SRI LANKA CRUISE AND TOUR PACKAGES

Dambulla, the paradise isle of Sri Lanka! Today, your journey of uncovering the wonders of Sri Lanka's island begins, visit, feel and discover all the country has to offer. Indulge in the intoxicating beauty of the golden beaches, the glorious history, the rich wilderness and the bustling cosmopolitans.

Enjoy a visit to Dambulla Caves, a complex that lies on top of a grand hill on the edge of the town. Dambulla Caves is one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites in the country and is renowned for its unique sculptures and the largest mural paintings.

Journey to the enigmatic rocky outcrop, Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The 8th wonder of the world is a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. The famous Sigiriya frescoes of the buxom, wasp-waisted maidens bearing flowers, amidst the wilderness and ancient ruins.

Next stop, Polonnaruwa, another “World Heritage Site” of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa was the Capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th - 13th Centuries and contains some splendid and spectacular statues. Visit Lankatilake, Tivanka and Thuparama which are the most beautiful and largest image houses. Also, visit Tivanka which has the best example of frescoes of the Polonnaruwa period.

Admire the well preserved large stupas Rankoth Vehera and Kirivehera, as wells as the Gal Vihare - a rock shrine, four Buddha statues - two seated, one standing and one reclining. These Parakrama Bahu statues are examples of Sinhalese stone carver. The Vata-da-ge is a unique creation of the Sri Lankan artists.

Optional activity (additional cost) - Wild Life Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park

Enjoy a wildlife Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park. This National Park with 8889 hectares in extent is famous for its large population of elephants in herds of 100 to 150 roaming in the jungle. Have the chance to sight Elephants, wild buffaloes, wild boar, spotted deer, sloth bear, Sambhur, crocodiles, jackals, 9 kinds of amphibians, 25 kinds of reptiles, 160 species of birds, 26 varieties of fishes, 78 varieties of butterflies.

Immerse in the local culture with a visit to the Spice Gardens on your way to Kandy. The Spice Gardens, located in Matale offer wonderful opportunities to view the spices that stirred the interests of many nations. Known for their exotic spices around the world, enjoy a tour around the gardens.

Next up on your tour is a city tour of Kandy including an upper lake drive. Enjoy a relaxing and fun-filled Kandy city walking tour includes a visit to the famous ‘Dalada Maligawa’ (Temple of the Tooth Relic), the main Kandy Market, gem shops, handy craft shops and other interesting places. Then, take a walk around the beautiful Kandy Lake which is located close to the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Optional activity (additional cost) - In the evening, choose to enjoy a Cultural Show in Kandy.

Today, explore Ramboda Falls, the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, standing at over one hundred meters tall it is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque feature. Also, visit a Tea Plantation and a Tea factory, where you will learn the process of making the world famous Ceylon Tea.

Optional activity (additional cost) - A scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya

Next up, Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, the beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the spring (March to May) and the fall (August and September).

Explore Ravana Waterfalls, Nine Arches Bridge in Ella and Ella Gap.

Ravana falls is named after the legendary king Ravana, which is connected to the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. Discover the rich history behind the Ravana Ella Cave. According to legend, it is said that Ravana (who was the king of Sri Lanka at the time) had kidnapped princess Sita, and had hidden her in the caves behind this waterfall. It is also believed that Rama’s queen bathed in a pool that accumulated the water falling from this waterfall.

An early morning safari through Yala National Park which covers 126,786 hectares including the Strict Natural Reserve (Block II). Yala is famous for its big herds and a large number of Elephants, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Sambhur, Crocodiles, Mongoose, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, and many other animals.

Discover on the most interesting traditional fishing methods in Sri Lanka, Stilt fishing and the Galle Fortress. Explore the Galle Dutch Fort - a World Heritage Site, which consists of a visit the Old Dutch Church c. 1752 constructed as a Thanksgiving present to the Commandeur Casparous de Jong child. The church also contains several grave-stones inside the church and in the garden dating back to 1710.

Next stop, a visit to the Bastions, including the Sun, Moon, Star, Zwart (with the old water-gate and hidden entrance identified as the Santa Cruz Bastion of the Portuguese), Akesloot (where the first Breadfruit tree was planted by the Dutch), Old Gunpowder Magazine, Aeloes, Triton, Neptune and other Bastions. Take a walk through the narrow streets, including the Lighthouse Street (Zeeburg Street), Leyn-Baan Street (Linberg meaning rope walk), and Modarabaay Street (Modder-baai meaning Mud bay). See the Old Dutch Houses, private Museum where Dutch period antiques could be seen and part of the Old Sewer system that emptied to the sea with the high/low tide.