Discovery Tour



Arrival at Colombo International Air port
Welcome on the Airport Lobby.
Pick up from the Air port

Day 01: Airport – Mount Lavinia

Proceed up to Mount Lavinia & check in at hotel. You can relax on beautiful beach, view incredible sunsets and enjoy western and Sri Lankan food. Sea food is very popular and is caught fresh daily by Fishermen. Over night stay at the hotel.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Mount Lavinia Hotel
Deluxe     - Berjaya Hotel
Superior   - Palm Beach

Mount Lavinia
Just 12 km. south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia is an immediate city suburb and the beach is one of the better known even in colonial times. It lies alongside a wind swept headland jutting into the waters of the Indian Ocean. The sand is the softest and the waves calm and clear. The Governor's House built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland, now forms part of the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel.


Day 02: Colombo – Pinnawala – Sigiriya


Enjoy heartfelt breakfast at Negombo Hotel. Rest for a while and later we transfer from Colombo to Pinnawala. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the major tourist attraction where you will see herds of abandoned elephants taken care off with tender love and protection. After spending some memorable time with the elephants, transfer from Pinnawala to Sigiriya. 
Sirigiya is also an important tourist place and the fact of being very popular is that it is one of the seven World Heritage Sites in Srilanka. Climb the Lion Rock which was constructed by King Kashyapa in the 5th Century A.D and explore the beauty of this rock fortress. After memorable day tour enjoy overnight stay at the Hotel.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Kandalama / Jetwing Vil Uyana
Deluxe     - Sigiriya Village / Chaaya  Village
Superior   - Hotel Sigiriya / Giritale Hotel

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage was set up in 1975 to rescue four orphaned baby elephants when they could no longer be looked after at Dehiwala (Colombo south) Zoo Today with 70 elephants herein, it has become the home to the largest captive group of elephants in the world Orphaned young elephants whose parents have been the victims of poachers or accidents are tamed, reared & trained herein to eventually become working beasts. All the babies under three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers. Each animal is also given around 76 kilograms (170 lb) of green manure a day and around 2 kg (4.4 lb) from a food bag containing rice bran and maize.The elephant herd in Pinnawela makes the journey to the river twice a day to bathe under the eyes of the tourists. The sound of cameras clicking increases everytime one of the young elephant babies splashes about in the water.

Sigiriya











Sri Lankan architectural tradition is well displayed at Sigiriya, the best preserved city centre in Asia from the first millennium, with its combination of buildings and gardens with their trees, pathways, water gardens, the fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements, use of varying levels and of axial and radial planning. The Complex consists of the central rock, rising 200 meters above the surrounding plain, and the two rectangular precincts on the east (90 hectares) and the west (40 hectares), surrounded by two moats and three ramparts. The plan of the city is based on a precise square module. The layout extends outwards from co-ordinates at the centre of the palace complex at the summit, with the eastern and western axis directly aligned to it. The water garden, moats and ramparts are based on an echo plan duplicating the layout and design on either side. This city still displays its skeletal layout and its significant features. 3 km from east to west and 1 km from north to south it displays the grandeur and complexity of urban-planning in 5th century Sri Lanka.

Day 03: Sigiriya - Anuradhapura – Sigiriya

Enjoy the hearty breakfast at the hotel Sigiriya and later we transfer you to Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is the first capital of Srilanka then called Ceylon. It is today well known for historical monuments and splendid architectural specimens. Some of the interesting tourist places to visit here are ‘Samadhi’ Buddha Statue inaugurating in deep meditation, holy Bo Tree under which Buddha got enlightenment 2500 years ago, monasteries and Ruwanveli Sweya. Isurumuniya rock temple is also famous attraction of Anuradhapura as the rock temple showcase the splendid rock carving of the 3rd Century B.C. Return back to Sirigiry/Dambulla/Kandalama for overnight stay at hotel.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Kandalama / Jetwing Vil Uyana
Deluxe     - Sigiriya Village / Chaaya  Village
Superior   - Hotel Sigiriya / Giritale Hotel

Anuradhapura

Anu-radha-pura Kingdom lasted one thousand and five hundred years from 380BC This city is home to many of the earliest grandest monuments of Sri Lanka A popular destination of Sinhalese Buddhist is prilgimages because of its many ancient Buddhist monuments

Anuradhapura has been made royal capital by the king Pandukabhaya in 380 BC It remained residence and royal capital for 119 successive Singhalese kings till the year 1000 AD when it was abandoned and the capital moved to Polonnaruwa You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest dagoba of Sri Lanka, remains from palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths and the temple of the holy Bo-tree This tree was grown from a sapling of the very tree under which more than 2500 years ago the Buddha found enlightenmen


Day 04: Sigiriya - Minneriya - Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya

After healthy breakfast at the hotel Sigiriya/Dambulla/Kandalama, we will move to Polonnaruwa the second capital city of Srilanka. The city was built during 11th and 12th Centuries AD and today it is one of the best preserved cities in Srilanka with interesting places to see are ruins of the Royal Palace, The Gal Viharaya where wonderful statues of Buddha with Upright, Sedentary and Viharaya postures can bee seen. Also enjoy memorable safari by Jeep in the Minneriya National Park and date with the wild in their natural surrounding. Later we transfer you from Minneriya to Sigiriya for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Kandalama / Jetwing Vil Uyana
Deluxe     - Sigiriya Village / Chaaya  Village
Superior   - Hotel Sigiriya / Giritale Hotel

Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, which became the capital of Sri Lanka following the decline of Anuradhapura, was to witness the Sinhalese Buddhist civilization reaching still greater heights The vast irrigation network with reservoirs that look like natural in-land seas sustained such epic scales in rice cultivation, during the reign of king Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186 A D), Sri Lanka became known as the Granary of the Orient Among the main tourist attractions at Polonnaruwa are preserved ruins of magnificent royal palaces, enormous Buddhist temples, intact monumental sculpture in colossal statues carved from sold rock boulders that once rivaled Anuradhapura in magnificence Today, Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its preserved ruins and restored ancient irrigation reservoirs is a “must visit” cultural destination of Sri Lanka Holidays As much as the preserved cultural monuments would enlighten the tourists, the wild life sanctuaries in the district of Polonnaruwa affords ample opportunities for the joy and fun in the close range of wild elephants, other mammals to the lovers of wildlife At the city of Polonnaruwa itself is the largest ancient irrigation reservoir called Parakrama Samudra (Sinhala: the Sea of Parakrama) is always lovely, and with the plethora of birdlife, it is seldom that there is not something interesting going on upon its shimmering expanses of waters No rest house in Sri Lanka Holidays has a lovelier waterscape than that of Polonnaruwa Rest House nestled at the end of the immense motorable bund of the magnificent reservoir under the shade of mighty trees.

Minneriya National Park
Located between Habarana and POLONNARUWA, the 8890 hectares of MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK is an ideal eco tourism location in Sri Lanka . The park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to Sri Lanka 's favourites such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants.
However the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rdcentury AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze on the grasses as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants and painted storks to name but a few) that come to fish in the shallow waters.  A flapping sea of black invades the emerald Minneriya Tank, as a flock of two thousand cormorants nosedive for fish. The elephants too, trudge by drinking from the same reservoir.
Not close to being the largest tank in Sri Lanka , Minneriya Tank - with the woods that surround it forming the Minneriya-Giritale National Park - is nevertheless home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. If numbers interest you, there are nine species of amphibians, 24 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish (three of which are endangered), 75 species of butterflies and 160 species of birds.

Day 05: Sigiriya – Dambulla – Matale – Kandy 

Enjoy breakfast at Sirigiya and we drive to Dambulla just 19 kms away from Sigiriya. Dambulla is mostly famous for its Dambulla rock temple consisting of five cave temples constructed in the 1st Century BC. Today the temple is a World Heritage Site which contains many statues and paintings dating back to the 12 the century and some of the latest one of 18th Century. Later transfer from Dambulla to Matale for Spice tours. Visit the exotic spice gardens to see different spices for which Srilanka is famous for. All see how these species are grown and processed as well as sights of some good cookery show. Later we transfer you from Matale to Kandy for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Earls Regency / Mahaweli Reach
Deluxe     - Amaya Hills / Amaya Hunnas Falls
Superior   - Hill Top / Topaz Hotel

Dambulla Cave Temple
Dedicated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, Dambulla Cave Temple (or the Golden Temple of Dambulla) is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Situated in Dambulla, Sri Lanka in a region which includes more than 80 caves, Dambulla Cave Temple features 5 well-preserved caves, each of which houses ancient statues of the Buddha and historic artwork depicting the Buddha's life. The Dambulla Cave Temple grounds also features a functioning Buddhist Monastery dating back to the third and second centuries B.C. The construction and modern maintenance of the Dambulla Cave Temple occurred along the following rough time-line:
  • 7th to 3rd century BC: Early inhabitants
  • 1st century BC: Paintings and statues
  • 5th century AD: The stupa was built
  • 12th century AD: Addition of the statues of Hindu gods
  • 18th century AD: Most of what we see today
  • 19th century AD: An additional cave and some repainting
  • 20th century AD:UNESCO restoration and lighting
Matale Spice Garden
Sri Lanka is famous for its spices and spices gardens. These spice gardens offers tourists memorable visits to various spice plantations in Sri Lanka. In order to promote and uplift spice growing and spice gardens of Sri Lanka a spice council was established with all key industry private and public sector stakeholders. During early historical times Sri Lanka known as Taprobane, was world renowed for its Quality Spices. During ancient times the Greeks, Romans and the Arabic maintained their links with Sri Lanka through the spice trade. In the 16th century Ceylon, as it was then known, was discovered by Portuguese who soon began trading in cinnamon and other spices. The Dutch and British followed bringing with them their own history and influences, forming a strong Western presence which created a history of food expressed with spices which can be tasted in the dishes today. Also the Spices are use in Ayurveda in Sri Lanka. Spice Gardens in the hill capital Kandy and at Matale and Mawanella give interesting insights into spice production in Sri Lanka. The importance of spices in the minor export crops of Sri Lanka consist of Fragrant clove, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace and pepper, for which Sri Lanka has been farmed since ancient times, thrive in the hills.

Day 06: Kandy – Peradeniya - Kandy

Enjoy healthy breakfast as hotel in Kandy. Later we drive on Wheels from Kandy to Peradeniya, an exotic botanical garden built by Sinhala King. Later this garden was extended by British and today this 147 acres Garden is amazingly beautiful with variety of trees, plants and blossoming flowers. Later we drive back to Kandy, the cultural capital of Srilanka where centauries old legends, traditions and folklore are still alive and can be felt even today. Visit the Kandy Lake constructed by the Last Sinhala King, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the arts and crafts centre, bazaar, gem museum and a lapidary. After the glorious tour visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic and see the culture show performed at the temple. Overnight stay will be at hotel in Kandy.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Earls Regency / Mahaweli Reach
Deluxe     - Amaya Hills / Amaya Hunnas Falls
Superior   - Hill Top / Topaz Hotel

Kandy Botonical Garden
Sri Lanka`s botanic gardens have a long and proud history, punctuated by colonialism, and industrial change. Throughout this period the gardens have continued to flourish, and the plant collections and herbarium grown. Within the context of the 21st century, the gardens represent a significant national asset for Sri Lanka. Over 1.4 million people visit Sri Lanka`s botanic gardens every year. And that is in addition to the 5% of the nation’s schoolchildren who visit annually. As a profit-making public institution, employing almost 450 people, the National Botanic Gardens are uniquely placed to educate by stealth, taking advantage of the pleasure and joy experienced by visitors to share, gradually, our growing knowledge and expertise in conservation, biodiversity, floriculture and sustainability.

Temple of the Tooth Relic
Located in Kandy, long a center of the Buddhist faith, the stunning 17th-centuryTemple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. This precious relic attracts white-clad pilgrims, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani, every day.
According to legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was smuggled to Sri Lanka in 313 AD, hidden in the hair of Princess Hemamali who fled the Hindu armies besieging her father's kingdom in India.
It immediately became an object of great reverence and was enshrined in a series of nested jeweled reliquaries. The tooth was brought out for special occasions and paraded on the backs of elephants, which are sacred to the Buddha. where it survived numerous attempts to capture and destroy it.
When the capital was moved to Kandy, the tooth was taken to the new city and placed in temples built to honor it. The temple was originally built under Kandyan kings between 1687 and 1707, but later severely damaged during the 18th-century colonial wars against the Portugese and Dutch. After the wars, the original wooden structures were restored in stone.

Day 07: Kandy - Tea Plantation - Nuwara Eliya 

After a heartfelt breakfast at the hotel in Kandy, today we go for a tea plantation trip. See the tea plantation and tea factory and witness how the best tea in the world is produced, processed and packed. Enjoy the cup of refreshing tea at the factory and savor the taste of the pure Ceylon tea. Later we visit to Nuwara Eliya the premier hill resort of Srilanka which produces the world’s best tea leaves as well as view the Srilanka highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) It is also famous for its 18 holes golf courses, which is one of the finest in Asia. Overnight stay at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Langdale by Amaya / Heritance Tea Factory
Deluxe     - Jetwing St. Andrews / The Grand Hotel
Superior   - Ashly Resort / Hotel Glendower

Ceylon Tea
Ceylon tea is a particularly prized form of black tea from Sri Lanka. It has a golden color and rich, intense flavor which many tea consumers greatly appreciate, and it is used straight as well as in tea blends. Sri Lanka is one of the largest tea producers in the world, and Ceylontea can be found all over the world as a result. Particularly fine highland varieties can also get quite costly, as they have a rich taste and strong aroma favored by some consumers.
Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon under colonialism, and the name has stuck for the tea. Teawas first introduced to the country as a crop in 1867, to replace a devastated coffee crop. Teaproducers quickly began to produce tea with a unique flavor and color, and Ceylon tea began to experience high demand. The majority of Ceylon tea is grown in the highlands of the country, with lower elevation teas being used as filler in tea blends.
Six regions of Ceylon produce tea: Galle, Ratnapura, Kandy, Dimulla, Uva, and Nuwara Eliya.Ceylon tea is often identified by the region is was grown in, and each area's tea tastes distinctly different, with the best harvests coming in February, March, August, and September. The tea leaves are carefully selected for optimal flavor and meticulously oxidized to make classic black tea. After oxidation, the tea is roasted and prepared for sale at packaging facilities.

Nuwara Eliya
Blessed a with salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery; it s hard to imagine that Nuwara Eliya is only 180 Km from the hot and humid Colombo. Nuwara Eliya (City of Lights), also known as Little England , was the favourite hill station of the British who tried to create Nuwara Eliya into a typical English Village. The old brick Post office, country house like hill club, with it s hunting pictures, mounted hunting trophies and fish, and it s strict formal dinner attire; the 18 hole golf course, race course etc., all remind you of England.

Day 08: Nuwara Eliya - Hatton - Kitulgala

Enjoy breakfast at the comfort of your hotel room. Later we drive on wheel from Nuwara Eliya to Kitulgala through Talawakele & Hatton. See two beautiful Water Falls situated near by Talawakele. Devon Falls is the first. It is 97 meters high and ranked 19th highest in the Island. Second, St. Clair's Falls is one of the widest waterfalls & called the "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka". The Falls is 80m high and hence 20th highest waterfall in the Island. Later We visit Kitulagala &  Experience the White Water Rafting in the Kelani River in Kitul gala covering 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids. The river and its surrounding will make you feel enchanted, with a memorable Experience during your White Water Rafting Tour in Kitulagala. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Royal River Resort
Deluxe     - The Plantation Hotel
Superior   - Kitulgala Rest House

Devon Falls
Devon Falls is situated 6 km west of Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya Districton A7 highway. The falls is named after a pioneer English coffee planter called Devon, whose plantation is situated nearby the falls. The Waterfall is 97 meters high and ranked 19th highest in the Island. The Falls formed by Kothmale Oya, a tributary of Mahaweli River. Altitude of Devon falls is 1,140m above sea level.








St. Clair's Falls
St. Clair's Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka ("Bomburu Ella" in Welimada is the widest). St. Clair's Falls is called the "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka"
It is situated 3 km west of the town of Talawakele on the Hatton-Talawakele Highway in Nuwara Eliya District.The falls derived its name from a nearby tea estate. The Falls is 80m high and hence 20th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. St. Clair's falls comprises two falls called "Maha Ella" (Sinhalese "The Greater Fall") and "Kuda Ella," (Sinhalese "The Lesser Fall") which is 50m high and was created by a tributary of Kotmale Oya.

Kitulgala Water Rafting
Kitulgala is about 80 kilometres from Colombo on the A7 – the road to Nuwara Eliya through Avissawella. The town is situated on a beautiful stretch of the Kelani River that incorporates rock-strewn sections and rapids. These are frequently enclosed by high banks of tall bamboo creating the conditions ideal for the sport of white-water rafting.

The Kitulgala run is 6.5 km long and takes about 90 minutes to complete. Altogether there are seven rapids to tackle with their own unique names. When running down the river you will run into the likes of Virgin’s Breast, Butter Crunch, Killer Fall and the Rib Cage. These names denote their own distinct character. It is important to note that white-water rafting is not a sport that needs enormous physical strength. An average level of physical fitness and a calm disposition are sufficient. The ability to swim is advantageous but not compulsory, for each rafter is provided with a Personal Flotation Device.

Day 09: Kitulgala - Horton Plains - Udawalawa - Yala

Enjoy heartiest breakfast at hotel. and Later we drive to Yala through Horton Plains, Udawalawa, Lunugamwehera & Thissamaharama. The Horton Plains are the head waters of three major Sri Lankan rivers, the Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe. Udawalawe & Lunugamvehera are important habitat for water birds and Elephants. Udawalawe is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country. Lunugamvehera reservoir catchment area is vital to maintain the water levels of the five tanks. This national park also serves as a corridor for elephants to migrate between Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park. After the memorable tour we transfer you to Yala for overnight stay in the hotel.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Chaaya Wild Yala
Deluxe     - Elephant Reach / The Safari Hotel
Superior   - Priyankara Hotel / Chandrika Hotel

Udawalawe
Udawalawe National Park is located approximately 200 km south-east of Colombo city and is a major eco tourism destination in Sri Lanka . The 30,821 hectares dry zone game park has an annual rainfall of 1524 mm and an average temperature of 29.4°C.

It is most famous for the many elephants that live there (about 400 in total). During a visit, it is not unusual to see whole herds of adults and young elephants– feeding or bathing and playing in the water! In addition to this main attraction, the park is home to many water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard, as well as being an exciting location for bird enthusiasts.

Lunugamwehera  
The Lunugamvehera National Park was established for protection as a corridor for elephant migration from the Yala National Park to the Uda Walawe National Park's Western region and for the protection of the catchment areas of the Lunugamvehera Reservoir. Even though the Lunugamvehera National Park covering an extent of 23,498.8 ha. was established on December 08, 1995, it had not been opened to the public. The Lunugamvehera Reservoir within the park covers 3,283 ha.
Located in the Moneragala District of the Uva Province, Lunugamvehera extends to Thanamalwila, Wellawaya, Kataragama, Buttala and to the Hambantota District in the South. Rich in biodiversity the park is a habitat for a large number of wild elephants and wild buffaloes. In addition other species of animals such as Fishing Cat, Grey Mongoose, Bear, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer and Mouse Deer are found here. Being a dry-mixed evergreen forest, Lunugamvehera Park has a variety of tree and plant species which provide ample food-stocks for vegetarian animals.

Day 10: Yala - Dickwella - Unawatuna 

Enjoy heartfelt breakfast at the hotel in Yala & Early morning start the Adventurous Yala Safari by 4 WD Jeep. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. Most notably many elephants and Leopards. Yala has been the centre stage for many Wildlife documentaries produced by popular TV networks. Yala boasts the highest population of Leopards in the world. While on our way to Unawatuna, next site seeing is Dickwella Blow Hole (Hummanaya). This feature is completely natural where sea spray due to the high water pressure sprays through a blowhole up to sometimes 40 to 50 feet high. A visit to this blow hole means a climb up some rocky cliffs to one of the best views of the surrounding Indian Ocean as well as the land dotted with coconut trees greets you on first sight at the summit. Later we transfer you to Unawatuna, near Galle is a beautiful wide curving golden beach. The beach has been acclaimed amongst 12 best beaches in the world. There is a reef protecting the beach, which makes it safe for bathing. Overnight stay will be at Hotel in Unawatuna.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Unawatuna Beach Resort
Deluxe     - Thaproban Beach House / Thambapanni Retreat
Superior   - Flower Garden Hotel

Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Actually it consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public; and also adjoining parks. The blocks have individual names also, like Ruhuna National Park for the (best known) block 1 and Kumana National Park or 'Yala East' for the adjoining area. It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Provinceand Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi) and is located about 300 kilometres (190 mi) from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu it was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants and aquatic birds.

There are six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries in the vicinity of Yala. The park is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region and rain is received mainly during the northeast monsoon. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. Yala harbours 215 bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world.

Hummanaya (Blow Hole)
The Kudawella Blow Hole, a site that is breathtakingly mysterious. Volumes of sea water whistle through a natural fine hole from beneath a massive rock in the sea. Located on a rock about 40 ft above sea level, this magnificent site was first discovered after a close scrutiny of photographs taken from the sea.

At the site, rough and high waves push water into the triangular based rock bottom, and force it through a hole at the bottom of the rock with very high pressure. With the sound of a blow whistle the water is blown high into the air. Approaching this place, one can find many small outlets selling local fruits, thirst quenching drinks and the all time favorite fresh fried fish. In addition to this you will also find souvenir shops with a variety of local handicrafts and ornaments made out of sea shells and other marine findings.

Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna is located just south of Galle and is a small, secluded beach community offering tourists the opportunity to escape to a peaceful, tropical paradise! Unawatuna offers a lot of activities like surfing, snorkeling, deep sea fishing and scuba diving.

It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy tranquility and a beautiful beach!

Tourists can stay at one of the numerous guest houses on and near the beach and can enjoy food at several beachside restaurants!

Day 11: Unawatuna - Galle - Hikkaduwa

Have a heartfelt breakfast at hotel in Unawatuna and later drive to Galle. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.The most enjoyable way to experience the Galle Fort is by walking. A leisurely walk leads past the old Dutch Church, the Governor’s house, the spice warehouses, Court Square, the Kacheri (town hall), the lighthouse and on to the sea wall and ramparts. Visit the mosque and meander down streets leading to cricket fields, the temple, and the old District Judge’s house surrounded by ancient frangipani trees. Later we transfer you to Hikkaduwa. Hikkaduwa is famous for its beach, surfing, diving, corals and night life. Glass bottom boats offer fantastic views of coral reefs just off shore. Be sure to watch the beautiful sunset where a dazzling show of colors lights up the sky! Rest of the day enjoy at leisure and at your free will. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Hikkaduwa.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Chaaya Tranz
Deluxe     - Coral Rock by Amaya
Superior   - Coral Sands

Galle Fort
Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the natural harbor, theNational Maritime Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, one of the main Shiva temples on the island, and Amangalla the historic luxury hotel.

According to James Emerson Tennent, Galle was the ancient seaport of Tarshish, from which King Solomon drew ivory, peacocks and other valuables.

Cinnamon was exported from Sri Lanka as early as 1400 BC and the root of the word itself is Hebrew, so Galle may have been a main enter port for the spice.
Galle had been a prominent seaport long before western rule in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians, and Chinese were doing business through Galle port. In 1411, the Galle Trilingual Inscription, astone tablet inscription in three languages, Chinese, Tamil and Persian, was erected in Galle to commemorate the second visit to Sri Lanka by the Chinese admiral Zheng He.
The "modern" history of Galle starts in 1505, when the first Portuguese ship, under Lourenço de Almeida was driven there by a storm. However, the people of the city refused to let the Portuguese enter it, so the Portuguese took it by force.

In 1640, the Portuguese had to surrender to the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch built the present Fort in the year 1663. They built a fortified wall, using solid granite, and built three bastions, known as "Sun", "Moon" and "Star". After the British took over the country from the Dutch in the year 1796, they preserved the Fort unchanged, and used it as the administrative centre of Galle.

Hikkaduwa
The beach of Hikkaduwa is situated 98 km from Colombo towards the south of Sri Lanka. This fun coastal town 14 kms from Galle was the first (1960 s) of Sri Lanka is beautiful beaches to be discovered by tourists. Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters are the major past-time along this stretch and is the most environmentally friendly way to see the colorful fish that dart around. The coral sanctuary found on the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water enclosed by a reef, decorated with layers of multi colored corals, witch is home to countless number of colorful fish. Off the beach there is a collection of tine islets surrounded by beautiful coral formations. Many species of fish and large turtles are found here.There are more than four different shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts to explore along with dive shops offering PADI courses and equipment. Plenty of beachfront accommodation and a reputation as the second best surf spot in Sri Lanka by the international board-riding set, and the reason so many visit Hikkaduwa is blatantly clear. 

The resort area has now engulfed two or three villages south of it, and is now a 4km strip of hotels, shops, bars, restaurants and guesthouses. The beaches are nice and wide and swimming is safe here, though the currents are stronger south of Hikkaduwa proper. The impressive coral reef runs just offshore and is still populated by exotic fish and sea turtles. Glass bottomed boats are available for visitors wanting to admire the wonders of the deep while keeping their feet dry!

Day 12: Hikkaduwa - Balapitiya - Colombo

Enjoy the breakfast at the hotel in hikkaduwa. Later we drive to colombo. While driving to colombo, next tour is River Safari in Balapitiya. There exists a beautiful river called Madu Ganga, which offers a glimpse of dozens of islets forested with mangroves and the most excitedly, close contact with wildlife. In the outset Madu Ganga is considered as Sri Lanka’s second largest wetland consisting of 26 islets and two main islands. Next Town is Ambalangoda & Famous for its anicent devil masks and devil dancers. After that transfer to Kosgoda to see Turtle Hatchery. Finally reach Colombo, the capital city of Srilanka. Colombo is fast changing and developing to the modern city preserving the old charm to its splendor. Overnight stay at the Hotel in Colombo.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Taj Samudra / Cinnamon Grand
Deluxe     - Cinnamon Lake Side
Superior   - Galle Face / Galadari

Maduganga River
Here in Balapitiya lies Madu Ganga, the beautiful river that nestles alongside Whispering Waters. Madu Ganga is considered as Sri Lanka's second largest wetland consisting of 26 islands including two main islands.

Together with the smaller Randombe Lake, to which it is connected by two narrow channels, it forms the Madu Ganga wetland. Its estuary and the many mangrove islets on it constitute a complex coastal wetland ecosystem. In has high ecological, biological and aesthetic significance, being home to 303 species of plants belonging to 95 families and to 248 species of vertebrate animals. Madu Ganga is possibly one of the last remaining tracts of pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka.
The inhabitants of its islets produce peeled cinnamon and cinnamon oil.

The Madu Ganga Wetland was declared in 2003, in terms of the Ramsar Convention.

Over the years, Madu Ganga has played an important role in providing food and shelter and of course providing easy access to the main land via small wooden boats. During the pre colonization period Madu Ganga was used as one of the main water ways connecting cities and ancient Sinhala Kingdoms.

The main treasure of Madu Ganga is its mangroves that act as a bio-lock to the area in giving protection to the variety of aquatic plants and animal life. They provide a home for different kinds of aquatic plants, crabs, shrimps, fish, various invertebrates and other animal life including crocodiles.

It is claimed that the main secret of the Madu Ganga is the tide. On any given day during the low tide the sea water comes inland and mixes with fresh water and in the evening, vice versa creating the magic of nature.

Local and foreign tourists can explore the beauty of Madu Ganga through a boat ride that take a couple of hours.

Ambalangoda
The town is famous for masks & puppets. The traditional masks are carved from light Balsa like Kaduru wood (Nux vomica). Kaduru trees grow in the marshy lands bordering paddy fields. The wood is smoke dried for a week in preparation. The hand carved & hand painted masks in traditional dance dramas are vibrant & colorful. The colourful & vibrant naga raksha (Cobra demon) mask of the Raksha Kolama (Demon dance), consist of a ferocious face with bulging, popping & staring eyes, a bloodthirsty carnivorous tongue lolling out of wide mouth armoured & armed to the hilt with set of fanglike teeth, & all topped by a set of cobra hoods.

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Hatchery

Kosgoda is famous for its turtle hatchery- operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1981 to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. The hatchery pays fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the sandy beach. Visitors can see huge tanks filled with new born turtle hatchlings. After being fed, the baby turtles are taken to the sea and released when they are 2-4 days old, usually during the safer hours of darkness. Although October to April is the main laying season, some eggs can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year.
The beaches of Sri Lanka are the nesting grounds for five species of marine turtles. They are the Green Turtle, the Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Loggerhead and the Olive Ridley. All 5 species have been recorded to nest along specific areas of Sri Lanka's coast. Studies have indicated that beaches can be categorized in accordance with visitation by different species of turtles. For example Leatherbacks nest at Walawe Modera and Godawaya. Hawksbill nests at Bentota while Green Turtle nests at Rekawa and Kosgoda. Loggerheads nest at Welipatanwala. Olive Ridleys are the only species of turtle that nest everywhere.

Turtles have lungs and must come to the surface to breathe every thirty minutes. When they are asleep their bodies do not need as much oxygen and they are therefore able to spend the entire night underwater. Turtles are known to migrate over long distances. A Leatherback Turtle tagged in French Guiana in South America was recovered in Ghana some 3,800 miles away. Marine turtles reach sexual maturity at thirty years and live to be over eighty years. To lay their eggs, adult females return to the beach on which they hatched. Sea turtles prefer quiet, dark, undisturbed places where they will be less vulnerable to predators. Between 80 and 120 eggs are laid in each nest. The eggs are white and about the same size and shape as a table tennis ball. A single female may nest up to five times in a season. The temperature of the nest during incubation determines the sex of the hatchings. When they hatch the young turtles make their way straight to sea and swim constantly for up to 2 days. This is known as the 'juvenile frenzy' and allows the young turtles to escape the predator-rich inshore waters. Every 1,000 eggs laid are believed to yield only one mature adult sea turtle.

Day 13: Colombo

After a heartfelt breakfast at the hotel in Colombo, We take you for a city tour of Colombo where you see various colonial historical building, Hindu and Buddhist Temple, residential areas of the stately riches homes, Pettah Bazaar where you can enjoy shopping and also visit to the colorful bazaars to take home lots of souvenirs, artifacts and Srilanka delights. In the evening Colombo night life & Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Colombo.

Accommodation & Breakfast
Luxury     - Taj Samudra / Cinnamon Grand
Deluxe     - Cinnamon Lake Side
Superior   - Galle Face / Galadari

Colombo City
Colombo-the capital of Sri Lanka-is the largest city and main port of Sri Lanka. It is also the commercial and financial center of Sri Lanka. A bustling metropolis, the city is an attractive blend of old and new. It has the lazy charm of the bygone era combined with the verve and vivaciousness of a modern city. Colombo is an ideal location to start the Sri Lanka sojourn.

City Travel Guide

The Fort: Originally a fort during the Portuguese and Dutch periods but now a major commercial center of the country and housing major offices, big hotels, some of the better shops, airline offices, banks, main post office, immigration office, travel agents and restaurants. Within Fort are several places of tourist interest, which can be conveniently seen on foot.

Pettah: Adjacent to Fort is Pettah-Colombo s leading bazaar district. It has narrow cobbled streets lined with shops and street stalls that offer the most fantastic bargains and the most unimaginable range of goods varying from bright printed fabrics, suitings, undergarments, children wear, footwear and handbags to electrical goods, semi precious jewellery, watches, rare first edition books, cutlery and other household items. Each criss-crossed lane of Pettah leads to the main street and each has developed its own specialized characteristic. For example, household goods are found on Keyzer Street. Prince Street is famous for glass, mirrors and electrical items. Malwatte Avenue sells English, Sinhala and Tamil music cassettes.

Galle Face Green: A promenade on the sea face stretching one and a half kilometers, it is a relic of the British era. Laid out in 1859 it was used for horse racing. Today it is the largest open space in Colombo and a famous picnic spot. Slave Island: On the south of Fort, is a long, narrow island-where the slaves had their night quarters-called Slave Island. Today the spot is surrounded by the remains of the former Beira Lake and is home to many office buildings, hotels and stores.

Mount Lavinia: Mount Lavinia is a beach just 12 km from Colombo. It was a famous beach even during the colonial times. The Governor s House built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland now forms part of the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara: It is a famous Buddhist temple and is believed to be at the spot where the Buddha preached 2000 years ago. It has an excellent carving of a reclining Buddha, and is the site for an annual perahera (religious procession) in January.

Dehiwala Zoo: It is about 11 acres in extent and has very fine collection of fauna from all over the world. The highlight of the show is the elephant show, which is held every evening.

National Museum: Housed in a grand colonial building, the National Museum is the custodian of Sri Lanka s cultural heritage. Among its exhibits are a vast collection of half a million books, more than 4000 archaic palm leaf manuscripts, rock sculptures from the ancient cities, bronze brassware and royal weapons of Sri Lankan kings, fascinating paintings of by gone eras and an excellent collection of antique demon masks. The most interesting among the exhibits are the regalia of the Kandyan Kings dating back to the 17th century.

The Viharamahadevi Park: Located next to the National Museum, it is Colombo s largest park. The park is famous for its flowering trees, water channels and fountains.

Wolvendaal Church: It is Colombo s oldest Dutch church. Its floor tiles are made from tombstones from the Dutch church in the Fort, and were brought here in 1813.

Hindu Temples: There are several Hindu temples, which are called Kovils in Colombo. In the Sea Street in Colombo are several Hindu temples, the Ganeshan, the Old Kathiresan and the New Kathiresan with their colourful Gopurams (doorways). Other important temples are the Shiva Subramania Swami temple on Slave Island and the Sri Muthumariamman temple.

Day 14: Colombo - Airport

Enjoy the breakfast at the hotel in Colombo. Rest for a well and recollect the memories of Srilanka tours. Later we transfer you from Colombo to Airport on time to board flight for your way back home. In this way memorable journey with Srilanka tour packages comes to an end giving your memorable memories to treasure as lifetime gift.

Departures Flight Schedule
                                                                                                             
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Ceylon Discovery Tour Cost in USD (valid up to 31 March 2012)

Luxury -
Deluxe -
Superior -

Child cost with ( 02 -12 years)
With extra bed : 50% of the adult cost
Without extra bed : 25% adult cost

The above tour cost includes:
Meeting at the airport upon arrival and assistance during the stay.
Bottle of mineral water on arrival
Private transport in Air con mini coach
Accommodation in mentioned hotels
Services of English speaking chauffeur
Daily breakfast
All Taxes

Cost does not include:
Lunch, Dinner and beverages
Extras of personal nature
Camera & Video permits
Tips and gratuities
Guide Services , Entrance fees at places of interest mentioned
Extra services other than those specified
Air tickets / Airport taxes


Notes:
In the event a mentioned hotel is not available another hotel of similar standard will be provided
The above rates are net and include government taxes (VAT & TDL)
These rates are subject to change without prior notice in the event government changes the tax policy, if hotels change their rates or for situations beyond our control.
Optional excursions and additional services can be provided for which we will charge additionally.
The official check-in time at all hotels will be 1200 hrs & check-out time at 1100 hr
Early check- in / late check-out subject to availability from hotel
Cancellation policy will be applicable for any reduction of rooms after the release period