East Explorer (21 Days)

East Explorer (21 Days)

Visit the cool, lush green hill country. Embark on fascinating wildlife safaris and walk with the Aborigines (The ancient ones). Have a truly Sri Lankan experience with a cup of Ceylon Tea or fresh King Coconuts on the calm southern coast. This is undoubtedly a tour of immense charm.
(SKU: LK10200100)

Itinerary

Day 1: Airport > Colombo

Stop At: Colombo National Museum, Albert Crescent, Colombo Sri Lanka
Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores.
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 2: Colombo > Dambulla > Sigiriya

Stop At: Dambulla Cave Temple, Jaffna Hwy, Habarana 50150 Sri Lanka
Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 3: Sigiriya > Anuradhapura > Polonnaruwa > Sigiriya

Stop At: Mahamevnawa Dhammachethiya Buddhist Monastery Anuradhapura, Watawandana Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Walk through the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital for over a millennium until the 10th century AD. View the pagodas, monastic buildings and ponds that are scatter all over the vast area. Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings of the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery. Gain more knowledge about Sri Lanka's history as you walk in the footsteps of Kings.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, 50150 Sri Lanka
This visit takes you to the majestic 40-foot rock sculpture in Avukana is one of the classical examples of Standing Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. You will be able to see the marvelous crafting of the statue in its being carved from a single rock and standing unsupported except for a single thin attachment at the back; the delicately carved folds of the robe; and the cleanly sculpted body structure. The partially collapsed structures around it point to it once having been sheltered in an image house
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 4: Sigiriya > Minneriya > Sigiriya

Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
The 5th century AD rock fortress Sigiriya, once ruled by the Sri Lankan King Kashyapa, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most historical landmarks. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ‘The Lion Rock’. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns, that are a mind blowing example of ancient Sri Lankan hydraulic engineering.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, Sigiriya 21120 Sri Lanka
Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake Walk through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your taste buds with a home cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. Enjoy the life of a Sri Lankan villager, just this day.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Minneriya National Park, Maradankadawala-Habarana-Thirukkondaiadimadu Highway, 50150 Sri Lanka
This safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 5: Sigiriya > Trincomalee

Stop At: Trincomalee Beach, Trincomalee Sri Lanka
After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Trincomalee and check into the hotel.
Spend rest of the day leisurely at the hotel.


Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.


Day 6: Trincomalee

Stop At: Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee Sri Lanka
Visit this ancient temple praised by famous Indian poet-saints and mentioned by several famous personas around the world. See the beautiful murals describing the history of the temple. Worship at the little cave shrine that is has its start in 1580 BC, as compared to the actual temple which was developed in 400 BC. Marvel at the giant statue of King Ravana who, according to legend, worshipped this shrine.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Trincomalee, Trincomalee, Eastern Province
Visit the Fort of Trincomalee originally built by the Portuguese in 1624 CE. See the stones that once formed the Koneswaram temple before the Portuguese destroyed it. Listen to the history of Fort Frederick, which was dismantled and rebuilt by the Dutch.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 7: Trincomalee

Stop At: Pigeon Island National Park, Public Beach Road, Nilaveli 31010 Sri Lanka
Visit the Pigeon Island National Park consisting of the smaller pigeon island and larger pigeon island and the coral reef that encircles the larger island. See the rock pigeon that makes the island its breeding grounds. Explore the islands to see the many coral types and fauna that can be found here
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 8: Trincomalee

Stop At: Trincomalee Beach, Trincomalee Sri Lanka
Spend the day leisurely enjoying the hotel facilities or beach.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 9: Trincomalee > Pasikuda

Pass By: Pasikuda Beach, Sri Lanka
After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Pasikuda and relax.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 10: Pasikuda

Stop At: Pasikudah Beach, Pasikuda Road, Kalkudah 30410 Sri Lanka
Enjoy the golden sand swaying palms and clear blue sea.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 11: Pasikuda

Stop At: Pasikudah Beach, Pasikuda Road, Kalkudah 30410 Sri Lanka
Enjoy the golden sand swaying palms and clear blue sea.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 12: Pasikudha > Arugambay

Stop At: Muhudu Maha Vihara Mawatha, Pottuvil, Arugam Bay 32500 Sri Lanka
Muhudu Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple situated at Pottuvil in Ampara District, Eastern province of Sri Lanka. This temple which is situated near a wide beach, has been built over 2000 years ago by King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna. Currently the ruins and remains of ancient stupas, Seema Malaka, Avasa Geya and statues can be seen at the site. Important ruins at the temple premises include stone statues of lord Buddha and two statues of old kings or gods.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 13: Arugambay > Kumana > Arugam bay

Stop At: Kumana National Park, Ampara Sri Lanka
Kumana National Park spreads over an area of 35,664 hectares. In the west, the park is bordered by River Kumubukkan Oya; to the south is south-eastern coast that runs to Panama. A 200 hectares’ mangrove swamp called “Kumana Villu” within the Park is subject to occasional inundation with sea water. It is at this swamp that many water birds nest, during the months of May and June. Scattered in the Kumana National Park are several water pools that are favorite spots of the wildlife: Kudawila wewa, Thummulla wewa and Kotalinda wewa.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 14: Arugam bay

Stop At: Arugam Bay Beach, Sri Lanka
Enjoy the golden sand swaying palms and clear blue sea.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 15: Arugma bay

Stop At: Arugam Bay, Arugam Bay, Eastern Province
Enjoy the golden sand swaying palms and clear blue sea.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 16: Arugambay > Ella

Stop At: Ravana Ella Falls, Ella-Wellawaya Road, Ella 90090 Sri Lanka
In the misty mountains of tropical Sri Lanka, the wide Ravana falls gushes down a height of 82 feet falling from an oval concave rock. It takes the form of a drooping areca flower during the peak season of its water flow, but its size is reduced dramatically during the dry season. Located in the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary in Ella, this waterfall is the source of many legends and secrets.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 17: Ella

Stop At: Ella, Ella, Uva Province
Explore Ella’s most interesting places. Pass through bright green tea fields, and tough stretches of rock, and get to see the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the history seeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction. End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best sights of Sri Lana.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 18: Ella > Kandy

Stop At: Blue Field Tea Factory, No. 54 Haig Road, Ramboda 20590 Sri Lanka
Visit a Tea Factory and a plantation where you would see how the world’s famous “Ceylon Tea” is manufactured. In 1824 a tea plant was brought to Ceylon by the British from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes. James Taylor was a British citizen who introduced commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). He arrived to Sri Lanka in 1852 and settled down in Loolecondera estate in Kandy. Today even people who have never heard of Sri Lanka are familiar with Ceylon tea, which is known for its quality.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 19: Kandy

Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya Road, Peradeniya 20400 Sri Lanka
Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, which were formed in the early 19th century. Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy the learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees, or bordered by flowering plants. Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes or even climbing the twisty trees that make wonderful jungle gyms.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kandy Lake Club - Cultural Dance Show, 7 Sangamitta Mawatha, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 20: Kandy > Negombo

Stop At: Negombo Beach, Negombo Sri Lanka
Enjoy the sun on the sandy beaches of Negombo on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Watch the flourishing fish industry, which is a centuries-old tradition. Ride an adrenaline high with some fun water sports. Enjoy the corals and underwater life while diving. See the 50-year-old ship-wreck just off the coast, where many varieties of fish make their home.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

Day 21: Negombo > Airport

Pass By: Katunayake, Katunayake, Negombo, Western Province
After the breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.