Colombo – Sigiriya – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Colombo
Ancient Arabs called the island ‘Serendipity’. Little wonder when you discover the many unexpected beauties of this Indian Ocean Island and all within short driving distances. The bustling modern metropolis, the green mist-laden heart of world renown ‘Ceylon Tea’, historic 2500 year old ancient cities and monuments amongst them World Heritage sites, the dwellings of the islands oldest inhabitants ‘The Veddhas’ and warm tropical beaches, there is something for everyone - except desert and snow!!!
Arrive in Colombo and clear immigration & visa formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs.
You will be paged by your name. Thereafter you will be assisted to the Car park / Coach Park to begin you journey as per the booked itinerary. Transferred to the Hotel in Colombo. Overnight stay at the hotel.
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. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast proceed to Sigiriya via Pinnawela.
Pinnawela is home to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage established in 1975 to house abandoned and wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now; including Baby Elephants brought from various parts, as well as some of the more than 25 babies born, as a result of the captive breeding programme.
Afterwards depart for Sigiriya, home to the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour.
After breakfast proceed to Kandy via Dambulla.
Dambulla is famous for the five cave Temples on a rock. Some caves dates to 1st C.B.C. All the 5 cave walls and ceilings are covered with Buddhist murals and there are more than 130 Buddha statues, statues of Gods and Kings are also found here.
Afterwards proceed to Kandy. Enroute, visit a Spice Garden at Matale 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. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast visit Peradeniya botanical gardens – 147 acres in extent: started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the King’s 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. Overnight stay at the hotel
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.
Overnight stay at the hotel
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.
