EXPLORE SRI LANKA - 20

Colombo – Kandy – Badulla – Arugam Bay – Udawalawe – Rathnapura – Negombo (6Days/5Nights)

Day 01 – Arrival at Colombo airport – Colombo

Stop 01

Gangarama Temple

The Most Visited temple in the city, the Gangaramaya Temple which organizes Sri Lanka’s largest and the most colorful Vesak festival annually, has a history of 120 years. It was established in 1885 by Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera at a time when Buddhist and cultural resurgence were much needed as the country was under the colonial rule.

The area that was once a swamp beside the Beira Lake, has now turned to be an iconic complex which consists of the temple, the assembly hall in the breathtaking lake and the vocational training institute. Earlier, devotees had to cross the Beira Lake on a boat in order to reach the then small temple which was converted to what is today by the Devundara Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera, a pupil of Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera who appointed him as the chief incumbent of the temple.

Initiated by Ven Sri Jinarathana Nayaka Thera as a collection of artifacts and other objects of religious, cultural and historical value, the museum of the temple was much developed to what is today by Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thera with the help of devotees and donors here and abroad particularly the Asian region. Today the museum is replete with a range of ageless treasures from ancient Sri Lanka as well as around the globe, including valuable Buddha statues of different influences, ancient ola leaf writings, old coins, vehicles and other relics in a classic display of tradition and culture.

Stop 02

Colombo National Museum

The largest museum in Sri Lanka, the National Museum of Colombo was established in January 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the then British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Currently maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government, the museum is home to a lot of important collections, including the crown and throne of the Kandyan monarchs. Housed in a two-storied building, the museum has a big, well-maintained, lush green lawn right in front that is shaded by mighty banyan trees, which adds to the beauty of the place. As you enter the museum, you shall also find a fourth-century Buddha smiling at you in the lobby. Going forward, you will be mesmerized to find the collections in the museum. The galleries are as old as 1877, and you shall find all sorts of ancient art, carvings, and statues from Sri Lanka’s past along with a collection of antique demon masks. You can also find guns, swords, and other things from the colonial times. If you love art, you are totally in for a treat as the gallery also has in display 19th-century reproductions of English paintings of Sri Lanka. On display are the royal throne made for King Wimaladharmasuriya II in 1693, the 9th-century bronze Bodhisattva Sandals, and much more. And that is not all. There are agricultural displays and many more things that are sure to grab your attention and leave a mark in your memories.

Stop 03

Jami UL. Alfar Mosque

Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque (Sinhala: කොලඹ කොටුවරතුපල්ලිය, romanized: Kolomba Kotuwa Rathu Palliya, Tamil: மஸ்ஜிதுல் ஜாமிஉல் அஃபார் அல்லது சம்மாங்கோடு பள்ளிவாசல், romanized: Sammankodu Pallivasal, (known colloquially as the Samman Kottu Palli, Rathu Palliya, Red Masjid or the Red Mosque) is a historic mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is located on Second Cross Street in Pettah. The mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and a popular tourist site in the city.

Construction of the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque commenced in 1908 and the building was completed in 1909. The mosque was commissioned by the local Indian Muslim community, based in Pettah, to fulfill their required five-times-daily prayer and Jummah on Fridays. The mosque's designer and builder was Habibu Lebbe Saibu Lebbe (an unlettered architect), and was based on details/images of Indo-Saracenic structures provided by South Indian traders, who commissioned him. It is a hybrid style of architecture, that draws elements from native Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture, and combines it with the Gothic revival and Neo-classical styles. Originally it had the capacity for 1,500 worshippers although at the time only around 500 were attending prayers.

It is a distinctive red and white candy-striped two-storey building, with a clock tower, and is reminiscent of the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (constructed in 1910). Before other landmarks were built, some claim that the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque was recognized as the landmark of Colombo by sailors approaching the port.

In 1975 the mosque, with the assistance of the Haji Omar Trust, purchased a number of the adjoining properties and commenced building an expansion to the mosque to increase its capacity to 10,000.

Stop 04

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is the most popular beach front park in the Colombo city, to have a relaxing evening and see the sunset. Not only that, there are many activities to do such as fly kites, taste Sri Lankan Street food, do walking or jogging and enjoy fresh breeze coming from the Indian ocean. Eventhogh, currently Galle face green is restricted to five hectares of beach front strip, originally it extended to larger area bounding up to Beire lake and Colombo Fort walls. Few centuries ago, Dutch used this area as a point to to setup their cannons. This one-mile-long Galle Face walk was established during the British Governor Sir Henry George Ward's time. Construction of this promenade was completed in year 1859. The historic Gall Face Hotel (established in 1864) is located by the one end of the Galle Face green Due to its historical values, location, tasty food and quality service, Galle Face Hotel is visited by many guests, both locals and foreigners. Even though Galle face green has a lengthy beach front, beach is smaller when compared to Mount Laninia or Wellawatta. Sea is not so calm on most days and not recommend for sea bath. With the fall of night, street food vendors open their stalls and carts for business. Famous Sri Lankan kotthu and prawn wade has high demand. Kids used to come this place in the evening for playing and fly kites. In the morning many people used come to Galle face for exercising and burn their extra fat.

Stay Night in Colombo

Day 02 – Kandy

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.

Stop 02

Kandy Mount View

Gem Shop, Batik & Silk Factory

Kandy Lake

Stop 03

Culture Show

The Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show is a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance and Cultural Heritage Show that is a must see for any visitor who visits the historic city of Kandy. The Kandy Lake Club Dance started in 1982 with the view of having a cultural dance performance bringing together all Sri Lankan dance types to one platform. It is the first Cultural Dance Show of its kind to be established in Sri Lanka. It has since become a tourist attraction for many people visiting the country and keen on a glimpse of its rich cultural heritage. Hence it has been performing continuously for the last 35 years. During the show, you will see several dances which depict the graceful movements of birds and animals, which trace their origins back to the ancient ritual known as the Kohomba Kapkariya, as well as energetic acrobatic performances where the men perform a series of leaping pirouettes and stunts such as plate-spinning and the dramatic ‘fire walk’ which ends the show.

Stay Night in Kandy

Day 03 – Badulla - Arugam Bay

Stop 01

Moving to Badulla by Train

Stop 02

Dunhinda 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.

Stop 03

Bogoda Wooden Bridge

Bogoda Wooden Bridge is situated in the Badulla district in Colombo. It is recorded to have been built in the 16th century BC and the oldest surviving wooden bridge in Sri Lanka. It is stated that everything used in this structure has come from the same tree.

The Bogoda Wooden Bridge is about 400 years old. The most impressive part of this bridge is that every single thing is made out of wood. From the bridge up to the nails, all have been beautifully carved out of wood. The facts collected up to date have revealed that the wood of the whole bridge has been made out of one single tree.

The structure of the Bogoda Wooden Bridge is 2.4 meters tall and has a titled roof structure. The roof depicts the Kandyan architectural style in roofing. It is 15 meters long and 1.5 meters in breadth and it links the towns of Badulla and Kandy. The whole structure of the bridge is lying on a huge tree trunk and 11 meters in height. There is also a Buddhist temple beside the bridge and it is believed to have been built in the 1st century BC.

The records state that Kumbuk logs and Jack fruit logs were mainly used for the construction of the bridge while Miller timber and Kaluwara timber have been used for the wooden decorations that are in the bridge.

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

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 03

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.

Moving to Udawalawa & Stay Night in there

Day 05 – Udawalawe

Stop 01

Udawalawe National Park

In general, the best time to travel to Uda Walawe is from January to March, when rainfall is at its lowest and daytime temperatures average a comfortable 26°C (79°F).

Park entrance fees of $15 / £11.50 per adult and $8 / £6 per child (under 6 are free) plus an LKR 250 (£1) jeep charge, all plus 15% tax. The park is 165 kilometers (103 mi) from Colombo. Udawalawe is an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third-most visited park in the country.

Stop 02

Udawalawe Transit Home

The primary objective of the facility is to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves to ready them for life in the wild. The elephants are made familiar with the surrounding habitat of the facility to familiarize them with their natural habit but are given access to food and medical care. Although human visitors are welcome at the facility specially to view their feeding, stringent efforts are made to minimize human contact to prevent the orphaned elephant calves from being acclimated to humans. The elephants are being taken care of until they are around 5 years old, before being released to the wild habitats of the Udawalawe National Park.

The elephants are never chained, but are free to roam around – and play! – as they wish. Human contact is kept to a minimum in order to maximize their chance of survival when they are returned to the wild. There is no touching, washing or posing alongside them for photos.

Stay Night in Udawalawe

Day 06 – Rathnapura – Negombo

Stop 01

National Museum Rathnapura

The National Museum of Rathnapura is one of the national exhibition halls of Sri Lanka. It is situated in Rathnapura, Sri Lanka and it was opened on 13 May 1988. The gallery building is called “Ehelepola Walauwa”, as it once had a place with Ehelepola Nilame, a squire of the Kingdom of Kandy, who was the first Adigar (1811 – 1814) under the rule King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last lord of Sri Lanka, for whom he filled in as the Disawe (neighborhood Governor) of Rathnapura.

The historical center incorporates displays on ancient archaeological creations, common legacy, land, anthropological, zoological relics and models identifying with the Sabaragamuwa Province. The weaponry in plain view incorporates Sinhala swords of the late medieval time including a sword asserted to have had a place with Ehelepola, and a gathering of old firearms including a Vickers assault rifle utilized amid the First World War. The cooking utensils of the locale incorporate a tripod container with three molds for getting ready rice flour cakes known as Kiri roti. Conventional Kandyan adornments incorporates pieces of jewelry, bangles, anklets and hoops. The grounds of the historical center contain a palaeobiodiversity stop, with life-sized creature models of species accepted to have existed in the area.

Stop 02

Gem Mines

Gemstone mining in Sri Lanka is mostly from secondary deposits. The gravels yield sapphire, ruby, cat's-eye and other chrysoberyl’s, spinel, garnet, beryl, tourmaline, topaz, quartz, and many other gemstones. Sri Lanka's gem-bearing gravels, called illam, are some of the richest in the world. The most commonly used Gemstone mining method in Sri Lanka is Pit-Head Mining and Tunneling. Surface Placer Mining and River Bed Dredging are the other methods used widely.

Stop 03

Bopath Ella Waterfall

Bopath Falls is located in the village of Agalwatta in the Rathnapura District of Sri Lanka. The Kuru River, a tributary of the Black River, cascades down 30 meters (95 feet) high through a narrow opening from the top of a mountain at one point in her journey. The name 'Bopath Ella' is derived from the fact that the stream collapses in the form of a Bo leaf when there is good water. The first body of water, which falls through a narrow opening, then expands, reminiscent of the shape of a palm leaf. Bopath Ella is a beautiful place that attracts the attention of local tourists today.

Stop 04

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.

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