About Amazing Sri Lanka

This tour has been designed especially for clients who wish to have a quick journey and enjoy about Ancient Sri Lankan capital, Temple, Architecture, archaeological relics, Safari, Central Highland, waterfalls & UNESCO world heritage and beach
In this tour plan we have included all Activities, Sightseeing & Things to do in each location that we believe suitable for tour heading. according to the client’s interest and requirement we can add or remove Activities, Sightseeing & Things to do.

Tour Highlights

Day 01 Arrive at Colombo International Airport(Route: Airport-Anuradhapura)

Our arrival assistant will welcome with Sri Lankan hospitality and assist you for all needs in the airport. The chauffer will be introduced by the assistant. Transfer to hotel in Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, a Sri Lankans political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. Hidden away in dark forest for many years, the magnificent site, with its palaces and monuments, is now reachable once again. The Anuradhapura city is one of the most important holy places of Buddhism. Anuradhapura demonstrates in a unique and specific way to the Sinhalese civilization. On several occasions the city was submitted to the attacks from southern India – Tamils, Cholas, etc. It stands as a permanent manifesto of the culture of Sri Lanka. The holy city exerted a considerable influence on the development of architecture during several centuries. It includes amazing monuments, mainly the Dagabas of gigantic size, placed on rounded foundations and surrounded by a ring of huge columns, characteristic of the Sinhalese stupas.

Srimaha bodiya

After getting Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Mahinda Thero in 250 BC Emperor Asoka in India sent his daughter Theri Sanghamitta to Sri Lanka with a branch of the Sacred Bodhi attain from the main stem of the Bodhi tree in Buddha Gaya under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. The King Tissa received the sapling and planted it at the present site in 249 BC. Taking this information to account today (in 2012) this tree is exactly 2260 years old. This tree is the oldest tree in world in the documented history.

Twin ponds (Kuttam Pokuna)

Twin ponds also called Kuttam Pokuna another engineering masterpiece of the ancient Sri Lanka. These two ponds belong to the Abayagiri Complex and probably been used by the monks for bathing. The origins of these ponds are not known but it is thought to have been built during the reign of King Aggabodhi I (575-608) Ponds are connected through a pipeline underneath. The Northern pond is 91 feet (28 meters) long and the other 132 feet (40 meters) . Water is supplied through underground pipelines and the water is sent through many filtering chambers before it falls on to the Northern pond through a mouth of a dragon.

Guard stone and Moonstone

The guard stones or “Muragal” were one of a connection of three characteristics of sculpture that garlanded the entrance to the buildings in ancient times, the other two were the Moonstone (Sandakada Pahana) and Balustrade (Korawak Gala).
The Guardstones, which supplied a support to the heavy stone Balustrade, were plain in the beginning. Later they came to be sculptured with symbols significant for prosperity and protection.

Samadi Statue

Samadhi Statue is considered one of the top sculptures in the Anuradhapura time. It is thought to be done during the 3rd or the 4th century. It is made out of Dolomite marble and stands 7 feet 3 inches (2.21 meters) in height. This statue was found in the present location in 1886 fallen to the ground with damages to the nose. It was then erected and the nose was reconstructed. In 1914, it was found damaged by treasure hunters and re constructed again.

Isurumuniya

Isurumuniya is the most famous for the stone carving of a couple located there. This carved stone was found in the Royal Pleasure Garden and brought here. There are many descriptions for this carving. Isurumuniya Lovers built in the 3rd century B.C. is noted for its rock carvings. it is believed that the carving may characterize Saliya, and the low-caste maiden whom he loved. Saliya was the son of the king Dutugamunu.

Tissa Tank

Also called Tissa Wewa (or Tisa Wewa) was made by King Devanampiya Tissa.(250-210 BC).The mound of Tissa Wewa is 11,000 feet long (Two miles) and 25 feet high. The width of the top of the tank was found to be 12 feet to 18 feet. Base of the mound is 160 feet. Tissa Wewa probably has an area of 550 acres. Experts say with little maintenance this bund will last forever. Just as commented, the Tissa Tank continues to feed water to Anuradhapura even today.

Nuwara Tank

Nuwara Wewa is believed to be built by King Vattagamini Abaya also known as King Valagamba in the first century BC. The mound (Bund) is 3 miles long and 37 feet high. The water height is about 23 feet the tank spreads 3180 hectares and holds about 1500 million cubic feet of water. There has been a dam built across Malwathu Oya to divert water to the Nuwara Wewa.this is good example to prove the ancient Sri Lankan Technology.

Abhayagiriya Sthupa (Pagoda)

Abhayagiriya Sthupa (Pagoda), made by king Valagambahu, built in the 1st century BC it stands at 74.98 meters to the tip of the damaged spire. It is the second largest sthupa in the country today.

Jethawanaramaya

The biggest dagaba in the world, made in 3rd century A.D. by King Mahasena. Probably 400 feet high and located in Nandana Uyana (garden), Anuradhapuraya

1st day Night out in Anuradhapura

 

Day 02 Morning proceed to Habarana via Mihintale(Route: Anuradhapura-Mihintale-Habarana )

Mihintale Mountain

With the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, began to serve as a residential area for the venerable monks headed by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera. But soon, with the royal patronage, the sanctuary housed a multitude of monastic buildings-stupas, uposathgharas, bodhigharas- to serve the monks. Sixty-eight cave dwellings provided the monks shade and shelter. Mihintale, the sanctuary for many thousands of laymen as well as holy men, had all the facilities and amenities for basic living.

The Avukana statue

Is a standing statue of the Buddha near Kekirawa in North Central Sri Lanka. The statue, which has a height of more than 40 feet (12 m), has been carved out of a large granite rock face during the 5th century. It depicts a variation of the Abhaya mudra, and the closely worn robe is elaborately carved. Constructed during the reign of Dhatusena, it may have been made as a result of a competition between a master and a pupil. Avukana statue is one of the best examples of a standing statue constructed in ancient Sri Lanka. It is now a popular tourist attraction in the country.

Habarana

Habarana is the heart of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Located in the dry zone of Sri Lanka Habarana is the centre point from which guests could explore the glorious past and the historical myths of Sri Lanka. Culture tourists, as well as wildlife enthusiasts, are bound to find this location a haven to escape to. Habarana is closely located to the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks which are the transit points to hundreds of Asian elephants and other wildlife during the dry season. The sacred city of Anuradhapura, cave temples in Dambulla and Sigiriya the rock fortress are just a few of the sites worthy of the attention of a history buff. The rest tourists could escape to the silence and stillness that Habarana, Sri Lanka has to offer; it is a place where tranquillity is personified.

2nd day Night out in Habarana

Day 03 Morning Morning proceed to Sigiriya(Route: Habarana-Sigiriya)

Sigiriya fortress

Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destination is “Sigiriya” – A 5th-century rock fortress created like a crouching lion. The name Sigiriya comes from the Sinhalese word “Singha Giri” or “Lion Rock” Sigiriya has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, Sigiriya marks everything from ancient Sri Lankan history, such as culture, art effects, architecture, views of nature. Sigiriya is also the location for Sir Arthur C Clerk’s “Fountains of Paradise”.  According to Sri Lankan history, Sigiriya was made by King Kassapa I (477 – 495 AD). Kassapa was the son of King Dhatusena(Anuradhapura 459 to 477 AD). King Dhatusena was removed from power and walled in, alive by Kasyapa in 473 AD. Mogallana, Dhatusena’s son of the real queen escape to India, promising revenge. Kasyapa fearing the promising revenge built this secure fortress at Sigiriya. Sigiriya is the best example of architectural wonder and the best example of ancient Sri Lankan civil engineering. The designs of parks, ponds, and pavilions are brilliant. This is also a good example of eco-designs.

3rd day night out Habarana

Day 04 Morning proceed to Kandy via Dambulla cave temple (Route: Habarana-Dambulla cave temple-Kandy)

Dambulla Cave Temple

Named as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991, Dambulla Cave Temple also named the Golden Temple of Dambulla is the prime and best-preserved cave temple compound in the island. Placed in Dambulla, Dambulla Cave Temple has 5 important caves, each of cave contains statues of the Buddha and historic artwork describing the Buddha’s life. The largest cave carries some 48 statues of Lord Buddha . with some statues of Hindu Gods, when Hinduism took root in Sri Lanka and started influencing the arts Dambulla Cave Temple is a good example for it. The history of the caves goes back to the 2nd or 1st century B.C., when King Valagam Bahu who was escaping the invading army that drove him out of Anuradhapura, took refuge in these caves.

Kandy

Sri Lanka’s hill capital is situated 488 meters above sea level and in the center of the island and surrounded by the ranges of mountains. Kandy was established in the 14th century and became the nation’s capital in the 16th century. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhala Kings. Kandy is also known as mahanuwara, senkadagala pura. The name Kandy comes from the word kanda which means mountais,it got this name because of the geographical location.

Temple of Tooth Relic

Also named Dalada Maligawa, is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. A beautiful creation made in the 17th century, one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka.

Kandy Cultural Dance

This is a well-known Kandy cultural program. This is one of the famous destinations in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It starts in the evening and runs for more than 1 hr. The skills of the traditional musicians of Kandy, their drums and dance is all very much entertaining. Also includes an eye-catching fire show.

4th day night out Kandy

Spice Gardens

Sri Lanka is famous for its spices and spices gardens. These spice gardens offer tourists memorable visits to various spice plantations in Sri Lanka. In order to promote and uplift spice growing and spice gardens of Sri Lanka, a spice council was established with all key industry private and public sector stakeholders.

During early historical times, Sri Lanka known as Taprobane was world-renowned for its Quality Spices. During ancient times the Greeks, Romans and the Arabic maintained their links with Sri Lanka through the spice trade.

In the 16th century Ceylon, as it was then known, was discovered by the Portuguese who soon began trading in cinnamon and other spices. The Dutch and British followed bringing with them their own history and influences, forming a strong Western presence that created a history of food expressed with spices that can be tasted in the dishes today. Also, Spices are used in Ayurveda in Sri Lanka.

4th day night out Kandy

Day 05 Morning proceed to Ramboda. (Route: Kandy- Ramboda.)

Royal Botanical Garden (Peradeniya)

The largest of the Botanical garden in Sri Lanka. Above 500m from sea level. A 147-acre garden with more than 5000 species of trees and plants, beautiful orchid house and spice section. There are also many species of birds found in the park. British rulers of Ceylon made the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens.

Traditional wood carvings

At present, by entering our factory & gallery, visitors can witness the creative Sri Lankan traditional wood carvings and get a firsthand experience of the carving industry. we give a complete introduction of the history of the woods in Sri Lanka and the wood carving industry, what each wood bears, it’s own unique qualities and what each wood is being used for…making souvenirs, statues, Carvings, doors, windows etc.

 

Ramboda Falls

Ramboda Falls is 109m high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated inPussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. It formed by Panna Oya which is a tributary of Kothmale Oya. Altitude of the falls is 945m above sea level.

5th day Night out in Ramboda.

Day 06 Morning proceed to Nuwaraeliya.(Route: Ramboda-Nuwaraeliya)

Nuwaraeliya

The city Nuwaraeliya has a lot of nicknames like the city of light, a city on the plain (table land, Little England, located at 1,868 m above sea level and is considered to be the most important location for Tea production in Sri Lanka. Nuwaraeliya produces the best quality No 01 tea in the world. Nuwara Eliya was built during the 19th century and its architecture mimics that of an English country town, with red-brick walls. Nuwaraeliya is blessed with a salubrious climate, and spectacular views of valleys, meadows, mountains, waterfalls and greenery.

Lake Gregory

Is one of the key tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya. It was built by Governor William Gregory during the 1872 – 1877 period by utilizing the water from the Nanuoya which runs across the town. It is about 91.2 hectares in scope. It was believed to be used for water sports and for leisure activities during British rule. A boatyard for visitors for boating.

Golf course

Walking distance from the town centre stretch over 90 acres, built in 1891, the 18 holes golf course is one of Nuwara Eliya’s prime attractions. It is reputed to be the only Golf Course where all the holes are visible from the Club House.

6th day Night out in Nuwaraeliya

Day 07 Morning proceed Nuwaraeliya world’s end (Route: Nuwaraeliya-World’s END)

World’s END

One of the main attractions of Horton Plains is World’s end. There is two Word’s end in Horton plains. “The small World’s end” and “The Big World’s end” it is about 0.8km (1/2mile) apart from each other. From these, one could see the fall of the Tea states down below. A 1000ft (328m) drop from the small one and a dramatic 4000ft (1312m) drop from the big one. From here one could get a stunning view of the surrounding hills and the mountain ranges wreathed in mists and clouds and on clear days even the Indian Ocean which is nearly 50 miles (81km) to the south is visible. Clients have to walk 9kms

Nuwaraeliya to Haputale Special train ride

In the 19th Century, during the British occupation of Sri Lanka, the British constructed the railway lines in Sri Lanka and started the Railway service in Sri Lanka to transport tea from the Hill country estates to Colombo Port and imported goods to the interior of the Island. So Sri Lanka’s hill country Railway line goes through Tea Estates, thus making the train journey a scenic ride.

 

Haputale

Is a town of Badulla District in the Uva Province, Sri Lanka, governed by an Urban Council. The elevation is 1431 m (4695 ft) above the sea level. The area has a rich bio-diversity dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. Haputale is surrounded by hills. covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. The town has a cooler climate than its surroundings, due to its elevation. The Haputale pass allows views across the Southern plains of Sri Lanka. The South-West boundary of Uva basin is marked by the Haputale mountain ridges, which continue on to Horton Plains and Adam’s Peak to the west. CNN named Haputale as one of Asia’s most overlooked destinations.

7th day Night out in Haputale.

Day 08 Morning proceed to Tissa (Route: Haputale-Tissa)

Dhowa Rock Temple

Is one of the heritage sites in Sri Lanka, situated in central mountain of Uva province. Dhowa is small ancient village which is situated on Badulla,Bandarawela main road. This Temple is situated 210 km east of Colombo and 120 km south of Kandy. The Dowa rock temple could be considered as a Mahayana Sculpture with a huge unfinished Buddha image carved into the rock face. The temple dates back to Before Christtimes. It has been built safely inside a ring of mountains. A beautiful river is flown across the plateau. Hence, the area had earned the name, Dowa.

The Ravana Falls

Popularly known as Ravana Ella in Sinhala is a popular sightseeing attraction in Sri Lanka. It currently ranks as one of the widest falls in the country. This waterfall measures approximately 25 m (82 ft) in height and cascades from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop. During the local wet season, the waterfall turns into what is said to resemble an areca flower with withering petals. But this is not the case in the dry season, where the flow of water reduces dramatically. The falls form part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, and is located 2 km (1 mile) away from the local railway station

Buduruwagala

Is an ancient buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The complex consists of seven statues and belongs to the Mahayana school of thought. The statues date back to the 10th century. The gigantic Buddha statue still bears traces of its original stuccoed robe and a long streak of orange suggests it was once brightly painted. The central of the three figures to the Buddha’s right is thought to be the Buddhist mythological figure-the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To the left of this white painted figure is a female figure in the thrice-bent posture, which is thought to be his consort-Tara.

Tissamaharama

Tissamaharama is one of the most pleasant towns in the southern coast. The beautiful man-made tank (reservoir) in Tissa, Tissa Wewa with its remarkable bird life provides the scenic backdrop to the town. Tissa was the sanctuary in the deep south, where Sinhalese patriots fled to rally support against marauding Dravidian invaders from Southern India. Known by the name of Mahagama (great town), it was one of the principal settlements of the southern province of Ruhuna. Mahagama was founded in the third century BC by a brother of the King Devanam Piya Tissa of Anuradhapura, & later rose to prominence under King Kavantissa, father of the hero of the nation, King Dutugamunu of Ruhuna.

8th day Night out in Tissa

Day 09 Morning proceed to Yala Safari(Route: Tissa-Yala)

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the most visited national park of the island and the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. Located in the Southern Province and Uva Province of the island. The park spreads 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi). Yala was named a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, The annual temperature near sea level is 270C, although in the dry season a daily maximum of 370C is not rare. In the southeast, the Park is bounded by the sea. Gorgeous natural beaches and sand dunes provide beautiful surroundings. This is certainly one of the most fabulous views of Sri Lanka. The wide parklands that surround the lagoons offer visitors superb locations for viewing animals and birdlife. the park is home to leopards, crocodiles, elephants, deer, sambar, bear, wild boar, wild buffalo and peacocks and many varieties of birds including migratory birds such as flamingos.

After Yala safari proceed to the south coast of Sri Lanka
9th day Night out in koggala.

Day 10 At Koggala

Koggala is a strange strip of abandoned holiday resorts. The beaches are definitely uncrowded and the Koggala River and Koggala Lake are attracting many nature lovers. Koggala is wide stretched village on Sri Lanka’s South Coast. with beautiful beaches and some of the best surf spots on the island.

Many little shops are close by, perfect for your daily needs. Little beach restaurants offer fresh seafood and provide excellent views overlooking the picturesque bay.

10th day Night out in koggala.

Day 11 Morning proceed to Airport via Habaraduwa (Route: koggala-Habaraduwa-Airport )

Habaraduwa

On the fringes of Koggala town is a small turtle hatchery that first opened in 1996. In an effort to promote responsible tourism and conservation, the hatchery buys turtle eggs from fishermen, in an attempt to discourage them from poaching & selling the eggs for food. Visitors are educated on the importance of protecting turtle life, via the hatchery’s facilities that care for newborn turtles until they are ready to be released back into the ocean, an experience that some lucky visitors may even have the opportunity to do themselves first-hand. The wide sandy beaches that exist around the island of Sri Lanka are utilized by several marine turtles for laying their eggs. The commonest of these are the Loggerheads and the Leathery turtle while the green turtle is less common.

Proceed to Airport to departure, Meet the Departure Assistant and Give ideas about your tour