Day 1 | Galle - SIGIRIYA (OR START FROM COLOMBO AIRPORT)
Welcome to Sri Lanka. On this day of your 06 days Sri Lanka tour, you shall start exploring its marvels. Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, an you will be warmly greeted by our very own chauffeur guide and transferred to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.
Firstly, you will visit at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka. This was established 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife department. In 1978 the orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens from the Department of Wildlife. A captive breeding program was launched in 1982. Since the inception of the program over 20 elephants have been bred here. The aim of the orphanage is to simulate a natural habitat to these elephants. The orphanage, which boasts to have the largest herd of captive elephants in the world is very popular and visited daily by many Sri Lankan and foreign tourists. The main attraction is clear to observe the elephants bathing which is quite a spectacle. However, the elephants are taken to the river twice a day for a bath, and all the babies less than three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers.
After lunch you will visit sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is probably the most visited tourist destination of Sri Lanka. One of the most striking features of Sigiriya is its Mirror wall. Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles. Unbelievable technical, stone methods, wall Arts with beautiful environment shows you the unlimited the fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains. The main entrance is located in the northern side of the rock. It was designed in the form of a huge stone lion, whose feet have survived up to today but the upper parts of the body were destroyed. Thanks to this lion the palace was named Sigiriya. Its view astonishes the visitors with the unique harmony between the nature and human imagination.
After a hearty dinner, come back to the hotel for a good night’s rest. Overnight stay at Sigiriya.