Round Tours Rondreizen in veelzijdig Sri Lanka

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RONDE TOURS SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka is an enchanting island and its beauty and importance can be viewed and appreciated only by launching on a sightseeing tour around the island while reaping the full benefits of a wonderfully relaxing vacation. We are ready to take you on  10-day, 14-day and 21-day tours covering  the entire island so that our guests  may enjoy and make a thorough study of the most beautiful and the most important sites of our paradise island.  Our chauffers are well experienced, courteous and reliable guides. Hotel accommodation and luxury vehicles will be provided for the tourists at very affordable rates. Out guests will be treated with the renowned friendly Sri Lankan hospitality, care and respect. The remarkable aspect of the round-tours we organize is that our guests will be taken to the most beautiful sites in a methodical way so as not to miss anything that is worth seeing. During the 14-day round-tour you will be able to view all the famous and most important tourist attractions of Sri Lanka. We shall take you from one starting point , then go through the centre of the island and return to the termination from the other direction of the country.

The guests will commence the round – tour from  Bandaranaika International Airport at Katunayake and proceed to the city of Negombo where they will be taken on a round trip of the city to view the Hamilton Canal constructed by the Dutch several centuries ago which includes a boat tour along the canal. During the boat ride you will see the huge green trees and rare species of animals and birds on either side of the canal. Our guests will also be shown the ancient Buddhist Temple,  the ancient fortress built by the Portuguese during the colonial times, several Hindu Kovils (temples) the ancient Methodist Church and the Clock Tower situated  between the fortress and the Negombo lagoon. St. Mary’s Church standing in the mid-town is a sight worth seeing with colorful Catholic paintings of Virgin Mary and saints covering the whole ceiling and  glazed windows. The guests my see some other special places of Negombo including the fish market and fishing.  In the evening you may have a delicious sea food dinner  on the Negombo beach while enjoying the cool sea breeze and watching the catamarans and sail boats gone fishing is the distant sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The destination for the next  day of the round-tour will be Anuradhapura. Passing the “Ma-Oya” river the guests will be able to see roof-tile factories that manufacture tiles standing on either side of the road.  You may also see Dankotuwa from where the clay for tile manufacture is supplied. Next we shall be passing Wennappuwa town. 95% of the population of Wennappuwa are employed in Italy, Germany and other European countries.

 

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You will notice that most of the palacious luxury  houses in Wennappuwa are constructed copying  the structural designs of Europe. The next town after passing Wennappuwa is Puttalam. The special landmark of Puttalam is the lagoon which is the largest in Sri Lanka. The said Dutch Hamilton Canal finally flows in the Puttalam lagoon. Here you may see the ruins of the harbour as well as the Methodist Church constructed during the Dutch era. To the west of Puttalam lagoon is situated the town of Kalpitiya. This little town is a special place for tourists as it is a  well known site to watch dolphins and whales. The beach is a place for sea bathing, swimming and snorkeling to view the glamorous corals and ornamental fish.

 

After passing Puttalm on the round-tour, we come to Wilpattu National Park the largest of the game sanctuaries of Sri Lanka, 3340 hectares in extent. The jungle is infested with rarely seen leopards, bear, sambur, herds of elephants, spotted deer and wild boar, flocks of peacocks, monkeys, crocodiles, tortoise and other mammals and reptiles. This is home to many varieties of rare birds too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Wilpattu you will  proceed to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. As you approach the city you will  catch the sight of Ruwanmelisaya and Abhayagiriya Dagabas (Stupas)  The chauffer will take to directly to your hotel for you to have a respite as  you would have been traveling for 04 to 05 hours. In the evening the guests will be taken to see the ‘Atamastana” (the eight places of worship). As the evenings are cooler you will be able to view all the ruins of this ancient capital together with the places of worship as well as the  oldest “Bo-Tree’ in the world, all within 03 hours. The guests will be accommodated for the night and the following morning, the round-tour will resume to the next destination on the waywhich is  Mihintale. Climb the rock and on the top is the stupa and the ‘Black Water Pond’ on the right are the meditation caves. It is a breathtakingly beautiful  sight from the top, the view surrounded by a range of distant hills and mountains. You may also see the hospital built by King Kashyapa during the ancient days. Anuradhapura derives it name as it was the kingdom of ninety kings to whom it was the capital of Sri Lanka.

The chauffeur will then head towards Trincomalee, the next stop. If you plan to spend 02 or 03 nights in Trincomalee you will surely have the opportunity to visit the Pigeon Island where in the shallow waters you will see a huge variety of ornamental fishes among the rocky bottom.

 

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The Pigeon Island is surrounded by rocks and silvery sand. If it is your desire to go into the deep see you will be able to watch dolphins and whales. The ‘Koneshwaram Kovil’ of the Hindus is a highlight of Trincomalee and  is visited by many Hindu and Buddhist devotees everyday to fulfill vows and for veneration. According to the books it is believed that  this temple was created  more than  10000 years before the Rawana era. The kovil is perched on a little hill and if you climb here about 5 a.m. you will see the panoramic view of the rising sun against the brightly lit red sky. Don’t miss to take a look at the “Lovers’ Leap”. Remarkably this place of veneration is located within an ancient Dutch fortress. The  houses and  offices of the Dutch were in this fortress and today these buildings are used by the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka. On the northern direction of the kovil is  a guardroom of the Dutch, but can be hardly seen today as it is very old and decayed. Standing in Koneshwaram Kovil you will catch the sight of Trincomalee harbour on the  South and the  fisheries harbour on the North. Trincomalee harbour is the only natural harbour in Sri Lanka. Another location with visiting is the ‘Hot Wells’ of Trincomalee. There are 07 live hot springs believed to be there even during Rawana times.

 

 

From there the chauffer will drive you toward Habarna passing Kantale Tank from where you will be passing through thick jungle.  Sometimes you may come cross wild elephants crossing the road or loitering on the roadside. You will pass the Eco Park on your way back from Trincomalee on your right, the Kaudulla National Park (Game Sanctuary) and the Kaudulla Tank. In the close proximity is situated the Minneriya National Park with the Minneriya Tank. In June, July and August this area is infested with elephants, sometimes 400-600 elephants in a herd, grazing, bathing and playing in Minneriya Tank. If you yearn for an elephant-ride you will have that opportunity at Habarana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Polonnaruwa will be the next destination of the round-tour. This was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura. Comparatively, this ancient city is as important as Anuradhapura. The largest tank in Polonnaruwa is the ‘Parakrama Samudraya’ one of the largest wonders of irrigation work in Sri Lanka.  The term ‘Samudraya’ means the ocean and so named after King Parakramabahu who built this ocean-like reservoir to irrigate the rice fields in the surrounding areas for the welfare of rice cultivating farmers. On the huge bank, is the plush  “Queens Hotel”. On the southern end is the statue of the great King Prakaramabahu and  Pothgul Vihara (ancient library).

 

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Entry into the city will take you to  the ruins  of ancient palaces, kovils and stupas and the renowned  ‘Gal Vihara’. Today a large number of rice mills and vast rice fields extending to miles can be seen in Polonnaruwa  and in  its surroundings. The climate is neither too hot nor cold.

 

 

 

 

According the planned round-tour the guests will be taken to ‘Sigiriya’ which is a world heritage.  King Kashyapa converted this huge rock into a palace fortress to escape the wrath of his brother who was seeking revenge from Kashyapa who killed his father.   Tourist love to visit  Sigiriya and those who miss a visit to this site will certainly regret it. On the way to the top of the rock, along the ancient staircase, one can see the ‘Mirror Wall’ and the Sigiriya Frescoes of half nude young women carrying flowers.  These frescoes are said to be only second to Ajantha Frescoes of India   It is a wonderful view from the top of the rock with the green jungles down below all round. The ruins of the palace, bathing ponds for the king’s concubines still exist. In the close proximity of Sigiriya Rock another similar rock. This rock named ‘Pidurangala’ was a place of meditation for the Buddhist monks and the ruins of meditating caves  are found. The surrounding sights can be viewed from top. The entire area of Sirigiya is under the Archaeology Department of Sri Lanka and ruins of the 12^th up to the 8^th century are found in this area. The main occupation of the population in this area is rice cultivation and others mostly earn their living as guides to foreigners who visit Sigiriya. Surprisingly these guides have the ability to  speak several languages fluently that they have learnt through practice. The other historical site close to Sigiriya is Dambulla. It is the largest Cave Temple and belongs to the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After Dambulla, our round-tour will proceed to Kandy the capital of central Sri Lanka. On the way you may see the Economic Centres. Dambulla is the main centre from where wholesale stocks of vegetables  are distributed to all other main cities in the country. Before reaching Kandy we pass the city of Matale where the guests may see the herbal gardens.  Medicinal herbs and  other herbs used to manufacture herbal oils,  rare spices such as pepper and  ginger and many other spices  are grown here. The beautiful  Hindu Temple is located in the centre of Matale  town. The stone statues of Hindu Gods can be seen within the temple which  is   painted in dark colours. On the left direction of the town can be seen the Knuckles mountain range.

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Thereafter we shall take on the journey to Kandy and at the entrance we see the Mahaweli River, the longest rive in Sri Lanka, flowing gracefully through the city from its starting point in Adam’s Peak alias “Sri Pada” and falling into the ocean at Trincomalee, after completing her long journey of 280 kilometers. The highlight of the city of Kandy is the Temple of Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) where the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is placed. This is the most important religious site loved and worshipped by the Buddhist population in the country.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was the royal palace of King Rajasinghe, the  last king of Sri Lanka. In Kandy you can have the opportunity to view the buildings constructed during  the British rule. The Kandy Lake by the  side of the Temple of Tooth adds more beauty to the glory of this city. If you choose to spend a vacation in Kandy you will relish the cool climate and the enchanting environment of the area and you will be satisfied with your choice of your vacation. Climate during the day is usually 27C to 29C. If the youngsters choose to go on hikes, then their first choice  would obviously be the Udawatta forest in the mid-city. Hantana range of mountains, a lovely serene sight,  can be seen from the centre of the city. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens considered to be one of the best in Asia can be reached after a short drive of about 3-4 Km. Very old trees,  rare plants and a variety of rare orchids are found in it. The Mahaweli  flows beside the gardens. . If you are on holiday, do not miss the opportunity to watch elephants bathing in the river. A half hour’s drive will take you to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage established in 1975. If your hobby is hiking, then the Knuckles mountain range awaits your arrival. Kandy is 1640  feet above the mean sea level.

Proceeding  from Kandy the round tour will take the visitors to the mountains of Nuwara  Eliya. On the way you will come across the Kotmale Reservoir and the beautiful  surrounding mountain range, the glorious Ramboda Waterfall. Driving  through green tea gardens we shall arrive in the cool Nuwara Eliya situated 6129 feet above the mean sea level. The climate is similar to that of England and ancient buildings, the Post Office, Golf Club  constructed by the British are found in the mid city area. A 11 kilometer- forest among the hills is there for the hikers. This area is a National Reserve and you may catch the sight of  a sambur, jungle fowls and different species and occasionally a leopard.   Large quantities of plants and trees  unique to Nuwara Eliya can be seen in this forest.   White Water Rafting for 3 – 4 kilometers in Kitulgala is yet another water sport loved by both the locals and tourists and becoming popular day by day. Cycling, touring and mountain climbing are other activities for sports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. During a 21-day tour of Sri Lanka, one day can be assigned to climb the Adams Peak  which is a sacred pilgrimage for Buddhists of Sri Lanka.  The mountain is 07 kilometers high and it is the belief of Buddhists that Lord Buddha placed his foot on the peak of the mountain. Christians believe that Adam set his foot here. Most tourists have had the experience of climbing the mountain. Yet, it is only during the season from January until May that a person can take on the climb. The climbing begins after sunset and after reaching the  peak, the majority of people  wait on the top until dawn in freezing cold  to view the fabulous spectacle of sunrise, piercing the pitch darkness and throwing around   long shadows of mountains around the peak. A sight to cherish all your lifetime!

The chauffer will then drive you to Bandarawela and Ella.  05 kilometers after  passing Nuwara Eliya you will see a Hindu temple named Sita Eliya Kovil believed to be standing there since the  Rawana era. When looking from the right  it looks like  a range of mountains in the shape of a monkey and this area is called ‘Sita Eliya’. The forest on either side of the road is called ‘Asoka Vanam’ by Indians and the jungle is full of rare medicinal herbs used in ayurvedic medicines. Large vegetable plantations also can be seen by the roadside. Then the  journey continues to Ella. You may also travel by train from Nanu-Oya to Ella, preferably in the Observation Coach and its really and enjoylabel one watching the  beauty of nature, the rivers,  silvery waterfalls, distant  clouds covering the mountain tops and the  tea gardens stretching for miles like a green sea. If you choose to spend 02 nights you may climb the small mountain range known as the ‘Little Adam’s Peak’ and the Ella Rock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Our chauffer will then drive you to the destination of Yala via Tissamaharama where you will spend the night. You will engage on a safari tour of the Yala National Park in the evening. Though some books state that the mornings are suitable for the Yala safari, though experience we know that the evening is the most appropriate time to go into this game sanctuary because it is much cooler than during the day and  it is at this time of the day  that hungry and thirsty animals come out for  food and water. Yala is the only  sanctuary in Asia where most leopards can be seen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the following morning you may visit another National Park – Bundala. This is a sanctuary reputed for bird watching. Rare uncommon birds of thousands of species can be viewed in Bundala National Park and is a paradise for bird study.

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Tissamaharama is a historically renowned place for Buddhist pilgrims who visit the town to venerate the two stupas. Kataragama is another famous shrine for both Hindus and Buddhists. The Hindu temple is known as  Murugan Hindu Dewala. Huge crowds gather in Kataragama during the festive season to participate in the religious rituals and the processions in which richly decorated elephants walk together with the pilgrims. ‘Kavadi Dancing’ is a popular feature in the processions.

The guests will be driven to the next site of the round-tour which is Mirissa, a beach resort. On the way to Mirissa you will view the slatterns of Hambantota and driving further enjoying the view of silvery beaches, the guests will arrive at Matara to visit the  Matara Fortress initially build by the Portugueste and later captured by the Dutch.  Thereafter, Arriving at Mirissa you will spend the day at leisure on the beach and watch shoals of dolphins and whales that live abundantly at this lovely beach resort. This holiday resort is a renowned spot for vacations and tourists do not miss to engage themselves in water sports for which  Mirrisa is very popular.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passing Matara the guests will visit the Galle Fortress, yet another Dutch paradise. Today however, many government offices and houses rented out as residencies as well as shops and stores and restaurants are located in this ancient building. Galle International Cricket Stadium is accepted as one of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world.

 

Coming to Unawatuna sea beach the guests will note that the  sea water is clear and takes a lovely  greenish colour  as it is in Maldivian sea. Turtle Hatcheries (in Habaraduwa), the Japanese Peace Pagoda, Yatagala Buddhist Temple are the main tourist attractions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The chauffer will next take our guests to the tourist zone of Bentota, one of the most popular holiday vacations resorts in the island. On the way at you will be shown the lovely dense mangroves by taking a boat ride along Balapitiya river and also the islands of cinnamon plantations.

The final destination of our round-tour is Colombo, the capital and the largest city of  Sri Lanka. You will be driven on a city tour during which you will visit the Galle Face and other important locations while launching yourself on a shopping spree.

After arriving ion Negombo, the 21-day round-tour comes to an end.

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During the 21-day round-tour we introduce to you to the sites recommended by the government. However there are many other locations, though not often known or visited by tourists,that are certainly worth visiting. Such places include temples, ruins and nature resorts that can be visited by making little donations. Entry charges are levied to visit the government recommended sites and approved by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

We cordially invite you to contact us so that we can make all arrangements to schedule you for a round-tour to suit your choice of  the sites you wish to visit in Sri Lanka. We arrange group and family tours, tours for couples or for single guests. We guarantee you will get your money’s worth and much more. Luxury buses, vans and cars are available of you with our reliable chauffeurs.

Our vision is the full satisfaction of our guests and our mission is hospitality care and safety of our guests so that at the completion of an enjoyable and useful vacation they may take back fond memories of a lifetime’s  experience of their visit to Sri Lanka!