6Days Highlands & Tea Gardens
Price from $5039 per person on twin sharing basis
Colombo – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Colombo
This tour provides a snapshot of Sri Lanka. The busy modern metropolis, 2500-years old Ancient lands with Historic Monuments and World Heritage Sites, a unique Elephant Orphanage, Gardens of Fresh Spices, an entertaining Elephant-back countryside trek, wide sandy tropical beaches and a stay in a 200-year old former British Governor’s mansion gives a taste of what this exotic Indian Ocean island offers to the discerning visitor.
Day 01: Arrive Colombo
Arrive in Colombo and clear immigration & visa formalities then transfer to your hotel in Colombo.
Day 02: Colombo (B)
Pick up from your hotel and drive through the city taking in the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and Independence Square.
Day 03: Colombo – Kandy (B)
Proceed to Kandy, enroute visit a Spice Garden at Mawanalle and see the luscious Cinnamons, Cardamoms, Pepper plants etc. You can also purchase your requirements of spices. Afternoon city tour of Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Kandy – the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera. The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today. Temple’s shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession.
Day 04: Kandy – Peradeniya – Nuwara Eliya (B)
Morning visit to Peradeniya botanical gardens – 147 acres in extent: started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Kandy. There are more than 5000 species of tree and plants, as well as flora from the tropical world. Spice garden and Orchid House are popular with Tourists.
Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya – The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. Evening commence city tour in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 05: Nuwara Eliya – Kithulgala – Colombo (B)
Transfer to Colombo via Kithulgala famous for its rubber plantation, waterfalls, lush vegetation and a variety of birds and butterflies. Optional white water rafting and return to Colombo.
Day 06: Colombo – Airport (B)
Departure from the Hotel to Airport
Private program - can start any day of the week and can be modified or operated in reverse
Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.
Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.
Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2023. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.