Day 3 KANDALAMA / ANURADHAPURA / KANDALAMA

After breakfast visit Anuradhapura, the first capital (380 BC) and undoubtedly the largest city of ancient Ceylon. Two World Heritage Sites are located here. You can visit many places of historical and archaeological interest. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) the sacred tree where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment, this is historically documented as the oldest tree in the world over 2,200 years old. The Brazen Palace (2nd century BC), the 1600 stone columns are all that remains of a magnificent monastery of monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century BC) the most famous of all the Dagobas. It originally represented the perfect sphere that modern restoration has failed to reproduce. The ‘Samadhi’ Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues of Buddha in deep meditation. Isurumuniya Vihare rock temple (3rd century BC) famous for petroglyphs. Return to the hotel. Overnight in the booked hotel.

4th day KANDALAMA / SIGIRIYA / POLONNARUWA / KANDALAMA

After breakfast drive to the spectacular Sigiriya Fortress, a World Heritage Site built by King Kashyapa (477-495 BC). The “Lion’s Rock” stands impregnable with its unusual beauty towering 200 meters above the surrounding jungle. The rock was the stronghold of the 70-hectare walled city. A moat, embankment and gardens surround the base of the rock. On the way up you see the remains of the palace and the world famous frescoes of the Heavenly Maidens of Sigiriya, world famous paintings found in a bend in the rock which is reached by a spiral staircase. The frescoes are made with natural pigments on plaster (out of over 500 portraits, only a few have survived to this day). At the end continue towards Polonnaruwa. Upon arrival visit the city which was the second capital of Sri Lanka built between the 11th and 12th century AD which is a World Heritage site. Here you can admire the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) with the splendid statues of Buddha carved into the rock, one in an upright position, one lying down and seated in meditation, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and Parakrama Samudraya. There are also the temple of Shiva, as well as the remains of the temple of the Sacred Tooth. At the end return to the hotel. Overnight at the booked hotel or similar. the Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) with the splendid rock-cut Buddha statues of which one standing, one reclining and seated in meditation, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and Parakrama Samudraya. There is also the temple of Shiva, as well as the remains of the temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. At the end return to the hotel. Overnight at the booked hotel or similar. the Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) with the splendid rock-cut Buddha statues of which one standing, one reclining and seated in meditation, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and Parakrama Samudraya. There are also the temple of Shiva, as well as the remains of the temple of the Sacred Tooth. At the end return to the hotel. Overnight at the booked hotel or similar.

5th day KANDALAMA / HABARANA / KANDALAMA

After breakfast, leave for Habarana for an Elephant back ride. The rest of the day was at my disposal for any visits that could not be made on the previous day. Overnight at the booked hotel.

After breakfast proceed to visit the Dambulla rock temple built by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC World Heritage Site. It is the most impressive cave temple in Sri Lanka famous for its murals, inscriptions and statues. The complex of 5 caves with more than 2,000 m2 of painted walls and ceilings in the largest area found in the world. With more than 150 Buddha images of which the largest figure is carved into the rock and measures 14 meters. In the afternoon, we continue to visit the Matale Spice Garden. At the end continue to Kandy. Upon arrival accommodation. Overnight at the booked hotel.

After breakfast proceed to Pinnawela. Visit the Elephant Orphanage, built in 1975, with only 7 orphaned elephants in the beginning. Today some of these specimens have had the good fortune to see their grandchildren born in the same place. Originally intended for tourism it quickly evolved into a cultural and conservation centre. With the help of both local and foreign elephant experts, Pinnawela began a scientific captive breeding program for elephants. The freedom of movement of the herd has increased the possibilities for integration and mating. The nearby river plays a fundamental role in this sense and in 1984 the first puppy was born. Pinnawala’s success has captured the attention of scientists around the world; in fact, numerous books and articles have been published all over the world and in different languages. In the afternoon, you continue to Peradeniya. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens were built as private gardens by King Sinhala and were later enlarged by the British. 147 acres of land with a large variety of trees, plants and flowers. About 4,000 plant species are found. At the end we continue to visit a plantation with a tea factory to learn about the manufacture of the renowned Ceylon tea. At the end return to the hotel. Overnight. 000 species of plants. At the end we continue to visit a plantation with a tea factory to learn about the manufacture of the renowned Ceylon tea. At the end return to the hotel. Overnight. 000 species of plants. At the end we continue to visit a plantation with a tea factory to learn about the manufacture of the renowned Ceylon tea. At the end return to the hotel. Overnight.

Day 8 KANDY / MAHIYANGANAYA / NUWARA ELIYA / KANDY

Early in the morning, excursion to discover the Vedda populations. We reach the Mahiyanganaya locality, called Dabana. The Vedda people are descendants of the original peoples of Sri Lanka dating back to the Neolithic period, around 16,000 years BC Spend the day in the company of families. Normally they offer small gifts that you could bring them from Italy, small things, very important for the exchange of cultures. The Veddas are extremely hospitable and it will be a pleasure for them to welcome you. It will be a discovery and an experience for both of us. With the help of your guide, you will come into contact with a reality that fortunately has remained almost unchanged over the centuries. Continue to Nuwara Eliya, a quiet English-style mountain village (2,000 masl), reached along a rough road that crosses tea plantations, hills, streams and waterfalls. Nuwara Eliya is considered to be the home of the famous and excellent Ceylon tea. Visit a tea plantation and factory. Upon completion, return to the hotel in Kandy. Overnight.

After breakfast transfer to Dickwella. Hotel accommodation. Day at leisure for bathing and sporting activities, optional excursions, Ayurvedic treatments and relaxation.

Day 10 Dickwella or Beruwala

Day at leisure for bathing and sporting activities, optional excursions, Ayurvedic treatments, and relaxation.

Day at leisure for bathing and sporting activities, optional excursions, Ayurvedic treatments, and relaxation.

Day 12 DICKWELLA OR BERUWALA / COLOMBO / ITALY