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LK10DAZ011

Coast and Culture (13 Days)

Coast and Culture (13 Days)

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A journey of spirituality, culture and history that takes you back in time to the ancient kingdoms and wonders of ancient Ceylon that today are known across the world as some of the greatest sights to behold no matter where you come from. Take a walk through the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka and experience UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’ Fortress; the eighth wonder of the world, the Dambulla Golden Cave Temple complex, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where the Lord Buddha’s tooth relic remains preserved and protected today, attracting religious devotees from all walks of life.

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1 Day in Negombo

Due to Negombo’s proximity to the International Airport in Katunayake, we have made it a point to allow you to relax and enjoy your first day without a hassle. You can spend your first day in a cozy hotel in this beach side resort town which is known for its cafes, restaurants, fishing village and harbor and a massive canal.

Negombo

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffeur guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Colombo and check into the hotel.

1 Day in Anuradhapura

Heading straight to an ancient city which is known as the epitome of Buddhism and culture, we will spend the day in Anuradhapura which is also the first ancient capital and political centre that ruled the island for over one thousand years. Before arriving here, you will also visit Panduwasnuwara which is another kingdom in ancient Sri Lanka with ruins.

Panduwasnuwara Kingdom

Explore the ancient kingdom of Panduwasnuwara, which was briefly the capital during the 12th century. Wander amongst the ruins of the city with its pagodas, image houses, meeting halls and the citadel. Visit the now restored former temple of the tooth relic, which lies just outside the citadel’s walls. View the palace and listen to the many legends that surround it.

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Walk through the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital for over a millennium until the 10th century AD. View the pagodas, monastic buildings and ponds that are scatter all over the vast area. Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings of the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery. Gain more knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history as you walk in the footsteps of Kings.

2 Days in Dambulla

Still, immersing you in culture, we travel to the centre of the Cultural triangle which is Dambulla. While here we will be visiting the Mihintale Rock which is the place where Buddhism was initiated, the Avukana Buddha Statue – a massive rock sculpture of Lord Buddha, the Sasseruwa Buddha Statue, the Dambulla Cave Temple, Polonnaruwa and the Minneriya National Park.

Mihintale Rock

Visit the place where Buddhism began in Sri Lanka. See the spot where the meeting of King Devanampiyatissa and Monk Mahinda took place. View the monastic ruins at the foot of the mountain. Walk in the footsteps of Mahinda as you visit the cave where he resided. View historic stupas, Ambasthala Dagoba On completion return to the hotel

Avukana Buddha Statue

This visit takes you to the majestic 40-foot rock sculpture in Avukana is one of the classical examples of Standing Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. You will be able to see the marvelous crafting of the statue in its being carved from a single rock and standing unsupported except for a single thin attachment at the back; the delicately carved folds of the robe; and the cleanly sculpted body structure. The partially collapsed structures around it point to it once having been sheltered in an image house.

Sasseruwa Buddha Statue

Right after visiting the Avukana Buddha Statue, you will be able to view the Sasseruwa statue which lies a mere quarter hour away. Notice the similarities of this incomplete statue with the Avukana Buddha Statue. Listen to the interesting legends surround this statue and its half-finished state. Visit the cave monastery and the marvelous ancient image houses that lie close by.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

The Ancient Kingdom of Polonnaruwa

Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka’s ancient history.

Minneriya National Park

This safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.

2 Days in Kandy

Travelling further down the island to the hill capital of Kandy we will first visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and then enjoy a guided tour in a beautiful spice garden. You will witness a cultural show and then enjoy the serenity of a temple run in Kandy with many scattered around and finally visit the temple of the tooth.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ‘ the Lion Rock’. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Matale Spice Tour

The Matale Spice Tour gives you a hands on experience of a Spice & Herbal Garden within the Spice capital of Sri Lanka, Matale. Here you will learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and their uses. The garden is enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that heighten the unique aroma of each spice and herb. Apart from gaining knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, this unique tour also let’s you learn about Ayurvedic medicine. The tropical climate in which the plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality.

The Kandy Cultural Show

The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

Kandy Temple Run Tour

Get amazed by the wood crafting masterpiece that is the Embekke Temple. Wander through the historic and beautiful Gadaladeniya Temple and view its wonderful paintings and sculptures. Visit the Lankatilaka temple that was quite architecturally advanced for its time. See awe-striking sight of the Degaldoruwa Cave Temple, the inside walls of which are covered in painstakingly restored paintings.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.

1 Day in Nuwara Eliya

Before leaving Kandy, you will visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya and then enjoy a scenic train ride from Peradeniya to Nuwara Eliya which offers unparallel views of the Central highlands. Once arriving at the city, you will explore the city which gives you the vibes of and English locality. A walk in the Victoria Park is a must.

Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya

Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, which were formed in the early 19th century. Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy the learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees, or bordered by flowering plants. Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes or even climbing the twisty trees that make wonderful jungle gyms.

Scenic Train Ride

Reach the Train Station in Peradeniya by 8:30 am to catch the train to Nuwara Eliya. Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train journey takes you on scenic ride through some of the most beautiful highland countryside areas in Sri Lanka. Watch the brilliant greens carpets of the tea plantations. See the picturesque villages with misty mountain backdrops pass by. Peer through drizzle and mist to look at the magical landscapes of Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya

Visit the highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas and beautiful mansions. Make a memory in the old red-bricked postoffice as you purchase an inexpensive and colorful postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory.

1 Day in Yala

While driving to the South East, we will first stop at a tea factory and learn the process of tea manufacturing. Then we explore Ella and its marvels ahead of the safari. From the Little Adam’s Peak and its gorgeous views to the massive structure of the Nine Arched Bridge ans also the Demodara Railway.

Tea Factory

Visit a Tea Factory and a plantation where you would see how the world’s famous “Ceylon Tea” is manufactured. In 1824 a tea plant was brought to Ceylon by the British from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. James Taylor was a British citizen who introduced commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). He arrived to Sri Lanka in 1852 and settled down in Loolecondera estate in Kandy. Today even people who have never heard of Sri Lanka are familiar with Ceylon tea, which is known for its quality.

Explore Ella

Explore Ella’s most interesting places. Pass through bright green tea fields, and tough stretches of rock, and get to see the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the history seeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction. End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best sights of Sri Lanka

3 Days in Ahangama

We will be heading to Ahangama after a thrilling safari at the Yala National Park and then head to the Rekawa Turtle Hatchery to witness these endangered species. We visit a virgin white tea factory, and witness stilt fishermen along the southern coast. Finally you will discover the city of Galle where there’s a mix of Portuguese and Dutch influences

Yala National Park

This amazing Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

Rekawa Turtle Hatchery

Learn more about the five kinds of endangered sea turtles that visit the shores of Sri Lanka and their conservation. Do the night time turtle watch and have a chance to see turtles come to nest. Have fun volunteering for a few hours at the Rekawa Turtle Hatchery.

Handungoda Tea Factory

Visit Handunugoda Tea Factory which is also known as the Virgin White Tea Factory. Learn the history of the tea that this factory produces. Get to know how the famous Virgin White Tea is plucked and processed completely untouched by human hands. Engage in a tasting session with a delicious cup of tea and scrumptious chocolate cake. Get a chance to purchase some tea leaves as a souvenir.

Stilt Fishermen

Watch the captivating sight of fishermen perched on stilts in the waters along the coast of Koggala. Hear the stories of how stilt fishing came to Sri Lanka, from the mouths of the fishermen who have practiced the craft for generations. Learn how the stilt fishing is done in detail and marvel at the level of skill that goes into it. Get some amazing photographs of the fishermen silhouetted against the shoreline at sunset.

Galle

Discover the city of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters, and its secrets. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in Asia. View the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestones streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories.

1 Day in Colombo

Driving towards Colombo, we will enjoy a boat ride along the calm waters of the Madu River with a flourishing eco system and secret passages through the thick mangroves. You will have plenty of photo opportunities and witness water birds in their natural habitat. In Colombo, you will enjoy a Colombo City Tour covering some major attractions.

Madu River

Go on a wonderful boat ride down the Madu River with its flourishing ecosystem. Pass through the secretive passages created by the mangroves. See the basking crocodiles and water monitors. Visit one of the small islands with its cinnamon harvesting natives. Enjoy the restorative qualities of the famous fish massage. Observe the waterbirds in their natural habitats.

Colombo City Tour

Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores.

Departure

After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island.

Includes:

  • Transport in a Private Vehicle, Fuel, Parking & Highway tolls.
  • Service of English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
  • All prevailing taxes and service charges.
  • 2 x 500ml Water Bottles per Person per Day.

Excludes:

  • Hotel Accommodation and Meals.
  • Entrance fees to the respective sites.
  • Chauffeur Guide's Accommodation.
  • Expenses of personal nature.
  • Visa and Related Expenses.
  • Tips & Portages.

Complimentary:

  • 1 x 1 Liter water bottle per person per day.
  • 1 x Local SIM card per room.

Services of Lakpura LLC

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