Discovering Sanctuary (11 Days)

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.

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.

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.

Euphoria Spice and Herbal is located 12 km away from Matale (The spice capital of Sri Lanka). Enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that enlightens the unique aroma of each spice and herb. We give the opportunity for our visitors to explore and gain knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, herbs and the benefits of Ayurveda. The tropical climate in which our plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality. The educational tour around the garden, which we call “The Spice Tour”, let the visitors feel the sensation of the Sri Lankan spices and herbs which is demonstrated in different foreign languages to suit our customer need.

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.

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.

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.

Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka's ancient history. 

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 historic Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya which is one of just sixteen of the holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. See the unique architecture of this vihara which is believed to be the place that Buddha stopped at during his second visit to Sri Lanka. Listen to the legends and history surrounding the visit and the construction of the temple. 

Tour Nayinathivu a historic island to the north of Jaffna, which is known as Nagadeepa by the Sinhalese; and also had the name Manipallavam in ancient times. Get to see the land where the Naga people who worshipped the snake (or Naga) are believed to have lived. See the evidence of their passing in the snake worship at the ancient Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple and the legends and history of Nagadeepa Purana Vihara.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy the golden sand swaying palms and clear blue sea. 

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. 

After the breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island.