Sri Lanka – Wonders of Nature

After we arrive at the Colombo Airport, a local team member will usher you to the hotel and help you check in along with your baggage. As we proceed for N’Eliya, we shall be stopping by Kitulgala on our way. We shall also be moving along The Kelani River flowing through Kitulgala. This is none other than the prime location where the movie ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ was shot. Atop the hill just above the town, we shall explore a prehistoric cave and discover numerous shells hailing from an unknown civilization. If you wish to indulge in river rafting, then you can think about this activity at Kitulgala. Post arrival at N’ Eliya, we shall be dropping at hotel and then further moving ahead to explore N’Eliya. Due to the climate and the beautiful views, many tourists have always considered N’Eliya as a hill resort in Sri Lanka. If you have free time, then you could probably proceed to Hakagala Botanical Gardens, Seetha Amman temple and Divurumpola. While you’re sauntering around the Hakagala Botanical Gardens, you can view a bed of roses and a green landscape due to the tree ferns. Way back in the Ramayana, this botanical garden was called as the ‘Ashok Vatika’ and it existed during the rule of king Ravana. When you are at The Seetha Amman temple, you can view a rivulet flowing down the hill. It is in this river where Sita had taken a bath when she was at Ashok Vatika. Now, when you explore the area, you can also spot a temple dedicated to Lord Ram, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman. During the evening, you can step out to wander around Lake Gregory. You can either hire and hop on a bicycle or go for boating to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. As it becomes pitch dark, you will be staying at Nuwara Eliya.

As we wake up early in the morning and enjoy a hearty breakfast, we move ahead to explore some of the beaches in Sri Lanka. As we halt at The Mirissa beach, we shall be spending some time watching the whales. You will be fortunate enough to check out the whales only if you’re travelling anytime between October and April. These months are perfect to check out the whales because these migrate from the southern part of the globe to the northern part of the globe. Apart from The whales, you also grab a chance to see tuna, snapper, butterfish, mullet, and a fishing port at the Mirissa beach. On your way, we shall be stopping by Koggala which is known for its stilt fishermen. While people catch shoal of fish with their own style, they sit for some time on stilts every day. Before we reach Galle, we shall be visiting a famous destination namely, Unawatuna. As you explore the area, a bird’s eye view of this destination closely resembles a beach in shape of a banana. With the turquoise water all around, you can find many excuses for indulging in activities like surfing. Later, as the day comes to an end, we shall be spending the entire evening and night at the hotel in Galle.

Post a delicious breakfast, we shall go sightseeing in Galle. While the town is under the list of the World’s Heritage sites, it is also known for The Galle Fort. This fort was initially constructed by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch. With many years of history, this place is famous for its beaches and palms around the region developed in the colonial-era. Later, during the day, as we finish off with our lunch, we shall be leaving for Bentota and visiting Hikkaduwa, a resort town along the sea shore. This town is not only surrounded by palm groves but also several bars and restaurants. Right opposite to the resort lies The Hikkaduwa National Park which is nothing but a coral sanctuary and the habitat for many turtles and species of fish. A bit further ahead, you could also marvel at the hand- painted murals observed in The Buddhist Temple, Gangarama Maha Vihara. Next on the tour is a coastal town which is none other than Balapitiya. It is at this place you can enjoy a boat ride along the Madu river flowing towards the south. As you move deep along the river current, you will pass by many islands around the region. Not just that, you would surely forget about your worries when you’re in the midst of mangroves and several animals. If you’re fortunate, then you may also come across a few crocodiles and different kinds of birds. Later, we shall halt at The Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery to know how the Care Program is carried out with an objective of enhancing the hatching rate of turtle eggs. Once we arrive at the hotel, we shall be pacing ahead along the shore of The Bentota beach and cherish some moments with your loved ones. During the night, we shall be resting at the hotel in Bentota itself.

After you’ve enjoyed your breakfast, you shall be the remaining day at leisure. You will also be spending a peaceful night in the hotel at Bentota.

Once you’re done with your breakfast, we shall be departing for Colombo. With the orientation drive for half the day across the city, you can take some candid snaps of the sites. Moreover, a drive across the bustling city will take you through The Cinnamon Gardens and some commercial areas. You shall also be exploring the military garrison, the Sea Street-the Goldsmiths quarters, the fort, the market, and the Hindu Temple which is known for its stone carvings. When you’re at Cinnamon Gardens, some of the places of interests are nothing but the former Eye Hospital and The Dewatagaha Mosque. Way ahead, you can marvel at The Aukana Buddha replica at the BMICH and the Independent Square. Later, as you finish off your meal in the afternoon, our chauffeur will lead you to The Beira Lake and The Seema Malaka, one of the Buddhist Temple known till date. When you enter the temple, you shall experience the peace like never before. You can also visit The Gangaramaya, another temple once you avail the entry pass. Later, if you have sufficient time for shopping, then you can go to one of the supermarkets or visit shops like the Paradise Road and Barefoot. When you’re at Paradise Road, you can check out an array of items to festoon your home. On the other hand, when you drop by Barefoot you will come across a store, a café and a bookshop. Finally, we shall be concluding the tour once we visit the Marine Drive and have our meal at a popular restaurant with dishes of your choice. As we stay at night in Colombo, we shall be relaxing at the hotel.

Soon after breakfast, we shall be going to the airport which around one hour’s journey. You can then bid farewell and board the flight to return back home.