10th July 2012

0715 hrs – Entrain & depart Fort Railway Station by Viceroy Special Train to Nanuoya.
0800 hrs – Breakfast, served on board.
1030 hrs – Tea/coffee served on board.
1230 hrs – Lunch served on board.
1400 hrs – Tea / coffee served on board.
1430 hrs – Arrive and detrain at Nanuoya Railway Station and transfer to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya by coaches.

11th July 2012

Spend the day in Nuwara Eliya

12th July 2012

1315 hrs – Leave Hotel to Nanuoya railway station.
1400 hrs – Entrain Viceroy Special train & leave Nanuoya to Colombo.
1500 hrs – Tea/Coffee served on board.
1930 hrs – Dinner served on board.
2030 hrs – Tea/coffee served on board.
2130 hrs – Arrive at Fort Railway station.

End of the program

Package Price per adult  - Rs. 18,000/- per person
Children below 5 years sharing parents seat – Rs. 1000/-

Package Inclusions:
1.      Train ride on Viceroy special luxury train  from Colombo Fort to Nanuoya on 10th July 2012
2.      Onboard breakfast & lunch on 10th July
3.      Ground transfer on 10th July from Nanuoya railway station to your hotel in Nuwara eliya
4.      Ground transfer on 12th July from your hotel in Nuwara eliya to Nanuoya railway station to
5.      Train ride on Viceroy special luxury train from Nanuoya to Fort on 12th July 2012
6.      Onboard dinner on 12th July

Exclusions:
1.Hotel / accommodation arrangements in Nuwara Eliya

Remarks:
Viceroy train will be hauled by Diesel locomotive.

Day 01 | COLOMBO / DIYATHALAWA (by train)

• Transfer to Fort Railway station
• Entrain at 5.55 a.m & leave for Diyatalawa.
• We kindly remind you to pre-arrange a pick-nic breakfast.
• Pick up from Diyatalawa at 3.30 p.m
• Transfer to Cranford Villa.
• Check in at your hotel & relax.

Overnight : Cranford villa

Day 02 | DIYATHALAWA

• After breakfast leave for Lipton’s Seat.
  This is a magnificent viewpoint located about 10~12 km far from Haputale (on Dambethenna road). It is undoubtedly one of the best viewing points of Sri Lanka. It is said that, this place was a favorite look-out point for Sir Thomas Lipton (the great tea planter) when surveying the surrounding region of his tea plantations. It is told that on a clear day, a visitor can see 5 provinces of Sri Lanka. The panoramic view is out of this world and truly breathe taking. On an average day you can see endless territory towards the South, East and the South West of Sri Lanka.
• Afternoon visit Adisham Monastery.
  Adisham is the kind of place seekers of peace dream about. Now a religious house where tranquility lies like a blessing and the grandeur of sweeping mountain vistas takes your breath away, Adisham was originally the country seat of Sir Thomas Villiers. The spirit of Thomas Lister Villiers strongly pervades this stately house. Villiers came to Ceylon in 1887 with 10 sterling pounds in his pocket. He was born in 1869 in Adisham Rectory in Kent, the son of Rev Henry Montague Villiers. He was a grandson of Lord John Russell, twice prime minister of Britain.
• Evening visit Bogoda Wooden Bridge.
  The Bogoda bridge is over 400 year old and made entirely out of wooden planks which are said to have come from one tree. It is an exclusive construction as it has an 8 feet tall tiled roof structure for its entire span of nearly 50 feet length with a 6 feet breadth. Archaeologists believe there were two reasons for the roof over the bridge. One for shelter and second for protection from the wilderness. The wooden fences erected on either sides of the bridge were decorated in various ancient designs.
• Return to your hotel & relax.

Dinner & Overnight : Cranford villa

Day 03 | DIYATHALAWA

• After breakfast leave for Dowa temple.
  The charming Dowa Temple is pleasantly situated close to a stream on the south side of the road, about 6km east of Bandarawela on the road to Badulla. A beautiful 4m-high standing Buddha is cut into the rock face below the road. The walls of the adjacent cave shrine, cut from solid rock, are covered with excellent Sri Lankan–style Buddhist murals. The temple is like a smaller version of Dambulla, and like the Royal Rock Temple at Dambulla, King Valagamba (Vattajamini Ahhya) also took refuge here in the 1st century BC during his 14-year exile from Anuradhapura
• Proceed to Ella & visit Ella gap.
  Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views you could find in Sri Lanka. Only 8 km from Bandarawela, this small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside.
• Visit Horton plains (**optional).
• Return to your hotel & relax.

Dinner & Overnight : Cranford Villa

Day 04 | DIYATHALAWA / YALA

• After breakfast, leave for Yala.
• Check in at your hotel & relax.
• Afternoon do a Jeep Safari in Yala National Park.
  Sri Lanka ’s best known national park is popular for Elephants, Leopards, Bears, Crocodiles and Wild Boar. The Yala national park, three times larger than Udawalawe at 97,800 hectares, is the largest of Sri Lanka’s national parks. It’s open, undulating terrain made it famous for elephants for many years, but the park is also now famed for its Leopard population due to publicity by National Geographic and the Discovery channels, which focused on a leopard research/conservation and identification project. Claims have subsequently been made that Yala National Park has the world’s highest concentration of leopard per square kilometer. This park was primarily a shrub jungle with several salt and fresh water lagoons. The areas popular with leopard are rock strewn hillocks with dense shrub in which the animals hide.
• Return to your hotel & relax.

Dinner & Overnight : Yala Heights.

Day 05 | YALA

• Breakfast followed by a day at leisure.
• Morning safari at Yala National park (**optional).

Dinner & Overnight : Yala Heights

Day 06 | YALA / COLOMBO

• After breakfast leave for Colombo.

Package Price and inclusions

Prices are in USD, quoted per person-based on Twin Sharing Basis,

Hotels Included:

Diyatalawa – Cranford Villa (http://cranfordvilla.com)
Yala – Yala Heights (http://www.yalaheights.com/yala_boutique_hotel.html)

Price includes:

• Assistance on arrival at the Airport
• Accommodation in above mentioned hotels on Bed & Breakfast Basis
• Transportation by air-conditioned luxury van (Toyota High roof van)
• Services of English Speaking driver guide throughout the tour
• Handling Charges and government taxes

Price excludes:

• Video Camera permits
• Tickets & Entrance fees for the sites
• Early check-ins / late check-outs
• Expenses of personal nature or any other services not specified above
• Porter charges
• Optional visits
• Air fare from Chennai-Colombo-Chennai

• Arrival at Colombo Bandaranayake International airport.
• Meet with our representative who will page you & welcome you.
• Transfer to Dambulla, en route visiting an Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela.
• Proceed to Dambulla, check in at your hotel & relax.

Overnight: Na Mala Holiday Resort (or similar)

Day 02 | DAMBULLA / SIGIRIYA / POLONNARUWA / DAMBULLA

• After breakfast, leave for Sigiriya, climb the rock fortress.
• Proceed to Polonnaruwa & visit the ruins of the old Kinddom.
• Check in at your hotel & relax.

Overnight: Na Mala Holiday Resort (or similar)

Day 03 | DAMBULLA / AKUNA / ANURADHAPURA

• After the breakfast, VISIT THE CAVE TEMPLES IN Dambulla.
• Leave for Anuradhapura.
• En route visit the Aukana Buddha the magnificent 12 m high standing Buddha was which carved out of the living rock.
• Arrive in Anuradhapura, check in at your hotel & relax.
• Check in at your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Nilketha Villa (or similar)

Day 04 | ANURADHAPURA / MIHINTHALE

• After breakfast, visit the ruins of the ancient city.
• Proceed to Mihintale & explore the site.
• Return to Anuradhapura,

Overnight : Nilketha Villa (or similar)

Day 05 | ANURADHAPURA / KANDY

• After Breakfast in hotel, proceed to Kandy visitng Spice Garden en-route.
• Arrive in Kandy,checkin at your hotel.
• Evening visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Overnight : Hotel Suisse (or similar)

Day 06 | KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA

• After breakfast, visit the the Royal Botanical Garden at Peradeniya.
• Proceed to Nuwara Eliya.
• Visit to a Tea Plantation & a Tea Factory.
• Check in at your hotel & relax.

Overnight : Golf Club (or similar)

Day 07 | NUWARA ELIYA / YALA

• After Breakfast, leave for Yala.
• Arrive and check in at your hotel in Yala
• Afternoon enjoy a Jeep Safari at Yala National Park.

Overnight : Yala Heights (or similar)

Day 08 | YALA / GALLE / INDURUWA

• After the breakfast leave for Galle, and do a city tour in Galle.
• Proceed to Bentota
• Check in at your hotel & relax

Overnight : Induruwa Beach Hotel (or similar)

Day 09/10 | INDURUWA

• Spend two relaxing days by beach.

Overnight : Induruwa Beach Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 | INDURUWA / AIRPORT

• After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

Please note : you have to be at the Colombo airport 3 hours prior to your departure flight.

Day 01 | Airport / Negombo

- Arrival at Bandaranayake international airport.
- Meet with our representative who will page you , welcome you at the airport.
- Transfer to your hotel in Negombo.

Optional – Visit to a fisherman’s village.

Dinner & Overnight: Hotel in Negombo.

Day 02 | Negombo / Pinnawela / Sigiriya

07.00 am Pick up from Negombo and leave for Pinnawela. Visit an Elephant Orphanage.

PINNAWELA ELEPHANT ORPHNAGE – At this orphanage you will find elephants of all ages, which were abandoned or orphaned. They are being looked after with loving care until they are ready to be released back to the wild. The unique feature of this place is that one could feed the baby elephants with milk bottles during the feeding times. You can also watch the Elephants being bathed in a river located across the orphanage. Pinnawela is a paradise for the Elephant photographers.

- Proceed to Sigiriya.

- Lunch en-route

- Check in at your hotel and relax.

- Afternoon, visit the Sigiriya rock fortress.

SIGIRIYA – a massive monolith of red stone rises 600 feet from the green scrub jungle
to accentuate the lucid blue of the sky. How overpowering, then, this rock fortress of
Sigiriya must have been when a palace crowned it 15 centuries ago. At the brief height of
Its glory, a flowering of only 18 years in the late 5th Century, it was one of the loveliest
royal cities that ever graced the earth. And today, it is perhaps the single most
remarkable memory for visitors to Sri Lanka. Beautiful bare-breasted maidens still smile from incredible frescos paintings. Surrounding the foot of the rock, extending for several hundred meters, are Asia’s oldest surviving landscape gardens, incorporating lovely ponds around Sigiriya’s plinth of fallen boulders.

Dinner & Overnight Stay: Hotel in Sigiriya / Dambulla

Day 03 | Polonnaruwa / Minneriya

After breakfast, leave for Polonnaruwa and visit the site.

POLONNARUWA – Polonnaruwa, which is located in the North Central province, was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th century A.D. Along with Anuradhapura and Kandy, this ancient city forms one of the points of the “cultural triangle” of Sri Lanka, and contains a wealth of remarkable sites and monuments. Once the favorite country retreat of the royalty of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa was a key settlement even before the medieval period, largely due to its strategic location near the river crossings of the Mahaweli river. It was King Vijayabahu I who first established Polonnaruwa as the capital of his kingdom in 1055. The Visitor who travels the city from the south to the North will find the following monuments of perticular interest: Library Monastery, The Citadel and the palace complex and Vatadage.

Optional: Elephant ride in Habarana.

- Lunch en-route.

- Afternoon, proceed to Minneriya.

- Enjoy a jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park

MINNERIYA – 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 favorites such as samba deer, leopards and elephants. However the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rd century 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 a few) that come to fish in the shallow waters.

- Return to your hotel & relax.

Dinner & Overnight: Hotel in Sigiriya / Dambulla

Day 04 | Dambulla / Kandy

After breakfast, Leave for Dambulla & visit the cave temples

DABULLA – This World Heritage Site is one of the foremost centers of Buddhist pilgrimage as well as one of the largest cave temple complexes in South Asia. It is a major attraction for tourists and locals, who flock to see the dazzling and numerous rock and wall paintings of the Lord Buddha. The monastery itself was found in the .3rd century B.C. Of the numerous chambers found in the shelter, only five are in use today, the best known of which is the Maharaja Vihara.

- Leave for Kandy.

- En -route visit a Spice Garnen in Matale.

- Have Lunch.

- Proceed to Kandy.

- Arrive in Peradeniya and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens.

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS – This Botanical Garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.

- Enjoy some shopping in Kandy and in evening witness a beautiful Cultural show.

- Check in at your hotel & relax.

Dinner & Overnight: Hotel in Kandy

Day 05 | Kandy / Nwara-Eliya

- After an early breakfast, attend to the morning pooja at the temple of the secred tooth relic.

- Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kandy including a visit to the upper lake drive and market square.

KANDY – the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name “Kandy” conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts and crafts centre, a gem museum and a lapidary.

- Leave for Nuwara Eliya

- Lunch en-route.

Optional: Scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanuoya on the Viceroy Special Train through pristine tea gardens revealing dramatic views and scenery – up in to the cool highlands.

- Enjoy a sumptuous lunch served on board. Traveling time approx. 4 hours. Transfer from Nanuoya railway staion to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya by coaches.

- Visit a tea plantation & a tea factory at Ramboda.

- Check in at your hotel and relax.

NUWARA-ELIYA – A cool green mountain valley, the heart of Sri Lankan hill country boasts rolling hills interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. It is also acclaimed for its golf courses and amazing tea plantations.

Day 06 | Nuwara-Eliya / Colombo

- After breakfast leave for Colombo.
- En route stop at Kitulgala for lunch.

Optional: White water rafting.

- Arrive in Colombo enjoy a city tour of Colombo.

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and sea-port and until recently it’s administrative
capital, is a blend of old and new, east and west. A city which has many reminders of its European colonial past. Bustling bazaars, Buddhist and Hindu Temples and Muslim Mosques contrast with high rises, smart modern Shopping Malls and multi- national chain hotels. Sightseeing highlights include the old parliament houses, Buddhist Temple, Town Hall, and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.

Apart from excellent shopping, Colombo offers visits to one of the world’s leading tea auctions, an 18 hole Golf Course, seasonal Buddhist and Hindu pageants, international cricket tournaments, plush casinos, enjoyable evening entertainment and excellent restaurants. State-of-the-Art communications and Cyber services are available in the hotels and other outlets.

Optional: Scenic train ride from Nanuoya to Colombo on the Viceroy Special Train

- Enjoy a sumptuous lunch.

- Traveling time approx. 7 hours.

- Entertainment available on board.

- Dinner served on board.

- Transfer from Fort railway station to your hotel in Colombo by coaches.

Day 06 | Colombo / Airport

After breakfast, proceed to Airport for the departure.

Please note: You have to be at the Airport 03 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

Day 01 | AIRPORT / KANDY

Arrival at Bandaranayake international airport.

Meet with our representative who will page you at the airport

Transfer to Kandy.

Check in at your hotel & relax

Dinner & Overnight: Hotel in Kandy

Day 02 | KANDY / PINNAWELA / KANDY

After breakfast, attend to the morning pooja of the temple of the sacred tooth relic. Do a sight seeing tour of Kandy including a visit to the upper lake drive and market square.

KANDY – the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name “Kandy” conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts and crafts centre, a gem museum and a lapidary. Do some shopping in Kandy.

Have lunch.

Leave for Pinnawela & visit an Elephant Orphanage.

PINNAWELA ELEPHANT ORPHNAGE – At this orphanage you will find elephants of all ages, which were abandoned or orphaned. They are being looked after with loving care until such time they are ready to work or be freed back to the jungles. The unique feature of this place is that one could feed the baby elephants with bottles of milk during the feeding times. You can also watch Elephants bathed daily in a river located across the orphanage. Pinnawela is a paradise for the Elephant photographers.

Return to your hotel & relax.

Late evening, witness a beautiful Cultural show

Dinner & Overnight : Hotel in Kandy

Day 03 | KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA

After breakfast, Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya

Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya : This Botanical Garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.

Leave for Nuwara Eliya visiting a tea plantation & a tea factory at Ramboda.

Optional -for groups –
Scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanuoya by Viceroy Special Train Through pristine tea gardens revealing dramatic views and scenery – up in to the cool highlands.
– Enjoy a sumptuous lunch served on board.
– Traveling time approx. 4 hours.
– Transfer from Nanuoya railway station to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya by coaches.

Check in at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya & relax

Nuwara-Eliya : Cool green mountain valley and the heart of Sri Lankan hill country boasts rolling hills interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. Popular summer resort famous for its tea plantations and golf links.

Dinner & Overnight : Hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Day 04 | NUWARA ELIYA / COLOMBO

After breakfast leave for Colombo.

En route stop at Kitulgala, have lunch.
* Optional White water rafting could be arranged

Arrive in Colombo & do a city tour of Colombo.

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and sea-port and until recently its administrative
capital, is a blend of old and new, east and west. A city which has many reminders of its European colonial past. Bustling bazaars, Buddhist and Hindu Temples and Muslim Mosques contrast with high rises, smart modern Shopping Malls and multi- national chain hotels. Sightseeing highlights include the old parliament houses, Buddhist Temple, Town Hall, and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.

Apart from excellent shopping, Colombo offers visits to one of the worlds leading tea auctions, an 18 hole Golf
Course, seasonal Buddhist and Hindu pageants. international cricket tournaments, plush casinos, enjoyable evening entertainment and excellent restaurants. State-of-the-Art communications and Cyber services are available in the hotels and other outlets.

Optional – for groups:
Scenic train ride from Nanuoya to Colombo by Viceroy Special Train
– Enjoy a sumptuous lunch.
– Traveling time approx. 7 hours.
– Entertainment available on board.
– Dinner served on board
– Transfer from Fort railway station to your hotel in Colombo by coaches.

Dinner & Overnight : Hotel in Colombo

Day 05 | COLOMBO / AIRPORT

After breakfast, proceed to Airport for the departure.

Please note : You have to be at Colombo Airport 03 hours prior to the scheduled departure time

Day 01 | Airport / Kandy

Arrival at Bandaranayake international airport. Meet with our representative who will page you and welcome you at the airport.

Proceed to Kandy .

Arrive in Kandy, Check in at your hotel & relax.

Evening visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
This Botanical Garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers.

Do some shopping in Kandy & evening witness a beautiful Cultural show.

Return to your hotel & relax.

Dinner & Overnight: Hotel in Kandy

Day 02 | KANDY/ SIGIRIYA

After breakfast attend to the morning pooja of the temple of the sacred tooth relic.

Do a sight seeing tour of Kandy including a visit to the upper lake drive and market square.

KANDY - the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name “Kandy” conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts and crafts centre, a gem museum and a lapidary.

Proceed to Sigiriya, Lunch en-route

Check in at your hotel and relax.

Evening, visit the rock fortress.

SIGIRIYA - a massive monolith of red stone rises 600 feet from the green scrub jungle to Accentuate the lucid blue of the sky. How overpowering, then, this rock fortress of Sigiriya must Have been when a palace crowned it 15 centuries ago. At the brief height of its glory, a flowering of only 18years in the late 5th Century, it was one of the loveliest royal cities that ever graced the earth. And today, it is perhaps the single most remarkable memory for visitors to Sri Lanka beautiful bare-breasted maidens still smile from incredible fresco paintings. Surrounding the foot of the rock,extending for several hundred meters, are Asia’s oldest surviving landscape gardens incorporating lovely ponds around Sigiriya’s plinth of fallen boulders.

Dinner & Overnight : Hotel in Sigiriya

Day 03 | ANURADHAPURA / MIHINTALE

After breakfast leave for Anuradhapura Visit the ruins of the ancient kingdom.

Anuradhapura -The largest and oldest of all Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, Anuradhapura is a fitting climax The largest and oldest of all Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, Anuradhapura is a fitting climax to any tour of the Cultural Triangle. Arguably, it takes a bit more effort to imagine it as it was more than 2000 years ago, with palaces and huge dagobas standing up to nine storeys high, a main processional avenue 24km (16 miles) long, and the richly decorated, ostentatious mansions of Sinhalese nobles and wealthy foreign merchants. Founded by King Pandukhabaya in 437BC, by the mid-3rd century BC Anuradhapura’s fame had spread as far as the Roman-Hellenistic world of the Mediterranean and by the 1st century AD it had established trade and diplomatic links with China. The Jetavana treasures, unearthed over the past 20 years (some are now displayed in the partially completed Jetavanarama Museum, on site) show evidence of these links to east and west. Anuradhapura was the royal seat of more than 250 Buddhist and Hindu kings recorded in the royal genealogies, and the preeminent city on the island for some 1400 years.

Lunch en – route

Return back to your hotel &relax.

Overnight: Hotel in Sigiriya

DAMBULLA / HABARANA / COLOMBO

After breakfast, Leave for Dambulla & visit the cave temples.

DABULLA - This World Heritage Site is one of the foremost centers of Buddhist pilgrimage as well as one of the largest cave temple complexes in South Asia. It is a major attraction for tourists and locals, who flock to see the dazzling and numerous rock and wall paintings of the Lord Buddha. The monastery itself was found in the .3rd century B.C. Of the numerous chambers found in the shelter, only five are in use today, the best known of which is the Maharaja Vihara.

Optional : Elephant ride in Habarana

Lunch en-route.

Afternoon leave for Colombo

Arrive in Colombo & do a city tour of Colombo.

COLOMBO - Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and sea-port and until recently its administrative capital, is a blend of old and new, east and west. A city which has many reminders of its European colonial past. Bustling bazaars, Buddhist and Hindu Temples and Muslim Mosques contrast with high rises, smart modern Shopping Malls and multi-national chain hotels. Sightseeing highlights include the old parliament houses, Buddhist Temple, Town Hall, and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. Apart from excellent shopping, Colombo offers visits to one of the worlds leading tea auctions, an 18 hole Golf Course, seasonal Buddhist and Hindu pageants. international cricket tournaments, plush casinos, enjoyable evening entertainment and excellent restaurants. State-of-the-Art communications and Cyber services are available in the hotels and other outlets.

Dinner & Overnight: Hotel in Colombo

Day 05 | COLOMBO / AIRPORT

After breakfast, proceed to Airport for the departure.

Please note: You have to be at Colombo Airport 03 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

Peak Wilderness Protected Area
The historical value of the Peak Wilderness Protected Area centers on a cone-shaped mountain top called Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak that reaches a sharp peak at an elevation of 2,243m. All main religions claim the site as a sacred place of visit but according to Great Chronicle Mahawamsa, the Buddha left his Footprint on the top of the mountain. Irrespective of religious beliefs, the fact remains that it has been a pilgrimage center for over 1000 years. The first climb dates back to 1000 AD by the king Vijayabahu I who had built resting places for travelers and ancient travelers such as Marco Polo visited the place in the 13th century and Ibn Battuta a century later

The Peak wilderness Protected Area is an example of the submontane and montane rain / cloud forest. The terrain is very rugged with steep escarpments, covering about 50 % of the area. The number of globally threatened species found in this area is around 181. The 83% of indigenous fresh water fishes and 81% of the amphibians are endemic. The tiredness of three to four hour climb to the top is compensated with the mesmerizing passage. Over the centuries, right up to the present day, Adam’s Peak has grown in importance as a place for worship.

Horton Plains National Park
The environment of the Horton Plains offers some excellent hikes and treks in an amazing environment, characterized by forest patches, grasslands and some high-altitude vegetation. The most exciting and stunning feature is ‘World’s End’, where the plateau comes to a sudden end and drops almost straight for 880m.

The Horton Plains is home to an extraordinary range of fauna, including several endangered species such as the western-purple-faced langur (shaggy bear-monkey), the Horton Plains slender loris and the Sri Lankan leopard. Sambur is the main large mammal that can be seen at Horton Plains and the current population may be reaching 2000 and they are found in large numbers during the hours of the day and in the evenings in their feeding grounds. Horton Plains is also home to endemic birds of Sri Lanka, highlands butterflies are also common in the park. Diversity of endemic reptiles and amphibians are remarkably high in the area. It is also a popular tourist destination and is situated 32 km (20 miles) from Nuwara Eliya.

Knuckles Conservation Forest
The Knuckles Mountain Range lies in the central Sri Lanka, north-east of the city of Kandy. Within the massif, there are 35 peaks of which 14 are over 1500 m in altitude provide a view of rugged mountains, found nowhere else in Sri Lanka. . The most distinctive among these are a set of five peaks when viewed afar resemble the knuckles of a clenched fist. However, the inhabitants of the surrounding villages referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning mist-laden mountain range.

Knuckles represent all features of the main climatic zones, not found in any other mountain range in the country. It forms one of the world’s unique ecosystems that provide a microcosm of the entire variety of climatic conditions in the country, from extreme wet to nearly arid. Similarly, Knuckles hold a great variety of fauna and is also home to many endangered and endemic species. The flora of the Knuckles Mountain Range is recognizes as a separate floristic region within Sri Lanka

The entire area is characterized by its amazing landscapes including the mini World’ End often fascinated by hikers.. At least 10 of the 23 endemic bird species are found in this area. The 64% of amphibians and 51% of the reptiles in the area are endemic.

Sinharajah comprises 11,187 hectares of forest, measuring about 21km east to west and 3.7 km north to south. It extends from about 200 – 1000 m above mean sea level. The area reserves between 3500mm and 5000mm of rain annually. The average temperature is about 240C inside the forests, with humidity around 87%. The leeches are present in damp rainforest conditions. Instead of pulling up these unpleasant little critters, the salt or insect repellent may keep them away without any bite infection.

The most significant feature of the dominant plant life in Sinharaja Rainforest is the loftiness of the larger species. Some trees found in these forests are known to be more than 50 meters in height. The high level of humidity found in the forest creates an ideal environment for the growth of plants. The canopy trees reach heights of up to 45m, with the next layer down topping about 30m. Each layer of the forest canopy has a unique set of environmental conditions and organisms. The ground layer referred to as the lowest stratum is composed of many rare and endemic herbal plants. More than 65% of trees and woody climbers endemic to Sri Lanka’s rainforest are found in Sinharajah.

The largest carnivore in the rain forest is the leopard but they are seldom seen because of dense vegetation. The commonest larger mammal is the endemic Purple-faced-Langur. Sambar, barking deer and wild boar has been spotted regularly within forest limits. Bird watching in this ecosystem is particularly interesting because it is home to rare species of endemic birds of Sri Lanka such as Red-faced Malkoha, the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the Ashy – headed Babbler, the White- Headed Starling and the Green-billed Coucal the rarest of Sri Lankan birds. A variety of reptiles and amphibians also call these forests their home along with a range of fish species such as the striped rasbora and the walking catfish.

Even though the logging has been halted, the local villagers in the immediate vicinity of Sinharaja have been allowed to use forest resources to a limited degree. One of the main resources provided by the forest is jaggery, a sugar substitute from the Kitul Palm (Caryota urens). Another historic village tradition and source of income is the use of rattan and bamboo to manufacture baskets and other woven products.

Galle is historically a living city in comparison with Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The fortified city, complete with fourteen bastions is located around 40 hectares. It is a unique example of town planning, architecture and engineering of yesteryear. It is also interesting to note the final product is a blend of the east and west cultures and skill. Whilst the conception and design of the fort is western, the materials, building techniques and the labor that implemented such a task were Sri Lankan. A walk along the ramparts at sun-set is a must to experience the old world charm.

The original Dutch buildings inside the fort were designed with thick masonry walls and tiles roofs to be insulated from the sun. The streets and houses within the fort, many with their original names and cobblestoned path let us in to the past. It has a well laid out road network which have hardly changed. Another unique feature is the original sewer system from the 17th century, flushed with sea water controlled by a pumping station formerly activated by a windmill. This is a natural way of discarding waste and materials.
Most of the buildings which are now heritage monuments such as the Oriental Hotel (Amangalla Hotel), originally built as lodgings for the Dutch Governor and his staff and then used as an officer’s mess by the British. The Dutch Reformed Church was built in 1755 is another place of historical interest. The Dutch entrance to the fort with it VOC with 1669 carved in the inner archway is still in use. Many visitors like to spend the evening enjoying wonderful sceneries surrounding the Galle Fort and Harbour.