Treasures of Sri Lanka

Welcome to Colombo! Upon arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel to check-in.




Overnight in Colombo

After a delicious breakfast, take to the road for a day of exploring the wildlife and rich heritage of Sri Lanka. The first stop will be at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which was founded in 1975 with just five calves; today it has more than 100. In addition to all the elephants rescued from the rainforests, there have been dozens of births at the shelter, with the first arriving in 1984. Here, they are fed, bathed, and allowed to roam freely. Catch sight of them at feeding time — a bottle for the calves and coconut leaves for the adults — and watch these gentle giants frolicking in the waters of the River Maha Oya at bath time.  After this fun and wild interlude continue your journey to Dambulla. Visit the Dambulla Rock Temple. In the city of Dambulla lies a hub that has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, the Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed five cave temples flanking the Golden Temple of Dambulla. See how exquisitely cave paintings are done along the walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.




Overnight in Dambulla

Start your day on a high with a climb up the fifth century Sigiriya Fortress, situated atop a rock that dramatically rises nearly 200 meters above the rainforest. King Kashyapa built a citadel at the top of this giant boulder known as the ‘Lion Rock, which was the innermost stronghold of a vast fortified city. In the time it came to be abandoned and forgotten, covered by dense overgrowth until the British found it and began a painstaking archaeological exploration. Today, the terraced gardens and cisterns, the moat, the ‘Mirror Wall, and the fragile frescoes of the ‘heavenly maidens among the other remnants of this once-thriving city offer only a tantalizing indication of what once stood here. Pass through the lions ‘belly and climb to the top via a spiral staircase that snakes its way around the rock. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape and beyond into the horizon. In the afternoon, discover the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Built about 1000 years ago, it features a large artificial lake, which is still in use and feeds a network of irrigation canals, the remains of a royal palace, and several temples and administrative buildings. Admire the Gal Viharaya with its four statues of the Buddha carved out of the rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, and the Statue of King Parakramabahu. Contemplate the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha and much, much more.




Overnight in Dambulla

After breakfast, we will proceed to Kandy. En-route visit a spice and herb garden in Matale. Sri Lankan spices such as turmeric, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, and lemongrass are considered some of the best in the world. See a cooking demonstration and learn about the culinary and therapeutic values of these products. Proceed to Kandy and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, head on a city tour of Kandy. Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, before it was brought under British rule in 1815, Kandy — the World Heritage Site and last royal capital of Sri Lankan Kings — offers a mix of culture, history, and heritage for visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town, cradled among the misty hills will feature the Kandy City Centre — bundled with the latest and world-class brands, the bazaar, an arts and crafts center, a gem museum, and a lapidary. Drive towards the Victoria Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world for a sweep blended with class and style. Or walk in color as you pass by fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy Market. Fine-tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, the Wonder of Asia.




Overnight in Kandy

In the morning you will check out for your hotel and continue your journey to Nuwara Eliya via Peradeniya. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya — now bundled with the most welcoming facilities situated just 4 miles off Kandy — is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147-acre bliss of an experience, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions, and an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf that will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance lies a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights — the orchid house and giant Javan fig tree of this place which overflow in grace. Continue your tour to the Tea Plantation. Sri Lanka, Tea, and Tourism are words that cannot be separated. Head on a tour of the cold and misty hills covering lush green blankets of tea plantations. Or you may step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to see a rich tradition up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea. Continue to Nuwara Eliya and check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, you will explore Nuwara Eliya. Travel through the misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate reminding visitors they are within the range of the British colonial retreat of Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light — once governed by English and Scottish planters — is studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows, and one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet. Drive through the green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls, dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-colored saris. Or rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory.  In the afternoon you will continue to Negombo. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Negombo

Start your day with a delicious breakfast (standard check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late checkout is subject to the availability of the hotel). Check-out and store your luggage with the Hotel Concierge. Later, continue to explore the bustling metropolis. Colombo, situated in the west, is not only the country's commercial capital but also the turbine that impels over 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo's fancy urban development efforts. Drive through the clean streets edging the crystal white Racecourse — which was once a horse-racing hub in 1893 and World War II airstrip — furnished today with lavish clothing, food, and tea boutiques. Meanwhile, ride to Pettah and tune into the Floating Market — an offbeat shopping experience — or experience the buzz surrounding the upcoming inspiration, the Colombo Port City: an offshore city featuring parks, commercial complexes, and even an F1 track! Continue along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic waypost, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet, and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Enjoy a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing the best fashion, jewelry, and handicraft brands. Smell the scents of incense while listening to the chiming bells of the Gangarama Temple. Or experience the vibrant nightlife of the spiced by nightclubs and casinos that borderline the bustle. If you are lucky, you may head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna which should drive your day into perfection! You will be transferred back to Colombo International Airport for your flight back home.