THE WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN SRI LANKA
A cultural tour of Sri Lanka

An Indian Ocean island going back to human history – almost to the time when it all began. Rich both in culture and archaeology, in scenic splendour and the very friendly people, Sri Lanka has offered to the world a lot. UNESCO has recognized 7 World Heritage Sites in this tiny island and in our 12-day journey we cover 6 of them. Travel through an island that is an eclectic mix of its colonial history, religious traditions and South Asian influence. Sri Lanka’s unique culture, which is authentic to this island, brings together its pluralistic identity. From the coasts of Colombo to the World Heritage Sites in the Cultural Triangle, this tour takes you on a journey through time, covering ancient civilizations, Buddhist era and imperial rule. Sri Lanka is nothing short but an unforgettable adventure!

Tour Summary	Map
Day Place 01 Colombo 02 Colombo 03 Colombo / Sigiriya / Dambulla 04 Anuradhapura & Aukana 05 Polonnaruwa & Habarana 06 Dambulla / Matale / Kandy 07 Kandy 08 Kandy / Nuwara Eliya 09 Nuwara Eliya 10 Galle / Weligama 11 Galle / Negombo 12 Negombo / departure

Day 01 Arrival Colombo
Ayubowan and welcome to Sri Lanka! After completing immigration and custom formalities we drive through the city of Colombo en-route to our hotel.
Overnight: Cinnamon Grand Hotel (2 nights)

Day 02 Colombo
Welcome to Colombo! A busy, colourful and vibrant city, Colombo is an urban metropolitan, surrounded by historic colonial buildings and ancient ruins. Starring out of our window, we begin our day with a drive through the Colombo’s commercial centre, passing the local as they make their way to work Our tour of the city takes us to the ancient grounds of Colombo’s first colonial fort. Today, our feet walk the grounds that saw construction, reconstruction and destruction of this colonial fort. Having lived through Sri Lanka’s multiple imperial settlement, fort lived its last days during the British rule, where it was laid to rest to allow for the expansion of the city. We continue our tour of Colombo with a walk down Sea Street, the Goldsmith’s quarter in Pettah, the bazaar area, a Hindu Temple, the historical Davatagaha Mosque, the Buddhist Temple - Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara which is believed to be the site visited by Lord Buddha 2500 years ago and the Colombo National Museum. We also visit the beautiful Wolvendaal Church. Built in the 18th C in the shape of a Greek Cross, this Dutch Church shows evidence of some of the finest workmanship, with its elegantly carved ebony chairs and stone floors that include elaborate tombstones. (B, D)

Day 03 Colombo / Sigiriya / Dambulla
From the coast of Colombo, we travel inland and make our way to the Cultural Triangle, home to many of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Situated in the centre of the Island, the Cultural Triangle covers an area that includes the heritage sites of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, the Ancient City of Sigiriya, the Ancient City of Dambulla and the Sacred City of Kandy. As the suns sets, we climb some 200 metres and arrive at Sri Lanka’s most important archeological legacies, Sigiriya. This ancient rock formation became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Historical records date Sigiriya back to the 5th C BC, where it served as a Buddhist monastery. Other legends connect it the 5th C AD where it served as a rock fortress and palace where King Kassapa hosted several royal and military functions. The ruins of the ancient castles are attractions that bring many pilgrims and tourist to this historical site. At the mid level terrace we see our reflection in the mirror wall, which protects a series of exquisite frescoes of celestial maidens using natural pigments.
Overnight: Cultural Triangle, Kadalama (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 04 Anuradhapura & Aukana
After breakfast, we leave for Anuradhapura, the 3rd C BC ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Known for its well preserved ancient ruins of civilizations past, Anuradhapura is a city of stupas and monasteries, steeped in antiquity. Like places in Sri Lanka, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1982). Today, we visit the oldest living tree in the world. In fact, it is the branch of this tree that belonged to the original Bodhi fig tree where the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Just a short distance away, stands the Brazen Palace. Once an imposing structure, with a bronze roof, today we see the remains of this 1600 column palace. In Anuradhapura we also visit the twin ponds and the Queens’ Bath.
Next, we drive some 50 km west to Aukana. Home to the magnificent 39 foot rock-cut statue of Lord Buddha, this 5th C AD monument, carved out of solid granite, is considered to be one of the finest ancient stone sculptures in Asia. (B, D)

Day 05 Polonnaruwa & Habarana
We begin our day and drive north-east to Sri Lanka’s second most ancient city, Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1982). With roots that date back more than 3000 years, the ancient city is known to be one of the best planned archeological sites in the country. Facing a cliff face of granite, we find ourselves at the noted Gal Vihare, a historic wonder and depiction of the country’s great craftsmanship. The Gal Vihare is an ancient rock temple that is famously known for its colossal statues of the Lord Buddha. We find ourselves blown away with the monumental structures, one of which is standing on a carving of a lotus in the blessing posture. We continue our site seeing and visit the Tivanka Pilimage, an ancient building with evidence of the era’s finest architecture, housing historical murals in their original form. Polonnaruwa is also home to a man made water body, Parakrama Samudra or Sea of Parakrama. The reservoir, expanded by the King Parakrama in 12th C, is an amalgamation of three individual reservoirs that have today resulted in prosperous irrigation and increased settlement. In the afternoon, we enjoy an elephant back safari in the Habarana jungles. (B, D)

Day 06 Dambulla / Matale / Kandy
We begin our day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site (1991) cave temples of Dambulla. We stare straight into the sky, as we stand at the base of this 150 metre high rock that consists of a series of 5 caves covered with intricate paintings. Dating back to 1st BC, the natural folds of the rock have been skillfully designed, giving the illusion of a cloth like texture. The cave temples of Dambulla, now transformed into shrines, house several carefully carved out statues of Buddha. We wave goodbye to Dambulla through the windows of our vehicle, we make our way to the historical and Sacred City of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1988). En-route, we stop at Matale and visit the Spice Gardens on our way to Kandy. Arriving into Kandy in the early afternoon, we maximize the rest of the day and begin a city tour. We drive around the beautiful lake, visit the Arts and Crafts Centre, where we can buy Kandyan silver and brass ware, metal work, lacquer work, wood and bone carvings, pottery and hand woven fabrics.
Overnight: Mahewali Reach (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07 Kandy
From ancient ruins to animals of the wild, our next stop in our Sri Lankan tour is at the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela. In fear of extinction two decades after the British Raj, the Sri Lankan government found an orphanage for elephants, making it the largest heard of captive elephants in the world. Today, the number has slowly risen to 3000, some 27000 less in the early 1800s. Evening we visit the Lankatilaka Temple. Often described as one of the most remarkable temples in all of the island, Lankatilaka brings together Hindu and Buddhist traditions, depicted in carvings of the structure. Its brick walls with two polygonal piers that flank the entrance, give it a majestic ambience. We continue to the 14th C Embekke Temples, with its carved wooden pillars and intricate designs and the Gadaladeniya temple with its South Asian flavour. Our tour of Kandy would not be complete without a visit to the Temple of Tooth, which houses the upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha. Evening, we sit back and enjoy a beautiful dance performance amazing fire eating and walking rituals and applaud local talent. (B, D)

Day 08 Kandy / Nuwara Eliya
Traveling back to the 18th C, we begin our day and explore the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, just as the Sinhala Queens enjoyed 200 years ago. Conceived originally in the 14th C, the gardens served as a warm and beautiful atmosphere to entertain the royal visitors. Today, the Royal Botanical Gardens contains over 4000 species of plants spread over 150 acres of green space. We wave goodbye to Kandy and make our way to Nuwara Eliya. Founded in the 19th C, the town is a replica of a little English village reminiscent of the Lake District. Tour this unusual city and en-route visit a tea factory where we see the intricacies that go into the manufacture the world’s best loved brew.
Overnight: Grand Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 09: Nuwara Eliya
Today, we make our way to the shores of Galle, on the coast line of the blue Indian Ocean. Prior to the western rule, Galle served as a prominent sea port and saw Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays and Indians, tradesman, merchants and travelers. Its colonial history and influence from its prominent neighbour, have given this strong fortified city a unique blend of European and South Asian architecture. Galle received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage city in 1988 for its old town and many forts. (B, D)

Day10: Galle / Weligama
As the sun makes its way to the centre of the sky, we begin our day with a visit to Galle’s natural harbour and historic Dutch Fortress a UNESCO World Heritage site (1988). Still as polished and new, the fortress holds more than 400 years of history housing a museum, towering light house and imposing ramparts. The real charm of Old Galle lies in the quiet back streets and alleyways of the historic fort, which have changed little--if at all -- since colonial times. We make our way to Weligama, where we walk through a small and peaceful park to a 3 metre rock structure, carefully carved out of the hillside. Legend has it that the structure is of 8th or 9th C Leper King. Other tales tell that the carving is of the Lord Buddha in a pose of meditation.Our next stop takes us to the Purvarama Image House. Walking under the coat of arm of Queen Victoria, we step into this 13th C monastery with painted sculptures and murals. Interspersed with images of the Lord Buddha, the monastery has many paintings of Queen Victoria. Tonight, enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel or dare and explore the seaside city of Galle by night!
Overnight: Heritage Ahungalla (1 night) (B, D)

Day 11: Galle / Negombo
Making our way back to the capital city, we stop at a Mask Carving Centre at Ambalangoda and the turtle hatcheries (optional) at Balapitiya.
Arriving into Colombo, we have the afternoon to shop for Sri Lankan treasures at the local handicrafts centre. (Optional) In the evening, we arrive into a nearby fishing village, Negombo. (Fishing Village near the airport).
Overnight: Blue Oceanic (1 night) (B, D)

Day 12: Negombo / departure
We bid farewell and say ayubowan gehilla ennam (goodbye) to Sri Lanka’s warm hospitality and for sharing her wonderful heritage in our journey through time. We are transferred to the airport for our flight home or to our next excursion. (B)

Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Daily
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast D=Dinner) All sightseeing and transfers Services of a local English speaking driver/guides Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary Road taxes, parking fees, drivers overnight wages Any airfares Departure/airport taxes Insurance/Visas Tips/Beverages
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 2575 US $ 525 For Christmas period 21 Dec, 2009 – 12 Jan 2010 and from 19 Dec 2010 – 31 Dec 2010. Please add US$ 300 per person
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1600 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1400
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 12 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.