COLOMBO - KANDALAMA

Day 1 - Colombo - Kandalama

Arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport and proceed to Kandalama, taking approximately 3 hours. Check-in at Kandalama Hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 - Anuradhapura - Mihintale - Kandalama

After breakfast proceed to visit Anuradhapura, which was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Ceylon. The Brazen Palace's 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of the magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. 'Samadhi' Buddha statue is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of 'Samadhi' or deep meditation.

Thereafter proceed to visit Mihintale, regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. A grand stairway of 1,840 steps made out of granite slabs 15' wide lead to the summit. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3 - Polonnarawu - Sigiriya - Kandalama

Today, visit world heritage Polonnarawu. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in 'Upright', 'Sedentary' and 'Recumbent' postures carved out of rock can be seen. There are also monuments of famous places of worship such as the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake and the remains of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. In the afternoon, proceed to Sigiriya and climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress. The 'Lion Rock' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4 - Dambulla - Kandy

Leave Kandalama Hotel this morning and proceed to visit the Dambulla rock temple. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka's cave temples, containing the largest figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 metres. Then, proceed to Kandy and check in at your hotel.

Day 5 - Kandy

This afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Kandy, the last capital of Sri Lankan Kings. Drive around the Kandy Lake and Kandy town and bazaar, the arts and crafts centre, a gem museum and a lapidary. In the evening, visit the Temple of the Tooth.

Day 6 - Nuwara Eliya

En-route visit a tea plantation and a tea factory. Here you can observe all about the process of manufacturing tea, you can also see how tea is graded.

Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka's most popular hill resort. Located in the heart of tea country it produces a significant share of the world's best tea. Check in at your hotel, rest of the day at leisure.

Day 7 - Horton Plains

After breakfast, proceed to visit Horton Plains, which is located on a high windswept saddle. Trek 1.5 hours to visit World's End, which is considered to be the finest view in all of Sri Lanka. You can also see the beautiful Backer falls. The park shelters mammals such as Sambhur, Leopard and endemic Bear Monkeyand famous for its endemic lizards. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 8 - Kelani River - Colombo

Today, proceed to the coast via Hatton and Kitulgala, en-route pass by St Clair's, Devon and Aberdeen waterfalls. The Kelani River flowing through Kitulgala was the main location where the Oscar-winning movie 'Bridge on the River Kwai' was filmed. Transfer to the beach or to the airport. Please ask for more details.