Sri Lanka > Leisure Tour > A Surreal Experience
During this 7 days tour, we shall be visiting Kandy, Colombo, Dambulla and Sigiriya. En route to Kandy, we will take a halt and spend some time at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Later, we shall explore the Dambulla rock temple, the Sigriya rock fortress, and the ‘Lion Rock’ citadel. Besides, we shall visit the spice garden, Peradeniya botanical gardens and wander around Kandy by vehicle for a short time span. While we have settled in Kandy, we shall visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic as well as the Geragama Plantation and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Way ahead, we shall be driving across Colombo and visit many local outlets in the city. In Colombo, you could hang out at the Beira Lake and be in the midst of the tranquil atmosphere when you visit the Buddhist Temples, Seema Malaka and Gangaramaya.
Note: The tour can be customized further with the interest of the traveller. Please do write to us to know more options and special interest tours.
After arriving in Colombo, the local team member will lead to check in at The Kandalama hotel. Before going to Dambulla, we shall be dropping by Pinnawala, a place where you can check out the Elephant Orphanage. Since 1975, this place has been the habitat for many elephants which are not trained by the Wildlife Authority. The prime main of establishing the center was to attract the attention of tourists. But, still the orphanage is known to be an educational and a conservatory center. As you visit the nearby river, it is known to be the birthplace of a calf way back in 1984. The success of establishing the elephant center has currently garnered the attention of scientists worldwide. While many books and articles have been published pertaining to Pinnawala, the herd of elephants have been photographed numerous times by travel enthusiasts. Later on, we shall be going to Dambulla, and soon after checking in the hotel, we shall be visiting The Dambulla Rock Temple. Being the World’s Heritage Center, this Temple was constructed by king Walagambahu way back in the 1st Century B.C. While you admire the cave temples, you can check the caves festooned with more than 2000 sq. meters of paintings across ceilings and walls. The best experience is when you can check an array of 150 images and the rock carved colossal figure of Buddha laid as high as 14 meters. During the night, we shall be resting at a hotel in Dambulla.
After waking up early in the morning, we shall be climbing uphill to The Sigriya Rock Fortress. This fortress was built by the king Kassapa during his rule in period between 477 and 495 A.D. In the vicinity, you could also take a look at the 200 high ‘Lion Rock’ citadel. This rock was considered to protect the 70 hectare town against attacks. Moving forward, we shall also visit the water gardens at the base and the “Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya known for its frescoes. As we return back to the hotel, we shall revel in a delicious lunch and proceeding for a city tour of Polonnaruwa. Apart from the Audience Hall, you could also view the remnants of The Royal Palace, The Lotus Bath,The Parakrama Samudraya, The statue of king Parakramabahu and The four statues of Buddha in different poses. Besides, you could view the Kiri Vehera, the Lankathilake, the Galpotha, the Watadage, and The former temple of the tooth relic. When it’s pitch dark during the night, we shall be resting in Dambulla.
As soon as we have a delicious breakfast, we will depart for Kandy and visit Matale on our way. In Matale, you can not only check out the way in which local food is cooked but also the method of processing different spices. You shall also be visiting The Peradeniya botanical gardens which was laid for the delight of a Sinhala King. Later, this garden was extended by the British across more than 100 acres of land with various species of trees across the landscape. After arriving in Kandy, we shall head for a city tour and explore The Upper Lake Drive, The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and The Market Square. Later, as we depart for Kandy, you can spend time for a refreshing nap. During the city tour in the evening, you could check out some magnificent tourist attractions across the area. You could also go for a drive towards The Kandy Lake which was constructed by Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, during his reign in 1798. If you’re fond of different kinds of items, then you can walk leisurely across the local market, a gem lapidary and the arts and crafts center. Throughout the night, you shall be staying at a hotel in Kandy.
Post breakfast, we shall explore the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. While the temple is the home for “Dalada Maligawa”, the surrounding terrain is considered to fortify the temple. Later on, we shall embark on a tour around The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and The Geragama tea factory. Location near to Kandy, Geragama Plantation, which was established in 1903, is supposed to be the place for the production of Long Leaf and Low Grown Tea. Since many years, this center has been on the list of travellers to purchase Ceylon Tea. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is recognized as a pleasure garden for a Sinhala king. Moreover, the entire landscape was later expanded by the British. Currently, there are many types of plants and trees which are grown in the garden. When we call it a day, you could recline and enjoy watching The Kandyan Dance. While this dance form had become popular between the 16th and 19th centuries, it is now the national dance. In the night, we shall be resting at a hotel in Kandy.
After savouring your breakfast, we shall leave for Colombo and upon arrival take a short nap. While we step out for an orientation drive across Colombo, you can view The Cinnamon Gardens as well as some commercial areas. You will also visit The market, The former British administrative center, The fort, Sea Street-the Goldsmiths quarters, and The military garrison. When you’re at the Cinnamon Gardens, we will take you to the former Eye Hospital and The Dewatagaha Mosque. You can also grab the opportunity to check out the Independence Square in addition to the replica of Aukana Buddha at the BMICH. Later, you have ample time for shopping at a supermarket in Colombo or outlets like Barefoot & Paradise road. While you hang out at the Barefoot, you can check out the gallery and the bookshop. On the other hand, you can go through a plethora of items for the home décor ideas you have in mind. In the end, we shall be taking a stroll on Marine Drive and enjoy a flavoursome meal at a famous restaurant. While we spend the entire night in Colombo, we shall be relaxing in the hotel.
After spending some more time enjoying the breakfast, you can spend the day as you like till the evening. Later, you could go to The Beira Lake and have a great experience at The Seema Malaka, which is a Buddhist Temple. While you avail the entry pass, you can visit another temple namely, Gangaramaya. Once you walk leisurely you will surely seek peace with a silent atmosphere all around. Till it becomes dark, you can roam around the streets and go for shopping. At night, we shall be staying in the hotel at Colombo.
Soon after we have our breakfast, we shall be heading to the airport and depart home by boarding a flight.
