Ancient Capital - 4 days / 3 nights

DAY 01 AIRPORT/ COLOMBO
Meet on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Colombo Hotel.

In the afternoon leave on a city tour of Colombo driving through the Commercial area of “Fort” so named, because both the Portuguese and Dutch had a Fort at this point. Drive past “Pettah“, a noisy Oriental bazaar with a hotchpotch of humanity, ancient vehicles, bargains, mosques and temples. Visit a Hindu and Buddhist Temple and the Jumi Ul Alfar Jumma Mosque. Continue with the tour through the Wolfendhal Dutch Church, Hulftsdorp Law Courts, to the residential area of Cinnamon Gardens, and on to the Independence Square, Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall.
Return for dinner and overnight stay at Galadari Hotel or similar.

DAY 02 COLOMBO/ ANURADHAPURA/ GIRITALE
After breakfast leave for Anuradhapura the first capital of Sri Lanka.
You will see the remains of the Brazen Palace (which was once 9 storey high), the Sri Maha Bodhi a Bo Tree over 2000 years old, grown from the branch of the very tree beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Visit the ruins of the Ruwanweliseya Dagaba. See the 2nd Century BC shrine containing the Buddha’s collar bone relic, the Abhayagiriya temple and the Jetawanaramaya dagobas. Next visit the Kuttam Pokuna or twin ponds and the Samadhi Buddha (a statue of the Buddha in a meditative pose), which is being acknowledged worldwide as a masterpiece.
Check in at the Deer Park or similar Hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 03 GIRITALE/ POLONNARUWA/ SIGIRIYA/ KANDY
After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Visit the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Lankatilleke Vihare (3rd century AD) the Thuparama Dagoba and the Gal Vihare, 3 splendid statues of the Buddha in upright, sedant and recumbent postures, all carved out of a large rock.
Other interesting sights are the Lotus Bath, Tivanke Image House with the best known Buddhist frescoes of Sri Lanka, and man-made ‘Parakarama Samudra’ built by Parakarama Bahu the great.
Then visit Sigiriya and climb the Rock Fortress built by King Kasyapa 473-491) the patricide God King. Having climbed the rock you will encounter the remains of the Palace and its environs. See the famous frescoes.
Drive on to Kandy enroute stop at a Spice garden at Matale. In Kandy visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and also witness cultural dance performance.
Check at that the Amaya Hills or similar hotel for Overnight stay.

DAY 04 KANDY/COLOMBO/AIRPORT OR DROP OFF AT BEACH HOTEL

After breakfast leave on a Kandy city tour including the Upper Lake Drive.
Proceed to Colombo and en-route visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya and then visit the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela, which is a home to Elephants, found abandoned or orphaned in the wild and see them having their daily bath at a nearby river.
Return to Colombo or transfer to the airport for your departure or drop off at your chosen beach hotel.


Ancient Capital includes:
• Arrival/departure airport transfers and Transportation by air conditioned vehicle throughout itinerary.
• Accommodation in hotels listed or similar on twin sharing half board basis, with applicable mandatory Single Supplement
• Entrance fees and visits as specified
• Porterage, service charges and government taxes


Ancient Capital Tour excludes :
• Any other expenses not mentioned above
• Lunch
• Beach Stay
• Transfer cost from Colombo to Beach Resort

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Kandy Perahera supplement – if the clients stay in Kandy coincide with the Kandy Perahera pageant which is held every year in July/August (dates not yet finalized) A supplement is applicable at the Amaya Hills @ USD 30.00 per room per night

Your Confirmation Voucher includes full information (e.g. local telephone numbers) about the Local Operator. To ensure your peace of mind, we select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination.

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Upon booking, you will receive a voucher by email containing all details about the tour. You can check the status of your booking at anytime.

After you book
Please print the electronic voucher sent to you. It contains the operator's complete contact details and local telephone numbers. Give the voucher to the operator on the day of the activity.

What if I need to change or cancel my booking?
That's ok. We will try to be as flexible as possible. But you must inform us by email of the change or cancellation as soon as possible. The appropriate amount will be credited back to your credit card account. Contact our Customer Service for help with changes or cancellations. Or read our Cancellation Policy.