The festivals of Sri Lanka are more colorful and vibrant. Kandy Esala Perahera (July/August) is the most popular 10-day festival celebrated to honor the sacred tooth artifact of the Buddha. Other festivals of Sri Lanka include the Buddhist Vesak Festival (May), Thai Pongal (January), Medin Poya (March), Sinhala and Tamil New Year (April), Ramadan (June).
On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. A representative will welcome you and transfer you to Kandy. On route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – the home of abandoned wild Asian Elephants. Check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Later in the evening visit The Temple of the Tooth, the famous Arts and Crafts centre, the mesmerizing Gem Museum and the colourful Batik Factory. Spend some time shopping within the beautiful city of Kandy, and later in the evening watch and exciting cultural dance show. Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Tip: Make sure you wear clothing that covers your legs and shoulders while visiting temples in Sri Lanka. Carry a sarong or a scarf for the same if needed.
Day Highlights
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
• Temple of the Tooth
• Kandy City Tour
After breakfast, transfer to Nuwaraeliya. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this genteel highland community does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows, Tudor-style hotels, well-tended hedgerows and pretty gardens.
On route enjoy the scenic views of the hill country. Kandy – Nuwaraeliya is the most scenic highland motor road of Sri Lanka. Take a tour of the tea factory and taste a variety of Ceylon tea – a must have experience during your stay in Sri Lanka. Check in at your hotel and rest. After lunch, visit the majestic Ramboda Waterfalls and set out on a “Little England” city tour and visit Hakgala Gardens, the race track, the serene Gregory Lake, the Anglican Church and the 18-hole golf course. Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Tip: For local Indian food in Nuwaraeliya, try Grand Indian or Sri Ambaal.
Day Highlights
• Tea Factory
• Ramboda Waterfall
• Hakgala Gardens / Sita Eliya Tour
• Nuwaraeliya City tour
After breakfast, transfer to Bentota. On route visit the Devon and St. Claire’s waterfall and enjoy the beautiful view with some refreshments. Later visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Project. These projects have been launched to conserve the population of turtles that are reaching extinction and such projects are found along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Sea Turtles are born underground (under sand to be more accurate). Then they find their way to the surface, and to the ocean, after which they start a life filled with many dangers, where only a few will make it through the growing years. Releasing baby turtles is a very unique experience and there is nothing like holding a baby turtle in your hand. Check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day Highlights
• Devon / St. Claire’s Waterfall
• Sea Turtle Conservation Project
• Sunset by the beach
After breakfast, transfer to Galle. Galle Fort is situated in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onward. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance. The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The heritage value of the fort has been recognised by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site. walk along the Galle Fort enjoying the beautiful view of the Indian Ocean and take part in a variety of water sports available in the area. You can also visit the Jungle Beach, a secluded beach close to Galle. In the evening, go on a boat safari along the “Madu Ganga”. The estuary of the Madu Ganga River is a complex coastal ecosystem of mangroves and islands. It may be one of the last remaining tracts of pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. A boat trip is a wonderful way of seeing some of the hundreds of species of plants and animals. Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Day Highlights
• Galle City Tour
• Jungle Beach Unawatuna
• Madu Ganga River Safari
• Sunset by the Beach
After breakfast transfer to Colombo. Colombo is the commercial city and capital of Sri Lanka. It is the largest city and main port of Sri Lanka. A bustling metropolis, the city is an attractive blend of old and new. It has the lazy charm of the bygone era combined with the verve and vivaciousness of a modern city.
Take a city tour around the capital and visit the National Museum, and the Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Galle Face Green, Wolvendaal Church and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. Indulge yourself in some last – minute shopping and the then transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.
Day Highlights
• Colombo City Tour
• Shopping
