Sri Lanka

 

 

Resting at the toe of India is the teardrop island nation of Sri Lanka. With rows of coconut palms, dense forests and clear waters of the Indian ocean, Sri Lanka is an incredible offshore garden.  Although heavily affected by the tsunami in 2004, Sri Lanka has made an empowering comeback and continues to impress travelers from around the world.

Arrival (evening): Colombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Arrive at Colombo International airport. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel

Sri Lanka, the island nation home to more than 20 million people, is a strategic naval link between West and Southeast Asia. The nation famously exports tea, coffee, and coconuts and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka,  is a vibrant mix of modernity and colonial ruins. Because of its natural harbor and positioning along East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders from 2,000 years ago. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 1: Colombo

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Colombo including the Galle Face Green, busy street bazaars of Pettah, Dutch period museum & Wolfendhal Church - Colombo's oldest Dutch church.  Also visit the Kelaniya temple, where Lord Buddha was reputed to have preached over 2000 years ago. Later, visit the National Museum and explore the city streets. Overnight at Colombo.

 

Day 2: Colombo—Habarana

After breakfast, drive to Habarana, situated in a forest on the edges of an ancient irrigation lake. En-route visit Pinnawala elephant orphanage, a famous government run orphanage that houses retired, abused or orphaned elephants. Pinnawala is reputed as the largest elephant refuge in the world, with one of the most successful captive breeding programs for Asian elephants. In the afternoon visit Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka‘s medieval capital. Overnight at Habarana.

 

 

Day 3: Habarana—Kandy

After breakfast, drive to Kandy. Situated beside a lake in the hills just below the center of Sri Lanka, Kandy is considered Sri Lanka’s cultural center. En-route visit Dambulla Cave temple: the name Dambulla derives from Damba - Rock and Ulla - Fountain. One sees the incessant drip of water from the fountain within the main image house. Later visit the spice garden in Matale. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 4: Kandy

After breakfast proceed to Pusselawa to visit a tea factory and a plantation. Later in the afternoon take a tour of Kandy including the Temple of the Tooth, said to house a relic from the mouth of the Lord Buddha himself. In the late evening witness a cultural Kandyan dance performance. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 5: Kandy—Bentota

After breakfast leave for the South Coast Bentota, en-route visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. The site is nearly 150 acres and is beautifully undulated with an average elevation of 1,540 feet above sea level. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Overnight in Bentota.

Day 6: Bentota

Day at leisure to relax on the beaches of magnificent Bentota. Overnight in Bentota.