Treasures of Sri Lanka11 DAYS & 10 NIGHTS Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy,Hatton & WadduwaColomboWadduwaSigiriyaKandyHattonFrom tea plantations that cling to the hillside to white palm fringed beaches of the coast, Sri Lanka is an island of extraordinary natural beauty. The gloriousvariety of flora and fauna, the cool hill stations and the serene grace that permeates all aspects of the Sinhalese way of life make a visit to this island kingdoma fascinating adventure. This journey offers a wonderful insight of the island’s cultural and scenic highlights.Day 1: Arrive ColomboUpon arrival in Colombo, you will be welcomedby your <strong>Cox</strong> & <strong>Kings</strong> local representative andtransferred to your hotel. Spend the remainderof the day at leisure. Colombo is Sri Lanka’smajor port city and its architecture reflects anamalgam of its past conquerors, from the Arabsto the Portuguese to the Dutch to the British, allblending in an interesting style. The Park StreetHotel (Deluxe room) – 1 nightDay 2: To SigiriyaThis morning, drive through the lush countryside108 I Asia & Pacific 2011to the hill station of Sigiriya via Kurunegala, whichwas the capital of Sri Lanka for a brief period.Arrive in Sigiriya and check into your hotel. Laterthis afternoon, explore the grand Sigiriya RockFortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site builtby King Kassapa in the 5th century, located 500 ftabove a vast rainforest. The ‘Lion Rock’ was theinnermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortifiedtown with a moat, rampart, and extensivegardens. See the world-renowned frescoesof the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, whichare painted in earth pigments on plaster. VilUyana – 2 nights (B)Day 3: SigiriyaMorning tour of the 11th century medievalcapital and a UNESCO World Heritagesite, Polonnaruwa. It is home to the island’sfinest collection of ancient Sinhalese art andarchitecture, from the giant Buddha statues of theGal Vihara to the remarkable religious buildingsof the Quadrangle. There are also monumentsof famous places of worship such as the ShivaTemple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, theGalpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of aformer Temple of the Tooth Relic. This afternoonembark on a scenic jeep safari through Minneriya
Luxury EscapadesPrivateJourneyHighlightsNational Park, an area of wonderfully diversenature tropical and evergreen forests, grasslands,wetlands and bamboo shrubs. Covering 8,890hectares, this dry zone park has plenty of scruband light forest to provide shelter for its toquemacaques, Sambar deer, leopards and elephants,to name a few. (B)Day 4: To KandyThis morning, you will drive to the beautiful hillstation of Kandy. En route, visit a spice garden inMatale and see how different spices are grownand processed.Later this afternoon, drive to Kandy town for acity tour of this last capital of the Sri Lankan <strong>Kings</strong>,another World Heritage site where many legends,traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive.Drive around Kandy Lake which was built bythe last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, in1798. Visit the Kandy town bazaar, the arts andcrafts center, a gem museum and lapidary.Later you will observe an evening prayer ceremonyat the sacred Temple of the Tooth, whichhouses Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic - said to bea tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. Afterwards,witness a cultural show featuring traditionalSri Lankan dancing and music. Kandy House(Deluxe room) – 2 nights (B)Day 5: KandyThis morning depart for Pinnawela and a visitto the endearing elephant orphanage whereyou can observe these magnificent creaturesin their natural habitat. It is a unique reservewhere abandoned and disabled elephants getcare and protection by expert naturalists. It wasestablished in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlifedepartment. This 24 acre orphanage is home toabout 60 elephants, some of which are babiesfound orphaned in the wild.In the afternoon, explore the Royal BotanicalGardens in Peradeniya, a 140 acre early 19thcentury garden. First built as a pleasure garden bywww.coxandkings.coma Sinhala king and later expanded by the British, itcontains a unique collection of native and exoticflora. (B)Day 6: To HattonMorning drive through splendid scenery toHatton via Nuwara Eliya, which is Sri Lanka’smost popular hill resort and also the heart ofthe tea country that produces a significant shareof the world’s best tea. The island’s highestmountain, Pidurutalagala (8282 ft), is locatedhere, as well as one of the finest 18-hole golfcourses in South Asia. Arrive in Hatton and checkinto your bungalow. The next two days are yoursto explore and discover at leisure. A vehicle andchauffeur guide will be at your disposal.Meet with your bungalow manager this eveningwho will discuss a visit to a nearby tea plantationand factory, which could be arranged at yourconvenience. You will also be advised of theother activities and treks available. NorwoodBungalow (Garden suite) – 3 nights (B, L, D)Day 7 & 8: HattonExplore Hatton and surroundings at your leisure.The hill country around Hatton is a paradise forthe adventure tourist, with dramatic waterfallsand tea plantations. (B, L, D)Day 9: To WadduwaToday you will drive to Wadduwa via Kitulgala.The Kelani River flowing through Kitulgala wasthe main location where the Oscar-winning‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ was filmed. On arrivalin Wadduwa, check into your hotel.You have two days to explore Wadduwa at yourown leisure. Reef Villa (Ocean room) – 2 nights (B)Day 10: WadduwaDay at leisure. (B)Option: Turtle hatchery in Kosgoda. Visit the turtlehatchery in Kosgoda operated by the WildlifeProtection Society of Sri Lanka. It was establishedin 1981 to protect Sri Lanka’s turtles from• Climb the rock fortressof Sigiriya and explorethe gardens, watergardens, and the‘Heavenly maidens’of Sigiriya• Embark on a jeep safariat the MinneriyaNational Park• Observe an evening prayerceremony at the Templeof the Tooth Relic• Visit the site where theOscar winning movie‘Bridge on the River Kwai’was filmed• Visit the Pinnawelaelephant orphanageand wander aroundthe PeradeniyaBotanical GardensOptionals• Turtle hatchery in KosgodaNote: Please contact your tourconsultant for further details.extinction. Several species of turtles, especiallythe endangered hawksbill, are protected here.The hatcheries pay fishermen for eggs that theycollect at night along the long sandy beach.Visitors are shown the huge tanks filled withnew born but lively hatchlings. After being fedthe hatchlings are taken to the sea and releasedwhen they are 2-4 days old. Although Octoberto April is the main laying season, some eggs canbe found at Kosgoda throughout the year.Day 11: Depart ColomboToday you will be transferred to the Colomboairport for your international flight. (B)Asia & Pacific 2011 I 109