Empire of the Soul!!
Our friends keep asking us how we liked our trip. I tell them that it was an education in culture, history
and religion. I thought India was overwhelming at times, but found it colorful, spiritual and fascinating.
It’s the kind of trip that you’ll be thinking about years later – As Observed By Ms. Joan Landers (A
Former Guest Of Trinetra Tours)
Empire of the Soul!!
Our friends keep asking us how we liked our trip. I tell them that it was an education in culture, history and religion. I thought India was overwhelming at times, but found it colorful, spiritual and fascinating. It’s the kind of trip that you’ll be thinking about years later – As Observed By Ms. Joan Landers (A
Former Guest Of Trinetra Tours)
Day 01: Arrival / Colombo Colombo / Kotgada (10 Kms) (30 Mins)
Late night arrival, meeting and assistance upon arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be met and assisted by our Airport Representative, who will direct you to your very own Chauffeur. Then transfer to your hotel in Kotugoda. Once you check in at your hotel, relax and recover from any jet lag.
Overnight at The Wallawwa (Garden Suite) (D)
Day 02: Kotgada
Blissfully spend your time as you wish whether it be indulging in fine spa treatment or relaxing by pool.
Overnight at The Wallawwa (Garden Suite) (B & D)
Day 03: Kotgada / Sigiriya (145 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Sigiriya, a small village and a central location in Cultural Triangle. The central plains area boasts ruined temples and ancient cities combined with national parks and glistening reservoirs. Set off this morning for Sigiriya, also known as the ‘Lion Rock’, one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. This 5th Century ‘Fortress’ in the ‘Sky’ is a UNESCO World Heritage built by King Kassapa which was a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years. The spectacular pillar of rock rise 200 meters from the scrub jungle and the base of the rock is ringed by a moat and rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens. The majestic Lion’s Paw picturesquely guards the stairway of the palace on the summit.
You might like to start with a visit to the Sigiriya Museum to learn more about the site before wandering through the vast landscaped gardens to the base of the rock. The climb to the top is steep with many steps and there are some sections where the path or staircase is very narrow with steep drops protected by fences. You will pass the famous frescoes of the “Heavenly maidens” of Sigiriya in a sheltered pocket of the rock and the 10-foot-high Mirror Wall before arriving at the massive stone lion’s paws. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. The summit, covering an area of 1.6 hectares, was originally completely covered by buildings, but only remains of the royal citadel can be seen today. (The hike up and down again will take 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your fitness.) On completion, head back to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Water Garden Sigiriya (Superior Deluxe Villa with Plunge Pool) (B & D)
Day 04: Sigiriya
You can spend your day at leisure to explore independently or relax. A range of activities and excursions can arrange through your resort. During the day, we have an up close and personal visit to a modern day village that is 10 minutes from the hotel as we enter the village we will find curious locals sharing a warm smile and small children waving their hands. The activities would be for 1.5hours and will include village walk, water and tea with light local finger food. Evening, learn with the experts the making of a Sri Lankan Cocktail at your hotel. The activity would be for one hour and includes welcome achcharu cocktail, homemade chips and dips, water and make-your- own cocktail masterclass.
Overnight at Water Garden Sigiriya (Superior Deluxe Villa with Plunge Pool) (B & D)
Day 05: Sigiriya / Kandy (95 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will leave for Kandy, the bustling hill country capital is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for the pink painted Temple and the Kandy Lake built in 1807 which is an attractive centerpiece to the town. Check in to the hotel, rest of the day at leisure. Kandy Walk and Temple Tour This walk begins alongside Kandy Lake, at the center of the city and bounded by a distinct “cloud wall”. As your host guides you around the lake, hear stories of Sri Lanka’s last kingdom and follow the footsteps of countless Buddhists through the ornate grounds of the Temple of the Tooth, peppered with monuments to significant times in the island’s history. Explore the streets on foot, visiting a local church, passing the busy shops of Ali Mudukkuwa and the city’s impressive clock tower. Drop in for a pot of hot ceylon tea in Senani restaurant and end your walk at Kandy Market surrounded by local life and an exciting array of exotic fruits and vegetables.
On completion, you may catch the evening ‘Puja’ or ceremony which lasts for around one hour and involves lots of noisy drumming and excitement. Most of the ceremony actually takes place behind closed doors, but at the end, the tooth relic is opened to the public gaze. Return to your hotel afterwards for an evening at leisure or head out to explore the Kandy nightlife.
Overnight at Kings Pavilion (Suite) (B & D)
Day 06: Kandy
Today you will visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, where a rare collection of tropical exotic and indigenous flora including the famous Orchid House could be viewed. The Gardens are renowned for the collection of a variety of orchids and include more than 4,000 species of plants, including of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. Attached to the gardens is the National Herbarium. At the gardens you will have a private tour with a local horticulturalist as your guide. Following the tour, you will have some time at leisure to potter around the gardens independently or to relax before being taken back into Kandy, where you will have the opportunity, if you wish, to visit a local gem museum to learn about the vast selection of gems that are mined in the nearby countryside.
Overnight at Kings Pavilion (Suite) (B & D)
Day 07: Kandy / Hatton – Train Ride (02 ½ Hrs Journey)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and leave for Kandy railway station and board into the train and continue to Hatton. Meet up with the driver at the Hatton station and leave for the hotel. (Train tickets are subject to availability and train times are subject to change due to regular delays Please note that train tickets can only be booked 14 days in advance, with preference given to government officials. When train tickets are not available, a scenic road transfer through the hill country will be substituted.)
Overnight at Ceylon Tea Trails (Master Suite) (B, L & D)
Day 08: Hatton
These days are at leisure to explore independently or relax. A range of activities and excursions can arrange through your resort. Discover Sri Lankan Cuisine at Ceylon Tea Trails: A hands on experience with one of our amazing Tea Trails chefs. Learn the basics of Sri Lankan cooking, from the range of spices and ingredients, to techniques and recipes behind the magic of the island’s cuisine. You are invited to get hands on with mixing spices, preparation and cooking to immerse themselves in this fun and sensory experience. An ideal prelude to a full Sri Lankan dinner option on the same night. The activity would be for one hour
Overnight at Ceylon Tea Trails (Master Suite) (B, L & D)
Day 09: Hatton / Tangalle (155 Kms) (05 ½ Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will leave for Tangalle, the last town within the Sri Lankan border and is home to wide open beaches with a handful of upmarket hotels and villas dotted along the coves and beaches which line the oceanfront. Check in to the hotel, rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at Kaayam House (Palm residence with Plunge Pool) (B, L & D)
Day 10: Tangalle / Galle / Tangalle (95 Kms) (01 ½ Hrs Drive)
Today you will head towards the city of Galle, set on a promontory on the southwest tip of Sri Lanka, Galle Fort offers the best-preserved example of a European built fortified city in Asia. It was built by the Dutch from the 17th Century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll the winding streets of this immensely charming town and discover its decaying colonial buildings, grand fort walls and numerous boutiques and cafés. Stretching along the coast nearby are ruggedly beautiful beaches, which may be narrow but are peaceful and secluded. On arrival take a guided walking tour of Galle Fort. Wander along the ramparts, pass the lighthouse and the old Portuguese harbour and stop to see some of the many colonial era buildings, including the Dutch Reformed Church, the Anglican All Saints Church and the former house of the Dutch governor, built in 1684 and now the luxurious Amangalla hotel. On completion head back to your hotel in Tangalle.
Overnight at Kaayam House (Palm residence with Plunge Pool) (B, L & D)
Day 11: Tangalle
Blissfully spend your time as you wish whether it be indulging in fine spa treatment or relaxing by the beautiful Indian Ocean.
Overnight at Kaayam House (Palm residence with Plunge Pool) (B, L & D)
Day 12: Tangalle / Colombo (225 Kms) (03 Hrs Drive)
After breakfast, we will leave for Colombo, the last town within the Sri Lankan border and is home to wide open beaches with a handful of up market hotels and villas dotted along the coves and beaches which line the oceanfront. After rest and relaxation, you will discover the Forgotten Colombo in Land Rover (Landy) open- top vehicles, with an expert guide. Learn about the history, some of which is within the walls of some of the oldest structures in the country. Enjoy the welcoming smiles of onlookers, whilst sipping nothing less than a Lion Lager beer (or soft drink). During your 3- hour tour you will drive by the picturesque Galle Face Green, The Old Parliament, Colombo Lighthouse, Dutch Hospital, Cargills building and the Grand Oriental Hotel. You will also make a stop at an underground dodgy bar and enjoy food in Dutch Fort.
Overnight at Shangri-La Colombo (Executive Suite) (B)
Day 13: Colombo / Departure
In time, we will transfer to the international airport to board the onward flight.
NO HOTEL QUOTED FOR THIS DAY (B)
END OF SERVICES
We do hope the flavor of Sri Lanka will remain on your taste buds for all times to come and
hopefully would kindle an indelible fondness for the country and her people; Thank you for being our guest, and as we say in India ‘Please come back soon”
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!
TOUR INCLUDES:
– Accommodation based on Twin Sharing Basis
– Meals as per the itinerary only (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch & D – Dinner)
– Transfers for arrival, departure and land transportation using an air-conditioned SUV
Vehicle or similar
– All sightseeing tours with an English-speaking National guide and including
entrance fee to the monuments as follows:
– Sigiriya Rock Fortress
– Guided Walking Tour and Temple visit
– Cultural Dance Show
– Guided tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens with a Horticulturalist
– Train ride from Kandy to Hatton – Strictly subject to availability
– Guided Galle Fort Walking tour
– Guide tour of the Forgotten Colombo in a Land Rover
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:
– Camera & video fee to monuments
– Meals other than mention above
– Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, drinks, tips, telephone calls etc
– Credit Card Transaction Fees