Sri Lanka: Colombo, Kandalama, Kandy and Ahungalla

1. 1

   Arrival, meet and greet, transfer from airport to Colombo, check in at hotel, afternoon city tour of Colombo

   Like many capital cities in developing countries, Colombo is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise 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 you can shop for bargains; Hindu and Buddhist temples; residential areas with stately homes; the Colombo Museum; the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), a gift to Sri Lanka from the People's Republic of China; and the Dutch Museum.
   Overnight stay at Pullman Colombo 5* / Morven Colombo 4*
   Overnight in Colombo
2. 2

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   After breakfast, proceed to Dambulla via Pinnawala. Visit the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975 with seven orphans. Today, some of these elephants enjoy seeing their grandchildren born in the same location. The original objective was tourism, but it soon became a conservation and educational center. With help from local and foreign experts, Pinnawela started a scientific captive-breeding program. The free movement of the herd enhanced mating chances, and the nearby river played a dominant role. In 1984, the first baby was born. The success story has drawn attention from scientists worldwide, leading to books and research articles published in several languages. On completion, proceed to the hotel.
   Overnight stay at The Ceylon 5* / Camelia Resort 4*
   breakfast Overnight in Kandalama
3. 3

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   After breakfast, optionally climb the 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a World Heritage Site built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The 'Lion Rock' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. It was the innermost stronghold of a 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens, including renowned water gardens, ring the base. Visit the world-famous frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens', located in a sheltered pocket approached by a spiral stairway. These are painted in earth pigments on plaster.
   Overnight stay at The Ceylon 5* / Camelia Resort 4*
   breakfast Overnight in Kandalama
4. 4

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   After breakfast, proceed to Kandy. En route, visit a spice garden in Matale to see the different spices Sri Lanka is famous for. Here, you can observe how spices are grown and processed, and witness a cookery demonstration. Check in at the hotel.
   Overnight stay at Earls Regency 5* / Royal Kandyan 4*
   breakfast Overnight in Kandy
5. 5

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   After breakfast, proceed to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. First built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and expanded by the British, it covers 147 acres and offers an amazing variety of trees, plants, and flowers. Afterwards, take a city tour of Kandy, the last capital of Sri Lankan kings and a World Heritage Site. The name 'Kandy' conjures visions of splendor. Many legends and traditions are still kept alive. Drive around Kandy Lake, built by the last Sinhala king in 1798. Visit the Kandy Town and Bazaar, arts and crafts center, gem museum, and lapidary. Also visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and witness a cultural show.
   Overnight stay at Earls Regency 5* / Royal Kandyan 4*
   breakfast Overnight in Kandy
6. 6

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   After breakfast, proceed to Ahungalla/Kalutara.
   Overnight stay at Heritance Ahungalla 5* / Turya Kalutara 4*
   breakfast Overnight in Ahungalla
7. 7

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   After breakfast, full day at leisure.
   Overnight stay at Heritance Ahungalla 5* / Turya Kalutara 4*
   breakfast Overnight in Ahungalla
8. 8

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   After breakfast, proceed to the airport for your departure flight.
   breakfast

Our Rates Per Person Include

• Accommodation in a standard room on bed & breakfast basis for 7 nights, from breakfast on day 2 to breakfast on day 8, at hotels specified or of similar standard. 01 Night Colombo, 02 Nights Kandalama, 02 Nights Kandy, 02 Nights Ahungalla
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle as per the itinerary.
• English-speaking guide services

Our Rates Per Person Exclude

• Round trip ticket
• Entrance fees such as: Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy Temple, Cultural Show ($85) (Please note the above rates are subject to change as per government legislation)
• Lunch & Dinner
• Video and camera permit.
• Expenses of personal nature
• Excursions
• Tips and porterage
• Visa fee (E-visa is recommended)
• Travel and cancellation insurance (optional)

• Most hotels request a deposit upon check-in for extra services.