5 night tour of Sri Lanka. Highlights Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Colombo City or the airport to the iconic Dambulla cave temple before proceeding to the hotel at Sigiriya

Stop At: Golden Temple of Dambulla, Dambulla, Central Province
The cave temple is composed of a complex of five temples containing paintings and sculptures - some of Sri Lanka's most evocative Buddhist art. Respected as the most venerated Buddhist cave temple in Sri Lanka it has been described as the cave temple of the infinite Buddhas. The rock hill 360 meters above sea level is covered with a large cluster of caves extending over a land area of more than 22 hectares. The painted area in the five caves is the largest extent of Buddhist paintings found within Sri Lanka in a single Vihara. The caves had originally provided shelter to hundreds of Buddhist monks shortly after the introduction of Buddhism to the country during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (250 – 210 BC). The inscriptions recorded below the drip ledges bear testimony to this antiquity.
Important - Involves a climb up an ancient stairway. Anyone with a recent injury, a bad back or weak knees should not climb. It is also not recommended for pregnant ladies or anyone with a heart ailment. Visitors are required to remove footwear and it is thus recommended to carry a pair of flip-flops to this site.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel

Day 2: Visit Sigiriya fortress in the morning. For the rest of the day, you may opt to relax by the hotel pool or go exploring

Stop At: Ancient City of Sigiriya, Sigiriya, Central Province
An UNESCO world heritage site, this iconic and unique fortress in Sri Lanka is comparable to the pyramids of Giza for its architectural genius and splendor by both ancient and modern standards.

Sigiriya is an ancient palace that is carved into a gigantic rock in the shape and likeness of a magnificent lion. The rock fortress is surrounded by a landscape of lily-covered moats and water gardens. It is famous for its mirror wall (of rock and not glass) and paintings of ancient 'beings'. Visitors will delight in climbing up the ancient stairways, stopping at vantage points to view the lush surroundings – the beauty of the gardens below and the lowlands around (Photo opportunity).

Important – Climbing Sigiriya is not advised for anyone with a recent injury, a bad back or weak knees. It is also not recommended for pregnant ladies or anyone with a heart ailment. There is presently no wheelchair or baby pram / stroller access.

The site is composed of many steps and involves climbing – many of the areas are open to the elements – please dress accordingly. We recommend use of sunscreen, lip balm, hat, cap, sunglasses.
Use of camera (with or without flash) within the museum is prohibited. Flash photography at the mirror wall is prohibited. Everywhere else photography is usually allowed unless specified via signage.

Entrance ticket cost to the fortress and the museum is included along with the guide fees.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel

Day 3: A morning jeep safari at Minneriya before heading to Kandy, Sri Lanka's last ancient capital for a city tour

Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Habarana, North Central Province
This excursion is a wildlife safari in an open-top jeep. Entrance ticket cost and jeep charges are included. Please remain in the jeep whilst in the park.
The Minneriya national park is best known for its large population of elephants whilst other animals such as the purple-faced langur, toque macaque, sambar deer, Sri Lankan axis deer and loris also call it home. The Minneriya reservoir is an important habitat for large water birds such as lesser adjutant, painted stork, and spot-billed pelican. Minneriya is a dormitory for many resident as well as migrant bird species. Flocks of 2000 little cormorants have been reported. Great white pelican, ruddy turnstone, and grey heron are the other water birds here. Among the endemic birds are Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka hanging parrot, brown-capped babbler, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, black-crested bulbul and crimson-fronted barbet.
Endemic reptiles such as the Painted-lip lizard, Lankascincus fallax, saltwater crocodile, Indian python, Asian water monitor, and Bengal monitor are among other reptiles found here.
On rarer occasions, the Sri Lankan leopard and Sri Lankan sloth bear have also been seen in Minneriya.
We recommend use of sunblock, sunglasses, a cap or hat.
This is a protected wildlife park, please do not litter.
Entrance ticket cost and jeep charges are included
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy, Kandy District, Central Province
This is the most venerated Buddhist shrine in the world as it is the resting place of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The sacred tooth of the left jaw of the Buddha was preserved in Kalinga in India after the passing away of the Buddha. When Kalinga was not deemed safe for the Relic, two Kalinga royals – Hemamala and Danta Kumara came over to Lanka in disguise, proceeded to Anuradhapura and handed over the Relic to King Meghavanna (301-328 AD). The Tooth Relic is symbolic of authority to rule the country and is protected by dedicated guardian monks. It has traveled with the kingdom wherever the seat of government moved to. The original temple of the tooth (in Kandy), was erected during the period 1593-1595. The Portuguese invaded Kandy in 1603 and destroyed the Temple of the Tooth Relic, avowing their intention of challenging the King's claim to the throne but the guardian monks had already fled with the Relic to Medamahanuwara in Dumbara. The temple was later re-erected. The walls of the temple are profusely painted with scenes from the Buddha's life. A protective canopy covered with gold plated tiles was done in 1987.
This is a guided tour of the Temple and the historic sites nearby.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel

Day 4: Drive to Nuwara Eliya. On arrival you will be taken on an informative tour of the town

Stop At: Pedro Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya, Central Province
The guided tour of this tea plantation is a good introduction to Ceylon tea and its manufacture process. Visitors could also sample some teas and take a brief walk around the tea garden.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ramboda Waterfall, Pussellawa, Kandy District, Central Province
A breather, a moment out of the car and a pretty waterfall to look at whilst relaxing
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel

Day 5: Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the tea country of Nuwara Eliya. Ideal for fishing, boat rides or golf

Pass By: Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya, Central Province
Relax at the hotel or walk around the lake , enjoying the serenity of your surroundings.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Accommodation at a 3-star hotel