Classical Sri Lanka (7 Day Guided Round Tour)

Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, our representative will greet you at the airport and take you to the hotel at Negombo/Chilaw. (Approximately 1/2 hour drive to Negombo and 1-hour drive to Chilaw. Check-in, relax and have dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Anuradhapura is one of the greatest ancient cities in Sri Lanka. The proud history of Sri Lankans can be still viewed by Anuradhapura city’s ruins. Historical capital, Anuradhapura, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. A huge irrigation lake, Tisa Wewa built by Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC and the twin reservoir complex, Kala Wewa, built by King Datusena in the 5th Century are also some of the main attractions.

Sri Maha Bodiya is situated very near the Anuradhapura city area and it is a sacred bo tree that is grown from a branch of the original sacred bo tree under which Lord Buddha attained Nibbana.It is 2,300-year-old sacred fig or bo tree (Ficus religiosa) which is known to be the oldest tree known to have been planted by a human rather than by natural seeding. It was planted there in 288 BC.

Isurumuniya Vihara: Decorated by various rock carvings it is built by king Dewanampiya Tissa who is an important king for Buddhism.

After breakfast climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Sigiriya rock fortress, which was called Sinhagiriya (Lion’s Rock) in the past was built by Sinhalese ancient king Kashyapa (477-495 AD). This magnificent rock fortress is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO and considered an ecological wonder. Ancient architects of Sri Lanka have done a wonderful job in doing this kingdom. The Staircase (from the ground to Sigiriya mountain top) built by stone is remaining even today. The most renowned Sigiri Apsaras (Rock Paintings or ‘Frescoes of Sigiri Damsels) show the talent of Sri Lankan artists. Sigiriya has one of the most wonderful architectural designs in ancient times.

Afternoon visit medieval capital of Polonnaruwa.Polonnaruwa is the second largest and the main town of the Polonnaruwa District in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms. The majestic city stands tall today as one of the best planned archaeological relic cities in the country, a testimony to the greatness and the architectural genius of the kingdom’s ancient rulers.

Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, it was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1991. Dating back to the First Century BC, the Golden Temple of Dambulla has been the center of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus alike for 22 centuries. It is Sri Lanka’s most popular historic site. The Cave monastery, home to Buddhist monks is covered with exquisite 2,000-year-old murals depicting the life and times of the Lord Buddha. The shrines also house a collection of 157 statues of Buddha in various sizes and poses, including a 15 meter long reclining Buddha and vividly colored frescoes on the walls and ceiling, making this the largest antique painted surface in the world.

Evening visit Temple of the tooth. The sacred Temple of Tooth in Sri Lanka in the historic city of Kandy houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics and draws followers of the Buddhist faith from all over the world. The Royal Complex situated around the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake – comprising of the King’s Palace, the Queen’s Palace, the Audience Hall, the Royal Boathouse and the Royal Summer House, represent the zenith of ancient Sri Lankan architecture.

After Breakfast visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Royal Botanic Gardens is situated in Peradeniya, about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy at an altitude 460 meters above sea level in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The longest river in Sri Lanka, Mahaweli is found near the Botanic Gardens. The garden houses more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees with the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka’’ attached to it. The total area of the garden is 147 acres. Today approximately 2 million visitors visit this garden every year.

Involve in sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya and visit a tea plantation and a tea factory.

After breakfast transfer to Yala through Ella. Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka. The Ella Gap is no secret destination for many.

Afternoon set on an Exclusive private jeep safari at the Yala National Park. This is the most famous national park out of 22 national parks in Sri Lanka. Situated in the South East of Sri Lanka most of the area of the park is closed to the public but the area allowed to the public can offer fascinating sights of elephants, leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, herds of deer and many beautiful birds. .

After breakfast leave for Beach Stay or Airport to connect with your departure flight.En route set on a sightseeing tour of the Galle Fort and ramparts enclosing a perfectly preserved old heritage town. A walk round the ramparts and bastions is the customary method of appreciating the magnificence of its structure, and of gaining a perspective of the town it encloses. Admire the Dutch houses, the Dutch Reformed Church and the restored Dutch gate. Drop off at the Airport or Extend your beach

En route visit Galle fort and Dutch town. (depends on the departure flight time)