EXPLORE SRI LANKA -1

EXPLORE SRI LANKA -1

NEGOMBO -COLOMBO- KANDY- NUWARA ELIYA -MATALE TOUR (7 DAYS /6 NIGHT)

Day 01: Airport - Negombo

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide, After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Negombo and check in to the hotel and relax.

Day 02: Negombo City Tour

Negombo City tour

Stop 1

Visit St. Mary's Church/ Negombo Fish Market/ Muthurajawela Marsh and Lagoon Boat tours / Angurukaramulla Temple/ Scuba & Snorkeling in Negombo

Stop 2

Muthurajawela wetlands

Muthurajawela is a marsh in Sri Lanka in the southern region of the Negombo lagoon, 30 km (19 mi) north of Colombo. The Muthurajawela Marshes are 3,068 ha (7,580 acres) in area and the country's largest saline coastal peat bog.[1] The marsh is notable for its unique and highly diverse ecosystem and is listed as one of 12 priority wetlands in Sri Lanka. "Muthurajawela" translates to "Swamp of Royal Treasure".

The marsh is believed to have originated about 7,000 years ago. In 1996 1,777 ha (4,390 acres) of the northern part of the Muthurajawela marsh was declared a wetland sanctuary by the government, under the Flora and Fauna Protection Act, in recognition of its vast bio-diversity.[2] The region supports 192 distinct species of flora and 209 distinct species of fauna, including Slender Loris, as well as another 102 species of birds. Some of the identified species have been shown to be indigenous to the marsh.

The marsh is a major local and tourist attraction, primarily for sightseeing and boating tours, and the area also supports local agriculture and forestry. Visitors to the region are guided through the sanctuary areas by the staff of the Muthurajawela Marsh Centre to avoid serious harm to the marsh ecosystem.

Stop 3

Negombo Lagoon

Negombo Lagoon is large semi-enclosed coastal water body with plenty of natural resources. The lagoon is fed by number of small rivers and the Dutch canal. It is linked to the Indian Ocean by a narrow channel to the north, near Negombo city. The lagoon and the marsh land area also support local agriculture and forestry. It has extensive mangrove swamps and attracts a wide variety of water birds. The lagoon supports so many distinct species of flora, fauna and as well as another species of birds and variety of animals. Negombo Lagoon is a major local and tourist attraction primarily for sightseeing and boating tours.

The fishermen who are based at the Negombo lagoon live in abject poverty in shanty thatch palm villages along the water's edge. They rely mainly on their traditional knowledge of the seasons for their livelihood, using outrigger canoes carved out of tree trunks and nylon nets to bring in modest catches from September through April. Their boats are made in two forms – oruvas (a type of sailing canoe) and paruvas (a large, man-powered catamaran fitted with kurlon dividers). The men are regularly forced to head out to the ocean to fish, often losing money in the chartering process. In recent years, the villagers have supplemented the income earned from fishing by collecting 'toddy', or palm sap, which is used to brew arrack

Stop 4

Negombo Fish Market

Negombo is home to the country's second-largest fish market, locally famous as the Lellama (Lel-La-Ma), at the north end of the lagoon. There are daily fish auctions, which give tourists a chance to meet the area's fishers, buy fish and even organize fishing trips and boating tours into the lagoon and the ocean beyond.On completion return back to your hotel.

Day 03: Negombo - Kandy

An early breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Pinnawala

Stop 1

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

En-route visit the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela. The orphanage was created to protect abandoned and orphaned elephants. It has now grown into the most popular elephant attraction in the country and with good reason, for nowhere else except at Pageants (processions) are you likely to see so many elephants at close quarters. The elephants are controlled by their mahouts (keepers) who ensure they are fed at the right times and don’t endanger anyone but otherwise the elephants roam freely around the sanctuary area.

There are many elephants in residence from babies to young adults. Among the attractions, you will be able to witness elephants being led to a nearby river for bathing. You could also see the feeding of the baby elephants which is the highlight of the visit.

Stop 2

Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Visit Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya – Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the kings of Kandy, 147 acres in extent, it has more than 4,000 species of rare and endemic trees and plants as well as the flora of the tropical world. This is a haven not only for scientists but to every nature lover too. The Spice Garden and Orchid House within the Gardens are popular with tourist

Stop 3

Kandy Gem Museum and Wood carvings

Sri Lanka’s gem industry has a very long and colorful history. Sri Lanka was affectionately known as Ratna-Dweepa which means Gem Island. The name is a reflection of its natural wealth. Marko Polo wrote that the island had the best sapphires, topazes, amethysts, and other gems in the world.

On completion proceed to the hotel and check in.

Day 04: Kandy

Enjoy your morning with a refreshing breakfast. Afterwards, proceed to Kandy Town and walk-through streets of the Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka.

Stop 1

You will jaunt through the lively streets of Kandy with their bright colors, delicious foods and deep history. Explore Kandy's most important monuments. Try out yummy Sri Lankan Street food in stalls.

Stop 2

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses the most important Relic of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. A gold canopy was erected some years ago over the roof of the shrine room where it is placed.

After the parinirvana of Gautama Buddha, the tooth relic was preserved in Kalinga and smuggled to the island by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha on the instructions of her father King Guhasiva

Stop 3

Embekka Devalaya

Embekka Devalaya (Embekka Temple) was built by the King Vikramabahu III of Gampola Era (AD 1357 - 1374) in Sri Lanka. The Devalaya is dedicated to Kataragama deviyo. A local deity called Devatha Bandara is also worshiped at this site. The shrine consists of three sections, the "Sanctum of Garagha", the "Digge" or "Dancing Hall" and the "Hevisi Mandapaya" or the "Drummers' Hall". The Drummers' Hall has drawn the attention of visitors to the site, due to the splendid wood carvings[2] of its ornate pillars and its high pitched roof

It is said that some of the wood work utilized for the "Drummers' Hall" came from an abandoned "Royal Audience Hall" at Gampola. There is every possibility the hall has seen repairs during the reigns of the Sinhalese Kings of Kandy. The carvings, which adorn the wooden pillars of the drummers' hall, as well as the "Vahalkada" (the entrance porch of the Devala, which is said to be older) are some of the best examples of Sinhalese art. The base of the wooden pillars are octagonal shaped while their pillar top or "Pekada", has four leaves stacked in a square. The most noted and famous carvings out of them are the entwined swans, double headed eagles, entwined rope designs, breast-feeding image, a soldier fighting on horseback, female dancers, wrestlers, women emanating from a vein, bird-human hybrid, elephant-bull hybrid and elephant-lion hybrid.

The roof has significant features. The rafters all slant from above towards the incoming visitor are fixed together and kept in position by a "Madol Kurupawa", a kind of a giant catch pin the like of which we do not find elsewhere. When we consider the carvings of the entire temple there are about 125 series of decorations, 256 liyawela type designs, and 64 lotus designs, 30 decorative patterns and roof designs, ending up in 514 unique designs.

Stop 4

Kandyan dance and fire work show

Kandyan Cultural show at the Kandyan Arts and Cultural Centre, which features the graceful and rhythmic dancers and drummers culminating in an impressive fire walking display. Upon completion return back to your hotel and relax.

Day 05: Kandy - Nuwara- Eliya

After breakfast check out of the hotel and proceed to Nuwara Eliya

Stop 1

Kandy Tea Plantation, Ceylon tea Museum

Kandy Ceylon Tea Museum is fascinating ride in Kandy and at the Ceylon Tea Museum you will follow the footsteps of the indomitable pioneer planters. One of the best museums of its kind in the world, visitors could view machinery and objects more than 100 years It is located in the former Hanthana Tea Factory, which was originally constructed in 1925. It is situated 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Kandy.Hanthana was one of the first successful areas to cultivate tea following the failure of coffee production on the island. In 1959 the Tea Research Institute of Ceylon established a substation on land leased from the Hanthana Estate, similar to the Passara substation established in the 1920s. The Hanthana Station was set up to cater to the needs of mid-country tea plantations with regard to the physiology, entomology of tea and in particular the identification of drought resistant clones and the insect pest shot-hole borer

The Ceylon Tea Museum was incorporated on 9 January 1998, under Section 21 of the Companies Act of 1982, in a move initiated by Clifford Ratwatte (Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tea Board). The museum was formally opened on 1 December 2001.

The four storey tea factory had been abandoned for more than a decade before it was refurbished in 2001 by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Planters’ Association of Sri Lanka. The museum contains exhibits on tea pioneers, including James Taylor and Thomas Lipton, as well as lots of vintage tea-processing paraphernalia. The ground floor houses 19th Century colonial generators, rollers, dryers, fermentation tables, sorting machines, etc. The second floor houses the library and museum. The third floor has a shop whilst the top floor contains a restaurant and tea rooms.

Stop 2

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, meaning the city of light is a town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is popular for its tea production. It is located at an altitude of 1860 meters. The city provides breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery. Due to the high altitude, the city sported the perfect climate for British civil servants and planters when the British colonized Sri Lanka. Even today, the city once called little England is true to the British culture as it boasts of colonial architecture with fireplaces, British style open gardens and lawns.

Stop 3

Water sport at Gegory Lake Nuwara Eliya

Lake Gregory (Sinhalese: ග්‍රෙගරි වැව) is a reservoir in heart of the tea country hill city, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Lake Gregory was constructed during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873.[2] The lake and the surrounding area make up the The area was originally a swampy bog at the foot of the small hills that border the town. In 1873 Sir William Gregory authorised the damming of the Thalagala stream, which originates from Mount Pidurutalagala, in order to make more land available for the expansion of the town. In 1881 the lake was stocked with trout by Mr C. J. R. Le Mesurier (Assistant Government Agent for Nuwara Eliya). In 1913 the waters of the lake were directed into a tunnel which flows to a hydro power station at 'Blackpool' between the town and Nanu Oya. The power station continues to supply electricity to the town to this day. In British times Lake Gregory was used for water sports and recreational activities.

Now visitors can follow the ancient British era tradition of relaxing picnics on the shore of the lake, or more modern leisure activities such as rides in swan shaped paddle boats, normal boatrides, pony rides along the shore, water walking balls, watersports such as jetskis, windsurfing and etc.

Stop 4

Hakgala Botanical Gardens (Depend on Time availability)

The Gardens spread across 27-hectare acres were established in 1860 as an experimental Cinchona plantation from which the anti-malarial drug quinine is derived. Subsequently the gardens were used for experiments in acclimatizing temperate-zone plants to life in tropics. Today Hakgala`s gardens of roses, shrubs, ferns and montane woodland are delightfully located in salubrious environment, with small streams running across and wooden bridges built over them with birds flying all over.

Stay Night in Nuwara Eliya

Day 06: Nuwara- Eliya

Early morning Proceed to Horton Plains National Park – Matale City

Stop 1

Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 meters (6,900–7,500 ft) is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region. This region was designated a national park in 1988. It is also a popular tourist destination and is situated 8 kilometers (5.0 mi) from Ohiya, 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) from the world famous Ohiya Gap/Dondra Watch and 32 kilometers (20 mi) from Nuwara Eliya.

The Horton Plains are the headwaters of three major Sri Lankan rivers, the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. In Sinhala the plains are known as Maha Eliya Plains. Stone tools dating back to Balangoda culture have been found here. The plains' vegetation is grasslands interspersed with montane forest and includes many endemic woody plants. Large herds of Sri Lankan sambar deer feature as typical mammals and the park is also an Important Bird Area with many species not only endemic to Sri Lanka but restricted to the Horton Plains. Forest dieback is one of the major threats to the park and some studies suggest that it is caused by a natural phenomenon.

The sheer precipice of World's End and Baker's Falls are among the tourist attractions of the park.

Stop 2

Ancient Herbal Ayurvedic Massage & Spice Gardens at Matale

There are many things to see in Horton Plains National Park. so, it is time consuming but it is worthy after long work and climb up in the park Herbal body massage is a good choice but it depends on time availability to departure you can decide flexibly

The word "Ayurveda" originated from one of the pristine languages 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 world’s oldest approaches to medicine. This is an ancient healing system is based on 5000 years of tradition. Also, this healing system has been used 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.

Stay Night & Relax in Matale

Day 07: Matale – Matale City Tour - Airport for departure

After a relaxed morning and breakfast at the hotel check out

Matale is the only district of Sri Lanka, where an ancient book of written history is found. It is known as Pannagamam ("Five Headed Serpent" in English) of Goddess Muthumari in Sri Muthumariamman Temple, Matale.

The most important historical incident in Matale is writing the thripitaka which was held during the ruling period of king Walagamba in 89-77 BC in Aluvihare, therefore this is permanent evidence for human settlements in Matale before centuries of years. There are folklores receipt of the name “Matale”. It is mentioned that “Mahatala” become as Matale because it is placed in a valley and also the King Gajaba invaded “Soli Rata” and brought and settled 12,000 peoples in here it is become as Matale. There are number of folktales about the name of Matale. Mahathala has been used for large valley area. It gradually converted as Matale.

The Aluvihare Rock Temple that is situated on north side of the city's suburb, Aluvihare. The historic location where the Pali Canon was written down completely in text on ola (palm) leaves in 29 BCE.

Matale was the site of a major battle in 1848 when the Matale Rebellion started and the British garrison in the Fort MacDowall in Matale was placed under siege by the rebels led by Weera Puran Appu and Gongalegoda Banda.

The city is also the birthplace of Monarawila Keppetipola, a rebel who led the Wellasa rebellion against the British troops. His ancestral home, Kappetipola walawuwa, still exists at Hulangamuwa, Matale.

Stop -1

Aluviharaya Rock Cave Temple

The Aluvihare Rock Temple is a sacred Buddhist temple located in Aluvihare, Matale District of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by hills, the Aluvihara cave temple is situated 30 km north of Kandy on the Matale-Dambulla road. The history of Aluvihare Rock Temple is traced back to the 3rd Century B.C to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. It is believed that the King built the dagoba, planted the Bo sapling and founded the temple after the introduction of Buddhism to the country during his reign. Aluvihare Rock Temple was the historic location where the Pāli Canon was first written down completely in text on ola leaves. Many monastery caves, some of which exhibit frescoes are situated near this temple.

Stop 2

Christ Church, Matale

Christ Church, Matale (It is a Anglican church and the oldest church in Matale, Sri Lanka.

The church is located on the site of the former Fort MacDowall, which was abandoned in 1836. It sits on a small hill, with views over the entrance to Matale via Trincomalee. The church was erected and furnished by Rev. William Frederick Kelly, the colonial chaplain for the area. Kelly and thirty-six others sent a petition to Bishop Chapman, to dedicate and consecrate Christ Church. The church was consecrated by Bishop James Chapman on 29 December 1860. The parsonage was opened on 16 August 1862. Kelly was succeeded by Rev. S. T. Taylor in 1865, following Kelly's appointment as colonial chaplain in Nuwara Eliya.

The church celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 1935, its centenary on 29 January 1961 and its 125th anniversary on 6 September 1986. In 1985 the church was gutted by fire and subsequently completely restored, during which time services were held in the Baptist Church. A special service held in this church, in connection with the Coronation of His Majesty King George V, and Queen Mary, on 22 June 1911. The offertory on that was given to the King Edward VIII. The church celebrated its 150th anniversary on 2 October 2010.

Stop 3

Muthumariamman Temple

Muthumariamman Temple or Arulmigu Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil is a Hindu temple in Matale, Sri Lanka.

The prefix “Muthu”, literally means “pearl”. "Mari" means rain and "Amman" means mother in Tamil language. The temple is dedicated to Mariamman, the goddess of rain and fertility. The chariot festival in this temple is held usually coinciding with Magam on a Full Moon Poya Day

The land was originally part of a paddy field and was gifted by the owner in 1852.

The current temple was built in 1874, funded by the Nattukkottai Chettiar. This temple is used by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple was originally a small statue under a tree prayed to by the Hindu people but has been developed by the people in Matale. The first Kumbhabhishekham of the temple was held in 1960.

The temple was severely damaged during the anti-Tamil riots in July 1983 but was subsequently restored. One of the visually dominant features of this temple is its 32.9 m (108 ft) high Gopuram ('Raja Koburum'), a large decorated tower located above the main northern gateway ('Vadakku Vaayil') to the temple.[5] The Raja Koburum is one of the largest Gopurams in Sri Lanka. The 1008 statues of Hindu deities are the work of South Indian sculptor, Nagalingam and his son Ramanathan, with the help of about 100 designers, painters and architects from Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. The Raja Koburum was completed in 2007 at the cost of approximately Rs 150M.

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.

• Cost of Beverages

• Meals where not specified.

• Entrance fees.

Book Now