8 Nights 09 Days Simply Sri Lanka

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Airport - Anuradhapura
3 stops
1
Arrive by flight and you will be transferred to the arrival terminal. Please clear immigration & visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. You will meet one of the Representatives of Apple vacation will assist you as he will be having a paging board with your name in the meeting area, and he will introduce you to your own English speaking chauffeur guide who will transfer you to the hotel in Anuradhapura.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Negombo
Before the continue to look at Sri Lanka. There are many houses of worship in Negombo. Because the Europeans were so successful in converting the locals to Catholicism, the town is known as "Little Rome." The majority of hotels and guesthouses are located on the main route that runs parallel to the seashore and north from the town center.
Admission ticket free
3
Anuradhapura
Check into your Luxury hotel and unwind for the evening, or leave on your own and take advantage of the hotel's 30-minute horseback ride.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Anuradhapura Sightseeing
20 stops
4
Anuradhapura
After the Breakfast & visit to UNESCO-designated UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura, a sacred city. Discover historic Buddhist temples and monasteries by strolling amid the ruins. During your leisure time this afternoon, consider renting a bike.
Admission ticket free
5
Ranmasu Uyana is situated north to the Isurumuniya.The originator of this garden is lost in the history but Ranmasu Uyana was probably established as an alternate to all the parks donated to the maha sanga. Each of these ponds are designed with precision irrigation techniques so that the water from tissa weva passed through all the ponds and tanks in the garden before releasing them for irrigation work.
Admission ticket free
6
Ruwanwelisaya
Ruwanwelisaya is one of the eight places of veneration situated in Anuradhapura. The stupa is believed to have been visited by Buddha during his three visits to Sri Lanka. It is located just a short walk away from Maha Bodhi tree and is considered an icon of architectural glory. (03 Hrs. - Ancient City combined)
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
7
Abayagiriya Stupa
Jethawana Stupa is the largest stupa in the Sri Lanka. It was originally 400 feet (122 meters) in height and was the third tallest building in the world at that time. Even today as a brick monument, Jethawanaramaya still remains the tallest of its kind. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
8
Tissa Wewa is an ancient irrigation tank was built by King Devanampiya Tissa (250-210 BC). The embankment of Tissa Wewa is 11,000 feet long (Two miles) and 25 feet high. Only Panda Wewa and Abhaya Wewa are considered to be older than Tissa Wewa.
Admission ticket free
9
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka is the oldest living tree in documented history of the world. It is a sapling from the historical Bodhi tree under which Buddha enlightened. The oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
10
Abhayagiri Dagaba
Colossal dagoba was the ceremonial focus of Abhayagiri Monastery in India. Originally over 100m high, it was one of the greatest structures in the ancient world. Today, after several reconstructions, it soars 75m above the forest floor. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
11
Dagoba of Thuparama
Thuparama Dagoba is the oldest dagoba in Sri Lanka. It was constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC. Its 'heap-of-paddy-rice' shape was restored in 1862 to a more conventional bell shape. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
12
Mirisaveti Stupa
Mirisawetiya Dagaba has been built by King Dutugamunu (161-137 BC) and this belongs to Mahavihara Complex.It is said that he called this dagaba "Mirisavatiya" because the king forgot to present a food made out of chilli (miris) to the Buddhist priests before he consumed it. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
13
Built in 1070 (some 12 centuries after Anuradhapura’s heyday), this palace was an attempt by King Vijayabahu I to link his reign with the glories of the ancient Sinhalese capital. Little remains today except two fine, but surprisingly modest, guard stones.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
14
Lankarama Sthupa
The actual stupa has been renovated, but little remains of the vatadage except the ruins of a few broken pillars in the middle of the large courtyard. The name of the Stupa too has been changed from Silasobha Khandaka Cetiya to the simpler Lankaramaya. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
15
Lovamahapaya
Lovamahapaya in Sri Lanka, also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasada, is a set of ruins with hundreds and hundreds of stone pillars that lie between the stupa Ruwanwelisaya and the Great Bodhi Tree of Anuradhapura. This is the location of a once mighty nine storied monastic structure built by the King Dutugemmunu in the 2nd century BC. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
16
Samadhi Statue
Samadhi Statue is considered one of the best sculptures in the Anuradhapura era. It is made out of dolomite marble and stands 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 metres) in height. The statue's eyes are hollow indicating they were impressed with crystal or precious stones.
Admission ticket free
17
Mihintale
With the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale Mountain began to serve as a residential area for the venerable monks headed by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. Soon, with the royal patronage, the sanctuary housed a multitude of with monastic buildings-stupas, uposathgharas and bodhigharas.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
18
Ritigala Forest Monastery
The Ritigala Mountain is the highest mountain in the north-central dry plains of Sri Lanka. It is the watershed of the Malwatu Oya which feeds the Nachaduwa tank and Kalueba Ela which feeds Huruluwewa.
Admission ticket free
19
Isurumuniya Temple
This charming rock temple, dating from the reign of Devanampiya Tissa (r 307–267 BC), is set around a lovely lotus pond, the corner of which is carved with images of elephants playfully splashing water. The central temple has some particularly fine mural paintings. Climb around the back to the rock summit to see the bell-shaped stupa and a pair of Buddha footprints etched into the rock. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
20
The approach to this ancient historical site is very pleasant, winding its way through paddy fields and vegetable cultivations – typical rural Sri Lanka, which gives way to beautiful stands of tall, dry monsoon forest. You even find peacocks crossing the road at intervals. The archeological site at Kaludiya Pokuna has a few ruins including a stupa, and it is very obvious to the visitor, that this ancient site screams of neglect.
Admission ticket free
21
Moonstone or Sandakada pahana
The moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) is a permanent feature of the Buddhist building of all historical periods. This is a semi-circular piece of stone which stood at the foot of a flight of steps in most Buddhist buildings. Although the moonstone is generally semi-circular, sometimes you can come across square moonstones. It is thought that the moon stones originated as blank square stone and later developed in to a semi-circular shape. This again developed to include multitude of carved decorations in later stages. (03 Hrs - Ancient City combined)
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
22
Vessagiriya Ruins
Vessagiriya is located few hundred meters left to the current Isurumuniya on the old Anuradhapura-a-Kurunegala road. This temple complex is located in and around 3 beautiful bolder formations spread across a large area in front of the Tissa Weva. On one these is a remains of a dagaba. Remains of 23 caves with drip ledges which the monks used can be seen on two of the rock formations.
Admission ticket free
23
This museum, south of the Abhayagiri Dagoba, is arguably the most interesting in Anuradhapura and contains a collection of squatting plates, jewellery, pottery and religious sculpture from the site. The new museum at Abhayagiri Monastery, a source of valuable information to the tourists, was established in memory of Fa-hien to house the treasures discovered during the excavations at Abhayagiri Monastery. Once gather unforgettable memories Ancient City, will drop back to your accommodation
Admission ticket free
Day 3
Anuradhapura – Sigiriya
7 stops
24
Anuradhapura
After the breakfast at the Hotel & Transfer to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Admission ticket free
25
Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
Ibbankatuwa Ancient burial ground lies five kilometers before the Dambulla town on the Kurunegala-Dambulla Road. An archeological Department board will indicate the turn off from the main road. The site is reached by traveling about 500m in to this road. The site was developed in to a tourist attraction in 2017 and was formally open to the public.
Admission ticket free
26
Sigiriya Museum
This decent museum has a fine diorama of the site, providing an excellent overview and explaining Sigiriya's cultural importance beyond the obvious natural beauty. The theory that Sigiriya was a Buddhist monastery is given here, although the established position that it was a palace or fortress prevails. (Combine with Sigiriya fortress)
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
27
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilisation, thought to be once the epicentre of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa, and there are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning. # Optional Tours • Village safari-USD 30-Canoe Ride, Bull cart ride, tuktuk safari and Sri Lankan Food
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
28
Pidurangala Rock
Pidurangala Rock is adjacent to Sigiriya Rock and is the best viewing spot of Sigiriya Rock as it is only slightly lower. Pidurangala is a popular spot for sunrise as you can enjoy 360-degree views of not only the valleys but also Sigiriya Rock.
Admission ticket free
29
Oakray Woodcarvings
From typical wooden elephant ornaments to the more intricately carved wooden traditional masks, Oak Ray Wood Carving boasts of one of the more comprehensive wood carving collections in Sri Lanka. The ‘Oak Ray’ brand, primarily catering to the hospitality needs of tourists has diversified its name into the niche of handicrafts and has quickly become a go-to establishment to find that perfect memento of your journey around the Paradise Island of Sri Lanka.
Admission ticket free
30
Minneriya National Park
One of the main reasons for visiting the beautiful country of Sri Lanka was to see the Sri Lankan elephant in the wild. Kaudulla/Minneriya National Park is one of best national parks to spot Elephants in Sri Lanka. It is home to 200+ elephants, monkeys, crocodiles and even a handful of leopards. The Gathering around the water reservoir takes place in the dry season from July to October. Besides from elephants, there is so much more to see. Peacocks, small black bears, crocodiles, deer, many monkeys and beautifully colored birds. Return to the hotel and relax.
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 4
Sigiriya - Kandy
11 stops
31
Sigiriya
After the Breakfast at the Hotel & transfer to Kandy
Admission ticket free
32
Enderagala Wana Senasuna is a Buddhist temple in a calm and quiet location in Dambulla in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. According to the inscription found in the caves, the history of this temple dates back to the 2nd – 1st century B.C. The temple is located beside the Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Trincomalee (A006) Highway, only 6km away from the Dambulla city. You can reach Enderagala Wana Senasuna withing15 minutes from Dambulla Cave Temple.
Admission ticket free
33
Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
Ibbankatuwa Ancient burial ground lies five kilometers before the Dambulla town on the Kurunegala-Dambulla Road. An archeological Department board will indicate the turn off from the main road. The site is reached by traveling about 500m in to this road. The site was developed in to a tourist attraction in 2017 and was formally open to the public.
Admission ticket free
34
Sri Lanka's 30,000-seat Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium is a cricket stadium. The Stadium, the first and only international cricket pitch in Sri Lanka's dry zone, is located in Dambulla on land leased from the Rangiri Dambulla Temple. The Dambulla Tank (reservoir) and the Dambulla Rock are visible from the stadium.
Admission ticket free
35
Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre
Located in the Dambulla Secretariat Division of Matale District, in the center of Dambulla town started in 1999 to establish a wholesale market for vegetables and fruits. One important feature of the DDEC is thus a more direct participation of the farmers is selling farm produce.
Admission ticket free
36
Golden Temple of Dambulla
One of Sri Lanka's most frequented, appealing, and well-liked tourist destinations is Dambulla. Buddhist ideas are present in this historical and religious location, which allows visitors to sense that special sensation before even arriving in the city. (photo stop)
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
37
Golden Temple of Dambulla
The Rock Temple of Dambulla, called Jumbukola Vihara (Dambulla Cave Temple) in the (Mahavamsa)-the principal Pali Chronicle of Sri Lanka, is situated about forty seven miles north west of Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, on the main road to Anuradhupura. Dambulla is a scent of unique interest. Its rock temples are the most extensive in the Island, and one of the most ancient, and in the highest state of preservation and order.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
38
Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show
Kandyan move execution is one of the characterizing encounters of a stay in Kandy. Considering it a customary Kandyan move execution is something of a misnomer as the shows are particularly gone for crowd diversion and contain move schedules and outfits from the nation over, including the well-known 'fallen angel' moves of the west coast (which are exceptionally difficult to find in their home district).
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
39
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic a tooth of the Buddha. During puja (offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. As well as the revered main temple, the complex includes a series of smaller temples, shrines, and museums.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
40
Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, is an artificial lake in the heart of the hill city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe next to the Temple of the Tooth. Over the years, it was reduced in size. It is a protected lake, with fishing banned. There are many legends and folklore regarding the lake. One such is that the small island at its center was used by the king’s helm for bathing and was connected to the palace by a secret tunnel.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
41
Kandy View Point
Kandy View Point Climb the hill by Kandy Lake to reach Kandy viewpoint and receive a view of the city that cannot be beaten. As a popular tourist spot, the area brings in a large number of peddlers, though they often sell sub-par items. The area also has a reputation for high pickpocket activity, so keep an eye on your belongings. From the hill, you can enjoy great views over the lake and the city as a whole.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Kandy – Ella (By Train)
2 stops
42
Kandy
After the breakfast at the Hotel & transfer from Kandy to Peradeniya Railway Station Proceed to Ella by train.
Admission ticket free
43
Ella
Train journeys are real cultural experiences, and the most scenic routes will be highlights of your visit - in particular the wonderful journey from Kandy to Ella Train Station which will travel through man made tunnels, beautiful mountains and tea plantations in the hill country. The scenery from the train is breathtaking! Like a green carpet of tea bushes rolling by, with colorful sari-dressed tea pickers popping out of the sea of green. Journey Time is (6 to 7 Hours)
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Ella Sightseeing
5 stops
44
Ella
After the breakfast at the Hotel & Site Seeing to Ella,
Admission ticket free
45
Nine Arches Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge has a 91-meter span and a 24-meter height. It is a really scenic location, especially given that it is surrounded by deep jungle and agricultural land, thanks to the lovely nine arches. A forest is thriving behind the railroad, and below it, tea is being grown.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
46
Little Adam's Peak
Little Adams Peak whether considering the word ‘Little’, it is named after the sacred Adams Peak (Sri Pada –where the footprint of Lord Buddha is preserved) regarding the similarity between the two mountains. Therefore, the mountain was called as Little Adams Peak. “Punchi Sri Pada” is another name for this peak. It is 1141 m in height. Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries.Experience the flying Ravana Zipline activity.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
47
Flying Ravana is Sri Lanka’s first ever mega dual zip-line, located amidst the luscious green estates of Ella,Sri Lanka. (Near Little Adams Peak - Ella's main attraction) The two-wire zip-line stretches for more than half a kilometre, slides at max 80kmph and offers a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills of the island. Flying Ravana is truly, Ella in all its glory.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
48
The Ravana Cave is located about 2 km from the Ella town and 11 km (7 mi) away from Bandarawela. It is quite a small cave, measuring about 50ft wide, 150ft long and 60ft high. History says that the cave is used by King Rawana to hide the Princess Sita.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Day 7
Ella – Yala
2 stops
49
Ella
After the Breakfast at the hotel & Leave for Yala.
Admission ticket free
50
Afternoon experience a safari at Yala National Park Is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka Its home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. Inland, Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery. Nearby caves contain centuries-old rock paintings. Southwest, Magul Maha Viharaya also has ancient Buddhist ruins. Both are pilgrimage sites.
3 hours • Admission ticket not included
Day 8
Yala - Galle - Colombo
8 stops
51
Galle
Sri Lanka’s most historically interesting town is Galle. It was a major port until about 100 years, but today still handles shipping and sailing boats in the natural harbour. Stroll around the lighthouse and harbour or visit the old town where you can see the traditional lace makers and wood carvers and purchase some the finest souvenirs.
Admission ticket free
52
Located in Galle, Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct as the name would suggest is a shopping mall located in a beautifully restored colonial building originally built during the Dutch occupation. It has a constantly growing selection of places to eat, drink or shop. There are fabulous bay views from its upper balcony.(combines with Galle fort)
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
53
Galle Fort Lighthouse
The Galle lighthouse is situated inside the landmark Galle Fort. It is built seven meters above the road on the ramparts. This is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station dating back to 1848, but the original lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1934. It was rebuilt at the current height of 26m. The light station is within the walls of the ancient Galle fort, a UNESCO world heritage site and well known tourist attraction, making this the countries most often visited lighthouse. (combines with Galle fort)
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
54
Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features include the organ and an imposing pulpit made from calamander wood and topped by a grand hexagonal canopy.( combines with Galle fort)
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
55
The National Maritime Museum of Galle is chock-full of nautical and marine marvels, dug up from the sea and showcased here. Galle has always been a major harbor, visited by ships and traders from across the globe for several millennia. As such it did not escape the clutches of the Dutch traders who put profit before all else.
Admission ticket free
56
Once a racecourse for wagering British colonials, Galle's cricket ground was established over 100 years ago. Since 1998 it has been used for international matches; in 2010 it was the site of the legendary last appearance of Sri Lanka's great bowler, Muttiah Muralitharan. There's a great perspective of the ground from the Sun Bastion to the south.
Admission ticket free
57
Galle Clock Tower is a four story tall stone monument hailing from the late 19th century. It was built within the ramparts of the Galle Fort on the site of the previous guardroom, overlooking one of the three bastions of the fort. While the aged clock tower is a great monument to photograph, it will take some skilful manoeuvring due to the extreme angle close by. Hence it might be better to photograph it from the Moon Bastion which the tower faces.( combines with Galle fort)
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
58
Colombo
Colombo like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old-world charm is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah bazaar - where one can shop for bargain, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas where you find stately homes of the affluent and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) - an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People's Republic of China.
Admission ticket free
Day 9
Colombo - Airport
1 stop
59
You will then be transferred at the airport for departure. Private transfer from Colombo to the airport. You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport in time to check in for your onward flight.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This activity could be canceled due to extreme weather or unforeseen events. If canceled, you may book a different date or ask for a refund

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