Arrive Colombo

Arrival and Transfer to Colombo

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, our driver will meet and greet you. You will then be transferred to Colombo, with an approximate travel time of 45 minutes. Once you reach Colombo, check into your pre-booked hotel. Your Local Tour Manager will welcome you and provide a briefing on the itinerary for the next few days.

Enjoy your stay at the hotel in Colombo.

Colombo

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel.

Colombo City Tour

Your city tour begins with a visit to the Gangarama Buddhist Temple, where you can gain insights into Buddhist culture and, if you’re lucky, take a picture with the temple’s sacred elephant. Next, visit the Hindu Temple, known for its vibrant colored statues of numerous deities.

Explore the Wolfendhal Dutch Church, the oldest Protestant church in Sri Lanka, built between 1749 and 1751 in Dutch colonial architecture. Then, head to the Fort Railway Station, established by the British in 1908, which played a crucial role in transporting tea and coffee from the hill country to Colombo.

Visit Independence Square, a national monument commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule in 1948. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Viharamahadevi Park, formerly Victoria Park, built during British rule and now a popular resting place and evening leisure spot for locals.

Next, see Colombo Harbour, one of the oldest and busiest ports in South Asia, developed by the British. Admire the Galle Face Hotel, built in 1864 by British entrepreneurs, and still retaining its old-time grandeur. Walk along the famous Galle Face Green, a stretch of walkway overlooking the Indian Ocean, initially laid out in 1859 by the British Governor Sir Henry Ward.

Visit the National Museum, built in the Italian architectural style and established in 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the British Governor of Ceylon at the time. The museum houses unique Sri Lankan historical artifacts, such as the “Tara Devi” statue.

Other places of interest include the Devatagaha Muslim Mosque, the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), Cinnamon Gardens, Municipal Council, and the Grand Oriental Hotel.

Enjoy your stay at the hotel in Colombo.

Colombo – Pinnawela – Kandy (Drive)

Kandy – Dambana – Kandy

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Dambana

Travel to Dambana, located 19 km northeast of Mahiyangana, bordering the Maduru Oya Sanctuary. This area is home to the indigenous “Vedda” community, numbering close to 1,000 individuals. Traditionally, the Veddas’ livelihood depended solely on hunting, and their natural habitat was the forest. However, in recent decades, they have slowly transitioned to Chena dry land for cultivation. The Veddas face the risk of losing their traditions and livelihood due to the influence of the dominant culture and intermarriage with Sinhalese villagers.

Ancient Vedda Village

This tour provides a unique opportunity to meet the surviving indigenous population of Sri Lanka, the Veddas, whose history spans nearly 2,000 years. You will gain an understanding of their true plight, viewing them as a community of human beings rather than just exhibits. The Veddas were once the ancient custodians of the jungles, living harmoniously with nature. However, the establishment of the Department of Wildlife and the Fauna & Flora Ordinance, along with the Mahaweli Development projects, deprived them of their natural habitats and livelihoods. Today, the Veddas are restricted to Dambana and have been provided with alternative methods of survival, such as farming.

In the past, Vedda boys learned hunting from their fathers, and girls managed the home and reared children with their mothers. Now, Vedda children are sent to school for a more ‘civilized’ education. The Veddas, who were once used to the rustic abodes of the jungles, now find it difficult to adapt to village life. Their customs and tribal dances, performed for visitors, are not mere exhibitions but an innate lifestyle they dearly miss. The Veddas’ silent appeal is to return to their natural forest habitats where they once lived in harmony with nature.

Proceed to Kandy

After your visit to Dambana, travel back to Kandy via the recently renovated Mahiyangana-Kandy Road, famous for its winding, misty roads with “18 bends.”

Enjoy your stay at the hotel in Kandy.

Kandy – Peradeniya – Kandy

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.

Visit Kandy Tooth Relic Temple

Start your exploration with a visit to the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic). This temple houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha and was originally part of the Royal Palace complex of the Kandyan Kingdom. It is one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world. The palace complex and the holy city of Kandy play a significant role in the history of Buddhism’s dissemination. The temple stands as a testament to a religion that continues to be practiced today.

Shopping in Kandy

Kandy is renowned for its exotic arts and crafts and world-famous gemstones. Spend some time shopping for unique souvenirs and precious stones.

Further Sightseeing in Kandy

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or drive along Kandy Lake and Upper Lake Drive, taking in breathtaking views of the hill capital. Optionally, visit the Kandy National Museum to delve deeper into the city’s history and culture.

Kandy City Highlights

Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic cities, lies amidst hills and serves as the capital of the Central Province. It is both an administrative and religious center, frequently visited by Buddhists of the Theravada School. Kandy is famous for three main reasons: the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, and the vibrant Esala Perahera festival. The city showcases Sri Lankan culture at its highest level.

Visit Trinity College Kandy, founded in 1872 as an Anglican Missionary school, which integrates the best of local indigenous culture. The Chapel at Trinity College is a masterpiece with authentic Kandyan lacquered windows, carved marble slabs, and beautifully carved wooden features.

Explore the Kandy War Cemetery, a somber yet beautifully maintained site where 203 burials from World War II took place, including 107 British soldiers.

Visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens near Kandy City are renowned for their rich and varied collections of tropical woody plants, occupying 59 hectares (146 acres) with about 4,000 species. Significant specimens include impressive avenues of palms, collections of orchids, gymnosperms, and flowering trees. Founded in 1821 to introduce coffee trees and other tropical plants of economic importance, the garden later became a center for horticultural activities. Under the botanist George H.K. Thwaites, it played a pivotal role in establishing Sri Lanka’s tea industry and cultivating the Brazilian rubber tree, vital to the country’s economy. Today, the botanical collection is one of the finest in the region.

Evening Cultural Dance Performance

In the evening, enjoy a cultural dance performance, showcasing the rich traditions and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka.

Enjoy your stay at the hotel in Kandy.

Kandy – Nanu Oya (Train) &Nanu Oya – Nuwara Eliya (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Kandy Railway Station

After breakfast, head to Kandy Railway Station to board the scenic train to Nanu Oya. This train journey through Sri Lanka’s tea country is unforgettable. The cold air flows through the windows, and the endless rolling hills of tea plantations and lush forests provide breathtaking views. The Eastern train route from Kandy to Nanu Oya offers countless photo opportunities as you travel through the hill country and long dark tunnels, where passengers often enjoy yelling as the train passes through.

Arrival in Nanu Oya and Transfer to Nuwara Eliya

Upon arrival in Nanu Oya, transfer to Nuwara Eliya and check in at your pre-booked hotel.

Explore Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, meaning “city on the plain” or “city of light,” is a town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is one of the world’s major tea-producing areas, overseen by Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, Pidurutalagala. This beautiful city is the most visited hill country destination in Sri Lanka.

Nuwara Eliya is said to have been founded by British officers who got lost while elephant hunting. British Governor Sir Edward Barnes decided to reside in Nuwara Eliya, subsequently creating an internationally renowned health resort. The town later became the ultimate destination for English pastimes such as golf, fox hunting, and polo. Nuwara Eliya also holds archaeological significance, with pre-historic human remains found in the area. The city reflects its colonial past, with new hotels furnished in the colonial era style.

Sri Lanka produces a significant share of the world’s best tea and is one of the largest exporters of tea. Since the mid-19th century, Nuwara Eliya has been the capital of the tea industry. Trekking and hiking expeditions often revolve around the city’s landmarks.

Enjoy your stay at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

Half-Day Tea Experience

Embark on a unique tea experience today. Begin by visiting a tea factory where you can immerse yourself in the process of tea production. You’ll have the opportunity to pluck tea leaves from a real tea plantation, dressed in a classic saree (for women) or sarong (for men), just like the local tea pluckers. You’ll be provided with your own basket to collect the leaves.

Local guides will instruct you on which tea leaves to pluck to achieve the best flavors. The plucking process can be challenging; often, more leaves end up on the ground than in your basket. Despite your efforts, the professional tea pluckers who accompany you will demonstrate incredible efficiency, filling their baskets with remarkable speed. They typically aim to harvest around 15 kilograms of tea leaves daily.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Nuwara Eliya

After the tea experience, return to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya for an overnight stay. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and reflect on your day filled with tea exploration.

Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Optional Visit to Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

For those interested, you have the option to visit the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club today. Located within walking distance from the town center and spread over 90 acres, this 18-hole golf course dates back to 1891 during the British Colonial era. It is renowned for being the only golf course where all the holes are visible from the Club House or accessible by car. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf followed by an optional lunch at the Club House.

For non-golfers, an alternative option includes a village visit experience followed by an optional lunch at the Club House.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Nuwara Eliya

After your activities of the day, relax and enjoy another peaceful overnight stay at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya – Kitulgala – Galle

Galle

Galle – Mount Lavinia (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel in Galle.

Check Out and Transfer to Mount Lavinia

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Galle. Proceed towards Mount Lavinia, a beautiful coastal town near Colombo.

Arrival at Mount Lavinia

Upon arrival, check into your pre-booked hotel in Mount Lavinia. Relax and unwind at leisure, soaking in the beach vibes and enjoying the amenities offered by the hotel.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Mount Lavinia

Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at your hotel in Mount Lavinia, savoring the serene beach atmosphere.

Mount Lavinia

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Mount Lavinia.

Full Day at the Beach

Spend the entire day at the beach, enjoying the soothing sea breeze and the warmth of the coastal sun.

Afternoon Leisure

In the afternoon, indulge in the comforts of your colonial heritage hotel. Take advantage of the Mount Lavinia Hotel’s attractions, such as its inviting swimming pool for a refreshing dip on a tropical day. Alternatively, pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment at the COCO Spa, or simply relax at the beautiful Mt. Lavinia Beach.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Mount Lavinia

Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at your hotel, continuing to soak in the tranquil atmosphere of Mount Lavinia.

Mount Lavinia – Colombo (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel in Mount Lavinia.

Check Out

Check out from the hotel.

Transfer to the Airport

Proceed to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, reminiscing about the wonderful memories from your journey through Sri Lanka – The Paradise Island.