-PM-
* After lunch continue the tour to Kandy & en-route visit the Gadaladeniya Viaharaya, Lankathilaka Viharaya & Ambakke Devalaya

- Gadaladeniya Viharaya -
Gadaladeniya is situated at Pilimatalawa on Kandy Colombo Road, just Passing Kadugannawa. Built almost exclusively of stone in 1344 by the Gampola King Wickramabahu, situated on a hilltop, commanding views of the surrounding countryside. The architecture is Dravidian. The entrance porch features large stone pillars, which support a roof of huge stone slabs. Within the vihara, an ancient stone and plaster Buddha image looks down upon milk rice pots that have collected food offerings for centuries. The 638-Year-Old jack wood doors still exhibit their original paintings.

- Lankathilaka Viharaya -
The shrine is built on the summit of the rock called Panhalgala in the village of Rabbegamuwa, Udunuvara division of Kandy district, approximately 12 km. from the Peradeniya Bridge. It can be approached from two directions, one from the Colombo-Kandy Road and another from the Gampaha-Kandy Road. Lankatilaka, together with another Buddhist shrine at Gadaladeniya and the Embekke Devale dedicated to God Kataragama, all dating from the fourteen century, form an important trio possessing their individual architectural and decorative merits to attract connoisseurs and scholars from all over the world.
Overlooking the eastern escarpment of the rock, the surroundings provide a magnificent panorama with distant hills, paddy fields and diverse vegetation. Apparently the site had been selected as usual for its beauty and peaceful environment, at a proper distance from bustling village life. This hamlet is well known for its traditional vocations, which are obviously part of its cultural heritage handed down from ancient times.

- Ambakke Devalaya -
This Shrine is also dedicated to God Kataragama. The temple is famed for its carved wooden pillars with intricate designs. The pillars leap to life with dancers, musicians, wrestlers, legendary beasts and birds. Nearby are the ruins of an ancient Rest House with similar pillars carved in stone. All the above-described monuments belong to the 14th century.

* After visiting above temples proceed to Kandy & check-in to hotel.

- Kandy -
Available historical records suggest that Senkadagalapura (an early name for Kandy) was established by the King Wickramabahu III during the period of his reign from 1357-1374 AD. Some scholars contend that the original name of Kandy was Katubulu Nuwara located near present Watapuluwa. The more popular historical name - Senkadagala - according to folklore, was originated from one of the several possible sources. These include naming after a brahmin with the name Senkanda who lived in a cave near by, a queen of King Wickramabahu named Senkanda, and after a coloured stone named Senkadagala. The present name Kandy is only an anglicized version of Kanda Uda Rata (meaning the land of mountains) originated in the colonial era.

* Rest of the day free for relaxing at the hotel.
* Dinner & overnight stay.

DAY 03 - KANDY/ DAMBULLA

-AM-
* After breakfast check-out form the hotel & proceed to visit the world famous Temple of the Tooth Relic & Museum.

- Temple of the sacred tooth relic -
The 'Danta Dhatu' (Tooth Relic of the Buddha) is one of the most revered objects of worship by Buddhists throughout the world. It now lies in the sanctum of the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the tooth relic) in Kandy enshrined in an embellished reliquary. The relic was brought to the island by chance during the 9th regnal year of king Keerthi Sri Meghavarna (371 AD), and ever since it was protected by kings and laymen who paid homage to it with unbound munifience. It also became the palladium of regal authority and no king could rule the country without possessing it. Hence it was a treasure owned by the kings on whose preservation the safety of the kingdom and the country depended.

- Proceed to Matale. En-route visit Nalanda Gedige, Kawatayamuna Temple & Aluvihara Temple
- Lunch will be served in a restaurant in Matale.

- Nalanda Gedige -
Twenty kilometers south of the Dambulla Temple, about one kilometer east of the A9, is the attractive Nalanda Gedige. The unusual image house was transferred to this spot near the town of Nalanda when the Bowatenne Tank, which is part of the Mahaweli Ganga Program, was built.

The small building is designed like a Hindu temple with a mandapa, an entrance hall (originally roofed), a short passage to a bare cello, and an ambulatory round the holy center. There is no sign of Hindu gods, however, and the temple is said to have been used by Buddhists. This is one of the earliest buildings of stone constructed in Ceylon.
The richly decorated facade sections, laboriously reassembled in 1975, are predominantly in the South Indian style, and may have originated in the eighth to 11th centuries, but cannot be precisely dated. However, the god Kubera appears on the south side of the tympanum over the sanctuary, and this is a feature only to be found in Sri Lanka. The temple, nestled in a marvelous setting, is hard to tear yourself away from.

- Aluvihara Temple -
Aluvihara; Luminous Cave Temple is synonymous with the teaching of the Buddha. Aluvihara rightly assumes its significance in the annals of the history of world Buddhism. It is in this very location that the Tipitaka was documented on palm-leaves. "Assembled the priests, who here compared their texts, which were then, or soon afterwards, committed to writing, and form the Banapota or Buddhist Bible. This took place about ninety-two years B.C." "Therefore, to the enlightened Buddhist" says Major Forbes in his work Eleven years in Ceylon written in 1840 "This secluded and comparatively unpretending cavern must be of infinitely greater interest than the Temple of the Tooth or Thuparama itself." Aluvihara also preserved with it a host of rich literature that had woven around the Tipitaka including commentaries.

-PM-

* After lunch continue to Dambulla & en-route visit Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya.

- Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya - [Dambulla Golden Temple]
Dambulla has been a sacred place since the second century BC. It has earned the name Golden Temple because of its gilded interior. The temple consists of 5 separate caves that are hewn from a big rock. The caves were originally used as hiding places. Later on in history they were embellished more and more by several kings. On the inside, the caves are decorated with religious and secular paintings from the 15th and 16th century. The most remarkable sights at the scene are the 157 wonderful buddhist (and also hindu) statues inside. Among them is a 15 m long reclining Buddha.

* Check-in to hotel in Dambulla for Dinner.
* Overnight stay at the hotel.

BUDDHIST CIRCUIT NO. 02

08 Days/07 Nights

DAY 01 - AIRPORT / COLOMBO

* Meet & greet at the Bandaranayake International Airport on arrival. Transfer to hotel in Colombo for the Dinner & overnight stay.

- Colombo -
"Colombo is a city of many contrasts, a combination of yesterday and tomorrow, of East and West. The city disturbs tourists because it is difficult to grasp. Colombo's origin go back many centuries when it was a flourishing seaport attracting seafarers from Persia and Morocco to trade in pearls, precious stones, elephants, peacocks, cinnamon and other spices. In the 14th century AD Ibn Batuta described it as the best town on the island of Serendib..."

DAY 02 - COLOMBO / HIKKADUWA

-AM-

* After breakfast proceed to visit the famous Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya.

- Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya -
The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the most sacred worshipping places of the Buddhists of Sri Lanka since it is a site made hallowed by the visit of Lord Buddha. In the past Kelaniya itself was a large city and the Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya was one of the largest and one of the most beautiful temples of Sri Lanka. Situated about six miles from Colombo, set within a sacred area of around ten acres, the Kelani Vihara stands beside the Kelani river as evidence of a Buddhist tradition in this country. The spot on which this vihara stands derived its sanctity in the Buddhist era 2531, with the third visit of the Buddha to this country. He hallowed this ground by His visit accompanied by 500 Arahants. The fact that the Buddha visited the spot on a Wesak day on the invitation of King Maniakkhika is given in the historic epics of Sri Lanka.

* After visiting Kelaniya Viharaya, head back & transfer to hotel in Hikkaduwa.
* En-route stop at Kalutara Bodhi for sightseeing + Lunch at restaurant.

- Kalutara Bodhi -
Kalutara is famous for it's Bodhi tree and the Kalutara Bridge, which act as a main gateway between the Western and Southern Border. The Portuguese build a Fort on the site of the Buddhist temple, which was taken by Dutch and lately by British who converted it to a Residence. Now houses a Buddhist shrine.

The Kalturara Bodhi Tree, has a history dating back to about 2200 years. When the sacred branch of the Bodhi tree was brought to Sri Lanka in the days of King Devanampiyatissa, 32 seedlings from that holy tree were planted at selected sites in the country. The Bodhi tree at Kalulara is one of those thirty-two.

Millions pay homage to this Sacred Bodhi Tree, each year. The sacred Bodhi Tree at Kalutara, has now assumed the stature of a Sri Lankan spiritual shrine, adored by the masses, without considerations of religious differences. Vehicles that pass ritually stop at this holy spot as a blessed segment of their journey. There is hardly any other wayside holy site in Sri Lanka that receives the adoration of travellers as this Bodhi Tree does.

* Later continue to Hikkaduwa & check-in to hotel.

- Hikkaduwa City -
Hikkaduwa is a place on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is located in the Southern Province, about 20 km to the North-West of Galle & is one of the liveliest of the southwest coast beaches. Unlike Beruwala and Bentota, it is not completely dominated by large resort hotels, and although it now spreads for some 5km (3 miles) along the coast, its accommodation mix includes small family run guesthouses as well as larger hotels. There's excellent snorkeling just offshore and a number of dive sites for more serious scuba divers further out to sea, while good surf to the south of town attracts surfers.

Even if you're not a scuba diver, Hikkaduwa offers underwater delights. Only 200m (219yd) offshore, in shallow water no more than 4m (13ft) deep, a reef protects an expanse of brilliant coral populated by vividly colorful reef fish and even the occasional turtle. It is perfect snorkeling territory, but for the less confident, glass bottomed boats also operate from the beach.

-PM-

- Rest of the day free for relaxing & Dinner + overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 03 - HIKKADUWA / TISSAMAHARAMA

-AM-

- After breakfast check-out form the hotel & transfer to hotel in Tissamaharama.
- En-route visit Galle & Matara cities.

- Galle City -
Galle is a town situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. It was known as Gimhathiththa (although Ibn Batuta in the 14th century refers to it as Qali) before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British, who developed the harbor at Colombo.

Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in south and southeast Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and south Asian traditions. The Galle Fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European invaders. Other prominent landmarks in this city include the St. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests.

Galle is the main town in the most southerly part of the island, with a population of around 100,000, and is connected by rail to Colombo and Matara. It is home to a cricket ground, the Galle International Stadium, where test matches are played.

- Matara City -
Matara is situated in the southern province of Sri Lanka, 160 kms from Colombo. During the past Matara was called "Mahathota". The river running through Matara is called the Nilwala River. There was a wide area across this river & hence it was called "Mahathota" which means "The great ferry ". Out all the other "great ferries in Sri lanka, Mahathota attracted the attention of the poets. According to Reverend Sri Rahula's "Paravi Sandesaya" it is mentioned that Weerabamapanam made Matara as his capital and named "Mapatuna". Portuguese Priest Quarese's reason for the name "Matara" is also referring to Nilwala River. The presently used name "Matara" has been in use for the last three centuries connecting its contact with the river "Nilwala".

Tourists from all over the world are attracted to Matara's natural scenic beauty. One can see lush paddy fields; verdant sea; tea estates and fragrant spice plantations stretching to the horizon. The Nilwala river & Indian Ocean have blessed Matara with a thriving fishing industry which provides both a source of income & a steady supply of fresh fish. Matara is also famous for its safe sandy beaches. The city of Matara has an area of just over 8.8 square kilometres & has a population of about 76000. Average temperature is about 30 celsius.

-PM-

* Lunch will be served at a restaurant in Tangalle.
* After lunch visit the beautiful temples of Veherahena, Wewrukannala & Mulkingala.

- Veherahena Temple -
A detour off the palm-fringed road that hugs Sri Lanka's south coast takes you to one of the most impressive Buddhas of all, the 132-foot-tall colossus at Veherahena.

Though Buddhism has flourished here since the third century BC, the Veherahena Buddha is recent. Construction began in 1956 during the outburst of devotion accompanying the 2,500th anniversary of the Buddha's death. Characteristically Sri Lankan, this is neither the jolly deity of China nor the beatific figure of ancient India but an impassive sage in the samadhi, or meditative, posture. The statue is protected by a five-story structure, its long halls and underground shrine covered with 20,000 colorful cartoon-style panels depicting the life of the Buddha and incidents from his 550 previous incarnations.

The temple attracts a constant stream of pilgrims offering jasmine blossoms, betel nuts, or oil lamps. And once a year, during a full moon, lucky visitors get to witness the perahera, a joyous procession of musicians, dancers, and elephants.

- Wewrukannala Temple -
15 miles east of Matara is the town of Dikwella, where one of the most amazing Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka is located. The Wewurukannala Vihara temple is dominated by an image of a seated Buddha. It is 160 ft high, the largest statue in all of Sri Lanka and dates back to the time of King Rajadhi (1782 - 1798)

The temple has three parts, the oldest being about 250 years old; however this is of no particular interest. The next part has life size models of demons and sinners shown in graphic detail. If you don't follow the path to enlightenment this is what happens to you. Punishments include being drunken in boiling cauldrons, swan in half, disemboweled and so on. Finally there is the enormous seated Buddha that is as high as an eight-storied building.

The temple walls show you the path towards enlightenment by depicting hundreds of comic strip representations of events in the Buddha's lives. Among one of the episodes is the "Chulla Dhammapala Jataka". It tells the story of how King Maha Prathapa of Varanasi on entering the palace found the queen cuddling her seven month old child. After ignoring him the King was left insulted so ordered that the prince be executed and the body be thrown into the air. Several Jataka Stories are also amid the paintings, which were selected for Vesak stamps in 1991.

- Mulkirigala Temple -
Mulkirigala is an imposing rock with remarkable cave temples located 21km north from the town of Tangalle in the district of Hambantota. This enormous boulder known as 'little Sigiriya" rises almost perpendicularly for over 200 metres out of the surrounding palm forest. Mulkirigala consists of a series of rock temples carved out of the face of a huge rock outcrop built in the 2nd Century. B.C. Mulkirigala Viharaya is a Buddhist temple complex that ascends and crowns the rock. It is a temple of great antiquity with fine murals. In these rock temples, the British colonial administrator, George Turner, discovered an ancient manuscript, Mahavamsa, the great chronicle, in 1826.

The origin of Mulkirigala is so ancient that it has been veiled in the mists of time. The first historical evidence identifies Prince Rohana, the brother of Prince Bhaddakachchana, who made the Mulkirigala area his homeland around 500 B.C. History shows that one of the 32 bo sprouts from the original bo tree brought over by Sanghamitta thera was planted at the Mulkirigala Viharaya.

The Mahavamsa records that King Saddatissa constructed the Mulgirigala Viharaya in the 3rd century. The Mulkirigala caves have a mixture of religious and secular paintings and sculptures with several reclining Buddhas, including the 15 metre long sculptures of the dying Buddha. Mulkirigala contains many beautiful wall paintings based on Jataka stories of Wessanthra and Telepaththa.

* Continue to Tissamaharama & check-in to hotel.
* Rest of the day free for relaxing.
* Dinner & overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 04 - TISSAMAHARAMA

-AM-

* After breakfast proceed to visit Situlpauwa Temple & Kirinda.

- Situlpauwa Temple -
Situlpauwa is an ancient historical site with a history of over 2,200 years. It is believed that 85% of this ancient monastic complex is still under dense forest cover. It is believed that the Situlpauwa Vihara complex was the largest monastic complex within the Ruhuna area and the Buddhist Vihara here was built by King Kawantissa (210-161 B.C.). Historical records show that it had been a large complex of Buddhist monasteries where more than a thousand Arahats (Buddhist monks who have attained the highest mental stage) resided.

- Kirinda -
The small port of kirinda on the south coast about 10 kms south of tissamaharama is a beautiful place visited by most pilgrimmers. Here there is a rocky outcrop from which one can obtain some magnificent views of the desolate coast with its long stretch of sand dunes & the ocean beyond. On a clear day the light house on the great basses reef appears like a needle in the far distance. If you reverse your gaze you can see Tissamaharama in detail, especially the glistening dome of maharama dagoba.

With such an atmosphere kirinda is the appropriate setting of one of those popular legends that constitue early Sri Lankan history. Historic records shows that Kirinda was the place where princess viharamahadevi drfited ashore, after being sacrificed to the sea to atone her fathers (King Devanampiyatissa) sacrilegious act of having a monk killed by putting in a cauldron of boiling oil. After receiving the princess, King Kavantissa who was the ruler of Ruhuna at that time, married the young princess & eventually fathered for 02 sons. Dutugemunu, the eldest son of Viharamahadevi became one of the legends in Sri Lankan history. The popularity of this romantic legend makes kirinda a focal point for pilgrims, they come specifically to the rocky outcrop - a group of boulders piled up in bizarre fashion - to see a modern statue of viharamahadevi & make offerings at the dagoba built on the ruins of an ancient one erected to commemorate the safe conclusion of the princess's voyage.

-PM-

* Lunch will be served at a restaurant in Kataragama.
* After lunch proceed to visit Kataragama & Kirivehera Temple

- Kataragama -
Kataragama also Katharagarna, and Katirkamam is a regionally popular place of pilgrimage to Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and indigenous Vedda communities of Sri Lanka and South India. Today it is a fast developing township in the deep south of Sri Lanka. But in medieval times it was only a small village. It is situated 228km south of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.

Some believe that it is one of the 16 principal places of Buddhist pilgrimage to be visited in Sri Lanka. According to the chronicle of Sri Lankan history the Mahawamsa, when the Bo-sapling or Pipil tree sapling under which Gotama Buddha attained enlightenment in North India was brought to the city of Anuradhapura 2,300 years ago, the warriors or Kshatriyas from Kataragama were present on the occasion to pay homage and respect.

Kataragama is a multi-religious sacred city as it contains an Islamic Mosque within its temple complex as well. In spite of the differences of caste and creed, all Sri Lankans show great reverence to God Kataragama. They honor him as a very powerful deity and beg divine help to overcome their personal problems or for success in business enterprises etc., with the fervent hope that their requests would be granted. They believe that God Kataragama actually exists and is vested with extraordinary power to assist those who ever appeal to him with faith and devotion in tunes of their distress or calamity.

- Kirivehera -
Kirivehera Dageba is located 22 km from Tissaruaharama. Legend says that the sword that prince Siddhattha cut his hair off at the time of his renunciation is deposited in this stupa. According to the Dhatuvamsa lord Buddha stopped here briefly during his third visit to Sri Lanka before going to Tissamaharam. Already a sapling from the Bodhi Tree at Anuradhapura had been planted at Kataragama. In all the ancient sources Kirivehera is called Magulmahasaya and it is not sure how when or why the name, which means 'the milk stupa' came into use. The stupa was renovated in 1912 and sits on a platform 130 feet square and 10 feet high.

* Return to hotel in Tissamaharama for the Dinner & overnight stay.

DAY 05 - TISSAMAHARAMA / BADULLA

-AM-

- After breakfast check-out from the hotel & proceed to visit the Buduruwagala & Maligawila Temples.

- Buduruwagala -
Buduruwagala is located about 5 km from Wellawaya on the Thanamalwila road. The name Buduruwagala means "the rock with the statue of Buddha" And this is exactly what it is. Seven figures are carved in this rock with a massive 51 foot Buddha statue in the " Abhaya Mudra" gesture at the centre. The rock it self has shape of a kneeling elephant with its head own. Although there is no documented information about this site in the ancient scriptures, it is now believed this carvings were done during the last days of the Anuradhapura period, (between 8-10 Century). These carvings are of the Mahayana Buddhist style and similar to the statues at Dova Temple.

The tallest Buddha statue in the world was the Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan until the destruction of this ancient monument by the Taliban in March 2001. The Buduruwagala Buddha Statue is now considered the tallest in the world.

- Maligawila -
The Maligawila Buddha statue carved out of stone stands in all its majesty in a blessing posture. It is 37 feet and 10 inches tall and is similar to the Avukana Buddha statue. The statue stands without any support and the surrounding structure is built on stucco and it is said to be the largest statue in Sri Lanka. Therefore the artistic value of the statue is very high. Surrounding this statue are remains of Aramayas.

According to the Mahavamsa the statue had been built in the seventh century BC. It says that Prince Aggabodhi built a Buddha statue at the Patma Temple in Kanagamaya. Archaeologists say that it is the same Maligawila Buddha Statue and the previously known Kanagamaya is today known as Okkampitiya. According to history it was known as Patina Temple in a bygone era.

The statue had been lying on the ground for a considerable period of time and in 1948 treasure hunters destroyed the statue further. However, due to the efforts of the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa archaeologists were able to restore the statue to its upright position.

-PM-
* Lunch will be served at a restaurant in Badulla.
* Continue to Badulla & visit Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya.

- Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya -
A cetiya in Ceylon, erected, according to tradition, by Devdnampiyatissa (Codrington, op. cit., 28), on a spot consecrated by the Buddha on his third visit to Ceylon (Sp.i.89). It was restored by Jetthatissa. It is, perhaps, the monastery attached to this cetiya that is mentioned in the Majjhima Commentary (MA.ii.1024) as Mutingana. Maliyadeva Thera preached there the Cha Cakka Sulta and sixty monks became arahants.

* Check-in to hotel in Badulla for the Dinner & overnight stay.

DAY 06 - BADULLA / MAHIYANGANAYA / KANDY

-AM-
* After breakfast check-out from the hotel & transfer to Kandy via Mahiyanganaya.
* En-route visit Mahiyanganaya Temple.

- Mahiyanganaya Chetiya -
"Bodhito navame mase - phussa punnamiyam jino, Lankadipam visodhetum - Lankadipam upagami". Mahavamsa 1:19.

The above Pali stanza means that on the 'Duruthu' (January) full moon day, in the ninth month after Enlightenment, the Buddha made his first visit to Lanka, to purge the country from malignant influences of uncanny spirits. The luxuriantly wooded Mahanaga garden, on the right-bank of the river Mahaveli, which discharges its confluence into the sea near Trincomalee, was at that time a strategic stronghold of the 'yakkas'. When Buddha arrived at the Mahanaga garden to intercept the 'yakkas' who were assembled there, they were more surprised than alarmed, when they saw him clad in a yellow robe and shaven-headed. Being inquisitive of the intruder and to know who he was, the 'yakka' chief asked the Buddha, "Who art thou to come here and disturb us?" At once, the Buddha, to their bewilderment, performed a miracle by sitting cross-legged in the air. Now, the 'yakkas' through fear, emotional excitement and apprehensive of danger, begged the Buddha to save their lives and set them free. Whereupon, the Buddha, addressed them saving "I shall, O yakkas, save thee from all danger, provided I am offered a place to sit down, and make known to thee my mission". The evil horde verily agreed saying "O Great Being! We shall offer thee the whole island". Buddha, having seated at the spot, where the Mahiyangana cetiya now stands, delivered to them a discourse, whereby they became spiritually evaluated and attained the stages of holiness (i.e., the fruits of Sovan, Sakadagami, Anagami and Arhat). This is the Place of Buddhas first visit to Sri Lanka.

It is the first cetiya in Sri Lanka, built during the life-time of the Buddha. All other cetiyas were of later construction. After the Mahaparinibbana (demise) of the Buddha in 543 BC at Kusinara (now Kusinagar) in India, 45 years later, the Arhant Sarabhu Maha Thera, having recovered from the funeral pyre, where the Buddha was cremated, the left clavicle (collar-bone) as a relic, brought it to Sri Lanka, and had it also enshrined in the same cetiya and enlarged it to a height of 18 ft (Mhv. 1:39). History tells us that prince Uddha Culabhaya, a cousin of king Devanampiyatissa (307-267 BC), seeing the cetiya, enlarged it further to a height of 45 ft. The crystal-cut gem that adorns the pinnacle was a gift received from Myanmar (Burma), and it is the biggest of the kind of Sri Lanka, weighing 14.5 kg. (32 Ibs). The cetiya was ceremonially opened on September 21, 1961, amidst a great concourse of devotees who flocked to witness the historic incident.

-PM-

* Lunch will be served at a restaurant in Mahiyanganaya.
* After lunch continue to Kandy & check-in to hotel for the Dinner & overnight stay.

- Kandy -
Available historical records suggest that Senkadagalapura (an early name for Kandy) was established by the King Wickramabahu III during the period of his reign from 1357-1374 AD. Some scholars contend that the original name of Kandy was Katubulu Nuwara located near present Watapuluwa. The more popular historical name - Senkadagala - according to folklore, was originated from one of the several possible sources. These include naming after a brahmin with the name Senkanda who lived in a cave near by, a queen of King Wickramabahu named Senkanda, and after a coloured stone named Seiikadagala. The present name Kandy is only an anglicized version of Kanda Uda Rata (meaning the land of mountains) originated in the colonial era.

DAY 07 - KANDY/COLOMBO

-AM-

* After breakfast chech-out from the hotel & proceed to Gadaladeniya Viaharaya, Lankathilaka Viharaya & Ambakke Devalaya

- Gadaladeniya Viharaya -
Gadaladeniya is situated at Pilimatalawa on Kandy Colombo Road, just Passing Kadugannawa. Built almost exclusively of stone in 1344 by the Gampola King Wickramabahu, situated on a hilltop, commanding views of the surrounding countryside. The architecture is Dravidian. The entrance porch features large stone pillars, which support a roof of huge stone slabs. Within the vihara, an ancient stone and plaster Buddha image looks down upon milk rice pots that have collected food offerings for centuries. The 638-year-Old jack wood doors still exhibit their original paintings.

- Lankathilaka Viharaya -
The shrine is built on the summit of the rock called Panhalgala in the village of Rabbegamuwa, Udunuvara division of Kandy district, approximately 12 km. from the Peradeniya bridge. It can be approached from two directions, one from the Colombo-Kandy Road and another from the Gampaha-Kandy Road. Lankatilaka, together with another Buddhist shrine at Gadaladeniya and the Embekke Devale dedicated to God Kataragama, all dating from the fourteen century, form an important trio possessing their individual architectural and decorative merits to attract connoisseurs and scholars from all over the world.

Overlooking the eastern escarpment of the rock, the surroundings provide a magnificent panorama with distant hills, paddy fields and diverse vegetation. Apparently the site had been selected as usual for its beauty and peaceful environment, at a proper distance from bustling village Life. This hamlet is well known for its traditional vocations, which are obviously part of its cultural heritage handed down from ancient times.

- Ambakke Devalaya -
This Shrine is also dedicated to God Kataragama. The temple is famed for its carved wooden pillars with intricate designs. The pillars leap to life with dancers, musicians, wrestlers, legendary beasts and birds. Nearby are the ruins of an ancient Rest House with similar pillars carved in stone. All the above described monuments belong to the 14th century.

- Later transfer to Colombo. En-route visit the famous Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela
- Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

"The Orphanage was established to feed, nurse and house young elephants abandoned by their mothers, displaced from their natural environment by development projects. Most of the orphans cannot be introduced back into the wild, as other elephant family groups will not accept them. They enjoy a good life with their human parents, and many find good foster homes in zoos around the world. It is more interesting to visit an Orphanage at feeding or bathing time"

Feeding time : 09:15', 13:15', 17:15' / Bathing time: 10:00', 12:00', 14:00', 16:00'

-PM-

- Lunch will be served at a restaurant in Pinnawela.
- After lunch continue to Colombo & check-in to hotel for the overnight stay.
- Later proceed for a shopping + sightseeing tour of the commercial capital.

- Colombo City -
Colombo is the largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka, located on the southwest coast adjacent to the present administrative capital of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The name Colombo is derived from Sinhala name Kola-amba-thota which means "harbour with leafy mango trees". Traveller Ibn Batuta in the 14th century referred to it as Kalanpu. Colombo was known to Roman, Arabs, and Chinese traders more than 2,000 years ago. Muslims settled in Colombo in the 8th century mostly because of the port that helped their business and controlled much of the trade between the Sinhalese kingdoms and the outside world.

The great majority of Sri Lankan corporations have their head offices in Colombo. Some of the industries include chemicals, textiles, glass, cement, leather goods, furniture, and jewelry. In the city centre is located South Asia's second tallest building - The World Trade Centre. The 40 storeyed Twin Tower complex is the centre of important commercial establishments, situated in the Fort district, the city's nerve centre.

The city is famed for its nightlife and has often been referred to as the "Las Vegas of South Asia", offering numerous casinos, bars, night clubs and pubs. In Sri Lanka, unlike its neighbours, alcohol flows freely, except on full moon Poya Days when sales are prohibited. Recently, the city has emerged as a preferred night life and entertainment destination among close Asian markets.

* Return to hotel for the dinner & overnight stay.

DAY 08 - COLOMBO / AIRPORT

-AM-

* After breakfast check-out from the hotel & transfer to airport in time to catch the departure flight.