5 days Essence in Sri Lanka

Itinerary

Day 1: Negombo - Wilpattu National Park - Anuradhapura

Stop At: Wilpattu National Park, Putlam - Anuradhapura Road, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
The park is located on the west coast with the closest accessibility from the city of Anuradhapura. In 1938, the park was declared a wildlife sanctuary with the natural freshwater lakes being home to many animal and bird species. During the 30 year long civil war in the country, Wilpattu National Park remained closed and was re-opened for visitors in 2010. Since then it has been gradually gaining popularity as a spot on location to discover wildlife in South East Asia as well as an exciting spot for camping. Your jeep safari driver will explore the park with you and try to the best of his ability to show you as many animals of the wild as possible.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in Anuradhapura

Day 2: Anuradhapura - Trincomalee

Stop At: Mihintale, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures. From ancient times a large number of large steps were constructed to climb Mihintale. It is stated that King Devanampiyatissa constructed a vihara and 68 caves for the bhikkhus to reside in. At Mihintale there gradually grew a number of Buddhist viharas with all the dependent buildings characteristic of monasteries of that period.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Ruwanwelisaya, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of the beautiful heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures of the people of Sri Lanka. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of the beautiful heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures of the people of Sri Lanka.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most ancient trees which are living even today standing tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The tree is believed to have sprouted from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya in India, where Gautama Buddha had attained enlightenment. The tree is an authentic and living link to Gautama Buddha and is often respected as the oldest tree in history which has a recorded date of the plantation.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Jethawanaramaya Stupa, Watawandana Road B341, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Jetavanarama monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the heritage city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. This magnificent structure was the third-largest structure in the ancient world. Legend has it that a part of Buddha’s sash or belt was tied and preserved here at the Jetavanarama monastery.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Thuparamaya Dagaba, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
Thuparama is the first stupa which was constructed in Sri Lanka after the introduction to Buddhism and is in the beautiful city of Anuradhapura. The ancient stupa of Thuparama was built during the reign of the King Devamnampiyatissa somewhere in the 3rd Century BCE and is said to enshrine the right collar bone of Gautama Buddha. The ruins of the complex today cover an area of approximately three and a half acres of land.
Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in Trincomalee

Day 3: Trincomalee

Stop At: Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee Sri Lanka
Surrounded by the dramatic Swami Rock and Gokarna Bay, the classical-medieval complex is Trinco’s biggest draw. The site is a major Hindu pilgrimage centre, and one of the Pancha Ishwarams (five abodes of Shiva) built in Sri Lanka to honour one of the principle deities of Hinduism.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Fort Frederick, Trincomalee Town, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka
Fort Frederick was constructed by the Portuguese, rebuilt by the Dutch and then commandeered by the British. Today, the fortress is occupied by the Sri Lankan military, but visitors are able to explore several of its ramparts.You might find lots of deer hidden there amongst other wildlife, and if you want to escape the shade, then this is the spot to head to.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Trincomalee War Cemetery, Nilaveli Road, Trincomalee 31000 Sri Lanka
After Singapore fell to the Japanese in World War II, Trincomalee became the main naval and air base for the British and allied powers in South Asia. The cemetery contains the graves of 364 soldiers of the British Empire who were killed or died during World War II. Nationalities include Sri Lanka, India, Canada, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, Italy, East Africa, South Africa, Myanmar and Pakistan.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Pigeon Island National Park, Public Beach Road, Nilaveli 31010 Sri Lanka
Pigeon Island is one of those picture-perfect places that everyone talks about. It’s basically a famous snorkel spot on the East coast. You have to get a boat to the island which is around 20 minutes and you pay an entrance to enter the Pigeon Island, National Park. You’ll get to experience the sea life that inhabits the shallow waters just off Nilaveli. Feast your eyes on colourful corals and sparkling fish.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Nilaveli Beach, Nilaveli Sri Lanka
Regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka this is a stretch of beach which is situated approximately 16 kilometres North of Trincomalee. It’s the starting point for Pigeon island but its also the perfect spot for watersports, relaxing and just enjoying the sun.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in Trincomalee

Day 4: Trincomalee - Dambulla - Sigiriya

Stop At: Dambulla Cave Temple, Jaffna Hwy, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
Dambulla is this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex. This ancient Buddhist pilgrimage is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The five major caves are dotted with 150 plus stunning Buddha statues (and a few depicting Sri Lankan kings, gods and goddesses) as well as huge cave paintings & murals making this is one of the must-visit Dambula tourist places. The intricate cave paintings, serene statues of Buddha and the sacred vibes makes these caves a beautiful spiritual sanctuary.
Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Main Road, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
The Sigiriya Rock Fortress was built nearly 1,600 years ago by King Kasyapa. The complex was the largest and most sophisticated single construction project ever undertaken in ancient Sri Lanka. There are also a many attractions in close proximity to this site.The center of this complex was dominated by a menacing black column of rock 600 feet high around which he constructed lush gardens, ponds, palaces and pavilions. He transforms the once sinister-looking rock to appear like a huge bedazzling white cloud. Around its circumference he painted an exquisite multicolored tapestry depicting celestial nymphs. We know these today as the Sigiriya Frescoes.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in Sigiriya

Day 5: Sigiriya - Minneriya National Park - Kandy - Negombo

Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
Located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, the area was designated as a National Park in 1997, having previously been declared a wildlife sanctuary. The nature reserve protects the catchments of 3 ancient irrigation tanks, including the Minneriya Tank, which was built by King Mahasen in the third century AD, and is one of the most important habitats in the region for the long term conservation of elephants. May to October is a popular time to visit the Minneriya National Park due to the famous Elephant Gathering.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the most important shrines of Sri Lanka. Also named as Dalada Maligawa, this temple is based in the royal palace of the Kingdom of Kandy. Housing the legendary Budda tooth, the temple is a World Heritage site though very little are the remnants of the original temple built around 1600. Amazing ornamentation with golden fence and extravagant Canadian architecture makes it a blissful sight for the visitors.
Duration: 40 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: No accommodation provided on this day