Explore Sri Lanka

After Breakfast proceed to Dambulla. En route visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage & do Elephant Rides in Pinnawela. 

PM: Dambulla

  Visit the Cave temple of Dambulla

Visit Dambulla - the great rock caves of Dambulla are 100 to 150 meters above the road and the village of Dambulla. From the caves you have superb view over the surrounding countryside; Sigiriya is clearly visible to the northeast, only 19 km away.

After Breakfast: Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress:

It is perhaps the single most remarkable memory for visitors to Sri Lanka. Ruins of the fabled palace spread across the very peak of the "Lion Rock", so-named, perhaps, because visitors formerly began the final harrowing ascent through the open jaws and throat (giriya) of a lion (sinha) whose likeness was once sculpted halfway up the monolith. Only the gigantic paws remain today.

After that:  En Route Visit a Spice Garden  

Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is the most venerated place of worship for Buddhists throughout the world. Built in the 16th century this temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka from the Kalinga province in ancient India in the 4th century AD. Several buildings have been added to the temple complex by successive rulers, the latest being the Golden Canopy over the inner shrine where the Tooth Relic is placed. Originally the Temple was within the King's palace complex as it was the symbol of Royal Authority. 

After Breakfast:  Visit the Royal Botanical Garden

Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is located in close proximity to the city of Kandy. It is renowned for the collection the variety of Orchids, and has more than 300 varieties of Orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palms trees attach it is the National Herbarium. Total land mass of the botanical garden is 147 acres, 460 Meters above sea level with a 200 day annual rain fall. It is one of the most famous tourist sites and a must see site in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most popular tourist sites.

After that: Proceed to Nuwara Eliya

Proceed to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda Falls (80km – transfer time 3 hours)

En route visiting a Tea Fatcory, Tea Garden and some beautiful waterfalls.

Nuwara Eliya. This town seems like a piece of English district. Tudor-style and Victorian homes look across the blue lake. These buildings are the other architectural monuments to the English, the Post Office, the English country house like Hill Club with its hunting pictures, mounted hunting trophies and fish, Anglican Church and private residence. The Golf course here is one of the best in Asia

After breakfast Excursion to Horton Plains Nature & Wild Life Reserve. (30km – transfer time approx. 1 hour):  Short trek to Worlds End & Bakers Falls.

The Horton Plains National Park is the only National Park situated in the Hill Country and falls within the Nuwara Eliya district and is 200 km. away from Colombo. Panoramic scenic beauty of the Hill Country could be witnessed within the Park. The famous `Worlds End' is a major attraction within the Park. Endemic slender loris and endemic purple monkey are among the important animal species that could be seen in addition to sambhur, a member of the cat family etc. There is some endemic avifauna also found within this Park.

After breakfast: Proceed to Yala  

Yala Park is the larges national park in Sri Lanka. It  includes multifarious ecosystems ranging from Moist monsoon forests, to dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, fresh water and marine wet lands and sandy beaches with wide varieties of wild animals and plants. It consist of two main rivers  flow through the park

About 32 species of mammals, 125 species of birds and many reptiles and lagoon fauna species have been recorded in the park. The vegetation ranges from open parkland to dense jungle.

Soft golden sand that feels like warm talcum powder underfoot. Giant palm fronds rustling lightly in the tropical breeze. All in a breath?stoppingly beautiful corralled bay. Put simply, it's gorgeous. When you fancy swapping the scenery for a taste of authentic Sri Lankan food, tuck into a spicy prawn korma or scented coconut fish curry at one of the cheap and cheerful cafes edging the sands.

Follow it with a sticky rice pudding drizzled in sweet palm treacle. And as a fitting finale, order a glass of the locally made firewater, arrack, fermented from the sap of the coconut palms swaying above you. Delicious. While you're here take time to visit Aluthgama. Squeezed between Beruwela and Bentota, this vibrant little town brims with fascinating food, souvenir and sari stalls.

In 1803, Robert Percival claimed of Colombo: “There is no part of the world where so many different languages are spoken, or which contains such a mixture of nations, manners, and religions.” In 1914, Bella Woolf declared: “It is the meeting place of the world. It palpitates with life and with the romance of those who wander the earth.” What is the key to appreciating Colombo when so many people complain of the hustle and bustle? Well, for those who like the capital and revel in the mix of influences, food, activities and religions, there is a certain satisfaction in believing yourself one of the few who can see through the surface to the core.