Sri Lankan Tales – Standard

Day 1 – Airport Dambulla

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by an airport representative and designated guide from Esna Holidays. After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and then proceed to Dambulla.
Proceed to Dambulla. En-route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: About 90 KM from Colombo towards Kandy is the home to some 100 or more elephant orphans. A place you will enjoy and never forget. Most orphans are accustomed to their curious human visitors and are harmless. The Orphanage is open from 8.30 am to 5.45 pm and visitors can interact a little with the elephants during the regulated bathing and feeding times. You can watch them feeding at 9.15 am 1.15 and 5.00 pm. Bath times are from 10 am until 12 noon and from 2 until 4 pm.
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla temple has five caves and 157 statues of the Lord Buddha, many paintings on the ceilings and walls that emphasise the artistic talent of ancient days. The history of the caves, rocks and temple dates from the 1st century BC. The fascination of these caves is not only the statues but also the many intricate and delicate paintings that cover the ceiling and walls, created with indigenous traditional paints. Because of the history, archaeological and artistic implications, the premises were declared one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1991. The temple has been in use for over 22 centuries and still holds a sense of benevolence and spirituality.
Check into the hotel and relax Dinner & Overnight Stay at Dambulla Hotel.

Day 2 – Dambulla Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel
Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Called by many names including “The Lion Rock” for its initial name of “Sinhagiri”, Sigiriya is near the town of Dambulla and is a colossal column of rock nearly 200m high. It was a royal citadel for 18 years (477-495) when it was fortified by King Kasyapa. The architectural and irrigational technologies of Sigiriya, such as the Water Gardens, still baffle engineers. The climb up steep steps of metal with railings passes a wall decorated with frescoes of bare-breasted women. Art experts consider them unique.
Later Proceed to Kandy.
En route visit Matala Spice Garden & Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil.
Visit Spice Garden
Sri Lanka is world-renowned for its valued spices and healing herbs. Our lush spice and herbal gardens feature many important herbs such as Sandalwood, Margosa, Cocoa, Citronella, Almond, Jasmine, and Coconut. When visiting us, make the most of the chance to experience first-hand how cloves, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and saffron are grown in their natural surroundings.
At Regent Spice and Herbal Garden, you can learn of their medicinal healing properties and how to use them in your day-to-day needs. Used worldwide in many medicines, the healing powers of spices have been respected from the time of the Pharaohs and Chinese Dynasties, while our herbs are used in Ayurvedic concoctions. Check into the hotel and relax Dinner & Overnight Stay at Kandy Hotel.

Day 3 – Kandy

Breakfast at the hotel
Explore the City of Kandy
Sightseeing in *Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Crafts Centre, and Gem Museum. Kandy the hill capital, and venue of the annual Perahera The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815.
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, PERADENIYA
This majestic botanical garden is 147 acres in extent and was started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some which are rare and endemic, as well as flora from the tropical world, are found in the gardens. The Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. 5 Palm Avenues are beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest, Royal Palm Avenue, was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world, is one such avenue
Experience the Kandy Cultural Show. – Optional – Subject to availability.
The Kandy Cultural Show allows experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Be wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colourful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.
Visit the Kandy Temple
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) was originally built by the Kandyan Kings in 1595, to house and honour the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Attracting crowds of white-clad pilgrims bearing lotus flowers as means of worship, the Maligawa features a myriad of intricate carvings that speak volumes of the architectural values of Kandy. Today the City of Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in part because of the Temple of the Tooth relic.
Dinner & Overnight Stay at Kandy Hotel.

Day 4 – Kandy-Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple & Ramboda Falls
Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple: According to the legend, this is where Hanuman searched for Sita in the jungles above and behind the temple. There is also said to be a pond – the ‘Sita Tear Pond’ – here, which was formed from Sita’s tears. The temple itself is one of the more enterprising establishments devoted to this legend and contains a granite statue of Lord Hanuman that is said to be over 40 feet tall. It is believed that Lord Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi from these hills of Ramboda. The Ramboda area is believed to be an area where Rama’s forces were gathered against Ravana.
Visit Seetha Amman Temple
Seetha Amman temple the stream that runs from the hill catered to the needs of Sitadevi during her stay at Ashok Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. About a century ago three idols were discovered in the stream, one of which was that of Sita. It is believed that the idols have been worshipped at this spot for centuries. Now there is a temple for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana, and Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that footprints akin to Lord Hanuman’s are found by this river some are of small size and some are of large size, which tells us of the immense powers of Hanuman transforming himself into any size.
Explore the City of Nuwara Eliya.
Visit the highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas and beautiful mansions. Make a memory in the old red-bricked post office as you purchase a postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park and on the shores of Lake Gregory.
Check into the hotel and relax Dinner & Overnight Stay at Nuwara Eliya Hotel.

Day 5 – Nuwara Eliya – Bentota

Breakfast at the hotel.
En route cover Devon waterfalls, St Clair waterfall & kitulgala Water rafting.
Optional – White water rafting
Boasting adventure sporting, Kitulagala is a town located West of the road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. It’s a town located amid tickly forest hills. It has been once a filming place for David Lean’s 1957 Oscar-winning epic “Bridge on the River Kwai” on the banks of Kelani River. Most visitors to the adventure sport are from Colombo. The Kitulgala’s main attraction is White water rafting where you can ride the tides of the Kelani River. Other than that it’s popular for sports like confidence jump, Stream Sliding, Waterfall abseiling, and Jungle trekking. Bird watching and cave exploration and finally river trips and expeditions.
After that proceed to Bentota.
Optional – Water Sports (On Direct Payment)
Bentota is famous for being a top beach in Sri Lanka as well as for its, river cruises and water sports, mainly due to having both river and beach around the location. Here are our top picks for an unforgettable and adventurous experience in Bentota, Sri Lanka!
Jet Skiing (On Direct Payment)
Jet Skiing is one of the most fun and adventurous water sporting activities in Bentota. Though it’s mostly enjoyed by the thrill seeker, beginners can choose to be accompanied by an experienced instructor as well. This is a must-do with your friends, family or with your loved ones while in Bentota.
Banana boat & Tube riding (On Direct Payment)
The Banana tube is like its name says, shaped like a banana and is attached to a ski boat by road. The ride will guarantee that huge waves will come thrashing over your head. While being suitable for any age, you can select from single rings, and sofa rides as well in Bentota.
Return to the hotel and relax Check into the hotel and relax. Dinner & Overnight Stay at Bentota Hotel.

Day 6 – Bentota Colombo

Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to Balapitiya for a Boat Safari at Madhu River.
Madu River Ride – Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Madu River, a relaxing trip with plenty of interesting stops. You pass dozens of islets forested with mangroves and can appreciate the timeless natural rhythms of rural life. Your cruise in canopies, outboard motors powered boats, and en route take in the view of a 200-year-old temple and watch the locals cultivating cinnamon. You may also see traditional fishing techniques in action and can view demonstrations of coir manufacture and rope making. You can also see 46 species of birds reside in the area including 14 aquatic varieties. You will also spot huge water lilies and colourful butterflies.
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project (“KSTCP”)
Dudley Perera’s project has been underway since 1988. The main aim of the project is to monitor local sea turtle activity and conserve the local nesting sites. We aim to make the public more aware of how endangered these beautiful creatures are and just how important it is to help protect them before it is too late.
One of the most important activities of the project is its hatchery. Within the sanctuary of the project, collected and rescued eggs can hatch safely away from predators before being released into the sea at night time. In addition, a certain number from each hatching is kept back for a short period for ‘head-starting’ before release. The hatchery program is designed to maximize the number of hatchlings reaching the sea and surviving through the critical stages of their early life. Only a few hatchlings from each batch will ever make it to adulthood. Therefore, every nest ground, every egg, every hatchling, and every turtle is crucial to the survival of the species. Unfortunately, sea turtles face many dangers.
After that proceed to Colombo Explore the City of Colombo,
The city tour of Colombo is a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Visit Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also, visit the BMICH, and see the replica of Avukana Buddha & the Independence Square.
Evening Start Shopping in Colombo
The 5-hectare ribbon of beach stripe, the Galle face green is now the largest open space in Colombo that attracts hundreds of tourists and locals alike. Cotton Collection, House of Fashion and Odel, the largest departmental store on the island offers you stylish clothes to cute souvenirs with elegant Sri Lankan touch, also Beverly Street, visit bargain market in Colombo Pettah, Visit Noritake Showroom, Barefoot, Laksala, One Galle Face & Colombo City Center.
Night Live – Casino drop only will be provided.
A few years ago, Colombo was lacking in a variety of nightlife. Recently, however, a rash of nightspots has popped up in a short space of time giving everyone who likes to indulge in such activities, more options. Although there are several nightclubs and bars catering to young adults, those with live bands (mostly of excellent standard), are very popular with a more mature clientele
Check into the hotel & relax Dinner & Overnight Stay at Colombo Hotel.

Day 7 – Colombo Airport

Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to the Airport for your departure flight back home with all the memories you had on this beautiful island.