Journey to Sri Pada

specialSri Pada, located in central Sri Lanka, is also known as Adam’s Peak and referred to as “butterfly mountain”. Literally meaning “sacred footprint, it is believed to be the footprint of Lord Buddha in Buddhist tradition, Shiva’s in Hindu and Adam’s in Muslim.  The remarkable trait of the mountain is that on a clear morning the mountain casts it’s reflection in the horizon.  It is believed to see this reflection gives you prosperity for the rest of the year.  In addition to a hike to Sri Pada you will also visit the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Polunnawura.  Visit Kandy, a tea plantation and enjoy bicycling. Journey to Sri Pada is an adventure of the spirit.

Day 1 – Colombo
Arrive in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka and former home to the famous writer Arthur C. Clark. You will be met and driven to your hotel.  Tour Pettah, the old section of the city and the very, wealthy Cinnamon Gardens.

Day 2 – Colombo/Sigirya
Drive from Colombo through the lush countryside to the hill station of Sigiriya which  located within the cultural triangle and includes five of the seven world heritage sites in in Sri Lanka.

Day 3 – Sigiriya/Anuradhapura
Today you will proceed to Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. There is much to see at Anuradhapura, including the sacred Bodhi tree, eight major palaces, monasteries and monuments.  This city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 4 – Sigiriya/Polunnawura
Today you will visit the imperial architecture at the 11th century medieval capital of Polonnaruwa. Visit the Royal Palace, built by Parakramabahu I and originally massive wood and stone structure seven storeys in height. Standing close to the shore of the lake, the ruins of the palace of ParakramabahuI’s successor, Nissanka Malla, are less well preserved than those of the Royal Palace, but are attractively located.

Day 5 – Sigiriya
This afternoon climb to the top of Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress from the 5th century.

The climb is steep and in parts very narrow, however, those make the climb are rewarded by some stunning views over the surrounding country side and an opportunity to view the remains of some of the superb frescoes that once decorated the whole façade of Sigiriya.

Day 6 – Sigiriya/Kandy
Today you will drive onto Kandy via Dambulla where you will visit its famous rock caves. On arrival in Kandy you will check-in at your hotel.

Day 7 – Kandy
Kandy is considered the true heart of Sri Lanka and its dense tropical forests, nutmeg and cinnamon plantations scent the breeze. You will tour the Royal Botanical Gardensfirst planted in the 18th century, containing a unique collection of native and exotic flora. Your tour will include a visit to the Pinnawella Elephant Orphanage, where you will have lunch at a nearby restaurant, overlooking the elephant ‘river bathing’ scene. In the evening you visit the Tooth Temple.

Day 8 – Kandy/Hatton
Today drive to Hatton through splendid scenery, to your hideaway in the tea country. You will have an opportunity to enjoy a train journey in the afternoon.

Day 9 – Hatton
Visit to a tea plantation, learning the art of making the world’s finest tea or perhaps walking or biking. For those seeking daytime adventure, consider a guided estate walk. Mountain bikes are also available with many trails in the vicinity to explore.

Day 10  – Hatton
Scaling Adams’s Peak is a wonderful sunrise excursion, a pilgrimage site revered by all four of the world’s main religions. We recommend taking a guide with you. Afternoon visit to Horton’s Plain National Park and walk to the World’s End.

Day 13 – Hatton/Yala National Park
En route driving to Yala National Park, stop off at the spectacular waterfall Rawana Ella which according to the great epic ‘Ramayana’ the mythical King Ravana of Lanka kidnapped Princess Sita of India and kept her hidden somewhere close to this waterfall. Explore Yala to see leopards, elephants, crocodiles, bears, deer and amazing birds

Day 14 – Yala/Galle
Today, enjoy a quick stop in Katagarama, Sri Lanka’s holiest city for both Hindu’s and Buddhists, en route to Galle.  Check into your hotel..

Day 15 – Galle
After a relaxed breakfast wander on the ramparts and through the streets of the UN World Heritage Site – Galle Fort. Considered one of the best examples of a living fortified city built by Europeans in South and South East Asia.

Day 15 – Depart Galle/Colombo
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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