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Sacred Odyssey to Sri Lanka
Colombo | Dambulla | Kandy | Pinnawela
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A deeply religious country, Sri Lanka has a large number of religious places that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Most of these sacred sites are related to Buddhism and are considered a journey not only towards the holy shrines, but also a sacred odyssey capable of enlightening the pilgrims. The sacred journey will take you to some of the most renowned and highly respected holy shrines related to Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Travel across these religious sites for a tranquilizing experience amidst natural splendor and rejuvenating solace at these sites.
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Colombo
Arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and then proceed towards your hotel in the city. O/N in the hotel.
Day 2: Colombo- Anuradhapura & Mihintale- Cultural Triangle
Visit Anuradhapura and explore Maha Bodhi Tree and Brazen Palace. Evening visit Mihintale. O/N stay in Cultural Triangle area.
Day 3: Cultural Triangle- Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya- Cultural Triangle
Morning visit Polonnaruwa to see ruins of Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya. At Habarana make an optional safari on an elephant into the jungle. Next proceed to Sigiriya to see the rock fortress. O/N stay in Cultural Triangle area.
Day 4: Dambulla – Matale – Kandy
Visit Dambulla Rock Cave Temple. Leave for Kandy & en route at Matale visit a Hindu temple, a batik factory and a spice garden. In Kandy, visit the temple of the tooth relic, followed by a show of cultural dance performances.
Day 5: Kandy- Pinnawela –Kandy
Tour Kandy and visit the lake, upper lake, Kandy Market area, the university area & botanical gardens in Peradeniya. Visit the elephant orphanage in Pinnawela. Evening visit Embekka & Gadaladeniya ancient Buddhist temples.
Day 6: Kandy- Kelaniya Temple & Ganagarama Temple – Colombo
Leave for Colombo. En-route visit the Buddhist temple at Kelaniya, Gangarama Temple, a Hindu Temple, Pettah, Fort, Museum, Galle Face Green, Independence Square, etc.
Day 7: Colombo- Departure
Transfer to airport for onward flight.
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Tour Highlights:
- Explore Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd Century B.C) known for its rock carvings
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Enjoy shopping escapade in the flamboyant shopping malls such as House of Fashion, Odel, Arena etc
- One can go for clubbing or hit some discotheque for a fabulous night life
- Optional Excursion to Elephant Orphanage
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| | | Day 1: Arrival at Colombo |  | Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet our representative awaiting just outside the arrival hall, past the customs area & currency shops. Later you will be driven to a hotel in Colombo for overnight stay. In the hotel our representative will brief you about tour starting the day after.
The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the major port city which will paint an everlasting imprint on your minds with its colors, cultures, bustling marketplaces and narrow strip of beachfront. While in the city one cannot skip being impressed with its colonial heritage, array of fine dining options, unlimited shopping arcades and other recreation opportunities. For the first day just lay back in your room and rejuvenate yourself after your journey for the real action and fun which begins on the next day. | | | | Day 2: Colombo- Anuradhapura & Mihintale- Cultural Triangle | | In the morning proceed for Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has a history of over 2500 years. The town is the erstwhile first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. The famous Sri Maha Bodhi (sacred Bo-Tree) under which Lord Bhuddha attained enlightenment was brought as a sapling of the tree here. The oldest historically documented tree this tree is now over 2,500 years old. Further visit Brazen Palace, dating back to 2nd Century B.C the palace with its 1600 stone columns is a fascinating site marking a magnificent residence for monks. Also visit 2nd century B.C. Ruwanweliseya, renowned for the Dagobas and the Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd Century B.C) is known for its rock carvings. Evening brings a visit to Mihintale. Dinner and stay overnight in Cultural Triangle area.
| | | | Day 3: Cultural Triangle- Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya- Cultural Triangle | | Today you will leave for Polonnaruwa, the second capital city of Sri Lanka. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries the city still preserves its heritage in its legendary art and architecture. Visit such historic monuments will thus be a highly inspiring experience. Explore the relics of the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya where you can view the splendid statues of the Budda caved out of rock in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures. Audience Hall, Lotus Bath, statue of king Parakumbahu and Parakrama Samudraya - a lake built by King Parakumbahu are amongst other highlights of the region’s sightseeing tour.
Later at Habarana you can go for an optional safari on an elephant into the jungle. The tour itinerary thereafter includes visit and climb to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress which is over 200 meters tall. Also known as Lion’s Rock this is an ancient rock fortress and palace and its origin dates back to AD 477-495. This magnificent fortress was used as a rock-shelter mountain monastery from 5th to 14th century and now exists as a splendid reservoir of the history and culture of Sri Lanka. Stay overnight in Cultural Triangle area. | | | | Day 4: Dambulla – Matale – Kandy | | Post breakfast head towards Dambulla. A fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site the Dambulla Cave Temple is the largest, best preserved temple complex in Sri Lanka. Its beauty lies in its rock towers, imposing Buddha statues and stunning paintings. These fascinating caves are preserving a total number of 153 fabulous statues and the murals cover about 2100 square meters of area. Leave for Kandy & en route at Matale visit a Hindu temple, a batik factory and a spice garden. See how the different spices grown and processed in Sri Lanka. Leave for Kandy this morning. En route take a visit to Matale to see a Hindu temple, a batik factory and a spice garden in the region. Here you can see the procedure of growing and processing different spices in Sri Lanka. In Kandy you will be directed straight to your hotel where you will stay for the night. Evening, in Kandy, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic; Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple which is known for its age old belief that whoever holds the relic of the tooth of Buddha holds the governance of the country.
Later go for a show of cultural dance performances followed by dinner and stay overnight in Kandy. | | | | Day 5: Kandy- Pinnawela –Kandy | | Breakfast at the hotel will be followed by sightseeing tour of Kandy. You will be directed to the shores of the picturesque lake in Kandy; also take a stroll around Kandy Market area and bag some souvenirs. Visit the university area & the botanical gardens in Peradeniya to complete your Kandy tour. Proceed next to Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela. An orphanage and breeding ground for wild elephants it was established in 1975 on a 25 acre of coconut plantation. In the year 2008, it was inhabited by 84 elephants; one can observe the bathing elephants from a distance as the giant animal play and bathe in the rivulet.
Afternoon at leisure. Evening visit Embekka & Gadaladeniya ancient Buddhist temples. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy. | | | | Day 6: Kandy- Kelaniya Temple & Ganagarama Temple – Colombo | | Breakfast at hotel & leave for Colombo. En route visit the Kelaniya Temple. The day will bring an opportunity to bow to lord at a Buddhist shrine and a temple done by King Veebeshana in Kelaniya. The famous Buddhist temple on the banks of River Kelani is a cult centre for god Vibhishana, a mythical character in Ramayana.
Also visit the famous Gangarama Temple. In Colombo set on the city tour you will be visiting Pettah; a neighborhood famous for its beautiful open bazaars and markets is ideal for going for souvenir hunting. Also explore the imposing Fort and Galle Face Green, a walk on this promenade by the seafront will be a very rejuvenating experience. Final visit will be to Independence Square, a national monument it was built to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule. Stuff your bags with trinkets from the shopping malls of Sri Lanka, such as House of Fashion, Odel, Arena, etc. Evening will be at leisure you can go clubbing or choose to shake a leg in discotheque for a memorable night. | | | | Day 7: Colombo- Departure | | After breakfast our representative will pick you from the hotel to get transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport. At the airport our representative will make all your arrangements in advance to ensure you have a comfortable journey back home.
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| | | * Subject to availability, else similar category hotel will be arranged. |
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Note:- Above rates are not valid during long weekends, festive dates. Rates are per person basis.  |
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Visa Details
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Sri Lanka
Visa Required for Indians – Yes
Visa on Arrival Policy – Yes
Document Requirements
- Passenger should be holding valid passport
- Confirmed return air ticket
- Stay confirmation
- Sufficient foreign exchange.
Notes
- Unexpired validity of the Travel Document should cover beyond a period of two months, the period of the applicants intended stay in Sri Lanka.
- For nationals of most countries, visas are issued on arrival for 30 days. Extension of tourist visas is handled by the Department of Immigration and Emigration (Tel: 597511).
- All the countries in the SAARC region are exempt from visa.
- Multiple entry visa - Valid for three months - With the prior permission of the Controller of Immigration and Emigration. Which can be extended upon arrival when deemed necessary.
Processing Time
ON ARRIVAL
High Commission for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
27, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
New Delhi - 110021
Tel : 9111-23010201
Fax : 9111-23793604
Email : lankacom@del2.vsnl.net.in
Note: Information provided above is subject to change. While we have made best efforts to ensure accuracy of data, Travelmasti is not liable for any inconvenience caused as a result of incorrect / inaccurate information displayed.
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