MAGICAL SRI LANKA

Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, meet and greet by our representative at Colombo Airport and transfer to Sigiriya. En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a popular destination dedicated to providing care and shelter for abandoned, orphaned and injured elephants. Here, visitors can observe elephants of different ages, including adorable baby elephants, in a protected environment. The facility also supports elephant breeding and conservation efforts. Feeding and bathing times are particularly popular, offering visitors an opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close. Upon arrival in Sigiriya, check in to the hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight stay in Sigiriya.

After breakfast, enjoy a village tour in Sigiriya to experience the traditional rural lifestyle of Sri Lanka. Discover the local culture, customs and daily activities of village communities while enjoying the scenic countryside. Experience a traditional bullock cart ride, a catamaran ride across a village lake and a visit to a local village house, where you can learn about traditional cooking methods and Sri Lankan village life. Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch prepared with authentic local flavours. Return to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Sigiriya.

After breakfast, discover the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, often regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable historical treasures. Dating back to the 5th century AD, this spectacular rock citadel served as the royal residence of King Kashyapa for approximately 18 years. Renowned for its extraordinary architecture, advanced engineering, landscaped gardens and exquisite frescoes, Sigiriya continues to amaze visitors from around the world. Thereafter, proceed to Polonnaruwa, the ancient medieval capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the impressive archaeological ruins, including ancient palaces, temples, stupas and the magnificent Gal Vihara, famous for its remarkable rock-carved Buddha statues. In the afternoon, enjoy an exciting safari at Minneriya National Park, where you can observe wild elephants in their natural habitat. The park is famous for the spectacular seasonal phenomenon known as ‘The Gathering’, when hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Reservoir during the dry season to feed, drink and interact. Return to Sigiriya after the safari. Dinner and overnight stay in Sigiriya.

After breakfast, depart for Kandy, the historic hill capital of Sri Lanka. En route, visit a spice garden in Matale, where you can discover the island’s famous spices, learn about their cultivation and explore their traditional culinary and medicinal uses. Upon arrival in Kandy, visit the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, located approximately 5.5 km west of Kandy near the Mahaweli River. Spread across beautifully landscaped grounds, the gardens are renowned for their extensive collection of orchids, tropical plants, towering trees and colourful flowering species. In the evening, at approximately 4.45 PM, enjoy a captivating cultural dance performance featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance forms, vibrant costumes and rhythmic drumming inspired by centuries-old customs and rituals. Check in to the hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of Kandy, the last royal capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. Explore the scenic Upper Lake Drive and the bustling Market Square, and visit the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. Enjoy a walk around the town and browse local shops offering traditional handicrafts, including wood carvings, copper and silverware, brassware, ebony products, ceramics, lacquerware, handlooms, batik fabrics, jewellery and reed products. Thereafter, proceed to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s largest metropolitan city and former capital, renowned as the country’s commercial and entertainment hub. The city offers a fascinating blend of colonial heritage, modern architecture, shopping centres, restaurants, hotels and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a Colombo city tour featuring the bustling Pettah market district, the historic Fort area, the Old Parliament Building and a scenic drive along Galle Face Green, Colombo’s famous seaside promenade. Continue to Seema Malakaya, a beautiful Buddhist meditation centre designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Visit a Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple, followed by a drive through Cinnamon Gardens, one of Colombo’s most prestigious residential neighbourhoods. Depending on time and access, enjoy views of the city’s colonial-era buildings, tree-lined streets and coastal scenery. Later, enjoy shopping in Colombo, which offers a wide range of shopping malls, boutiques and traditional markets. Pettah Bazaar is ideal for budget-friendly shopping, with its busy streets offering clothing, accessories and a variety of everyday goods. Popular shopping centres along Galle Road include Majestic City, Liberty Plaza and Crescat Boulevard, where visitors can find garments, handicrafts, books, leather goods and souvenirs. ODEL and other retail outlets offer additional shopping options. Check in to the hotel and relax. Dinner and overnight stay in Colombo.

After breakfast, proceed to Colombo International Airport to board your return flight home, taking with you wonderful memories of Sri Lanka, the tropical island once known as Taprobane.