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LK10HBI011

Footsteps In Paradise (17 Days)

Footsteps In Paradise (17 Days)

$752.76 USD
$893.90 USD $752.76 USD
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Sri Lanka though a renowned leisure destination for its mesmeric hill country, exquisite beaches, and fascinating cultural attraction of ancient cities and shrines is not a destination that readily comes to mind for a golfing holiday. If you look up the Sri Lanka Map you will learn to your delightful surprise that you can easily fit in three fabulous golf courses of all Asia located at three elevations.

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1 Day in Colombo

Upon arrival at the airport, we will transport you to Colombo where you can check into your hotel and rest. Then you are bound to experience the eventful atmosphere the Colombo has in store by touching in on many hotspots. From the Old parliament and the lighthouse and some shopping at various boutiques, you are sure to enjoy.

Colombo City Tour

Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores.

1 Day in Anuradhapura

We then head towards Anuradhapura where kings once ruled and a flourishing kingdom was made. The first ancient capital of Sri Lanka which stood ground for over a millennia, has many manmade structures such as statues, pagodas, monastic buildings amidst a vast area which is now a holy ground that attracts many tourists, local and foreign regularly.

Anuradhapura Ancient City

Walk through the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura, which was the capital for over a millennium until the 10th century AD. View the pagodas, monastic buildings and ponds that are scatter all over the vast area. Visit important landmarks such as Jetavanarama, which was one of the tallest buildings of the ancient world, the Sri Maha Bodhi and the ruins of the huge Abhayagiri Monastery. Gain more knowledge about Sri Lanka’s history as you walk in the footsteps of Kings.

3 Days in Dambulla

During your stay in Dambulla, you will visit a number of ancient places such as the rock fortress in Yapahuwa, the Golden Cave Temple in Dambulla, the rock fortress in Sigiriya, a village tour in Sigiriya and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. You can even embark on a three hour long safari ride at the Minneriya National Park.

Yapahuwa

Visit the rock fortress of Yapahuwa where the seat of government was based in the 13th century. It also had its own Temple of the Tooth Relic where the relic was housed at that time. View the majestic entrance arch and ornamental stairway. Walk through the ruins of the temple at the summit or along the terraces. Enjoy the detailed sculptures scattered throughout the entire fortress.

Golden Temple of Dambulla

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ‘The Lion Rock’. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Sigiriya Village Tour

After making your descent, proceed to a local village nearby and experience the world from the view of a villager. Enjoy a relaxing catamaran safari across a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Delight your taste buds with a home cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. (Travel Time: 10 to 15 mins)

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. From here, free-marketeers haggled for rare goods and the pious prayed at any one of its numerous temples. The glories of that age can be found in archaeological treasures which give a pretty good idea of how the city looked in its heyday.

Minneriya National Park

This three-hour safari takes you on a ride through the Minneriya National Park. Enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place during the famous Great Elephant Gathering, which happens in the dry season between May to October. In addition to elephants, get a chance to also see many mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the scrublands, forests and other areas.

3 Days in Kandy

The hill capital awaits you with wonders that you can explore. Your first stop would be a spice garden. Then you can enjoy a walk at the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Kandy City and pay homage at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. You can also witness a cultural festival and go to the Millennium Elephant Foundation.

Spice Garden

Euphoria Spice and Herbal is located 12 km away from Matale (The spice capital of Sri Lanka). Enriched with herbs, spice groves and plants with fragrant greenery shading from the tropical trees that enlightens the unique aroma of each spice and herb. We give the opportunity for our visitors to explore and gain knowledge on Sri Lankan spices, herbs and the benefits of Ayurveda. The tropical climate in which our plants and herbs are grown helps them preserve its ancient originality. The educational tour around the garden, which we call “The Spice Tour”, let the visitors feel the sensation of the Sri Lankan spices and herbs which is demonstrated in different foreign languages to suit our customer need.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, which were formed in the early 19th century. Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy the learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees, or bordered by flowering plants. Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes or even climbing the twisty trees that make wonderful jungle gyms.

Kandy City

Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhala Kings, and is the islands cultural centre. It was Sri Lanka’s capital until the British took control in 1815 and due to its significant association with Buddhism; UNESCO has now made the Sacred City of Kandy a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient kingdom of Kandy is also home to Edwardian buildings, a king-made lake, a nature reserve and exciting shops. As the second largest city of the island and the capital of the Central Province, Kandy has grown from being a medieval kingdom to a friendly, busy city set in forested hills and surrounded by tea plantations and close to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Take a tour around this bustling city including stops at the local markets and architectural marvels.

Temple of the Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.

Sri Lankan Cultural Dance

The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

Millennium Elephant Foundation

The Millennium Elephant Foundation (MEF) is a family run non-government organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the welfare of domestic elephants throughout Sri Lanka. The Foundation provide and fund the care, medical treatments, food, mahout salaries, the running costs of the charity as well as having an on call Mobile Veterinary Unit which travels around the country treating sick elephants in need. The Elephant Walk Experience is another alternative to elephant riding for tourists, which is an ethical, up close and personal experience for tourists.

2 Days in Galoya

While in Galoya you will visit the remaining members of the Indigenous people of Sri Lanka who are known as the Veddah Community. Enjoy a safari at the Galoya National Park and witness the wildlife there. We have also arranged a boat safari in the nearby lake allowing you to witness the wildlife and surroundings in a different angle.

Veddah Village

Gal Oya Lodge neighbours one of the last remaining communities of the Veddha – the forest-dwelling, indigenous people of Sri Lanka. We can invite the village Chief to take you on a walk through the jungles of his ancestors. Discover and learn about local nature as he brings the forest alive, explaining his tribe’s use of medicinal plants, ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings. It’s a fascinating insight into how the hunter-gatherers lived in the jungles of Gal Oya.

Gal Oya National Park

The drive takes you past small village lands where locals are beginning to rise, and after a brief time you come to a very inconspicuous road that guides you down into the buffer zone of the park. You arrive at the Wildlife Department’s base and collect one of their officers to accompany the safari, and then enter Gal Oya National Park.

Boat Safari on Sri Lanka’s largest lake

Enjoy the only experience in Sri Lanka that allows you to spot wildlife from the water. It’s a unique way to immerse yourself in the animals’ habitats. With a little luck you could spot elephants swimming between islands or bathing at the lake’s edge. A 2-3 hour safari by boat, and a scenic 40 minute drive from the lodge to the lake is perfect to explore the national park and surrounding villages.

1 Day in Nuwara Eliya

You will enjoy a two hour trek to the top of Monkey Mountain and enjoy beautiful views of the surroundings. We can even watch the sun rise if we go early morning. Then we head towards Nuwara Eliya which is a tourist hotspot due to its beautiful landscapes, tea estates, waterfalls, architectural masterpieces and of course it’s cool climate.

Monkey Mountain

For the intrepid ones, a 2-hour uphill trek first thing in the morning to the top of the cliffs facing the lodge is rewarded with stunning 180 degrees’ views over the large forested valley we are in. If you set off early enough you can watch the sun rise over the hills in the distance and observe the seemingly never-ending jungle canopy below. Return for a well-earned breakfast and enjoy the view looking back up what you just climbed.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is set in the heart of tea-country is a beautiful town where the British succeeded in creating a replica of the English countryside, with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church, a famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated 6,200 feet above sea level, the air is cool and fresh – a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

1 Day in Ella

The Ella journey is so satisfying with the gorgeous scenery that you will pass by travelling through the central highlands. There are many locations that you can walk and explore while in Ella which will leave you wanting to explore more. From the Demodara Railway Station to the Nine Arches Bridge, and much more mountainous terrain, the list goes on.

Ella

Explore the city of Ella and its most interesting places. Pass through bright green tea fields, and tough stretches of rock, and get to see the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the history seeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction. End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best sights of Sri Lanka

1 Day in Udawalawe

Heading towards Udawalawe, you will love the idea of the safari if you are a true nature lover. The Udawalawe National Park is a sanctuary for various wild animals that were displaced during construction of the reservoir. You can enjoy an evening safari here and enjoy the wilderness. The park is well known for its Sri Lankan elephant population. 

Evening Safari in Udawalawe

Enjoy a three-hour safari which would give you a chance to explore the amazing Udawalawe National Park. Travel through the marshes, forests and grasslands of the park that was created as a sanctuary for wildlife in the 1970s. See the water birds and Sri Lankan elephants for which the park is famed. Catch glimpses of the other mammals and birds, as well as the reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.

3 Days in Galle

The final leg of the tour will be Galle which is considered the capital of the South. With many beaches, you can first explore the old city area of Galle including the Fort. You can experience a river safari along the waters of the Madu River. A visit to the turtle hatchery and its conservation methods will leave you more.

Colonial City of Galle

Galle is a historical jewel to Sri Lanka wonderful to explore on foot. Among the endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums the ancient Dutch fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts the hearts of many travelers. Stroll around the ancient city where you will find a gourmet of fancy restaurants and coffee shops to chill and relax. The beach side is surely a bliss which will make you want to lock yourself up in this sun kissed island and indulge in the sea breeze and endless blue waters.

Madu River

Go on a wonderful two-hour boat ride down the Madu River with its flourishing ecosystem. Pass through the secretive passages created by the mangroves. See the basking crocodiles and water monitors. Visit one of the small islands with its cinnamon harvesting natives. Enjoy the restorative qualities of the famous fish massage. Observe the waterbirds in their natural habitats.

Kosgoda Turtle Hatcheryn

Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Learn more about the five endangered sea turtle species that come to the shores of Sri Lanka to nest. Learn how the Kosgoda Turtle Care Program helps protect the nests until they hatch and increases the chances of survival for the babies. Get a chance to see, touch and feed baby turtles; or even injured adult turtles that the Turtle Hatchery cares for.

Departure

After the breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to airport after spending a memorable time in this island.

Includes:

  • Transport in a Private Vehicle, Fuel, Parking & Highway tolls.
  • Service of English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
  • All prevailing taxes and service charges.
  • 2 x 500ml Water Bottles per Person per Day.

Excludes:

  • Hotel Accommodation and Meals.
  • Entrance fees to the respective sites.
  • Chauffeur Guide's Accommodation.
  • Expenses of personal nature.
  • Visa and Related Expenses.
  • Tips & Portages.

Complimentary:

  • 1 x 1 Litre water bottle per person per day.
  • 1 x Local SIM card per room.

Services of Lakpura LLC

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