The Essence of Sri Lanka

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by our local representative, who will assist you with your transfer to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to relax and acclimate to your new surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Jetwing Blue (Deluxe room)

After breakfast, you will depart Negombo and drive towards Habarana. On the way, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a breeding and conservation center for wild Asian elephants. This sanctuary, covering 25 acres of lush vegetation, is home to over 90 elephants. Here you can watch the elephants bathe in the river, feed them and learn about their daily routine.

Later in the afternoon, you will arrive at Habarana, where you can spend the evening leisurely.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama (Superior room)

Start your day by visiting the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the Matale District of the Central Province. This historic location is known for its dramatic and inspiring beauty, built in the 5th century A.D. by King Kashyapa as a fortress-palace. Next, head to the Aukana Buddha, an ancient image at 42.5 feet, constructed during King Dhatusena's reign in the 5th Century B.C. Continue to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital and a symbol of ancient culture, heritage, and religious beliefs. Here, the World Heritage Site's scattered walls are blessed with stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals, and beautifully carved Hindu sculptures. Admire the subtle Hindu influence on the architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa. You can also sit by the side of Galviharaya and observe the absolute beauty gushing out of every bend of its giant Buddhist statues. After a full-day excursion, return to your hotel in Habarana.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama (Superior room)

After breakfast, we drive to Dambulla, known for its five cave temples on a rock, dating back to the 1st century B.C. The caves are adorned with Buddhist murals, and there are over 130 Buddha statues, statues of gods and kings, and other fascinating artifacts. Continuing, we go to Kandy, Sri Lanka's second-largest city in the central mountainous region. Along the way, we stop in Matale, famous for its tea, spices, vegetables, and rubber. We visit a spice garden and learn about fragrant spices such as clove, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace, and pepper. In the evening, we arrive in Kandy and check into our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Earl's Regency (Deluxe room)

In the morning, explore Kandy, known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. Visit the Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century A.D. This relic has been a symbol of sovereignty for Sinhalese kings and is enshrined in great splendor. Admire the temple's decorative walls, golden roof, and fine woodwork. Then head to Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, originally built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and later expanded by the British. Spread over 147 acres, and the garden boasts a fantastic variety of trees, plants, and flowers.

In the evening, experience a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan music and drumming, showcasing the country's rich heritage and diverse cultural traditions.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Earl's Regency (Deluxe room)

we will embark on a scenic train ride to Nanu Oya, passing through the beautiful landscapes of the tea country. As we approach the city of Nuwara Eliya, the cool climate and steep misty roads will remind us of its colonial history as a British retreat. We'll have the opportunity to explore the charming city with its colonial bungalows, hedgerows, and excellent golf course. We'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside during a hike through the green grass and red-brick walls. On our way, we'll visit a tea plantation and have a chance to tour the lush green tea plantations or step into a tea factory to see how Ceylon Tea, one of the world's most prestigious tea brands, is processed. As we inhale the heavenly scent of the tea, we'll learn about the rich tradition behind its production. And, of course, we'll end the day in style with a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea. We will spend the night in Nuwara Eliya.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Grand Hotel (Deluxe room)

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a nature lover's paradise. Located in the heart of Sri Lanka, the park boasts unending stretches of green pastures and one of the country's healthiest wet montane evergreen forests. As you explore the park, watch for unique flora and fauna that can only be found in this region. You might be lucky enough to spot rare species of birds and animals, such as sambar deer, fishing cats, otters, and even the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.

One of the park's highlights is Bakers Falls, a stunning waterfall that thunders down rocks, providing a perfect photo opportunity. As you hike through the frost-covered grass, enjoy the icy-cold wind against your face and gaze down the World's End, a head-spinning 3,700 feet drop towards the southern end.

After an exciting day of exploring, return to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya in the evening and relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Grand Hotel (Deluxe room)

After breakfast, we depart from Nuwara Eliya and make our way to Colombo for our flight home. 
 

Meals: Breakfast