Overnight flight .
On arrival at Cochin International Airport ,Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a representative will meet you as you Exit the Arrivals Terminal building and transfer you to your hotel. Proceed for check-in. Kochi, later proceed for half day guided sightseeing tour of Fort Cochin. Visit the Dutch Palace-built by the Portuguese in 1557 and subsequently renovated by the Dutch after 1663. The murals are perhaps the best in India. Jewish Synagogue – built in 1568 and the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth are at Mattancherry. St. Francis Church – built in 1510 and the oldest European church in India, The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica at Fort Kochi is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, this church is one of the finest and most impressive churches in India Chinese Fishing Nets- introduced by the court of Kublai Khan can be seen in Fort Cochin, Fort Cochin Beach etc.
In the evening precede to the Cultural Art Center that showcase Kerala’s best known dance drama Kathakali and other Art forms of South India. Interesting make-up application demonstration of the show starts an hour before the show. Overnight at Cochin
Cochin - Munnar (150 Km/ 04 Hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Munnar. A scenic drive to the famous hill station Munnar at an altitude of nearly 6000 ft. Here the British government established their summer retreat many years ago, thus avoiding the summer heat of the coastal regions. On reaching Munnar, check in to your Hotel / Resort and get tuned to the new chilling atmosphere. Later on, you can pay a visit to the famous ‘Tea Museum’ in Munnar Town surrounded by tea Gardens- the only Museum of its kind; which illustrates the timeworn method of Tea production! Overnight stay at Munnar.
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of mesmeric Munnar. Start with a visit the pleasant Dam Reservoir area at Mattupetty. Visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of TamilNadu. Later, visit ‘Eco Point’ - a spot where, as its name implies, you can hear multiple echoes of your own sound. This is also an ideal location for nature walks. Overnight stay at Munnar
Munnar-thekkady (110 km/ 3.5 Hrs)
After Breakfast transfer to Thekkady, Drive through one of those most picturesque hill highways of Kerala. Periyar has one of the world's most fascinating Natural wildlife reserves noted for its geography, diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Upon arrival proceed for check in. Then proceed for a game viewing cruise on the Periyar Lake. Here you will be able to see a large variety of wildlife, which include elephants, monkeys, deer, wild boar etc evening you can take a Elephant ride at Periyar wildlife
You will be taken to some of the spice plantations in the area that grow some of the finest quality spices in the world. The most popular spices are cardamom, pepper, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. The plantations also contain shops where guests may purchase these spices. Overnight stay at Thekkady
Thekkady - Alleppey (houseboat)
Today After breakfast, transfer to the Houseboat Embarkation point. The Kerala houseboats used to form an inseparable ingredient of the way of life in Kerala, this traditional boat is locally called as Kettuvallam. Your private boat will be facilitated with bed rooms, bath rooms, living area, sun deck, dining and beautiful corridor. The boat will also have a Kitchen that prepares all your Meals onboard. A Journey through the curving and winding Kerala backwaters in houseboats of Kerala is an experience of returning to nature. Dinner and overnight at the houseboat.
Alleppey - Kovalam (160 Km/ 4.5 Hrs)
After breakfast check out and proceed to Kovalam. Check in at your pre booked beach Resort. Kovalam is an evergreen and pleasant climatic beach resort. Kovalam is a dreamland for tourists all over the world. With high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise creates a unique aquarelle on moonlit nights. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. The warm and clean atmosphere by the coconut trees and the white sand bed are perfect for relaxing holidays, as the sea breeze gently plays with the waves. Relax at the hotel and overnight stay at Kovalam.
After breakfast proceed for local sightseeing of Trivandrum to explore some of the best landmarks and attractions of this city. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the world, the Kanakakunnu Palace and the Kowdiar Palace are some of the last remaining royal insignia of this city, which will remind you of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore. Overnight at the Kovalam.
Early morning check out and transfer to airport for your onward journey to Goa.
On arrival at Goa make your own way to Hotel/ accommodation. Rest of the time at leisure.
Report to airport 3 hours before your flight to exciting journey to Sri Lanka.
Airport – Colombo (Approx 1 hour)
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred directly to your hotel in Colombo
Check in, Rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight at Cinnamon (Deluxe Room)
Colombo – Habarana (Approx 3 hours)
After breakfast do a city tour of Colombo.
Colombo – is the business and commercial center and the new capital is Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte, which is only a few miles away. Colombo was only a small seaport, which came into prominence in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 and the development of it as a major Harbor during the British period and became the capital in 1815 after Kandy was ceded to the British. The remains of the buildings during the period and the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city. None of the Portuguese & Dutch fortifications are found today but some of their buildings and churches could be seen in the Fort & Pettah areas. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Kaymans Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhaal dating back to 1749, Colombo Museum and the Natural History Museum are some of the sites to be visited. Also visit the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.
On completion proceed to Habarana.
Dambulla - is a vast isolated rock mass 500 feet high and a mile around the base. Here is found the famous Rock Temple dating to the First Century B.C. The caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent of Rock Temples to be found in the Island. In the first Cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 47ft long cut out of the Rock. There are images of deities associated with Buddhism all around. The frescoes on the walls and the ceiling are the oldest here but they are over painted in the Kandy period. In the Second Cave, the finest and the largest of all, there are 150 life-size statues of the Buddha in various postures with few statues of Gods and Kings. The ceiling is also covered with frescoes, which depict great events in the life of the Buddha and landmarks in the history of the Sinhalese people.
Dinner & Overnight at Habarana Lodge by Cinnamon (Superior Room)
Habarana - Polonnaruwa (Approx 1 hours)
After Breakfast at the hotel visit Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Polonnaruwa – another “World Heritage Site” was the Capital of Sri Lanka from 11th - 13th Centuries, contains some splendid and spectacular statues. Lankatilake, Tivanka and Thuparama are the most beautiful and largest Image Houses and Tivanka has the best example of frescoes of the Polonnaruwa period. Rankoth Vehera and Kirivehera are well preserved large stupas, and Gal Vihare - a rock shrine, has four Buddha statues, two seated, one standing and one reclining and Parakrama Bahu statue are examples of Sinhalese stone carver. The Vata-da-ge is a unique creation of the Sri Lankan artists.
On completion proceed to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight at Habarana Lodge by Cinnamon (Superior Room)
Habarana – Sigiriya (Approx 20 minutes)
After breakfast proceed to Sigiriya.
Sigiriya – is a “World Heritage Site” and the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, summerhouse, Boulder Gardens and the Caves with the enclosed are should not be missed.
Evening at Leisure.
Dinner & Overnight at Habarana Lodge by Cinnamon (Superior Room)
Habarana – Kandy (Approx 3 hours)
After breakfast proceed to Kandy
En route visit the Matale Spice garden and Batik Factory.
On completion proceed to Kandy
Kandy – the hill capital is another “World Heritage Sites”. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement. To the Buddhist of Sri Lanka and the World, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the “Dalada Maligawa” - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Close by are the remains of the Royal Palace (Maha Wasala), Palle Wasala- where the Queens stayed-now used for the National Museum, Meda Wasala where other close relatives lived, Audience Hall, Natha Devala and Vishnu Devala are situated. The Bathing Pavilion (Ulpenge) is by the Lake and in the Center of the lake is the Island called “Kiri samudraya” (Milk white ocean) used by the kings as the summerhouse. Today it is the center of Buddhism, Arts, Crafts, Dancing, Music and Culture.
Evening see these Dance & Music at the daily Cultural Performances
Dinner & Overnight at Cinnamon Citadel (Superior Room)
Kandy – Peredeniya (Approx 30 minutes)
After breakfast visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Royal Botanical Gardens – 147 acres in extent; Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest Palm Avenue (Royal Palm Avenue) was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world is one such avenue.
In the evening do a City tour of Kandy.
Dinner & Overnight at Cinnamon Citadel (Superior Room)
Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (Approx 3 – 4 hours)
After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast proceed to Kandy railway station and board in to the train and continue the journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by train.
Train journeys in Sri Lanka are an absolute must. Take the most magical train journey through Sri Lankas tea country. A fabulous way to see Sri Lankas hill villages, tea country and see the daily lives of the local people.
Your driver will take your luggage and meet you at the station. Its hassle free! (Confirmation of the ticket will be provided 14 days prior to the date of train journey, there is possibilities of delays because it is a one way track in those areas, and uncertain weather conditions etc., train journeys can be postponed or even cancelled. If factors mean that the train cannot be taken the journey will be taken by road.
On completion do a city tour of Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the Island, but it is really just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.
Dinner & Overnight stay at Jetwing St Andrews, Nuwara Eliya (Superior Room)
Nuwara Eliya - Yala (Approx 5 hours)
After breakfast proceed to Yala.
Check in, Rest of the day at leisure .
Dinner & Overnight stay Jetwing Yala (Superior Room)
Early morning with packed breakfast proceed to Yala National Park for a game drive.
Yala national park is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka, Yala is situated in the Southeast part of the island in the dry, semi-arid climate region, bordering the Indian Ocean. The number of mammals recorded at Yala is as high as 44 while it also boasts of one of the highest leopard densities in the world. None other than the majestic Sri Lankan elephant and the leopard, take pride of place at this amazing national park.
Evening at leisure.
Dinner & Overnight stay Jetwing Yala (Superior Room)
Yala – Bentota (Approx 5 hours)
After breakfast proceed to Beruwela.
En0route do a city tour of Galle.
Galle Fort explores this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a spellbinding mixture of Dutch, Portuguese and British history. Its oozes colonial charm with an eclectic range of low rise European architecture, tucked down a lace of narrow lanes and alleyways. The tour is part driven and part walking and covers the important highlights within the fort. These include the thick walled ramparts that withstood the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. It explores the chain of huge bastions that guard Galle Fort from the outside world. It explores the Dutch Reformed Church, the Dutch Government House and the Maritime Museum. Your guide will also take you to Meera Mosque, which was built in 1904 as well as the All Saints Church that was built in 1871. The fort today offers a plethora of cafes, restaurants, vintage shops, chic boutiques and art galleries. These have taken the place of 17th and 18th century vendors who would have traded in cinnamon, lace and elephants.
On completion visit the turtle hatchery in Kosgoda.
Dinner & Overnight at Cinnamon Bey (Superior Room)
After breakfast leisure by the beautiful beach in Bentota
Dinner & Overnight at Cinnamon Bey (Superior Room)
After breakfast leisure by the beautiful beach in Bentota
Dinner & Overnight at Cinnamon Bey (Superior Room)
After breakfast leisure by the beautiful beach in Bentota
Dinner & Overnight at Cinnamon Bey (Superior Room)
Beruwela – Airport (Approx 3 hours)
After breakfast day at leisure and later proceed to airport for your return journey back home.
Your holiday ends on arrival at Heathrow airport.
