DAY 01 (Airport - Sigiriya)

 

Arrival at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka, the tropical paradise, will be met and assisted by representative of Crystal Holidays and transfer to Sigiriya

Check-in at the hotel.

In the late afternoon explore on an Elephant back safari is not just a ride on the largest animal in Sri Lanka , it's an unforgettable experience where clients get to interact with the elephants as well as enjoy a ride through wilderness areas and beautiful riverine scenery.

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Sigiriya / Dambulla

 

Sigiriya - Home to the 5th century ‘Fortress in the Sky’ built by King Kasyapa which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island.  It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress.  Within its triple-moated defense, the huge rock rises to a sheer height of almost 500 feet.  On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool.  On one of the stairways, the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survives in the form of frescoes of life-sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colours.

 

Elephant back safaris - in Sri Lanka are one of the newest and most thrilling safari experiences in Sri Lanka. These safaris not only make it possible to view wildlife from the back of an elephant, but perhaps more importantly, provide the unique opportunity to share a day in the life of the elephant

 

 

 

 

DAY 02 (Sigiriya - Hiriwadunna - Sigiriya)

 

After breakfast, proceed for the scenic village of Hiriwadunna, for a 03 hour trek through this archetypal Sri Lankan village. The trek begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa (man-made reservoir). The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of the trek. Sight the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect Chena cultivation (slash and burn agriculture).

 

Enjoy the farmer's humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot and join in the preparation of a simple meal prepared in the traditional method using earthenware pots and firewood as fuel. This is great opportunity to sample authentic local cuisine. The journey continues through dense shrub forests, home to many forest birds and other wildlife including monkeys, bear, python and even elephant.

 

In the afternoon climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress the world Heritage Site and see the famous decorated its sides with colorful frescoes.

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Sigiriya / Dambulla

 

Sigiriya Rock Fortress - This rock is one of the major attractions in Sri Lanka. King Kassapa built this fortress to protect himself from his half-brother Mogallana, the rightful heir of the throne. Visiting Sigiriya would be a rock climbing expedition of sorts, visitors need to allocate 2-3 hours to explore all features of the rock and the best times to climb the rock would be early morning and late afternoon.

 

 

 

 

DAY 03 (Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Ritigala - Sigiriya)

 

After breakfast, excursion to World Heritage Site Polonnaruwa by bicycle, home to some of medieval Sri Lanka’s finest art and architecture, including the giant Buddha statues of the Gal Vihara.Visit the wonderful ancient relics at Polonnaruwa

Return to the hotel

 

 

In the afternoon visit Ritigala Nature Reserve by Jeep, This is an ancient Buddhist monastery and mountain in Sri Lanka and is also a paradise for bird lovers, being home to several endangered bird species, including the Black eagle, Grey hornbill, Sri Lanka spur fowl, Malabar pied hornbill and spot-winged thrush.

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Sigiriya / Dambulla

 

Polonnaruwa – A ‘World Heritage Site’, Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century AD. Great revival was achieved in the country, politically, economically and socially during the periods of kings Vijayabahu 1, Parakramabahu 1 and Nissankamalla. The monuments here are better preserved than at Anuradhapura - the previous capital. Parakrama statue, royal palaces, audience halls, Vata-da-ge, Thuparama, Rankoth Vehera, Kiri Vehera, Gal Vihara, Lankathilaka & Thivanka Image House are some of the interesting monuments here.

 

Ritigala - is also a biodiversity hot spot in the dry zone. The steep mountain clad in evergreen foliage is covered with dense jungle and is the watershed of the Malwatu Oya which feeds the Nachauwa tank and Kalueba Ela which in turn feeds Huruluwewa. Beyond where the human trail ends, it is said that the jungle is home to wild elephants, leopards, sloth bears and diverse bird life.

 

 

 

DAY 04 (Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy)

 

After breakfast, leave for Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka is a World Heritage Site and has number of tourist attractions.

En route visit Dambulla Rock Cave Temple crammed with Buddhist statues and decorated with Sri Lanka’s finest murals

Check-in at the hotel

 

Visit wonderful Buddhist Temple of the Tooth Relic and also witness a Cultural Dance performance in the evening.

Dinner & overnight stay in Kandy

 

Kandy - The hill capital; venue of the annual Esala Perahera (Local festival in Kandy); the last stronghold of the Sinhala kings, was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Surrounded by hills, the Mahaweli River and the virgin forest, it is the center of Buddhism, arts, crafts and culture in Sri Lanka. Kandy is an example of Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today.  Temples, shrines and monasteries keep Buddhist traditions alive. To Buddhists of Sri Lanka and the world, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the ‘Dalada Maligawa’ - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. One would always return a second time to this beautiful city.

 

Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) – 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. 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 05 (Kandy - Knuckles)

 

After breakfast, start the sightseeing tour of Kandy, visit Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya which is a paradise for nature lovers, Upper Lake, Market and Gem Museum & Shopping etc..,

Thereafter leave for Knuckles Range, is one such popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka that is ideally suited for both amateur and veteran hikers.

In the afternoon 3 – 4 hour hike through dense deciduous forests and typical villages with breathtaking views of the deep valley below them knuckles

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Knuckles

 

Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya – Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the kings of Kandy, 147 acres in extent, it has more than 4,000 species of rare and endemic trees and plants as well as flora from the tropical world. This is a haven not only for scientists but to every nature lover too. The Spice Garden and Orchid House within the Gardens are popular with tourists.

 

Knuckles Mountain Range - as its name suggests, is formed in a shape of a human fist. Spreading over 155 sq km and bordering the Kandy and Matale Administrative Districts, Knuckles Mountain Range that consists of about 35 mountain peaks rising over 915 m is the most popular trekking and hiking site of Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

 

DAY 06 (Kunckles)

 

After breakfast, another hike of about 3 – 4 hours by Knuckles, The trek begins from a tea plantation at the base of the range. The days programme is a climb on rough trails through the plantation, which progresses through scrub jungle and forests descending in to the valley on the eastern side of the range to the little farming village of Meemure, which is only accessible by foot.

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Knuckles

 

 

 

DAY 07 (Knuckles - Nuwaraeliya)

 

After breakfast, leave for Nuwara Eliya, is one of the most scenic city & Little England of Sri Lanka

On the way visit a working Tea factory and drive up through the hills through lush and green Tea plantations

In the evening enjoy a Nuwara Eliya City tour.

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

 

Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations and is 6,200 feet above sea level. In 1826 some British Officers out on shooting, chanced on Nuwara Eliya plains, and Sir Edward Barnes investigated on it. In 1828 a road was constructed over the ridge at Ramboda Pass and a station for convalescent soldiers was established. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the Island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature does drop at night. The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic. Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom during spring (March to May) and fall between August and September.

 

Tea Plantations - Tea was first planted in Sri Lanka in 1824 at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, when a few plants were brought from China. More were introduced from Assam in 1839. In 1867, a Scottish planter named James Taylor planted tea seedlings in 8 hectares of forestland in the Loolkondura Estate. In 1873, the tea export industry of Sri Lanka began with a modest 23 lbs. being shipped to London. Today more than 200,000 hectares in highlands and other areas are under tea and around 300 million kilograms (25% of world tea exports) are exported by Sri Lanka as the world’s largest tea exporter. Tea grows only on rolling terrain and is classified by elevation into Low Grown, Medi um grown & High Grown.

 

 

 

DAY 08 (Nuwaraeliya - Hortons Plains - Nuwaraeliya)

 

After breakfast, excursion to Horton Plains National Park & Worlds end, which is approximately 10,000 Hectares in extent, is haunted by Elk, Deer, Giant Squirrel, Wild Boar, Wild Hare , Porcupine, and a variety of Migratory birds, unique to this region. According to a recent count there are 16 Leopards in Horton Plains. If you are very lucky you may get a glimpse of a Leopard during your sojourn in the Horton Plains.

Return to the hotel

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

 

Horton Plains National Park – This Park harbours 52 species of resident birds and 11 species of migrant birds. More than 2,000 to 3,000 sambar, bear, monkey, leopard, barking deer, giant squirrel, fishing cat, wild boar and hare roam in the forests and grasslands but only seldom they could be seen other than the sambar in the evening and morning.

 

World's End is located in Horton Plains National Park of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. It is a sheer cliff, with a drop of about 4,000 feet (1,200 m). It is one of the most visited parts of Horton Plains National Park.

1 km away from the main cliff is a smaller cliff with a 1,000 feet (300 m) drop, known as Small World's End. The Indian Ocean, which is 81 km away to the south, can be seen on clear days.

 

 

 

DAY 09 - 10 - 11 (Nuwaraeliya - Ella)

 

After breakfast, drive to Ella, set in a dramatic location amid tea plantations on the edge of the hill country.

Stop at Ella, the view from Ella gap is one of the most spectacular scenic sights in Sri Lanka. The landscape falls away in a dizzy drop of 3000 feet to the eastern plains

 

Ella is a wonderful place to trek through, with its breath taking views and varying landscape. One day treks as well as 2 to 3 days treks are available, depending on your preference. The trails will take you through dense forests, past rivers and cascading waterfalls and into nearby villages, where you can share their lifestyle and culture during your brief sojourn.You can also ascend to the Ella Rock and traverse the tea plantations, while drinking in the awe-inspiring views all around

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Ella

 

Ella – Situated on the leeward side of the central mountains, Ella is a small quiet village with a pollution-free environment and a handful of shops & guest houses. The view from Ella Gap is one of the most spectacular sights in Sri Lanka - the landscape falls away in a dizzy drop of about 3,000 feet to the eastern plains. The Ella Rock is famous for the cave of Ravana, a legendary king of Sri Lanka who ruled during the pre-historic times. The 1080-foot high Ella Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.

 

 

 

DAY 10 (Ella)

 

Trekking at Ella

 

As if the magnificent view through Ella Gap wouldn't do, Ella provides enchanting trekking opportunities with spectacular sceneries among the tea plantations, temples, pine forests and waterfalls. Ella is an excellent base for keen trekkers to explore & discover the surrounding countryside. The largest mountain of the mountain range, Little Adam's Peak can be reached through a tea estate. We can also visit Uva Halpewaththa Tea Factory. We will stroll down the Ella Gap along the railway track & close to an iron bridge is Rawana Ella Falls (90m) which plunge magnificently down a series of rock faces. We can even climb over the rocks up the falls escorted by monkeys scampering up & down the rocks. A path close to the safe bathing area tempts you to trekking in that direction too. Still more, we will organize paragliding, canoeing, camping & rock climbing.

 

 

 

 

DAY 11 (Ella - Udawalawe)

 

After breakfast, leave for Udawalawe National Park of Sri Lanka is known for its amazing tourism, wildlife, safaris, elephants, elephant orphanage, hotels, animals and birds.

 

Safari game drive will provide you chances of spotting many herds of Elephants and other animals such as Crocodiles, Deer and Birds. On the same day we do an evening Safari game drive too for many Elephant sightings. If you are lucky enough you may see a Leopard or two.

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Udawalawe

 

Udawalawe National Park - with an area of 30,821 hectares, this park covers the catchment area of Uda Walawe Reservoir with boundaries running into Ratnapura and Monaragala districts at the southeastern part of Sri Lanka. Haputale & Kaltota mountain ranges, seen from the park give a picturesque view. It provides a home for displaced animals from Walawe Development Project. Rich in elephant population, the park is having an estimated 500 or more elephants. They roam about in herds of 50-100 at times. The park is known to be a good breeding ground for baby elephants, guarded by their elders and seen round the year. To see elephants in their natural habitat, visitors are advised to travel in Jungle Green vehicles and similar coloured clothes since elephants quickly spot white and bright colours.

 

 

 

DAY 12 (Udawalawe - Singharaja)

 

After breakfast, leave for Sinharaja, The World Heritage Virgin Rain Forest Cover in Sri Lanka.

 

Trek in Sinharaja, This walk enables you to witness many of fauna and flora of the rain forest. You will be walking under the shade of thick rain forest canopy which keeps the forest under low light.

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Sinharaja

 

Sinharaja - is the only ‘World Heritage Site’ rainforest in Sri Lanka, with a very high rate of bio-diversity. The vegetation is tropical wet evergreen forest and the area under the reserve is 11,187 hectares. Out of the 331 woody trees and lianas identified, 192 (60%) are endemic to Sinharaja. As for fauna, 141 bird species (about 34 endemic), 65 species of butterflies (1 endemic), 10 species of fish (7 endemic), 19 species of amphibians (8 endemic), 29 species of reptiles & snakes (14 endemic) and 40 species of mammals (7 endemic) have been recorded. Sinharaja is the only relatively undisturbed rain forest of any considerable size and many of the plants are very rare and are represented by only one individual of its kind in a large area.

 

 

 

 

 

DAY 13 (Sigharaja - Kitulgala)

 

After breakfast, leave for Kitulgala, is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka. It is in the wet zone rain forest, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in the country.

 

Spend much needed quality time together, strengthen family bounds, recharge tired minds and bodies, and indulge in weekend of thrills and pleasures, what better way than a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of the city to the most pictorials site in Sri Lanka, Kithulgala. We are luckiest to own the most beautiful area of the flowing river and the natural pool in Kitulgala with Natural River Pool bath, and Buffet Lunch of Sri Lankan Menu and any verity of your choice.

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Kitulgala

 

Kitulgala - this small town, blessed with a beautiful location, is an ideal stopover destination on the cross roads for many travellers. Adventure junkies flock for the whitewater rafting – the best in Sri Lanka – and movie buffs can still admire the original location for David Lean's award winning classic "Bridge on the River Kwai".

 

 

 

 

DAY 14 (Kitulgala - Colombo)

 

After breakfast, leave for Colombo, a port city, with a rich colonial heritage, on the Western coast is a potpourri of races, religions and cultures.

Start sightseeing tour & shopping tour to witness the charm of Colombo

Check-in at the hotel

 

Dinner & overnight stay in Colombo

 

Colombo - A drive through the city will take you to Fort and Pettah - the commercial area of the city and tree-lined Colombo 7 - Cinnamon Gardens. Colombo 3, 4, 5 & 8 are the prime residential areas of the City. Visit Fort and Pettah for shopping. The Hindu Temple at Sea Street - lined with goldsmith shops, the Dutch Church at Wolfendhal dating back to 1749, the historic Devatagaha Mosque, Independence Square, BMICH, National Zoological Gardens and Colombo Museum are some of the attractions in Colombo.

 

 

 

DAY 15 (Colombo - Airpot)

 

After breakfast, proceed to Airport in time to check in for your departure flight.

 

END OF TOUR