කටුනායක Trip Overview
Experience Sri Lanka’s highlights and picturesque interior on this captivating 13 day tour, starts in Negombo and end in Bentota (Or Down South).!
Discover an island blessed with incredible natural beauty, a rich culture wealth of wildlife? With its national parks, tea-leaf covered hillsides and ancient architecture, Sri Lanka is a beauty to behold and a wonderful country for a holiday.
Explore and immerse yourself into all things Sri Lanka, from the rolling green tea fields surrounding Ella, to herds of wild elephants on safari, vibrant cities that unfurl before the senses and a dynamic spectacle of wildlife, ride the world’s most scenic train journey, the distinct qualities of this magnificent island make for a truly spectacular adventure.
Discover fascinating local culture, ancient cave temples, the famous Sigiriya Rock fortress, spice gardens, epic waterfalls, spot wild elephants, crocodiles and amazing birdlife on Safari and more!. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Additional Info
Duration: 13 days
Starts: කටුනායක, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore කටුනායක Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting කටුනායක, බස්නාහිර පළාත, ශ් රී ලංකාව, Sri Lanka
Experience Sri Lanka’s highlights and picturesque interior on this captivating 13 day tour, starts in Negombo and end in Bentota (Or Down South).!
Discover an island blessed with incredible natural beauty, a rich culture wealth of wildlife? With its national parks, tea-leaf covered hillsides and ancient architecture, Sri Lanka is a beauty to behold and a wonderful country for a holiday.
Explore and immerse yourself into all things Sri Lanka, from the rolling green tea fields surrounding Ella, to herds of wild elephants on safari, vibrant cities that unfurl before the senses and a dynamic spectacle of wildlife, ride the world’s most scenic train journey, the distinct qualities of this magnificent island make for a truly spectacular adventure.
Discover fascinating local culture, ancient cave temples, the famous Sigiriya Rock fortress, spice gardens, epic waterfalls, spot wild elephants, crocodiles and amazing birdlife on Safari and more!. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1: COLOMBO AIRPORT – NEGOMBO
Stop At: Negombo Beach, Negombo Sri Lanka
Pick up the clients from Colombo Airport to to Goldi Sands hotel OR similar, Negombo(20 mins drive)
& Negombo sight scenes (depends on the arrival time) & back to hotel.
Negombo:, “Little Rome” is an exciting city in the western coastal belt which defines a multicultural society. From the people living to the architectural appearance, Negombo has always homed multi nationalities and religions for people of all types.
Aged monuments built during the Dutch Colonial period stands to date. The coast of the city had once been a Fort to the Dutch. The lagoon is fed by a number of small rivers and a canal.
The lagoon has extensive mangrove swamps and attracts a wide variety of water birds including cormorants, herons, egrets, gulls, terns and other shorebirds. A wide range of seafood cuisines are demanding along the hotels near the beach.
Highlights: Negombo city, Fish market, dutch fort, fishermans bay, St. Mary’s Church, Dutch Canal, Fishes drying on the beach.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Goldi Sands Hotel, Negombo or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 2: NEGOMBO- ANURADAPURA
Stop At: Sri Maha Boodhi Temple, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Morning after breakfast, proceed to Anuradhapura. (4 1/2 hrs drive)
Afternoon visit Archeological sites & Sri Maha Bodhiya.
One of the ancient cities of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. An ideal addition to any itinerary, Anuradhapura the 3rd longest serving capital of the world and became the capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th Century B.C 09 th Century A.D and Alexander the great was a contemporary.
Damascus in Syria(formed 11000 years ago and still the capital and then Jericho in Palestine formed 9600 years before were the other oldest capitals)
It sits on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya, and is surrounded by Buddhist monasteries and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Anuradhapura in the northern centre of Sri Lanka is where a sapling of the Bhodi tree of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in India, under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, was planted. The Sri Maha Bodhiya is the oldest documented tree that is still living. The city also has palaces, monasteries and monuments (all in ruins) that are fascinating to visit.
Ruwanwelisaya, an ancient stupa, is revered by the Buddhist community. Thuparamaya enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha and is considered to be the first dagaba, or pagoda, built in Sri Lanka. Lovamahapaya also known as the Brazen Palace is between the Ruwanvaliseya and Sri Maha Bodhiya. Jetavanarama is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka. As well as these beautiful places there are other stupas and relics, soaring over the vast acres of paddy fields in the area.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Miridiya Hotel, Anuradapura or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 3: ANURADAPURA- MIHINTALE-DAMBULLA
Stop At: Mihintale, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Morning after breakfast, proceed to Mihintale (1/2 hrs drive) and climb Mihintale and proceed to Habarana.(1 ½ hrs drive). Afternoon, visit Minneriya National Park by Jeep safari and back to hotel for 3 nights stay.
Mihintale: The sleepy ruins of Mihintale are closely associated with the earliest introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. A ceremonial staircase climbs past pools, monastery ruins and rock inscriptions to reach two large dagobas.
Mihintale rock is situated around 12kms east of Anuradhapura and history records that it was there that Sri Lankan King, Devanampiya Tissa, met Arahat Mahinda Thera from India, who introduced him to Buddhism, which subsequently spread to the king’s subjects. In the area are thick jungles, mountains and caves which monks used for meditation.
The main shrine of Mihintale is located in the Relic House, a climb of 1,840 cut steps. Of special interest is The Vedahala or ‘medical hall’ – an ancient hospital. It has been restored and visitors are allowed to view the premises consisting of four rooms: the consulting room, room for preparations and storage and a room for hot water baths. There are several stupas in the area creating an atmosphere of reverence as well as ancient ponds and sculptures.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, 50150 Sri Lanka
Afternoon, visit Minneriya National Park by Jeep safari.
Minneriya National Park (Elephant Gathering Park) with 8889 hectares in extent is famous for it large population of elephants in herds of 100 to 150 roaming in the jungle and seen in the catchment area of the lake.
Elephants, about 300 wild elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boar, spotted deer, sloth bear, sambhur, leopards, crocodiles, jackals, 9 kinds of reptiles, 160 spececies of birds, 26 varieties of fishes, 78 varieties f butterflies are recorded from the Minneriya National Park.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya / Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 4: HABARANA- SIGIRIYA- POLONNARUWA-HABARANA
Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Morning after breakfast, visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress (3 hrs)
Afternoon, visit Polonnaruwa Archeological sites & Ruins.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress –This UNESCO World Heritage Site’ is one of the Sri Lanka’s major attractions and the 5th Century ‘Fortress in the Sky’ which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. A spectacular pillar of rock visible from mils around. It is also known as Lions Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600 –foot high rock.
Historically, the origins of the remains are disputed and though to have been either a royal fortress built under the reign of King Kashyapa (477- 495 AD) or a Buddhist monastery.
On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges of the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, summerhouse, Boulder gardens and the Caves with the enclosed are should not be missed.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa: This medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rose to fame as the capital (10th – 12th century AD) after the decline of Anuradhapura.
Three Kings dominate the chronicles of the city and the period. The city reached a dazzling but pitifully brief zenith in the 12th century and though ravaged by invasion in the centuries that followed, much evidence remains of the old grandeur and glory.The ruins of the ancient city stand on the east shore of a large artificial lake, the Topa Wewa Lake, or Parakrama Samudraya (the Sea of Parakrama), built by King Parakramabahu I (1153-86), whose reign was Polonnaruwa‘s golden age. Within a rectangle of city walls stand palace buildings and clusters of dozens of dagobas, temples and various other religious buildings
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya/Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 5: HABARANA-HIRIWADUNA-DAMBULLA-HABARANA
Stop At: Habarana Lake, Habarana Sri Lanka
Morning after breakfast proceed to Hiriwaduna village tour( 2 1/2hrs)
Afternoon, visit Dambulla Golden Rock Cave Temple & back to hotel
Hiriwaduna village tour: It’is time to cook your own food, buy vegetables at the market and proceed for Hiriwaduna Vilage Tour.
Take the catamaran ride and cross the lake to reach to your local village house, they are friendly and will gladly invite you into their homes and experience their way of life.
Enjoy a scenic Catamaran ride in the reservoir a relaxing trip with plenty of nature and wildlife. The reservoir is the habitat for different species of bird. You can experience with Bullock cart ride & Tuk Tuk ride in traditional village life and a walk through paddy fields and vegetable crops in the Area.
Try your hands in preparing some delicious Sri Lankan delicacies, and the spicy, fresh treat will be served for your lunch.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Stop At: Golden Temple of Dambulla, Dambulla 21100 Sri Lanka
Afternoon, visit Dambulla Golden Rock Cave Temple & back to hotel
The Dambulla cave Temple, Its origins go back to the 01st Centuary BC and another UNESCO World Heritage site. This cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries was first used as a refuge by an ancient king who upon regaining his throne commissioned magnificent images to be carved from the rock. Later kings mage further improvements and the caves now contain 150 images of the Buddha painted upon the walls.
The hike up to the caves is short but steep (approx. 15-40 mins depending on route taken). At the top you can explore the caves and enjoy spectacular far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside.as you discover the treasures of Sri Lanka’s Dambulla Temple.
Considered the country’s best preserved and biggest cave temple, the Dambulla Temple has a rich history.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya/Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 6: HABARANA-MATALE-KANDY
Stop At: Sirilak Spice & Herbal Garden, 50 Kawudupelella, Matale 21000 Sri Lanka
Morning after breakfast proceed to Kandy via Matale.
En route visit t Sirilak Spice & Herbal Garden, Matale.
En route visit Udawatta Kelle Rain Forest (2 hrs), Kandy.
Sirilak Spice & Herbal Garden, Matale-
During early historical times Sri Lanka known as Taprobane, was world renowned for its Quality Spices. Matale is famous for its spice gardens, with offers free tours of their gardens with an English-speaking guide who can explain the merits and health properties of herbs, spices and plants including cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, coffee, nutmeg, pepper, cardamom, aloe vera, iriweriya (tulsi) and the henna plant and enjoy Cookery demonstration at Birds Garden Restaurant.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Udawattekele Sanctuary, Lovers Walk, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
visit Udawatta Kelle Rain Forest & back to hotel.
Udawatta Kele Forest Reserve is a historic forest reserve on a hill-ridge in the city of Kandy. It is 104 hectares (257 acres) large. During the days of the Kandyan kingdom, Udawattakele was known as “Uda Wasala Watta” in Sinhalese meaning “the garden above the royal palace”. The sanctuary is famous for its extensive avifauna. The reserve also contains a great variety of plant species, especially lianas, shrubs and small trees. There are several giant lianas. Many of small and medium size mammals that inhabit Sri Lanka can be seen here. Several kinds of snakes and other reptiles might be seen. Udawattakele was designated as a forest reserve in 1856, and it became a sanctuary in 1938
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Earls Regency Hotel, Kandy or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 7: KANDY-PERADENIYA-KANDY
Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Morning after breakfast, visit Temple of the Tooth Relic
Visit Royal botanical Gardens, Peradeniya and travel back to hotel.
Kandy- the hill Capital is another ‘World Heritage Site’. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement. To the Buddhists of Sri Lanka and the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Close by are the remains of the Royal Palace(Maha Wasala), Palle Wasala- where the Queens stayed- now used for the National Museum, Meda Wasala where other close relatives lived, Audience Hall, Natha devala and Vishnu Devala are situated, The Bathing Pavillion (Ulpenge) is by the Lake and in the Center of the lake is the Island called ‘Kiri Samudraya’ (Milk White Ocean) used by the kings as the summerhouse. Today it is the centre of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts, dancing, Music and Culture.
Temple of the Tooth Relic – Sri Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth Relic, is the holiest Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. It is located in the city of Kandy, the ancient capital of the Kandyan kingdom. 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.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya Road, Peradeniya 20400 Sri Lanka
Visit Royal botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya – Located just a few minutes from the hill Capital of Kandy, is the place for lovers of fauna, flora and nature. The stunningly landscaped gardens, the large variety of plants and the Orchid House; the best known attraction of the garden featuring over 300 varieties of beautiful orchids make it a much loved Sri Lankan attraction.
The great circle and Memorial trees – The great circle is a grassy central area of nearly 4 acres in extent. Around the circle is a diverse array of trees planted by dignitarpies, who had visited the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: The Kandyan Arts & Crafts Industrial Center, 835 839 Peradenyia Rd, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Evening Cultural show (Kandyan Dance)
Sri Lanka, a country rich with culture & tradition offers a very vibrant and unique show of Sri Lankan traditional dances, in the form of Kandy cultural show. The beat a dancing from depicting several demons, vibrant expression of low country rhythm, Fire and Harvest dances accompanied by Ceremonial Drums and the Drum Orchestra rising and falling to the lively tempo. As many as 12 different folk and traditional dances are performed within the span of one hour.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Earls Regency Hotel, Kandy or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 8: KANDY- KATUKITULA- NUWARAELIYA
Stop At: Glenloch Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya Road, Katukitula 20588 Sri Lanka
Morning, after breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En route visit Glenloch Tea Processing Factory(Tea plucking), water falls, Tea plantations and sight scenes at Nuwara Eliya for one night stay.
Glenloch Tea Factory, Katukitula –
Experience an authentic tea plucking experience with the estate workers and enjoy a guided visit to Tea Factory where the best tea in the world is produced. You may also have a chance of tasting pure cup of Ceylon Tea at the Factory.
The factory had humble beginnings, but over time it has put Sri Lanka on the map as the fourth-largest producer of tea in the world. One of its founders was Sir Thomas Lipton, a name widely recognized on tea boxes, who purchased a tea estate and factory in the late 19th century. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and temperate climate, which offers excellent conditions for growing quality tea leaves. Take a 15-20 minute guided tour to learn how a leaf becomes a beverage;
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Nuwara Eliya Golf Course, Grand Hotel Road, Nuwara Eliya 22200 Sri Lanka
Sight scenes at Nuwara Eliya :
The town of Nuwara Eliya still retains much of its British colonial charm that has earned it the nickname Little England and it is one of the coldest regions of Sri Lanka with an annual average temperature of 15 degrees Celsius.
Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, producing some of the world’s best tea. The mountain slopes and valleys area carpet of velvety green tea plantations, interspersed with gushing streams and tumbling water falls. Red or green roofed plantation bungalows, English country style homes and hotels with lovely flower gardens, Lake Gregory, a fine 18 hole golf course and a race course gives Nuwara Eliya a decidedly British character.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 9: NUWARAELIYA- NANU OYA- ELLA
Stop At: Nanu Oya railway station, Avissawella – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya Hwy, Nuwara Eliya 22200 Sri Lanka
Morning- Leisure
Afternoon, Train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella.
Ride the world’s most scenic train journey
Enjoy the views of rolling green fields of tea as you travel in a scenic train journey from Peradeniya to Nanu Oya. This train journey takes you on a scenic ride through some of the most beautiful highland countryside areas in Sri Lanka. Watch the brilliant greens carpets of the tea plantations. See the picturesque villages with misty mountain backdrops pass by. Peer through drizzle and mist to look at the magical landscapes of Hill Country. Enjoy the amazing sights of intimidating mountains, deep and dark woodlands, and magnificent waterfalls as they go by your windows.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Panorama Hotel, Ella or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 10: ELLA
Stop At: Little Adam’s Peak, Passara Road, Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
Morning after breakfast, visit Little Adams Peak and Nine Arch bridge
Ella:
Ella is a famous mountain village & a paradise of hills with stunning views. The view of Ella gap is the main attraction which can be best witnessed from the top of Ella Rock or Little Adams peak. This easygoing walk through tea plantations to temples, waterfalls and viewpoints will tell you all about the natural beauty of Ella. During your day, you will get the experience of Ella gap form the top of both Ella rock and Little Adams peak & visit 9 Arch Bridge, one of the iconic bridges in Sri Lanka.
Little Adam’s Peak – Begin the climb with a gentle stroll through a sloping tea field, passing endless neat rows of terraced tea plants, before ascending a short stretch of winding steps up to the top of the peak. From the top, there is a spectacular panorama featuring Ella Rock, rolling tea fields and the Ella gap, a deep gorge that leads all the way down to the southern valleys. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the south coast with the ocean glimmering on the horizon.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Sri Lanka
Nine Arches Bridge, one of the most famous places in all of Sri Lanka, located in Ella. The Nine Arch Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in Sri Lanka and is a stunning example of the incredible engineering prowess behind the island’s railway system. First constructed in the 19th century during the British colonial period, Sri Lanka’s railway line remains the easiest and most picturesque way to access the hill country. Built in 1921, the Nine Arch Bridge is a 30-metre-high viaduct with dramatic, high arches, a beautiful piece of architecture which stands in testament to the exceptional engineering skills of the British.
Afternoon is at leisure
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Panorama Hotel, Ella or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 11: ELLA – BUDURUWAGALA-UDAWALAWE
Stop At: Ravana Ella Falls, Ella-Wellawaya Road, Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
Morning after breakfast, visit Ravana Water Falls and proceed to Udawalawe.
En route visit Buduruwagala Temple andAfternoon, visit Udawalawe National Park by Jeep safari (3 hrs)
The 19m-high Rawana Ella Falls are about 6km down Ella Gap towards Wellawaya. During rainy months, the water comes leaping down the mountainside in what is claimed to be the ‘wildest-looking’ fall in Sri Lanka, but during the dry season it may not flow at all.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Buduruwagala Temple, Wellawaya Town, Wellawaya 91200 Sri Lanka
Visit Buduruwagala Temple
Buduruwagala Temple: The beautiful, 1000-year-old, rock-cut Buddha figures of Buduruwagala are the region’s biggest attraction. The gigantic standing Buddha (at 15m, it is the tallest on the island) here still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe.
The name Buduruwagala is derived from the words for Buddha (Budu), images (ruva) and stone (gala). The figures are thought to date from around the 10th century and belong to the Mahayana Buddhist school, which enjoyed a brief heyday in Sri Lanka during this time.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Udawalawe National Park Sri Lanka
Afternoon, visit Udawalawe National Park by Jeep safari & travel to hotel.
Udawalawe National Park, the sixth largest animal sanctuary of Sri Lanka, is located 112 miles (180 km) from Colombo in south-central sector of the island. Udawalawe National Park established in the year 1972 with the objective of protecting the catchment area of Udawalawe reservoir, which provides water for agriculture and hydro-power generation spreads over an area 30,821 resembling an African game park.
Udawalawe is undoubtedly one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year. Usually you will have better chance to spot herds of elephants if you choose morning departure. There are about 500 elephants in the park and they often roam in herds of up to 100. Udawalawe National Park is unique in terms of consistency in numbers of elephants roaming the park.
You may spot other animals in the park including water buffalo, wild boar, spotted deer, sambur deer, jackal, samber, black-naped hare, mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, the endemic toque macaque and gray langers.
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Centuaria Wild Hotel, Udawalawe or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 12: UDAWALAWE- TISSAMAHARAMA-YALA- TISSAMAHARAMA
Stop At: Elephant Transit Home (ETH), 5km west of the Uda Walawe National Park entrance, Udawalawe National Park Sri Lanka
Morning visit Elephant Transit Home (1/2 hrs) and proceed to Tissamaharama.
Morning after breakfast, visit Elephant Transit Home, Udawalawe
Affternoon: Yala National Park
Elephant Transit Home, Udawalawe is home to the Elephant Transit Home where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated before being released. Established in 1995, it helps rehabilitate orphaned elephants so they can be released back into the wild. The home is also supported by Born Free
Here, orphaned and injured elephants are treated and prepared to be released back into the wild with minimal human contact. During your visit you’ll see the elephants but there is no interaction available as they need to be released back into the wild.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Yala National Park Sri Lanka
Afternoon visit Yala National Park by Jeep safari and travel to Tissamaharama.
Yala is an important and most popular and second largest wild safari in Sri Lanka and is located in the south eastern region, forming of scrub, light forest, grassy plains and brackish lagoons.
Among its more famous residents is the world biggest concentration of leopards, Sri Lankan elephants, as well as many other animals including sloth bears, sambar deer, wild boar, water buffalo, junglefowl, Jackal, and eagles etc.
Sri Lankan leopards are said to be a distinct sub-species from their Indian neighbors.
Yala National Park is rich in birdlife and around 130 species have been recorded. Raptors include crested serpent eagle and white bellied sea eagle. Among the water birds attracted to the lagoons are Lesser Flamingo, Pelicon, Spoonbill, painted stork, rare black necked Stork, grey heron, purple heron, night heron and Darter.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Chaarya Resort & Spa, Tissamaharama or similar (Double Room with Breakfast-BB)
Day 13: TISSAMAHARAMA-GALLE- BENTOTA (OR SOUTHERN hotel)/COLOMBO AIRPORT
Stop At: Galle Fort, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
After breakfast, proceed to Bentota (OR SOUTHERN hotel) via Galle (2 ½ drive0
Galle:
Galle sight scenes and drop at Bentota OR down South.
OR drop at Colombo Airport for departure flight.
Galle Fort begun by the Portuguese in the 16th century, expanded by the Dutch in the 17th Century and consolidated by the British in the 19th century, is not a historical ruin but has been transformed into a living, thriving contemporary settlement. Located at the southwest corner of the island the Fort covers 52ha and contains within its broad, grey granite rampart walls, nearly 500 houses.
Entrance to the Fort is through either of two main gates, one of which contains the Dutch Coat of Arms on one side and the British on the other. The Fort is UNESCO listed World Heritage Site and is free to enter and explore. The cobbled streets are lined with houses from the Dutch and British periods, with some art deco masterpieces, many of which have been converted into boutique shops and stylish guest houses.
Galle is doubtfully believed as Tharshish from where king Solomon foind Gems and Peacocks for Queen Sheba. In addition Galle was a very important nd old entrepot of the ancient trade routes where Arab/Chinese merchants obtained local communities such as Spice, Peacocks, Gemstones and Ivory during the classical period.
Some of the major landmarks within the fort are, Dutch Reformed Church, National Maritime Museum, Old Dutch Hospital and the New Orient Hotel. During the 2004 tsunami however it is important to note that even though the Fort was able to withstand most of the damage certain buildings did suffer. The government together with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs launched a project to restore the Fort to its former glory and is now back to being a major ho tspot for tourists visiting the south.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
