8 Day Cultural Savours

Welcome to the Pearl of Indian Ocean!

Be met at the Colombo International Airport by your Chauffeur Guide who will transfer you to Negombo, to relax and rejuvenate after your flight

Given that you have just arrived, we suggest you take it easy and spend the rest of evening at leisure.

Early morning, head out to the Cultural Triangle, the nucleus of Sri Lankan History, making an optional stop at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage where you will encounter the Largest Land Mammal.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a nursery for orphaned elephants is one of the largest captive breeding grounds for Asian Elephants in the world. It was established by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation to conserve wild elephants who are stranded from their herd, wounded or diseased. The orphanage spans across a 25 acre land and approximately 100 elephants are nurtured here. The ideal time to visit is the bathing time when the jumbos are escorted to the Maha Oya River for a clean-up and also to have some fun time with the other fellow elephants.

After spending some time with these magnificent animals continue your journey to Sigiriya.

In the evening climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress which is the royal palace of King Kasphyapa, whose desire was to build an impregnable fortress and rule the country. His reign was short-lived as and later this fortress was converted to a monastery. There are about 1200+ steps to reach the summit and once at the top you can get the bird’s eye view of the leafy villages down below. On your way up you will witness the Sigirya Frescos, the mural artwork of ladies bearing flowers and the ‘Mirror Wall’ which contains the expressions of the visitors who were mesmerized by the vibrant frescoes.

Catch a glimpse of the scenic sunset from the summit of the rock…

It’s a new day and a whole heap of experiences awaits for you…

Let us start the day with a visit to a local school, bringing back memories of your school days as you mingle with the little ones… You could read a book and spend some time getting to know them…without a doubt you could learn a few words of Sinhalese, their mother tongue as well.

In the evening meet our traditional folklore dancing teacher, who will teach you simple rhythmic dance movements. Don’t forget to try out playing some musical instruments which are played during dancing. Enjoy a snack and head off to meet the villagers. Stop by a blacksmith and pottery workshop and witness the great talent of the local artisans. You are always welcomed to give them an extra hand…

Today we cycle around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the second medieval capital of Sri Lanka. The archeological city of Polonnaruwa is built on a well-planned scheme where the sites are easily accessible and in close proximity to one another. Some of the highlights that you would visit are: Ruins of the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu, Vatadage and Gal Vihare, which depicts the talents of the age old architecture and sculpture.

Spend the Evening at Leisure, soaking in the peaceful tranquility of the Cultural Triangle

Optional: If you are up to add some soft adventure during your stay visit Minneriya National park for an evening safari.

45 mins drive from Sigiriya will take you to Minneriya National Park which is famous for sighting herds of Sri Lankan elephants. This National Park is also abundant with Axis Deer, Water Monitor and Crocodiles.The best time to visit the park is during June to September and the spectacular Minneriya Elephant gathering occurs during August to September annually.

Accommodation: Jetwing Vil Uyana

Leaving behind the dry lands you will set off to another kingdom in the hills, while making a stop en-route at the Magnificent Cave Temple Complex in Dambulla, famous for its ancient mural paintings depicting the life and work of the Lord Buddha

Arrive in Kandy known to be the stronghold of the Sinhalese, and subsequently the Last Kingdom of the British Empire, and soak in the cool comforting breeze and it’s scenic greenly mountains.

In the evening visit The Temple of the Tooth Relic located on the premises of the Royal Palace of the Last King of Kandy which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha. This prime landmark of Kandy is venerated by Buddhists all over the world and one of the most visited sites in Sri Lanka. Buddhists monks hold daily worships while special ‘poojas’ or ceremonies are conducted three time of the day along with Kandyan drumming in order to restore blessings.

The day is reserved to explore the Kandyan Culture and Sri Lankan Cuisine.

Try your hand at the Traditional Art of Kandyan Drumming with the guidance of our local specialist, a star performer at the Historic Kandyan Pageant – the Esala Maha Perehera. Make sure to try out the rhythms of the variety of drums on display and dig into his deep knowledge of Kandyan Drumming and its heritage.

How about we savor some local food on your next stop? Step into a local home where you will be able prepare some unique local dishes and also to enjoy a typical local lunch with the local family. Don’t forget to ask for the recipes to try out back at home.

As you near the end of your holiday, head back to the metropolitan city of Colombo.

This metropolitan city is a combination of colonial architectural buildings along the backdrop of urban development.

Even if you are on a tight schedule, Colombo has its own way of catering to a diverse range of interests with its variety of markets, gardens and beaches. Starting off with the Gangarama Temple, one of the oldest temples in the Colombo city, Viharamadevi Park, Town Hall, Independence Square, National Museum of Colombo, Wolvendaal Church, Old Parliament Building and to end the tour with a scenic sunset over the Indian Ocean at the Galle Face Green.

We wish you a warm good bye, hoping you have enjoyed your holiday in Sri Lanka and will be taking home memories to cherish a lifetime.