Grand Tour

Highlights: Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Kandy - Pinnawala - Nuwara Eliya - Yala - Galle


Hotels:
Dambulla – Kassapa Lion Rock
Kandy – Oak Ray Regency
Nuwara Eliya – Stamford Star
Yala - Chandrika


Please note:
• All schedules and ground prices are subject to change
• All the accommodation are subject to availability at the actual time of receiving the go ahead from your end
• Check in and check out timing of the hotels will be according to the timing of the respective hotel
• Complimentary usage of WIFI is as per the respective hotel policy


Day 1: Airport / Dambulla (approx. Transfer time: 4 TO 5 hrs)
On arrival at Colombo International Airport on your flight. You will be met by a professional English speaking driver from Hayleys Tours. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air conditioned vehicle. There after transfer to your charming hotel Upon arrival check into hotel and relax.


Overnight at the selected hotel in Dambulla


Day 2 – Dambulla / Anuradhapura / Mihintale / Dambulla (approx. Transfer time: 1 TO 1 1/2 hrs)


After breakfast depart for Anuradhapura and commence a city tour of the ancient ruins and the Sri Maha Bodhi (the oldest tree on earth). Later Visit Mihintale and return to your selected hotel. Visit the ruins of the first capital founded in the 05th century BC. Here is found the largest number of ancient monuments of a great civilization. Buddhism found its first real home in Sri Lanka at Anuradhapura, and it thus contains some of Sri Lankan Buddhism’s most secret sights.


The “Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura, planted from a cutting from the original “Bo Tree” under which the Buddha received enlightenment, continue to draw thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. The pillars of the brazen palace which once had nine stories, the image of the Samadhi Buddha which is one of the finest pieces of Buddhists sculpture, the twin ponds, guard-stones and the moon-stones are amazing remains of a great civilization. There are also monuments such as Ruwanveli Seya Dagoba with its famous elephant wall from the 2nd Century B.C. and the Thuparama Dagoba from the 3rd Century B.C. On completion return to your hotel.


Overnight at the selected hotel in Dambulla


Day 3 - Dambulla / Polonnaruwa / Dambulla
After breakfast visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Frescoes. Afternoon visit the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa. (Approx. Transfer time: 1 TO 2 hrs) Built by an obsessed monarch in the 5th century, Sigiriya or Lion Rock is an astonishing feat of engineering and construction. Set in the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya rises a sheer 200 metres above a forested plain, its flattened summit sloping gently. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982, Sigiriya is Asia’s best preserved city of the first millennium, showing complex urban planning around the base of the rock combined with sophisticated engineering and irrigation skills in the palace perched on the summit.


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 A.D. to reunite the country once more under a native leader. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned Archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. On completion return to your hotel.


Overnight at the selected hotel in Dambulla.


Day 04 – Dambulla / Kandy
After breakfast proceed to the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple. (approx. Transfer time: 15 TO 20 Mins) Also visit a spice garden batik factory in Matale en-route to Kandy. (approx. Transfer time: 1 TO 1 1/2 Hrs) Here you will be able to see different spices and aromatics for which Sri Lanka has been famous for centuries. Thereafter proceed to Kandy and check in to the Hotel (approx. Transfer time: 1 TO 1 1/2 Hrs)


Overnight at the selected hotel in Kandy.


Day 5 - Kandy / Pinnawala (approx. Transfer time: 1 TO 1 1/2 Hrs)
After breakfast depart for the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. After lunch, commence a City tour of Kandy visiting the Kandy Market, Kandy upper lake drive, Gem museum, Arts & Crafts Centre etc


Pinnawela is the home for young Elephants who have been displaced or lost from their natural habitat. This is the only such sanctuary in the world; you will watch the beasts gamboling in the water and being fed their quota of milk from handheld bottles The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby o Pinnawela was born. The success story of Pinnawala has drawn the attention o scientists from all over the world.


Late afternoon explore the city of Kandy and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic which is located in the royal palace complex which houses the Relic of the tooth of Buddha. The entire complex is part of another UNESCO world heritage site. On completion of the temple visit witness a cultural dance show.


Overnight at the selected hotel in Kandy.


Day 6 – Kandy /Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens ( approx. Transfer time: 15 Mins) This was originally the King’s own royal pleasure garden that was later converted in to a botanic garden and opened to the public. At the Roya Botanical Gardens at ‘Peradeniya’ you could treat your eyes to an amazing wide and rare collection of tropical and temperate, exotic and indigenous flora and an orchid house with the largest collection in Asia.


On Completion proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En-route visit a high grown tea plantation / factory. After lunch around 1600 Hrs commence a sightseeing tour of Nuwara-Eliya Evening at leisure. (approx. Transfer time: 1 1/2 TO 2 Hrs) Nuwara Eliya is set in the heart of tea-country is a beautiful town where the British succeeded in creating a replica of the English countryside, with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church, a famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated 6,200 feet above sea level, the air is cool and fresh – a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Pony and Horse riding is available at the turf club of Nuwara Eliya to facilitate you with some sports and adventure. Visit a tea plantation situated in the misty mountains of the Sri Lankan Hills, to experience the ultimate feel of a tea plantation and its process. Upon Completion check in to the hotel.


Overnight at the selected hotel in Nuwara Eliya.


Day 7 – Nuwara Eliya /Yala (approx. Transfer time: 3 TO 4 Hrs)
After early breakfast leave for the Yala National Park via the famous Ella Falls. Late afternoon Enjoy a Jeep Safari in Yala. During the grand era of the British dominion, Ceylon was one of the world’s most sought after locations for truly exotic expeditions. The 1800’s witnessed the arrival of British adventurers such as Samuel L. Baker, and with them, hunting and exploration safaris replete with a small army of butlers, cooks, and trackers. These explorers did not travel in a rough, rustic anner, but enjoyed well-furnished, spacious tents fully stocked with the finest food and drink. At the glorious height o the empire, a complete bar, expert cooks, local guides and the best camping paraphernalia were not out of the ordinary, but expected. These bespoke safaris expertly anticipated every possible need or want of British explorers in wild Ceylon.


For centuries, this incredible destination has been revered as an unparalleled testament to the beauty of the wilderness, nature in its purest and rawest form. Probably the best place in the world to spot leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and a whole host of birdlife, Yala promises unforgettable discoveries and exciting adventures. An upcoming property Jetwing Yala is set to open very, very soon. Akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes, Jetwing Yala brings a concept like no other – where freedom and adventure is yours, always yours. Set within the immediate outskirts of the park, the property will feature 82 rooms and 14 luxury tents – with lighting and hot water generation powered through a solar photovoltaic system backed up by a grid supply. Jetwing Yala brings a wildlife experience complemented with the finest in luxury and comfort, and unmatched anywhere… right to your doorstep.


Upon Completion check in to the hotel. Overnight at the selected hotel in Yala.


Day 8 - Yala / Galle / Airport or Beach Destination
After breakfast leave for Galle . En - route visit the stilt fishermen in Weligama . After Lunch in Galle, commence city tour of the Galle Fort and then proceed to your selected beach resort or proceed to airport for your return flights to the UK.


Exclusion:
• International flights.
• Visa Fees & Travel Insurance.
• Any vehicle on leisure days.
• Expenses of personal nature such as soft drinks, liquor, laundry, tips, telephone calls, porter age, visa fees, camera fees, etc.
• Anything not mentioned in above inclusion.
• Any Mandatory X’mas and New Year Gala Dinner and peak period supplement if any.



Offer Includes

  • 7 nights accommodation as per Itinerary
  • Air Conditioned Transport with a services of an English speaking chauffeur guide
  • Entrance Fees to medieval capital Anuradhapura, Temple in Mihintale, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Cave Temple, Temple in Tooth in Kandy, Cultural show, Pinnawala,royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
  • Meal Plan - Bed and Breakfast commencing with breakfast on day 02 and with ending with breakfast on day 5

Meal Plans

  • As per Itinerary