Srilanka Saga

On arrive in Sri Lanka, you will be welcomed and assisted by a representative and you will be then transferred to your hotel in Dambulla. 

En route:Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - Approx 55 miles from Colombo, off the Colombo -Kandy road is Pinnawela, where an orphanage was started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now; including Baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as the baby elephants born as  a result of the captive breeding program. The best time to visit is the feeding time from 0930-1000 hrs and 1330-1400 hrs and the bathing time from 1000-1030 hrs and 1400 1430 hrs when all the elephants are taken to the river close by Check in to the hotel.

After breakfast Visit 

Sigiriya – is a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” and the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels still shining in their original colours. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, Summerhouses, Boulder Gardens and the Caves within the enclosed area should not be missed. 

Dambulla Cave Temple (also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla) is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. It is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented Caves in the surrounding area. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square meters. Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara and Buddha's first sermon.

Rest of the day at leisure in the hotel.

After breakfast transfer to Trincomalee. Leisure at the beach

After breakfast Visit

Trincomalee - 165 miles from Colombo, is one of the largest and safest Natural Harbours in the World. Trincomalee is connected by Rail and Road. It has sunny weather throughout the year, with white sandy beaches, calm, placid and warm waters, ideal for underwater activities and for Whale watching. Trincomalee was a Buddhist Center known as “Gokanna” from very early times and later a Hindu Kovil was constructed at the site. In 1617 five (5) Danish ships entered Koddiyar Bay, but the negotiations with the Kandyan King was fruitless and they sailed away. In 1624 the Portuguese completed the construction of a Fort here after destroying the Hindu Temple at Swami Rock in the Fort. The Fort, which had only 3 Bastions was taken by the Dutch in 1639, but abandoned, refortified in 1675 and named it Fort Fedrick. In 1795the British captured it after a 4-day bombardment and it became the first possession of the British in Sri Lanka.

Nilaveli -10 miles away is the finest beach in Trincomalee starting at Uppuveli- 5 miles away extending all the way to Nilaveli. Pigeon Island is a great place for Diving, Snorkeling and sea bathing.

Velgam Vehera – 6 miles away near Periyakulam Tank is the Temple known to Hindus as Natanar Kovil dating from the 2nd C.A.D. After the Chola Invasion Hindu contributions helped restore it as a Buddhist Temple. There are 7 Hot Spring at Kanniyai just 5 miles away on the Anuradhapura road.

Thiriyai Vata-da-ge is 30 miles to the North of Trincomalee and is one of the best monuments in Sri Lanka.

After breakfast transfer to Colombo –Colombo was only a small seaport, which came into prominence in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 and the development of it as a major Harbour during the British period and became the capital in 1815 after Kandy was ceded to the British.The remains of the buildings during the period and the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city. None of the Portuguese & Dutch fortifications are found today but some of their buildings and churches could be seen in the Fort & Pettah areas.Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Kaymans Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhaal dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, Davatagaha Mosque, Colombo Museum and the Natural History Museum are some of the sites to be visited. Also visit the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.

Breakfast at the hotel..

Thereafter transfer to airport to connect with the departure flight.