VIP Tour Itinerary for Sri Lanka

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Day 1

Upon arrival you will enjoy the VIP services at the Colombo International Airport.
VIP Arrival with Lounge Access
You will be privately escorted off the air plane to the silk route lounge
where you can relax, enjoy the refreshments while your luggage will be cleared through customs on your behalf. Free Wi Fi will be available and you will meet your chauffeur / national guide at the lounge. VIP exit to your vehicle through a separate door.
Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer to a convenient hotel close to the international airport. Relax and unwind after your flight, preparing yourself for the adventure ahead.

Day 2

After breakfast drive to the cultural triangle, on the way visiting Dambulla Rock Cave Temple.
Climb the UNESCO Dambulla cave temple which is a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery, with its five sanctuaries, is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist mural paintings are of particular importance, as are the 157 statues.

Day 3

After breakfast climb Sigiriya rock fortress and in the evening visiting Minneriya or Kaudulla national Park.
Climb UNESCO Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The ruins of the capital built by the parricidal King Kassapa, lie on the steep slopes and at the summit of a granite peak standing some 180m high (the 'Lion's Rock', which dominates the jungle from all sides). A series of galleries and staircases emerging from the mouth of a gigantic lion constructed of bricks and plaster provide access to the site.
Minneriya National Park Situated at the centre of the Cultural Triangle, Minneriya is a good alternative to the busier parks in the south and it is easy to weave in jeep drive here between visiting the ancient sites in this area. The dry season, from June to September, is the best time to visit the 8,890-hectare park, when the ancient tank that dominates the area dries out and the grasses and shoots push through – during this time it is possible to see herds of up to 150 elephants feeding and washing, as well as toque macaques, sambar deer and leopards, as well as many different species of bird including flocks of cormorants and painted storks. When the large numbers of elephants come together it is an astonishing sight and is a recognized wildlife event known as ‘The Elephant Gathering’, the largest assemblage of Asian elephants in the world. Minneriya mainly consists of tropical dryzone evergreen forest, abandoned chena lands, grasslands and wetlands which are home to a variety of shrubs. 24 species of mammals have been recorded here, including leopards, sloth bear, spotted and sambar deer, wild buffalo, wild boar, three species of mongoose, porcupine, Indian pangolin, grey langers and purple-faced leaf monkey. There is also a large population of elephants in the park, which sometimes converge in great numbers (up to 300) around Minneriya Tank. Nine species of amphibians have been seen in the park, among them the native red-lipped lizard, water and land monitor lizards and mugger crocodiles. Due to its many different types of vegetation and habitat, the park is also home to over 170 species of birds, including: migrant waders such as wood and common sandpiper and Kentish plover; forest birds like the Malabar-pied hornbill, Rufus woodpecker and the globally-endangered lesser adjutant, and endemic species including Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka green pigeon, brown-capped babbler and Sri Lanka jungle fowl. The orange-breasted green pigeon, emerald dove and green imperial pigeon can also be seen, as well as a host of other migrating forest birds.

Day 4

After breakfast explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital in 1073, the well-preserved ruins of Polonnaruwa is one of the country’s most prominent cultural sites. First a military base for invading South Indian Chola tribes until King Vijayabahu overthrew them in 1070, Polonnaruwa was subsequently developed into a city by King Parakramabahu I and it became the country’s capital city until the late 13th century. The ancient city is in remarkably good nick and is a fascinating cultural site to visit, home to ruins of a palace, an enormous dagoba, stunning statues and a striking building which has such unusual architecture that it is still unexplained by historians today. Some of the most impressive ruins are the sculptures at the Gal Viahara, which were cut into granite stone in the middle of the 12th century. The entire sculpture consists of four colossal statues of Buddha - a samadhi image in meditation posture; a seated Buddha image inside a cave; a standing Buddha image which is 23ft in height, and recumbent Buddha image measuring 46ft which depicts the passing away.

Day 5

After breakfast drive to Kandy with a stop in Matale Spice Garden. In the evening explore the sacred city of Kandy with a visit to Temple of the Tooth.
The Spice Gardens in Matale are one of the best places in the country to see how the secrets of the Sri Lankan flavors are made. Witness the birth of pure Ceylon cinnamon, pepper, cloves, cardamom and nutmeg among many others. A dedicated guide will take you around the garden for a short tour and if you like, you can purchase their products as well, which is not mandatory.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth which is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of
the country.

Day 6

After breakfast visiting Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. In the evening visiting cultural dance show in Kandy.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, located just outside of Kandy, are Sri Lanka’s largest landscaped gardens, spanning over 60 hectares.
The origin of the gardens dates back to the 14th century, but they were not formally established until 1843 when the British took control of the Kandyan Kingdom. During the development of the gardens, a wide variety of plants were moved from several other parts of the island including Slave Island in Colombo and Kalutara on the west coast. Many species were also shipped from Kew Gardens in London, which has the most diverse botanical collection in the world.
The Royal Botanical Gardens are now home to 4,000 different species of plants and over 10,000 trees, showcasing all of Sri Lanka’s flora and many other tropical plants not native to the island. Walk down avenues framed by towering coconut palms; shelter beneath the sprawling canopy of the old Javan fig tree; marvel at the extensive collection of orchids and see giant fruit bats hanging in their hundreds from the tree tops.
Kandyan Cultural Show Held in Kandy town, this cultural show depicts various forms of Kandyan dancing which was once native to the area but has now spread to different regions of the island. Originated from a dance performed by Indian shamans who came to the island, Kandyan dancing plays an important role in Sri Lankan culture and is a much-anticipated event during perahera processions. During the show, you will see several dances which depict the graceful movements of birds and animals, which trace their origins back to the ancient ritual known as the Kohomba Kankariya, as well as energetic acrobatic performances where the men perform a series of leaping pirouettes and stunts such as plate-spinning and the dramatic ‘fire walk’ which ends the show.

Day 7&8

After breakfast take a scenic train to Nuwara Eliya (Haputale or Ella) In the evening visiting a Tea factory.
Get on board the local train which is how the British used to travel during the Colonial times in the late 1800’s. You will have reserved seats for you and witness the beautiful ride along forests, villages, waterfalls and tea estates and the train journeys to the sleepy town amidst the hill.
In the morning witness hundreds of local village women walking among the tea estates plucking tea
leaves to be carried out into the nearby Tea Factory. Visit one of these factories and learn the secrets of
the world famous Ceylon Tea through a guided tour. Learn how the same estate produces different
grades of tea catering to different types of markets.

Day 9

After breakfast drive towards Ravana Falls and Buduruwagala Temple and processed to Yala National Park.

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Day 10

Start early morning to enjoy the big game drive in Yala National Park. Better to Organized a picnic breakfast pack for the Safari journeys.
Take a jeep ride in the Yala national park in search of the elusive Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Elephants, Wild Boar, Sambur Deer, Spotted Deer, Water Buffaloes and many bird species. The park is one of the best
places in the world to see leopards. Early morning and late in the afternoon are the best times to settle in for some leopard and bear sightings.

Day 11

After breakfast drive to Galle. On the way to Galle you can see one of the best Beeches and Stilt Fishing in Southern cost of Sri lanka. In the evening enjoy a Galle Fort Walk towards ramparts.
Explore the southern town of Galle and the sandy beaches in the West Coast through this special itinerary. Once a booming commercial hub visited by tradesmen from all parts of the world, Galle hasn’t lost its magic in charming people from different paths of life. Bustling with activity, people and various experiences, Galle is home to the 17th century Dutch Fort, now a melting pot of cultures and cuisines offering everything from Sri Lanka to Moroccan.

Day 12

After breakfast drive to Colombo
A City Tour of Colombo, where you can experience firsthand the borrowed words from the Portuguese to the amazing architecture the Dutch/English left behind, see the vision and love the Englishman had for this land - all while learning and experiencing what being "Sri Lankan" is all about.
In the evening or following day morning drive to the Airport to connect with your flight where you will receive VIP

assistance along with access to the Executive Lounge.

End of service