Day 1: Arrival Colombo – Silver Temple – Habarana (170km – 4hrs)
Meet and assist on arrival at Airport a representative and transfer from Airport to Silver Temple. Tucked away in beautiful rolling countryside, in a small village called Ridigama (Silver village) 15 km west of the Kandy - Dambulla highway, roughly equidistant between Matale and Kurunagala, hidden away behind is a small monastery cave temple of Ridi Vihara. The huge boulder that looms over the whole temple complex is home to the local wild bee population. Their nests bulge below the overhang. Savour dinner at the hotel. Please note alcohol will not be served in public areas in hotels and restaurants during religious holidays.
Overnight in Habarana.
Day 2: Habarana – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Habarana(120km – 3hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Sigiriya. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts & moats the Lion Rock - resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta-style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries. Evening visit to Polonnaruwa. Walk across its scattered walls of the World Heritage Site, blessed by stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures, while observing the relic house which boasts beautiful stone carvings. Take a close glance and you will realize a subtle Hindu influence on architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa, or sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its huge Buddhist statues. Nissankamalla Council Chamber is, however, a head-spinning beauty to just sit back and observe with its swaying pillars reminding the aesthetics of a powerful kingdom which rests beside Parakrama Samudraya - the sea of Parakramabahu & masterpiece of irrigation! Return to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Habarana.
Day 3: Habarana – Dambulla – Matale – Kandy (95km – 2.5hrs)
Indulge with breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Kandy. En-route visit Dambulla cave temple. In the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting. Transfer from Dambulla to Matale. Visit a spice garden in Matale. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden, into which you will be most welcome and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colours. Transfer from Matale to Kandy, visit Kandy city and evening witness the Kandy cultural show. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town, cradled among the misty hills, will feature the Kandy City Centre, bundled with the latest and world-class brands, a bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Walk-in colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tube your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka. Savour dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Kandy.
Day 4: Kandy – Peradeniya – Tea Plantation – Nuwara Eliya (80 Km – 2.5hrs)
Delight with breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nuwara Eliya. On the way visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya - today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy - is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights - the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree - of this place which overflow in grace. Next, visit a Tea Plantation. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea. Transfer from Tea Plantation to Nuwara Eliya. Savour dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya – Kitulgala – Colombo (170km – 4.5hrs)
Wake up to a rich breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Colombo via Kitulgala. If adventure close to Colombo is your pick, then Kitulgala is your bliss! Grab your gear and toss into the wild rapids for a seamless rafting challenge on white water, thundering downstream throwing rafters far & wide. Hop from rock to rock upstream for a mind-blowing waterfall jump that should strain your voice to the core or slide down to the darkest depths of caves haunted by millions of bats. If hardcore adventurism is not for you, then simply trek along the beaten track to admire the immaculate beauty of the wilderness. Transfer from Kitulgala to Colombo - Evening visit Colombo city. Drive along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course, horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah & tune into the Floating Market, an offbeat shopping experience, or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City. Head along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic waypost, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing the best fashion, jewellery & handicraft brands. Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Or, jazz up to Colombo's nightlife spiced by night clubs & casinos that borderline its bustle. Savour dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Colombo.
Day 6: Departure Colombo (35km – 1hr)
One last breakfast at the hotel and transfer from Colombo to the airport for departure.
