Culture and East Coast of Sri Lanka

Meet the clients on arrival & transfer from Colombo airport to Habarana (approx. 4hrs).

Transfer from Habarana to Sigiriya (approx. 40 minutes) Climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The "Lion Rock" is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the "Heavenly Maidens" of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster. Transfer from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa (approx. 2 hrs) The island’s medieval capital (built in the 11th and 12th century AD) rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. It is a world heritage site. Many of the ruins are in an excellent condition. Its great artificial lake, the Parakrama Samudra which covers an area of 6,000 acres, feeds a network of irrigation canals and minor tanks. Visit the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya which has 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in ’Upright’, ’Sedentary’ and ’Recumbent’ postures carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath and the statue of King Parakramabahu. There are also monuments of famous places of worship such as the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Transfer from Polonnaruwa to Habarana (approx. 1 1/2hrs).

Transfer from Habarana to Trincomalee (approx. 3 hrs) Trincomalee is a port city situated on the east coast of Sri Lanka. The city is built on a peninsula which divides the inner and outer harbours. Historically referred to as ’Gokanna’ or ’Gokarna’, it has been a sea port that has played a major role in maritime and international trading history of Sri Lanka. The Bay of Trincomalee’s harbour is renowned for its large size and security; unlike every other in the Indian sea, it is accessible to all types of craft in all weathers. The beaches are used for surfing, scuba diving.The city also has the largest Dutch fort in Sri Lanka. Transfer from Trincomalee to Nilaveli (approx. 30 minutes).

Do a boat safari to Pigeon Island. Pigeon Island is located around 1 km away from the Nilaveli beach. This island got it’s name because of the Rock Pigeons live over there. In year 2003 Pigeon Island was designated as a national park in Sri Lanka. Earlier it was a sanctuary. This island was used by British army as a place for shooting practice in early world war time.

Transfer from Trincomalee to Anuradhapura (approx. 3hrs) Anuradhapura was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of the ancient Ceylon. It is the home of two world heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological interest could be visited. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) was brought as a sapling of the tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained to enlightenment and it is over 2200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. The Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C), the 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C) is the most famous of all the dagobas. It originally depicted the perfect ’’bubble shape" that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce. "Samadhi" Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of "Samadhi" or deep meditation. Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century B.C) is well known for its rock carvings. Transfer from Anuradhapura to Negombo (approx. 4hrs).

Post breakfast, transfer from Negombo to Colombo airport (approx. 20 minutes) for departure.