Sri Lanka - Sinhalese New Year Festival

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Inter-Cultural Arts Exchange

Sri Lanka: with Sinhalese New Year Celebrations April 11-22, 2007
Travel to remote villages and celebrate Hindu and Sinhalese New Year with the locals.

Visit historic cultural sites, enjoy wildlife and natural beauty.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Colombo Transfer to hotel in in Negombo.

Afternoon tour the fishing village Negombo. The fishing village of Negombo is a popular beach resort area for its golden beach fringed with palm groves. The amazing fact is that the development of the tourist industry has had no influence on changing the the quiet fishing village or the lifestyle of its inhabitants. Dinner and overnight at Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel - Negombo.

Day 2 NEGOMBO/ YAPAHUWA/ ANURADHAPURA Breakfast at hotel and leave for Anuradhapura. En route visit Yapahuwa. The 300 feet high rock of Yapahuwa was the stronghold of a military leader named Subha of the 13th century AD who found it a strategic location to check the invasion of Magha South Indian who led an army of 24000 soldiers. Later King Buwanekabahu I also of the latter part of the 13th century made it the Capital and transferred the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha from Dambadeniya to Yapahuwa. Two motes, Ramparts exquisite granite carvings and stair way and ruins of structures and cave temple with statues of the Buddha and paintings of the Kandyan period are some of the items of interest of the site.

City tour in Anuradhapura, the first Capital of Sri Lanka has a recorded history of over 2500 years. The oldest historically documented tree in the world is found in Anuradhapura. This tree was a sapling of the Bo tree (fecus prlegiosa) under which the Buddha meditated and was enlightened in Buddhagaya India. The very first Stupa to be built in Sri Lanka, which is the Thuparamaya where a collarbone of the Buddha is enshrined, is also found in Anuradhapura. The ruined city of Anuradhapura, which was once, the best planned and organized city in the world is today a great tourist attraction and has been declared a world heritage site.

It became even more important when the Arhath Mahinda from India officially introduced Buddhism to King Dewanampiyatissa in the year 247 B.C. King Dewanampiyatissa who was ruling from Anuradhapura embraced the faith of Buddhism and began to spread it throughout the nation, making Anuradhapura the cradle of Buddhism.
Dinner and Overnight at Palm Garden Village - Anuradhapura

Day 3 ANURADHAPURA/ HABARANA Breakfast at Hotel and Leave for Mihintale. This forest-clad mountain named Mihintale (Plateau of Mahinda) is sacred to Buddhist as this is where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. The story goes that the Arhath Mahinda son of Emperor Ashoka of India confronted the king ( Tissa ) of Anuradhapura at this point and delivered his first sermon on the teachings of the Buddha. The King Tissa as a result, not only accepted the teachings and was converted, but also devoted his life to spreading the faith. Today Mihintale has become a very important pilgrimage site where multitudes of devotees gather on Poson full moon day, to observe and perform religious rites, as it is the cradle of Buddhism. Enroute visit Aukana: The statue of the Buddha of Aukana is one of the few colossal statues carved on rock, standing 39 feet in height and in perfect proportions, it is indeed a masterpiece of a 5th Centaury A.D sculptor, done during the reign of king Dhathuisena. Dinner and Over night stay at The Lodge - Habarana

Day 4 City tour in Polonnaruwa. After the taking over of the Island by the Cholas of India who were growing in power and building an empire for them selves, it was decided by them to make Polonnaruwa the capital city. In the year 1055AD a brave and determined Sinhala king from the southern part of the Island overpowered the invaders and took over the capital that later fell into the hands of Magha a notorious prince from Kalinga of India who was more intent on looting than ruling. Today the ancient ruined city of Polonnaruwa, a site that is so popular and much visited, contains ruins of the both Sinhala (Sri Lankan) and Indian culture.

Afternoon climb Sigiriya Rock. It was the 5th century A.D when the craving for power and wealth didn't stop prince Kasyapa from cruelly killing his father in order to ascend the throne. When his half brother sought vengeance against him King Kasyapa found the rock of Sigiriya an ideal place to build his stronghold. Having fortified and decorated the well-selected site for both security and pleasure the king Kasyapa ruled for a period of 19 years until his half brother return from India with an Army of mercenaries. The King marched forth leading his Army to meet his half brother in battle but was deserted by his Army who misunderstood the king for retreating when he was only making a detour to avoid a swamp. The brave king continued single and on meeting his half brother face to race said " I will not die by your sword" Then he drew his own sword and ended his life by driving it through his throat. The ram arts, motes, the incredible water garden with many pools and primitive fountains. The boulder garden well terraced and laid, the world famous Frescos of Sigiriya ladies, the mirror wall and graffiti, the gigantic lion paws havened on granite and the ruins of the place and kings bath which are still preserved in s reasonably good condition have made Sigiriya one of Sri Lanka most famous and popular sites not only for tourists but also to the Sri Lankan.
Dinner and Over night stay at Habarana Lodge - Habarana.

Day 5 CELEBRATIONS: Program for New Year Day--Lighting of Traditional Oil Lamps, Traditional Sri Lankan Breakfast with Milk Rice, Sweets , Bananas and Tea, Games and Competition, Dinner by Oil Lamp Light, Drinks and Sing Song Sri Lankan way. Over night stay at The Lodge - Habarana .

Day 6 SIGIRIYA/ DAMBULLA/ KANDY
Drive to Kandy. En route visit the cave temple of Dambulla. The cave temple of Dambulla was the hideout of King Valagamba of the 01st Century B.C who fled from Anuradhapura (The capital city) due to an invasion from South India. On recapturing the city and regaining his throne after fourteen years of hiding, the king converted the caves that offered him refuge into temples and gifted them to the Buddhist monks. King Nissankamalla of the Polonnaruwa period made his contribution to the site by gilding many of the statues after which it was called Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya, which means the golden rock temple of Dambulla.This is stated in the rock inscription at the entrance to the complex. The kings of the Kandyan period also made their part of contribution by adding more statues of the Buddha and murals depicting highlights of the Buddha's life. Visit the Rock cave temple of Dambulla and experience the feeling of a place where Time has stood stillÉ

Next visit spice garden in Matale, where spices and herbs used for Sri Lankan cuisine and medication are grown. Spices of Sri Lanka attracted the early sea faring merchants who made the long voyages to purchase this precious merchandise Afterwards, enjoy a typical Sri Lankan Cultural Show of drumming, dancing, music and fire walking.

Visit The Temple of the Sacred Tooth relic of the Buddha Is the most important temple for the Sri Lankan Buddhists and was built in the 16th Century A.D. by king Wimaladharmasooriya, solely for the purpose of housing the tooth relic. Proceed to Kandy. Dinner and over night stay at Hotel Amaya Hills - Kandy Hotel.

Day 7 KANDY/ PINNAWALA
Depart for Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the foster home of elephants of different ages and size. Founded in 1975 when three baby elephants were found abandoned in the forest, it is today the home of nearly 65 elephants of different ages and sizes. They roam on 25 acres where they are fed, bathed and cared for. There are even baby calves born in captivity. Watch them feeding, bathing, playing together and even mating.

Afternoon: Visit art and craft centers and Gem Bureau where you will be shown a documentary film on how Sri Lankan gem mining is traditionally done. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Amaya Hills - Kandy.

Day 8 KANDY/ NUWARA ELIYA
Depart for Nuwara Eliya, the hill country of Sri Lanka ( approx 2.5 hr drive). Enroute visit botanical garden in Peradeniya. This was a pleasure garden of a Kandyan King of the 16th Century and later made in to a Botanical Garden during the British regime. The diversity of temperature and scenery of the high lands is a switch from the lowlands. Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela, are three popular hill stations of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya being the highest, situated over 6000 feet above sea level is also called "Little England," as this is where the British built their home away from home. The winding road that leads to the hill country through tea plantations that carpet the hills extends beyond sight; the water falls that meander cascading down the hills, the misty valleys and scenery are certainly awe inspiring. Visit a tea plantation and a tea factory enroute. Sri Lanka is known for its "Ceylon Tea." Nuwara Eliya greets us with fresh air and colonial ambiance. Dinner and overnight at St Andrews Hotel, a blend of Colonial, Georgian & Queen Anne-style architecture, set among hills.

Day 9 NUWARA ELIYA / YALA Depart for Yala, enroute visit the rock carvings of Buduruwagala, believed to be over a thousand years old. There are seven figures carved in high relief on a rock that rises beyond the stream and the tallest one is of the Buddha, which is 51 feet tall. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Yala Village Hotel - a/c chalets, large swimming pool, dining room, lounge overlooking coast and jungle.

Day 10 YALA Visit Ruhunu National Park at Yala. This will include a safari tour by jeep with a jungle tracker, where you can see animals in their natural habitat. Some of the animals you could see are elephant, bear, wild boar, deer, buffalo, monkeys and many others; if you are lucky, leopards too. You also could see different species of birds. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Yala Village Hotel.

Day 11 YALA / COLOMBO
River Safari in Madhu Ganga : The primitive life style of the inhabitant of the islands of the Madhu River is only a boat ride away. The boat ride takes us through the thick mangroves and abundant the bird life, to reveal the primitive style of fishing and prawn trapping still practiced by the inhabitants of the islands.

Next visit Turtle Hatchery: Projects have been launched to conserve the population of turtles that are reaching extinction and such projects are found along the southern coast of Sri Lanka where turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The turtle digs a hole on the beach, lays hers eggs and covers them with sand to incubate by the heat of the sun. What often happens is, the eggs are dug out by fisherman and sold to people who consume them. But now the eggs are bought up by the conservation projects and are hatched the natural way in enclosed areas where the birds don't have a chance of picking them up and the babies are put to the sea at night after two days, which offers them a better chance of survival.

Drive to Colombo. Dinner and overnight at Grand Oriental Hotel, an old colonial hotel in the heart of Columbo, in the area called The Fort, on the waterfront, within sight and sound of Colombo Harbor.

Day 12 COLOMBO/ AIRPORT
City tour and shopping in Colombo. The city tour will include places of interest such as Old Parliament, Bandaranayaka Memorial International Conference Hall, Buddhist Hindu Temple and Town Hall. Dinner at Grand Oriental Hotel. Rooms available til departure. Transfer to airport for late night flt home.

Price: $1440 per person, based on 10 people

Includes: Accommodation as stated above or similar, Breakfast and Dinner, Private transport by air-conditioned mini coach, Professional accompanying escort, Airport arrival/departure transfers, Entrance fees to all monuments and activities mentioned

Does Not Include: International airfare, Departure Taxes, Lunch, Tips, Travel Insurance, Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, drinks

NOTE: as this is an early announcement, prices may change slightly once 2007 hotel prices are given.

Hotels based on availability

This tour can be done as a private tour whereby you would select your own dates.

Optional Tour Extensions: South India, Maldives, Bangkok-Cambodia-Laos, Bangkok-Vietnam, Burma

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