ROCS Guided Holidays 2023 13 Day Sensational Sri Lanka Tour

First page 1 Next page Last page

SRI LANKA 2023

STUNNING SRI LANKA JOURNEYS 13 DAYS 16 TH AUGUST - 28 TH AUGUST 2023

VISITING: COLOMBO, ANURADHAPURA, DAMBULLA, RITGALA, SIGIRIYA, MATELE, KANDY, PINNAWELA, NUWARA ELIYA, HORTON PLAINS, ELLA, YALA, GALLE

SRI LANKA 2023

Sri Lanka has a rich Buddhist heritage and is the oldest continually Buddhist country in the world. It is also a country of tropical forests, diverse landscapes and warm, friendly people. Sri Lanka Timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, endless beaches, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food make Sri Lanka irresistible. THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY ROCS Travel takes you on an intriguing journey to Lanka, with expert guides showing you a culture that goes back 3,000 years. The sacred Kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s longest-serving capital, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The Kingdom of Kandy has literally risen from the ashes; after being burned and ravaged over and over it still maintains beautifully carved palaces and temples, preserved for nearly 500 years. Sri Lanka offers travelers much more than its past. In a country just 270 miles long and 140 miles wide, it has 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife (including the endangered Sri Lankan leopard), nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 350 waterfalls and hundreds of sleepy villages where life still revolves around coconut or tea farming. The Colombo National Museum features ancient sculptures and sketches dating back to the fourth century.

SRI LANKA 2023

Travelling with peace of mind, our experts take you on a fascinating journey of discovery in this inspiring, ancient land.

ROCS GROUP, ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA WWW.ROCSHOLIDAYS.COM • 2015 1515 • TRAVEL@ROCSGRP.COM

WHAT SETS ROCS TRAVEL APART?

At ROCS Travel, we strive at every turn to redefine the notion of what a unforgettable vacation is all about. This is because our approach towards travel is completely different. Travel is our passion, we strive to give the best of what every destination has to offer, and our love for far flung destinations guarantees you, our client, peace of mind that when opting to travel with ROCS will never get it wrong. In a lifetime of travelling, I assure you that I have stayed in countless hotels around the world, enough to know that a hotel is far more than a comfortable place to rest at the end of a busy day. A great hotel is an extension to your destination where authentic style, modern conveniences and warm hospitality come together. ROCS Travel offers you all this and more. We are proud to showcase the best in the world and hence, allow us to intorduce you to stunning Sri Lanka. ROCS Travel has been hand-picking ideal destinations and properties around the world for the past 25 years. Such outstanding properties have always come with a guarantee of unbeatable packages prices. In tandem with this in the past 25 years ROCS Travel has been awarded as Emirates Airline’s Top Passenger Sales Agent and has been the top selling leisure tour operator year on year too. to outstanding destinations is our pride and joy and may I add that our expertise is not focused solely on luxury, yet we offer group tour departures at the most affordable prices, family holidays to attract both the young and old, unforgettable honeymoons, terrific shopping holidays and even romantic celebrations to name a few. If you have never considered ROCS TRAVEL before, please do take our word for it. Travelling with us once will make you want to return back time and time again, after all like we have been doing since 1998, We vouch to offer authenticity beyond the reach of any other travel company in Malta. Making extraordinary holidays

SRI LANKA 2023

RACHEL VELLA DIRECTOR ROCS GROUP

DAY 1 MALTA - SRI LANKA

Meet your Tour Manager at Malta International Airport for your flight to Sri Lanka.

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 2 COLOMBO

Ayubowan (meaning, may you live long) is our traditional greeting and we welcome you with the same whole-hearted gesture to our beautiful island of paradise! Complete the airport formalities, then collect your baggage and clear the customs. Proceeding to the arrival lobby you will be met by our representative who will warmly greet you with the hospitable smile the destination is so famous for! Upon arrival head to Colombo and check-in at the 5* Movenpick Colombo Hotel. Considering your long journey, we have allocated for you to rest and relax on the first day in order to adjust to the new surroundings, and prepare for the exciting journey

SRI LANKA 2023

ahead. Later in the day head out to explore the interesting town and surroundings of Colombo. A modern city as it looks now, the history runs deep into the colonial era when the Portuguese arrived on the island. You will walk through some of the narrow streets busy of local folk, and witness some of the buildings which have stood the test of time from the Dutch and British era! Another wonderful fact you will witness is the harmony among all faiths and beliefs of citizens, as you visit the tranquil Buddhist temple of Gangarama, the serene church of Wolvendaal standing tall since the 18th century, the vibrant red mosque in pettah and the astonishing hindu kovil built to worship Lord Muruga! A highlight during this city tour would be the visit to the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, identified as one of the sites that Lord Buddha sanctified during his third and final visit to the island. Also witness the vibrant paintings done by a famous Sri Lankan artist who specialized his talent in Buddhist temple paintings. Meals: Dinner

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 3 COLOMBO - ANURADHAPURA - DAMBULLA Rise and shine! Fill up with a scrumptious breakfast and we head out to explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura. As you reach close to the magnificent city you would see the tiny peaks of the temples, but do not let this deceive you as when you visit them you will see how colossal they are! This will give you a clear idea of the devotion ancient kings paid to Buddhism and it will make you wonder how such magnificent and massive structures were built by human hands. The most famous series of locations visited and venerated in the ancient city are the ‘eight sacred places’. Each of which have an interesting tale to depict. Listen as our guide will narrate to you as you visit each location. But of course, we will accompany you to more interesting and important sites located in the ancient city as

SRI LANKA 2023

well. A highlight will be the visit to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi. A branch of the same sacred tree which Lord Buddha sat under when attaining enlightenment that was brought to the island from India under Royal patronage accompanied by the sister of the same monk who preached at Mihintalaya. Since Buddhism was introduced to the island during this era, an immense change took place with regard to the cultural values of people, their norms and practices. We will also visit the location which is considered to be the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, the Mihintalaya temple. It is believed that this is the site where an encounter between a Buddhist missionary monk and an ancient king took place, as the king was on a hunting trip he was intervened by the monk, was preached to and with the insight this ancient king accepted and inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Completing an insightful day we head to the 5* Jetwing Lake Hotel for check in. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SRI LANKA 2023

Leisurely wake up and breakfast is prepared for you to enjoy before heading out. Today prepare for a mystical experience in a hidden land. Ritigala, a name having two conflicting derivations of being known either as ‘safe’ or ‘dreaded’ mountain is one with roots running deep into history. As soon as you enter this revered site you too will feel the wondrous tranquillity it holds that cannot be described in words. With these perfect conditions the site held an ancient monastery for an order of reclusive and ascetic monks. The ruins of the complex make it clear how close and in harmony with nature they lived at the time. The site also provided shelter for an heir to the throne who made the decisive battle at the foot of this mountain becoming the king and creating the capital of Anuradhapura. Did you feel a change in the climate and see a difference in the vegetation as you reached higher on the mountain? According to the legend from the epic of the ‘Ramayana’ it is believed that as a part of the Himalaya mountain was being carried from above a chunk accidently fell on this place, thus explaining the distinctive micro climate contrasting with that of the surrounding dry zone and the difference in vegetation with many medicinal herb plants found in the area. After, spend time with the locals as you head on a village experience tour. Commence the trek on the village path that falls through cultivation land and jungle patches and reach a cave temple. Here you will be welcomed by a monk and will engage in a conversation with you with the help of your guide. Then a session of “pirith” chanting and tying a “pirith” thread around your wrist invoking blessings and protection upon you. Head down to the shore and board the catamaran for your ride across the lake. As you travel across hear the songs of nature sung for you by the wind blowing. Arrive at the other side and walk to the village house where your will be warmly greeted by a villager. Here witness a chena cultivation and see some of the traditional methods of agriculture. Depending on the harvest you are most welcome to pluck some fresh vegetables which will be prepared later. Now begins an exciting moment as a village folk conduct a cookery demonstration especially for you. Learn how some of the local cuisines are made, how the produce is prepared and the spices are mixed and matched to achieve that perfect balance of flavour. You are encouraged to take part in this session and expand your culinary skills. Now the time you were waiting for, a delicious local rice and curry lunch will be presented for you to enjoy in the authentic traditional way. Combine the different curries and savour with the rice and eat to your hearts content. After, a seasonal fruit will be served for you as dessert. Thereafter bidding farewell to the villagers transfer back to the starting point in a tuk-tuk, a more modern and fun mode of transportation. Check in at the 5* Jetwing Lake Hotel. DAY 4 ANURADHAPURA – RITIGALA – DAMBULLA

SRI LANKA 2023

DAMBULLA

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 5 DAMBULLA – SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA

SRI LANKA 2023

Rise early in the morning and prepare yourselves for a never-before had experience to climb the majestic Sigiriya rock fortress! A palace complex resulting from a family feud in the ancient times which made Sigiriya the fortress in the skies. You can marvel each step you take from the entrance itself to the wonders this site beholds! On a lucky day you can still witness the water fountain system functioning in the water garden which is first. Then walk through the boulder garden to the terrace garden and do not miss to climb and witness the beautiful frescoes which are protected to this date. You then walk along the mirror wall, where the guide will explain to you the interesting verses inscribed by visitors who arrived at the rock since long time ago. You then arrive at the magnificent lion paw, which will give you a glimpse of the wonders that are above. Take a minute to relax and capture few photos before heading to the top. When you reach the peak, you will have a 360-degree view of the area where you can witness the lush greenery, and the lakes which add to the scenery. Also viewing the historical ruins on the peak make sure to take a moment to imagine yourself as the ruler and feel like royalty! Afterwards transfer to Polonnaruwa to witness the splendour of the second ancient capital of the island. The

SRI LANKA 2023

era of the Polonnaruwa kingdom is known as a golden era in the island. You will learn the history and importance it holds and how this once self-sufficient land gives lessons for life even today. The well-preserved ruins will make you wonder the strength of the architects and the constructors back in the day, and the attention to detail of the craftsmanship will depict the massive talent which they held! Learn how foreign invasions influenced and changed the course of Sri Lankan citizens and how the land was won back. A timeless quote was made by an ancient ruler of this kingdom stating that “no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted and each was to be used toward the development of the land”. See how the words were put into action as this ruler constructed one of the largest lakes on the island. Take a moment to relax on the lake bund and refresh with some king coconut water before commencing the journey back. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SRI LANKA 2023

SIGIRYA

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 6 DAMBULLA – MATALE – KANDY

SRI LANKA 2023

Wake up to a beautiful day in the cultural triangle, and today make a change in setting. Complete your breakfast at the hotel and commence the journey to the historic city of Kandy. The first visit of the day will be to the Dambulla cave temple. A temple built in appreciation by an ancient king for providing shelter during his period of exile. This is identified to be the best-preserved cave temple complex in the island. Head inside the many revered caves where you will enter a phase of tranquillity and see the insights of a not-so-often-found cave temple. The surrounding scenery from the top will also offer breath-taking views for you to take a moment and enjoy. The next stop will be at a spice garden in Matale. Sri Lanka was historically attractive to the Western nations for its spice riches and the country is famous for a range of sought-after spices. Did you know, Sri Lanka produces arguably the best cinnamon in the world? Learn more about how the produce is cultivated and processed to achieve its high quality, and only if interested you have the opportunity to purchase them as required. Continue the journey to Kandy and on arrival check-in to the hotel. Take a moment to refresh and in the evening make way to visit the temple of the sacred tooth relic.

SRI LANKA 2023

The aptly named temple houses the most revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Since its arrival to the island in the ancient times, the relic had played an important role closely connected with the authority for Royalty. The visit is scheduled to be in-line of witnessing the daily service taking place. These rituals are carried out in a similar form as dedicated to Lord Buddha back then. The sound of the drums beating will notify you the start of the service. The Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, a venue existing from the times of Royalty it was re planned by the British to establish as a botanical garden. It offers a broad experience of the flora in and out of the island and estimates more than four thousand species of plants being exhibited. Leisurely stroll down the varied paths along the gardens and remember to make some memories in the picturesque locations. Later towards evening spend time on a high note visiting a cultural show of Sri Lanka! Depicting the traditional dances deriving from the different parts of up-country and low country cultures, also await to witness the mesmerizing fire breathers! Check in at the 5*Earl`s Regency Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SRI LANKA 2023

MATALE

SRI LANKA 2023

KANDY

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 7 KANDY - PINNAWALA

Leisurely wake up and refresh. Breakfast is prepared and laid out for you to savour before heading out for exploring the hill capital and other sites. The Pinnawala elephant orphanage is a valuable organization commenced back in the 1970’s with the intention of providing the much-needed care for elephant calves that were orphaned in the wild. Subsequently it further developed to launch a captive breeding program as well to ensure the continuity of this wonderful species. The orphanage grounds attempt to simulate a natural habitat to a great extent and is a quiet and peaceful land dedicated for the elephants. The visit to the orphanage is in-line with the daily routine of the elephants, where you can see the elephants being fed according to their daily requirement, their moments of relaxation

SRI LANKA 2023

ROCS GROUP, ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA WWW.ROCSHOLIDAYS.COM | 2015 1515 | TRAVEL@ROCSGRP.COM

and interaction with one another. The most interesting of all will be their bath time! See the elephants line up and march from the orphanage to the river across the road where you are bound to see an amazing sight. See the young calves playing together and being mischievous, the older elephants basking in the sun and having a nice clean bath! Afterwards get ready for an interesting city tour and walk to explore the famous city of Kandy! Kandy, a city with great significance holds much importance for all Sri Lankans and foreign visitors alike. It was the last kingdom of the ancient kings of the island before it was finally ceded to the British. And being home to the most revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha, Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today. Head on an interesting city tour and walk navigating together with your guide through the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. Travel to the various bazaars, mingle with the locals, experience local arts and crafts and enjoy some unique local food or drinks to keep you energized. The cool breeze that blows from the Kandy Lake to the surroundings will create a refreshing climate making the experience that much nicer. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 8 KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA

SRI LANKA 2023

Rise and shine! A beautiful day is upon you. Have breakfast at the hotel and prepare to make the journey to the misty mountains! Head on the great scenic drive, rising in elevation on the winding mountainous roads. When visiting the hill country of Sri Lanka there is something no visitor should miss and that is Ceylon Tea! Introduced by the British, this refreshing drink is now enjoyed by every local ranging from a labourer to a millionaire! And also by countless tea lovers across the world! You will have the opportunity to visit a tea plantation to see and learn how tea is grown and harvested. Like to experience the work routine of a tea-plucker? Grab a basket and head to the field where you will be taught how to pluck the ideal leaves. This will be followed by a factory visit to witness the production process. Interested to taste some pure Ceylon Tea? Of course, you have the opportunity for this as well. Arriving in Nuwara Eliya check-in to the hotel and take some time to relax. Later in the afternoon head out for a city tour to explore the bygone days of this colonial town. Known as ‘Little England’ the town lives up to its nickname offering a picture of a British suburb village. You will see the little cottages on the hills, colonial hotels, and the racecourse etc. which have been erected during the British rule which stands proud to this day. Check in at the 5*Jetwing St Andrews Hotel.

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 9 NUWARA ELIYA - HORTON PLAINS

SRI LANKA 2023

Rise early to another chilly beautiful morning, and we have your breakfast packed and ready. Let’s head out for the breath-taking trek in the Horton Plains to witness the World’s End! Declared now as a national park this trek will have you mesmerized along the whole trail. Rich in both flora and fauna your guide will enlighten you along the way of the different species of the categories. Interesting fact! Did you know that Horton Plains holds the headwaters for three of the main rivers of the island? The plains though attracted much attention during the British rule, has links running far behind in history and connects once again to the epic of ‘Ramayana’. Interested to know more? Our guide will enlighten you on the details. The World’s End will have you mesmerized on viewing this stunning location! But the sheer drop below will give you chills! Dream away with nature as you gaze upon the far corners of the island. If you wish to take a small break, you can rest for a while near the freezing waters of the Baker’s Falls. Completing the trek and feeling accomplished we head back to Nuwara Eliya and will allocate some time to rest and rejuvenate. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 10 NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA - YALA

SRI LANKA 2023

A new day to enjoy! Breakfast will be prepared and laid out for you. Fill yourself up and after we will make our transfer to Ella, a town located towards the end of the central highlands. A cosy little town nestled among the hills has so many interesting sites that you could visit. We will also not forget to make a stop at one of the best locations where you can spot the Ella gap, opening views to the southern plains of the island, on a clear day you can view up to the coastal areas of the south! Thereafter also make a short stop at the Ravana Waterfall, which hides the tales of historical legend ‘The Ramayana’ behind its curtain of water. Later in the afternoon head in to the Yala national park for the game drive, your experience in the wilderness. The park being the second largest national park in Sri Lanka provides home to some of the most magnificent wildlife and is identified to be one of the best locations with a good ratio on sighting 3 species of the “Big Five of Sri Lanka”. The majestic Sri Lankan elephant, the fierce Sri Lankan leopard, and the elusive Sri Lankan sloth bear! The area also bears great importance on historical aspects having past civilizations situated there and also being connected to ancient legends. Check in at the 5* Jetwing Yala Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 11 YALA – GALLE

Enjoy the breakfast laid for you before we cruise through the south coast. But before we have another unique experience lined up for you to witness. Curd is a local delicacy enjoyed by many, but it is interesting to see how this is actually produced. Head to a curd maker’s home to witness the curd making process. You can closely examine how the different stages progress from the female buffaloes being milked, followed by straining, boiling and curing. The entire visit would not be complete if you do not have the opportunity to taste the curd, therefore pour some treacle and enjoy a fresh cup of this local delicacy! Witness the uncommon practice of fishing on a stick! This is no ordinary fishing technique, there might be several methods of catching a fish but this one is mind-boggling. Stilt Fishing is an old tradition practiced by fishing families in south-western-most Sri Lanka. Arriving in Galle check-in to the hotel, and towards evening head to the Galle Dutch Fort to end the day with unforgettable views. The Galle Dutch fort, a world heritage site. Marvel in the massive stone fort which the history roots run deep to the period of the sixteenth century and then has come to its present structure by the developments made by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. You can head up to the rampart and walk along gazing at the clear blue Indian Ocean, and this is an ideal photo location as well! Learn about the interesting details as you walk along the narrow streets of the fort. Check in at the 5* Radisson Blu Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 12 GALLE – AMBALANGODA – KOSGODA – AIR PORT

SRI LANKA 2023

Sadly, your time in Paradise ends today! Complete breakfast and spend the morning at leisure enjoying your last moments close to the soothing ocean. Around noon time commence the final journey out. And we have one last selection of places to visit before your departure. The town of Ambalangoda is renowned for the manufacture of wooden masks and puppets. The traditional masks are carved from light Balsa like Kaduru wood (Nux vomica). Kaduru trees grow in the marshy lands bordering paddy fields. The wood is smoke dried for a week in preparation. The hand-carved and hand-painted masks in traditional dance dramas are both vibrant and colourful. Then visit a turtle hatchery. This wonderful marine species has found ideal conditions for laying eggs in certain areas of the south coast. Responsible groups have come into action and through these turtle hatcheries ensure majority of the turtle hatchlings see the light of day. While appreciating their efforts you can enjoy an up-close and personal experience with the turtles. Continue the journey, and as evening falls arrive in Colombo. Here take one last break for dinner while taking a moment to relax before heading to the airport. At an appropriate time commence the journey back to the Colombo International Airport to connect to the departure flight. At this time, we hope you had a unique and enjoyable tour in Sri Lanka which will be an unforgettable experience in your life, and as we bid you farewell, we hope to see you soon again in our Miracle Island! “Ayubowan” till we meet again! Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 13 SRI LANKA – MALTA

Arrival in Malta.

SRI LANKA 2023

SRI LANKA 13 DAY TOUR Visiting: Colombo, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Ritgala, Sigiriya, Matele, Kandy, Pinnawela, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains, Ella, Yala, Galle € 2769 13 DAYS FROM

DAY 1 - MALTA – SRI LANKA Meet your Tour Manager at Malta International Airport for your flight to Sri Lanka. DAY 2 - COLOMBO Ayubowan (meaning, may you live long) is our traditional greeting and we welcome you with the same whole-hearted gesture to our beautiful island of paradise! Complete the airport formalities, then collect your baggage and clear the customs. Proceeding to the arrival lobby you will be met by our representative who will warmly greet you with the hospitable smile the destina tion is so famous for! Upon arrival head to Colom bo and check-in at the 5* Movenpick Colombo Hotel. Considering your long journey, we have allocated for you to rest and relax on the first day in order to adjust to the new surroundings, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Later in the day head out to explore the interesting town and surroundings of Colombo. A modern city as it looks now, the history runs deep into the colonial era when the Portu guese arrived on the island. You will walk through some of the narrow streets busy of local folk, and witness some of the buildings which have stood the test of time from the Dutch and British era! Another wonderful fact you will wit ness is the harmony among all faiths and beliefs of citizens,

as you visit the tranquil Bud dhist temple of Gangarama, the serene church of Wol vendaal standing tall since the 18th century, the vibrant red mosque in pettah and the astonishing hindu kovil built to worship Lord Muruga! A highlight during this city tour would be the visit to the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, identified as one of the sites that Lord Buddha sanctified during his third and final visit to the island. Also witness the vibrant paintings done by a famous Sri Lankan artist who specialized his talent in Bud dhist temple paintings. Meals: Dinner Rise and shine! Fill up with a scrumptious breakfast and we head out to explore the an cient city of Anuradhapura. As you reach close to the mag nificent city you would see the tiny peaks of the temples, but do not let this deceive you as when you visit them you will see how colossal they are! This will give you a clear idea of the devotion ancient kings paid to Buddhism and it will make you wonder how such magnificent and massive structures were built by hu man hands. The most famous series of locations visited and venerated in the ancient city are the ‘eight sacred places’. Each of which have an inter esting tale to depict. Listen as DAY 3 - COLOMBO - ANURADHAPURA - DAMBULLA

our guide will narrate to you as you visit each location. But of course, we will accompany you to more interesting and important sites located in the ancient city as well. A high light will be the visit to the sa cred Sri Maha Bodhi. A branch of the same sacred tree which Lord Buddha sat under when attaining enlightenment that was brought to the island from India under Royal pa tronage accompanied by the sister of the same monk who preached at Mihintalaya. Since Buddhism was introduced to the island during this era, an immense change took place with regard to the cultural val ues of people, their norms and practices. We will also visit the location which is considered to be the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, the Mihintalaya temple. It is believed that this is the site where an encounter be tween a Buddhist missionary monk and an ancient king took place, as the king was on a hunting trip he was intervened by the monk, was preached to and with the insight this ancient king accepted and inaugurated the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Completing an insightful day, we head to the 5* Jetwing

SRI LANKA 2023

Lake Hotel for check in. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4 - ANURADHAPURA – RITIGALA – DAMBULLA LLeisurely wake up and break fast is prepared for you to en-

joy before heading out. Today prepare for a mystical experi ence in a hidden land. Ritigala, a name having two conflicting derivations of being known either as ‘safe’ or ‘dreaded’ mountain is one with roots running deep into history. As soon as you enter this revered site you too will feel the won drous tranquillity it holds that cannot be described in words. With these perfect conditions the site held an ancient mon astery for an order of reclusive and ascetic monks. The ruins of the complex make it clear how close and in harmony with nature they lived at the time. The site also provid ed shelter for an heir to the throne who made the deci sive battle at the foot of this mountain becoming the king and creating the capital of Anuradhapura. Did you feel a change in the climate and see a difference in the vegetation as you reached higher on the mountain? According to the legend from the epic of the ‘Ramayana’ it is believed that as a part of the Himalaya mountain was being carried from above a chunk accidently fell on this place, thus explaining the distinc tive micro climate contrasting with that of the surrounding dry zone and the difference in vegetation with many medic inal herb plants found in the area. After, spend time with the locals as you head on a village experience tour. Com mence the trek on the village path that falls through culti vation land and jungle patch es and reach a cave temple. Here you will be welcomed by a monk and will engage in a conversation with you with the help of your guide. Then a session of “pirith” chanting and tying a “pirith” thread around your wrist invoking blessings and protection upon

you. Head down to the shore and board the catamaran for your ride across the lake. As you travel across hear the songs of nature sung for you by the wind blowing. Arrive at the other side and walk to the village house where your will be warmly greeted by a villager. Here witness a che na cultivation and see some of the traditional methods of agriculture. Depending on the harvest you are most welcome to pluck some fresh vegeta bles which will be prepared later. Now begins an exciting moment as a village folk con duct a cookery demonstration especially for you. Learn how some of the local cuisines are made, how the produce is prepared and the spices are mixed and matched to achieve that perfect balance of flavour. You are encouraged to take part in this session and ex pand your culinary skills. Now the time you were waiting for, a delicious local rice and curry lunch will be presented for you to enjoy in the authentic traditional way. Combine the different curries and savour with the rice and eat to your hearts content. After, a sea sonal fruit will be served for you as dessert. Thereafter bidding farewell to the vil lagers transfer back to the starting point in a tuk-tuk, a more modern and fun mode of transportation. Check in at the DAY 5 - DAMBULLA – SIGIRI YA – POLONNARUWA Rise early in the morning and prepare yourselves for a never-before had experi ence to climb the majestic Sigiriya rock fortress! A pal ace complex resulting from a family feud in the ancient times which made Sigiriya the 5* Jetwing Lake Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

fortress in the skies. You can marvel each step you take from the entrance itself to the wonders this site beholds! On a lucky day you can still witness the water fountain system functioning in the wa ter garden which is first. Then walk through the boulder garden to the terrace garden and do not miss to climb and witness the beautiful frescoes which are protected to this date. You then walk along the mir ror wall, where the guide will explain to you the interesting verses inscribed by visitors who arrived at the rock since long time ago. You then arrive at the magnificent lion paw, which will give you a glimpse of the wonders that are above. Take a minute to relax and capture few photos before heading to the top. When you reach the peak, you will have a 360-degree view of the area where you can witness the lush greenery, and the lakes which add to the scenery. Also viewing the historical ruins on the peak make sure to take a moment to imagine your self as the ruler and feel like royalty! Afterwards transfer to Polonnaruwa to witness the splendour of the second ancient capital of the island. The era of the Polonnaruwa kingdom is known as a gold en era in the island. You will learn the history and impor tance it holds and how this once self-sufficient land gives lessons for life even today. The well-preserved ruins will make you wonder the strength of the architects and the con structors back in the day, and the attention to detail of the craftsmanship will depict the massive talent which they held! Learn how foreign inva sions influenced and changed the course of Sri Lankan citizens and how the land was

SRI LANKA 2023

won back. A timeless quote was made by an ancient ruler of this kingdom stating that “no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wast ed and each was to be used toward the development of the land”. See how the words were put into action as this ruler constructed one of the largest lakes on the island. Take a mo ment to relax on the lake bund and refresh with some king co conut water before commenc ing the journey back. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 6 - DAMBULLA – MATALE – KANDY Wake up to a beautiful day in the cultural triangle, and today make a change in setting. Complete your breakfast at the hotel and commence the journey to the historic city of Kandy. The first visit of the day will be to the Dambulla cave temple. A temple built in appreciation by an ancient king for provid ing shelter during his period of exile. This is identified to be the best-preserved cave tem ple complex in the island. Head inside the many revered caves where you will enter a phase of tranquillity and see the insights of a not-so-often-found cave temple. The surrounding scen ery from the top will also offer breath-taking views for you to take a moment and enjoy. The next stop will be at a spice garden in Matale. Sri Lanka was historically attractive to the Western nations for its spice riches and the coun try is famous for a range of sought-after spices. Did you know, Sri Lanka produces argu ably the best cinnamon in the world? Learn more about how the produce is cultivated and processed to achieve its high quality, and only if interested you have the opportunity to purchase them as required.

Continue the journey to Kandy and on arrival check-in to the hotel. Take a moment to re fresh and in the evening make way to visit the temple of the sacred tooth relic. The aptly named temple hous es the most revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Since its arriv al to the island in the ancient times, the relic had played an important role closely con nected with the authority for Royalty. The visit is scheduled to be in-line of witnessing the daily service taking place. These rituals are carried out in a similar form as dedicated to Lord Buddha back then. The sound of the drums beating will notify you the start of the service. The Peradeniya Royal Botan ical Garden, a venue existing from the times of Royalty it was re-planned by the British to establish as a botanical gar den. It offers a broad experi ence of the flora in and out of the island and estimates more than four thousand species of plants being exhibited. Leisure ly stroll down the varied paths along the gardens and remem ber to make some memories in the picturesque locations. Later towards evening spend time on a high note visiting a cultural show of Sri Lan ka! Depicting the tradition al dances deriving from the different parts of up-country and low-country cultures, also await to witness the mesmer izing fire breathers! Check in at the 5*Earl`s Regency Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 7 - KANDY – PINNAWALA Leisurely wake up and refresh. Breakfast is prepared and laid out for you to savour before heading out for exploring the hill capital and other sites. The Pinnawala elephant or phanage is a valuable organ

ization commenced back in the 1970’s with the intention of providing the much-needed care for elephant calves that were orphaned in the wild. Subsequently it further de veloped to launch a captive breeding program as well to ensure the continuity of this wonderful species. The or phanage grounds attempt to simulate a natural habitat to a great extent and is a quiet and peaceful land dedicated for the elephants. The visit to the orphanage is in-line with the daily routine of the elephants, where you can see the elephants being fed according to their daily requirement, their moments of relaxation and interaction with one another. The most inter esting of all will be their bath time! See the elephants line up and march from the orphanage to the river across the road where you are bound to see an amazing sight. See the young calves playing together and being mischievous, the older elephants basking in the sun and having a nice clean bath! Afterwards get ready for an interesting city tour and walk to explore the famous city of Kandy! Kandy, a city with great signif icance holds much importance for all Sri Lankans and foreign visitors alike. It was the last kingdom of the ancient kings of the island before it was finally ceded to the British. And being home to the most revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha, Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today. Head on an interesting city tour and walk navigating together with your guide through the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. Travel to the various bazaars, mingle with the locals, experience local arts and crafts and enjoy

SRI LANKA 2023

DAY 10 - NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA - YALA A new day to enjoy! The breakfast will be prepared and laid out for you. Fill yourself up and after we will make our transfer to Ella, a town located towards the end of the central highlands. A cosy little town nestled among the hills has so many interesting sites that you could visit. We will also not forget to make a stop at one of the best locations where you can spot the Ella gap, opening views to the southern plains of the island, on a clear day you can view up to the coastal areas of the south! Thereafter also make a short stop at the Ravana Waterfall, which hides the tales of his torical legend ‘The Ramayana’ behind its curtain of water. Later in the afternoon head in to the Yala national park for the game drive, your experi ence in the wilderness. The park being the second larg est national park in Sri Lanka provides home to some of the most magnificent wildlife, and is identified to be one of the best locations with a good ratio on sighting 3 species of the “Big Five of Sri Lan ka”. The majestic Sri Lankan elephant, the fierce Sri Lankan leopard and the elusive Sri Lankan sloth bear! The area also bears great importance on historical aspects having past civilizations situated there and also being connect ed to ancient legends. Check in at the 5* Jetwing Yala Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 11 - YALA – GALLE Enjoy the breakfast laid for you before we cruise through the south coast. But before we have another unique ex perience lined up for you to witness. Curd, a local delica-

some unique local food or drinks to keep you energized. The cool breeze that blows from the Kandy Lake to the surroundings will create a refreshing climate making the experience that much nicer. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Rise and shine! A beautiful day is upon you. Have break fast at the hotel and prepare to make the journey to the misty mountains! Head on the great scenic drive, rising in elevation on the winding mountainous roads. When visiting the hill country of Sri Lanka there is some thing no visitor should miss and that is Ceylon Tea! Intro duced by the British, this re freshing drink is now enjoyed by every local ranging from a labourer to a millionaire! And also by countless tea lovers across the world! You will have the opportunity to visit a tea plantation to see and learn how tea is grown and harvested. Like to expe rience the work routine of a tea-plucker? Grab a basket and head to the field where you will be taught how to pluck the ideal leaves. This will be followed by a factory visit to witness the production pro cess. Interested to taste some pure Ceylon Tea? Of course, you have the opportunity for this as well. Arriving in Nuwara Eliya check-in to the hotel and take some time to relax. Later in the afternoon head out for a city tour to explore the by gone days of this colonial town. Known as ‘Little Eng land’ the town lives up to its nickname offering a picture of a British suburb village. You will see the little cottages on DAY 08 - KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA

the hills, colonial hotels, and the racecourse etc. which have been erected during the British rule which stands proud to this day. Check in at the 5*Jetwing St Andrews Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 09 - NUWARA ELIYA – HORTON PLAINS Rise up early to another chilly beautiful morning, and we have your breakfast packed and ready. Let’s head out for the breath-taking trek in the Horton Plains to witness the World’s End! Declared now as a national park this trek will have you mesmerized along the whole trail. Rich in both flora and fauna your guide will enlight en you along the way of the different species of the cate gories. Interesting fact! Did you know that Horton Plains holds the headwaters for three of the main rivers of the island? The plains though attracted much attention during the British rule, has links running far be hind in history and connects once again to the epic of ‘Ra mayana’. Interested to know more? Our guide will enlighten you on the details. The World’s End will have you mesmerized on viewing this stunning location! But the sheer drop below will give you chills! Dream away with nature as you gaze upon the far cor ners of the island. If you wish to take a small break, you can rest for a while near the freezing waters of the Bakers fall. Completing the trek and feeling accomplished we head back to Nuwara Eliya and will allocate some time to rest and rejuvenate. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

SRI LANKA 2023

cy enjoyed by many, but it is interesting to see how this is actually produced. Head to a curd makers home to witness the curd making process. You can closely examine how the different stages progress from the female buffaloes being milked, followed by straining, boiling and curing. The entire visit would not be complete if you do not have the op portunity to taste the curd, therefore pour some treacle and enjoy a fresh cup of this local delicacy! Witness the uncommon practice of fishing on a stick! This is no ordi nary fishing technique, there might be several methods of catching a fish but this one is mind-boggling. Stilt Fishing is an old tradition practiced by fishing families in south-west ern-most Sri Lanka.Arriving in Galle check-in to the hotel, and towards evening head to the Galle Dutch Fort to end the day with unforgettable views. The Galle Dutch fort, a world heritage site. Marvel in the massive stone fort which the history roots run deep to the period of the sixteenth cen tury and then has come to its present structure by the developments made by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. You can head up to the rampart and walk along gazing at the clear blue Indian Ocean, and this is an ideal photo location as well! Learn about the interesting details as you walk along the narrow streets of the fort. Check in at the 5* Radisson Blu Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 12 - GALLE – AMBALANGODA – KOSGODA – AIRPORT Sadly, your time in Paradise ends today! Complete the breakfast and spend the

morning at leisure enjoying your last moments close to the soothing ocean. Around noon time commence the final journey out. And we have one last selection of places to visit before your departure. The town of Am balangoda is renowned for the manufacture of wooden masks and puppets. The traditional masks are carved from light Balsa like Kaduru wood (Nux vomica). Kaduru trees grow in the marshy lands border ing paddy fields. The wood is smoke dried for a week in preparation. The hand carved and hand painted masks in traditional dance dramas are both vibrant and colourful. Then visit a turtle hatchery. This wonderful marine species has found ideal conditions for laying eggs in certain areas of the south coast. Responsible groups have come into ac tion and through these turtle hatcheries ensure majority of the turtle hatchlings see the light of day. While appreciat ing their efforts you can enjoy an up-close and personal experience with the turtles. Continue the journey, and as evening falls arrive in Colom bo. Here take one last break for dinner while taking a mo ment to relax before heading to the airport. At an appro priate time commence the journey back to the Colombo International Airport to con nect to the departure flight. At this time, we hope you had a unique and enjoyable tour in Sri Lanka which will be an unforgettable experience in your life, and as we bid you farewell we hope to see you soon again in our Miracle Is land! “Ayubowan” till we meet again! Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Arrival in Malta.

PACKAGE PRICE PER PERSON TRIPLE SHARING

€ 2769 € 2819 € 3299 € 1899

TWIN SHARING

SINGLE

CHILD 2 – 11 YRS€

OUR PACKAGE INCLUDES P

RETURN FLIGHTS MALTA/COLOMBO/MALTA ON EMIRATES AIRLINE

AIRLINE TAXES AND FUEL CHARGES 10 NIGHTS IN 5* ACCOMMODATION 10 BREAKFAST 1 LUNCH 11 DINNERS ALL EXCURSIONS AS PER ITINERARY

P P

P P P P P P P

ALL TRANSFERS

SERVICES OF AN ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDE THROUGHOUT

DELUXE AIR CONDITIONED MOTOR COACH COMPREHENSIVE GUIDED SIGHTSEEING

ACTIVE ITINERARY WITH UNIQUE CULTURAL FEATURES SERVICES OF AN EXPERIENCED ROCS TRAVEL TOUR MANAGER

OPTIONAL PER PERSON KANDY ESALA PERAHERA

€ 69

SRI LANKA 2023

VISA REQUIRED

DAY 13 - SRI LANKA – MALTA

ROCS GROUP, ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA WWW.ROCSHOLIDAYS.COM • 2015 1515 • TRAVEL@ROCSGRP.COM

GUIDED HOLIDAYS

13 Day Sri Lanka The Undiscovered Country Immerse Yourself In A Different Place And Time

FROM € 2649 PP FROM 2769

SRI LANKA 2023

STUNNING SRI LANKA JOURNEYS 13 DAYS 16 TH AUGUST - 28 TH AUGUST 2023

VISITING: COLOMBO, ANURADHAPURA, DAMBULLA, RITGALA, SIGIRIYA, MATELE, KANDY, PINNAWELA, NUWARA ELIYA, HORTON PLAINS, ELLA, YALA, GALLE

SRI LANKA 2023

Travelling with peace of mind, our experts take you on a fascinating journey of discovery in this inspiring, ancient land.

ROCS GROUP, ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA WWW.ROCSHOLIDAYS.COM • 2015 1515 • TRAVEL@ROCSGRP.COM

Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90 Page 91 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 96 Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 106 Page 107 Page 108 Page 109 Page 110 Page 111 Page 112 Page 113 Page 114 Page 115 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 120 Page 121 Page 122 Page 123 Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Page 128

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online