Sri Lankan Heritage

16 days 5 APRIL 2012 - GROUP TOUR MAX 8 PERSONS
16 days 27 SEPTEMBER 2012 - GROUP TOUR MAX 8 PERSONS
16 days ALL YEAR - MIN 2 PERSONS

Day 1

COLOMBO - KOTUGODA

This evening arrive into Colombo. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to nearby Kotugoda where you’ll spend the first night at a beautiful boutique hotel just 20 minutes from the airport.

Day 2

KOTUGODA - Anuradhapura

After a relaxed morning check out of by midday and transfer by road to Anuradhapura, which is in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka and an important corner of the Cultural Triangle. The journey will take approximately 4 hours dependent on traffic. Lunch will be either be taken before departure or en route. On arrival at our hotel we check in for the next three nights. B

Optional excursion to Anuradhapura Sacred area and Ancient city. (additional cost)
This ancient city was founded around the 5th century BC. Here are found the largest number of monuments of the great Sinhalese civilizations that flourished in this era. See the Sacred Bo Tree over 2000 years old and said to be the oldest documented tree in history and many dagoba’s, each with a history of its own.

Days 3

Willpattu National Park - Polonnaruwa

This morning drive to Willpattu National Park 30 minutes from Ulagalla. Situated 176 kms north of Colombo, Willpattu is approximately 1,908 sq.km. in extent. It has a dense jungle cover which makes it a more exciting park where animals have to be tracked. There are numerous delightful little lakes - known as villus - and the leopard and sloth bear are the specialty rather than aggressive elephants which are not used to humans and vehicles. This afternoon, proceed Polonnaruwa (1 hr/30 minutes approx), the famous medieval capital of Ceylon. After visiting Polonnaruwa museum, the evening is given over to an exploration of Polonnaruwa which became Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital from in 1073 and remained Sri Lanka’s capital until the late 13th century. Today, the ancient city’s ruins remain in remarkably good repair with its great ruins of palaces, treasuries, meeting halls and temples. The most impressive are the ancient sculptures of Lord Buddha at the Gal Viahara, cut into granite stone dating back to the middle of the 12th century. B

Day 4

SIGIRIYA

After an early breakfast proceed to Sigiriya, Rising 200 meters up from the plains, Sigiriya Rock (or Lion Rock) was one of the most short-lived, yet fascinating citadels of ancient Sri Lanka. Rumored to have been built in a mere seven years, King Kassapa retained his throne for just six years once the citadel was completed. It is a spectacular feat nonetheless with the palace structures built on the summit and all the materials would have been manually carried and hoisted up sheer rock face. Although little remains of the pleasure palace on the summit, it is still impossible not to marvel at such a feat, as well as admire the incredible views over the surrounding pleasure gardens and the Sri Lankan countryside. It is advisable to do the climb in the morning so that you avoid the final ascent in the midday sun.

Return to the hotel for a late lunch and then the rest of the day is at leisure. B

Day 5

SIGIYIRA - KANDY

After breakfast travel to Dambulla (approx 1 hour). Here you visit the temple which consists of five magically lit caves which feature remarkable hand carved Buddha statues and colourful murals representing the life of Buddha. Many of the statues have been gilded in gold leaf, and the murals are painted in rich russet and gold hues. Dating back to the 2nd Century BC and all hand carved the rock temples ands are reached by a steep climb and via a white colonnaded walkway. At the bottom of the stairs is a 30 meter golden Buddha which was competed in 2000. Continue on to Kandy (approx 2 hours) and stay two nights at our boutique accommodation. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps just relaxing by the pool which is surrounded by dense jungle. B

Day 6

KANdY

After a leisurely morning of breakfast and perhaps some more relaxation by the pool, your guide will meet you and take you to visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya (approx 30 minutes). Originally planted by the British, they are considered to have one of the most valuable collections of plants in the world.

Continue on to the Pinnawella Elephant Orphanage (approx 1 hour), which was started in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife on a twenty five acre coconut property on the Maha Oya River at Rambukkana.

The orphanage was primarily designed to afford care and protection to the many baby elephants found in the jungle without their mothers. The best time to visit is by 2pm when the elephants all troop down to the river for their daily bath. After lunch by the river, return to Kandy (approx 1 hour) where you can visit the various gem and jewelry shops if you wish, otherwise enjoy a walk by Kandy Lake.

Early this evening, visit the famous Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lanka’s most famous relic, a fragment of Buddha’s tooth. This is the best time to visit the temple during the evening puja which starts at 7pm. At this time the temple is beautifully lit with fairy lights and candles, and the sounds of chanting and drums reverberate around the prayer halls, as hundreds of pilgrims pass through to ask for blessings at the sanctum where the fragment of the tooth is kept. Return for a late dinner or have dinner in the city itself. B

Day 7

KANDY - HATTON

This morning travel to Peradeniya where you will board the train at 8:40am which will take you up into the tea country. The journey affords spectacular views of the rolling tea country. Subject to availability we will get you tickets in the 1st Class Observation car, which means you can have a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

On arrival into Hatton at 11:00am you will be met by your guide and transferred to your accommodation. Here in solitude, at an elevation of 4000 feet above sea level, lies four classic colonial bungalows built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj. These historic houses have been restored to offer guests the unique experience of life on a working tea estate. Each house comes with its own manager, chef, butler and houseboys and luxurious rooms. The facilities at make it an ideal location for walking, swimming, cycling, trekking or tennis. BLD

Day 8

HATTON

This morning after breakfast, and not to be missed, is a guided tour of the tea estate with the head planter, who will introduce you to the fascinating process of tea production: from meeting the Tamil women who work in the tea fields plucking the leaves, to the weighing process, to drying, fermenting and packaging at the actual factory. The tour will be followed by a tea tasting tour, before returning to your bungalow.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the peaceful surroundings of the bungalow. You may choose to do one of the many walking trails which criss-cross the estate, or why not walk from one bungalow to the next in time for either high tea or dinner?

BLD

Day 9

HATTON

Full day at leisure.

BLD

Day 10

HATTON - BANDARAWELA

A beautiful spot to break the arduous long journey between Hatton and Yala NP is to spend a night at another wonderful colonial era tea planter’s bungalow set in 8 acres of stunningly beautiful gardens and surrounded by 42 acres of premium quality tea. The drive here is particularly picture postcard. The house has been lovingly restored by the family of the original owners and crafted to give maximum comfort after a hard day on the estate and has stunning views over the surrounding area. There are 5 deluxe bedrooms which all feature many of the original 1930's fittings, as well as comfortable beds to sink into at the end of the day. For the more active we recommend an afternoon walk in and around Ella, which has breathtaking scenery and views from Ella Gap down to the plains and the sea beyond. Particularly beautiful are the waterfalls at Diyaluma and Bambarakanda.

Days 11

BANDARAWELA - YALA NP

This morning early start by road to Yala National Park where you’ll be met by your hosts for the next four nights camp inside the park itself. Here there is an excellent chance of seeing leopards, elephants, bear, primates as well as a myriad of birds. The advantage of staying within the park boundaries is that you can be out and about on safari whilst the rest of the world queues outside the gates, and similarly on the afternoon drive whilst the rest of the jeep traffic rushes back to the gates before sunset you can continue your game drive at a more leisurely pace. Your drive from the gates to the campsite will be your first taste of a Sri Lankan game drive, traveling by state of the art 4X4 Land Cruisers.

Arrive at the camp site for lunch and a bit of rest and relaxation before heading back out late afternoon for your second game drive followed by sundowners. Our meals will be taken al fresco under the stars. BLD

Day 12

YALA NP

Early rise for your dawn game drive this morning.
Unlike in Africa, leopards in Yala are not primarily nocturnal hunters, since they have no predators to fear, so they are often to be seen during the day. Yala has the highest concentration of leopards anywhere in the world, so it is only a very unlucky guest who does not sport these elegant, beautiful cats during their stay in Yala. However the best time for seeing leopards in Yala is first thing in the morning as the sun is rising and last thing in the day when they generally walk and start thinking of hunting.

The male leopards in Yala are very confident animals and they are often seen walking the jeep tracks during the day, and seem quite unaffected by jeeps, making it a photographers paradise. As well as leopards the large number of elephants can sometimes be seen wandering on the deserted beaches or bathing in the numerous watering holes in the park. Enjoy a morning and late afternoon game drive today, with the rest of your day at leisure at camp. BLD

Day 13

YALA NP - GALLE

After a final game drive this morning followed by breakfast you’ll make your way to the park gates where your guide will be waiting for you to continue your journey to Galle. En route stop for lunch.

Continue on to nearby Galle Fort. This charming fort town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Sri Lanka's most historically interesting towns, having being occupied by the Dutch, Portuguese and British. The history of Galle dates back to 1505 when a Portuguese fleet bound for the Maldives was blown off course and took shelter in the Galle Harbour. In 1663, the Dutch built the 36-hectare Fort, which is now a World Heritage Site. The fort has a unique old world atmosphere that bears witness to its past through crumbling architecture, European street names and Dutch churches. The old colonial mansions, narrow streets, and ancient cars roaming the streets make Galle Fort a hauntingly beautiful place to escape into the past. B

Day 14

GALLE

Today we will take a short walking tour of the Fort today to introduce you to its history first hand. The Fort itself is small enough that it is easily explored by foot in a matter of a couple hours – whilst life outside its ancient walls is all bustle and traffic the pace of life inside the Fort is sleepy and low key, apart from at weekends when locals travel from miles around to enjoy a walk on the ramparts and where families play cricket, fly kites and generally enjoy the Ocean. B

Day 15

GALLE

Today you can visit nearby Unawatuna Beach for a spot of swimming – the resort itself predominantly caters for backpackers and as such has a very youthful and easy going feel. The beach is a beautiful crescent shaped bay with countless beachside restaurants.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more upmarket head to either Wijaya Beach which has a beautiful beach or to Why Beach in Talpe, which serves the best pasta in Sri Lanka and has access to a secluded little bay with a fantastic swimming beach. NOTE: Swimming out of season (May – November) may not be possible due to dangerous undertow choppy waters. B

Day 16

GALLE - COLOMBO

After breakfast head up the coast road back to Colombo (approx 4 -5 hours). En route stop to visit the gardens of Bevis Bawa, Brief Garden.

Bevis was the brother of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s foremost architects. Bevis was himself an accomplished artist and landscape gardener, and Brief is his own garden which he spent decades perfecting. These are tranquil gardens overlooking the Bentota River, and feature a formal and ornamental garden, along with various sculptures. Bevis’s own house can also be explored.

After your tour of the gardens enjoy lunch at Club Villa (payable directly), before continuing on to Colombo. On arrival, we check in at our hotel which is located in the fashionable district of Colombo 7 and you’ll have the use of your room here and a vehicle will be at your disposal for the remainder of the day until it’s time to check out and head to the airport at around 10.00pm. B