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Sri Lanka -Welcome to Unique and Exotic Tours

Itineraries

1. Cultural Tour. The Cultural Triangle in the centre of the island encompasses wonders of the ancient world of an advanced ancient civilization. Sacred City, Dambulla rock caves rock fortress, Pollonnaruwa the ancient royal city lay testament to the ancient sophisticated, magnificent, flourishing commerce, agriculture and evidence of a great nation with a Buddhist cultural heritage. The architectural brilliance of the ancient Sinhalese and their marvellous achievements can impress and fill the tourist with amazement. In addition take the opportunity to enjoy delicious cuisine. UNESCO recognized these as architectural and historical world heritage sites.

Colombo the capital is a vibrant fascinating city of culture, commerce and entertainment.

Day 01– Arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, will be graciously greeted by an experienced professional tour operator with years of experience in tourism Mr Lakith Nandi D.S. Dharmaratne, or a team member who will be the host addressing the needs of the tourists. Places to be visited can be planned and customized in accordance with the wishes of visitors.

Colombo City Tour – To be amended as required.

Visit Independence Square,

Old Parliament,

Dutch Hospital,

Galle Face Green

Shopping in Colombo

Overnight stay in Colombo

After breakfast, proceed to Anuradhapura to explore the Great Sacred City of Anuradhapura, a journey through the glorious and magnificent ancient history of the island. Day 02- The World Heritage Sacred City of Anuradhapura founded by

King Pandukabhaya in BC 377.

A great civilization arose with pious, strong just rulers that understood and treasured Buddhist Principles, humanity, the environment, the natural beauty of forests, waterfalls, wild life, vast treasures, gems, minerals, natural assets on land and sea. They built cities, landscaped pleasure gardens, complex irrigation and hydraulic systems, eco systems, air cooling systems, reservoirs establishing and promoting a thriving economy based on agriculture. These sacred cities, (Buddhist shrines, Dagabos) Vihares and Buddhist monasteries are considered today as architectural marvels and engineering feats. Great kings promoted education, literacy, numeracy and a healthy balanced lifestyles to all members of the community. They built hospitals, schools, and other educational institutions contributing to the emergence of a glorious civilization. Buddhist monasteries, temple complexes were built amidst forests promoting Relaxation, Yoga and Meditation to soothe the restless and troubled beings seeking solace. , art and culture in addition to other aspects of flourished under theses great rulers. The Buddhist Sasanaya is considered the world’s first democratic organisation. had a great impact on every aspect of the life of the community.

En route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage    Thuparama  Sri Maha Bodhi Ruwanweli Seya Abhayagiri Dagaba  Jethawanaya  Dinner -a choice of Eastern and Western Cuisine with an overnight stay in Anuradhapura

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

The Great The Sacred

Built by King Mahasena(276BC)and This holy tree was planted 288BC

Son King Maghavanna considered the oldest tree in the

planted in the world.

The Great - Stupa One of the World’s Tallest Monuments.

One of the Greatest of Sinhalese kings, King Dutugemunu built this magnificent monastic Sacred City in the 4th BC. It is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in . The great Dagabo is believed to enshrine some relics of the enlightened one Thathagatha Gauthama Buddha. The legendry iconic king Dutugemunu became the ruler of the island defending and protecting the country with just rule paving the way for the development of a great civilization and a Buddhist Cultural Heritage. The Nation lived in peace and prosperity. Ruwanwelisaya Stupa this great architectural marvel was designed to represent the teachings of the Thathagatha and considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. The dome represent the enormity of the Buddhist Doctrine, the four facets the Four Noble truth, the concentric rings of the Dome signifies the Eight Fold Noble path. The pinnacle signifies the ultimate goal of the Buddhists ‘enlightenment’.

Palaces, hospitals, vast complex ingenious irrigation systems, subterranean channels, ponds and gardens were built. The city was the centre of a sophisticated administration and political system.

Day 03 - Dambulla Rock Caves A World Heritage Site

Another World Heritage Site constructed by King Vattagamini or king Walagamba (103BC and 89- 77BC), the site was the sanctuary of the king who converted the caves into Buddhist temples with statues and unique impressive art work. Buddhist Sinhala art and culture presents innovative techniques of painting and sculpture, Buddhist teachings seems ingrained in the art, sculpture, lifestyles and minds of the rulers and the ruled

Enter the world of spirituality and peace of five cave sanctuaries with 153 statues of Lord Buddha the Thathagatha depicting his noble life considered the best preserved paintings and images in South East Asia. There are also statues of kings Walagamba Abhaya and Nissanka Malla. Sigiriya Lion Rock Citadel A World Heritage Site

Referred to as the eight wonder of the world the ruins of this architectural marvel takes the traveller back to the unbelievable magnificence of the Ancient world of the Sinhalese.

Evidence indicates that Buddhist monasteries were established before King Kasyapa built (477AD) his city as a rock fortress. Remains of this ruined city on the rock is a fortress, an example of expert, imaginative and stunning urban planning, a great achievement of the Sinhalese, ingenuity of mankind including a palace, landscaped terraced pleasure gardens, water gardens, boulder cave gardens, ponds, rock sculptures, paintings, royal bathing sites and irrigation systems. Archaeologists consider this heritage site as one of the best examples of a sophisticated, exquisite and ingenious creation of the Sinhalese, and the ancient world. The visiting architects, the historians or seekers of human achievements of ancient civilizations Sigiriya Rock Fortress will be an amazing, pleasurable experience. Use of creative technical skills and technologies are considered unique.

Feet of the stone lion with an entrance Sigiriya rock plateau citadel in harmony with nature A Great Ancient Capital A World Heritage Site

Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the kingdom's first rulers mainly King Parakramabahu the great 1 (12th Century). This city flourished with vast classical buildings, parks, museums, sanctuaries, schools and hospitals.

Parakrama Samudra

Known as the sea of King Parakrama Bahu is an amazing construction a gigantic reservoir of five separate reservoirs connected by narrow channels, ancient remarkable technology and irrigation systems. This enabled farmers to cultivate vegetables during all the seasons promoting prosperity and healthy lifestyles in the community. It is surrounded by forests, a sanctuary for wild elephants. The Angammedilla National Park close by is a sanctuary for the animals and a botanist’s paradise with rare flora and fauna. The visitor is transported to a wonderful natual environment promoting good health, happiness and well being. Day-04 Sacred City of –Senkadagalapura UNESCO world Heritage Site Early morning visit to the Relic Breakfast at the hotel Visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden (Optional) Proceed to Colombo Leisure by the beach Special Dinner Over night stay in Colombo

Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy where the Sacred Tooth Relic of Thathagatha-Shakyamuni (563/480-483/400BCE) is enshrined.

Eight hundred years after the parinivana of Sidhartha Gautama Buddha a Sacred Tooth Relic preserved in Kalinga was ‘smuggled’ to Sri Lanka for safety. Great King Duhasiva of Kalinga who was the custodian of the sacred tooth was threatened by other Indian princeses who wanted to destroy th sacred relic. To ensure the preservation of the sacred tooth Great King Duhasiva of Kalinga the custodian of the sacred tooth relic instructed his daughter Princess Hemamali and her husband Prince Dantha to take the Sacred Tooth Relic to Sri Lanka where Buddhism flourished under Royal Patronage of Kings of Sri Lanka. King Kerti Sri Rajasinha(1734-1782

Kandy Lake Botanical Gardens

Sri Lanka Cultural Tour of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( Organisation des Nations unies pour l’education, la Science et la culture ) Heritage Sites

Accommodation Plan Location MEAL Day

1 Colombo HB 2 Anuradhapura HB 3 Polonnaruwa HB 4 Kandy HB 5 Colombo HB 6 Departure 6 PAX Package Cost (Per-Person): USD 724 (GBP558) Total Package cost: 724 x 6 = USD 4,344 Total Package cost: 558 x 6 = GBP 3,348 3 Double Rooms in every hotel on HB basis 12 PAX Package Cost (Per-Person): USD 710 Only (GBP546.70) Total Package cost: 710 x 12 = USD 8,520 Total Package cost: 546.70 x 12 = GBP 6, 560.70 6 Double Rooms in every hotel on HB basis Rate conversion will be based on the XE currency converter Above Price Inclusions  Airport pick up and drop off  Assistance at the airport  Accommodation on HB basis Lunch Included  Private luxury Coach for the full tour  Private English speaking national guide for the entire journey  Fuel /Driver Bata/ driver accommodation  Anuradhapura city tour  Polonnaruwa city tour including Dambulla and Sigiriya tours  Visit spice garden  Kandy city tour  Tea plantation visit  Ceylon Gem museum visit  Ceylon Batik clothing factory visit  Sri Lanka Handicraft factory visit  All government taxes  Fuel & local insurance for the vehicle. Accommodation on HB basis Lunch Included  Private luxury Coach for the full tour  Private English speaking national guide for the entire journey Water bottles for entire journey

Above price exclusions.:  Air-tickets NOT included  Site Seeing cost not included  Camera & video permits  Travel Insurance is NOT included Guide  Personal expenses

 THE TOUR STARTS FROM 1ST DAY LUNCH TO LAST DAY LUNCH

Flights: Not Active on this tour

Additional Information:

. This is only quote and no reservations have been made as yet. All hotels are subjected to availability. . Itinerary is prepared presuming that there will be an early arrival and an afternoon or evening departure . Itinerary may conceivably vary according to the flight details. Changes to the itinerary will be made to address the needs of the customers

Cancelation Policy. . In case of cancelation, the following cancelation charges will be applicable . Less than 30 Days 50% of the Total Invoice . Less than 25 Days 100% of the Total Invoice

Organisation des Nations unies pour l’education, la Science et la culture

Cost of the tour

Tours are purchased by the organiser acting as an agent ensuring the best possible personalised tour. Please check the price of the tour at the time of booking. The price has been calculated at the time of the advertisement in accordance with the XE currency converter.

Reservations and Insurance When making the reservations please ensure you have a valid and appropriate travel insurance for duration of your tour in case you have to make a claim.. Bookings may be made by email [email protected], writing, or call or text on mob.07548 22521

Payment in advance

When the booking is made 10% of the cost of the tour has to be paid the balance of the cost to be paid 8 weeks prior to departure. Bookings can be expedited to address the requirements of the customer.

Compensation Policy

You will be notified of any changes in advance except when changes are made due to unforeseeable circumstances not in our control.

Notice of significant or cancellation change Per person

More than 56 days Nil

14 days or less £25 (17.68 USD) Please make further inquiries as necessary.

Welcome to an enjoyable, exhilarating and fascinating experience in an island like no other. The Greeks, Romans and Europeans were spellbound at the archaeological achievements, stupendous monuments, animal kingdoms, stone masonry and biodiversity of the ancient sophisticated and advanced ancient civilisation of the Sinhalese.