Sri Lanka, ancient cities and sacred temples

The Undiscovered Country

You might say Sri Lanka has been hiding in plain sight. Countless scores of travellers have passed overhead on their way to someplace
else, but years of war and challenges such as tsunamis have kept Sri Lanka off many itineraries. But now Sri Lanka has found its place
on the itineraries of ever more travellers. Several years after the war ended, the country is moving forward quickly even as questions
about the war continue to spark debate. Lying between the more trodden parts of India and Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka's myriad appeals
are undeniably alluring.

Few places have as many Unesco World Heritage Sites (eight) packed into such a small area. Sri Lanka's 2000-plus years of culture can
be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details. Across the island, that thing that goes bump in the night
might be an elephant heading to a favourite waterhole. Distances are short see the sacred home of the world’s oldest living tree in the
morning (Anuradhapura) and stand awestruck by the sight of hundreds of elephants gathering in the afternoon (Minneriya). Discover a
favourite beach, meditate in a 2000-year-old temple, exchange smiles while strolling a mellow village, marvel at birds and wildflowers,
and try to keep count of the little dishes that come with your rice and curry.

Rainforests & Beaches

When you’re ready to escape the tropical climate of the coast and lowlands, head for the hills, with their temperate, achingly green
charms. Verdant tea plantations and rain forested peaks beckon walkers, trekkers and those who just want to see it on a spectacular train
ride. And then there are the beaches. Dazzlingly white and often untrod, they ring the island so that no matter where you go, you’ll be
near a sandy gem. Should you beat the inevitable languor, you can surf and dive world-class sites without world-class crowds.
General Information

Official Name Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Government Type Republic

Area 65,525 km

Currency Code LKR

Independent 4th February 1948

Administrative Capital Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte

Commercial Capital Colombo

Ethnic Groups Sinhalese 74.9 %, Sri Lankan Tamils 11.2%, Indian Tamils 4.2%, Lankan Moors 9.2%,
other 0.5%
(2012 census)

Languages Sinhala (official and national language) 74%,

Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8%
Note: English (a link language commonly) is used in government and spoken com-
petently by about 10% of the population

Religion Buddhist 70.1%, Hindu 12.6%, Islam 9.7%, Christianity 6.2, unspecified 1.4% (2012
census)

Time Zone Sri Lanka Standard Time is five and a half hours ahead of GMT.
(Allowance should be made for summer-time changes in Europe.)

International Dialing +94

Electricity Standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric
appliances in Sri Lanka, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220
- 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).

Average Temperature 27.0 °C (81 °F)

Detailed Program
DAY 01: 17th DEC 2023 - AIRPORT – BENTOTA

On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. A Local
representative of Citrine Holidays,Bangalore will welcome you & you will be transferred to Bentota.

Bentota

Nestled between a quiet strip of ocean and river, Bentota is just over an hour’s drive from
Colombo and is another ocean paradise spot most famous for its offer of a number of water
sports for adventure enthusiasts. While you take the busy Galle Road to get here, the actual
accommodation spot and activity centers are situated in a secluded area of the town.

Bentota is strewn with classy, package hotels located on a golden, sandy beach making it the perfect spot for sun and fun,
with many Ayurvedic spas and health centers located within the hotel premises as well, owing to its focus on holistic
healing and alternate medical practices. Spend one day on a jet ski, another lounging by a pool and yet another encased in
herbal wraps and luxurious massages to get a complete feel of what Bentota is all about.

Check in to the hotel and refresh

Rest of the evening at Leisure at the hotel.

Dinner & Over night stay in Sheraton Beach Hotel, Bentota

DAY 02: 18th DEC 2023 - BENTOTA – BENTOTA

After breakfast, explore the city and engage in the following interesting activities as well.

Madu Ganga Boat Safari (River) and fish therapy (Entrance fees direct by the guests)

915-hectare Madu Ganga Estuary is connected by two narrow channels to the Ran-
dombe Lake, forming a complex wetland system encompassing 64 mangrove islets. In
the year 2000, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) undertook a
detailed biodiversity survey of the region & revealed the existence of no less than 10
major wetland vegetation types supporting over 300 plant species & 248 species of
vertebrates. This remarkable diversity has led to its being classified under RAMSAR
Convention on Wetlands in 2003.

After visit Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda,

Turtle Hatchery (Entrance fees direct by the guests)

Kosgoda is famous for its sea turtle conservation project operated by the Wild Life Pro-
tection Society of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1988 to protect Sri Lanka’s turtles
from extinction. Since then it has released about 3.5 million baby turtles into the wild.

The hatchery pays fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the long sandy
beach. Although October to April is the main laying season, some eggs (mostly green
turtles) can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year.

The hatchery buries the eggs in sand, and when they hatch around 50 days later the baby turtles are released into the sea
at night. Only about one in 1,000 turtles survive to maturity.

Kosgoda turtle hatchery also has tanks for injured or disabled turtles, including albino turtles that would not survive in
the wild.

In the evening enjoy the Water sport activates. (Activity charges direct by the guests)

Back to the hotel & Rest of the Evening at leisure.

Dinner & Over night stay in Sheraton Beach Hotel, Bentota

DAY 03: 19th DEC 2023 - BENTOTA – BENTOTA

Breakfast at the hotel

Rest of the day at Leisure at the hotel

Dinner & over night stay in Sheraton Beach Hotel, Bentota

DAY 04: 20th DEC 2023 - BENTOTA – NUWARA ELIYA

After breakfast, check-out and proceed to Nuwara Eliya.

En-route Enjoy with White water rafting in Kitulgala (Activity charges direct by the guest)

Afterwards proceed to Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka s most popular hill resort. Nuwara
Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka s tea country producing a significant share of the world best tea. Sri Lanka s highest
mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located here. Nuwara Eliya also has one of the finest 18 whole golf courses in
South Asia.

Check in to the hotel & refresh.

Rest of the evening at Leisure at the hotel.

Dinner & Over night stay in Araliya Green City Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

DAY 05: 21st DEC 2023 - NUWARA ELIYA - NUWARA ELIYA

Breakfast at the hotel And explore the city of Nuwara Eliya.

Visit Seetha Amman Temple

The stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sitadevi during her stay at
Ashok Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. About a century ago, the three
idols were discovered in the stream, one of which was that of Sita. It is believed that the
idols have been worshipped at this spot for centuries.

Now there is temple for Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana, and Hanuman by the side of this
stream. It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Hanuman’s are found by this river
and some are of small size and some are of large size, which tells us of the immense
powers of hanuman transforming himself into any size.

Visit Victoria Park (Entrance fees direct by the guests)

The Victoria Park is a public park located in NuwaraEliya, next to the NuwaraEliya Post
Officein Sri Lanka.Originally the park was the research field of Hakgala Botanical Gar-
den. The park was formally named in 1897 to commemorateQueen Victoria's Diamond
Jubilee. The park was established with the planting of its first tree, an Oak, by a visiting
German Princess. The NanuOya River runs through the park, creating a number of small
scenic lakes that greatly enhance the park's natural beauty. A large number of rare bird
species can be found in the park. At the far end of the park is a small children's play-
ground and miniature ridable railway.

Nuwara Eliya Race Course& Horse rides (Entrance fees direct by the guests)
Horse racing has always been a game of gentlemen and it started in NuwaraEliya as far
back as 1860, during the height of the coffee plantations, The Ministry of Sports orga-
nizes many horse racing events throughout the year. The best are organized targeting
the “Summer Blooms” festival held each April and mini events held for two days dur-
ing Christmas for the entertainment of the crowds that throng to NuwaraEliya to cele-
brate Christmas in cooler climes, if you miss the events you could always organize a
pony or a horse on request and trot along the race course.

Lake Gregory-park and boat rides (Entrance fees & Boat rides direct by the guests)
Take a boat ride in the chilly waters of the Lake Gregory’s, the centre piece and a major attraction of tourist to Nuwara-
Eliya. Built by Governor William Gregory in 1872 – 1877 by damming NanuOya rivulet which runs across the town and
records show that many English breeds of fish were released here to breed along with it being promoted as a water sport
and re-creational centre during the Colonial era. Today is boasts of footpaths and a boathouse for visitors to hire boats or
go rowing in NuwaraEliya Lake Gregory.

Back to the hotel, Rest of the evening at Leisure

Dinner & Over night stay in Araliya Green City Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

DAY 06: 22nd DEC 2023 - NUWARA ELIYA - COLOMBO

After Early breakfast, check-out and proceed to Colombo

En route visit the below places.

Ramboda Falls.

Ramboda Falls is 109 m (358 ft) high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and
729th highest waterfall in the world.] It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5
highway at Ramboda Pass. It formed by PannaOya which is a tributary of Kothma-
leOya. Altitude of the falls is 945 m (3,100 ft) above sea level.

Hanuman Jee Temple

According to the ancient stories, Ramboda is a area, where the forces of Rama's
gather to fight against King Ravana. This temple was built by the Chinmaya mission
of Sri Lanka and dedicated to Hanuman. This temple houses for 16 feel height statue
of Hanuman

And visit Spice Garden in Mawanella, (You will get a lovely Head or Shoulder Massage free of charge)

Sri Lanka has always been reknowned for its spices. Over 15 different
spices call Sri Lanka home and many of them are traded in the in-
ternational spice market. Cinnamon especially is endemic to Sri Lanka,
and highest quality ‘true cinnamon’ can be obtained here.
Visiting Sri Lanka which is a land of spices, without seeing those spices
being grown would indeed be a pity too.
The best way to check out and purchase the best spices in Sri Lanka is to
visit the island’s various renowned Spice Gardens .

Reasons you should visit the Spice Gardens of Sri Lanka:

1. The gardens introduce you to the different spices in Sri Lanka and their uses.
2. They also allow you to see how the spices are grown, harvested and produced.
3. High quality spices, traditional remedies and natural cosmetics made with spices are available for purchase at very fair prices.
4. The Spice Gardens are also quiet, peaceful places to spend some time close to nature.
5. The gardens give a chance to try out amazing aromatic meals complete with the spices that tease your senses are a fa-
vorite here as well.
Afterwards proceed to Colombo

Sri Lanka’s former capital city, Colombo is easily the largest metropolis in the country. It is still the commercial and en-
tertainment hub with many corporate buildings, restaurants, shopping malls, spas, hotels and nightclubs. If you want to
have an active urban nightlife and do a spot of shopping then Colombo is your place. One thing unique you’re bound to
find in the heart of Colombo is the tree-lined main streets adding to the idea that this truly is a tropical paradise. Stand
under one of the towering streets in the afternoon sun and you’re bound to cool off.

Check in to your hotel and refresh.

Explore the city of Colombo with shopping.

Colombo also has a massive park named after both Queen Victoria and Sri Lankan
princes ViharaMaha Devi, and is situation along the island’s Western Coastline
boasting some of the world’s best city sunsets every evening. Sit on an open terrace,
sip Margaritas and watch the golden-orange sky dance tones of blue and purple as
night begins to fall.

Your tour of the City of Colombo will take you on a journey of diverse range of
lifestyle that you would wonder if you are in one city. Visit the bustling hub of Pet-
tah which is a key spot of trade in Sri Lanka followed by a tour of Fort where you would see century old buildings rub-
bing shoulders with modern buildings. You will then drive past the Old Parliament building and enjoy the scenic drive
down ‘Galle Face’ Colombo’s promenade. Make your way to the SeemaMalikaya an iconic meditation center which was
designed by world famous architect Geoffrey Bawa. You will also visit a Buddhist & Hindu temple and thereafter make
your way past the Cinnamon Gardens residential area.

And enjoy shopping in Colombo.

ODEL, Cotton Collection, House of Fashion, Barefoot gallery, Paradise Road, Laksala&Lakmedura

Back to the hotel and relax

Dinner & Overnight stay in Granbell Hotel, Colombo

DAY 07: 23rd DEC 2023 - COLOMBO - AIRPOT DROP

After Breakfast, Relax for sometimes check-out & proceed to the airport to catch your Departure flight.

- END OF THE SERVICE -