Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport (CMB), you will be greeted by our representative who will further escort you to Kandy. A brief refreshment stop at Wahalkada in Ambepussa and we continue our journey to the orphanage. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 and 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.  Here, volunteers provide shelter and take care of them. You can witness activities ranging from feeding to bathing these elephants. 

We continue our journey to Kandy and check in at the hotel. Remainder of the evening is free to relax. 

After breakfast this morning proceed for a city tour.

Kandy city – 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 the home of the “Dalada Maligawa” - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple history states it was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. According to legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha as he lay on his funeral pyre. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. 

This was originally the King’s own royal pleasure garden that was later converted in to a botanic garden and opened to the public. At the Royal Botanical Gardens at ‘Peradeniya’ you could treat your eyes to an amazing, wide and rare collection of tropical and temperate, exotic and indigenous flora, and an orchid house with the largest collection in Asia. (You have the option to hire an electric golf cart for a fee. It will cost you approx. SLR 2000 and give you a one hour tour of the vast gardens).

Next enjoy the Sri Lanka’s world renowned spices at their source on a Spice garden tour. Here smells of cinnamons, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace overwhelm the senses and the visitors are provided an insight into an age old industry of spice production. Remedial measures are discussed and special gift baskets and scented oil bottles are also available to be bought at the inhouse store. 

The real evidence of the richness will be affirmed by your visit to the Gem Museum. Sri Lanka produces the finest quality of gems in the world. Semi-precious gems, the sapphires of Sri Lanka, which are very exclusive and comes in shades of blue, red, green, white etc.  One could see a variety of gemstones and a huge collection of jewelleries.

The history is bit unclear how the Javanese art of Batik arrived in Sri Lanka. The locals believe traders who visited Sri Lanka hundreds of years ago traveling along the Silk route introduced Batik to Sri Lanka. Today the Batik is a thriving industry in Sri Lanka especially in the Matale / Kandy region. Something very special about this is that the artist and the craftsmen make their prints based on traditional motifs that date backs to the time of the Kandyan kingdom days.  Some of the most iconic Batik images from Sri Lanka are the image of the Kandy Esala Perehara, also known as The Festival of the Tooth. 

Evening enjoy the Cultural Show (Optional). Watch a Kandyan cultural show and be awed by the spectacular dance, acrobatics, costumes and music. Held in Kandy town, this cultural show depicts various forms of Kandyan dancing which was once native to the area but has now spread to different regions of the island. Originated from a dance performed by Indian shamans who came to the island, Kandyan dancing plays an important role in Sri Lankan culture and is a much-anticipated event during perahera processions. During the show, you will see several dances which depict the graceful movements of birds and animals, which trace their origins back to the ancient ritual known as the Kohomba Kankariya, as well as energetic acrobatic performances where the men perform a series of leaping pirouettes and stunts such as plate-spinning and the dramatic ‘fire walk’ which ends the show.

Return to the hotel via the local market and relax.

After your morning breakfast, pack your bags for the journey ahead. We make our way out of Kandy and drive to Nuwara Eliya. The 2.5 hrs drive is quite spectacular with waterfalls, rocky outcrops and paddy fields. En route we visit the Ramboda Falls followed by a visit to the Tea Factory & The Seetha Amman Temple.

Deep in Sri Lanka’s hill country, the Ramboda Falls is the island’s 11th highest waterfall, dropping from a height of 358 feet (109 meters). Formed from the River Panna Oya, a tributary of the River Kotmale Oya, the waterfall is framed by emerald forests—making it an especially beautiful and popular stop for travellers.

We break for some tea and cake at the Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Centre situated approximately 1500 meters above sea level in the heart of Labookellie Estate. Ranked as one of the finest tea plantations in Sri Lanka it is today a popular stop in any international travellers itinerary providing an opportunity to experience Mackwoods Tea at its best in the salubrious hill country clime as well as providing an instructive glimpse of the manufacture of Ceylon Tea. This Tea Centre has been expanded and refurbished to give its many visitors better service in a more comfortable setting. Mackwoods provides visitors with a free guided tour of Labookellie tea factory, an educational experience in the tea cultivation and manufacturing process.

Next we head to The Seetha Amman Temple dedicated to Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, situated in the hills of Nuwara Eliya, is treated with enduring devotion by Hindus as it is considered to be the only such temple in the world. It is located five kilometres along the road from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy. History has it that this is the place where King Ravana held Sita imprisoned. Devotees also believe that the place bears signs of the monkey-god Hanuman’s feet as he rested here after the battle to rescue Sita from Ravana. People also believe that there is a rock on the opposite bank of the river where Sita sat and meditated. The stream that runs from the hill had supposedly catered to the needs of Sita during her stay and she is said to have bathed in this stream. About a century ago images of three idols were discovered in the stream, one of which was that of Sita. It is believed that the idols have been worshipped at this spot for centuries. Visitors eagerly throng to this place where Sita had supposedly bathed, the stone she sat on, and where she spent time in prayer. Devotees are convinced that this episode of the epic Ramayana historically took place here, and the place is increasingly becoming important as a tourist location. What is interesting about the temple is the presence of footprints by the river, which is construed as being akin to Hanuman’s. Some are of small size while others are larger, which is interpreted as a manifestation of the immense powers of Hanuman to transform himself into any size.

On arrival at Nuwara Eliya check in at the hotel and relax in the serene mountain climate for the remainder of the evening. Hotels in Nuwara Eliya offer buffet as well as a la carte meals to all their in house guests. 

Today is free to relax at the hotel. 

Optional program a train ride to Ella and back to Nuwra Eliya by Van.

Ella "water fall" is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, governed by an Urban Council. It is situated at an elevation of 1,041 meters (3,415 ft) above the sea level and the area has a rich bio-diversity dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. Ella is surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. The town has a cooler climate than its surroundings, due to its elevation. The Ella Gap allows views across the southern plains of Sri Lanka. The train journey from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya Station, 8 km outside of Nuwara Eliya) to Ella takes about 2-3 hours and goes through a beautiful landscape of tea plantations. You should sit on the left side of the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella as this side is the most scenic. The journey over the 9 Arch bridge is truly breathtaking. Flanked by thick jungle and tea plantations; this stone bridge stands proudly across a lush green gorge in the hill country just outside Ella.  Calling it picturesque would almost be a disservice, particularly on a misty day when cloud hangs low in the valley, and the famous blue train passes slowly over the bridge, creating a moody, mystical, captivating scene.

Spend a relaxing day exploring Ella and head back to the comforts of your hotel by late afternoon. Remainder of the time is free to sip hot tea in your hotel garden and walk along the winding mountain roads blanketed by tea gardens on all sides. 

After the breakfast we head for some sea and sun at Bentota. On arrival, check in to the hotel and relax as remainder of the day is free. 

If you must leave the comforts of your seaside resort we recommend a short half day trip to orient you with the must do and get you back to soak the afternoon sun on the beach. 

Sri Lanka has a couple of places on the island which are synonymous for turtle hatchery and conservation. These nice places are a special treat if you are an animal enthusiast. The coastal area of the island is where you should head to witness a turtle hatchery -where turtle eggs are being hatched and small and rescued turtles are being taken care of.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Madu River with some interesting stops. You pass dozens of islets forested with mangroves and can appreciate the timeless natural rhythms of rural life. You cruise through canopies taking  in the view of a 200-year-old temple and watch the locals cultivating cinnamon. You may also see traditional fishing techniques in action and can view demonstrations of coir manufacture and rope making. Say hello to 46 species of birds residing in the area including 14 aquatic varieties. You may also spot huge water lilies and colorful butterflies. A fish pedicure is offered but is truly avoidable.

A small detour gets you the fortified old city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century – GALLE. Stone sea walls, expanded by the Dutch, encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. Notable buildings include the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church and Galle Lighthouse stands on the fort’s southeast tip.

Enjoy lunch at Galle and head back to Bentota where remainder of the day is free for you to do as you please. Many beaches do offer water sport activities should you wish to try some. 

Have your fill at morning breakfast, pack your bags and check out for the final city on the itinerary – COLOMBO, the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. On arrival, check in to the hotel and a quick refreshment later we head out to explore. Colombo is an ideal place to capture some of the best city vibes in Sri Lanka. The city is enriched with historical monuments, colonial architecture, beaches, fine dining, vibrant night life & a lot of shopping. During the City tour you will visit Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Viharamahadevi Park, World Trade Center Towers, Old Parliament, Pettah Market, Independence Square and prominent Buddhist, Hindu, Islam & Christian places of worship. Further you may spend time for Shopping. Cotton Collection, House of Fashion and Odel, the largest departmental store on the island offers you stylish clothes to cute souvenirs with elegant Sri Lankan touch. 

Dinner Recommendation: Ministry of Crabs created as a culinary homecoming of Sri Lanka’s legendary lagoon crab, which has long gained popularity outside of the island. The Crabs are the ‘stars of the show’ at Ministry of Crab, ranging from 500g ‘1/2 Kilo’ crab to 2KG ‘Crabzilla’ plated up in a variety of ways from fiery Pepper Crab to the unique Garlic Chilli Crab and the succulent Baked Crab. They  also celebrate Sri Lanka’s fine seafood from amazing King Prawns found in the rivers running across the island to fresh Clams and Oysters from the lagoons. The restaurant believes that freshness is of the utmost importance and they employ a no-freezer policy to serve you the freshest, always. 

After breakfast check out and transfer to the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport to catch the flight back home with happy memories and a promise to come back for more. (B)