Secrets of Sri Lanka

Driving Time: (approximately 30 Minutes) Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (the country's only international airport), we are met and transferred to our hotel in Katunayake, situated just north of Colombo. Our airport representative will be waiting for us in the arrival hall, located after leaving the customs area. Please look out for the Peregrine signboard. Although Colombo is the commercial capital and by far the largest city in Sri Lanka, it is still relatively small by Asian standards. We do not stay in the capital itself, but in the quaint town of Katunayake, our hotel is conveniently located a short drive from the airport. If you arrive early you can take the time to explore Colombo or Negombo one of the nearby seaside villages.

Driving Time: (Approximately 3 hours): After breakfast we proceed to Avukana a highlight on our way to Anuradhapura. We explore the village and the famous Avukana Buddha Statue. The 40 foot tall Buddha, was carved from the granite wall face in the 5th century, arguably the most impressive remaining statue in Sri Lanka. The building of the Avukana Buddha is shrouded in legend. A twenty-minute drive takes us to the ancient city Anuradhapura, built in the 3rd century BC and capital of the Sinhalese people for 1000 years from the 4th century BC, despite frequent invasions from southern India. Today it is the largest and most important ancient site in Sri Lanka and there are a wealth of old palaces, temples, 'dagobas' (Buddhist monument) and Buddha statues to explore over a large area. The most visited part is the sacred Bodhi tree which is said to have been planted from a sapling from the tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment. This was brought from India by Sangamitta, the daughter of the great Indian emperor, Ashoka, who had sent his own son, Arahath Mahinda, to spread Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most important pilgrimage places in the country. After a day of exploration we check in to our hotel.

Driving Time: (2.5 Hours): After breakfast we start our journey to Ritigala Mountain. The jungle clad mountain is visible miles away as we travel on the Dambulla-Anuradhapura road. We are guided through the jungle in search for the ruins of the monastic complex of Ritigala; a lesser known yet astounding Buddhist site, dating back over 2000 years. Here the ascetic monks, the Pansakulikas, made their home, meditated in caves carved out of the mountain. As we make our way through, the amazing craftsmanship cannot be missed and the grandeur of it is restored in our imagination. The site has been declared a Strict Natural Reserve and the Archaeological department has over the years diligently restored the ruins. We leave Ritigala with awe, and head to beautiful Habarana where we enjoy lunch with a local family and learn a thing or two about Sri Lankan cuisine. In the afternoon we arrive to Trincomalee, a beautiful seaside village, which will be our base for the next few days as we explore the surrounding region. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure and there is no shortage of ways to enjoy some rest and relaxation in Trincomalee, be it relax by the pool or beach, share the day’s pictures with new friends, or just enjoy a G&T and watch the sunset.

We enjoy an early breakfast as a filled day of exploration and adventure awaits us. We start our city tour of Trincomalee with a visit to Koneswaram temple also known as the Temple of a Thousand Pillars. Among the various monuments of Hindu antiquity found in Sri Lanka, the Thirukoneswaram Hindu temple in Trincomalee is one of the three principal places of worship dedicated to Lord Siva. The original temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 17th century. We also visit the Lover's Leap, one of the main attractions of the Swami Rock and located next to the temple. We explore Fort Frederick on the Trincomalee Peninsula, a remnant of the colonial past of Sri Lanka. The Fort itself has an interesting and ironic story; it was built with ruins from the original Koneswaram temple by the Portuguese, quickly lost and traded hands several times in battles between the French, Dutch and British. We visit the famous Hot Springs of Kanniya, reputed for the healing powers of the waters; legend has it that King Ravana struck the earth in several spots with his sword, and from it sprang hot water. This is a great opportunity to meet the locals who come here in pilgrimage or in search of healing.

Enjoy a free morning today. Some may opt to go on a Whale and dolphin watching excursions. The coast of Trincomalee is well know to be a migratory route for the Blue Whales and Sperm Whales. Water sports are widely available, from snorkeling to scuba for the enthusiasts. A visit to Pigeon Island, one of the two, National Marine parks of Sri Lanka or just take the opportunity for some stunning photography around Trincomalee. In the afternoon, after the noon heat has subsided, we start on our cycling tour around Trincomalee and enjoy the beautiful countryside surrounding the region.

Driving Time: (4 hours): After breakfast we proceed to Habarana. From there by way of Land Master we start our safari through the Hiriwadunna countryside and through authentic Sri Lankan villages where we are truly immerged in the culture. We spot amazing native wildlife, cross streams, meet villagers in their day to day the life. If we are lucky we may even spot crocodiles. All life here springs from the rivers and streams that make the land so fertile and it’s clear as we cross a large tributary by catamaran, observe fishermen, farmers and village women washing clothes at the periphery of the waterways. Our experience would not be complete without a traditional Sri Lankan meal shared in the home of a friendly villager. We say goodbye to our new found friends and arrive to Polonnaruwa in the late afternoon. We explore Polonnaruwa at a glance, a World Heritage Site since 1982 and the Capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century. We proceed to our Hotel located on 3 acres of landscaped gardens, close to the to the main sites of Polonnaruwa and a quaint retreat which will be our base of explorations for the coming days.

Driving Time: (3 hours): After breakfast we proceed to the World Heritage Site of Sigirya Rock or Lion’s Rock in Sinhalese. Sigiriya is an impressive ancient rock fortress and palace. We climb to the citadel that rises 200 meters from the jungle floor. It is reputed to be have been inhabited for over 5000 years initially as a shelter in the Mesolithic Period and established as a Buddhist Monastery in the 3rd century BCE. In the 5th Century CE, Prince Kashyapa briefly made it his capital and fortress after he seized the throne from King Dhatusena and the rightful heir Prince Moggallana. Prince Kashyapa, is alleged to have turned into one of the most spectacular residences and palaces of all times. The gardens can be viewed and remains of the mysterious frescoes, which at one time could have been considered the largest picture in the world covering a wall 140 meters long and 40 meters high. Towards the late afternoon , leave to the Minneriya National Park for an optional Jeep Safari. Minneriya National Park is about 9000 hectares and is home to a great array of fauna, including Elephants who visit it, as a favourite watering site. The Purple Faced Langur and Toque Macaque can also be found here as well as an incredible variety of birdlife. In the evening we return to Polonnaruwa.

After breakfast we say goodbye to Polonnaruwa and head on our way to Kandy. We stop in Matale and visit the Matale Spice Garden. Here we enjoy an incredible sensory experience as we learn about the variety of spices that enrich both Sri Lankan cuisine and Ayurveda Therapy. We enjoy a cooking demonstration and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon we arrive to Kandy, the 2nd largest city in the country after Colombo ; a peaceful and attractive place. There are plenty of scenic walks through the hills and forests that surround the town as well as along the lake that forms its centre. We start with a city tour. In the heart of the town is the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa), the most important shrine in the country, which houses a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre in 543 BC. It is renowned for its daily 'Thewawa' ceremony. Each evening, the day's worship culminates when the casket containing the tooth relic is put on display to devotees who have traveled from all over the Buddhist world. We also visit the world-class botanical gardens and the local market. There is also plenty of free time to explore this pretty town on your own.

After breakfast we set off for the a moderately challenging but manageable trek of the Knuckles Mountain Range. Named so by British surveyors after it’s peculiar formation that resembles the knuckles of a clenched fist, it’s traditional Sinhalese name is Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning “Mist laden Mountain Range”. The entire range is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is also of great scientific interest as it is endowed with an extremely interesting microclimate. In the cloud forests at higher altitudes, some fauna and flora native and unique only to this micro climate can be found. In the evening we head back to Kandy and enjoy some time at leisure, perhaps with an optional group dinner or catch a Traditional Fire Walking Show by Sri Lankan dancers on this our last night in quaint Kandy.

Driving Time : (approximately 2.5 hours) After breakfast, we head toward Kitulgala. However no trip to Sri Lanka is complete without enjoying firsthand what has made Sri Lanka so famous: Ceylon Tea. We stop at the Giragama Tea Plantation and take an interactive crash course in plucking tea and how it’s processed. We get to enjoy a wonderful cup of tea and head on to Kitulgala. Located in the wet zone rain forest, Kitulgala gets two monsoons each year and is a very wet place! The Kelani river, you may have already seen in the location in the Academy Award-winning movie ''The Bridge Over the River Kwai'', which was in fact filmed here in 1956. This is also a good place to jump in for a refreshing swim. On a clear day, we may even dive to see the remains of the actual bridge and the carriages used for the film (only for experienced divers with proper equipment). In the evening we get to enjoy a pleasant nature walk at Kitulgala and perhaps share a cup of tea with some locals.

Driving Time : (approximately 2 hours) In the early morning we enjoy a guided Trek of this Jungle reserve. There are a plethora of optional activities available for the late morning from abseiling, to rafting, to mountain biking. Enjoy at your leisure and in the afternoon we start our short journey to Colombo. We arrive to Colombo in the late afternoon and enjoy a cooler evening city tour and orientation. Tonight is our final night and we could enjoy a goodbye dinner together, to celebrate the incredible adventure we shared.

Your trip ends in Colombo this morning after breakfast. Check out time is usually between late morning and 12 noon, but may vary from time to time. If your flight leaves in the evening you may wish to book additional accommodation so you have a room until departure. Your tour leader will be on hand to assist with transfers to the airport. These are not included, but can be booked through us or your travel agent.