ROCS Guided Holidays 2023 13 Day Sensational Sri Lanka Tour

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

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