Sri Lanka
Colombo, Cultural Triangle, Kandy, & Bandarawela
10 days
DAY 1 - 2
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka Airport authority staff will page you at the gate and escort you through the immigration to a private exclusive lounge as we have signed you up for the Fast Track arrival service. At the entrance of the lounge, you will be met by our airport staff and your assigned chauffeur guide who will escort you throughout your stay with us.
In the afternoon enjoy a spa treatment at Spa Ceylon and eat your first Sri Lankan meal for dinner.
Spend two nights in Colombo.
DAY 3
Cultural Triangle
After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and leave for Dambulla (approximate travel time 3:30 minutes’ drive). Dating back to the first Century BC, Dambulla is a vast cave complex, converted into a rock temple which is still regarded today as one of the most important Buddhist monasteries. Covering the rock ceiling is the largest collection of paintings in Sri Lanka within a cave temple, and surrounding you is the highest number of Buddha statues found in one single place. The Rock Temple has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spend two nights in the cultural triangle.
DAY 4:
Cultural Triangle
Early morning with packed breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya to climb the famous Rock Fortress.A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is an enormous rock boulder rising up 200 meters above the surrounding jungle. Incredibly, the rock fortress was built by King Kassyapa I in the fifth Century and served as a royal citadel for more than 18 years, Wander through the ruins and admire the courage and work it must have taken to build this palace all those years ago- you will even find a fully functional swimming pool up there. Aside from the ruins, with the unparalleled 360-degree view of the surrounding jungle and hills, it will not be just be the climb that takes your breath away.
Return to Anuradhapura, proceed on city tour the ancient city with your guide.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site predominantly influenced by Buddhism, Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka's first Capital Kingdom.Upon arrival you are greeted by the brilliant white dome shaped Ruwanweliseya and Jethawanarama stupas or dagobas (religious monuments). These two stupas have survived over two millennia and the mighty Jethawanarama is equal in size to the pyramids in Giza. Next, admire the 'Samadhi' Buddha statue, a granite statue of Buddha in a meditative pose and a true masterpiece of sculpture. Before concluding your visit to Anuradhapura, receive a blessing near the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree (Ficus Religiosa) which bears a branch brought over from India over 2,500 years ago and is considered to be the oldest tree recorded in the world. Proceed back to the hotel to relax and enjoy dinner.
DAY 5
Cultural Triangle & Kandy
After an early breakfast, check-out and leave for Pinnawela (approximate duration – three hours drive). The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage for wild elephants. Upon an early arrival watch the herd as they enjoy a breakfast of leaves and shoots, you will then have the chance to witness the excitable young calves enjoy a bottle feed. Before leaving, watch the whole herd make their way through the town for bath time in the Maha Oya River. These huge mammals adore their time in the water and you can share in their enjoyment as they splash around, roll in the dirt, or delight in a coconut shell massage from one of their human friends.
Next, leave for Kandy (approximate duration – one hours and 30 minutes’ drive).
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the most prominent Buddhist temple in the hill capital. Located near the banks of the scenic Kandy Lake, the temple is a landmark in Kandy city and revered by Buddhists and all religions alike. Built during the 16th Century, the Temple of the Tooth is one the most important temples for Buddhists as it houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. The resident monks demonstrate this age-old tradition as you become surrounded by the sound of drums and the smells of lotus and jasmine flowers, as well as incense.
DAY 6
Kandy
Enjoy the day on your own relaxing at the hotel and enjoying the activities the lodge has to offer.
Spend two nights in Kandy.
DAY 7
Bandarawela
After breakfast at the hotel, checkout and transfer to Hanthana School grounds to board the Helicopter transfer to Bandarawela. Checkin at hotel, relax and enjoy dinner at the hotel. Spend two nights in Bandarawela.
DAY 8
Ella
After breakfast at hotel, proceed to Ella (approximate duration – one hours’ drive). Enjoy a hike at the Nine Arches Bridge.Also visit a Tea Plantation/ factory, where you will get up close and personal with handpicked Ceylon tea.
DAY 9
Colombo
After breakfast, checkout and leave for Colombo via helicopter. Check-in at the hotel.
In the afternoon spend the day shopping. Visit and Gem and Jewelry, Authentic Sri Lankan Silk Batik garments, and a visit to an Art gallery of a renowned artist.
Return to the hotel, relax, and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Spend the night in Colombo.
DAY 10
Depart for home taking with you amazing memories of your trip to Sri Lanka already dreaming of when you will take your next adventure with The JoYOUs Journey.