Colombo Contrasts (COL – 01) Full day with dinner

Colombo like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the Old World charm is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British built, colonial buildings. Other places of interest are, the Pettah Bazaar, Hindu and Buddhist temples, Mosque, Residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo National museum, the Buddist Temple, the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall – an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People's Republic of China, University of Colombo, Royal College, which is probably the largest school in Asia with 7500 students and the Independence Square. On completion of the city tour, have some shopping in Colombo. The stops would include a Souvenir /Gem & Jewelry establishment. Thereafter proceed to Mount Lavinia Hotel for Dinner. "Step back in time to an era of colonial splendor, mystique and romance. Mount Lavinia Hotel offers you the very best of modern facilities blended with a magical touch of antiquity. This enchanting British Colonial heritage hotel, located on a breathtaking beachfront, is a living legacy to the secret love story between the British Governor General of Ceylon, Sir Thomas Maitland, and the beautiful mestizo dancer, Lovina. The legendary romance has made this Colombo hotel one of the most popular venues in Sri Lanka for weddings; couples from around the world fly to this fabled island for a custom-planned wedding at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. The Victorian era ambiance, gourmet cuisine prepared by our world-class chefs and the exceptional service." Return to the Pier.

REMARKS

A fee is required for the use of cameras or video cameras inside the Museum and the Temple. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks. Proper attire is required to visit sacred sites. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed inside the temple, Ladies must have their shoulders covered. A pair of thick socks is suggested as the pavement will be hot.

Colombo Delights (COL – 02) Half day

Colombo like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the Old World charm is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British built, colonial buildings. Other places of interest are, the Pettah Bazaar, Residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo National museum, the Buddist Temple, the Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall – an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People’s Republic of China, University of Colombo, Royal College, which is probably the largest school in Asia with 7500 students and the Independence Square. On completion of the city tour, have some shopping in Colombo. The stops would include a Souvenir /Gem & Jewelry establishment and Odel – one of Sri Lanka's most popular department stores, focusing on garments and accessories. Return to the pier.

REMARKS

A fee is required for the use of cameras or video cameras inside the Museum and the Temple. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks. Proper attire is required to visit sacred sites. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed inside the temple, Ladies must have their shoulders covered. A pair of thick socks is suggested as the pavement will be hot.

The Treasure Hunt (COL – 03) Half day

Leave the pier and embark on a shopping tour with your first stop being an outlet where one would be intrigued by the traditional crafted knick knacks ranging from woodcarvings, brassware, silverware to batik pieces. The visit will be completed with a display of the ‘best tea in the world’. Thereafter continue to the Odel Department Store for clothing and accessories. Transfer from Odel to Green Path. From temple paintings to contemporary design, the creative arts are vibrant and readily available for purchase in Sri Lanka. Just stroll down Colombo seven’s leafy Green Path where art works are displayed right along on the road. These are created by young students and other local artists. Purchasing directly from them ensures a much needed income which supplements their studies or full-time jobs. Once a year, Green Path becomes a hive of activity with the 'Kala Pola' – an art fair where artists from the regional towns also bring in their creations to sell. Save the best for the last! No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without a visit to a gems and jewelry outlet. Handmade pieces are beautifully crafted by artisans whose skills are passed down from generation to generation creating a masterpiece. Known for its precious and semi precious stones we get an opportunity to see jewelry set with gems ranging from brilliant Sapphires and Star Rubies to others with Cats Eyes, Alexandrite, Aquamarines, Zircon, Moon Stones Topaz and many more. Return to the pier.

The Last Kingdom – Kandy (COL – 06) Overnight

Day 01:
Leave the pier and proceed to Kandy for a city tour. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 02:
After breakfast proceed to Kandy & visit the Kandy Temple. Long a center of the Buddhist faith, the stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. This precious relic attracts white-clad pilgrims, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani, every day. Transfer from Kandy to Ambepussa. Refreshments at Ambepussa Rest House and return to Colombo port.

REMARKS

A fee is required for the use of cameras or video cameras inside the Temple. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks. Proper attire is required to visit sacred sites. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed inside the temple, Ladies must have their shoulders covered. A pair of thick socks is suggested as the pavement will be hot. Sun screen, sunglasses and hats are recommended.

The Last Kingdom – Kandy (COL – 06) Overnight

Day 01:
Leave the pier and proceed to Kandy for a city tour. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 02:
After breakfast proceed to Kandy & visit the Kandy Temple. Long a center of the Buddhist faith, the stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. This precious relic attracts white-clad pilgrims, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani, every day. Transfer from Kandy to Ambepussa. Refreshments at Ambepussa Rest House and return to Colombo port.

REMARKS

A fee is required for the use of cameras or video cameras inside the Temple. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks. Proper attire is required to visit sacred sites. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed inside the temple, Ladies must have their shoulders covered. A pair of thick socks is suggested as the pavement will be hot. Sun screen, sunglasses and hats are recommended.

The Last Kingdom – Kandy (COL – 06) Overnight

Day 01:
Leave the pier and proceed to Kandy for a city tour. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 02:
After breakfast proceed to Kandy & visit the Kandy Temple. Long a center of the Buddhist faith, the stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. This precious relic attracts white-clad pilgrims, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani, every day. Transfer from Kandy to Ambepussa. Refreshments at Ambepussa Rest House and return to Colombo port.

REMARKS

A fee is required for the use of cameras or video cameras inside the Temple. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks. Proper attire is required to visit sacred sites. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed inside the temple, Ladies must have their shoulders covered. A pair of thick socks is suggested as the pavement will be hot. Sun screen, sunglasses and hats are recommended.

The Last Kingdom – Kandy (COL – 06) Overnight

Day 01:
Leave the pier and proceed to Kandy for a city tour. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings which is a World Heritage Site. The name "Kandy" conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 02:
After breakfast proceed to Kandy & visit the Kandy Temple. Long a center of the Buddhist faith, the stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. This precious relic attracts white-clad pilgrims, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani, every day. Transfer from Kandy to Ambepussa. Refreshments at Ambepussa Rest House and return to Colombo port.

REMARKS

A fee is required for the use of cameras or video cameras inside the Temple. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks. Proper attire is required to visit sacred sites. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed inside the temple, Ladies must have their shoulders covered. A pair of thick socks is suggested as the pavement will be hot. Sun screen, sunglasses and hats are recommended.

Tea & Shopping Tour (COL – 04) Half day

Leave the pier and proceed to Dilmah Tea Complex. Dilmah production complex located at Peliyagoda, a northern suburb of Colombo, has a workforce of more than 1,000, of which nearly 500 young men and women work in its flavored-tea unit. It has the world's largest tea-bagging facility in a single location, where a state-of-art Italian plant zips out 2,000 tea bags a minute, and the modern tea-cleaning facility, the largest in Asia. For its product, Dilmah uses produce from 20,000 hectares of prime tea plantations. The tantalizing flavored range on offer includes all popular fruit and spice flavors. On a shopping tour with your first stop being an outlet where one would be intrigued by the traditional crafted knick knacks ranging from woodcarvings, brassware, and silverware to batik pieces. The visit will be completed with a display of the ‘best tea in the world’. Thereafter continue to the Odel Department Store for clothing and accessories. Save the best for the last! No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without a visit to a gems and jewelry outlet. Handmade pieces are beautifully crafted by artisans whose skills are passed down from generation to generation creating a masterpiece. Known for its precious and semi precious stones we get an opportunity to see jewelry set with gems ranging from brilliant Sapphires and Star Rubies to others with Cats Eyes, Alexandrite, Aquamarines, Zircon, Moon Stones Topaz and many more. Return to the pier.

The Elephants of Pinnawela & Kelanyia Temple (COL – 05) Full day

Leave the Pier and proceed to Pinnawela and visit the Elephant Orphanage, The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975, commenced with seven orphans. Today some of these orphans enjoy the fortune of seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective of establishing the orphanage inclined more towards tourism, but is soon became a conservation and educational centre. With the help of local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive-breeding program for elephants. The free movement of the herd enhanced the chances for respective individuals of both sexes to get together and mate. The nearby river played a dominant role in this regard, and in 1984, the first baby of Pinnawela was born. The success story of Pinnawela has drawn the attention of scientists from all over the world. A considerable number of books and research articles on Pinnawela have been published in several languages. The members of the Pinnawela herd have been filmed, videoed and photographed thousands of times by professionals. Watch them being fed or in the river having bath. Thereafter proceed to Colombo via Kelaniya and visit the Kelaniya Temple Rajamaha Vihare build in 3rd Century. Kelaniya is one of the 03 places in the island, visited by the Buddha and moreover is an important centre of traditional Sinhala Pottery.

REMARKS

A fee is required for the use of cameras or video cameras at Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and inside the Temple. Passengers may not be allowed to enter the site with big bags/rucksacks. Proper attire is required to visit sacred sites. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed inside the temple, Ladies must have their shoulders covered. A pair of thick socks is suggested as the pavement will be hot. Elephants in PInnawela are not fully tamed; visitors should not get too close to the animals. All passengers must be in possession of their passport.

Tee Off in Style (COL – 07) Half day

Sri Lanka is relatively unknown in the field of Golf, but surprisingly the country has Four of the finest 18 hole courses in Asia. In fact the association with golf is more than a century and the Sri Lanka Amateur Golf Championship, which was instituted in the year 1891 follows the British Amateur Golf Championship, as the oldest national championship in the world. Leave the Pier in the morning and proceed to Royal Colombo Golf Club. The Royal Colombo Golf course is 5770 m long (par 71). A flat course with broad fairways, which looks simple to beginners but there are many water hazards and well guarded bunkers which quickly change the option. The Royal Colombo Golf Club is easily accessible, being 20 minutes drive from all first class hotels in the city. It established in 1879 is one of the oldest in the world. The 18 hole course is 5187 m in length with broad tree lined fairways. It is not as easy to play as it may seem from first impressions – it is possible to go into the water at every hole.

REMARKS

Golf Equipment available for hire at the Golf Club. Proper attire is required for the Golf Club: Golf/regular sport shoes, short/long trousers, short/long sleeve shirt with collar, no round neck T shirts or vests, beach shorts or running shorts are not permitted.

White Water Rafting (COL – 08) Half day

Sri Lanka's spring fed boulder rivers flow through wild tropical jungles are the ideal setting for white water rafting. Whether it’s a half day or full day excursion or as an activity of a multi day tour itinerary White Water Rafting is a must do activity for young and not so young alike. This activity which doesn’t require swimming capabilities at all is ideal for the amateurs who wish to 'take the plunge' and for experts as well. Our main rafting location Kithulgala had a bout of fame, when it was chosen as a prime location in the filming of, David Lean's 1957 award winning film 'Bridge on the River Kwai.' The Kelani River (one of the main river's of Sri Lanka) flows through the Kitulgala's rock strewn sections and the rapids provide ample pleasure for the adventure sport of white water rafting. The actual run takes about 1 ½ hours to 2 hours depends on how much time you want to spend in water, to complete with encounters of grade 2 and 3 rapids, bearing unique names such as Butter Crunch, Killer Falls, Head Chopper and Virgin's Breast !

REMARKS

Life jacket is provided by the White water rafting supplier. It is suggested to wear comfortable and suitable clothes for rafting, swimming suites and shorts, extra clothes are suggested. Sun screen, sunglasses and hats are recommended.

Multicultural Tour (COL – 09) Half day

Sri Lanka is a multi-religious society. Though Buddhism is the major religion, other religions such as Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are also followed. About 70% of the population follows Buddhism. Buddhism came to Sri Lanka from India during the reign of Ashoka in third century BC and played a significant role in the establishment of Sinhalese kingdoms since the early times, dating back to over two thousand years. Buddhism was regarded the highest ethical and philosophical expression of Sinhalese culture and civilization. Hinduism is mainly practiced by Tamils in Srilanka who ethnically belong to South India where Hinduism was predominantly practiced. Around the fifth and the sixth century A.D., the Chola dynasty of South India usurped the throne of the Sinhalese Kingdom and conquered the island, leading to the considerable number of immigrants from South India into the northern Sri Lanka. Thus Hinduism was introduced in Sri Lanka and during the reign of Tamil kings, Hindu shrines were widely constructed. Major Hindu Gods that are worshipped in Sri Lanka are Vishnu, Shiva, Kali, Ganesha and Skanda. Muslims comprise nearly 7% of Sri Lanka's population. In ancient times Arab traders from the Middle East visited the southern part of Sri Lanka for their business and later settled in the island. The Muslim community in Sri Lanka attained dominant growth by 10^th century A.D. Christianity first came to Sri Lanka upon the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century. Under their rule, Roman Catholicism was spread out in a mass scale of the Island with many Roman Catholic schools for the Sinhalese and the Tamils. With the attempts of the Portuguese to Christianize native people, Buddhism and Hinduism were severely affected. There were an increasing number of both Sinhalese and Tamils converting to Roman Catholicism. When the Portuguese were driven out by the Dutch, Protestantism and the Dutch Reformed Church was introduced and during the British rule conversions to Christianity increased strongly.

REMARKS

A fee is required for the use of cameras or video cameras inside the Temple. Proper attire is required to visit sacred sites. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed inside the temple, Ladies must have their shoulders covered. A pair of thick socks is suggested as the pavement will be hot.

Horse Riding (COL – 10) Half day

Premadasa Riding School stable of 38 horses comprising of Indian and Sri Lankan thoroughbreds, Marwari and half breeds, provide a palette of colors, temperaments and abilities to choose from. Once at Premadasa Riding School, passengers will have the possibility to have a basic introduction to riding with how to approach, mount and ride the basic gaits (walk, trot and canter). The Riding School is also an active member of the national federation for equestrian sports - the Sri Lanka Equestrian Association (affiliate of FEI – world body for equestrian sports).

REMARKS

Helmet, boots and body protectors will be provided at the site. Light and comfortable clothes are suggested. The cost of the Horse riding is not included in the tour. Leisure facilities will be available at the site, they are not included in the tour.

Water Sports (COL – 11) Extended half day

The best place for water sports is without doubt the town of Bentota on the West Coast, which is approximately 2 hours south from Colombo. It benefits from a large flat estuary at the mouth of the Bentota Ganga, which ensures safe waters all year round for wakeboarding windsurfing, waterskiing, banana rides, donuts, kayaking and jet ski. Therefore, even during the monsoon (April-Nov) when the sea is unsafe for swimming and other activities have to cease the water sports can continue.

REMARKS

Life jacket is provided at the site. It is suggested to wear comfortable and suitable clothes for rafting, swimming suites and shorts, extra clothes are suggested. Sun screen, sunglasses and hats are recommended.