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Island Exposure Tour Luxury

Sri Lanka has inherited numerous magnificent, century-old monuments and cultural relics in a number of ancient cities. This tour is structured to give you an opportunity to explore these ancient wonders found in the cities of Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which form Sri Lanka’s “Cultural Triangle”, where five of its seven world heritage sites are located. You will also visit Sigiriya, which is the eighth wonder of the world and a spectacular rock fortress built in the 5th century AD by King Kasyapa to fend off a feared invasion. Throughout the tour, accommodation will be provided at some of the finest hotels with comfortable and modern facilities to accommodate all your needs. This combined with the flexibility that we offer will guarantee a truly memorable experience, with exceptional quality at a reasonable price.

Features:
	Experience Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage in its ancient royal capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
	Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and be mesmerized by a cultural dance show in Kandy.
	Climb the majestic Sigiriya rock fortress, which is also the eighth world wonder
	Come face to face and interact with elephants at the Pinnawala elephant orphanage
	Come face to face and interact with elephants at the Pinnawala elephant orphanage
	Comfortable accommodation to suit your budget

Day 1

Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, we will provide you a chaffer driven vehicle, which will take you to your hotel in Colombo.

In the evening, we will experience the tranquility of the Gangarama Buddhist Temple, followed by a shopping tour of Colombo, which includes ODEL, paradise road, House of Fashion shopping complexes as well as a few jewelers.


			Gangarama Buddhist Temple: The temple, situated on the tranquil waters of Beira Lake has been in existence for over 120 years and was founded by Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera. It is an assembly point for monks and a landmark of the capital city of Colombo. Today Gangaramaya serves not only as a place of Buddhist worship, but also as a center for learning. The temple has also been instrumental in helping to propagate the Dhamma in other countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and Tanzania.

Day 2

After breakfast proceed to Anuradhapura. On the way there visit the Pinnawala elephant orphanage, which is the only place of captive elephants in the world.


			Ruwan wali Saya: This stupa was built by King Dutugemunu and was one of his most ambitious projects. Sadly however, the king did not live to see the completion of the stupa, which measured 103 meters in height with a circumference of 287 meters and is one of the wonders of the ancient world and one of the world’s tallest monuments.


			Ancient City of Anuradhapura: Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC until the 11th century AD and is situated about 205km north from the current capital city of Colombo. Today the city is famous for its well preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization, which include dagobas, monastic buildings and pokunas and is one of the eight World Heritage Sights of Sri Lanka. Just 13km away from this ancient city lay Mihintale one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent Buddhist sites, where Buddhism originated in the island in 247BC.


			Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage: The orphanage, which is situated in the northwestern town of Kegalle was originally founded to provide care and support for the many orphaned elephants in the jungle. Since then the orphanage has also become a breeding ground for elephants. The orphanage is thought to have the largest heard of captive elephants in the world. Most elephants found in the orphanage are healthy. However, there are a few exceptions, such as the elephant named Sama, who lost her front right leg to a land mine. Tourists visiting the orphanage will be given the wonderful opportunity to touch and take pictures with the elephants as well as to feed them milk.

Day 3

After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa.


			Polonnaruwa Vatadage: As suggested by the name, a vatadage is circular in shape and was built on stone or brick with extremely detailed carvings. They were built to protect small stupas that had an important relic enshrined in them. The Vatadage in Polonnaruwa is said to be the best preserved example of a Vatadage in the country and is thought to have been built to hold the tooth relic of Buddha.


			Gal Viharaya: This is a Theravada Buddhist temple constructed by King Parakrambahu I, which houses three statutes of magnificent proportions of the Buddha seated, standing and reclining as well as a smaller image of the Buddha with a touch of Mahayana influence. These statues are considered to be some of the best examples of ancient Singhalese sculpting and one of the most visited monuments of ancient Polonnaruwa.


			The Historic City of Polonnaruwa: After the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 by Rajaraja, Polonnaruwa became the temporary royal residency during the 8th century and was declared the second capital of Sri Lanka by King Vijayabahu. It was King Vijayabahu’s grandson, King Parakramabahu I who raised Polonnaruwa to its heights. One of his greatest achievements was the creation of the Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama), which is a 2400-hectare tank. The city bears witness to many ancient civilizations such as the Cholas and the Singhalese sovereigns of the 12th century and is home to many historically significant dagobas, parks, imposing buildings and beautiful statues.

Day 4

After breakfast, we will head to Sigiriya. Once there, you can spend sometime relaxing at the hotel. In the evening, we will climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.


			Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Sigiriya, which has been declared by UNESCO as the 8th Wonder of the World is a large ancient rock fortress and palace ruin. It is surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. A popular tourist destination, Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings, which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India. According to the chronicles as Mahavamsa the entire complex was built by King Kashyapa, and after the king's death, it was used as a Buddhist monastery until 14th century.

Day 5 & 6

After breakfast proceed to Kandy. On the way visit the Dambulla rock temple.


			The Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya: The garden spreads across 147 acres and is 460 meters above sea falls. The garden experiences roughly 200 days of annual rain fall. It is home to over 300 varieties of orchids, spices, medical plants and palm trees. There is also a large concentration of fruit bats often seen flying around or resting in trees. The park is a perfect place for a sense of tranquility in a bustling city.


			Temple of the Tooth Relic: The sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is the most venerated object for Buddhists around the world and its present house, the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is considered to be the foremost sacred place of worship for all Buddhists. The tooth relic has played an important role in the politics and governance of ancient Sri Lanka, as it was then believed that whoever possesses the sacred relic has the divine right to rule the country. As a result many battles were fought to earn the right to possess the sacred tooth relic. Today, the relic is placed within this temple and is enshrined in seven golden caskets, which takes the shape of a stupa and is engraved with precious gemstone.


			Dambulla Rock Temple: This is the most impressive of the many cave temples found in Sri Lanka. There are five caves under a vast overhanging rock, which towers 160 meters over the surrounding plains. The caves house over 150 statutes of lord Buddha, god and goddesses as well as a few kings who have been vital in Sri Lanka’s history. The Buddha statues found inside the caves offer a large variety, both in term of size and attitude. Each of the ceilings in the five caves is covered with intricate and detailed religious paintings. One cave has over 1500 paintings of Buddha covering it.

Day 7 & 8

After breakfast travel to Nuwara eliya.


			Horton Planes: The Horton Planes park is a protected area that lies at an altitude of roughly 2100 mteres and was designated a national park in 1988. The plains are the headwaters of three main Sri Lankan rivers, Kelani, Walawe and Mahaweli. The park is home to many species of mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians. Currently the most commonly seen mammal is the Sambar deer and some argue that the number of this deer type in the park is greater than its carrying capacity. The park is also an important bird area since you find many birds that are not only endemic to Sri Lanka but also restricted to the park.


			Nuwara Eliya: Nuwara Eliya, meaning the city of light is a town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is popular for its tea production. It is located at an altitude of 1860 meters. The city provides breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery. Due to the high altitude, the city sported the perfect climate for British civil servants and planters when the British colonized Sri Lanka. Even today, the city once called little England is true to the British culture through events such as horse races. The hotels and buildings within the city maintain the colonial architecture with fireplaces, British style open gardens and lawns.

Day 9 & 10

After breakfast, proceed to Yala via Bandarawella. In the evening or the following morning, explore the Yala National Park.


			Yala National Park: Yala National park is one of the oldest and well known national parks is Sri Lanka and spreads throughout roughly 130 000 hectre acres. It is renowened for the large population of elephant heards that you can see at very close vicinity. There is also roughly 30 Sri Lankan leopards that roam the parks, which is one of the highest leopard densities in the world and if lucky you may experience the extraordinary sight of leopard cubs playing or simply enjoying their prey. The park also hosts over 200 vareities of birds and types such as the Wood pigeon and Black capped bulbul are endemic to Sri Lanka. You will explore the park in an open roofed landrover, giving it a truly adventourous touch and experince Sri Lankan wildlife in its natural habitat.

Day 11 & 12

After breakfast, we will visit the Galle fort and the Hummanaya blowhole, while on our way to our next destination - Hikkaduwa.


			The Galle Fort: The Galle Fort lies in the bay of Galle and was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese. A century after the Fort was established; the Dutch developed it to its current grandeur, which is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Even after a history of 423 years, this architectural heritage maintains a polished appearance due to extensive reconstruction work carried out by the archeological department of Sri Lanka.


			Hummanaya Blow Hole: Hummanaya is home to the world’s second largest blowhole. Seeing the blowhole is an exhilarating experience, which shouldn’t be missed. Volumes of seawater whistle through a natural fine hole from beneath a massive rock in the sea. At the site, rough and high waves, which at time reach up to 120 feet push water into the triangular based rock bottom, and force it through a hole at the bottom of the rock with very high pressure. Located 40ft above sea level, this magnificent site was first discovered after a close scrutiny of photographs taken from the sea.

Day 11 & 12

After breakfast, we will visit the Galle fort and the Hummanaya blowhole, while on our way to our next destination - Hikkaduwa.

Day 13

After breakfast we will make our way to Colombo. Once there, you can then enjoy the day relxaing in the hotel and taking advantage of its inhouse facilities and ayurvadic spa treatments. Alternatively, yoymay wish to hop on a city tour or hit the shops to buy thosse last minute souveneirs to take back home. After all, the choice is yours!

Day 14

After breakfast, we will head to the airport in time for your departure.

COST OF THIS TOUR INCLUDE:

	Accommodation in standard rooms at luxury level Accommodation
	Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour from airport
	Services of an English speaking chauffeur guide throughout the tour.
	Breakfast and dinner through the tour
	Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary

COST OF THIS TOUR DsOES NOT INCLUDE:

	Video and Camera permits.
	Charges for activities such as water sports.
	Cost for hiring diving equipment.
	Beverages throughout the tour.
	Tips and porterage.
	Expenses of a personal nature.
	Any other cost which is not mentioned in the ‘Cost of this tour includes’ field above.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE:

Optional excursions and additional services could be provided for which an additional charge will be applicable.