Sri Lanka Complete

In the morning: arrival in Sri Lanka

Arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport and assistance of our representative of Arenatours. Depart for Colombo.

Afternoon: Tour of the city of Colombo

The tour includes a visit to the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, where we will see The Independence square, the fortress, the Bazaar, the Hindu temple, the Cinnamon gardens and the old Parliament. Colombo, as many capitals of developing countries, is changing quickly, although in some parts the charm of the old world can still be found. Registration and accommodation at the selected hotel in Colombo. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Morning: visits to Yapahuwa and Haththikuchchi

Breakfast and depart towards Anuradhapura, the first route visit of Yapahuwa Fortress. Built on a huge rock in the style of the Sigiriya rock fortress, Yapahuwa was a military bastion against the foreign invaders. The Yapahuwa old fortress and capital, was built in the year 1273. Then we will stop at Haththikuchchi ("Belly elephant") an impressive rock temple, built in the 1st century BC, which is also closely associated with the legend of the heroic life of King Sri Sangabo.

In the afternoon: arrival at Anuradhapura

Registration and accommodation at the selected hotel in Anuradhapura. Dinner and rest at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and city tour in Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura (205Km from Colombo) was the first and largest capital city in Ceylon. It is known for its well-preserved ruins. It is currently protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site, for its archaeological and historical interest. Founded in the century IV B. C. was the capital of the United of Anuradhapura until the start of the IX. Century. During this period it was one of the most stable and lasting centers of political power in South Asia. Today, this ancient city, sacred to Buddhism, whose surrounding monasteries covers an area of more than 40 Km2, is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.

Afternoon: visit to Mihintale

We will get to know about the city of Mihintale, cradle of the Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the year 247 B. C. Since then it has become a place of great religious and historical significance that annually attracts thousands of pilgrims, mostly in the time of the full moon in June, to mark the official introduction of Buddhism in the country. Legend says that the Mihintale sacred mountain, located 13 km east of Anuradhapura, was sanctified by Buddha. It is considered one of the 16 sacred sites of Sri Lanka. You can enjoy a breathtaking landscape and immerse yourself in this culture. The area includes a monastic complex, stupas, dagobas and a hospital. While some of the buildings are in almost perfect condition, others are in ruins. Return to the hotel in Habarana. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Morning: visit to the village of Aukana

Breakfast at hotel and depart to Sigiriya. On route, located near the great Kala Wewa, you will see the old rain water tank, and visit the village of Aukana which is the home of the oldest and best preserved statues of Sri Lanka.

Afternoon: visit the rock fortress of Sigiriya

We will ascend up to the impressive fortress of the rock of Sigiriya located in high red stone monolith at 180 m above the jungle. Dating back to the 5th century, it is heritage, built by King Kashyapa (477 – 495 ad). The "Lion Rock" is a Citadel of extraordinary beauty that rises 200 metres above the jungle. The rock was the most hidden fortress of a city of 70 hectares. There is a moat, a wall and enormous gardens including the famous irrigation system that surrounds the base of the rock. We will visit the famous frescoes of the "divine ladies" of Sigiriya in a nook protected from the rock, where you can get by a spiral staircase. Considered one of the eight wonders of the ancient world, there are sufficient remains to impress visitors with a sweeping view of the ingenuity and creativity of the builders. Registration and accommodation at the selected hotel in Sigiriya. Dinner and rest at hotel.

Morning: Ritigala Natural Reserve Tour

Breakfast and visit Ritigala Natural Reserve. You will get through the jungle of Ritigala crossing an awesome spot. Located at the top of a hill from where you can admire the wonderful landscape as well as the remains of temples where the senior Buddhist monks of the highest order used to live. Likewise, Ritigala was also the residence of the originating Sinhalese kings. These settlements are 2,500 years old.

Afternoon: visit to Habarana

In the afternoon we will go to Habarana, a small town in the District of Anuradhapura. Habarana is a popular tourist destination for Safari lovers, in fact, it is the starting point for safaris through the jungle, near the Minneriya sanctuary, and densely populated by elephants, that are one of the main attractions of the city. In the evening, you can enjoy an exciting elephant riding excursion. Return to the selected hotel Sigiriya. Dinner and rest at hotel.

Morning: City tour in Polonnaruwa

Breakfast at the hotel and city tour. Medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th century to the 13th ad. The old city is considered to be the "Renaissance jewel" of Sinhala architecture. You can admire the great monuments which are scattered in the jungle, on the shores of a vast swamp, such as the colossal figure sculpted in rock King Parakramabahu, the Royal Palace, the halls of audiences, the formidable Temple of images of Thuparama, etc... You will visit the fabulous statues of the Gal Vihara, being the famous reclining Buddha of 14 metres of length one of the most outstanding of them. Finally you will see the new Museum, where all the sights of the area are represented in different modules.

In the afternoon: visit of Medirigirya

In the afternoon, visit to Medirigirya. This beautiful Vatadage, built on a rock, contains Brahmi letters in the center. Three pillars of rock surrounded by four statues of Buddha, situated facing the four cardinal points. Pleasant place surrounded by nature. Return to the selected hotel Sigiriya. Dinner and rest at hotel.

Morning: visit the Temple of Dambulla and the garden of spices of Matale

Breakfast at hotel and departure to the city of Kandy. On the road to Kandy visit the Dambulla rock Temple, built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC. Dambulla is heritage and the most impressive temple-cave of Sri Lanka. The complex of five caves of over 2000 m2 of murals and painted ceilings is the largest area of paintings of this type found in the world. The route is completed with a visit to the garden of spices from Matale, where you can enjoy a small massage in your neck with the ancient Ayurvedic techniques and buy spices and seasonings. Registration at the selected hotel in Kandy

Afternoon: Tour of the city of Kandy

Kandy was the last capital of the Kings of Sri Lanka and is heritage. The name "Kandy" conjures up visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still alive in this city. We will pass around Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhalese King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Representation of a cultural show in the afternoon on 18.00 h Kandyan Dance, dances with traditional masks. We will visit the Dalada Maligawa, Temple of the holy tooth of Buddha. You can also visit the Bazaar, a crafts Center, a Museum of precious stones, etc. About 19.00 h we will attend the ceremony Pooja, religious tradition which is performed daily by the Maligawa. Finally, we will visit Raja Wasala, complex of the Royal Palace, whose wooden pillars hall dates from the year 1784. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kandy.

Morning: visit to the Royal Botanic Garden

Breakfast and visit to the Royal Botanic Garden. The Royal Botanic Garden was originally built as a garden of enjoyment by a Sinhalese King and was later expanded by the British. Its extension is almost a 60-hectare, offering an incredible variety of trees, plants and flowers.

Afternoon: visit to the Pinnawala elephant orphanage

Then visit to the Pinnawala elephant orphanage, established in 1975. It began with several orphaned elephants. Today, several of these orphans are lucky to see their grandchildren born in the same place. Initially, the objective of founding the orphanage was mainly tourism, but soon it became a Center for conservation and education. Baby elephant feeding time 9.15 hrs. 13:15 hrs and 16:15 hrs. Bath time 10:00 hrs 14:00 hrs and 17:00 hrs. Return to the hotel in Kandy. Dinner and rest at hotel.

Morning: Tour to Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast and depart to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya, due to its healthy climate of mountain and landscape, is the most famous place in Sri Lanka for a mountain holiday. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka tea production; a green mantle covers completely these mountains. You can taste a cup of tea from the very heart of Sri Lanka.

In the afternoon: visit to the tea plantations and factories

You will visit one of the tea production factories where you will learn about the different processes and various qualities. Registrate at the selected hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Dinner and rest at hotel.

In the morning: Tour to the Horton Plains National Park

Early in the morning, depart by road to visit Horton Plains National Park. Breakfast picnic along the way. The National Park of the plains of Horton in Sri Lanka is definitely one of the best reserves and place of nature in the world for eco-tourism. The Park is extremely beautiful, especially the Rolling Hills.

Afternoon: visit to the Bogoda bridge

Continuation of the route to Bandarawela. Registration in the hotel of Bandarawela. In the afternoon visit to Bogoda, which is a wooden bridge that is said to be the oldest in the world. Dinner and rest at the Bandarawela hotel.

Morning: visit to the waterfall of Ravana and Buduruwagala

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Kataragama via the Wellawaya road to Buttala. On route we will admire the waterfall of Ravana (8mts). Continue towards Buduruwagala where you will see a group of 7 colossal Buddhist Mahayana standing figures in rock, carved in relief, in the VIII-X A.D. centuries, facing the cliff in the thick jungle. Its central figure is 16 meters.

Afternoon: Kataragama tour

Kataragama is located in the southeast of the island and is considered to be a sacred point of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus as well. Also, Visit to the Kataragama temple to attend the ritual Pooja at 18:30 h. Registration and accommodation at the selected hotel Kataragama. Dinner and rest at hotel.

Morning: visit to the Hermitage Nimalawa (Araniya)

Breakfast at hotel and depart to Hermitage Nimalawa (Araniya), ancient monastery where about a dozen of bhikkus (men who live for the soul) reside in "kutties" or units of meditation. The Araniya is located at the sanctuary Nimalawa, forming part of the protected Area of Yala.

In the afternoon: Safari in Yala National Park

In the afternoon, at 15:00 h we will get on 4 × 4 jeeps to go on a safari park in Yala, located in the southeast of the island, where you can see different species, such as elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, crocodiles and with a little luck, some Leopard. Back to the hotel from Kataragama. Dinner and rest at hotel.

In the morning: Tour to Weligama

Breakfast and depart by road from Hambantota to Weligama, where you can observe the famous technique employed by native fishermen, nailing a mast and a sleeper that serves as support. These fishermen, who are called stilt fisherman, manage to stand on these for hours. A spectacle worth watching. Then you will visit the outdoor fish market, where you can find the freshest and most succulent fish in the country.

Afternoon: visit to Galle

In the afternoon, we will visit Galle, the capital of Sri Lanka during the Dutch period, also declared a world heritage by UNESCO. We will visit the Fortress, situated on a headland, protected by towers of Defense and a hexagonal wall, stroll through the streets of Galle or even do some shopping before departing. Registration and accommodation at the selected hotel in Wadduwa. Dinner and rest at hotel.

Colombo city tour (optional) and departure from Sri Lanka

Breakfast in the hotel. If your flight leaves in the evening you can go on a tour around the city of Colombo in the morning. It’s the capital of Sri Lanka and there you will see the Independence square, the Fortress, the Bazaar, the Hindu temple, the Cinnamon gardens and the old Parliament. Colombo, as many capitals of developing countries is changing rapidly; though in some parts you can still enjoy the old world charm. Transfer to Colombo airport to take the flight.