Explore Sri Lanka - Holidays in Sri Lanka

On arrival at Colombo International airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free at leisure to explore the city at own pace. Overnight in Colombo.

Today after breakfast, proceed to the royal town of Kandy. Enroute, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, approx 90 kms from Colombo. As you enter the 25 acre coconut property, do not be surprised to witness baby elephants being bottle fed or moving around freely causing absolutely no harm to anyone. The number of elephants has increased in the years including baby elephants brought from various parts, as well as the babies born as a result of the captive breeding programme. The best time to visit is the feeding time – 0930 – 1000 hrs and 1330 – 1400 hrs and the bathing time is from 1000 – 1030 hrs and 1400 – 1430 hrs when all the elephants are Taken to the river close by. Arrive at Kandy and check in at hotel. Overnight in Kandy hotel.

After breakfast, proceed for Kandy sightseeing – Kandy, the hill capital, is another “World Heritage Site”. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement. To the Buddhists of Sri Lanka and the world, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is home of the “Dalada Maligawa” – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Close by are the remains of the “Royal Palace” (Mahawasala), “Palle Wasala” – where the queens stayed, now used for the National Museum, “Meda Wasala” where other close relatives lived, Audience Hall, “Natha Devala” and “Vishnu Devala” are located close by. The “Bathing Pavilion” (Ulpenge) is by the lake and in the Center of the lake is the island called “Kiri Samudraya” (milk white ocean) used by the kings as the summerhouse. Today it is the centre of Buddhism arts, crafts, dancing, music and culture. Visitors can see daily cultural performances here. Then visit Kandy Temple, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with more than 5,000 species of trees and plants, the Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists, see the Kandy cultural dancing, also see the Gem Museum and Gem shop. Overnight in Kandy hotel.

Today proceed to the so called “LITTLE ENGLAND ‘of Sri Lanka. The beautiful hill station of Nuwara Eliya is  filled with tea plantations, green pastures and rolling hills. En route, you will visit many botanical gardens and tea plantation center. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Nuwara Eliya. Highlights include the Sita Amman Temple and many other famous temple. Later embark on a Horton Plain excursion - World’s end tour. Discover the endemic flora and fauna. See Baker’s waterfall and Visit Tea factory.  A stunning escarpment that plunges 880mts. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Today proceed to Bentota, a popular beach Resort of the country. This is the first national resort developed by  the Ceylon Tourist Board as a planned resort. Popular for its wide sandy beaches, resorts, water sports and many interesting tours. Rest of the evening is free at leisure. Overnight in Bentota.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Bentota. Highlights of the tour include the popular river cruise, Kosgoda Turtle hatchery . Rest of the evening is free at leisure. Overnight in Bentota.

After breakfast, proceed to Colombo. On arrival, get transferred to your hotel. Eroute visit the new capital of Sri Lanka - Sri Jayawardhana Kotte, a well planned city with its  buildings and monuments. Then proceed for shopping with many bargain places, modern shopping malls and speciality stores with high quality goods at affordable prices. Try bargaining with the street vendors and outdoor markets such as in the Pettah area and across from the Fort railway station. Products that are worth buying here include the world famous Ceylon tea, designer clothing which are manufactured here and buy them at a fraction of the cost elsewhere and jewellery including the Sri Lankan blue sapphire, designer clothing stores such as ODEL and Kelly Felder are some shops worth a visit. Overnight in Colombo hotel.

Today, you will be meet and transferred to the airport for your return flight back home.