Tour Overview:
We will pick you up at 7 am from your hotel or airport if you are transiting at the airport and drive to Kandy enroot we will stop at Pinnawala Elephant orphanage where you can see the elephants being raised with great care and affection. You can take pictures of elephants as they bathe at the nearby river. Later we will continue to Kandy this royal city, sheltered by the hills and looped by the Mahaweli the longest river of Sri Lanka. We will take you straight to the temple of the tooth relic. Later you will visit the botanical gardens of Kandy and the spice and fruits market. While visiting Royal Botanical Gardens located at Peradeniya you may like to stop at the University of Peradeniya – the spacious green campus laid out near the banks of the Mahaweli is a must for any visitor to Kandy. Stop for lunch at the Round Tour Restaurant. Afternoon a drive-thru the hills of Kandy and head back to Colombo. Arrive in Colombo around 6 pm.
Itinerary:
Morning.
Upon arrival at Colombo airport transfer to your hotel in nearby Negombo. Depart Negombo and drive to the Cultural Triangle, your base for the next three nights. If you don’t mind an early start, pay a visit to the fish market in Negombo before you leave where you can see local fishermen selling the catch of the day. Ask your consultant to add this experience.
Afternoon.
Visit the former capital of Polonnaruwa, built during the 11th and 12th Centuries and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins of its ancient Royal Palace and temples before an afternoon at leisure.Start the day at Sigiriya or ‘Lion Rock’, an impressive rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike to the top is fairly strenuous but worthwhile to see rock frescoes, the ruins of the 5th Century palace, and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Later drive to Minneriya National Park for a game drive.
Evening.
Headfirst to the Dambulla cave temples, a complex of five caves filled with Buddha images and statues, reached by a hike to the top of sloping rock. Continue to the hill-country capital of Kandy, with an optional stop at a spice garden en route. Spend the morning exploring Kandy. Visit the bustling market and the British Garrison Cemetery then head to the beautiful Peradeniya Botanic Gardens located outside the town for a leisurely stroll. Return to your hotel to relax and later enjoy a show of Sri Lankan music and dance before a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
The end of the excursion.
Transfer to Colombo airport or choose to extend your stay in Sri Lanka and head to one of the beach hotels on the west or south coast.
Inclusions:
- Transport by air-conditioned car or van.
- Professional guiding at all the above sites.
- Complimentary airport or hotel pick up.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access while traveling.
Exclusions:
- Admission fees to the above sites where applicable.
- Any meals or drinks.
