Essence of Sri Lanka Tour

Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, You will be met by our chauffer and transfer to Negombo. (Approximately 30min) Checking to hotel and relax.

Accommodation

Terrace Green Hotel and Spa or Similar

Rise early this morning and head to Sigiriya. Afternoon do Village tour.

Tour begins with a scenic walk along a bund of a Wewa (man-made reservoir). The amazing birdlife, butterflies will add charm of the trek. Sight the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. Initially one wades through a shallow stream and thereafter crosses a wider tributary in a catamaran of an obliging farmer to inspect Chena cultivation (slash and burn agriculture) Enjoy the farmer's humble hospitality. With the guidance of the farmer, pick some fresh vegetables from the plot and join in the preparation of a simple meal prepared in the traditional method using earthenware pots and firewood as fuel. This is great opportunity to sample authentic local cuisine.

Evening head out for one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka, a visit to the magnificent palace of Sigiriya (Lion Rock). This dramatic rocky outcrop, rising from the surrounding plains is topped by a ruined palace. It's a good workout to get to the top – your leader will share stories of the ancient civilization who once lived atop the rock as you climb, and the sight at the top makes it well worth it.

Included Activities

• Sigiriya - Lion Rock

• Local village tour

Accommodation

Tropical Life Resort & Spa or Similar

Special Information

Today's total driving time is approximately 5.00 hours.

The visit to Lion Rock takes around 3.5 hours in total. From the Lion's Paw there is a steep, 30-minute climb over often narrow walkways and steps to reach all of the points of interest at the site. Those who do not want to climb can wait at the Lion's Paw until the rest of the group return. You must climb in order to access sites like the water garden, boulder garden, frescoes and the mirror wall. Please note that there are many steps to the caves and a dress code which requires you to remove your shoes and cover up your shoulders and legs.

This morning you will take a short drive to the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple. Here you’ll discover five caves filled with around 150 beautiful statues and paintings of Buddha – some as many as 2000 years old. Explore the magical cave complex as your leader explains why this World Heritage-listed site has been a place of worship for thousands of years.

In the afternoon, start your journey to Kandy. Along the way, stop off in the city of Matale where you will visit a local spice garden and learn about the spices that have played such an important role in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

Continue on to Kandy where you’ll have a free evening to explore. Though it’s the second-largest city in the country, Kandy maintains a laidback atmosphere. Perhaps take a peaceful stroll around the city’s centerpiece lake.

Included Activities

• Matale - Spice Garden

• Dambulla - Cave Temples

Accommodation

Lavendish Hills Kandy or Similar

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours. Please note that there are many steps to the caves and a dress code which requires you to remove your shoes and cover up your shoulders and legs.

Encircled by verdant hill country and home to a picturesque lake, bustling market, old shops and some great restaurants, Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most pleasant cities. It was at one time also home to Sri Lanka's last king, who managing to resist European control long after the coastal areas had surrendered.

This morning you’ll visit Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Tooth), which houses the country's most sacred relic: a tooth said to be the Buddha's. Pilgrims have been coming to pay homage at this site since the 16th century.

Visit the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with its immense fig tree and impressive orchid collection. Considered among the finest botanical gardens in all of Asia, this is a great spot for the kids to run around in.

Next up, witness the cultural show.

In the early evening, join a Local family to spoil your sweet tooth with a Kandyan sweet-filled Sri Lankan dinner and cooking class.

Included Activities

• Kandy - Temple of Tooth

• Cultural Show

• Kandy - Botanical Gardens

• Kandy - Cooking Class in a Local Home

Accommodation

Lavendish Hills Kandy or Similar

Special Information

When visiting the Temples you have to take your hats and shoes off, do not leave your shoes at the side of the road or the monkeys will run off with them. Store them with the ‘shoe keepers’ for a small charge or put them in your rucksack.

After breakfast visit Giragama Tea Factory. Giragama Tea Factory is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka. The eponymous English “cuppa” might have been somewhat stronger if not for the 1865 coffee blight. Old Ceylon’s up-country plantations were devastated – but not so the spirits of the pioneering planters. They threw in a crop of tea and never looked back. You will visit a tea plantation and observe how the plant is grown and harvested. From here you will travel to a factory and learn about the whole processing procedure and how different types of teas are created.

As the capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo holds the lifeblood of our island amidst a bustling array of cultural, shopping, and dining experiences.At the heart of the city is the picturesque Beira Lake, which hosts the Seema Malaka and adjacent Gangaramaya Temples against the backdrop of Colombo’s rising futuristic skyline. A step back in time however, is best taken at the National Museum – a refurbished mansion of a colonial governor, which sits close to the lush Viharamahadevi Park as well as the historic Independence Square.

Included Activities

• Giragama Tea Factory

Accommodation

Morven Hotel or Similar

Special Information

Today’s total driving time is approximately 4.30 hours.

Pick up from the hotel and proceed to the airport. (Approximate Duration 45min)