DISCOVER SRI LANKA - 4

COLOMBO -RATNAPURA- BENTOTA TOUR(3DAYS /2 NIGHT)

DAY 1 - Arrival at colombo air port -Bopath Ella Water Falls- Ratnapura city tour

Stop 1

Bopath Ella Water Falls

Bopath Ella (Sinhala: බෝපත් ඇල්ල) is a waterfall situated in the Ratnapura District of Sri Lanka. It has a shape very similar to the leaf of the Sacred fig or "Bo" tree, which has earned it this name. The waterfall is a major tourist attraction in the country. Local myths say that it is haunted and that it hides a treasure trove. The name "Bopath Ella" has been given to the waterfall because of its shape. The water flows through a narrow gap in the rocks and then widens, forming the shape of a leaf of a "Bo" tree w

ich is the Sinhalese name for sacred fig (Ficus religiosa). "Path" means leaves of a tree and "Ella" means waterfall. Virgin forests with a rich biodiversity surround the waterfall. Bopath Ella is 30 metres (98 ft) high. It is formed from the Kuru Ganga, which is a tributary of the Kalu Ganga. Its mean rate of flow is 6 square metres (65 sq ft) per second, and its catchment area receives an average rainfall of 5,080 millimetres (200 in) annually. Water from the falls is used for paddy cultivation. Bopath Ella is also the most comprehensively studied waterfall in the country

Stop 1

Ratnapura city tour

Ratnapura "City of Gems" is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of Sabaragamuwa Province, as well as the Ratnapura District, and is a traditional centre for the Sri Lankan gem trade. It is located on the Kalu Ganga (Black River) in south-central Sri Lanka, some 101 km (63 mi) southeast of the country's capital, Colombo. Ratnapura is also spelled as Rathnapura.The name 'Ratnapura' is a Sanskrit word meaning "city of gems", from the Sanskrit words pura (town) and ratna (gemstone). Over 2000 years ago, when the first Buddhist monks arrived here from the north eastern provinces of India namely Bodh-Gaya, Varanasi and Pataliputra, they not only brought with them the Buddhist religion, but since their teachings were mainly in Sanskrit and Pali they also influenced the local language. While candy produced from the jaggery palm is traditionally known in this region as ratnapura, it is more likely that the candy was named for the locale rather than vice versa.

It is the centre of a long-established industry of precious stone mining including rubies, sapphires, and other gems. Apart from gem mining, the city is known for the production of rice and fruit. Large plantations of tea and rubber surround the city. Tea grown in this region is called low-country tea. There is a well-established tourism industry in Ratnapura. Nearby Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Udawalawe National Park, Kitulgala, and Adam's Peak are especially popular among tourists.

Stay Night in Ratnapura

DAY 2 - Early Morning Proceed to climb Sri Pada Mountain - Ancient Herbal Aurvedic Massage - Bentota

Stop 1

Sri Pada also called as Adam's peak

The mountain is most often scaled from December to May. During other months it is hard to climb the mountain due to very heavy rain, extreme wind, and thick mist

Adam's Peak (Sinhalese: Sri Pada or "Sri Paadaya" (ශ්‍රී පාදය) and Samanalakanda, සමනළ කන්ද; Lit. "Butterfly Mountain"; Tamil: சிவனொளி பாதமலை, Sivanolipatha Malai; Arabic: Al-Rohun) is a 2,243 m (7,359 ft) tall conical mountain located in central Sri Lanka. It is well known for the Sri Pada, i.e., "sacred footprint", a 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) rock formation near the summit, which in Buddhist tradition is held to be the footprint of the Buddha, in Hindu tradition that of Shiva and in Islamic and Christian tradition that of Adam, or that of St. Thomas. Sri Pada is first mentioned (as `Samanthakuta') in the Deepawamsa, the earliest Pali chronicle, (4th century), and also in the 5th century chronicle Mahawamsa, where it is stated that the Buddha visited the mountain peak. The chronicle Rajavaliya states that the King Valagamba (1st century BCE) had taken refuge in the forests of Adam's Peak against invaders from India, and later returned to Anuradhapura. The Mahawamsa again mentions the visit of King Vijayabahu I (1058–1114) to the mountain. The famous Chinese pilgrim and Buddhist traveler Fa Hien stayed in Sri Lanka in 411–12 CE and mentions Sri Pada although it is not made clear whether he actually visited it.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU:

Travel as light as possible because you'll regret any excess weight. Definitely carry a light jacket, especially if you're climbing before dawn: you may be sweating profusely during the climb, but it can get very windy and chilly at the peak. Consider dressing in layers. Check temperature/weather prediction before your climb, and carry rainwear if necessary.

If you're climbing during pilgrimage season, there will be plenty of stalls along the entire route, selling everything from tea to RedBull, from chips to meals (all at a premium, naturally). You will not need a torch because the path will be well lit. There are quite a few small, dirty, pay-and-use toilets (charging anything from LKR 10-40; carry small-denomination notes). Take your camera: once the sun comes up, you'll be treated to some very beautiful views. Sunglasses may also be a good idea.

If you're climbing off-season, it might be prudent to carry snacks (energy bars, bananas), water (electrolytes) and a torch. There are plenty of waste-bins along the route (and yet, people still litter the mountain).

Regardless of fitness level, it's not a good idea to rush down a steep mountain: your knees will take a hit, and that will screw up the rest of your Sri Lanka trip.

Set aside at least 7 hours in total for the entire trip from the base of the mountain to the top and back to the base. Include some time to relax at the top and reflect on your achievement.

Stop 2

Ancient Herbal Aurvedic Massage

(We specially recommend Ancient Herbal Aurvedic Massage to prevent you body from leg paining, cramp and to for the relaxation of muscles and your soul)

The word "Ayurveda" originated from one of the pristine language called Sanskrit. Ayurveda into two segments as "Ayur" and "Veda", these two words stands for "Life" and "Science". [Science of Life] Ayurveda is one of the worlds oldest approaches to medicine. This is an ancient healing system is based on 5000 years of tradition. Also this healing system has been use for more than 5000 years in India & Sri Lanka. Still today in Sri Lanka approximately 60% of the population are treated with healing system. Ayurveda an approach to healing that has been proven and tested over thousands of years and that only uses medicines that are found in nature.

Stop 3

Bentota

Bentota located on the Southwestern coast approximately 60 km from Colombo and more famous as the sprawling resort town under an endless canopy of palm trees, lined with the Indian Ocean intersected by the great river “Benthara”, with many large star class hotels dotted along the estuary which is formed by Bennthara river basin.

Benthota also forms the “Sun & Fun” water sport capital of Sri Lanka with a gamut of activates from snorkeling/scuba diving along the Barberyn reef running very close to the shore or to a distant ship wreck operated by PADI qualified instructors, wind surfing along the coast is sheer exhilaration as nothing beats the powerless cruise along the water, water skiing along the river dragged by an experienced boater, or for the speed freaks the jet ski along the river or if you want a bit more adventure in the squalls of the Indian Ocean and while you do all this what does your kids do? They go for a ride in a banana boat screaming and shouting, perfectly safe in the clam placid waters of Benthara.

A day excursion of fishing along the river for lake fish or join up for deep sea fishing for big game fish from the local “Marina” or canoeing boat safari along this truly exquisite and delightful perennial waterway up river, an excursion to the dark green mangrove forest with its smelly mud and labyrinth of caverns, sometimes surprisingly clear shallow pools teaming with small fish, or an excursion in an open boat to the local lighthouse set in the off shore island to enjoy great outdoors and picnic under the coconut grove that crowns the island are some of the experiences on offer.

Stay Night in Bentota

DAY 3 - Water Sports - Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery - Madu Ganaga River Safari- Departure

Water Sports (can choose activites to taste to your taste )

Bentota

• Windsurfing course.

• Windsurfing board rental.

• Water skiing.

• Banana ride

• Jet Ski.

• Body board.

• Wave surfing.

• Tube ride.

• Snorkeling.

• Deep sea fishing (game fishing).

• Lagoon fishing.

• River cruise.

• Canoeing.

• Diving.

• Discovery scuba diving course.

• Padi open water course (with international certificate).

• Padi advance open water course.

• Padi efr course.

• Padi rescue diver course.

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Kosgoda is famous for its turtle hatchery- Visitors can see huge tanks filled with new born turtle hatch-lings.  After being fed, the baby turtles are taken to the sea and released when they are 2-4 days old, usually during the safer hours of darkness.  Although October to April is the main laying season, some eggs can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year

Madu Ganaga River Safari

The Madu River Lagoon is more commonly known as Madu Ganga, It Covers 915 hectors and collective boasts 15 islands of different sizes. The average depth of the lagoon is roughly 3 meters. The river is a shallow water body in the southwest of Sri Lanka which falls into the sea at Balapitiya. Madu Ganga has high ecological, biological importance, being home to over 300 species of plants. It is arguably one of the last remaining tracts of pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. The surrounding village inhabitants of this islets produce the world renowned peeled Cinnamon of Sri Lanka and Cinnamon oil which is a fascinating process to watch. Visitors can also visit the Ma Duwa village, prawn farms, sand mines, and local blacksmiths on the either side of the Madu Ganga.

Return to the hotel.

Departure

Transfer to Airport for departure flight.

Tour Includes

• Accommodation on sharing a double/twin/triple room at the hotels specified in hotel collection.

• Include Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Transport in a Private Vehicle, inclusive of all Chauffeur accommodation, cost of fuel, parking & highway tolls.

• Private Transport with airport transfers in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle throughout the tour

• Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.

Tour Excludes

• Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details

• International / Domestic Airfare.

• Any expenses of personal nature.

• Tips & Portages.

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