Sri Lanka has more than 3,550 years of continuous written history by means of the Mahawansha, and was also mentioned in several ancient Indian texts. One of the most famous is the Ramayana, in which the island, which was referred to as Lanka, was the island fortress of the king Ravana, who captured the wife of Rama an incarnation of the Hindu God, Vishnu.
Day 1: Arrival At Colombo - Transfer To Kandy (Via Pinnawala)
Arrive in Sri Lanka. You will be met by our representative and transferred to Kandy. The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist attractions. The orphanages population has now mushroomed to around 65, making it the world’s largest collection of captive elephants. The elephants here range in age from newborns to elderly matriarchs, and include orphaned and abandoned elephants, as well as those injured in the wild. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today. Temple’s shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere. Kandy is also famous for it's shopping, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, batiks, silks ect. And you will have the opportunity of browsing to your heart"s content. Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, Sixty Seven hectares of exquisite beauty and botanical treasurers containing more than 4000 species, this is haven not only for Scientists but to every nature lover as well. 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 Orison 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. In the evening you will view the Kandyan Dance Performace, which has become most distinctively Sinhalese and is readily associated with the idea of a National Dance. On completion return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Kandy To Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast leave for Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya (City of Lights), blessed with salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery. Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, the town of Nuwara Eliya enjoys spring-like weather throughout the year. It is also known as “LittleEngland”, which was the favorite hill station of the British who tried to create Nuwara Eliya into a typical English Village. The old brick Post office, country house like hill club with its hunting pictures, trophies and strict formal dinner attire; the 18 hole golf course, horse race course, etc., all remind you of “England”. During the city tour in Nuwara Eliya you will visit the main attractions of the town which include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. You can also visit a working tea factory where the slow-growing tea bushes of this highland region produce some of the world's finest Orange Pekoe tea. You can also add Seetha Eliya and Hanuman Temple. Seetha Eliya is a temple which was mentioned in the famous epic Ramayana. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3: Nuwara Eliya To Bentota
After breakfast proceed to Bentota. The journey takes about 4.5 hours to reach. Bentota is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, located in the Galle District of the Southern Province. Upon reaching Bentota, check-in to your hotel and relax for some time. Later proceed for city tour of Bentota covering the Koskoda Turtle Hatchery and Maadu river. The Turtle Hatchery at Kosgoda is a conservation project that is helping to sustain and enhance the stability of sea turtles.You can visit the Hatchery, observe its activities and learn about these fascinating creatures. The Maadu River offers very popular boat trips down the river where you can arrange to visit temples, cinnamon estates and other nature resorts. This area is a preserved wild life sanctuary. On completion return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4: Bentota - Colombo
After breakfast you will be transferred from Bentota to Colombo. Upon reaching Colombo check-in to your hotel. Relax for some time.
Day 5: Colombo City Tour + Departure From Colombo
Today morning check-out from your hotel. Keep your bags in the reception and proceed for Colombo City Tour. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Kayman’s Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhaal dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple dating to 6th C.B.C., Davatagaha Mosque, Colombo Museum and the Natural History Museum are some of the sites to be visited. Also visit the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), see the replica of Avukana Buddha in front and the Independence Memorial. Once completed, you can do some shopping and later you will be transferred to the airport to catch your return flight back home.