02/04/2022
SRILANKA TOUR: Unawatuna + Hikkaduwa + Colombo
Meal Plan: HB (Breakfast and Dinner)
Below hotels are subject to availability. Below rates are valid only for Indian Passport Holders
02N Unawatuna Koggala Beach Hotel - Unawatuna Deluxe Room
02N Hikkaduwa Avenra Beach Hotel - Hikkaduwa Standard Room
01N Colombo Fairway Hotel – Colombo Superior Room
Per Person sharing DBL Room (With e-Visa ) (without airfare) INR 34200/-
ITINERARY 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
DAY 01: Meet and Pick up from the Airport – Visit Unawatuna Beach – Overnight stay at the hotel - Unawatuna
UNAWATUNA BEACH
Galle, thought to be the Ophir or Tarshish mentioned in King Solomon’s texts, a famous harbor of the ancient silk route. All this, a mere stone’s throw away from the world famous Unawatuna beach and is approximately one hour from Colombo on the E 01, or 03 hour journey from the scenic but crowded coastal railway line, replete with lovely palm fringed bay beaches along the way.
This 4km sweep of palm-fringed sandy beach - said by some to rank amongst the twelve best beaches in the world. Attractions include sheltered waters for swimming, and an accessible, reasonably well-preserved coral reef for snorkeling. For scuba divers, there are several wreck dives only 20-30 minutes away from the beach by boat.
The Thambapanni retreat is located close to the famous beach of Unawatuna, close to some of the most impressive beach attractions and “reggae nights” on the island. Thambapanni retreat in Unawatuna presents a fascinating insight into the traditions of rural Sri Lanka, where the sound of ritual Buddhist chanting is carried on by the sea breeze from the temple on top of the headland, take a stroll down to the UNESCO World heritage, the Dutch fort ramparts at dawn or dusk and savour the Dutch Colonial heritage of Sri Lanka and its influences.
DAY 02: Breakfast at the hotel – Excursion to Galle – Visit Galle Dutch fort – Visit National Museum of Galle – Visit the Maritime Museum – Overnight stay at the hotel - Unawatuna
GALLE
Sri Lanka’s most historically interesting town is Galle. It was a major port until about 100 years, but today still handles shipping and sailing boats in the natural harbor. Stroll around the lighthouse and harbor or visit the old town where you can see the traditional lace makers and wood carvers and purchase some the finest souvenirs.
THE DUTCH FORT IN GALLE
The South Coast’s major city is Galle, whose oldest landmark is the massive Portuguese and Dutch Fort which is a “World Heritage Site” in which the central city is contained. But the city may be much older. Some scholars believe it to be the “Tarshish” of the Old Testament, to which King Solomon sent his merchant vessels, and to which Jonah fled from the Lord. Today, the 90-acre Galle Fort shows no evidence of the Portuguese founders. The Dutch incorporated the Portuguese northern wall in a great rampart in 1663. A second, taller wall was built inside of it. Between the two walls, a covered passage connected the central bastion with the Fort’s two half bastions overlooking the sea. The Dutch also installed a sophisticated drainage system, complete with brick-lined underground sewers that were flushed twice a day by the high and low tides. The original gate to the fort was by the harbor. It is still there, marked by the British Coat-of-arms on the front and the Dutch V.O.C. (Vereenigde OostIndische Compagnie) with the Coat-of-arms with a rooster crest, on the inner side of the Fort.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF GALLE
The Galle National Museum is established in the oldest Dutch building of the Galle fort, constructed in 1656.
To aware the public on traditional cultural heritage of Southern Sri Lanka, the Department of National Museums developed this museum and opened to the public on 31st March 1986. Galle National Museum displays a wide range of archaeological and anthropological objects inherited in Southern region. Collection of traditional masks used in various rituals, collection of ornamental objects made up of turtle shells, ancient wooden carvings and a Beeralu collection are important visitor attractive exhibits in the museum. The influence of Dutch is depicted by the equipment used in Dutch ships came to the Galle harbor. Large water vessels, V.O.C. porcelain objects and arms and weapons used by the Dutch soldiers are among the exposition.
The Galle National Museum plays an important role as a center of education in the Southern region.
MARITIME MUSEUM
Maritime Museum is the only museum which aware the public on marine biological and anthropological aspects of Southern coastal area. It is located in the Old Dutch ware house of the fort of Galle, built in 1671. The museum was open to the public on 9th May 1992.
The first gallery depicts the types of watercrafts used in passenger transport and maritime trading in Southern Sri Lanka. The traditional life style of fishing communities and such fishing techniques are displayed with attractive models and replicas. The second Gallery is focused on marine eco systems and their flora and fauna. Models of mangroves, sea shore plants, turtles, sea birds and marine mammals are displayed with their taxonomic details. Specimens of corals, marine shells and some invertebrates can be observed in the exhibition while a large skeleton of a Whale mounted in the roof giving you a wonderful experience.
DAY 03: Breakfast– Transfer to Hikkaduwa – Visit Hikkaduwa Glass-Bottomed Boat Ride – Evening visit Hikkaduwa Beach – Relax at Hotel – Overnight stay at the hotel – Hikkaduwa
GLASS-BOTTOMED BOAT RIDE IN HIKKADUWA
Ride in a glass-bottomed boat to view coral reef in the crystal clear waters of Hikkaduwa. View exotic marine life like never before as you ride over beautiful corals, intricate underwater plants and creatures in their natural habitat. This is ideal for those who want to experience the Hikkaduwa reef without diving in and getting wet.
HIKKADUWA BEACH
Hikkaduwa is one of the best surfing spots in Sri Lanka, offering a clear hot water base. The waves vary in size from 4 to 11 feet. Surfing in the Hikkaduwa area is fairly well known and gets the best surfing during its dry season, which is from November to March. There are 4 hotspots in Hikkaduwa. Scuba diving and diving in clear waters are a major past time along this stretch and is the most ecological way to see the colorful fish that dart around. The coral sanctuary along the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water surrounded by a reef, decorated with layers of multicolored corals, and is home to countless colorful fish. Off the beach there is a collection of small islets surrounded by beautiful coral formations. Many species of fish and large turtles are found here. There are more than four different shipwrecks for diving enthusiasts to explore as well as diving shops offering PADI courses and equipment
DAY 04: Breakfast at the hotel – Excursion to Bentota – Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery – Visit Bentota Spice Garden Sri Lanka – Visit Madhu Ganga River Lagoon – Optional Bentota’s Water Sports – Overnight stay at the hotel - Hikkaduwa
KOSGODA TURTLE HATCHERY
Where you can see five species of turtles-Green Turtles (Cheloniamydas), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelysimbricata), Loggerhead Turtle (Carettacaretta), Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelyscoriacea) and Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelysolivacea).
The eggs collected by the Villagers and Fishermen are purchased by the Kosgoda Hatchery and kept in sandy pens until they are hatched. The newly hatched ones are kept in seawater tanks and released to the sea in the night. This Hatchery alone has released more than 1,750,000 young turtles to the sea. An endowment by the Hasselblad Estate was responsible for the establishment of this hatchery.
SPICE GARDEN SRI LANKA
You will see many spice gardens at Mawanella where Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pepper Creepers and all other spice trees, plants and creepers are planted for visitors to see them. Spice products are also available for those who would like to buy them. At all Spice Gardens visitors are taken round explaining each tree and plant and at the end explaining the use of them in food preparations.
THE MADHU RIVER BOAT SAFARI
The Madu River Lagoon is popularly known as the Madu Ganga. The town of Balapitiya which lies about 80km from Colombo is the waters-meet for the Madu Ganga. It is located in southwest Sri Lanka. The ‘Amarapura Nikaya’ a Buddhist sect, held its first higher ordination ceremony balanced on a fleet of boats that were anchored, in 1803. The Madu Ganga wetland with its estuary and mangrove islets makes up a coastal wet-land ecosystem. It is home to about 303 species of plants and 248 species of vertebrate animals. It is considered one of the last expanses of immaculate mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. The boat weaves through the dense mangrove forest and surrounding islets, and you can witness the varying species of Mangrove, about 10 of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. On your way, you will also be treated to a view of a wide variety of flora and fauna, such as monitor lizards and a number of beautiful birds. The Mangrove Forest is a vital part of the ecosystem, nourishing and sustaining the environment.
The island citizens of these islets produce peeled cinnamon and cinnamon oil and you are sure to have the opportunity to experience this indigenous production.
BENTOTA'S WATER-SPORTS
Bentota is the first National Holiday Resort developed by the Ceylon Tourist Board as a planned resort. There are 6 tourist hotels in the beach span of 5 miles with all the facilities a resort would require. Water sports facilities are available as in the Beruwala Resort. Many interesting sightseeing tours are possible from here, such as the Turtle Hatchery, Mask factory, Galle Fort, Mini Zoo, Garden Brief, Boat trips on Bentota River etc. Bentota's water-sports capital of Sri Lanka location is ideal for many activities ranging from water sports to excursion along the river, passing many small villages, temples and, of course, an abundance of tropical wildlife and plants.
DAY 05: Breakfast – En route visit Gem Gallery Sri Lanka – Transfer to Colombo – Visit Gangarama Floating Temple – City Tour + Shopping Tour – Relax at the hotel – Overnight stay at the hotel - Colombo
GEMS OF SRI LANKA
The world’s best gems are available in Sri Lanka such as Blue and Yellow Sapphire, Star Ruby and Star Sapphire, Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye, Alexandrite, Topaz, Amethyst, Quartz, Garnet, Aquamarine, Moonstone, Tourmaline When comparing with other countries you will be lucky to buy pure and valuable gems at Sri Lanka for a competitive price. You can get the education about gems, making jewelries and other requests with them. You can buy gold, white gold and silver jewelry at your choice. You can even get them Tailor Made as per your preference Evening witness the Cultural Dance Show featuring various dancing types of Sri Lanka…
COLOMBO
Colombo is the business and commercial center and the new capital is Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, 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 took place during the British period. Colombo became the capital of Sri Lanka in 1815 after Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to the British. The remains of the buildings during the period of 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 Kayman’s Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhaal dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple dating to 6th C.B.C., Davatagaha Mosque, 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 in front and the Independence Memorial.
Day 06: Breakfast – Proceed to Airport for Departure
