Pearl of Indian Ocean – Super offer

Breakfast at the hotel and depart to Sigiriya via Negombo fishing village.

On completion travel along the bustling Kandy Road past small villages, chaotic towns and roadside carts to reach Sigiriya Rock Fortress, or Lion Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights. Take the opportunity to climb to the top of this striking rock with its vertical walls supporting the remnants of an ancient city constructed in the 5th century. Built 1600 years ago, by King Kasyapa a much maligned but brilliant king, Sigiriya is an exquisite example of ancient Sri Lankan art and architecture. Along the way you will see the Fountain Gardens, Boulder Gardens, the Mirror Wall, frescoes of the ladies of the king's harem, the Lion's Staircase and finally Sky Palace for spectacular panoramic views.

Note:
Climbing to the top of Sigiriya is strenuous but not hard. There are about 1200 steps all the way to the top; some of which are very narrow and steep. When you climb take your time, rest often and drink lots of water.
Dress in loose cotton, linen or breathable fabrics. Sunglasses are a good idea to protect your eyes. Closed footwear or at least firmly fastened footwear is recommended.

Proceed back to the hotel and relax.

Explore the ancient royal capital of Polonnaruwa, one of the most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital and crown jewel of King Parakramabahu, remains superior proof of ancient culture and heritage blended with religious beliefs. Discover on foot, or by bicycle (optional - to be paid locally), the wonderful treasures that remain in the archaeological park including the four beautiful rock-cut Buddha statues at Gal Vihara Temple.

Proceed to Kandy, stopping en-route to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This Buddhist place of worship is thought to date back to the 1st century, and houses the county’s most sacred Buddha images.

On arrival in Kandy, check in at your hotel before visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a complex said to hold the tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. Continue on to see the Royal Botanical Gardens before an afternoon free to wander around the city’s lake and explore the local markets.

This evening enjoys a Kandyan Dance performance; the traditional Sri Lankan dance which flourished in the hill country during ancient times. The dancers, who are attired in frilled costumes with glistening head-dresses and breastplates, skip and whirl to the beat of drums executing astonishing acrobatics in mid-air; the highlight is the fire walking at the end of the performance.
Once you done proceed back to the hotel and relax.

Breakfast at the hotel and proceed to Nuwara Eliya via Peradeniya.

Visit Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya which is the oldest formal gardens in Sri Lanka. The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees and is renowned for its collection of orchids and the long, palm framed pathways. It is managed by the Division of National Botanic Gardens of the Department of Agriculture and the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka is attached to it as well. It encompasses a total area of 147 acres. Though the groundwork for the current gardens were laid in 1821 by Alexander Moon, the origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli river.

Continue your exploration of the scenic high country with an excursion to Nuwara Eliya. Where the colourful chaos of Sri Lanka meets colonial bungalows, well-tended lawns and red telephone boxes. Discover the journey from tree to cup of the world-famous high-grown Ceylon Tea. With your expert guide, walk through a local tea plantation, meet with a Tea plucker and visit the factory to see the processing stage followed by a tea-tasting session.

Afternoon enjoy the High Tea at the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya which is a typical British afternoon tea party that happens on the grounds of the hotel. It’s an experience as well as a place to enjoy some good quality Sri Lankan tea and finger foods.

Breakfast at the hotel and you will be driven to Yala via Ella.

Stops at Mini Adams peak and take a trek to the very top, enjoying its magnificent views. Afterwards visit the Ravana Falls and the nine arch bridge.

Once you done head towards to Yala.

Early this morning you will join a jeep safari in Yala. Look out for elephants, sloth bears, water buffaloes, wild boars, crocodiles and of course leopards. Yala is known as one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive big cat.

On completion proceed back to the hotel and relax.

Travel the scenic route from Sri Lanka’s southeast coast to Galle in the southwest. En-route visit beautiful beaches, the Wevurukannala Buddha Statue (the largest in the island) and see the iconic stilt fishermen at work in Koggala.

Once in Galle, an historic fort town and prominent seaport long before western rule in the country as Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays, Indians and Chinese were doing business through Galle port. Your tour of this UNESCO World Heritage City will visit the fort area with its charming laneways, rich trading history and Dutch-colonial buildings.

Your last stop for the day is the stunning beach town of Bentota.

Wake up to the morning sunrise and cool breeze blowing against your face and look forward to a chilled out, day in Bentota. You can then enjoy a long stroll along the sandy beach and catch a cup of fresh local tea or coffee and head back towards the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast you can head towards the beach and spend the day at your leisure.

Having spent the evening relaxing, you can head back out to catch the buzz of the city’s night life. Head back to the hotel to relish a lavish dinner late in the night.

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Colombo international airport for your departing flight.