Round the Island we go - A tour exclusively designed by the Zarooks......
14 days/15 nights - Summer 2012
14 days/15 nights - Summer 2012
Day 1 : AIRPORT/PINNAWELA/ DAMBULLA
Arrival at the Colombo International Airport - You will be met on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport by our charming Host/ Representative who will assist you with your luggage and guide you to your vehicle where your personal chauffeur guide awaits.
Proceed to Pinnawela and we visit the Pinnawela elephant orphanage
The Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage is one of Sri Lanka's most popular tourist attractions. The orphanage's population has now mushroomed to around 65, making it the world’s largest collection of captive elephants. The elephants here range in age from newborns to elderly matriarchs, and include orphaned and abandoned elephants, as well as those injured in the wild
Arrival & check in to the hotel- normal check in time- 14h00 - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 2: DAMBULLA / ANURADHAPURA / MIHINTALE/ DAMBULLA
Breakfast at the hotel - Departure towards Anuradhapura
We visit the archeological city of Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 205 km north of the current capital Colombo in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. From the 4th century BC, it was the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²
Visit Mihintale
Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.
Return to the hotel - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 3: DAMBULLA / SIGIRIYA/ TRINCOMALEE
Breakfast at the hotel - Visit Sigiriya
Climb the 5th century Sigiriya Rock fortress which is a UNESCO world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495). The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya rises sheer and impregnable out of the plains of the dry zone. It is the country’s most memorable single attraction, a remarkable archeological site made unforgettable by its dramatic setting. The rock was the innermost stronghold of a 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway.
Proceed to Trincomalee - Visit the city of Trincomalee
Arrival & check in to the hotel - Leisure at the beach
Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Days 4 & 5 : TRINCOMALEE
The days at leisure at the beach on HB (the chauffeur and the vehicle will be available with maximum of 50kms per day)
OPTIONAL- : VISIT THE PIGEON ISLAND BY BOAT SUPPLEMENTS
BASED ON 2 PAX : USD 16 NET PER PERSON
BASED ON 3- 6 PAX : USD 12 NET PER PERSON
Day 6 : TRINCOMALEE/ POLONNARUWA/ GIRITALE
Breakfast at the hotel
Proceed to Polonnaruwa
Visit the archeological city of Polonnaruwa
The ruined capital of Polonnaruwa is one of the undisputed highlights of the Cultural Triangle and is a UNESCO world heritage site. The heyday of the city in the twelfth century represented one of the high watermarks of early Sri Lankan civilization. Polonnaruwa extensive and well-preserved remains, offer a fascinating snapshot of medieval Sri Lanka, including some of the island’s finest monuments and it is compact enough to be thoroughly explored in 3 hours. The Gal Vihara, a collection of magnificent Buddha statues carved out of sheer rock is not to be missed and a prime example of the craftsmanship of that era
Arrival & check in to the hotel - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 7 : GIRITALE/ MATALE/ KANDY
Breakfast at the hotel - Departure towards Kandy.
An elephant back safari at Habarana en route
We then visit the Dambulla Rock Temple. The Dambulla rock temple was built by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s many cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure carved out of granite rock and spanning 14 meters.
On the way, visit the spice garden at Matale. Here, we will offer you an ayurvedic massage of about 10 mins - Arrival & check in to the hotel - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel!
Day 8 : KANDY/ PERADENIYA/ KANDY
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit Peradeniya Gardens
Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya is located close to the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is renowned for its collection of a variety of orchids. It includes more than 300 varieties of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. Attached to it is the National Herbarium. The total area of the botanical garden is 147 acres (0.59 km2), at 460 meters above sea level, and with a 200-day annual rainfall.
Proceed on a Kandy city tour
Kandy is a UNESCO world heritage site. The historic city about 480m above sea level surrounded by mountains was known to Sri Lankan as Kanda Uda Rata, which means the hill country. Kandy was home to Sri Lanka's last independent Kingdom, which survived two centuries of colonial incursion before finally falling to the British at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Visit the Temple of the tooth, the Peradeniya University campus and catch a panoramic view of the picturesque town from Upper Lake Drive.
Early evening, you will attend a Kandyan Dance performance and a spectacular fire walking finale.
Return to the hotel
Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 9 : KANDY/ NUWARA ELIYA
Breakfast at the hotel
Proceed to Nuwara Eliya
Visit a tea factory and a tea plantation en route
Visit the city of Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya meaning "the city of dawn" is the town at the highest elevation (about 2000m above sea level) in Sri Lanka and its tallest peak, Piduruthalagala (2555m) could be seen from here. The city, established by the British in the nineteenth century, and known as "Little England" and is a popular holiday resort for Sri Lankans & tourists due to its cool climate and quaint colonial feel with its little bungalows surrounded by hedgerows. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of the tea country and you can visit a plantation and a factory en route here and witness how the famous "Ceylon Tea is brewed.
Arrival & check in to the hotel - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 10 : NUWARA ELIYA/ HORTON PLAINES/ NUWARAA ELIYA
Picnic breakfast - Visit Horton Plaines- ½ day trekking
Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montage grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 metres (6,900–7,500 ft) is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region. This region was designated a national park in 1988. It is also a popular tourist destination and is situated 32 kilometres (20 mi) from Nuwara Eliya
Evening leisure at the hotel - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 11 : NUWARA ELIYA / YALA/ KATARAGAMA
Breakfast at the hotel - Departure towards Yala - Yala Luxury jeep safari!
Yala National park is Sri Lanka’s most visited wildlife reserve. Yala covers an area of 1260 square kilometres. The park’s dry-zone landscape is strikingly beautiful and the park’s wildlife has its own distinctive charm, with huddles of colorful painted storks perched on the incongruously conjoined sight of elephants marching sedately through the bush while rabbits scamper through the undergrowth. Leopards, sloth bears and elephants are the "big 3" here although crocodiles, jackals and the many variety of birds are also a huge draw to this park which is the largest national park in the country
Arrival & check in to the hotel
Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 12 : KATARAGAMA / GALLE/ KALUTARA
Breakfast at the hotel Departure towards Kalutara
Visit the city of Galle en route
The old part of the city within the Dutch Fort built in the 17th century has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. A walk on the ramparts from Point Utrecht bastion to Flag Rock bastion will give you an excellent view of the ancient harbor which was known as Tar shish in the Bible. We will pass the District Court and the original entrance to the Fort en route to the Dutch Reformed Church built in the 17th century. The New Town to the north of the Fort was badly affected by the tsunami in 2004 and is the home of the famous International cricket stadium which has been re-built.
Arrival & check in to the hotel
Leisure on the beach
Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Days 13 & 14 : KALUTARA
The days at leisure at the beach on HB (the chauffeur & the vehicle will not be available)
Day 15: KALUTARA / AIRPORT
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure to Colombo – rooms should be vacated by 12h00
Visit the city of Colombo
Colombo is the largest city and former administrative capital of Sri Lanka and is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and remnants of a bygone colonial era. Due to its large harbor and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. However it was only made the Capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815. The main city is home to a majority of the Sri Lanka’s corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues. On this tour you will visit many of the historical, religious and commercial sites of Colombo including the historic and bustling Fort and Pettah, the elite residential Cinnamon Gardens, the Galle face Green, Viharamahadevi Park and much more.
Transfer to the airport to connect with the departure flight.
Hotels proposed (subjected to availability)
Hotels proposed of 4* category
Dambulla
Amaya Lake or similar (standard room)
www.amayaresorts.com
Trincomalee
Chaaya Blu or similar - (superior room)
www.johnkeellshotels.com
Giritale
Deer Park or similar - (duplex cottage)
www.deerparksrilanka.com
Kandy
Amaya Hills or similar - (standard room)
www.amayaresorts.com
Nuwara Eliya
Grand Hotel or similar - (deluxe room)
www.tangerinehotels.com
Kataragama
Mandara Rosen or similar - (standard room)
www.rosenhotelsrilanka.com
Kalutara
Avani Kalutara Resort or similar - (superior room)
www.serendibleisure.ciom
Price per person per sharing double room in the above mentioned hotels (subject to availability) and Transport
(on HB basis)
Validity period - 01/05/2012 - 30/06/2012 & 01/09/2012-31/10/2012
2 pax - US$ 1950
3 - 6 pax - US$ 1810
Single Supplement - US$ 900
Validity period - 01/07/2012 - 31/08/2012
(on HB Basis)
2 pax - US$ 2065
3 - 6 pax - US$ 1935
Single Supplement - US$ 1015
Amaya Lake
Cricket period supplement USD 40 PER ROOM PER NIGHT
Amaya Hills
Cricket period supplement USD 40 PER ROOM PER NIGHT
Perahera supplement USD 50 PER ROOM PER NIGHT
Your Price includes:
· Accommodation at the above mentioned hotels on HB commencing from the dinner on Day 1and ending up with breakfast on Day 15
· Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle
· Service of an English speaking chauffeur guide
· Entrance fees for the sites / visits mentioned in the programme
· An elephant back ride at Habarana
· Yala jeep safari
Your Price does not include:
· The prices given in supplements
· Expenses of personal nature
· Any other services / visits / sites not specified above
· Video and camera permits
· Lunches & Meals not mentioned
· Tips and portage
· Early check in and late check out
· Visits proposed as options
A little more from us:
· Frangipani flower garlands on arrival
· A brochure of information
· 24 hours customer service with a dedicated Tour Host throughout the tour
· Cultural show in Kandy
· 10 mins ayurvedic massage at the spice garden, Matale
Arrival at the Colombo International Airport - You will be met on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport by our charming Host/ Representative who will assist you with your luggage and guide you to your vehicle where your personal chauffeur guide awaits.
Proceed to Pinnawela and we visit the Pinnawela elephant orphanage
The Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage is one of Sri Lanka's most popular tourist attractions. The orphanage's population has now mushroomed to around 65, making it the world’s largest collection of captive elephants. The elephants here range in age from newborns to elderly matriarchs, and include orphaned and abandoned elephants, as well as those injured in the wild
Arrival & check in to the hotel- normal check in time- 14h00 - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 2: DAMBULLA / ANURADHAPURA / MIHINTALE/ DAMBULLA
Breakfast at the hotel - Departure towards Anuradhapura
We visit the archeological city of Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 205 km north of the current capital Colombo in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. From the 4th century BC, it was the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²
Visit Mihintale
Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is believed by Sri Lankans to be the site of a meeting between the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa which inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a pilgrimage site, and the site of several religious monuments and abandoned structures.
Return to the hotel - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 3: DAMBULLA / SIGIRIYA/ TRINCOMALEE
Breakfast at the hotel - Visit Sigiriya
Climb the 5th century Sigiriya Rock fortress which is a UNESCO world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495). The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya rises sheer and impregnable out of the plains of the dry zone. It is the country’s most memorable single attraction, a remarkable archeological site made unforgettable by its dramatic setting. The rock was the innermost stronghold of a 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway.
Proceed to Trincomalee - Visit the city of Trincomalee
Arrival & check in to the hotel - Leisure at the beach
Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Days 4 & 5 : TRINCOMALEE
The days at leisure at the beach on HB (the chauffeur and the vehicle will be available with maximum of 50kms per day)
OPTIONAL- : VISIT THE PIGEON ISLAND BY BOAT SUPPLEMENTS
BASED ON 2 PAX : USD 16 NET PER PERSON
BASED ON 3- 6 PAX : USD 12 NET PER PERSON
Day 6 : TRINCOMALEE/ POLONNARUWA/ GIRITALE
Breakfast at the hotel
Proceed to Polonnaruwa
Visit the archeological city of Polonnaruwa
The ruined capital of Polonnaruwa is one of the undisputed highlights of the Cultural Triangle and is a UNESCO world heritage site. The heyday of the city in the twelfth century represented one of the high watermarks of early Sri Lankan civilization. Polonnaruwa extensive and well-preserved remains, offer a fascinating snapshot of medieval Sri Lanka, including some of the island’s finest monuments and it is compact enough to be thoroughly explored in 3 hours. The Gal Vihara, a collection of magnificent Buddha statues carved out of sheer rock is not to be missed and a prime example of the craftsmanship of that era
Arrival & check in to the hotel - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 7 : GIRITALE/ MATALE/ KANDY
Breakfast at the hotel - Departure towards Kandy.
An elephant back safari at Habarana en route
We then visit the Dambulla Rock Temple. The Dambulla rock temple was built by king Walagambahu in the 1st century B.C. and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s many cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceilings is the largest area of paintings found in the world. It contains over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure carved out of granite rock and spanning 14 meters.
On the way, visit the spice garden at Matale. Here, we will offer you an ayurvedic massage of about 10 mins - Arrival & check in to the hotel - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel!
Day 8 : KANDY/ PERADENIYA/ KANDY
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit Peradeniya Gardens
Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya is located close to the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is renowned for its collection of a variety of orchids. It includes more than 300 varieties of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. Attached to it is the National Herbarium. The total area of the botanical garden is 147 acres (0.59 km2), at 460 meters above sea level, and with a 200-day annual rainfall.
Proceed on a Kandy city tour
Kandy is a UNESCO world heritage site. The historic city about 480m above sea level surrounded by mountains was known to Sri Lankan as Kanda Uda Rata, which means the hill country. Kandy was home to Sri Lanka's last independent Kingdom, which survived two centuries of colonial incursion before finally falling to the British at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Visit the Temple of the tooth, the Peradeniya University campus and catch a panoramic view of the picturesque town from Upper Lake Drive.
Early evening, you will attend a Kandyan Dance performance and a spectacular fire walking finale.
Return to the hotel
Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 9 : KANDY/ NUWARA ELIYA
Breakfast at the hotel
Proceed to Nuwara Eliya
Visit a tea factory and a tea plantation en route
Visit the city of Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya meaning "the city of dawn" is the town at the highest elevation (about 2000m above sea level) in Sri Lanka and its tallest peak, Piduruthalagala (2555m) could be seen from here. The city, established by the British in the nineteenth century, and known as "Little England" and is a popular holiday resort for Sri Lankans & tourists due to its cool climate and quaint colonial feel with its little bungalows surrounded by hedgerows. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of the tea country and you can visit a plantation and a factory en route here and witness how the famous "Ceylon Tea is brewed.
Arrival & check in to the hotel - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 10 : NUWARA ELIYA/ HORTON PLAINES/ NUWARAA ELIYA
Picnic breakfast - Visit Horton Plaines- ½ day trekking
Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montage grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 metres (6,900–7,500 ft) is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region. This region was designated a national park in 1988. It is also a popular tourist destination and is situated 32 kilometres (20 mi) from Nuwara Eliya
Evening leisure at the hotel - Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 11 : NUWARA ELIYA / YALA/ KATARAGAMA
Breakfast at the hotel - Departure towards Yala - Yala Luxury jeep safari!
Yala National park is Sri Lanka’s most visited wildlife reserve. Yala covers an area of 1260 square kilometres. The park’s dry-zone landscape is strikingly beautiful and the park’s wildlife has its own distinctive charm, with huddles of colorful painted storks perched on the incongruously conjoined sight of elephants marching sedately through the bush while rabbits scamper through the undergrowth. Leopards, sloth bears and elephants are the "big 3" here although crocodiles, jackals and the many variety of birds are also a huge draw to this park which is the largest national park in the country
Arrival & check in to the hotel
Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Day 12 : KATARAGAMA / GALLE/ KALUTARA
Breakfast at the hotel Departure towards Kalutara
Visit the city of Galle en route
The old part of the city within the Dutch Fort built in the 17th century has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. A walk on the ramparts from Point Utrecht bastion to Flag Rock bastion will give you an excellent view of the ancient harbor which was known as Tar shish in the Bible. We will pass the District Court and the original entrance to the Fort en route to the Dutch Reformed Church built in the 17th century. The New Town to the north of the Fort was badly affected by the tsunami in 2004 and is the home of the famous International cricket stadium which has been re-built.
Arrival & check in to the hotel
Leisure on the beach
Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel
Days 13 & 14 : KALUTARA
The days at leisure at the beach on HB (the chauffeur & the vehicle will not be available)
Day 15: KALUTARA / AIRPORT
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure to Colombo – rooms should be vacated by 12h00
Visit the city of Colombo
Colombo is the largest city and former administrative capital of Sri Lanka and is a busy and vibrant city with a mixture of modern life and remnants of a bygone colonial era. Due to its large harbor and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. However it was only made the Capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815. The main city is home to a majority of the Sri Lanka’s corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues. On this tour you will visit many of the historical, religious and commercial sites of Colombo including the historic and bustling Fort and Pettah, the elite residential Cinnamon Gardens, the Galle face Green, Viharamahadevi Park and much more.
Transfer to the airport to connect with the departure flight.
Hotels proposed (subjected to availability)
Hotels proposed of 4* category
Dambulla
Amaya Lake or similar (standard room)
www.amayaresorts.com
Trincomalee
Chaaya Blu or similar - (superior room)
www.johnkeellshotels.com
Giritale
Deer Park or similar - (duplex cottage)
www.deerparksrilanka.com
Kandy
Amaya Hills or similar - (standard room)
www.amayaresorts.com
Nuwara Eliya
Grand Hotel or similar - (deluxe room)
www.tangerinehotels.com
Kataragama
Mandara Rosen or similar - (standard room)
www.rosenhotelsrilanka.com
Kalutara
Avani Kalutara Resort or similar - (superior room)
www.serendibleisure.ciom
Price per person per sharing double room in the above mentioned hotels (subject to availability) and Transport
(on HB basis)
Validity period - 01/05/2012 - 30/06/2012 & 01/09/2012-31/10/2012
2 pax - US$ 1950
3 - 6 pax - US$ 1810
Single Supplement - US$ 900
Validity period - 01/07/2012 - 31/08/2012
(on HB Basis)
2 pax - US$ 2065
3 - 6 pax - US$ 1935
Single Supplement - US$ 1015
Amaya Lake
Cricket period supplement USD 40 PER ROOM PER NIGHT
Amaya Hills
Cricket period supplement USD 40 PER ROOM PER NIGHT
Perahera supplement USD 50 PER ROOM PER NIGHT
Your Price includes:
· Accommodation at the above mentioned hotels on HB commencing from the dinner on Day 1and ending up with breakfast on Day 15
· Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle
· Service of an English speaking chauffeur guide
· Entrance fees for the sites / visits mentioned in the programme
· An elephant back ride at Habarana
· Yala jeep safari
Your Price does not include:
· The prices given in supplements
· Expenses of personal nature
· Any other services / visits / sites not specified above
· Video and camera permits
· Lunches & Meals not mentioned
· Tips and portage
· Early check in and late check out
· Visits proposed as options
A little more from us:
· Frangipani flower garlands on arrival
· A brochure of information
· 24 hours customer service with a dedicated Tour Host throughout the tour
· Cultural show in Kandy
· 10 mins ayurvedic massage at the spice garden, Matale