ROCS Holidays - 22 Day - Sri Lanka and Maldives VIP Grand Tour 2024

DAY 6 - DAMBULLA – PIDURANGALA - MATALE - KANDY Start the day early in the morning to witness an unforgettable sight! Transfer to Pidurangala and climb the rock in the freshness of the morning. Located in close proximity to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala has a proud ancient heritage which is closely tied to that of the Sigiriya rock fortress that is often overlooked by many who visit. The climb is more challenging than Sigiriya as there is no paved path to the top. Uneven steps and creeping through boulders is part of the journey. Therefore, this is recommended for guests with good physical fitness and are up to adventure! At the peak awaits an awe-inspiring moment for you to witness, the golden sun rising to the sky! Make yourself comfortable and view the world bringing the dawn of a new day and spreading light across the beautiful land. Heading back to the hotel, the breakfast will be prepared and laid out for you to enjoy. Afterwards commence the transfer to the central parts of the island. En-route, 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 make way to explore the hill capital. 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

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 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 back to the hotel and bring it to an end. DAY 5 - DAMBULLA - SIGIRIYA - POLONNARUWA Rise up early in the morning and prepare yourselves for a never before made experience to climb the majestic Sigiriya rock fortress! A resulted palace complex of 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, the lakes which adds up 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! to Polonnaruwa to witness the splendour of the second ancient capital of the island. The 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 in to action as this ruler constructed one of the largest lakes in the island. Take a moment to relax on the lake bund and refresh with some king coconut water before commencing the journey back. Afterwards transfer

SPECIAL ROUND TOUR PROGRAM IN SRI LANKA 2024

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