Excursion Mid-voyage land adventure: sri lanka`s unesco and wildlife wonders tour at Mahe Island

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Sri Lankan world as you explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites and experience two game drives in national parks. Rest in luxe and tranquil accommodations and savour fine food along every leg of your overland adventure. Begin with a driving tour of the city of Colombo. Then discover the ancient sacred and royal city of Anuradhapura with its prolific Buddhist monumental heritage that draws pilgrims and visitors from around the globe. Marvel at this vibrant open museum of archaeological, architectural, and spiritual treasures dating back centuries. Visit Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress that is considered an early and important example urban planning during the first millennium. Observe the frescos and impressive sculptural features that survive. Explore the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries and the best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Encounter a diversity of landscapes and wildlife in the Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks. Wilpattu, meaning Land of Lakes, is amongst the oldest and most important protected areas in the country. Declared a sanctuary in 1905 and a national park in 1938, Wilpattu is also the largest of the parks at 131,500 hectares. Venture into the diverse Minneriya National Park, spread over 8,889 hectares. The Park is a haven for dry zone plant and animal species are common, and elephants are in plenty.

Sri Lanka's UNESCO and Wildlife Wonders

Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights

Departs from: Mahe

Re-join ship: Muscat

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Sri Lanka and Oman. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising. Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months.

LOCAL CURRENCY

The local currency is SLR (Sri Lankan Rupee); however Euros and US dollars are generallyaccepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited. Most hotels and larger shops accept credit cards.

Explore Anuradhapura and Sigiriya, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, wildlife at Wilpattu, and Minneriya National Park.

DAY ONE - Mahe/Colombo

Disembark the Silver Cloud in Mahe, nature's haven and the largest of the 115 islands in the Seychelles. A late-night transfer to the airport is arranged for your approximately 4-4.5-hour flight to Colombo. Breakfast is served on board.

Arrive in Colombo

Welcome to Colombo, the capital and major port of Sri Lanka - a fascinating city that links the past with the present. Its tangible history is a unique mix of relics of Portuguese, Dutch and English settlement, blended with Indian influences.

Lunch

Lunch will be served on arrival, at your base, the Shangri-La Hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean. The remaining day is at leisure to relax and recover from your all-night journey. Or enjoy the luxurious spa at your hotel or explore the city on your own.

Evening in Colombo

A special evening is arranged for you! Depart your hotel and drive through the commercial district of the city. Discover the bustling Pettah Bazaar area, then continue a more peaceful drive past Vihara Mahadevi Park. Now renamed for a Sinhalese queen, it was called Victoria Park when created by the British as a botanical garden for tropical species. Notice across the street the imposing neo-classical Town Hall. As you cruise through the city streets, sense the fascinating diversity and history of Colombo as you roll past colonial architectural gems such as the Old Parliament, as well as the century-old clock tower, a temple, and a mosque.

Dinner at the Ministry of Crab

This highly acclaimed restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Dharshan Munidasa, host of the former TV show "Culinary Journeys," in collaboration with foodies and former Sri Lankan cricketer friends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara. A celebration of Sri Lankan heritage and cuisine that pays homage to diverse local and fresh produce, the Ministry of Crab has been created as a culinary homecoming for Sri Lanka's legendary lagoon crab. Dharshan pays great attention to the supply chain, ensuring that only the perfect and prized catch of the day is presented to you. The eponymous stars of the show, the lagoon crabs range in size from 500-gram small crabs to two kilogram 'Crabzillas' prepared and plated in a variety of ways. The fine dining here also celebrates Sri Lanka's other fine seafood, from the amazing King Prawns found in the island rivers, to fresh oysters and clams from the lagoons. With the philosophy of freshness being of the utmost importance, a no-freezer policy is employed. Forks and knives are considered merely an option! Use the specialized crab utensils to pry the succulent meat from its shell and know that digging in with your hands is NOT frowned upon! The Ministry of Crab aims to be one the lowest "food-mile" restaurants in the world, so no major ingredients are imported.

Return to the Hotel

Once you have savored your dinner, return to the Shangri-La Hotel with the lingering the taste of this Emerald Isle.

DAY TWO - Colombo/Anuradhapura

Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast, then embark on a five-hour overland journey to Anuradhapura. Founded in the 5^th century BCE, this city is a Ceylonese religious capital and Sri Lanka's first planned city.

Arrive at Your Base

Check-in at Uga Ulagalla, your base for exploring the surrounding marvels. Much more than a boutique hotel, your home-away-from-home is rich with cultural heritage and historical significance.

Lunch at Your Hotel

Fortify yourself with a delicious lunch before you begin your adventure.

An Afternoon at Uga Ulagalla

Enjoy a glorious sun-kissed afternoon at this secluded island sanctuary in the ancient capital of Ceylon. Nestled in a sprawling 58-acre lush green garden, the hotel is a touch of traditional elegance combined with postcard-perfect luxury. Take in the panoramic views from the scenic surroundings of a garden or paddy. Relax at your pool villa in an atmosphere of pure extravagance with its separate living area, a secluded outdoor deck, and private plunge pool. Or participate in the wonderful array of activities available for booking at the resort including village visits, archery, kayaking in the local lake or even kite making (activities offered by the resort and not included in Silversea program).

Evening in Anuradhapura

An exciting late afternoon with a mix of local flavors and culture awaits you! Discover the cuisine of this Emerald Isle with a guided walk through an organic herb and vegetable garden as you are introduced to local ingredients. Follow this with a cooking demonstration showcasing preparation of typical Sri Lankan dishes each offering different tastes, aromas, colors, and flavors. Be introduced to the local fruits, vegetables and spices used and learn about their benefits and importance. Experience a performance of traditional Sri Lankan dancing (open air performance subject to weather conditions). See the heritage of Sri Lanka reflected in the richly decorated colorful costumes; the vivid face masks are a special part of an important tradition in Sri Lankan dance culture. Be enthralled by the dynamism and energy of these dancers and their movement.

Dinner in Anuradhapura

Tonight's experience tonight ends with a local cuisine dinner incorporating the some of the wonderful foods to which you have been introduced.

DAY 3 - Anuradhapura

Following breakfast, transfer to the splendiferous ruins of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, opening a window to Sri Lanka's compelling history and spiritual history.

UNESCO Site - The Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Visit this city of a thousand stories that reside within its atmospheric sprawl. Established in the 3^rd century around a cutting of the Tree of Enlightenment, the city flourished as the political and religious capital of Ceylon for 1,300 years. As the seat of kings who shaped the early history of this nation.

Step onto the historic ground around Sri Maha Bodhi, the Sacred Bo Tree. Hear the fluttering prayer flags surrounding this 2,000-year-old tree that is a direct descendant of the original Bodhi Tree under which the troubled Prince Siddhartha became the Enlightened One-the Buddha. Central to the city's iconic spiritual attractions, Sri Maha Bodhi has the distinction of being the oldest historically documented planted tree in the world.

Walk around the sacred Ruwanweliseya, one of the world's tallest monuments. This enormous white dagoba, or stupa, is said to be the reliquary of a significant portion of the Buddha's ashes. Imagine the structure even larger as it was when built in 3^rd century by King Dutugamunu. See Lovamahapaya, or the Brazen Palace so named for its bronze-tiled roof, also commissioned by Dutugamunu.

Discover the charming Isurumuniya Rock Temple. The temple, set near a lovely lotus pond, dates to 3^rd century reign of Devanampiya Tissa. Take in the murals in the famed for their excellence. Climb around to the back of the rock to see the bell-shaped stupa and etched feet of the Buddha. Pause before one of Sri Lanka's finest statues of the Enlightened One, the serene 4th century Samadhi Buddha in a seated meditative pose.

Lunch

Return to your hotel for lunch before embarking on an exploratory journey through one of the isle's National Park.

Wilpattu National Park

Scramble into your jeep for your Wilpattu National Park adventure. Observe the unique environment, from dry lowland forest to numerous 'villus' - flat basin-like fault depressions on the earth's crust that collect rainwater. The environmental variety here is a major attraction for wildlife in dry and monsoon seasons. Look for land monitors and birds galore, elephants, sloth bears, water buffaloes, and sambur and spotted deer that all make their home here. The rugged surroundings even offer a chance to glimpse the elusive leopard if you're lucky.

Along the coastline look for the docile dugong, an herbivorous marine mammal listed as vulnerable to extinction. Raise your binoculars along the villus for resident and migratory waterfowls, including large breeding populations of painted and open billed storks among others. The villus aren't the only bird-supporting habitat within the park. You also may spot the greater racquet-tailed drongo, Asian paradise flycatcher, crimson-breasted barbet, Malabar pied hornbill, fish owls among many others. Sri Lanka's national bird, the Sri Lankan jungle fowl can also be seen. Amongst resident reptiles you can watch for are monitor lizards, common cobra, rat snake, the Indian python, pond and the soft-shelled turtles, residents of the large permanent villus. Note that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, so always keep your eyes peeled.

Return to Uga Ulagalla

Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

DAY FOUR - Anuradhapura/Sigiriya/Minneriya/Sigiriya

Start your day early! Breakfast is followed by a drive of about 1-1.5 hours to the next UNESCO site, the Ancient City of Sigiriya. It is one of Sri Lanka's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and probably the most popular tourist destination.

Sigiriya

Trek to a 5th century rock fortress that offers a rewarding experience for history and culture buffs. However, with over 1,000 steps, this site is for the active only! Discover the great historical and archaeological significance of Sigiriya as one of the first examples of urban planning in the world. Explore its web of gardens, tanks, and structures, including the main attraction, 'Lion Rock,' an unusual rock formation rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. Worth special attention are the 1600-year-old exquisite frescoes are housed within the rock. While their origins are long obscured by passage of time, the beautiful and intricate detail of the painted 'damsels of Sigiriya' is dazzling.

Resume Your Journey

A 45-minute transfer takes you to Water Garden Sigiriya where luxury and nature coalesce. Make yourself at home for the night.

Check-in and Lunch

Arrive at Water Garden Sigiriya, a tranquil haven surrounded by lakes and water streams. Take a short break for lunch. Check-in and settle-in before embarking on another exploratory afternoon.

Minneriya National Park

Dive into the wild side of Sri Lanka again, as you embark on a game drive at the nearby Minneriya National Park. Prepare to see magnificent elephants roaming at very close range. Watch for just some of the 160 species of birds, 9 amphibians, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more than 78 butterfly species have been found in this area. Look for the rare bamboo trees that unique to this park.

Dinner

Reboard your coach for the 45-minute drive you back to the Water Garden Sigiriya. Enjoy fine dining prepared by the restaurant's master chefs who encompass cuisine from around the world with an emphasis on organically grown produce.

DAY FIVE - Sigiriya/Dambulla/Colombo

After breakfast, board your coach for the 30-minute journey to Dambulla.

Temple Complex Visit

Explore your third and final UNESCO-acclaimed World Heritage Site of your journey, the sacred Buddhist cave temple complex of Dambulla. Gear up - a climb of 400 steps takes you to this temple. Discover the compelling and inspirational tranquility that has touched the spirit of millions of visitors over the centuries. Experience the rock shelters, inhabited over millennia, that once served as refuge for a fugitive king driven from Anuradhapura. When he returned to his kingdom, in gratitude to the monks who sheltered him, he had the site transformed into a temple complex of five cave shrines dedicated to Lord Buddha. As you delve into the shrines, expanded over centuries, witness statuary of the Buddha and Boddhisatvas, rock carvings of events from Buddha's life, and beautiful murals on walls and ceilings in the style of the 18^th century Painting School of Kandy.

Lunch

Return to the Water Garden Sigiriya for another stellar meal and prepare for the next leg of your adventure.

Return to Colombo

Board your coach for the four-hour drive back to Colombo and the Shangri-La Hotel. Enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant before retiring to your overnight accommodation.

DAY SIX - Colombo/Muscat

An early morning transfer whisks you to the airport. Fly to Muscat (approximately 4-4.5 hours) to reboard the awaiting Silver Cloud.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure is suitable guests who are physically fit. There is extensive walking of approximately 3500 meters that includes over 1600 steps, plus a rough ride in jeeps during game drives. Therefore, this tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who use a wheelchair. It is not recommended for guests with respiratory or cardiovascular issues, or for those with acrophobia. Light cotton safari clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Thick socks are advised to protect feet from hot pavement. Appropriate attire is required at sacred sites (no shorts or skirts; women must have shoulders covered; shoes and hats must be removed prior to entering the temple.) Guests should bring sunscreen, hat, any needed medication, and a camera. Flash photography is prohibited inside the temple and caves. Guests should not pose beside or in front of statues of Lord Buddha. Valuables such as jewellery and large amounts of cash should be avoided. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and shops, but smaller shops may not.

Program Includes:

· April 15, 2023 - Deluxe Ocean View Rooms at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo

· April 16-17, 2023 - Ulagalla Pool Villas at Uga Ulagalla, Anuradhapura

· April 18, 2020 - Deluxe Villa Rooms at Water Garden, Sigiriya

· April 19, 2023 - Deluxe Ocean View Rooms at Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo

· All meals as mentioned: 4 breakfasts, 2 in-flight breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners (including one at Ministry of Crab)

· Mineral water with all meals

· Soft drinks, local beer/ 2 glasses of house wine with lunches and dinners served in the hotels

· Porterage

· Sightseeing as specified: a visit to the ancient city of Anuradhapura; game drive at Wilpattu National Park; ancient city of Sigiriya; game drive at Minneriya National Park; Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple of Dambulla

· Local cuisine cooking demonstration

· Transportation by air-conditioned vehicles - Van for 2-5 guests/ Mini Coach for 6-12 guests/ Coach for 13-18 guests

· Mineral water, soft drinks and wet wipes in vehicles

· Mosquito repellant

· All still and video camera fees currently applicable

· Luxury and service tax currently applicable

· Services of a Micato Tour Director cum guide from arrival in Colombo until departure from Colombo

Not Included:

· Personal expenses

· Meals and beverages of choice over and above the ones specified above

· Laundry

· Personal insurance

· Excess baggage fee

· Phone calls

· Any other expenses not specified in the inclusions above