Sri Lanka at Leisure

Breakfast in Kandalama.
Transfer to Anuradhapura

The city tour of Anuradhapura, the first capital of the country is a World Heritage Site and offers various ruins of ancient temples, palaces and more for visitors to take in. Many sites such as the Sacred Maha Bodi Tree which is over 2200 years old and the Ruwanweliseya, a famous dagoba in the Buddhist culture, offers an insightful glimpse to the religion and various schools of art which came into being. Other important attractions which one will get the chance to visit include the Isurumuniya Rock Temple which dates back to the third century BC. and the Samadhi Buddha statue.

Transfer to Mihintale.

Mihintale is where Buddhism was first introduced to the country and is regarded as the cradle of Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka. An ancient stairway hewn out of granite slabs leads to the summit from where one could get a splendid view of the surrounding countryside.

On completion, transfer to Kandalama.
Savour a delectable dinner in Kandalama.

Breakfast in Kandalama.

Thereafter, transfer to Polonnaruwa, yet another World Heritage Site, and take in the ruins of the Royal Palace and the Gal Viharaya, where four splendid statues of the Lord Buddha carved out of rock showcases the skills of artisans of the old.

Transfer to Medirigiriya.

Visit Medirigiriya temple, famous for its seventh-century Vatadage Temple which is situated on top of a low rocky point. Three concentric rows of pillars, making a total of 68, surround four large seated Buddha statues facing the four directions.

On completion, transfer to Kandalama.
Savour a delectable dinner in Kandalama.

Breakfast in Kandalama.

Transfer to Sigiriya.

One of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, dates backs to the fifth century BC, the onetime royal abode of King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The fortress features moats, ramparts and extensive manicured grounds with the renowned water gardens taking centre stage. Among the special sites to take in include frescos, the mirror wall and the massive lion paw entrance leading up to the summit where ancient ruins of the palaces can be seen along with panoramic vistas of the surrounding region.

Thereafter, transfer to Minneriya.

Set off on a jeep safari to the Minneriya National Park, which covers an area of 8,889 hectares. The wetlands in this park have much national importance as its home to many kinds of endemic flora and fauna. About 160 species of birds, both local and migratory, have been spotted here along with nine amphibian species, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species and more than 78 species of butterflies.

On completion, transfer to Kandalama.

Savour a delectable dinner in Kandalama.

Breakfast in Kandalama.

The 55-acre forest around the Kandalama tank thrives with medicinal plants along with a various types of birds. Around 90 species of birds including migrants - babbler, blue flycatcher, oriole, paradise flycatcher, warbler, wagtail, barbet, bee-eater, Brahmin kite, owl, teal, pelican, make their home here.

Transfer to Dambulla.

The Dambulla Cave Temple, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the most visited tourist attractions on the island. The complex which consists of five caverns which showcases various paintings, sculptures and over 150 statues of Buddha among a host of other relics which dates back to the first century BC.

Thereafter transfer to Matale.

In Matale, visitors can take in a spice garden which the county has long since been famous for. Walk among thriving spice cultivations and learn about the manufacturing process. A cookery demonstration too will give you the chance to discover the tantalising taste of the Sri Lankan flavours.

On completion, transfer to Kandy.

Savour a delectable dinner in Kandy

Breakfast in Kandy

A visit to the city of Kandy will let visitors immerse themselves in the rich culture and sense of tradition that pervades it. Explore the bustling bazars and markets a burst with various exotic sights, smells and sounds. Take a stroll under the paved walkways bordering the picturesque Kandy Lake after which one can head to the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the temple that houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha to seek the blessing of the Triple Gem.

Thereafter watch a cultural show.

Savour a delectable dinner in Kandy

Breakfast in Kandy.
Thereafter transfer to Pinnawala.

Stop by the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to interact with some majestic jumbos. Interact with playful baby elephants after their bottled feeding sessions, after which one can head down to the nearby river to watch the large herd enjoy a frolicking bath session.

Transfer to Peradeniya.

First built by Kandyan royalty for pleasure, the Peradeniya Botanical Garden sprawls across over 147 acres. The well tended manicured lawns features a variety of species of plants and flowers in full bloom along with a plethora of spice trees endemic to the island.

On completion, transfer to Kandy.

Savour a delectable dinner in Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel.

Thereafter, transfer to a Tea Plantation.

Visit a tea plantation and walk around the lush slopes and observe how dedicated tea pluckers choose the best buds, which will later be processed to manufacture the world’s finest tea. Afterwards, our guests will get the chance to savour a freshly brewed cup of tea to end the excursion.

Transfer to Nuwara Eliya.

The little town of Nuwara Eliya is one of the most popular hill country getaways on the island. It offers fresh, invigorating mountain air, scenic vistas of misty mountains and verdant valleys to be appreciated. Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Piduruthalagala (8,282 feet) too is located here. A visit to the Victoria Golf Course, one of the finest golf links in South Asia too will prove to be an enjoyable experience

Savour a delectable dinner in Nuwara Eliya.

Breakfast in Nuwara Eliya

Thereafter transfer to Horton Plains.

Visit Horton Plains, which is located 2,134 metres above the sea level and offers diverse terrains to explore while trekking. The World’s End, an escarpment offers some spectacular views of the area. The sanctuary is also home to an abundance of wildlife such as leopards, sambhurs, endemic bear among many other species. It’s also home to over 20 endemic bird species including Sri Lanka’s whistling thrush, orange-billed babbler and yellow-eared bulbul.

On completion transfer to Kandapola.

Savour a delectable dinner in Nuwara Eliya.

Breakfast in Nuwara Eliya

Thereafter transfer to Bandarawela.

Bandarawela located at an elevation of 4,000 feet, is a charming hill country getaway.

Transfer to Buduruwagala.

The great sculptures of Buduruwagala date back to the ninth or tenth century. The central figure of the Buddha is 51 feet (15.5 metres) from head to toe. One can take in the status by making your way through a jungle area after one emerges through the dark arch of the lush growth.

Transfer from Buduruwagala to Yala.

Embark on an exciting wildlife safari by jeep at the Yala National Park, the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Stand the chance to catch a glimpse of elusive Ceylon leopard and watch large herds of elephants gather along watering holes while graceful spotted deer graze among wild grass.

Savour a delectable dinner in Yala.

Breakfast in Yala
Thereafter transfer to Galle.

Take in the historic city of Galle, and its many attractions such as the Dutch Fort, a living UNECO World Heritage Site. Walk along the charming cobbled streets of the fortification and take in colonial buildings, churches and the sun-drenched ramparts from which some stunning views of the azure blue Indian Ocean can be enjoyed!

On completion, transfer to a Beach hotel in Negombo or in the South coast