Colombo - Anuradhapura - Sigiriya (or Kandalma) - Kandy - Chennai - Kovalam - Chennai
09 Nights / 10 Days
| Day 01 |
Arrive Colombo
Arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital city. With a history dating back 2500 years, Sri Lanka offers a colorful blend of Colonial, modern and ancient architecture. Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
|
| |
|
| Day 02 |
Colombo sightseeing
Your sightseeing tour of Colombo reveals a charming and relaxed city. Drive through the commercial and city center area Known as the “Fort,” built by the Portuguese in the 16th Century. See the busy markets and bazaars of Pettah; the National Museum with its fine collection of lovely antiques and art; the Bandaranayake . Overnight at the hotel.
|
| |
|
| Day 03 |
Colombo / Anuradhapura / Sigiriya (or Kandalma)
Morning drive to Sigiriya enroute visit Anuradhapura Sri Lanka’s first and oldest capital today, Founded in the 4th Century B.C., Anuradhapura was a model of planning-an amazing array of domed temples, hospitals, hostels, monastic buildings and water reservoirs, covering 15 square miles! The city reigned for 600 years as the national capital before it was seriously threatened by political expansion from India and finally abandoned for a more secure area. Visit the sacred Sri Mahabodhi Tree planted over 250 years ago and authenticated as the world’ oldest tree; the bell-shaped pagoda built 1500 years ago over a relic of Buddha; the Brazen Palace; the Royal Baths and the Aukana Buddha. Continue drive to Sigiriya (or Kandalma). On arrival check-in into your hotel for overnight stay.
|
| |
|
| Day 04 |
Sigiriya (or Kandalma) / Kandy
Morning we visit Sigiriya before driving to Kandy. The 5th century royal rock citadel modeled on the mythical abode of the God of Wealth. Nearly 500 beautiful frescoes once depicted the grandeur of life here; only 19 portraits remain.
Enroute we also visit the spice garden at Matale to see different spices for which Sri Lanka is famous for. You can see how the spices are grown and processed. Also witness a cookery demonstration.
Driving through lush countryside, we arrive in the picturesque hill capital of Kandy. On arrival check-in into your hotel. This evening visit the Temple of the Tooth, to witness the elaborate evening prayer ritual carried out to the accompaniment of traditional Kandyan drums. Later enjoy a colorful rendition of Kandyan dance. Overnight at the hotel. |
| |
|
| Day 05 |
Kandy sightseeing and drive to Colombo
Morning visit the lovely mountain resort of Kandy, overlooking a spectacular lake. This charming town, capital of Sri Lanka from the 14th century, fell to the British in 1815 with the capture of the last King of Kandy. Also visit Peradeniya Botanical Gadens, built in 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of tress, plants and flowers.
Enroute to Colombo also visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975 with seven elephants and now draws the world attention of scientist from all over the world. On arrival check-in into your hotel for overnight stay. |
| |
|
| Day 06 |
Colombo / Chennai
Fly to Chennai (Madras), the fourth largest city in India and the capital of Tamil Nadu. The city sprawls over more than 70 sq km and rather than claiming a center, retains its former regional hubs. On arrival check-in into your hotel for overnight stay.
|
| |
|
| Day 07 |
Excursion to Kanchipuram & Mahabalipuram
Day excursion to Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram. Kanchipuram , one of the seven sacred cities of India, served as a capital for several dynasties. Visit three of the best temples - Kailashnatha and Ekambareshwara, Dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Vaikuntaperumal dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Continue on the ancient Pallavan port of Mamallapuram for lunch at a seaside resort. Later visit the seventh century rock hewn monuments. The shore temple, the only surviving one of seven, is a unique example of a temple built of rock quarried elsewhere and carried to shore. A massive bas-relief carved on a cliff face depicts the descent of the Ganges, the penance of Arjuna and myriad characters from the Mahabharata. We return to Chennai for your overnight at the hotel.
|
| |
|
| Day 08 |
Chennai / Trivadrum / Kovalam
Fly to Trivandrum (Thiruvanathapuram), the capital of Kerala. Meeting on arrival in Trivandrum and transfer to your hotel in Kovalam, a picture-perfect tropical beach; a traditional Kerala fishing village. Check-in into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
|
| |
|
| Day 09 |
In Kovalam
Day at leisure on the beach. Overnight at the hotel.
|
| |
|
| Day 10 |
Kovalam / Trivandrum / Chennai
Fly to Chennai for your return flight to home. Meeting and assistance at Chennai airport during connection.
|
|
