Penguin Travel

Lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a natural paradise; a landscape of verdant mountains, rainforests, paddy fields, tumbling waterfalls and sweeping gorges. The island has in its time been a trading center of importance; both Greeks and Romans sailed here in search of spices and jewels. We will take you on a journey to explore this beautiful island and in the end of the cultural part of the trip we will spend 4 nights in the seaside town of Unawatuna, on the beautiful southwest coast.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Katunayake - Transfer and check into hotel in Negombo (8km, approx 15min drive)

Day 2. Negombo - Colombo
After breakfast we drive towards the town of Colombo, on our way we pass the city center known as "Fort" built in 16 century. In Colombo we go on a Sightseeing tour, where we see Pettah - the busy market and noisy bazaar, and the National museum - with its beautiful antique and art collection. We drive past the city walls, Freedom Square and the cinnamon gardens residential area where we visit a Buddhist temple and a Hindy sed venture - here we see the difference in religion, ethnicity and the people.

Day 3. Negombo
Today we go on city tour. We visit the fishing village of Negombo, the Dutch churches and the local market.

Day 4. Anuradhapura  - Dambulla
After breakfast, our journey goes toward Anuradphapura. We visit the holy city, erected in the 4 century BC and is since 1982 on UNESCO's world heritage list. You will see some of the best known and highest Dagobas in Sri Lanka - one known for its elephant wall and Thuparama Dagoba. We will see ruins of king palaces and the "Sri Maha Bodhi", also called the sacred Bo tree, which is over 2200 years old and the oldest in history. Drive to Dambulla and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 5. Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa
After brekfast we leave for Sigiriya. Arrival and walk up to a rock fortress, which has been a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years. Lion Rock is an exceptionally beautiful Citadel; rises 200m up from the jungle. Well protected in the rock pocket, we see the famous frescoes of the "Heavenly Maidens" and the 10 foot tall mirror wall. Then we proceed to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's capital from 11h-13h century. A well planned medieval city defended by walls. The city is littered with ruins of which "Vatadage" and "Thuparama image house" are the most spectacular.

Day 6. Dambulla - Kandy
We drive from Dambulla and visit the famous cave temple, the "Golden Rock", which is on UNESCO's world heritage list. This cave monastery, with its 5 caves is the largest and best preserved cave temple complexity in Sri Lanka. The complex is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the world. Proceed to Kandy, en route we will visit a spice garden in Matale. Kandy is a busy hill country capital city is now on UNESCO world heritage list. After arrival in Kandy we check into hotel. In the evening we visit the "Tooth temple" and then we enjoy a cultural show at the "Kandyan Arts & Cultural Center."

Day 7. Badulla
After breakfast we travel by train from Badulla, on the road we run through railway stations, tunnels and bridges. Demodara is a unique station – the train reaches the same point twice in different heights and the bridge contains 9 arcs, both designed in Sri Lanka. Therefore is Demodara train station and bridge very important for Sri Lanka's history. Upon arrival we visit the waterfall Dunhinda and Muthiyanganaya temple.

Day 8. Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast at the hotel and then proceed to Nuwara Eliya Set in the heart of the "Tea Country". En route we visit a tea - plantation and a tea factory. At the tea factory we become witnesses to the process and manufacture of tea from plucking of green leaves til packaging of the processed tea. After arriving in Nuwara Eliya, we begin our city tour.

Day 9. Beruwela
After breakfast at the hotel leave for Beruwela a tourist resort in the south with the most beautiful, wide and sandy beaches.

Day 10-14. Beruwela
The days are to enjoy the sun, the warmth and the beautiful beach.

Day 15. Transfer to airport and departure.

Luggage Transportation: Included

Included in the price: ►accommodation at descent 3*** hotels with breakfast with the excepion of Badulla where the hotel is 2** ► entrance fees to visit places mentioned in the itinerary ► porterage at the airport and at all hotels ► English-speaking local guide

Not included: ►drinks ►lunches and dinners ► other personal expenses ► tips ► visa ► vaccinations - consult your doctor to find out which immunizations are required for entry to Sri Lanka ► else not listed above

Other expences: ►single room supplement - 350 EUR ►half-board supplement: 125 EUR ►entrance fees other than those mentioned in the itinerary ►Insurance - We recommend travel insurance to cover at least repatriation

Visa: You do not need to apply for visa in advance when traveling to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, you get 1 month visa at the airport at passport control (passport must be valid for 6 months from return date) 

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