Island Explorer

Arrival at Colombo Airport
Welcome to Sri Lanka 
A representative of Pink Lotus Tours will meet and assist you on arrival 
Please not a visa must be pre-arranged online prior to your arrival into Sri Lanka

Today you will visit the Elephant Orphanage to see the world's largest herd of domestic Elephants including babies who are still being fed by bottle thrice a day 

This Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 as an effort towards education and conservation by way of scientific captive breeding. Located on the banks of the Maha Oya, the Elephant Orphanage provides shelter to house young elephants who find themselves displaced and lost from their natural habitats

In the afternoon we have planned an exciting Jeep Safari of the Minneriya National Park famous for its many large herds of wild elephants 

This park comprises of grasslands, thorny scrubs and many valuable species of trees. Large herds of elephants, species of deer, wild boar, water buffalo and jackals are some of the wild animals found, along with a variety of birdlife.  

It is the largest known meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world. Certain instances herds up to 300 elephants are seen at the 8,890 hectare park within a few square kilometres of the Minneriya Reservoir.   During the dry season, (Dec-March) wild elephants from the surrounding wilderness in search of food and water, making their way to the shores of the Minneriya Reservoir adjoining the Minneriya National Park. 

Overnight stay at Sigiriya
 

OPTIONAL TOUR Morning Climb the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, a Royal Citadel for 20 years in the 5th Century AD built by King Kasyapa ,contemporary with the  paintings of Ajantha and Ellora Caves in India , highlights being the Frescoes , Mirror Wall and the Lion's Paw, considered as the 8th Wonder of the modern world , thought to be equivalent to the "Alakamanda" - Celestial Palace of God Kuvera.

This unique Rock Fortress or "castle in the sky" - a massive monolith of red stone that rises 600ft above ground , derived the name "Lion Rock" as the entrance to the climb to the summit is reached between the paws of a lion 
Sigiriya Rock Fortress – USD 30 - approx. OPTIONAL TOUR

Afternoon leave for Polonnaruwa – “The Medieval Capital of Sri Lanka- 11th Century AD”  
The city was fortified with three concentric walls, beautified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many shrines. A unique Irrigation complex watered the city as well as the surrounding plains helping in agriculture which made the island "the Granary of the East" . 
The largest of the man-made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra (the Sea of Parakrama), is larger in size than the Colombo Harbour.
Polonnaruwa is home to two magnificent World Heritage Sites and numerous other sites of archaeological and historical interest , some of which depict the influence that Hinduism had on the Buddhist Civilization during that period of history.
In Polonnaruwa, visit the many sites of archaeological and historical interest in the Sacred City including the Grate Statue, Quadrangle, Royal Palace, Vatadage, Hatadage, Siva Devalaya, Gal Viharaya, Alahana Pirivena Complex, Kumara and Lotus Ponds, Thuparamaya , Rankoth Vehera, Pabalu Vehera , Thiwanka Image House , The Museum.

Overnight stay at Sigiriya 
Breakfast Included

After breakfast leave for Kandy – “The Hill Capital” via Dambulla, Matale
 
En route visit the Dambulla Cave Temple  considered to be the largest painted caves in the world with more than 22,000 sq ft of painted surfaces with many paintings , sculptures, statues of Lord Buddha, his disciples, Kings , Gods etc. 
 
Dambulla... a collection of five caves of different sizes  declared a World Heritage Site. Initial authorship is attributed to King Valagambahu who  took refuge here after being driven out of Anuradhapura by invading armies.

Followed by a relaxing walk in to a Spice Garden and take part in a conducted tour to get some knowledge about the growth and use of spices in the day to day life. 

Visit Muthu Mari Amman Hindu Temple
The most prominent building in the town centren is a Hindu temple. You will easily recognize its large tower above the main gateway. These tall towers exuberantly decorated with hundreds of sculptures of divine beings are called Gopurams.

The main Hindu temple in Matale is dedicated to Muthumariamman. The goddess Mariamman (speak “Muri-um-man”) is very popular among Tamils in India and Sri Lanka. 

Arrive in Kandy - 
Kandy………….literally the "City on the Hills" so named as it was protected by the nature - water , rocks and jungles. The last capital of the Sri Lankan kings before falling to the British  in 1815AD which is a World Heritage Site. The name Kandy conjures vision of   splendour of magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still   lovingly kept alive. 

The centre of attraction is the golden roofed Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord  Buddha .The Kandy Lake built by the last King Sri Wickramarajasinghe in 1806 holds a prominent view of the City. It is a City for arts and crafts as well culture and history

In the evening watch a Cultural Performance by traditional Kandyan Dancers and Drummers including devotional “Fire Walking”.

Then  walk across in the star lit night to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha - by far the most important place of worship for Buddhists world over.

Overnight stay at Kandy 
Breakfast included

After breakfast leave for Nuwara Eliya -”Little England" surrounded by "Green Carpets"- hills covered with Tea and cascading Water Falls amidst breathtakingly beautiful landscapes

En route visit a Tea Factory and a Plantation to witness the manufacturing process of world famous "Ceylon Tea" and to taste a pure unblended cup of factory fresh tea before being sent to the Tea Auctions in Colombo leading to Export.

Take scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, 

Overnight stay at Ella
Breakfast is included

Full day visit in Ella including Mini Adams Peak, Ella Gap and 09 Arch Bridge 

Overnight in Ella
Breakfast is included

Morning drive to Bentota via Galle 

Sight Seeing in the Galle Dutch Fortress - a World Heritage Site 

Galle … the port city, standing on one of the main sea routes in the southern part of the city, it has a unique charm among the many historic places in Sri Lanka. The Dutch built the 1st Protestant church in Sri Lanka here, and it is also famous for its Dutch Fort.

Also visit a Mask Museum, Moonstone Mines at Meetiyagoda and a Turtle Hatchery
Galle Dutch Fort- UNESCO site

Check in to beach hotel for beach stay and relax

Overnight stay at Bentota 
Breakfast is included

Our Pink Lotus Tours representative will meet and transfer you to the Airport for departure flight

Breakfast is included

(All passengers should be at the departure lobby of the Airport before 03 hours of their departure flight)