The Essence of Sri Lanka

Your Sri Lankan adventure begins upon arrival as you are greeted and driven to the hill capital, Kandy. En route, your first stop is the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a conservation center that is home to the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Here, you can observe these gentle giants in a nurturing environment. Upon reaching Kandy, a city nestled amongst hills and home to a sacred relic, you will visit the revered Temple of the Tooth and take a tour of the city before checking into your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, depart for the picturesque highland town of Nuwara Eliya, often called "Little England." Your journey includes a visit to the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, a lush paradise showcasing a vast collection of tropical flora. As you ascend into the tea country, you will visit a working tea factory to learn about the process of creating Ceylon's world-famous export and stop at the Hanuman Temple. In Nuwara Eliya, enjoy the serene beauty of Gregory Lake and delve into ancient legend at the Seetha Amman Temple, believed to be the site of Sita's captivity in the Ramayana epic.

Today, you leave the cool highlands and travel towards the golden sands of Bentota on the southwest coast. The scenic drive is broken by an unforgettable experience: a boat safari on the Madu River. Glide through a pristine mangrove ecosystem, explore small islands, visit a cinnamon plantation, and perhaps even enjoy a unique fish foot massage. Later, visit a turtle hatchery to learn about conservation efforts for these endangered creatures before checking into your beachside hotel.

Following breakfast, you will journey north to Colombo, the dynamic commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. After checking into your hotel, embark on a city tour to discover Colombo's unique blend of modern life, colonial architecture, and bustling bazaars. The evening is free for you to enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and to independently explore the city's vibrant nightlife at your own pace.

After a final breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the Bandaranaike International Airport as per your flight schedule, carrying with you the sweet memories of a truly wonderful Asian adventure.