Day 01

Arrival and transfer to Anuradhpaura en-route visit the Munneswaram Temple.

Munneswaram Temple

Munneswaram temple is an important regional Hindu temple complex in Sri Lanka. It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana, and its legendary hero-king Rama. The temple is one of the ancient Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Shiva in the region.

The temple complex is a collection of five temples, including a Buddhist temple. The central temple dedicated to Shiva (Siva) is the most prestigious and biggest, and is popular amongst Hindus. The other temples are dedicated to Ganesha, Ayyanayake and Kali. The Kali temple is also popular with Buddhists, who frequent the complex. Post-19th century, most of the devotees of all temples in the complex belong to the majority Sinhala Buddhist ethnic group; the temples, excluding the Ayyanayake and the Buddhist temple, are administered by families belonging to the minority Hindu Tamils.

Proceed to visit the Wilpattu National park, one of the national parks which has the best chances of spotting Leopards.

 Wilpattu National Park – This has been famous for spotting Leopards in their natural habitat. It is also the oldest and the biggest national park in the country. Many of the big mammals are found here such as Sloth bear, Elephants, Spotted deer and water Buffalos, out of all the main attraction here is the Sri Lankan Leopard there is a high chance of spotting a Leopard feeding on a prey, waiting for a prey or resting on a tree during your safari. The area spans over 131,000 hectares and the safaris are best to be done early morning or evening. Natural lakes, cliffs, open grasslands and thick forest will not disappoint you deciding on your safari here. Anuradhapura is the closes place if you are looking for star class accommodation, but in Wilpattu also there are camping sites as well as guest houses available.

Upon completion, transfer to Anuradhapura. Check in to your hotel in Anuradhapura for the Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 02

After breakfast transfer to Habarana, visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura en-route

 Anuradhapura – Anuradhapura is considered as the first prominent antient kingdom of Sri Lanka. It is a world heritage site and famous for it well preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhala civilization. It is also considered as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. According to historical records, city was first founded by the Prince Anuradha. Later it was made the capital by the King Pandukabhaya about 380BC. Anuradhapura era is considered as one of the golden eras for Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka during the rule of King Devanampiya Tissa. The king himself donated land for a great monastery in the heart of the city. This is only the beginning of great monuments in Anuradhapura.  Today they are well preserved and maintained where travellers from around the world come to visit.

 Proceed to Habarana and check in to the hotel. Evening visit the Minneriya National park.

 Minneriya National Park – Being an Eco Tourism destination in Sri Lanka the Minneriya national park spans over 8890 hectares. The evergreen forest is home for Sambar Deer, Elephants and Leopards. Over 300 Elephants and huge flock of birds gather around Minneriya tank to drink and play in the water during the dry season is a major attraction in the park. This is a place where you will be able to witness most No. of Asian Elephants. The bird record here is over 170 species including migrating birds such as Kentish Plovers, Wood sand Pipers and Common Sandpipers etc. This is a must safari you should do if your stay is in Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla areas. Dry mixed evergreen forests, grasslands and wetlands is the vegetation of the national park.

Return to your hotel in Habarana, dinner and overnight stay in Habarana.

Day 03

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Wasgamuwa. Evening visit the Wasgamuwa national Park.

Wasgamuwa National Park – Is one of the ideal spots for the bird lover. Bordered by Amban and Mahaweli Rivers, The Wasgamuwa national park spans over 36,900 hectares. According to reports there are over 143 species of birds in the park including endemic birds such as Ceylon Jungle Fowls and Red-Faced Malkoha can be commonly spotted. Fifty odd species of butterflies including nine endemics surely refreshes your eyes with their colors as you find the dry zone a bit tough. Even though it is a sanctuary of birds you can spot other animals like Elephant herd approximately up to 150 they migrate here from Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks also deer, Sambar Deer, Crocodiles, wild boar etc. The nearest town to the park is Polonnaruwa, so if you have a stay in the ancient city do not forget to visit this park.

Dinner and overnight stay in Wasgamuwa.

Day 04

After breakfast transfer to Kandy via Mathale. Visit the Royal Botanical Garden & Temple of Tooth Relic.

Royal Botanical Gardens – Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia and attracts over 2 million visitors annually. It is world famous for its collection of Orchids and the garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. The origin of the botanical garden dates as far back as 1371 during King Wickramabahu the 3^rd’s era. The classical Avenue of Palms is located in this garden. One tree with a significant history is Cannonball Tree planted by King George V of the United Kingdom and Queen Mary in 1901. We recommend all travellers to take your time, pack your own picknick and have a relaxing day with the nature.

Proceed on a city tour of Kandy and visit the Temple of Tooth Relic.

Kandy – Kandy, broken from Kanda in Sinhala simply means the hill. I think that would clearly outline the geography of the city. Kandy is a major tourist attraction and world famous for the Kandy Perahera. This extravagant parade is happening once a year, a magical event that is one of the main events of our culture. Tens of thousands of visitors around the world visit Kandy during the month of July to witness this event. Kandy also host and protects Lord Buddha’s tooth in a beautiful palace, which is sacred to all Buddhists around the world. Sri Lankan’s believe that the relic brings prosperity and protects the island. Royal Botanical Garden & Udawaththakele, a forest behind the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of Tooth), are few other attractions in Kandy that will create pleasant memories for visitors.

Return to your hotel in Kandy. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 05

After breakfast at hotel transfer to Ella by train, enjoy the scenery en-route which is a must.

 Ella – Ella is a small town situated at an elevation of 1041 meters above sea level. Ella is considered as one of the musts visits of Sri Lanka due to its rich bio diversity, varieties of flora and fauna and its cool climate. Surrounded by tea plantations, forests, hills and clouds that covers, the town is like a picture out of a fairy tale with the misty mountains and spectacular natural views. Ella is most famous for the view through the Ella gap which is stunning and on a cloudless night you can see the glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on Sri Lankas south coast.  There is a selection of waterfalls, tea plantations and temples an adventurer can visit in Ella. It is also one of the preferred destinations for hikers and back packers.

By Late afternoon transfer to your hotel in Ella. Dinner and overnight stay in Ella.

Day 06 – 08

After breakfast at hotel proceed to Tissa. Check in to the hotel, evening visit the Yala National Park.

Yala National Park – Being the second largest national park in Sri Lanka this is the most visited by both local and foreigners. Yala is a wildlife sanctuary and also one of the first national parks in Sri Lanka famous for the variety of wild animals. The park is important for the conservation of Sri Lanka elephants, Sri Lankan Leopards and aquatic birds.  Of all the national parks in Sri Lanka, Yala gives the best opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s broad variety of wildlife. Yala is not only famous for its Flora and Fauna, it is also famous for its past civilisation, King Ravana, the mythical Hindu anti- hero is believed to have established his kingdom in Yala.

Return to your hotel in Tissa. Dinner and overnight stay in Tissa.

Day 07

Early morning visit the Bundala National park,

Bundala National Park – Covering an area of 6216 hectares, Bundala National park is located in the Hambantota district approximately 250 Kms from Colombo. The Jungle is home for a vast range of birds as well as for Spotted deer and Grey Langur Monkeys. This is a resting and feeding point of many wintering birds as the wetlands, lands and sea meets. If you have a closer look on the shore there are tell-tale signs of Turtles have come and laid their eggs the previous night. There are 383 plant species including 6 endemics. If you are lucky enough you would be able to spot a Leopard feeding on a deer or other small animal. A small population of Elephants can also be seen in their natural habitat. Sloth bears, Spotted Deer and Jackals are also among a whole lot of other interesting animals.

Day 08

After breakfast transfer to Udawalawe. Check in to the hotel, evening visit the Udawalawe National Park.

Udawalawa National Park – There are so many awesome experiences one can gain in Udawalawa National Park. It is difficult to select one experience out of it and call it the best one. Because the park lies on the boundary of Sri Lanka’s wet and dry zones, it is framed by soaring highlands and comprised of grasslands and bush forests. Explorers get to see a collection of Flora, Mammals, Birds, Reptiles & Fish in their natural habitats. While we cannot select one favourite activity, however when we go on safari to Udawalawa, it would be unfair if we do not bring up our gentle giants of the earth, Elephants. Udawalawa is one famous destination to see elephants up close and personal in their natural habitats.

Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in Udawalawe.

Upon completion proceed to Bandaranaike International airport for your evening departure flight.