Itinerary:
Day 01
Welcome to Sri Lanka, the paradise island. When you arrive at the airport, you will be met by the crew and greeted warmly to begin a unique and complete holiday experience. You will be transferred to Kandalama en route visiting the world famous Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage to see abandoned baby elephants being fed, bathed and trained. After spending some time with baby elephants proceed to Kandalama Hotel. In the evening proceed on a nature ramble to explore the forest surrounding the hotel. You will stay overnight at the KandalamaHotel (05 star, best hotel in the area) and enjoy the luxuries of delicious cuisine and entertainment, which will give you a glimpse of the tropical atmosphere.
Day 02
After breakfast proceed to Sigiriya and explore the rock fortress of Kashyapa, which dates back to the 5th century AD. See the ruins of Kashyapa's palace on the summit of the gigantic rock Sigiriya, the collection of ancient frescoes and the pleasure gardens which were built by Kashyapa in 477-495AD. After the death of Kashyapa it was turned into a monastery. In the afternoon, the ardent Bird watcher can explore the forest surrounding the Kandalama Hotel, home to over 300 species of bird life - local & migratory. Return to KandalamaHotel for an overnight stay.
Day 03
After breakfast proceed to the hill capital Kandy en route visiting the historic Dambulla caves, which dates back to the 1st century BC. The walls of this cave are covered with ancient frescoes and some of the oldest statues of Buddha are found here. The next stop would be at a spice garden to see and sample wide variety of exotic spices and mostly aromatic such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and citronella known centuries ago. Also en route visit a batik factory and reach Kandy. Kandy, the last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally handed over to the British after resisting the Portuguese and the Dutch for many centuries. It is surrounded by hills and offers a very pleasant cooling climate. Check-in at the Earl's Regency Hotel. In the afternoon do a city tour of Kandy, this mystical and the most beautiful city in our island. A land of celestial palaces, legend and of course, steeped in history. Visiting the Kandy Bazaar, the Kandy Lake, a handicraft center, a gem house/ lapidary and also the Peradeniya botanical gardens, which were originally the pleasure gardens of the royalty. Today nearly 4000 species of plants are found here. Spend the afternoon and also overnight at the Earl's Regency Hotel, a majestic hotel offering a sublime atmosphere, it is the perfect gateway for complete idleness. (05 star) in a "hill country " atmosphere and lifestyle.
Day 04
After breakfast proceed to central highlands en route visiting a tea estate / factory to study the process of tea manufacture, with a chance to purchase some of the world's finest flavored tea which is world famous. The route to the highlands offers the travellers some of the finest views of the hill country in Sri Lanka. Feel the intriguing "pearly silver" water falls and the emerald lushness of the tea slopes. In the afternoon explore the hill town of Nuwara Eliya. Overnight at Tea Factory Hotel/Grand Hotel (Golf wing).
Day 05
Early morning proceed to scenic Horton Plains, a strict nature sanctuary located at a higher elevation than Nuwara Eliya. The reserve has beautiful rolling plains, a wide variety of plants, streams etc., and some unique wild life; for instance it has many species of amphibian frogs not found anywhere else in the world. A walk to the sharp precipice "World's End" (4000ft drop!) is also suggested, which on a clear day affords a fantastic view of the surrounding region and sighting the endemic slender Loris, sambur and the purple monkey is a fortunate sight. On completion proceed to Tea Factory Hotel / Grand Hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 06
After breakfast proceed to the southern city of Hambanthota and in the afternoon proceed on a jeep safari at Yale National Park. Wild Elephants, Wild Buffaloes, Deer, Elk, Leopard, Jackal and Crocodiles could be seen if one is lucky. Many species of birds are also found in this area and are strictly protected. You can also enjoy the scenic waterfalls, streams and lagoons which provide water to wild animals and birds. On completion of safari proceed to Oasis Hotel (03 star standard) for an overnight stay.
Day 07
After breakfast proceed to Colombo and check in at the hotel Lanka Oberoi (05 star) for an overnight stay full of city cuisine, recreation and entertainment.
Day 08
After a delightful trip to this tropical island, you will be taken to the Airport.