Sri Lanka Short & Intensive Tour – 04N / 05D

Short & Intensive Tour – 04N / 05D  

DAY 01  AIRPORT–COLOMBO                               (D)  
Arrive in Sri Lanka. Clients will be met by our representative on arrival and transferred to Colombo. 
Afternoon at 1700 hrs commence a city tour of Colombo. 
City tour of 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 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 (Gangarama), Independent squire, Galle Face Green, Haber and the residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent. 
Dinner & overnight stay in Ozo Colombo (4*), Colombo or similar 

DAY 02  COLOMBO–KANDY                                                        (B/D)  
After breakfast leave for Kandy. 
Kandy, the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today. Temple’s shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere. 
In the afternoon commence city tour of Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.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 Orisons 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. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic had been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. 
Dinner & overnight stay at Ozo Kandy (4*), Kandy or similar      
  
   
DAY 03 KANDY–SIGIRIYA ROCK–MATALE–KANDY                                 (B/D) 
 After Breakfast leave for Sigiriya & climb Sigiriya Rock. 
Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. It is the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka. King Kassapa (477-495 A.D) who shifted the Capital from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya made a fortress to surround his palace, which was constructed on the summit of a 500ft high rock, with necessary facilities. The Palace was surrounded by an outer-moat and wall and Inner - moat and Wall, pleasure garden, Mirror-wall, light coloured and dark coloured damsel's frescoes, to cover the western wall and a beautiful staircase through the body of a Crouching Lion are some of the attractions here.  
The boulder garden consists of caves where Buddhist Bhikkus lived and meditated. After Kassapa Sigiriya was given back once again to the Bhikkus. 
Afternoon return to Kandy visiting Hindu Kovil in Matale. 
Sri Muthumari Amman Hindu Kovil, situated in the historic town of Matale is a very religious Hindu shrine in Sri Lanka. About 200 years ago this kovil was established by the Indian Hindu community specially the South Indian traders who lived and did business in the town and in estates around Matale.  
Dinner & overnight stay at Ozo Kandy (4*), Kandy or similar 

DAY 04 KANDY–NUWARA ELIYA–KANDY                                                                                 (B/D) 
After breakfast travel to Nuwara Eliya. 
Nuwara Eliya  The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but it is really just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. 
Visit Tea Plantation & a Tea Factory.  
Thereafter Leave for Kandy by Train. You can enjoy the scenic drive. 
Dinner & overnight stay at Ozo Kandy (4*), Kandy or similar     

DAY 05 KANDY–PERADENIYA–AIRPORT                                                           (B) 
After Breakfast visit Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. 
The Royal 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 trees and plants. Some rare and endemics as well as flora from the tropical World. Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourist's. 
Thereafter leave Airport or the beach resort (Up to Tangalle or Chilaw) 
*** End of Program *