Day 1 - Airport to Habarana

Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by our Airport Representative and will be introduced to your Chauffeur Guide/Guide. Transfer from airport to Habarana via Dambulla. (Approximately 4 hours/160km)

Dambulla Cave Rock Temple:
• Dating back to the 1st Century BC Dambulla is a vast caved rock mass which was later converted into a rock temple.
• The rock of Dambulla is the centre of a Buddhist cave-temple complex established in the 3rd century BC as one of the largest and most important Buddhist monasteries occupied continuously until today. 
• By the end of the 12th century, with the introduction of sculpture to the caves on the upper terrace, the caves assumed their present general forms and layout.
• The rock ceiling is one large sweep of colourful painting, which is the largest collection of paintings in Sri Lanka within a cave temple and the most number of Buddha statues found in a single place.

Proceed to Habarana and check in to your hotel. 

Cinnamon Lodge, a hotel favoured by independent travellers and upmarket package groups, is blessed with a tranquil and picturesque 27-acre wooded area next to a beautiful lake. The large gardens are filled with gigantic tropical trees and waterways that provide home to a variety of birds, grey monkeys and rock squirrels. The layout of the hotel is similar to the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle where individual dwellings and central public areas, connected by meandering pathways, are set in rural surroundings. Luxurious two-storey chalets with verandas and balconies complete a feeling of comfort and relaxation.

Overnight: Cinnamon Lodge

Meal Plan: D

Day 2 - Habarana-Sigiriya-Polonnaruwa-Habarana

After an early breakfast, proceed to climb the famous Rock Fortress (Approximately 30 minutes/20km)

Sigiriya Rock Fortress:
• A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is a large colossal rock boulder, which is about 200 meters high.
• The rock fortress was built by King Kassyapa I in the 5th Century AD and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years.
• It is a complex of buildings, part royal palace and part self-contained town with the famous Lion Gate, water gardens, boulder gardens walls and moats on par with the best in the ancient world, comparing to a sophisticated architectural feat of the ancient Sinhalese. 
• In a sheltered pocket approached by a spiral stairway are the famous Sigiriya frescoes, 21 figures of females depicted as rising from the clouds, some of the earliest surviving art in Sri Lanka.
• The poems inscribed on the rock by admirers of the frescoes, and known as the 'Sigiri graffiti,' are among the most ancient texts in the Sinhalese language. 
• The Summit of the rock boulder with an area of one hectare was the fortified palace of King Kassyapa I, which was reputed to be invincible.
• Minimum duration to ascend is about 1 hour at a moderate climbing pace.

Late afternoon proceed to Polonnaruwa. (Approximately 2 hours/60km)

Polonnaruwa Ancient Capital:
• A UNESCO World Heritage site, Polonnaruwa is the 2nd ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka that remains today an interesting blend of archeological monuments.
• Polonnaruwa rose to prominence between the 11th and 13th centuries and peaked during the reign of the famous monarch, King Parakramabahu I who proceeded to add more and more monuments making it history's most astonishing urban creations.
• The huge water reservoir which was named as Parakrama “Samudra” or “the sea” of Parakrama was one of his greatest achievements.
• Look out for the famous Gal Viharaya or the “Stone Temple” where four colossal statues of the Buddha are cut in stone reflecting peace, serenity and strength. These statues resemble the glory of Polonnaruwa and the peak of its artistic achievements.
• Other interesting places worthy of mention are Thiwanka Image House, Atadage, Hetadage, Watadage, Shiva Dewala, Lotus Pond, Alahana Pirivena, Rankoth Dageba, Kumara Pokuna, Stone Book, Royal Palace and Nissanka Latha Mandapaya.

Late evening proceed back to your hotel. (Approximately 1 hour/45 km)

Overnight: Cinnamon Lodge

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Habarana-Anuradhapura-Mihintale-Habarana

After breakfast proceed on a sightseeing tour Anuradhapura Ancient Capital. (Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes/60km)

Anuradhapura Ancient City:
• Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka’s first Capital Kingdom founded in the 5th Century BC according to the ancient Sinhalese Chronicle ‘Mahavansa’. 
• Anuradhapura was an example par excellence of a Hydraulic Civilization. The Construction of reservoirs, canals and irrigation channels during this period exhibited an amazing engineering knowledge 
• The unique feature of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is the Stupa (Dagoba) usually a curved dome which enshrines relics of Lord Buddha and objects of worship. 
• The Abayagiri Stupa built in the 1st Century BC and the Jethavana Stupa built during the 3rd Century AD were taller than the 3rd Pyramid of Giza and were the great wonders of the time. 
• The strikingly white Ruwanweliseya Stupa built during the 2nd Century BC is by far the most beautiful. The ‘Samadhi’ Buddha statue that dates back 4th Century AD is a statue of Buddha in a meditative pose and considered as a masterpiece of sculpture. 
• Throughout centuries the Sacred ‘Bo’ tree of ‘Sri Maha Bodhi’ has been worshipped by Buddhists and the world’s oldest authenticated tree, a sapling brought to the Island during 3rd Century BC from the Bo tree under which Buddha attained Enlightenment.

Late afternoon proceed to Mihintale. Mihintale 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. 

Late evening proceed back to the hotel and relax. (Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes/60km)

Overnight: Cinnamon Lodge

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 4 - Habarana-Matale-Kandy

After breakfast transfer to Kandy via Matale Spice Garden (Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes/120km)

As you proceed to Kandy you will have a short visit to a Spice Garden in Matale. A landmark destination in the ancient Spice Trails, Sri Lanka has been ever so famous for its aromatic cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and pepper which lured many ancient traders to the Island. Even at present, Sri Lanka produces some of the best quality cinnamon in the world. At the spice garden you will get the opportunity to receive a relaxing shoulder massage by an experienced staff member. 

In the afternoon proceed on a Kandy city tour. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya.

Kandy:
• The city of Kandy is considered as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site as it is home to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, most revered by Buddhists.
• Kandy was the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka.
• The city is located about 1600 ft above sea level and this topographic location has given it cooler temperatures in contrast to the tropical climate prevailing in the rest of the island.
• Some of the other highlights in the city are the historic Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and the scenic Udawatta Forest reserve.
• The ancient Embekka Temple, the Gadaladeniya Temple and Lankathilake Temples have gained international fame for their intricate wood and stone craftsmanship.
• The city of Kandy keeps Sinhalese arts and crafts traditions alive.  This includes weaving, silver crafts and wood carving. The Kandyan craftsmen produce the most exquisite items and consequently entire traditional craft villages are set up in the area.

Evening proceed to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth followed a traditional dance performance.

Temple of the Tooth:
• The sacred Temple of the Tooth is considered as one of the most revered Temples by the Buddhists as it houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
• The present temple was built during the 17th Century BC and is located in the city centre, overlooking the picturesque Kandy Lake.
• Kandy was nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site. 
• The Relic of the Tooth is kept in a two-story inner shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks. Although visitors are not often permitted to enter this inner shrine you can offer flowers at the outer shrine area.
• The Paththirippuwa or the ‘Octagon’ is a highlight and was originally built as part of the Royal Palace premises by the last King of Sri Lanka Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1797 - 1814) to address fellow countrymen. 
• The Thevava or auspicious offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic takes place three times a day at 5:30 am, 09:30 and 18:30 PM during which you can witness the large offering of flowers,sweet meats and curries in honour of the Tooth Relic. 

Late evening proceed to your hotel.

Cinnamon Citadel, formerly known simply as The Citadel, has been upgraded as part of the highly-regarded Cinnamon brand. Designed by Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte, it touches on Kandy’s ancient heritage but blended with modern living. Enter through the gleaming white reception area surrounded by hand-woven, Kandyan Dumbara murals and views of the picturesque Mahaweli River. Days begin to the sound of birdsong and perhaps a warm mist rolling away from the river. Cinnamon Citadel offers luxurious accommodation - some of the best rooms that Kandy has to offer -, traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with Kandyan flavours and a peaceful riverside setting.

Overnight: Cinnamon Citadel

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 5 - Kandy-Sinharaja

After an early breakfast Transfer to Sinharaja. (Approximately 5 hours/260km)

Check in to the hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the nature friendly environment. 

Rainforest Eco Lodge is a joint effort to creating an idyllic holiday retreat that strives to conserve the environment and benefit the village community. It was initiated as a pilot project to be replicated in the future in other parts of the island. Completed in April 2012, the Rainforest Eco Lodge offers a true experience of Sinharaja as well as an enriching tea experience. Rise early and set off on a nature trek into the rainforest; return to rest and unwind in your private chalet housed in a recycled container. By evening, take a stroll along the tea plantation and take in the magnificent sunset and at nightfall, relax with a drink in the lounge and share your bird and animal sighting experiences with the other guests. Rainforest Eco Lodge follows strict eco-friendly policies that aims to re-use, re-design, and recycle and is a LEEDS certified property designed by environmental architect, Sunela Jayawardene. This eco retreat is not recommended for those with mobility difficulties or for families with young children.

Overnight: Rainforest Eco Lodge

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 6 - Sinharaja

After breakfast at the hotel proceed on a nature walk in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. 

Sinharaja:
• A global biodiversity hotspot, the islands last extensive search of virgin rainforest, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Sinharaja, which, translated is the Kingdom of the Lion, provides the perfect jungle experience. 
• With more than 60% of the trees being native - and most of them rare - with its abundance of native wildlife, the reserve offers a unique experience for nature lovers and the adventurous.
• Something particularly unique to this reserve is the mixed feeding flock of birds. A study of the flocks revealed that an average of 42 individual bird species feed together, making this the world’s largest mixed species flock.
• Of the 26 endemic birds found in Sri Lanka, all 20 rainforest species are found in the Sinharaja reserve, including the elusive but magnificent Red-faced Malkoha, the seldom seen Green-billed Coucal and the lustrous Sri Lanka Blue Magpie

Overnight: Rainforest Eco Lodge

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 7 - Sinharaja-Galle

After an early breakfast Transfer to Galle. (Approximately 2 hours/100km)

This afternoon engage in a sightseeing tour of Galle.

Galle Dutch Fortress:
• A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Galle has been exposed to the best of the Colonial rule in Sri Lanka. It is an urban ensemble which showcases the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions during the 16th to 19th Centuries.
• The city’s significant location, lying off the south-west coast of Sri Lanka and sheltered by a rocky peninsula, has made it very popular for naval activities since ancient times.
• The Fortress of Galle was built by the Dutch is the most impressive around.  It still exists today, just with a few alterations.It has an area of 52 Hectares inside the walls defended by 14 bastions with the majority of the outside walls built in 1663. 
• The fort contains a large number of public administrations, trade establishments, a lighthouse and a Protestant church which is the oldest in Sri Lanka and was constructed in 1775.
• Today the city is famous for its atmospheric streets, plush boutique hotels and stylish stores.

Rest of the day at leisure on the beach.

Jetwing Lighthouse is the inspired creation of the late Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka's iconic architect, who was responsible for linking the island’s ancient architecture with modern minimalism. Located on a rocky headland overlooking the Indian Ocean, this elegant hotel conveys an immediate sense of Galle’s history. The Portuguese landing at Galle is re-enacted in brass and bronze on the impressive main staircase and an ambitious batik of the ancient coat of arms fills the ceiling of the main bar. The hotel design demonstrates Bawa’s skill at integrating architecture and landscape. Smart terraces sweep down to a small sandy bay, where a natural reef sometimes allows relatively safe swimming. Large swimming pools and sundecks have clear views of the ocean.

Overnight: Jetwing Lighthouse

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 8 - Galle-Airport

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from Galle to airport (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes/170km) and connect to your international flight for departure.

Meal Plan: B