ROCS Guided Holidays 2023 13 Day Sensational Sri Lanka Tour

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

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