Échappée vers le Paradis (11 jours)

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo). Here, you will be met by a designated chauffer guide from Lakpura. After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed to Negombo, check in at the hotel and relax

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.

Visit the place where Buddhism began in Sri Lanka. See the spot where the meeting of King Devanampiyatissa and Monk Mahinda took place. View the monastic ruins at the foot of the mountain. Walk in the footsteps of Mahinda as you visit the cave where he resided. View historic stupas, Ambasthala Dagoba and the Maha Stupa. Enter the ruins of an age long past to understand its impact on the history of Sri Lanka.

Ritigala is home to 70 rock caves that were believed to have been inhabited since the first century BC. The Mahavamsa (The Great Historical Chronicle of Sri Lanka) narrates that Ritigala was known by the name of “arittha-pabbata” during the reign of Pandukabhaya (377-307 BC), the third king of Sri Lanka. Since then Ritigala had been, at intervals, a sanctuary for the kings at war against the Dravidian Invaders to the island till the 7th century.

These ruins are some of the most distinctive the island has to offer. The Buddhist dagobas (domed relic chambers) and statuary of Anuradhapura and elsewhere are conspicuous by their absence. Instead, the monastery largely consists of meditation platforms and walkways that are in perfect harmony with the huge boulders, noble trees, and burbling streams of the sylvan environment.

Later in the evening, visit the historic Dambulla Cave Temples, dating back to the 1st Century BC.View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Marvel at the hundreds of Buddha figurines and other deities scattered across 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 and hear the tales of this ancient kingdom.

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. 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. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals. The land is rich with history and culture and an important part of the cultural triangle. (Travel time – 1 to 1 ¼ hrs)

Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD, which was also known as the second major capital of Sri Lanka. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the Lotus Bath (Nelum Pokuna), the Lankathilake Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is 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.

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

This amazing Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. It is vastly known across the world that Yala has the highest concentration of Leopards in the entire world.

Watch the captivating sight of fishermen perched on stilts in the waters along the coast of Koggala. Hear the stories of how stilt fishing came to Sri Lanka, from the mouths of the fishermen who have practiced the craft for generations. Learn how the stilt fishing is done in detail and marvel at the level of skill that goes into it.

Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the commercial hub of Sri Lanka. Visit the National Museum of Sri Lanka, and the Gangaramaya Temple. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores such as Majestic City, and Liberty Plaza. Get the best prices during the season to satisfy your shopping needs. Afterwards, check in at the hotel in Colombo and rest for the night.

After breakfast at the hotel in Colombo, at sharp 8.00 AM, check out and proceed to the Airport for your departure flight after spending a memorable time on the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.