SriLanka : Cultural Triangle

Sri Lanka is a small island with many names, Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient. This cultural tour gives the visitor and insight into the charms of this delightful country and its people. During this tour you will visit some of the sacred sights as well as experiencing an elephant back ride and beautiful waterfalls.

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Day 1 - Arrive Sri Lanka

Arrival and transfer to Habarana the Hub of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle

Located in the north central part of the island, Habarana is a part of Sri Lanka’s dry zone. Thanks to the genius of our ancient kings dating as far as the 05th Century AD, the Sri Lankan Dry Zone is any thing but dry, with hundreds of lakes and reservoirs which are connected by an elaborate network of canals making up an old but great irrigation system. Aside from the benefit for agriculture and industry, the waterworks of the dry zone provide some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery and fertile habitat for the islands incredible bio-diversity. Relax and recover from the long and arduous flight.

Overnight The Chaaya Village, Habarana (Set on a 50 acre parkland bordering a lake, the Chaaya Village is a unique property with individual chalets scattered beside a lake, much like a traditional Sri Lankan village. The rich Sri Lankan food and notably the friendly Sri Lankan hospitality make the Chaaya Village a perfect start to the holiday. In addition to local fare a wide range of international cuisine is also served).

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 - Proceed to Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka's ancient capital, 5th century BC - 9th century AD and the centre of the island's Buddhist civilization. In antiquity and the interest, it is the equal of any ancient 'buried city'. The island's oldest Buddhist shrines - some dating back to 3rd century BC are found here. Impressive white 'dagabas' (relic chambers) and monuments, embellished with handsome stone carvings and sculpture, the oldest documented tree on earth - The Sri Maha Bodhi (over 2000 years old) , pleasure gardens, beautifully executed stone baths and ponds, a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals are the attractions of Anuradhapura.

Visit Mihinthale located a little away from the main Anuradhapura town. This forest clad mountain is sacred to all Buddhist because Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC at this point. There is a Buddhist dagaba on the top of the rock and is riddled with shrines and rock dwellings. Mihintale is regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. A gravel stairway of 1,840 steps made of granite slabs 15 ft wide leads from the very foot of Mihintale to the summit. This climb to the summit is interesting as from here you could see the whole of the surrounding jungle area which is a breathtaking view at sunset as you will be able to see the sun setting over the ancient ruins which are spread far and wide across the plains. Proceed to Habarana the hub of the cultural triangle visiting the The Avkana Buddha statue.

Avkana - A finely sculptured 12 m high Buddha statue carved out of a rock face. Built in the 5th century during King Dhatusena reign. This magnificent monument of great beauty is located about 30 km from Sigiriya.

Overnight at Chaaya Village, Habarana

Meals included: Breakfast , Dinner

Day 3 - Polonnaruwa

Proceed to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to explore the ruined palace and temple complex.

Polonnaruwa rose to fame as the capital after the decline of Anuradhapura. Its period of greatness was from the 10th - 12th centuries AD. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, veritable inland seas the most famous of which is the Prakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbor. The monuments of this medieval city are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past. See the Royal Palace complex, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite – a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving.

In the afternoon take an Elephant Back Safari through the forests and villages of Habarana. A wooden platform large enough to hold four people is secured atop an elephant. From this unique perch enjoy Habarana and the surrounding wilderness as the elephant ambles through.

Overnight The Chaaya Village, Habarana

Meals included: Breakfast , Dinner

Day 4 - Sigiriya

Leave after an early breakfast for Sigiriya and climb the Rock Fortress.

This World Heritage site, a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, and the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory.

Proceed for the hill capital Kandy stopping en route at the Dambulla Cave Temple.

P.M Sightseeing of the hill capital Kandy including a visit to the much revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, Also witness a Kandyan cultural performance.

Overnight The Citadel, Kandy

Meals included: Breakfast , Dinner

Day 5 - Elephant Orphanage

After breakfast visit the elephant orphanage in Pinnawela in time to witness the bathing and bottle feeding of baby elephants.

Proceed to Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya - Is the heart of Sri Lankan hill country. It is the home of the famous Ceylon Tea and the rolling mountains are a carpet of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling waterfalls. The salubrious climate, misty glens and the decidedly British character make Nuwara Eliya a must on any Sri Lankan travel itinerary.

Evening sightseeing of Nuwara Eliya including visits to the Victoria park, golf course the market place and drive around this hill station viewing Lake Gregory. Overnight Galway Forest Lodge, Nuwara Eliya

Meals included: Breakfast , Dinner

Day 6 - The Horton Plains

Leave for The Horton Plains for a 02 – 03 hour walk to “Worlds End” and the breathtaking “Bakers Falls”

Sri Lanka's highest plateau 7200 ft above sea level in the central mountain country. This ‘Fen” is a very scenic region with an astounding variety of scenery from mountains to grasslands, from marshes to trout streams. Sri Lanka's best flavored high grown teas are grown in the surrounding areas. Spectacular view from 'Worlds End' where the plateau plunges a thousand feet in a straight sheer drop. Cool and bracing climate, excellent for trout fishing and very good hiking country. Distinctive flora (many English field flowers grow on the plains) colourful butterflies and many rare highland birds.

Proceed to Kataragama. Overnight at Rosen Rosen Renaissance, Kataragama

Meals included: Breakfast , Dinner

Day 7 - Galle

Witness the morning pooja ceremony and proceed to Galle

Evening at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel Lady Hill, Galle

Meals included: Breakfast , Dinner

Day 8 - Bentota