EXPLORE SRI LANKA - 18

Galle – Mirissa – Bundala – Ella – Arugam Bay – Knuckles – Kandy – Negombo (06Days/05Nights)

Day 01 – Arrival at Colombo airport – Galle

Stop 01

Galle Dutch Fort

The story of the Galle Dutch Fort; a UNESCO World Heritage Site reverberates through all traveler’s photos and captions. Initially built by the Portuguese in the 16th century during their conquests, the fort was later fortified and conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century, until it later fell to the might of the British. The old town of Galle was once used as a trading port for spices and other goods for over 200 years. However, today, the fort has been transformed into a place of history, romance and beauty where travelers are warmly welcomed to dive head first into the exotic stories and be a part of this heritage site.

Stop 02

Jungle Beach

Located west to Unawatuna, Jungle Beach is a pretty bay nestled in a forested area. It is one of the secret gems of Sri Lanka which has everything to make your holiday experience one of its kind. The place retains its pristine natural charm as it is not ventured by a large number of tourists throughout the year due to its secluded location. Jungle Beach offers a plethora of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, boat ride and many more. The reefs jutting out of water a few meters offshore make a good site for snorkeling which introduces you to the exotic marine life of the region. Apart from schools of colorful fishes you will spot moray eels, encounter crabs, barracudas, trigger fish and many other reef dwelling creatures. The other activities you can indulge in Jungle Beach include whale watching, visiting historical ruins, jungle hiking and many more.

Stop 03

Japanese Peace Pagoda

In 1947, a Japanese Buddhist monk by the name of Nichidatsu Fujii dedicated his life to constructing Peace Pagodas around the world as symbols of peace. More than 80 Peace Pagodas have been built all over the world including in Europe, Asia and the United States.

Hidden amongst the trees of the Unawatuna rainforests and yet visible across the water from the historic Galle Fort in the Bay of Galle is the “Sama Ceitya”, one of four Japanese Peace Pagodas that can be found in Sri Lanka. Situated on Rum masala Hill, it was built with the assistance of Japanese Buddhist monks in 2005 (when Sri Lanka was still in the midst of fighting a devastating civil war) as part of a plan to build temples of peace in conflict zones.

Today, it acts as a symbol of peace for the Buddhist-majority country of Sri Lanka, but its clean, rounded design is intended to represent harmony between people of any and all backgrounds. The immense white stupa that rises out of the Japanese Peace Pagoda is surrounded by statues painted in gold, while a nearby flight of stairs leads to a walkway that goes around the shrine, offering breath-taking views of the jungle, the sea, and the stunning Galle Fort.

When stopping by the Peace Pagoda, visitors should ensure that they are dressed modestly and respectfully; legs and shoulders need to be covered.

Stop 04

Kosgoda sea Turtle Conservation Project

The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project was started by Dudley Perera in the year 1981. The main aim of the project is to conserve the sea turtles and protect them from predators like birds, dogs, and crabs. It is one of the 18 hatcheries in Sri Lanka devoted to the proper breeding of this endangered species. Visitors can get to see up to five endangered species out of seven species of margin turtles in the world here. The place is especially suitable for kids but provides to be a once in a lifetime experience for all.

The volunteers patrol the beach at night to make sure that any mother turtles have proper conditions to lay eggs. They also carry the eggs back to the hatchery to make sure they hatch properly without any harm from predators and then release the baby sea turtles back into the ocean once properly hatched. They also take care of sea turtles with disabilities and treat the ones who have become weak due to fishing activities.

Tourists will be guided throughout the process of protecting and proper hatching of the sea turtles while visiting the hatchery. One can also visit the hatchery in the evening when the baby turtles are released into the sea as the risk for predators is minimum at this time and get the opportunity to release their baby sea turtle into the sea.

Moving to Mirissa & Stay Night in there

Day 02 – Mirissa – Ella

Stop 01

Mirissa Beach

Some of the major attractions in Mirissa are whale watching. The fantastic place of Mirissa is also known for its tune, mullet, butterfish, snapper, and being the largest fishing port on the South Coast. Great beach! Tides don't affect the water level too much; the waves are not too strong - you can still swim and body board. There are bars on the beach and nice cafes with fresh seafood at 6pm every evening. If you walk to the left over the giant rocks you can get to a scenic hill covered with mangrove trees and palms.

Stop 02

Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is situated in the southern province of Sri Lanka, about 245km from Colombo. Bundala national park is a perfect trip for bird watchers & nature lovers. It harbors 197 bird species and is declared both a Ramsar wetland site and a UNESCO biosphere reserve with diverse wildlife. Bundala is located in a low country dry zone climate area which results in a tropical monsoonal climate. It contains five shallow brackish lagoons of which three contains salt pans used for salt production.

The ecosystems of Bundala contain seven terrestrial habitat types and six wetland types. It boasts of 383 plant species belonging to 90 families, dominated by dry thorny shrubs, acacia and herb species. The lagoons are dominated by blue-green algae, Hydrilla and water lilies. The sand dunes east of the Bundala village is also a must-see due to its strip of unique Palu (Manilkara hexandra) trees. Bundala is identified as an important bird area (IBA) with a recorded 324 species of vertebrates and 52 species of invertebrates. This includes 197 species of birds, 48 species of reptiles, 32 species of fish 32 species of mammals and 15 species of amphibians. Bundala National Park Safari is very much popular among both local & overseas visitors due to complex array of animals. Also, Bundala is an ideal hot spot for bird watching enthusiast worldwide.

Generally, Bundala National Park temperature is bit high (average Temperature is 27C, the annual rainfall varies between 900 MM to 1300 MM. Dry season’ falls between May and September. Best time to visit is September to March: during this period migratory birds arrive at the park. Out of 197 bird species, 100 are water birds and 58 are migratory. The highlights of the migratory birds are the Greater flamingo, waterfowl and cormorants. This rich biodiversity of birds has led to a national bird ringing program. Not only birds, but Bundala is also the home to various animals such as the Asian elephant, different types of macaques and langurs, jackals, leopards, wild boars, porcupines and deers. The brackish water in the Bundala lagoons is the home to different species of fishes and amphibians, with two species being endemic. The seashore of Bundala Park provides breeding grounds for all five species of globally endangered sea turtles.

Moving to Ella & Stay Night in there

Day 03 – Ella

Stop 01

Ella Rock View Point

Ella Rock is located just a little outside of Ella town in the middle of Sri Lanka. The beautiful green mountains of Ella make the Ella rock hike a must do while staying in Ella. The total hike to Ella Rock and back to Ella town is 8 km long and takes 4 hours from start to finish. But schedule some more time for short stops and of course to admire the amazing view on the summit. The best time to start the hike is early morning because of several reasons. To beat the heat and to have the chance of a clear view and magical sunrise. But you have to be an early bird for that! If you want to see the sunrise you have to leave Ella town at 4AM. It’s best to have a headlamp so you don’t have to use your flashlight of your phone.

Stop 02

Ella Waterfall

Stop 03

Dunhida Waterfall

Dunhinda Falls is situated about 5 km away from Badulla town. It is 63 meters high and is considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The falls gets its name dew to the smoky dew drops spray and is also known as the “Bridal Fall” because the shape of the waterfall reflects a bridal veil. Dunhinda Waterfall is sourced by the Badulu Oya which flows through Badulla. The best time to see this beautiful waterfall is during the months of June and July, although it is worth a visit during any time of the year. There are a narrow footpath leading people towards the waterfall and care should be taken along the way. There are also quite a few monkeys in the area. It is advised not to bathe in the water stream falling from Dunhinda Waterfall as it is very dangerous.

Moving to Arugam Bay & Stay Night in there

Day 04 – Arugam Bay

Stop 01

Arugam Bay Beach

Sri Lanka Windsurfing is a popular water sport among the foreign tourists who visit the palm fringed pristine beaches of Sri Lanka. The most popular surfing beaches of the island are Hikkaduwa of South Western coastal belt and Arugam bay (International surfing competition venue) of Eastern coastal belt of Sri Lanka. Since the early 60’s Sri Lanka attracts surfers from all over the world. The Windsurfing opportunities offered in Sri Lanka attracts the amateur windsurfers as well as the world class Windsurfers participating in international Windsurfing competitions.

The resplendent waters surrounding the moon-shaped curl of soft golden sand in the eastern shores of Sri Lanka are known to be one of the best ‘point brakes’ in the world. Experience and ride through the majestic waves of the ocean as they break in an exhilarating rush. Surfing is best in Arugam bay during the season of April to October each year. During this time is conducted the UK Pro-Surfers Association’s Sri Lanka Surf Championships, an event open to all and where the entire place becomes a hub of activity as the best Surfers across the seas comes together to participate in the thrilling event in one of the finest Surfing hotspots in the world.

Stop 02

Pottuvil Lagoon

4km away from Arugam Bay, you will find a hidden gold mine for wildlife: the Pottuvil Lagoon. You will get to cruise along the lagoon, which is 200 acres in size, in either a boat or a canoe and the whole safari will last about 2-2 ½ hours. The lagoon is one of the most pristine places on the island; the murky greenish-brown water looks misleadingly deep when in fact it is actually quite shallow, but the dark water is beautiful as it becomes a mirror of sorts to the clear blue skies.

A lush green mangrove forest surrounds Pottuvil lagoon, and it is a common sight to see mischievous Sri Lanka Macaque Monkeys jumping from tree to tree. Another relatively common sight is seeing large crocodiles basking in the sun on the banks of the lagoon or on nearby rocks, looking deceivingly calm, and to see one of these animals is exhilarating, to say the least. But the best-kept secret about the lagoon is that it is a fantastic place to spot elephants; many elephants come here in the evening as a way to cool off and you can watch them frolic in the water from a safe distance.

Stop 03

Muhudu Maha Vihara

Steeped in history, the Muhudu Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple with over 2000 years of history. The temple is found on the sand dunes of Pottuvil and the beautiful white stupa can be seen all the way from Arugam Bay beach. It is believed that the location of the temple is where Princess Devi, from the Kelaniya kingdom, landed after her father was forced to sacrifice her to appease the gods after a tsunami. Princess Devi arrived in the Ruhuna kingdom and married its king, King Kavan Tissa; the princess is better known as Viharamahadevi, mother of the fabled King Dutugamunu. The temple is definitely an interesting place to visit, especially if you’re a history buff.

Stop 04

Whisky Point Sri Lanka

One of the many surfing points found in the destination of Arugam Bay, Whiskey Point is considered to be the second favorite surfing spot in the locality. It is one of the areas for beginners/intermediate surfing lessons, and even professionals come to test their skills. Surfers do not have to swim out very far to catch some waves, as they break somewhat close to the beach. The waves are not harsh but it may take a while to get a good wave coming along. For those who are getting back into the water after some time to regain their confidence, this is exactly the place to go.

The best time for surfing at the Arugam Bay surfing points is from May to October as the waves are more approachable and easier to handle compared to the other months of the year. However, waves are pretty easy to catch as they are available all season long at whiskey point. The waves on the right aren’t that technical, and are slow and fat. The size of the waves ranges from 2 ft to 6 ft.

Whiskey Point isn’t strictly limited to surfing as there are many rocks that one can climb and enjoy the view. There’s the option of long walks along the beach, where you will feel the tropical breeze, or you can leisurely sunbathe and soak up the sun.

In the evening the whole area transforms into a party atmosphere where people come to unwind and relax. It is a place where friends hang out while having a drink and indulging in a variety of fresh seafood.

Stay Night in Arugam Bay

Day 05 – Knuckles Mountain

Stop 01

Knuckles Mountain Rang Camping Site

The Knuckles Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, in the Districts of Matale and Kandy. The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District. Whilst this name was assigned by early British surveyors, the Sinhalese residents have traditionally referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning Mist-laden Mountain Range.

The higher montane area is often robed in thick layers of cloud. In addition to its aesthetic value, the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka as the conditions of all the climatic zones in the country are exhibited in the massif. At higher elevations there is a series of isolated cloud forests, harboring a variety of flora and fauna. Although the range constitutes approximately 0.03% of the island's total area, it is home to a significantly higher proportion of the country's biodiversity. The isolated Knuckles range harbors several relict, endemic flora and fauna that are distinct from central massif. More than 34 percent of Sri Lanka's endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs are only found in these forests. Knuckles Conservation Forest was included in UNESCO natural world heritage list in 2010 as part of Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.

Stay Night in Knuckles Camping

Day 06 – Kandy – Negombo

Stop 01

Tooth Relic Temple

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 Guasave.

Kandy View Point

Kandy Lake

Prestige Selections- Batiks & Handicraft

Stop 02

Negombo City Tour

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.

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