Are you looking to explore Sri Lanka in a nutshell? Well, it's quite impossible to see all the wonders in a week, but this tour package will do the trick! From the exciting speed-boat rides to chilly tea hills, golden beaches, panoramic views and elephants, get ready to get lost in the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Day 01:
Ayubowan!
Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International airport, you'll be met by a representative of Hayleys Tours. After all the customs at the airport are done with, you'll be proceeding to Kandy, en route visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The Pinnawala elephant orphanage was established in 1975 and is home to deserted and injured elephants. You'll be able to witness baby jumbos wondering around their crowded home or bottle fed and bathed by their caretakers at Pinnawala.
Overnight in Kandy
Day 02:
Today you will go on a city tour of Kandy - the last royal capital of ancient Sri Lanka. Kandy is a city with lots of ancient wonders and mysterious sightings. Start off by visiting one of the best places to visit in Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth Relic- the gold-capped temple. A strongly significant Buddhist site that contains a tooth of Buddha which was collected from his funeral pyre. After checking out the marvellous temple holding ancient history and spectacular artefacts you'll be proceeding towards a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya, where the British discovered the growing of extrinsic plants such as coffee, tea, nutmeg and rubber. Stretching over 60 hectares, featuring lovely flowers and sky-scraper like trees. arboretum, side-note, if you're an orchid lover, this place is going to mesmerize you! Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely walk around the Kandy Lake, relishing its gorgeous setting and later get ready to witness a traditional dance performance at 1700 hours. Behold the fire-breathing, astounding choreography of the talented dance dressed in vibrant colours and of course walking on fire, barefoot!
Overnight in Kandy
Day 03:
After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya- little England. After a two-hour journey, you will reach this town which boasts of scenic landscapes and cold climate. On your way, you will also witness the stunning Ramboda Falls- the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
Spend the evening wandering around the Gregory Lake and Victoria Park - a lovely park to have some quality time and to relax. Also, you'll be able to take a boat ride, horseback riding and much more. If you are a horticulturist, make sure to visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens - an attractive garden filled with beautiful flowers and herbs.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 04:
You have the option of going on an early morning excursion with packed breakfast to the Horton Plains- one of the most beautiful places in Nuwara Eliya. This extraordinary grassland plateau (1,800 to 2,160 metres above sea level) is covered with green hills, fern- tree forests, cold water streams and breathtaking waterfalls. If you're lucky enough you'll be able to witness some red deers, purple-faced langurs, wild boar and a small population of leopards. The most famous World's End is also another great sight at Horton Plains. If not, you can visit the Sita Amman Kovil - the only temple in the entire world devoted to Sita which is known to be the place where she was held captive by King Ravana. Devotees also believe that the place has footprints of the monkey-god Hanuman’s feet as he rested here later after the battle to rescue Sita from Ravana, others say that they are the footprints of Ravana's elephant. People also believe that there is a rock on the adverse bank of the river where Sita sat and meditated. The stream that runs from the hill is where Sita bathed during her stay.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 05:
After breakfast, you'll be proceeding to the coastal town of Bentota for a two-night stay by the beach. The golden sand and singing waves of the Bentota beach is going to make your holiday filled with sun-and-fun.
If you’re not too tired, visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project also known as the turtle hatchery Bentota, where you'll be able to release turtles back into the ocean, it is definitely an amazing and memorable experience followed by an evening at leisure by the beach.
Overnight in Bentota.
Day 06:
Spend the day soaking up the sun or take a boat ride in the Madu River which passes through the wet zone of Sri Lanka leading to mangroves and marshland. You'll be able to witness wide ranges of amphibians, reptiles, mammals that inhabit the environments of this natural abundance. A total of 11 species of agnatic molluscs and 14 land dwelling molluscs are found in this system. 70 species of fish, 31 types of reptiles, 111 species of bird, and 50 kinds of butterflies are just some of the incredible wildlife that dwells this lavishly bustling eco-system. A memorable day out on the calm waters of the extraordinary Madu River!
Thereafter tansfer to Colombo where you will spend the afternoon visiting Nelum Pokuna, Arcade - Independence Square, Pettah Floating Market, Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face concluding with shopping at Odel and Laksala.
Overnight in Colombo.
Day 07:
Today is your last day spent on this treasure trove, proceed to the airport in time for your flight back home.
Ayubowan!
7 Days