Getaway On Budget

On Arrival at Colombo International Airport our representative/Chauffer guide/national guide will welcome you. Upon completion of arrival formalities check into the hotel in Colombo.

Overnight Stay at Colombo

After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya

Pinnawela - Begun in 1972, the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela is a remarkable project created to protect abandoned or orphaned wild elephants who would not otherwise have survived in the wild. Relocated to the present size in 1975, today it has grown to become one of Sri Lanka’s key attractions. The elephants roam free within the sanctuary – and the highlight of their (and the visitors’) day is the feeding sessions and when they are led down to the river for a bath. From the banks of the river, you can watch these gleeful herds of elephants splashing around freely on the river.

THINGS TO NOTE:  Light cotton clothes /Comfortable shoes / Sun hats / Sun lotions.

Evening, climb the sky fortress of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya 

The ultimate icon of Sri Lanka’s historic past, the giant rock fortress of Sigiriya arises high above the flat landscape, surrounded by jungle on all sides. A testimony to the inventiveness of the ancient civilizations of the land, the once impenetrable stronghold of King Kassapa, ‘Sihagiri’ or Lion’s Rock as it was called then, is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world today. The feats of artistry, architecture and engineering at Sigiriya continue to impress visitors with their utter magnificence, even thousands of years on. Intricately landscaped pleasure gardens sprawl out below the rock, giant lion paws hewn in stone mark the entrance to the fortress at its foot, a highly polished mirror wall still carries the scrawled writings of ancient poets

Overnight stay in Sigiriya

After breakfast, proceed to Polonnaruwa

THINGS TO NOTE: Light cotton clothes / Comfortable shoes / Sun hats / Sun lotions / Insect repellents are recommended.

Polonnaruwa is one of the most significant kingdoms in Sri Lankan history this medieval capital (11th - 12th Century AD) remains a well-preserved city of ancient stupas, moonstones, beautiful parks, massive buildings and imposing statues. The ruins of this ancient city stay scattered over an extensive area of woodland and can be explored within a day. The city was enclosed by three concentric protecting the royal palace complex at its center, the religious buildings - called Quadrangle, lie to the North and are very well preserved to this day. The largest monuments are found here including the buildings of the Menik Vihara, Rankot Vihara, Alahana Pirivena and Jetavana monasteries, the incredible Buddha statues of the Gal Vihara, the soaring Lankatilaka shrine, the majestic King's Council Chamber, the Lotus Bath are must see sights. And of course, the giant statue of Polonnaruwa's greatest king - Parakramabahu, and the vast ‘Sea of Parakrama’ – a 12th century man-made reservoir which dominates the city are not to be missed either.

Afternoon safari in the Minneriya National Park

The Minneriya National Park encompasses the ancient Minneriya Tank which was built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasen. Today, the ancient reservoir fills during the North Eastern monsoon, but gradually shrinks as the dry season approaches. During this time herds of majestic Asian Elephants, sometimes over 300 in number, converge onto the receding shores of the Minneriya tank to forage on the surrounding greenery. This unique phenomenon is the highest concentration of wild Asian Elephants on Earth and has come to be known as “The Gathering”. This phenomenon peaks during the months of August and September which is the height of the drought and is an opportunity not to be missed by wild life enthusiasts and casual travellers alike.

Overnight Stay in Sigiriya

After breakfast, Proceed to Kandy

THINGS TO NOTE: warm clothes / Comfortable shoes / Sun hats / Sun lotions / Insect repellents are recommended.

An icon of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Cave Temple houses unique drawings in five magnificently constructed cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. See beautiful cave paintings along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold.

Kandy-The cultural epicenter and the hill capital of the island, Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second city and home to the Temple of the Tooth - the country’s most important religious shrine, and the traditional pageant the Esala Perahera. Although modernity and urban sprawl has changed the face of this once quaint hill station, it still carries a regal atmosphere with graceful Kandyan style architecture mingling with colonial buildings set around a tranquil lake surrounded by green hills. The kingdom of Kandy was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese, clinging to its sovereignty long after the island had fallen to the Portuguese and Dutch and the English, preserving its own unique customs and culture until the very last. These traditions live on today in the city’s unique music, dance and architecture.

Overnight Stay in Kandy

After breakfast, visit Peredeniya Botanical Garden

THINGS TO NOTE: Light cotton clothes / Comfortable shoes / Sun hats / Sun lotions / Insect repellents are recommended.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya are about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It attracts 2 million visitors annually. It is near the Mahaweli River (the longest in Sri Lanka). It is renowned for its collection of orchids. The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. Attached to it is the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka. The total area of the botanical garden is 147 acres (0.59 km2), at 460 meters above sea level, and with a 200-day annual rainfall. It is managed by the Division of National Botanic Gardens of the Department of Agriculture.

Afternoon visit to Silk Factory and the Gem Museum in Kandy

 Overnight Stay in Kandy