(Diyabubula – Dambulla – Sigiriya – Pollonnaruwa – Minneriya National Reserve – Kandy enroute to – Nuwara Eliya – Beruwala|Weligama) Two nights at Dambulla and one night at Nuwara Eliya
Itinerary
Day One:
Met by the Barberyn driver on arrival and leave for Diyabubula, located in Dambulla in the cultural centre of Srilanka. www.diyabubula.com
Check in at Diyabubula.. Rest and relax,and depending on your time of arrival have breakfast or lunch or afternoon tea. Proceed to Dambulla cave temple complex.
Proceed to Dambulla cave temple complex after lunch.
A monastic settlement of the 2nd century BC, which has been a destination for pilgrims since its establishment. The rock rises over 400 ft. above the ground and consists of 5 cave temples spread throughout 50 acres of land. The magnificence of the cave temples lies in the abundance of art, depicted on well preserved Wall and Ceiling paintings covering an area of 22,000sqft, from which you can see how artists are inspired by religion. Enjoy the rich collections of 154 Sri Lankan sculptures in the form of large Buddha statutes in standing, seated & recumbent postures and some outstanding figures of gods.
After sightseeing at Dambulla cave temple complex proceed to Diyabubula. Dinner and overnight at Diyabubula
Day Two :
Wake up to the sounds of the forests and after breakfast leave for Sigiriya.
One of Asia’s 7 major archaeological sites and one of the World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. It presents a unique example of 5th century urban planning, architecture, gardening, engineering, hydraulic technology and art. Sigiriya is best known for the rock paintings of the heavenly maidens “Apsaras” and is an outstanding example of the classical school of Sri Lankan painting. The Lion staircase, Mirror wall, and beautifully designed water garden all add to the richness of the site. The 1.2 hectare area at the top of Sigiriya is a mosaic of low brick walls, terraces, platforms and pools carved out of rock.
Proceed to Pollonnaruwa and lunch enroute. If you opt to visit Minneriya, return to Diyabubula for lunch and rest, and proceed to Minneriya national reserve after lnch – in the late afternoon.
Pollonnaruwa -the second medieval capitol of Sri Lanka (12th Century A.D.) Highlights of the visit will be the stone temple popularly known as Galviharaya. Take in the quadrangle (palace complex) and other archaeological and historical sights.
Minneriya national reserve – The Minneriya Wildlife sanctuary designated as a national park in the late 90’s is a must see for any wild life enthusiast and historian. Home to a tank built by the then King of Sri Lanka, King Mahasen (3rd Century AD), the area is a feeding ground for elephants during the dry season (May- to end September) where herds of elephants gather. The gathering of elephants at this location has been declared by the Lonely Planet guide as “the sixth greatest wildlife spectacle in the world.”
Dinner and overnight at Diyabubula.
Day Three :
Rise early if you wish to expereince the morning in the forest and do some bird watching. After breakfast leave for Nuwara Eliya via Kandy
Kandy: Visit the Temple of the Tooth. Lunch in Kandy. Then proceed to Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya: Drive through the picturesque mountains and stop to admire some waterfalls. As you travel, you will see the vegetation change from tropical profusion to cool and gentle green hills, the home of Ceylon tea. En route, visit a tea factory and witness the process of tea production and enjoy a fesh cup of tea.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Day Four:
After breakfast, depart for Barberyn Reef, Beruwala or Barberyn Beach, Weligama. Guests destined for Barberyn Beach, Weligama can take the Ella Wellawaya road and take the route to the deep South.
Late evening arrive at Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort, Beruwala or Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama, where travel ends and the journey within begins