Ladies Sri Lanka

specialDeparture: Upon request
For all you ladies who want a getaway of culture, scenic beauty and relaxation the island of Sri Lanka has it all. Visit Colombo and Leslie’s house, the former home of Arthur C. Clarke. Explore the ancient towns of Anaradapura and Polonnaruwa to see ruins of former palaces and temples. Learn about its rich Buddhist history and dagobas which dot the countryside. See the huge Buddha statues carved from stone into the hills. Visit a forest hermitage and the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its amazing frescoes. See artisans at work. Ladies Sri Lanka is for women travelers who share a passion for discovery.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Colombo
On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality; Representative will Welcome you and transfer to Colombo. Check-in to the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay at
Galle Face Hotel

Day 2: Colombo
Breakfast at the hotel and then a city tour of Colombo. Includes Leslie’s House and the Arthur C. Clarke Museum.

Colombo: like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah bazaar – where one can shop for bargain, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) – an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People’s Republic of China. Overnight stay at Galle Face Hotel

Day 3: Colombo / Mihinthale / Anuradhapura
After breakfast, transfer to Anuradhapura. In the evening visit Mihinthale.

Mihintale: is where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. Mihintale is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is riddled with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made out of granite slabs 15” wide leads to the summit from where one could get a splendid view of the surrounding countryside.
Overnight stay at Palm Garden Village Hotel
NOTE: COLOMBO / ANURADHAPURA – APPROXIMATELY 4 ½ Hrs

Day 4: Anuradhapura / Aukana / Anuradhapura
Explore Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura: was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Sri Lanka. It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological interest could be visited. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) was brought as a sapling of the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained to enlightenment and it is over 2,200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. At Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C), the 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks.

Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C) is the most famous of all the Dagobas. It originally depicted the perfect ‘bubble shape” that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce. ‘Samadhi’ Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of ‘Samadhi’ or deep meditation. Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century B.C) is well known for its rock carvings.

The Aukana Buddha statue beyond doubt is the most magnificent, undamaged statue in Sri Lanka. It was built in the reign of King Dhatusena in the 5th century and is 39 ft (12 metres) high. The Name “Aukana” means “Sun-eating”. Overnight on Anuradhapura

Day 5: Anuradhapura / Ritigala / Habarana / Sigiriya
Explore Ritigala.

Ritigala: a Second Century B.C. Forest Hermitage Site. Beautiful Stoned Paved Meditation Paths and Stone Bridges Wind across the Wooded Mountains.

Afterwards, you enjoy an exciting ride on an Elephant back in Habarana. The Elephant Safari Habarana (At Village) has become a highlighted event to tourist for excitement and adventure or even for the “Chance of a Life”. Ride will be for 1 hour.
Overnight stay at Fresco Water Villa
NOTE: ANURADHAPURA / RITIGALA – APPROXIMATELY 1 ½ Hrs

Day 6: Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa / Sigiriya
Breakfast at the hotel and visit Polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa: was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and which is a world heritage site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures carved out of rock could be seen, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of king Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama Samudraya – a lake built by King Parakramabahu the great. There are also monuments of famous places of worship such as the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic.

On your way back to hotel you could also witness a wood carving shop where you will be shown all the types of timber and hardwood available in Sri Lanka and all the creative furniture made by our master craftsmen.

Climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock.

Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster. Overnight stay at Fresco Water Villa
NOTE: SIGIRIYA / POLONNARUWA – APPROXIMATELY 1 ½ Hrs

Day7: Sigiriya / Dambulla / Matale / Kandy
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer Kandy. En route visit Dambulla Rock Temple.

Dambulla Rock Temple: was built by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. and it is a world heritage site. Also, it is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. metres of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 metres.

On the way to Kandy visit a spice garden in Matale. Arrive in Kandy and do city tour.

Kandy: was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name “Kandy” conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit Bazaar area, Arts & crafts center, a Gem museum and a lapidary.

In the evening visit Temple of the Tooth Relic. Late evening see the Cultural Show.
Overnight stay at Hunnas Falls Hotel
NOTE: DAMBULLA / KANDY – APPROXIMATELY 2 ½ Hrs

Day 8: Kandy
After breakfast at the hotel , trek to a Local school + Local village.

Take a morning hike along the Simpson Trail. The Simpson Forest is a small submontane forest patch in the Hunnasgiriya Mountain Range that was named after a former planter. This hike takes through a tea plantation and habitat for the giant squirrel, the blue mormon and tree nymph butterflies. We visit a local village along the way and if school is in session, you may also be able to meet some of the local children. Return to the hotel after. Approx: 04 hours walk.
Overnight stay at Hunnas Falls Hotel

Day 9: Kandy / Peradeniya / Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nuwara Eliya. En-route visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical garden.

This botanical garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. En route visit tea plantation and do city tour in Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya: because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka s most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka s tea country producing a significant share of the world best tea. Sri Lanka s highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located here. Nuwara-Eliya also has one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in South Asia.
Overnight stay at St. Andrews Hotel
NOTE: KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA – APPROIMATELY 2 ½ Hrs)

Day 10: Nuwara Eliya / Yala
Drive to Yala. In the evening visit Yala National Park.

Yala (Ruhuna) National Park: is situated in the southern province and showcases a vast variety of indigenous animals and is best known for large herds of roaming elephants and the ever-elusive leopard. The park’s dry thorn scrub, interspersed with small dusty glades, IT is reminiscent of Africa, a perfect environment for safaris.

Overnight stay at Cinnamon Wild Hotel
NOTE: NUWARA ELIYA / YALA – APPROXIMATELY 4 Hrs

Day 11: Yala / Galle / Bentota
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Bentota. En-route visit Galle City.

Galle: was once the chief port of Sri Lanka. It is still well known for hand-made lace. You can also visit the Galle Fort (spanning 90acres) which was originally built by the Portuguese and later extended by the Dutch in 1663. This is also a World Heritage Site.

Proceed to Bentota and check-in to the hotel. Overnight stay at Avani Bentota
NOTE: YALA / GALLE – APPROXIMATELY 4 Hrs & GALLE / BENTOTA – APPROXIMATELY 3 Hrs)

Day 12 & 13: Bentota
Breakfast at the hotel and days spent at leisure. Overnight stay at Avani Bentota

(During beach stay driver and vehicle will not be at disposal)

Day 14: Depart Bentota
After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for your flight onward or homebound.
NOTE: BENTOTA / AIRPORT – APPROXIMATELY 3 HRS

Cost from $3295.00, twin share
Single supplement from $1200.00
Cost based on 4 persons–for less persons a surcharge applies

NOTE: December departures has an additional cost supplement for peak season travel

CALL NOW to BOOK 415-331-3791

Includes:
– Accommodation on sharing double basis for 13 nights from breakfast on day 02 to breakfast on day 14 at hotels specified or at hotels of similar standard.
– Transportation by Air-Conditioned vehicle throughout the tour with an English speaking Chauffer guide (Except at beach stay in Bentota).
– Entrance fees for
1. Mihinthale
2. Anuradhapura
3. Sri Maha bodhiya
4. Isurumuniya
5. Aukana
6. Ritigala
7. Elephant Back Ride in Habarana
8. Polonnaruwa
9. Sigiriya
10. Dambulla Temple
11. Kandy Temple of Tooth Relic
12. Cultural Show
13. Royal Botanical Gardens
14. Yala National Park Entrance and Jeep Hire

– All the assistance in the Airport
– Includes all the Government local taxes (Current prevailing)

Does not include:
– International airfare
– Travel insurance
– Expenses of personal nature (Telephone calls, Laundry etc.)
– Activities mentioned as Optional.
– Tips and gratuities
– Any items specifically not mentioned in the itinerary
– Video and Camera permits
– Lunch, Dinner and Mineral Water or other beverages throughout the tour
– All extra mileages, entrance fees out of the program

CALL NOW for DETAILS 415-331-3791