Scenic Sri Lanka

Itinerary :

Day 1: Colombo-Kandy: Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a representative who will transfer you to Kandy. En route visit to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Visit the orphanage that was started in 1975 to house the abandoned and wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now; including baby elephants brought from various parts, as well as the 23 baby elephants born as a result of the captive breeding program. The best time to visit is the bathing time from 1000-1230 hrs and 1400-1600 hrs when all the elephants are taken to the river close by. Later transfer to Kandy and check in to the hotel. Overnight in Kandy. (D)

Day 2: Kandy: After breakfast, embark on your city tour of Kandy; The Hill Capital, start with visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession, where the venue of the annual Perahera is celebrated, the last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today, later passing by the upper lake and market square. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Do not miss the spice garden and orchid house. Next visit the gem and lapidary museum in Kandy. Overnight in Kandy. (B, D)

Day 3: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Nuwara Eliya, en rout visit Tea Plantation & Tea Factory where Tea was first planted in Sri Lanka in 1824 at the Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, when a few plants were brought from China. More were introduced from Assam in 1839. Later proceed to The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but is really just like an spring day although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence including the houses that are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. Next visit Seethaeliya the little Kovil dedicated to Seetha with statue of Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman. After your tour head to your hotel and check in. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya. (B, D)

Day 4: Nuwara Eliya – Yala National Park: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to Yala National Park. Yala is a haven for fauna both indigenous and migrant birds concentrations are by the Lagoons/Salvers. You will get to see flamingoes, assemblies of spotted billed pelicans, spoonbills, cormorants and various species of herons. pheasants, pea fowl, peacocks and the wild fowl in large numbers. You will also get to see wild buffalo and herds of wild elephants. After you safari tour, head to your hotel and rest. Overnight in Yala (B, D)

Day 5: Yala National Park – Galle – Bentota: After breakfast, check out and transfer to Bentota enroute Galle, a historic town and was a major port until about 100 years, and even today handles shipping and sailing boats in the natural harbour. Stroll around the lighthouse and harbour or visit the old town where you can see the traditional lace makers and wood carvers and purchase some the finest souvenirs. After your tour transfer to Bentota, check in to your hotel and rest. Overnight Bentota. (B,D)

Day 6: Bentota – Colombo: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Colombo, Upon arrival embark on your Colombo city tour where you will be driven across the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Next visit the Fort, a former British administrative center and military garrison, next visit the Sea Street, the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. The historic Dawatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at. Later also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square. Rest of the day is at leisure or you can go for shopping. Overnight in Colombo. (B, D)

Day 7: Colombo: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer the airport for your departure flight. (B)