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You will be met by our representative and a special welcome at the Airport. Transfer to Cinnamon Grand Hotel for overnight accommodation. Wind down, relax and recover from the journey… Afternoon/Evening City Tour
Today you will be driven southward, to the City of Galle, world renowned for its UN World Heritage site - the Galle Fort. The Galle Dutch fort was built in 1663AD after the Dutch invasion in 1640AD, seizing it from the Portuguese who were then settled at a site know as Santa Cruz, or Black Bastion. You will also enjoy an adventure boat trip from the Galle port. Inspired by the Dutch influence in Sri Lanka, check in at Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel which exudes a touch of history and class and offers guests’ exquisite cuisine, first-class service, rich ambiance and stunning locations boasting splendid unmatched views of the sea, making it the ultimate retreat for a tranquil experience.
After enjoying an early breakfast, drive eastward to Yala and check in at Mandara Rosen Hotel. In the afternoon, you will experience a guided Jeep safari at the Yala Wild Life Sanctuary, better known as the Yala National Park. This is one of Sri Lanka’s premium eco-tourist destinations, about 24km northeast of Tissamaharama. The park is renowned for the variety of its wild life, specially noted for its elephants, leopards and coast line associated with corals. The jungle spans about over 300 square miles over the Southern and Uva provinces containing a large stretch of beach filled with small patches of mangrove vegetation along the Coast.
Nuwara Eliya or “Little England” as it is aptly referred to, is Sri Lanka's most popular holiday resort. At approximately 6500 feet above sea level, with temperatures ranging from 12 C to 22 C, it opens into a breathtaking panorama of colour. Beautiful gardens, cascading waterfalls, lakes and sweet smelling mountain air, tea plantations and tea factories are the main attractions in this hill area. A personalized visit to a tea factory in Nuwara Eliya, where participants can observe how the world’s finest Ceylon tea is
processed is included. Take a trip back in time to Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Nuwara Eliya and find yourself surrounded by all the old world charm and quaint details of a Tudor mansion in the hills. Perched 6182ft above sea level amidst mist shrouded mountain peaks in Sri Lanka’s cool tea country; this colonial residence is over a hundred years old and still retains the pace and style of life from that era. Enjoy the comforts of every modern convenience alongside the modern traditional delights of plush antique 4-poster beds and open
wood fires and sample a selection of timeless culinary creations from our show kitchen. As for the outdoors, try a slow round of golf in a stunning location or simply lie back and enjoy the view whilst enjoying a cup of world renowned Sri Lankan tea….
After a scrumptious breakfast, you will be driven to the historic and much-respected Sacred Hill Capital of Kandy proceeding towards the central part of the Island. See the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic known to the Sinhalese as “Dalada Maligawa”, that has historical as well as religious value to the Buddhists of Sri Lanka. Attend the Perehera Festival – parading of elephants, drummers, traditional dancers, fire jugglers and a host more all to the exciting tune of traditional drums and music. Special
arrangements will be made for the group to enjoy this magnificent cultural event. Amaya Hills rightly claims to be among the elite of Sri Lanka's hotels. It rises from the foothills of the hill country in traditional Kandyan colours of red, yellow and black, while murals, flags and massive carved columns emphasize a rich historical past. Every effort is made to provide a special Sri Lankan experience. Aptly referred to as the ‘palace in the hills,’ its architecture and details embody the spirit of the ancient Kingdom of Kandy.
Today visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa - The ancient heart of Sri Lanka. An important royal capital with its well-preserved 12th century ruins & impressive stone culture recalls an inspired past. Although nearly 1000 years old, the monuments are arranged in a reasonably compact garden setting and their development is easier to follow. Check in at Deer Park Hotel. Set within peaceful jungle scenery the
Deer Park Hotel offers comfortable accommodation after an eventful day of cultural adventure.
Head off to climb the spectacular Sigiriya rock fortress, with its rocky abode & water gardens. Sigiriya is famous for its toadstool of golden-hued granite, protruding into the searing blue sky from a hot, flat wilderness of scrub land, which is transformed in the rainy season to a water garden. In the 5th century, King Kashyapa domesticated the Lions Rock by building a palace atop its summit. Sigiriya commemorates some of the turbulence of Sri Lanka’s history. Check in at Amaya Lake Hotel.. wind down and relax... located along the shores of Kandalama Lake, surrounded by lush nature, and filled with inviting treats.
After breakfast, explore the magnificent Dambulla cave temple, the largest cave monastery in the country with a history going back to the 1st century BC. En route, visit the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela, where abandoned and wounded elephants are housed. A personalized tour of the Elephant Orphanage will be arranged, where participants can watch wild elephants at a very close range. Depending on the time of the tour, the participants will also have an opportunity to feed the baby elephants. Check in at Cinnamon Grand Hotel.
Final day of your journey!!!! Do some shopping and pick up lots of wonderful things to take back with you. Rest and relax and enjoy your time in Colombo. Late evening pick up from hotel for transfer to
Bandaranayke International Airport.
DEPARTURE COLOMBO TO DULLES (IAD)
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