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14 Days | 13 Nights
Culture Tour
Adult | Child | Infant
Included
The island of Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of cultural, beach, nature, and wildlife. This tour is based on to explorer the North, East, & Central Hills of the island. The tour is best done during summer vacations from June to September. Only a few Islands in the world offer the diversity that exists in Sri Lanka, and one area that shines is that of mix cultural heritage. What more than exploring the North, East, and the hill capital Kandy. The tour also offers some great escapes to Sri Lanka’s East coast beaches, one of the main highlights of this tour.
Note that we can tailor this itinerary according to your preferences, so feel free to ask for modifications.
On arrival meet your Tripavi representative who will introduce you to your private chauffeur-guide. Your chauffeur-guide will stay with you for the duration of your trip. Your Sri Lankan experience begins with a short drive to Negombo a coastal beachside town. If time permits today you have the option to explore the coastal town.
After breakfast head to 01st ancient kingdom Anuradhapura. Much of the region’s history is from the remains of Anuradhapura which stood as the capital for well over thousands of years ruled by countless kings built extravagant buildings and monuments. Late afternoon explore some of the great archaeological ruins of now protected as World Heritage sites.
This morning we have a very early start. Tea, coffee, and biscuits can be found in your jeep safari leaving the hotel at 6 AM. Then you head off to explore the Wilpattu National Park on a half-day safari. As Wilpattu is a large park a full day safari is ideal, however with the compact nature of this holiday and lot more to explore we have suggested morning safari giving you ample time to return back to Anuradhapura and explore few more ancient sites at dusk. A visit to Anuradhapura should not go by without a visit to Mihintale, it represents the first real home of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
An early start to head north, Northern Sri Lanka portrays a cultural mix both of Sri Lanka and South India. Offended by a 30-year-old civil war ended in 2009, the region is now in the process of rewinding the clock that was set backward. Being closer to India than Colombo, Jaffna at the northern tip of the island is famous for its delicious Mangoes which grow there in great abundance. The province itself a fresh experience even for most locals too as they are yet to visit the area. Arrive in time for a late lunch today, sit down to one of the best crab curry meals you’ll have while in Sri Lanka. After some rest explore the town on a guided tour starting at 03.00 pm with a visit to Jaffna Fort, a 17th-century monument built by Portuguese during their invasion of Sri Lanka. The 400-year-old ruins remain complete with a moat, ramparts, and prison chambers; and was the largest military fort that was built in the country. Next on the list will be the Jaffna Library. Once the largest and most extensive library of Asia. Today, the library has been rebuilt and strives mightily to reach its former glory. Your route will pass through some coastal villages, and you can get to know the life of local fishermen. You will visit the famous historic Nallur temple, with its beautiful and colorful paintings and sculptures. After viewing the temple, you will stop by at Rio Ice Cream Parlor, which is right around the corner. As the most famous locally made ice cream in Jaffna, you will get the opportunity to purchase and flavor the delicious creamy sweetness that is Rio's trademark. Return to the hotel by dusk for dinner and overnight stay.
A day with pack visits to locations of religion and history or you just could take it easy with a visit to the famous Casurina Beach for sea bath followed by a visit to Fort Hammemhiel for lunch in the afternoon. Return to the Jaffna town by late afternoon on your way back to the hotel en-route visits the St James Church, followed by a visit to St Mary’s Cathedral. You will get to know the long history of these important locations. There will also be nuns who will be selling top quality Jaffna Wine and Nelli Cordial - renowned local specialties. You can purchase some if you are interested. Finally, your route will take you to a small Buddhist stupa, past the statue of Changkili - the last king of the Jaffna Kingdom, the Entrance Arch of the former Jaffna Royal Palace, the haunting ruins of the old house of the last king’s Minister. Along the way return back to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast head southeast to Trincomalee, a major resort port city of Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. About four hours’ drive south of Jaffna, the city of Trincomalee curves around one of the largest natural ports in the world. Fort Fredrick presides over the city, where the Sri Lankan military stands guard near monks from the Gokanna Temple, which the fort was built around. Visitors are welcome, and you can admire the coastline stretching out below. North of the city, the coastline becomes more rural and eventually turns into long stretches of jungle-flanked beach. Trincomalee city is home to the famous Koneswaram temple, alluded to in its historic Tamil name Thirukonamalai and is home to other historical monuments such as the Bhadrakali Amman Temple. After your long drive relax and unwind by the beach enjoying your sunset cocktail.
Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks in Sri Lanka. The national park is situated 1 km off the coast of Nilaveli, a coastal town in Eastern Province. The island's name derives from the rock pigeon which has colonized it. Pigeon Island was designated as a sanctuary in 1963. This national park is the 17th in Sri Lanka named in 2003. The island was used as a shooting range during the colonial era. With its powdery white sands and glittering coral gardens, tantalizes with possibilities. A nesting area for rock pigeons, the island is beautiful enough, with rock pools and paths running through thickets, but it’s the underwater landscape that’s the real star. The reef here is shallow, making snorkeling almost as satisfying as diving, and it's home to dozens of corals, hundreds of reef fish (including blacktip reef sharks), and turtles. If you’re not interested in snorkeling you also have the option of going on a whale-watching expedition (seasonal activity) with a local fishing boat that runs boat trips during the summer from July to September & best done in the mornings.
Late afternoon explore the Koneshvaram Hindu temple. The temple lies on a high rocky promontory surrounded on three sides by the sea. It bears a history of over three millennia with its records indicating its roots in 1580 BC. This, still beautiful, historical monument is what remains of what once was a sprawling temple city equal to the ancient city of Madurai, India. In the evening visit Fort Frederick, it has been a defensively important site for centuries. It was initially constructed here by the Portuguese in 1623 and later rebuilt by the Dutch. The British took over in 1782.
A day to explore the finest beaches to relax and unwind at your own pace.
After breakfast travel south a 2 hrs drive to Polonnaruwa, a left turn from Galoya Handiya through low forest-clad hills, skirting the pictures tanks at Minneriya and Giritale, to the ancient capital of the 11th and 13th century, wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders (especially women), since some of the ruins of the Ancient City are sacred. It’s best done in the morning hours between 09.00 am to 1.00 pm or 03.00 pm to 06.00 pm when it’s slightly cooler. The highlights of this visit would be the Buddha statues of Gal Vihara, Buddha statue at Lankatilaka, Rankot Vihara the 4th largest in Sri Lanka, Shiva Devale, The Vatadage a circular relic house, Audience Hall & Royal Palace. An adventurous jeep safari awaits in the late afternoon to explore the Minneriya national park. (03.30 pm to 06.00 pm) PM check in to your hotel in Giritale Deer Park.
After a hearty breakfast Climb, Ritigala Mountain (1.5h) Deep inside the Ritigala, Strict Nature Reserve is the sprawling, jungle-covered ruins of this extensive forest monastery. Ritigala was probably a place of refuge (as long ago as the 4th century BC) and also has mythological status. It’s claimed to be the spot from which Hanuman (the monkey god) leaped to India to tell Rama that he had discovered where Sita was being held by the king of Lanka. After Ritigala depart to Habarana for Village tour with activities and rice & curry prepared by a local for lunch followed by a visit to Pottery House, Black Smith House(1h)late afternoon check in to the hotel to relax and unwind for Spa treatment.
After breakfast Sigiriya is stupendous even today. The rock fortress of Sigiriya was overpowering citadel when it was crowned by a palace, 15 centuries ago. At the brief highest of its glory a flowering of only 18 years in the late 5th century. It was one of the loveliest Royal cities that ever graced the earth even today. Return to the hotel for a refresh before heading to Kandy the hill capital of Sri Lanka. Before Kandy, we stop at one of the many spice plantations, where we get a glimpse into effect on the body and plant magic and knowledge of how they are used as a spice and creams. Kandy region is Sri Lanka's heart and is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains. The evening is there for you to relax by the poolside and enjoy the comfortable climates of the hill country.
After breakfast a tuk-tuk ride to Hantane tea museum, it claims to be the first of its kind in the world. Located in an old tea factory abandoned in 1986. It contains some impressive old machinery, polished up and laid out in manufacturing sequence. This will be followed by a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most sacred sites for the Buddhist population. Across from the complex is a walking monastery and beyond its walls is St. Paul’s Church which was built in 1843 although the earliest minister, George Bisset, was here in 1816. There are various interesting memorials from 1822 to the 1870s in the British Garrison Cemetery, which is uphill behind the national museum is also a must-visit. Evening visit a small theatre to watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance which lasts about an hour, showcasing some of the country's rich dance culture. It culminates with a dramatic fire-walking show.
After breakfast, you have two options. 1. You can either travel directly to Colombo by train (about 3 hrs travel) 2. En-route stop at the Pilimathalawa tea factory. Late this afternoon, you have an exclusive city walk with a resident host who takes you right into the birthplace of what is modern-day Colombo and its throbbing city pulse. Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka. It is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, the capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings, ruins and a large population. Tonight, you can dine at The Ministry of Crab. Dharshan Munidasa, in partnership with two of Sri Lanka’s best-known faces – cricketers Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene – claims this to be the best place in the world to sample the renowned Sri Lankan crab. Occupying prime space in the landmark Dutch Hospital complex is not to be missed for a farewell dinner of this amazing holiday.
After breakfast, you will be met by your chauffeur-guide and transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
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