ROCS Guided Holidays 2023 13 Day Sensational Sri Lanka Tour

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

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