DELTA TOURS AND TRAVELS
ANCIENT WORLD TOURS
SRI LANKA
THE COMPANY FOR NATURE AND ANCIENT TOURS

PROGRAMME : Mixed Activity Programme In Sri Lanka
DURATION : 23 Days / 22 Nights
PERIOD : Aug-2009 to Aug-2010
TOUR ITINERARY

Day-01 Arrival at Colombo International Airport, pick up by company rep. check in at the Hotel & relax after the long journey

Day-02 Colombo

Day-03 Depart for Sigiriya Village, en route visit the Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawela, Golden Cave Temple, Dambulla

Day-04 Visit to Polonnaruwa, a thousand year old ruined City

Day-05 Visit Anuradhapura, Capital of ancient Ceylon

Day-06 Visit the “Lion Fortress in the Sky” Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Day-07 Visit the Citadel City of Kandy, the last strong hold of the Sinhalese, Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Day-08 Visit Nuwara Eliya, The little England in Sri Lanka.

Day-09 Kithulgala, enjoy ‘White Water Rafting”

Day-10 Kithugala, visit Belilena Cave and evening leisure.

Day-11 The Forest of the Lion king, Singharaja Rain Forest.

Day-12 Singharaja Rain Forest

Day-13 Belihuloya, en route visit Waulpane Cave, where lots of adventures await.

Day-14 Maha Eliya, “Horton Plains” famous as Scotland in Ceylon, “Worlds End”

Day-15 Belihuloya Leisure and relax.

Day-16 Visit the Udawalawe National Park and Yala National Park.

Day-17 Yala National Park Safari and Leisure.

Day-18 Proceed to Sun Shiny Beach, Down South of Ceylon.

Day-19 Enjoy the Sun-Sand of the beach in weligama.

Day-20 Proceed to Unawatuna, the beautiful beach where the Sun set is so sudden.

Day-21 Unawatuna excursions to Galle, Visit the Dutch Fortress.

Day-22 Leave to Negambo, leisure and relax on the beach.

Day-23 departure, leave to Airport.

Day- 1-2- ( ARRIVAL – AIRPORT – COLOMBO (BB)

On arrival transfer from the Airport to Colombo and check in at the hotel.

COLOMBO

Like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face, almost overnight skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained. As an example there is a 100-year old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings, other places of interest are the Pettah Bazaar where one can shop for bargains, the old Parliament in Fort, a Hindu temple residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent and the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall- BMICH, an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the people’s Republic of China. Rest of the day is at leisure.

SCHEDULE;

• Arrival and transfer from the Airport to Colombo and check in at the hotel. • Next day after breakfast visit a ancient Temple, lunch in a hotel or restaurant. • Overnight stay at the Galadari Hotel.


Day-3 – ( COLOMBO- PINNAWELA- DAMBULLA- HOTEL SIGIRIYA (FB)

After breakfast proceed to Dambulla, en route visit the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela. PINNAWELA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE Visiting the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage set up by Department of National Zoological Gardens. This Orphanage was established to feed nurse and house young elephants found abandon by their mothers.

Continue with the journey to Dambulla and check in at the Hotel Sigiriya. Evening visit the Golden Cave Temple at Dambulla.

DAMBULLA

An ancient sacred city, is known for its beautiful Cave temples and a huge Buddha statue. The history of the five caves containing over 150 images of Buddha goes back to 1st century BC when King Valagambahu took refuge here. This place is worth visiting not only for the cave temple, but also for the beautiful view over the countryside you can get from the hill and this famous cave temple was known as the Golden cave temple because during the Kings ruling all Buddha statues were in Gold plated and still you can see the remains of the gold.

SCHEDULE

• Transfer from Colombo to Dambulla, en route visit the elephant orphanage in Pinnawela. • Check in at the hotel. • Evening visit the Golden Cave Temple, Dambulla. • Overnight stay at the Hotel Sigiriya.


Day-4 – ( POLONNARUWA – HOTEL SIGIRIYA ) ( FB)
A day visit to Polonnaruwa


POLONNARUWA

A ancient city nearly 1000 years old, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital city and part of the famous cultural triangle, although King Vijayabahu 1 was the first to claim the city as his capital, it was King Parakramabahu who built it what it is today, with its massive archeological buildings, ornate parks, Kings Palace and the piece de resistance’ – a 2500 hectare tank called “ Parakrama Samudra” ( Sea Of Parakrama). The city itself is divided in to new and old town with the impressively preserved ruins split in to the main areas, including “The Quadrangle” (a.k.a. “Terrace of the Tooth Relic” , the northern city group and the Rest House group ( with the Royal Palace ruins of ‘King Nissanka Malla’, due to its reasonably compact layout, the ruins can be easily explored on foot, and with the surrounding areas flat well maintained roads, you can leave the car or coach behind and jump on a bicycle to get around. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

SCHEDULE

• After breakfast proceed to Polonnaruwa by vehicle • City tour and cultural tour. • Evening Safari in Minneriya National Park • Leisure and overnight stay at the Hotel Sigiriya.


Day-5- ( ANURDHAPURA – HOTEL SIGIRIYA) – (FB)

A day visit to Anurdhapura
ANURDHAPURA

“The City of Ruins” 1st century BC city and home for the “Tree of Enlightenment” popularly known as “The Sri Maha Bodhiya” is not only one of the most sacred places for the Buddhists but also a great tourist destination. This city has so much to offer to the Pilgrims and Tourists alike, among the important sites are the great white and fine “Ruwanweli Seya” (Stupa), the small but important “Thuparama” (Stupa), huge 75m high “Abahyagiri” (Stupa), 70m high “Jethawana”(Stupa), the Brazen Palace, which had been nine story building of which the roof was bronze built on 1600 stone pillars, ( now only the stone pillars are to be seen) etc. This vast area that has been hidden away in the thick jungle for a long period and now turned in to one large garden, has ruins of so many temples, Palaces, Monasteries, Monuments, Stupas, Stoned carved Buddha statues, bathing ponds, ancient scripts and other important valuable places of interest to be seen.

SCHEDULE

• After breakfast leave to Anurdhapura • Visit the ruins in Anurdhapura • Lunch on the way in a hotel or restaurant • Continue the visit after lunch • Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel Sigiriya.


Day-6- ( SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS) – (FB)

A visit to the Rock Fortress.

LION ROCK FORTRESS ‘ SIGIRIYA’

The ancient city of Sigiriya was designated a cultural World Heritage Site in 1982, it is also proposed that the site should be named the eighth wonder of the world, indicating it is in the same league as other International wonders such as the Grand Canyon and ancient Pyramids, translated as ‘Lion Rock ‘ in to English, the name of the monument indicates the way in which visitors used to begin their final ascent to the top- through the open Jaws and throat (giriya), of a Lion (Sinha), unfortunately, the only remains of this Lion figure are the gigantic paws, sculpted into the side of the rock. The topography of the area is flat except for the massive rock outcrop of the fortress itself ( which rises an incredible 600 ft up from the green scrub jungle). The unusual rock is particularly interesting due to its flat top ( nearly an acre in size) that was used in its entirety to build King Kashyapa’s Palace complex, still evident by the presence of the extensive ruins. Thereafter proceed to Kandy, en route visit a Spice garden in Matale.


MATALE SPICE GARDEN

Matale area has become famous for the Spice gardens, you will experience different type of natural spices of Ginger, Cardamom, cloves, coriander plants, pepper, Beatle plants and natural medicine plants as well, it is said that among these the Pineapple plant has strong medicinal properties, also on display in the show garden which has plants representative of what the rest of the estate grew, were jasmine, lemongrass and more and specially enjoy with a wonderful natural herb medicine massage that will keep your health stronger.


HOT AIR BALLOONING

KANDALAMA SIGIRIYA

Hot Air Ballooning is unique from all other forms of flight in that there is little sensation of motion or perception of height Balloons travel with the wind and at the same speed, which makes for one of the magical sensation of the flight, “Sensational Tranquility” is how many describe it whilst others as “surreal” peaceful and quit.
Floating at heights of 500 to 2000 feet on average, this feeling of peace and tranquility is apparent from the extent of sigh’s & smiles as the earth seems to slowly descend & rotate below you whilst the views rapidly expand, after the excitement of the take off and its preparations with the inflation of the Balloon, within moments you are at ease & in awe of the lofty spectacle while you effortlessly drift over the treetops, wildlife, lakes, & rivers, cultural sites, local urban homesteads & landmarks like Sigiriya Rock, Ballooning adds an intimacy with the landscape & people that most travelers volunteer as “ an experience life time” whilst floating over the Sri Lankan countryside in gentle, panoramic harmony with nature, apart from the occasional burst of the burners, there is little to disturb the unusual noiseless environment.


SCHDULE

• After breakfast leave for Hot Air Ballooning ride • After lunch in the evening climb up the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. • Leisure and relax at the hotel • Overnight stay at the Hotel Sigiriya.


Day-7- ( KANDY)- (FB)
CITY TOUR OF KANDY, VISIT ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS- PERADENIYA
KANDY

Was the last stronghold of the Buddhist political power against colonial powers. It is also home of the ‘Temple of the Tooth Relic’. Its architectural monuments date mainly from the 19th century, when King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe went on a building spree, the cost of which hastened the downfall and eventually surrendered to the British forces.

DALADA MALIGAWA

The Temple of the Tooth relic or Dalada Maligawa dates from the 16th century, though most of the present buildings were built in the 19th century, entering the shrine over a moonstone step, you pass a stone depicting the Indian Goddess Lakshmi and a wall with frescoes illustrating the Buddhist conception of hell. The upper stories house the relic of the tooth, caged behind the gilded iron bars, behind the tooth relic sanctuary is a hall with a number of Golden Buddha statues and modern paintings, showing Buddha’s life and the arrival of Buddhism in the land. We end our tour just before the evening drumming begins, which precedes the ceremonious opening of the window for the public viewing of the casket with the tooth.


PERADENIYA BOTANICAL GARDENS

This is 147 acres in extent started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Kandy. There are more than 500 species of trees and plants, some are rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world, spice garden on orchid house are more popular with tourists. Also visit a Gem lapidary and museum and thereafter witness a traditional cultural show Kandyan dancers and Fire walk at one of the performance centres.

SCHEDULE

• After breakfast leave to Kandy, en route visit a spice garden in Matale. • Full day tour of Kandy. • Lunch in a hotel or restaurant. • Visit the Temple of the Tooth relic & evening visit the cultural dance. • Overnight stay at the Swiss Residence.


Day -8- ( Kandy – Nuwara Eliya ) – (FB)


After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya, en route visit a Tea Factory and Plantation


NUWARA ELIYA

Nuwara Eliya has a cool sparkling climate with the temperature changing around 13 degc., this is an exquisite and healthy city famous for its wide range in flowers, with buildings of English architecture everywhere in the city, it is affectionately called little England. The Victoria Park in the center of Nuwara Eliya, the highest city in Sri Lanka, yellow eared Bulbul, Blackbird in winter pied thrush and Kashmir Flycatcher are very common.

En –route visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, where the best tea in the world is produced, here you could observe all about the process of manufacturing tea, you can also see how tea is graded, taste a cup of pure Ceylon tea in the factory.


SCHEDULE

• After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya, en route visit a tea factory and plantation. • Check in at the hotel. • Evening free walk around the town and market place in Nuwara Eliya. • Overnight stay at the Galway forest Lodge.


Day-9-10- ( Nuwara Eliya – Kithugala) (FB)


After breakfast leave to Kithugala and check in at the Rafters Retreat Cottages, Lunch at the Rafters Retreat. Thereafter in the late afternoon do some Rafting in Kithulgala.


KITHULGALA


Kithulgala is one of the most scenic locations in the Island and also a centre for many nature and adventure related activities, which includes White Water rafting, visits to Rainforest and the Belilena prehistoric cave, it is one of the gateways to the hill country.


WHITE WATER RAFTING


“An interesting affair between currents & rapids”

This thrilling adventure on the white water sections of Kelani river is suitable for amateurs as well as professionals alike, during the run you will experience the thrill of shooting rapids and euphoria of making it through, the river’s clear water is born in the heart of the peak wilderness reserve and tumbles through a rocky gorge just above Kithulgala.


SCHEDULE


• After breakfast proceed to Kithulgala and check in at the hotel Rafters Retreat • Lunch at Rafters Retreat. • Evening do the 7km rafting stretch with guidance. • Dinner and overnight stay at the Rafters Retreat Hotel.


Day-2


• After breakfast visit Belilena Cave and sight seeing. • Lunch at the hotel, evening leisure and relax. • Dinner and overnight stay at the Rafters Retreat Hotel.


Day- 11-12- ( Kithulgala- Singharaja ) (FB)

After breakfast proceed to Singharaja, and check in at the Rain Forest Lodge.


SINGHARAJA RAIN FOREST


Singharaja rain forest is a World Heritage Site, which can also be described as a Tropical lowland rainforest or tropical wet evergreen forest, whatever its ‘technical’ name, it is undoubtedly a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka’s endemic species found nowhere else in the world, bird watching in this ecosystem is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka, named as a World Heritage Site in 1989, this lowland evergreen rain forest is steeped in deep legend and mystery,. The word ‘Singharaja’ means, Lion (Singha), King (Raja), and it is popular belief that the legendary origin of the Sinhala people is from the union between a Princess and the Lion King who once lived in the forest.


SCHEDULE


• After early breakfast begin your journey to Singharaja, en route visit the Waulpane cave. • Lunch could be arranged from the hotel to be taken on the way in the forest. • Forest exploration after lunch. • Dinner and overnight stay at the Rain Forest Lodge Hotel.


Day-2


• After early breakfast forest exploration. • After lunch leisure and relax. • Dinner and overnight stay at the Rain Forest Lodge Hotel.


Day-13- ( Singharaja- Belihuloya ) –(FB)


After breakfast leave for Belihuloya and check in at the hotel.


BELIHULOYA


Belihuloya is a very picturesque little hamlet situated in the “Sabaragamuwa” provice of Sri Lanka, approximately 160km from Colombo. This beautiful hillside location is a climatically transitional area, linking both the dry and wet zones and the hill and low country, at an altitude of les than 1500m, as a result, the vegetation consists of most semi-evergreen forests, tropical savanna forests, dry patana grasslands and montane temperate forest, making it one of the richest bio diversity places in Sri Lanka- a perfect location for nature lovers.


SCHEDULE


• After breakfast proceed to hotel in Belihuloya. • Lunch at the hotel. • Evening at leisure with river bathing. • Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.


Day- 14- ( Belihuloya ) (FB)


After breakfast Kinchigune cycling trail


KINCHIGUNE CYCLING TRAIL


Once we start the trail from the hotel and peddle around 300m towards Colombo on the main road and turn left towards Seelogama Village, you could observe the uncomplicated way of village life whilst riding towards the feldspar quarry, a mineral mine for export, could be seen, where the single track begins. This stretch mostly goes through paddy fields and the Worlds End mountain range is visible on to your left on the 3km long trail, certain sections of the trail are on tarred roads but the majority of the ride is on gravel roads, mostly down hill and flat but with a few ascends as well – graded as a soft trail.
A sleep down hill single trail ride of around 300m brings you to the Belihuloya river, riders may have to dismount at certain places, once you reach the river and depending on the water level, carry the cycles across another 300m ride on this stretch, where you will sight the Samanalawewa, a beautiful sight seeing worth watching.


Day-15- ( Belihuloya- Horton Plains )- (FB)


Leaving to Horton Plains in a vehicle from Belihuloya & than trail at Horton Plains. Nature walk in HORTON PLAINS NATURE RESERVE, which is approximately 10,000 hectares in extent, is haunted by Elk, Deer, giant Squirrels, Wild Boar, Wild Hare, Porcupine and a variety of migratory birds, unique to this region, according to a recent count there are 16 Leopards in Horton Plains, if you are very lucky you may get a glimpse of a Leopard during your sojourn in the Horton Plains.


SCHEDULE

• Day excursions to Horton Plains ” Worlds End” with packed lunch and with a experienced Guide. • Overnight stay at the hotel


Day-16- ( BELIHULOYA – UDUWALAWE – YALA ) (HB)


After early breakfast leave for Udawalawe National Park and do a Safari.


UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK


Udawalawe National Park is located approximately 200km south east of Colombo city, The 30,821 hectare dry zone game park has an annual rainfall of 1,524mm and an average temperature of 29.4c, it is most famous for many elephants that live there, about 400 in total, during a visit it is not unusual to see whole herds, adults and young feeding and bathing or playing in the water, in addition to this main attraction, the park is home to many water Buffaloes, exciting location for bird enthusiasts. A 4WD open top safari Jeep is the only way to see all the wonders, this protected reserve has to offer, and our knowledgeable nature Guides will make this an unforgettable experience.

SCHEDULE


• After early breakfast leave for Udawalawe National Park for a Safari • After Safari leave for hotel, en route lunch at a hotel or restaurant. • Leisure and relax at the hotel • Dinner and overnight stay at the Centuria Hotel, Ambilipitiya.


Day- 17- ( UDAWALAWE – YALA) ( HB)


After breakfast leave for Yala and check in at the hotel.


YALA NATIONAL PARK


Day- 18- ( YALA – WELIGAMA) (FB)


Day at leisure or free for optional water sports ( mentioned below) at the water sports centre in Bentota.
Optional Water Sports: Diving or Snorkeling A Boat Ride along the river Bank of Polwatta.


SCHEDULE


• After breakfast leave for water sports (Optional) in Weligama Beach. • Leisure and relax at the hotel. • Overnight stay at the Weligama Bay Beach Hotel.


Day-19- ( WELIGAMA- UNAWATUNA) ( FB)


After breakfast proceed to Unawatuna for a different location.
Check in at the Beach resort, where you can experience more diving, snorkeling and sight seeing in this beautiful beach at leisure.


SCHEDULE


• After breakfast leave for Unawatuna. • Check in at the hotel, leisure and relax at the hotel or beach. • Lunch at the hotel. • Water sports and sight seeing • Overnight stay at the Unawatuna Beach Hotel.


Day-20- ( UNAWATUNA)- (FB)


Day at leisure and relax on the beautiful beach, experience the sight seeing as well as snorkeling and diving


SCHEDULE


• After breakfast leave for the beautiful beach. • Leisure and relax on the beach • Lunch at the hotel and evening city tour. • Dinner and overnight stay at Unawatuna Beach Hotel.


Day-21- ( UNAWATUNA – MOUNT LAVINIA) (HB)

After breakfast leave for Mount Lavinia and check in at the hotel.
• After breakfast leave for Mount Lavinia, en route visit Hikkaduwa beach to wonders of the beautiful Corral Reef on a glass bottom boat and proceed the journey, visit a Turtle Hatchery, a mask making wood carving factory, a boat ride in country side where you can experience wonderful sight seeing, including around 40 to 50 Islands to observe the nature. • Lunch on the way in a hotel or restaurant. • Check in at the hotel, leisure and relax on the beach of Mount Lavinia. • Dinner and overnight stay at Mount Lavinia Beach Hotel.


Day- 22- ( MOUNT LAVINIA- NEGAMBO) ( HB)


After breakfast leave for Negambo, en route Colombo city tour and shopping, visit a Buddhist Temple and a gem Museum, where you can observe gem cutting and polishing and leave for Negambo.


SCHEDULE


• After breakfast proceed to Negambo, en route visit interested places. • Lunch on the way in a hotel or restaurant. • Check in at the hotel, leisure and relax. • Dinner and overnight stay at Browns Beach Hotel, Negambo.


Day-23- ( NEGAMBO- AIRPORT) (BB)


After breakfast leave for Airport, Departure.

END OF TOUR

Rate Including Transport
No of pax
Rate Per Person in US$ 01-Pax
Transport Cost = USD = for transport in an Air conditioned Car, Van, Coach or Luxury Bus- 24- seater or 40-seater, with English speaking Chauffeur guide, his fees, meals and accommodation – maximum of KM, mileage above the stipulation will be charged at USD 0.35 per km.
Our Rates for accommodation and activities include:
• Food and lodging on FB & HB basis at Hotel Sigiriya Village, Hotel Swiss residence, Galway Forest, Weligama Bay Beach Hotel, Unawatuna Beach Hotel, Mount Lavinia Beach Hotel,,Browns Beach Hotel.
• Entrance fees to cultural sites and interested places.
• Tracker fees for Safaris in Udawalawe National Park, minneriya national park and yala national park and the jeep fee as well • All Government taxes and service charges.

Our Rates for transportation in van includes:
• Transportation in an Air conditioned Micro van as per the above itinerary with a maximum mileage of 2870 km allowed on the quoted rate, mileage done above stipulation will be charged locally from the client @ Rs. 35/- per additional kilometer.
• Service of an English speaking Chauffeur Guide throughout the tour.

Our Rates do not include:
• Any additional beverages or food, which would be ordered extra.
• Transport for tour and its inclusions which the rate is mentioned separately.
• Cost of camera and Video permits.
• Meals other than specified in the itinerary.
• Cost of Water sports activities in Bentota and Weligama.
• Any tips to the staff.
• Personal affects.
• Services not specified above.
Cancellation Policy:

• 90 Days or more - US$ 200 administrative fee
• 60-89 Days – 15% of the tour cost will be charged
• 30-59 Days – 25% of the tour cost will be charged
• 14-29 Days – 50% of the tour cost will be charged
• 8 – 13 Days - 75% of the tour cost will be charged
• Less than 7 days no refund.

Payment Policy: • Full payment with the confirmation.