructed over 1,500 years ago, it is claimed by enthusiast as the Eighth Wonder of the World and is anyway a World Heritage Site.
The ancient kingdom of Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha as well as Edwardian buildings, a king-made lake, a nature reserve and exciting shops.
As the second largest city of the island and the capital of the Central Province, Kandy has grown from being a medieval kingdom to a friendly, busy city set in forested hills and surrounded by tea plantations and close to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. As well as the Temple of the Tooth, there are many Buddhist monasteries and Hindu places of worship to visit, and cultural dance performances to watch.
Kandy is a convenient base to stay for a few days while exploring the Cultural Triangle as there are comfortable hotels to suit every budget. The city is easily accessible from Colombo by rail, road and float plane
The golden canopy of the medieval Temple of the Tooth is a landmark dominating the ancient kingdom, now modern city, of Kandy
The Sacred Relic of Buddha’s tooth was brought from India in the 4th century before being housed in a specially created temple in Kandy in the 16th century. The moat and octagonal structure were added later. The tooth relic is enclosed in seven golden caskets enriched with gemstones, in the shape of a Stupa, within the depths of the temple. The temple is open to visitors.
An annual procession (Perahera) of a replica of the tooth casket takes place in August. Elephants are colourfully caparisoned and garlanded with flowers and lights while crowds thrill to the sight of fire eaters, stilt dancers, whip crackers and jugglers parading to the rhythmic vibrations of Kandyan drums.
| Description | Price |
|---|---|
| Per person in a double room | Approximately US$ 420 |
