Day 1: Arrival Colombo – Negombo (75 Km – 1.5 Hrs)
Upon arrival at Colombo Airport our representative will meet and greet you before guiding you to the transfer to your hotel in Negombo. Settle in your room before spending the rest of this first day at leisure.
Located within a close range to Bandaranaike International Airport, Negombo - the cinnamon hub of the Colonization of Dutch - offers some of the most exiting diving stretches in the country. With quite a pleasant beach and lagoon, watch how Negombo dishes out some of the best lobsters, prawns and crabs found in the country, right on to your table or simply grab your kiteboards for an enthralling fly over crashing waves. Today Negombo also represents an ultimate nightlife featuring bars, disco bars and clubs. So, jazz up to the rhythm of the West, and be ready for a night of 'fest', because at Negombo everything is 'best'.
Overnight in Negombo
Day 2: Negombo – Anuradhapura (170 Kms – 3.5 Hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel visit the local fish market & fish drying area. The Negombo Fish Market takes place right on the beach, fresh from fishing boats. Crowds of fishermen are seen untangling their fishing nets, playing with their kids, and stretching out miles of fish to dry in the sun on Negombo's shore. Take a stroll around the market to witness how the local fishermen handle the process of fish drying by the sea. Next, transfer to Chilaw to visit Munneshwaram Hindu Kovil. Munneswaram Hindu Temple is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of the ancient Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Shiva in the region. Then, transfer to Anuradhapura and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Anuradhapura
Day 3: Anuradhapura – Wilpattu National Park – Anuradhapura (80 Kms – 1.5 Hrs)
After breakfast at hotel visit Wilpattu National Park. This is the land haunted by big cats of the island paradise. Recording a vast number of Sri Lankan Leopards - smarter looking than its Indian cousin - Wilpattu National Park has been named due to 'Willus' (Natural Lakes) studded throughout the park. Apart from big cats and precious flora, the park is well known for a healthy population of elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, mongoose and water buffalo. Do not be surprised if the squeal of a helpless wild boar pierce through your ears, just observe closer and you might be presented with a fantastic hunt because it is all action that speaks at Wilpattu. Then, return to your hotel and in the evening visit Anuradhapura ancient kingdom. Commanding a rich Sri Lankan heritage, Anuradhapura – one of the greatest and oldest civilization in the world starring 113 kings and spanning over 1300 years in its peak, vows of being the greatest city of ancient Sri Lanka following its reign as the first capital. The sapphire of its crown is certainly the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred BO sapling extracted from the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Standing more than 220 years in its pride. Stroll through the sacred trails of the venerated city to adore the legacy that interweaves Ruwanweliseya. The heritage, Supremacy and culture arguably makes Anuradhapura the strongest kingdom of Sri Lanka.
Overnight in Anuradhapura
Day 4: Anuradhapura – Sigiriya – Hiriwadunna – Dambulla (90 Kms – 2 Hrs)
After breakfast at hotel transfer to Sigiriya and visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site - Sigiriya - does not only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' - overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below - to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts and 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. Next, visit Hiriwadunna village. The scenic village of Hiriwadunna with its unpaved gravel paths and humble village folk. Shaded on either side by dry zone shrub forest, the dusty gravel path and subsequently the red soil of the tank bund will lead the visitors to an indigo reservoir which sets a stunning contrast of colors. A line of cormorants flying in formation will eventually stop to rest on a cormorant tree and the butterflies and dragonflies found at the edge of the shrubs create a kaleidoscope of color that rivals the equally vibrant wild flowers. As you walk further the sight of Sigiriya rock fortress appears in the vicinity against the silent and still waters of the reservoir which is rippled only by a lone fisherman mounted on his catamaran. Soon it’s already time to take a catamaran ride! Across the reservoir awaits a Chena farmer’s modest home; a setting that takes you back a few decades to enjoy a black Ceylonese tea brewed by the farmer’s wife. Experience the simple pleasures of village-life as you walk across the Chena cultivations and through the nearby woods, to board a bullock cart – yet another ancient mode of the humble villagers’ transportation. At the end of the tour transfer to Dambulla and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Dambulla
Day 5: Dambulla – Matale – Kandy (90 Kms – 2 Hrs)
After breakfast at hotel 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. Next, visit Dambulla vegetable market and experience how the village folk trade the home grown vegetables that’s distributed around the island. Even if you’re not looking to buy a truckload of bananas, this vast wholesale market south of the centre offers a fascinating look at the vast range of produce grown in Sri Lanka. What you see being carted about with manic energy (be careful and stay out of everybody’s way) will be sold in Colombo tomorrow. Then, transfer from Dambulla to Matale to visit a Spice Garden. An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices. 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 and processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you want a real town adventure filled with voices and colors. Then, transfer from Matale to Kandy and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Kandy
Day 6: Kandy – Colombo (90 Kms – 2 Hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Then, explore Kandy City. Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy - the World Heritage Site and last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings - crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. 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 latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Fine tube your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka. Then, transfer to Colombo and enjoy an evening City tour in Colombo. 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 and tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah and tune into the Floating Market - an offbeat shopping experience - or feel the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City - an offshore city - featuring parks, commercial complexes and even an F1 track. Proceed along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic way post, 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 Colombo. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing best fashion, jewelry & handicraft brands. Smell the scent of incense while listening to the chiming bells of Gangarama temple. Or, jazz up to Colombo's night life spiced by night clubs & casinos that borderline its bustle. If you're lucky, head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna that should just drive your day into perfection!
Overnight in Colombo
Day 7: Departure Colombo
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Colombo Airport for your departure flight.
