KANDY PERAHERA - SEASONAL SPECIAL

Negombo

You will be warmly welcomed at the Airport by a Magcin Tours Representative & will be guided to your hotel in Negombo

Overnight Stay at a hotel in Negombo

Negombo

After Breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Negombo

Negombo is a major tourist destination in Sri Lanka. This city is an ideal and liberal place with luxury & tropical life style. The 100 km canal network running through the city is still used. Outrigger canoes and modern water-craft ply this route daily, for trade and tourism. Remnants of colonization include the Dutch fort built in 1672, as well as centuries-old Portuguese and Dutch houses, administrative buildings, Dutch Canal, churches and the ceiling frescoes of St. Mary's Cathedral, Bodhirajarama Maha Viharaya (Angurukaramulla Temple)
Negombo is home to the country's second-largest fish market, where there are daily fish & dried –fish auctions, which give tourists a chance to meet the area's fishers, buy fish and even organize fishing trips and boating tours into the lagoon and the ocean beyond. Other nearby attractions open to visitors include Muthurajawela Marshland, which is part of a 6,000-hectare (14,826-acre) reserve. The protected mangroves of the lagoon are home to over 190 species of wildlife.
Negombo offers one of the best sandy beaches and hotels and resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Water-sports and diving are popular among visitors, with a few well-preserved coral reefs.

On completion return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight Stay at a hotel in Negombo

After Breakfast at hotel in Negombo, visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala

As you arrive at this 25 acre facility, do not be astonished to witness baby elephants being bottle fed or moving around freely. It is an amazing sight to spectate how these gentle giants - orphaned and sometimes three-legged - are taken care of since 1975 at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Up to date, over 20 calves have been born here, and it is surprising to hear that some of its inmates have even seen their grandchildren during the past few decades! Watch as they feed at 9:15 am, 1:15 pm & 5:00 pm and take a river bath twice a day at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm respectively for an experience that could never be felt anywhere else on earth!

On completion proceed to Sigiriya

Dinner and Overnight Stay at a hotel in Sigiriya

Sigiriya

After Breakfast at a hotel in Sigiriya, climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa, a World Heritage Site Sigiriya or Lion Rock is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 metres (660 ft) high. According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle, this site was selected by King Kasyapa (477 – 495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes. On a small plateau about halfway up the side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of an enormous lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure, the Lion Rock. The capital and the royal palace was abandoned after the king's death. It was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning.

On completion return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Dinner and Overnight Stay at a hotel in the proximity of Sigiriya

After Breakfast at a hotel in Sigiriya, proceed to Polonnaruwa and visit the Polonnaruwa ancient city.

Polonnaruwa

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more under a local leader.
While Vijayabahu's victory and shifting of kingdoms to the more strategic Polonnaruwa is considered significant, the real "Hero of Polonnaruwa" of the history books is actually Parakramabahu I. It was his reign that is considered the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. Trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the king, who was so adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted and each was to be used toward the development of the land. Hence, irrigation systems that are far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed during Parakramabahu's reign - systems which to this day supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the scorching dry season in the east of the country. The greatest of these systems is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu's reign.
With the exception of his immediate successor, Nissankamalla I, all other monarchs of Polonnaruwa were slightly weak-willed and rather prone to picking fights within their own court.[citation needed] They also went on to form more intimate matrimonial alliances with stronger South Indian kingdoms until these matrimonial links superseded the local royal lineage. This prompted an invasion by the Aryacakravarti dynasty King Kalinga Magha in 1214, who founded the Jaffna kingdom (1215-1624 CE). Local power passed into the hands of a Pandyan dynasty king following the Jaffna kingdom invasion of Lanka in 1284, who moved their capital to Dambadeniya.

On completion continue to Minneriya and enjoy a safari at the Minneriya National Park

Minneriya

Minneriya National Wild-life Sanctuary Spreads over 8800 hectares, is a sanctuary for elephants. Also, it is home to herds of deer and abundant birdlife, but its spotlight remains for elephants. As you travel by a safari jeep on the bank of the reservoir and switch off its engine, Watch carefully as herds of elephants - one by one - roll on to the grass-covered banks, to feed on tender shoots. This park holds the record for largest elephant gathering in the world - over 300 at a certain times - which attracts wildlife fans across the planet.

On completion return to the hotel.

Dinner and Overnight Stay at a hotel in Sigiriya

Matale

After Breakfast at the hotel in Sigiriya, proceed to Kandy thru Matale and visit the Matale Spice Garden

An agricultural precinct in the Central Province, Matale remarkable contributes through leading crops of the island ranging from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices. Fronting the Revolt back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride as its economy unfolds around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden with a warmly gesture of welcome and observe the healing values of spices & methods & sip a cup of herbal drink! Or spend some time on the shady paths of these herbal plantations & feel the sense.

On completion proceed to Kandy

Dinner and Overnight Stay at a hotel in Kandy

After Breakfast at the hotel in kandy, proceed to Peradeniya and visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Kandy

Kandy is a major city in Sri Lanka, located in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.

Peradeniya

First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later synchronized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya – is located just 4 miles off Kandy - is a blossoming national asset in Sri-lanka. This 147 acre heaven of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon greenhouse to be welcomed by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating - the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree - of this place which overflow in grace.

On completion return to the hotel in Kandy and spend some time at leisure.

In the evening witness the Kandy Esela Perehera

Kandy’s ten-day Esala Perahera is the most spectacular of Sri Lanka’s festivals, and one of the most colourful religious pageants in Asia. Its origins date back to the arrival of the Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka in the fourth century AD, during the reign of Kirti Siri Meghawanna, who pronounced that the relic be carried in procession through the city once a year. This quickly developed into a major religious event – the famous Chinese Buddhist Fa-Hsien, visiting Anuradhapura in 399 AD, described what had already become a splendid festival, with processions of jewel-encrusted elephants.

On completion return to the hotel

Dinner and Overnight Stay at a hotel in Kandy

After Breakfast at hotel in Kandy, proceed to the Peradeniya Railway Station and board the train to Nanu Oya and enjoy picturesque train ride.

On arrival at the Nanu Oya Railway station, you will be picked up the guide who will drive you to Nuwara Eliya

Dinner and Overnight Stay at hotel in Nuwara-eliya

After Breakfast at a hotel, spend some time at leisure & proceed to Nuwara-eliya township.

Also, you will have the great privilege of engaging in a tea tasting session in a Tea-factory Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate, remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. Amplified by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light - once governed by English & Scottish planters - is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet. Drive through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls & dotted by tea pickers draped in bright-colored saris. Or rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory.

Dinner and Overnight Stay at a Hotel in Nuwara-eliya

After Breakfast at the hotel in Nuwara-eliya, proceed to Yala

Dinner and Overnight Stay at a hotel in Yala

Taking along with you a packed breakfast, proceed to Yala and enjoy a sfarai at the Yala National Park.

Yala

Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public, and also adjoining parks. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. Yala harbours 215 bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world

On completion return to the hotel for lunch.

In the evening, proceed to the Yala National park for another safari.

On completion return to the hotel.

Lunch, Dinner and Overnight Stay at hotel in Yala

Hikkaduwa's beach and night life make it a popular tourist destination. It is a well-known international destination for board-surfing.

After Breakfast at Yala, proceed to Hikkaduwa.

Overnight Stay at hotel in Hikkaduwa

After breakfast at Hikkaduwa, proceed to Galle and enjoy a city tour of Galle. Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the southwestern tip, 119 km from Colombo. Galle is the administrative capital of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the district capital of Galle District.
Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The city was extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The Galle fort is a world heritage site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.
Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the city's natural harbor, the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, one of the main Shiva temples on the island, and Amangalla, the historic luxury hotel. Important natural geographical features in Galle include Rumassala in Unawatuna, a large mound-like hill that forms the eastern protective barrier to Galle Harbour.

On completion return to Hikkaduwa

Overnight Stay at a hotel in Hikkaduwa

After Breakfast at Hikkaduwa, spend some time at leisure.

At noon check out of the hotel and proceed to Colombo and enjoy some time shopping In the evening proceed to the hotel in Colombo & enjoy your supper.

On completion you will be dropped at airport for departure.