Surreal Sri Lanka

Itinerary :

Day 1: Colombo: Welcome to Sri Lanka! Arrive in Colombo, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Colombo. Overnight in Colombo. (D)

Day 2: Colombo – Pinnawala – Kandy: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Visit the orphanage that was started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now including baby elephants. Later transfer to Kandy and in the afternoon, 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, the little England of Sri Lanka. Set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the Island, but it is really just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic. Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the spring (March to May) and the fall (August and September). Later visit the Sita Amman Temple, according to the Indian Epic Ramayanaya and the legends, the area where Sita, Queen of King Rama of Ayodhya in India, who was abducted by Ravana the King of Sri Lanka, was kept in hiding and the area she roamed is in the hill country of Sri Lanka. In Nuwara Eliya is the “Sita Amman Kovil” – a quaint little Kovil, with the statues of Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Lakshmana and Sugriva. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya. (B, D)

Day 4: Nuwara Eliya – Bentota: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Bentota, Upon arrival check into the hotel and the entire day is at your leisure. You can avail for any of the water sports (not included) facilities that are offered there or explore the town on your own. Overnight in Bentota. (B,D)

Day 5: Bentota – Galle – Balapitiya – Bentota: After breakfast, transfer to 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 you tour, head to Balapitiya for a boat ride in Madu River return back to Bentota. Overnight stay in Bentota. (B, D)

Day 6: Bentota – Colombo: After breakfast, upon arrival proceed for a City Tour of Colombo later get transferred to Colombo for your departure flight.(B)