DAY 1: AIRPORT - PINNAWALA - DAMBULLA/SIGIRIYA

On arrival at Colombo airport, our travel representative will meet and assist you. Transfer to Dambulla/Sigiriya via Pinnawala. Pinnawala - as you enter the 25-acre coconut property, do not be surprised to witness baby elephants being bottle fed or moving around freely causing absolutely no harm to anyone. It is rightly a heartfelt sight to observe how these gentle giants, orphaned and sometimes three-legged are taken care of since 1975 at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Up to date, over 20 calves have been born here, and it is surprising to hear that some of its inmates have even seen their grandchildren during the past few decades! Watch as they take a river bath twice a day at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm respectively for an experience that could never be felt anywhere else on earth!

Visit the cave temple in Dambulla. In the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st Century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting. Overnight stay at a hotel in Dambulla/Sigiriya.

DAY 2: SIGIRIYA - KANDY

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Early morning transfer to Sigiriya and climb the rock fortress. Climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a World Heritage Site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The ''Lion Rock'' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ''Heavenly Maidens'' of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster. Thereafter proceed to Kandy via Matale - an agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution through flagship crops of the island extending from tea, rubber and vegetables to spices. Spearheading the rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices. Stop by the side of a spice garden into which you will be most welcome and observe the therapeutic values of spices and processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Or spend some time idling on the hardened streets if you mean a real town adventure filled with voices and colours. Kandy -the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name 'Kandy' conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala King, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha in 1798. Visit the Kandy town, the bazaar, an arts and crafts centre and a gem museum/lapidary. Also, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and thereafter witness a cultural show. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.

DAY 3: KANDY – THE ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS - TEA PLANTATION - NUWARA ELIYA

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Nuwara Eliya. En-route visit The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and a tea factory/plantation. The Royal Botanical Gardens - this beautiful garden is located 4 miles off Kandy. It was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King and was expanded by the British. It covers approximately 147 acres and is a walker’s paradise with extensive well-kept lawns, pavilions, an octagon conservatory, fernery, a giant Javan Fig tree and numerous flower beds. The best attraction is the Orchid House. Next, proceed to visit the tea factory/plantation - Sri Lanka, Tea and Tourism are words which cannot be separated. Take a tour to the cold and misty hills that take pride of an ultimate tea tour, covering lush green blankets of tea plantations or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end your day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea. If time permits do a city tour of Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya - because of its invigorating mountain climate and scenery, is Sri Lanka's most popular hill resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country producing a significant share of the world's best tea. Sri Lanka's highest mountain Pidurutalagala (8282 feet) is located here. Nuwara Eliya also has one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in South Asia. Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

DAY 4: NUWARA ELIYA - KITULGALA – SOUTH COAST

Post breakfast at the hotel, transfer to South Coast via Kitulgala. Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka. The Kelani River (the broadest river in Sri Lanka) flowing through Kitulgala was the main location where the Oscar-winning movie 'The Bridge over the River Kwai' was filmed. On the hill above this town, a prehistoric cave was recently discovered containing skeletal remains from some unknown civilization. Kitulgala is also a base for white-water rafting, which starts a few kilometres upstream. Rest of the day is at leisure/free for own activities. Overnight stay at a hotel in South Coast.

DAY 5: SOUTH COAST - COLOMBO

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer from South Coast to Colombo. Do a city/shopping tour of Colombo. Colombo like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old-world charm is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are the Pettah bazaar - where one can shop for a bargain, a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, residential areas - where you find stately homes of the affluent and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) - an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People's Republic of China. Afterwards, indulge yourself with some shopping experiences at Odel, House of Fashion, Cotton Collection and Noritake Porcelain.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.

DAY 6: COLOMBO - AIRPORT

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for check-out and take your departure transfer from Colombo hotel to the airport for your return flight.

INDICATIVE COST

Package Cost in 32,450*

*The above cost is valid for stay in a 3 star hotel with a minimum of 02 adults travelling together from New Delhi on twin sharing basis.

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General Information

• The official check-in time at all hotels will be 1200 hrs - 1400 hrs (depending on the hotel)
• The official check-out time at all hotels will be 1100 hrs
• Hotel check-in/check-out times are fixed and there is no guarantee for early/late check-in/out