DAY 01
Today, meet your Luxury Trips representative in Sri Lanka and set off for a tour to discover Sri Lanka Arrive at Chaaya Village, Habarana where you may relax and recover your transfer.

(Airport to Habarana – Transfer time: 4 hours)

In the afternoon, take an optional elephant back ride through the surrounding country side. Dinner & Overnight Chaaya Village, Habarana (Superior Double on Half Board Basis)

................................................................................................

DAY 02,
SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS, POLONNARUWA, CHAAYA VILLAGE (HABARANA)
 

After breakfast, explore Rock Fortress of Sigiriya.
 

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress and ruins of a castle, which was once the home to King Kasyapa. The entrance to the original fortress was through the mouth of a lion, however the ravages of time has resulted with only a part of the massive paws remaining today. A testament to ancient artistry and architectural ingenuity – Sigiriya has many attractions to its visitors – its gardens (boulder, water & terraced), its artistry (the world renown frescos), the mirror wall and the dramatic history linked to the construction of the Lion Rock. An original Lost City, Sigiriya is a must see in any visit to the Cultural Triangle.

(Habarana to Sigiriya – Transfer time: ½ hour)

In the afternoon explore the Medieval Capital of Sri Lanka – Polonnaruwa.

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country once more under a local leader. This city is known to have been the pinnacle of the Golden Age of Sri Lanka, during the reign of Parakramabahu I, a ruler whose goal that no drop of water falling from the heavens be wasted led to the development of irrigation systems which are still utilized to this day. The greatest of these systems – the Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama) is a tank so vast that it is often mistaken for an ocean. It circles the main city like a ribbon, acting both as a defensive border against intruders and the lifeline of the people in times of peace.
 

(Habarana to Polonnaruwa – Transfer time: 1 hours)

Dinner & Overnight Chaaya Village, Habarana (Superior Double on Half Board basis)
................................................................................................

DAY 03,

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, KANDY CITY TOUR, TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH, MARKET SQUARE, CULTURAL SHOW, GEM MUSEUM, CHAAYA CITADEL (KANDY)

After breakfast leave for Kandy, stopping to explore the Royal Botanic Gardens – which was initially built as a pleasure garden for a Sri Lankan king. This garden houses many rare and endemic plants of Sri Lanka.

Located 460 m above sea-level close to Kandy and surrounded from three sides by the river Mahaveli, Peradeniya botanical garden was founded in the year of 1824. One of the best and most valuable collections of Plants and Trees in the world (more than 4000 species, indoor and outdoor). Giant trees of “Ficus” family, different Bamboo and Palm trees of the world, rare Ayurvedic plants, Orchid House, spice garden, timber trees such as ebony, teak, satinwood, mahogany, tamarind and jak etc. can be seen here.


Most of the honourable guests who visited Sri Lanka, for instance The Queen Elizabeth, Marshal Tito, Chancellor Henry Kiesinger and Juri Gagarin, have planted memorable trees in this park.
Later, explore the city of Kandy, visiting the bazaar (market place) and also investigate the gem mining process.

Early evening, witness a show on the cultural dances of Sri Lanka, which will provide you with a glimpse of the diverse arts that are practiced in this small island!!

In the evening visit the famed Temple of the Tooth which is commonly known as “Sri Dalada Maligawa” is situated in the city of hills, Kandy. It is an important shrine for Buddhists as it holds the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It is famous for its carvings and the beautiful act that is unique to Sri Lanka. The most important part of the Dalada Maligawa is the octagon (Pathirippuwa). The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. Thousands of people line up each day to get a glimpse of its majesty.

Dinner & Overnight at Chaaya Citadel, Kandy (Superior Double rooms on Half Board Basis)
..................................................................................................

DAY 04,
INTER RESORT TRANSFER, PINNAWELA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE, TEA PLANTATION, ST. ANDREWS (NUWARA ELIYA)

After breakfast, leave for the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

(Kandy to Pinnawela – Transfer time: 1 hours)

A venture initiated by the Sri Lankan Government to safe guard one of its National treasures, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage has been operating for over 30 years, nurturing orphaned calves, treating the feeble and rehabilitating the injured. Today, the orphanage has 60 elephants, with hundred watching their antics during their bathing times!! It is a definite treat watching them frolick in the water and observe the unique characteristics of each and everyone of Sri Lanka’s gentle giants! The ideal time to watch them is 1000hrs-1200hrs and 14000hrs-16000hrs.