DAY 01 – ARRIVE COLOMBO

AYUBOWAN!!! WELCOME TO SRI LANKA!!!

On arrival (0330 hrs) you will be met and greeted at the Bandaranaike International Airport with “Araliya” (Frangipani) Garlands and transferred directly to Colombo – commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

Airport to Colombo – approximately 37 KM / 50 Minutes

B’Fast buffet at hotel.

Check-into hotel by Afternoon

Lunch at a local restaurant in Colombo.

Colombo – the trade and commercial capital has long been the traditional gateway to the Orient. Sri Lanka’s largest city, it is located on the west coast and draws together all the cultures, religions and influences of foreign lands into a pot-pourri of sounds, smells and a kaleidoscope of colour. The original traders and settlers - the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and the British have left in their wake churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and food and smatterings of their languages which have been absorbed into the speech of the Sri Lankan. Today, Colombo is a fascinating city - a happy blend of east & west, past & present, with a charm of its own. A less known but amazingly true fact is that Colombo has a superb range of high quality restaurants serving food from all over the world and some of the best shopping opportunities in Asia.

Dinner at a local restaurant in Colombo.

Overnight at Galle Face - Colombo (4 star – Regency Wing Standard on BB basis) – www.gallefacehotel.comOR

Ramada Colombo – (4 star – Standard on BB basis ) - www.ramadacolombo.com

DAY 02 - COLOMBO – PINNAWALA - HABARANA

After breakfast, you will proceed to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Colombo to Pinnawala – approximately 95 KM / 02 ½ Hours

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – set amongst the verdant hills of Kegalle is a unique orphanage, where the tiny tots weigh 60 kg or more. This is the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the world's first and only elephant orphanage established to feed, nurse and house young elephants lost or abandoned by their mothers. Other occupants are elephants displaced from their natural environs by development projects or those found wounded. Visitors could see the baby elephants being fed milk from gigantic feeding bottles or bathed in the river which flows nearby – an unforgettable sight! Established in 1975, by the Wildlife Department and National Zoological gardens which subsequently led to a breeding programme through which more than twenty five elephants have been born since 1984.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Pinnawala (along the river).

After lunch, continue towards Habarana – an integral part of the Cultural hub of Sri Lanka. On arrival, check-in to your room. Pinnawala to Habarana – approximately 110 KM / 02 ½ Hours

Late afternoon, enjoy a 4WD jeep safari in Minneriya aria National Park Minneriya National Park is a national park in north central province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale & Polonnaruwa districts.

Dinner at Chaaya Village.

Overnight at Chaaya Village - Habarana (4 star Superior rooms on HB basis) – www.cinnamonhotels.com

DAY 03 – HABARANA

After an early breakfast today you will climb Sigiriya, one of the UNESCO World heritage sights.

Sigiriya – this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town and the base is ringed by a moat, rampart, and extensive gardens. The world-renowned frescoes (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today) which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway are painted in earth pigments on plaster. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit and several caves for meditation, audience platforms and baths complete the unique site.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Sigiriya.

In the evening, visit the medieval kingdom of Polonnaruwa, where clients will see the impressive lying Buddha, which is among the many sights available for exploration. Your first visit will be to the National Museum of Polonnaruwa.

Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa – approximately 65 KM / 01 Hour 20 minutes

Polonnaruwa – this medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rose to fame as the capital (10th - 12th century AD) after the decline of Anuradhapura. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbour. The monuments are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past. Highlights are the Royal Palace complex including the Kings Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite - a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving. Some of the best examples

of the Hindu influence – the Temples of Shiva, intricate statues of Hindu Gods, fascinating Budhist temples, the Lankatileka and Watadage, the Galpotha, the Lotus bath, the Kiri Vihare Dagoba and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth are other impressive sights.

Return to the hotel and spend the rest of your evening at leisure.

Dinner at Chaaya Village

Overnight at Chaaya Village - Habarana (4star Superior rooms on HB basis) – www.cinnamonhotels.com

DAY 04 – HABARANA - KANDY

After breakfast transfer to Kandy – the Hill Capital of Sri Lanka. En-route stops in Matale and visit an active Spice Garden where you will explore how traditional herbs are used in Sri Lankan Ayurveda and local cuisine.

Dambulla – located in the north central province this UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 01st century BC, is an amazing complex of 05 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock. Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. Cave inscriptions from the 2nd Century BC are found and on the walls are many paintings most of which belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century). This temple is a perfect location to view evolution of ancient Sri Lankan art and is an important historical site due to the amalgamation of the material from many eras.

There after Proceed to Matale visiting a Spice Garden en route to see spices growing in their natural habitat. Learn about spices and their use in Sri Lankan cuisine. In the Spice Garden, all participants will receive a Herbal head massage of 05 to 07 minutes.

Dambulla to Matale – approximately 60 KM / 01 Hour

Lunch at Kamatha: - KAMATHA - “Kamatha” is the traditional threshing floor of the Sri Lankan rice farmer. After the harvest, a flat area is cleared and beaten into a hard surface on which the harvest is placed for treading by a team of domestic buffalo. This location is recreated by us in a rice field for your group on exclusive basis and after the visit to identify Sri Lankan spices growing in a natural environment a typically traditional “village” meal is served from large clay pots to the guests who sit on and around the “Kamatha”.

After Lunch proceed towards Kandy. Matale to Kandy – approximately 35 KM / 01 Hour

On arrival, check-in to your room.

Dinner at Cinnamon Citadel.

Overnight at Cinnamon Citadel - Kandy (4 star Superior rooms on HB basis) – www.cinnamonhotels.com

DAY 05 - KANDY

After breakfast transfer to Peradeniya botanical garden.

The Royal Botanical Gardens - Located 460 m above sea-level close to Kandy and surrounded from three sides by the river Mahaweli, Peradeniya botanical garden was founded in the year of 1824. Some of the best and most valuable collections of plants and Trees in the world (more than 4000 species, indoor and outdoor) can be

seen here. Most of the honourable guests who visited Sri Lanka, for instance The Queen Elizabeth, Marshal Tito, Chancellor Henry Kiesinger and Juri Gagarin, have planted memorable trees in this park. Within the gardens is the famous Orchid House which boasts of the largest collection of Orchids in Asia and the renowned World War 2 Headquarters of Lord Mountbatten. Lord Louis Mountbatten had his Supreme Headquarters, South East Asia, discreetly erected among the exotic blooms of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy. It is from here that he planned, conducted and completed OPERATION ZIPPER – The final plan for re-occupation of Singapore and Malaya from the Japanese.

Peradeniya to Kandy – approximately 07 KM / 15 Minutes

After the visit a Panoramic Tour of the City

Kandy – a lovely exotic city, the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which retains an aura of grandeur, time has not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the renowned temple that enshrines the Tooth Relic of the Buddha and the Royal Botanical gardens – home to one of the world’s best collections of Orchids. A cultural sanctuary where many legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive, Kandy and its satellite villages are the centre of the islands handicraft industry (items of wood, brass & silver) exquisite silver or gold jewellery and precious gems of many varieties including the world’s best blue and star sapphires. The highlight of the city’s calendar is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the casket enclosing the Tooth is taken in procession for ten glittering nights in July/August by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and approximately 100 Elephants.

After your city tour, some free time is available to explore on your own and for Shopping.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Kandy.

In the evening visit the Temple of the Tooth and tour the International Buddhist Museum, followed by a Traditional Cultural Dance performance including Fire Walking

Temple of the Tooth - is the most important place for the present Buddhist because it is the final resting place of the sacred tooth relic of Buddha known as “Sri Dalada Maligawa.” It is famous for its carvings and the beautiful art that is unique to Sri Lanka. The most important part of the Dalada Maligawa is the octagon (Pathirppuwa). Thousands of people line up each day to get a glimpse of its majesty. Kandy is also the one of the most beautiful cities of Sri Lanka with it’s picturesque lake built by it’s last king, it’s hills surrounding the city, it’s devales the oldest the natha devale belonging to the 14th century and the palace of the last king of Kandy which are presently the districts courts and the archaeological museum. Kandy also is the centre for Buddhist cultural affaires with meditation centres and Buddhist publication societies.

Dinner at a local restaurant in Kandy with sea food.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight at Cinnamon Citadel - Kandy (4 star Superior rooms on BB basis) – www.cinnamonhotels.com

DAY 06– KANDY – GAMPOLA – NUWARA ELIYA

After an early breakfast, proceed to Kandy station for a train journey from Kandy to Gampola (40 minutes train ride in a local train & seats are not reserved)

Once the group arrives in Gampola, continue towards Nuwara Eliya. En-route visits a Tea Plantation and Tea Factory to learn about the process of manufacturing the best Ceylon Tea.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya – approximately 90 KM / 03 Hours

During this visit tea factory/plantation, our guides will explain the entire tea making process. First the clients will visit the tea factory and then to the plantation. During the visit to the plantation we will arrange a tea plucking competition for the women participants of the group. Maximum of 10 winners will be rewarded. Purchase of tea is possible at this location.

Lunch at a local restaurant at Ramboda.

On arrival, take a Panoramic City Tour of Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya – Sri Lanka's premier hill resort with a fine bracing mountain climate, Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country, producing some of the world’s best tea. The mountain slopes and valleys are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. Red or green roofed plantation bungalows, English country style homes and hotels with lovely flower gardens, a fine 18 hole golf course and a racecourse gives Nuwara Eliya a decidedly British character.

Return to the hotel and spend the rest of your evening at leisure

Dinner at Grand hotel.

Overnight at St Andrews – Nuwara Eliya (3 star Deluxe rooms on HB basis) – www.jetwinghotels.com

DAY 07 – NUWARA ELIYA - YALA

After breakfast, head off to Yala, en route visit Rawana Falls.

Nuwara Eliya to Yala – approximately 180 KM / 04 ½ Hours

Rawana Falls - A nice waterfall of 90m altitude close to the road from Ella to Wellawaya about 6km south from Ella. The stream, a tributary of Kirindi Oya plunges with a foaming spray over a series of ledges into the vally close to a road bend. The waters rise from Wewatenns highland above the rocks (1050m NN). In general the rocky underground of the waterfalls in Sri Lanka consists of hard gneiss or granite, but here the metetiel is Khondalite, a kind of limestone which undergoes decay faster. Thus there are caves near the falls. Rawana of Ramayanma legend is said to have lived none of the caves above the water falls.

Arrive at the hotel & welcome drinks served.

Lunch at The Safari

Evening wild life safari to Yala National Park by jeep 4 X 4 Yala - is a haven for Fauna both indigenous and migrant Bird concentrations are by the Lagoons. Salvers. Here are thousands of flamingoes, Assemblies of spotted billed, Spoonbills, Cormorants and various species of Herons. Pheasants, Pea Fowl, Peacocks and the Wild Fowl are found in hundreds. Wild Buffalo and herds of Wild Elephants are a common sight. Whether it is birds or animals you have them all at Yala.

Dinner at The Safari

Overnight at The Safari - Tissamaharama (4 star Superior rooms on FB basis) – www.ceylonhotelscorporation.comDAY 08–YALA – KATARAGAMA - YALA

Early Morning wild life safari to Yala National Park by jeep 4 X 4 Yala - is a haven for Fauna both indigenous and migrant Bird concentrations are by the Lagoons. Salvers. Here are thousands of flamingoes, Assemblies of spotted billed, Spoonbills, Cormorants and various species of Herons. Pheasants, Pea Fowl, Peacocks and the Wild Fowl are found in hundreds. Wild Buffalo and herds of Wild Elephants are a common sight. Whether it is birds or animals you have them all at Yala.

B’Fast at The Safari

Leisure at the hotel.

Lunch at The Safari.

Yala to Kataragama – approximately 35 KM / 01 Hour

Sightseeing of Kataragama Holi-city. Kataragama has become a place of worship not only for Hindus, but for Buddhist, Muslims and some Christians as well. During the festive period Hindu devotees travel from south India to north tip of Sri Lanka and thereafter walk hundreds of miles by foot to prove their devotion to god Skanda The major part of devotees who actively present in Kataragama are the Hindus. 3 pooja or offerings take place daily & clients can attend the Evening ceremony with large number of local devotees. Make sure you have a tray full of fruits, incense and of course little money, to be offered (You will get half the fruits back, which you may partake)

Dinner at The Safari.

Overnight at The Safari - Tissamaharama (4 star Superior rooms on FB basis) – www.ceylonhotelscorporation.com

DAY 09 - YALA – GALLE

After B’Fast, continue towards Galle.

Yala to Galle – approximately 180 KM / 04 ½ Hours

Lunch at a colonial hotel in Galle.

Galle – said to be the famous Tarshish of the Bible where King Solomon obtained gems and spices, this “Living” UNESCO World Heritage Site is the port where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in 1505. Captured and fortified by the Dutch who ruled maritime Sri Lanka in the 17th and 18th centuries, the cit y still retains the air of old Holland. Within the well preserved 90 acre fort and ramparts built in 1663 are Old Dutch churches and monuments with armorial bearings, an imposing crested and monogrammed gateway dated 1669, many well preserved old Dutch houses and narrow alleys still bearing Dutch names. The New Oriental Hotel, built for a Dutch governor in 1684, a colonial gem now converted to the internationally renowned Amangalle Hotel and several other excellent boutique hotels are testimony to the importance of this location. Explore the historically important City of Galle & its surroundings, overflowing with landmarks, strolling past the Dutch Church, the Governor’s House, the Spice Warehouses, Court Square, the Kachcheri (or Town Hall), the Lighthouse and Ramparts. Near the old Arab mosque are streets leading to cricket fields and the District Judge’s house,

surrounded by ancient Frangipani trees. You will also visit the Martin Wickremasinghe Folklore Museum and the Galle Fort where you will also have some free time to explore on your own.On arrival to Jetwing Lighthouse, welcome drinks & refreshing towels.

Dinner at Jetwing Lighthouse.

Overnight at Jetwing Lighthouse - Galle (5 star Standard rooms on HB basis) – www.jetwinghotels.com

DAY 10– GALLE – BERUWALA

After breakfast, continue towards Beruwala.

Galle to Kosgoda – approximately 40 KM / 01 ½ Hours

Sea food lunch at The Refresh restaurant – Hikkaduwa. (Without lobster)

Continue towards & en route visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery - Of the eight varieties of turtle know to exist, Sri Lanka has five and all are endangered. They are the Leathery Turtle; the Clove-Backed Ridly Turtle, The Loggerhead Turtle, the Hawksbill Turtle and the Green Turtle. Although it is illegal to do so, turtles are still captured and their flesh sold in the markets, as are their eggs. The Hawksbill is slaughtered for its beautifully patterned shell. To help save the turtle, hatcheries have sprung up along the West Coast, particularly between Bentota and Kosgoda. Fishermen are paid to collect the eggs (laying mostly takes place between November and April) and hand them over to the hatchery staff who then bury the eggs in sand inside protective fencing designed to keep dogs and other hungry predators from digging them up. Incubation times vary according to the type of turtle, but with Leatherbacks it is between 62 and 65 days and with the Green Turtle 48 to 52. Many thousands of hatchlings are released every month. A few hatcheries have been featured in publications like National Geographic & Readers Digest and this has done much to help fund the projects.

Continue to Beruwala & en route stop at Balapitiya for a boat ride in the Mangroves of Balapitiya

Kosgoda to Beruwala – approximately 20 KM / 45 minutes

Madu River - which flows across Balapitiya (approx 80kms down south from Colombo) is one of the rarely visited and unspoiled attractions any nature lover can find in Sri Lanka. She boasts of having a cluster of 64 small islands scattered along her path and the most of which are uninhabited and covered with mangroves. The smallest islet of the lot is called "Satha Paha Doowa" where there is a tiny shrine with a statue built in respect of the gods of Kataragama (Katharagama). According to folklore this islet had been purchased for five cents but some say the name has derived due to its shape of the five cent coin. Madu is certainly a placid and memorable place of interest to any nature lover who longs to witness mesmerizing landscape of the nature. But over thrilled visitors are forewarned! - Madu River is also a known den for crocodiles.

Check-into hotel Cinnamon Bey – Beruwala. (Deluxe rooms)

Dinner at Cinnamon Bey.

Overnight at Cinnamon Bey - Beruwala (5 star Deluxe rooms on HB basis) – www.cinnamonhotels.com

DAY 11 - BERUWALA

B’Fast at the hotel

Leisure at the hotel on Full Board basis

Dinner at Cinnamon Bey.

Overnight at Cinnamon Bey - Beruwala (5 star Deluxe rooms on HB basis) – www.cinnamonhotels.com

DAY 12– Transfer to COLOMBO

B’Fast at the hotel

Morning leisure at the hotel

Lunch at Cinnamon Bey

Continue towards & en route visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Beruwala to Airport – approximately 102 KM / 02 ½ Hours

Departure flight – 1950 hrs.

Featured Hotels

01 night Galle Face (Regency Wing Standard) or Ramada Colombo ( Deluxe )02 nights Chaaya Village (Superior)02 nights Cinnamon Citadel (Superior)01 night St Andrews (Standard)02 nights The Safari (Superior)01 night Jetwing Lighthouse (Deluxe)02 nights Cinnamon Bey (Superior)

THE PRICE WILL BE (12 Days / 11 Nights)

(Cost valid from 1 ST Oct 14 to 31 st Oct 14) 10/14 15/19 20/24 25/29

Cost per person sharing double / twin euro 1396 1336 1298 1263Single Supplement euro 654 654 654 654

(Cost valid from 1 ST Nov 14 to 19 th Dec 14) 10/14 15/19 20/24 25/29

Cost per person sharing double / twin euro 1470 1413 1375 1331Single Supplement euro 654 654 654 654

(Cost valid from 11 th Jan 15 to 31 st Jan 15) 10/14 15/19 20/24 25/29

Cost per person sharing double / twin euro 1560 1503 1464 1438Single Supplement euro 715 715 715 715

(Cost valid from 1 ST Feb 15 to 31 st Mar 15) 10/14 15/19 20/24 25/29

Cost per person sharing double / twin euro 1586 1528 1474 1460Single Supplement euro 740 740 740 740

* The rates quoted above are Nett & Non-commissionable

COST INCLUDES

• 11 night accommodation at above mentioned 04 Star & above hotels on Full Board basis throughout the tour – daily dinner, daily lunch & B’Fast (at hotels or at restaurants as mentioned above)

• Transportation in air-conditioned Deluxe 33 seater coach during the round tour + for departure transfer.• Accompanying English speaking Professional Guide throughout the round tour + for the departure transfer• Daily mineral water service during sightseeing and transfers• All entrance fees at above-mentioned sites.• 01 jeep Safari at Minneriya national park & 02 Jeep Safaris at Yala national park• Porterage at hotels • All applicable Government Taxes / Levies as at date

• All applicable Hotel Taxes and Service Charges as at date

COST EXCLUDES• Early check-in on arrival and late check-out at the time of departure if applicable• Expenses/ Tips of personal nature and other incidental expenses• Optional activities, meals, beverages during meals not mentioned in the program• Visa fees for Sri Lanka (USD 30.00 per person)

IMPORTANT - Kindly note that check in time to all hotels will be at 1400 hrs and check out is at 1200 noon- All above hotel rates are subjected to revision as and when government taxes are revised, when respective hotel managements revise rates or due to any currency fluctuations experienced at a given time- Bars, Clubs or similar entertainment is prohibited during “Poya” Days. As such liquor will not be served in public areas of the hotels during this time- The above mentioned hotels will only be confirmed on availability at the time of booking if booked above allocation during the specified time periods. In such an event suitable alternatives will be suggested prior to confirmation- Museums, Schools etc will be closed during Public Holidays and Poya Holidays