7Days Cultural Highlights
Price from $1672 per person on twin sharing basis
Colombo – Sigiriya – Kandy – Colombo
This tour provides a snapshot of Sri Lanka. The busy modern metropolis, 2500-years old Ancient lands with Historic Monuments and World Heritage Sites, a unique Elephant Orphanage, Gardens of Fresh Spices, wide sandy tropical beaches and a stay in a 200-year old former British Governor’s mansion gives a taste of what this exotic Indian Ocean island offers to the discerning visitor.
Day 01: Arrive Colombo
Arrive in Colombo and 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 be paged by your name. Thereafter you will be assisted to the Car park / Coach Park to begin you journey as per the booked itinerary. Transferred to the Hotel in Colombo. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02: Colombo (B)
Pick up from your hotel and drive through the city taking in the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens.
Visit Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749.
Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and Independence Square. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Colombo – Pinnawela – Sigiriya (B)
After breakfast proceed to Sigiriya via Pinnawela.
Pinnawela is home to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage established in 1975 to house abandoned and wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now; including Baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as some of the more than 25 babies born, as a result of the captive breeding programme.
Afterwards depart for Sigiriya, home to the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour.
Day 04: Sigiriya (B)
Today visit the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Museum and climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Day 05: Sigiriya – Kandy (B)
After breakfast proceed to Kandy. Enroute, visit a Batik factory and Spice Garden at Matale and see the luscious Cinnamons, Cardamoms, Pepper plants etc. You can also purchase your requirements of spices. Evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth
Relic of Buddha followed by show of colourful cultural dance performances.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06: Kandy – Peradeniya – Colombo (B)
After breakfast visit Peradeniya botanical gardens – 147 acres in extent: started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Kandy. There are more than 5000 species of tree and plants, as well as flora from the tropical world. Spice garden and Orchid House are popular with Tourists.
Thereafter proceed to Colombo and transfer to your hotel.
Day 07: Colombo – Airport (B)
Departure from the Hotel to Airport.
Private program - can start any day of the week and can be modified or operated in reverse
Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.
Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.
Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2023. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.