Culture & Wildlife Sri Lanka

Depending on your final destination you can choose between two different versions of this roundtrip (version A or B).

Version A: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Katharagama – Yala – Ahungalla/Bentota (south-west coast)

Day 01: Airport / Kandy:  (Approx.3.5 hrs)

Arrive at the airport & meet English speaking chauffer guide at the Airport Lobby, there after proceed to Kandy.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.

Day 02: Kandy / Nuwara Eliya:

After breakfast proceed to the Nuwara Eliya. (Approx. 3hrs)

Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate, remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light – once governed by English & Scottish planters – is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet.

Hop into a rattling train smoking and hissing its way through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls & dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-colored saris. Or rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory. (Optional Train Ride)

Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 03: Nuwara Eliya / Katharagama / Yala:

After breakfast proceed to Katharagama. (Approx. 4.5 hrs)

Walking on blazing fire, drums clattering away flanking the whistling music of brass flutes and men with their cheeks, arms and chest covered in ash chanting Haro-Hara echoing the sky are common sights at the holy land of God Skanda, Katharagama. As the mysteries that surround this land of vows float in clouds of incense, people irrespective of their religion flock together to venerate this pilgrimage site. However, the town becomes busiest during the months of July-August as the Katharagama Festival begins flashing the streets with swiftly moving fire dancers, exotic Kawadi dancers as well as majestically caparisoned elephants swaying their heads from side to side, as exotic drums are pounded away side by side.

Thereafter proceed to Yala.

Spreading into a vast 1259 Km2 Yala – with its glory spinning around vast grasslands, shrubs, tanks and dunes – rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country, but also the lands of a civilization which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted dear, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Yala.

Day 04:  Yala:

Early Morning Proceed to Full Day Safari to Yala National park.

Overnight stay at a hotel Yala.

Day 05: Yala / Bentota or Ahungalla: (Approx. 5hrs)

Afterwards transfer to the Ayurveda hotel of your choice in Bentota or Ahungalla.

Hotel Recommendation 4*

Hotel Recommendation Boutique

Version B: Yala – Katharagama – Nuwara Eliya – Peradeniya – Kandy – Dambulla (heart of the island)

Day 01: Airport / Yala:  (Approx.5.5 hrs)

Arrive at the airport & meet English speaking chauffer guide at the Airport Lobby, there after proceed to Yala.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Yala.

Day 02: Yala/ Kataragama / Yala:

After breakfast proceed to the temple of Kataragama. (Approx. 1hrs)

Walking on blazing fire, drums clattering away flanking the whistling music of brass flutes and men with their cheeks, arms and chest covered in ash chanting Haro-Hara echoing the sky are common sights at the holy land of God Skanda, Kataragama. As the mysteries that surround this land of vows float in clouds of incense, people irrespective of their religion flock together to venerate this pilgrimage site. However, the town becomes busiest during the months of July-August as the Kataragama Festival begins flashing the streets with swiftly moving fire dancers, exotic Kawadi dancers as well as majestically caparisoned elephants swaying their heads from side to side, as exotic drums are pounded away side by side.

Transfer from Kataragama to the national park of Yala for the safari. (Approx.1 hrs)

Spreading into a vast 1259 Km2 Yala – with its glory spinning around vast grasslands, shrubs, tanks and dunes – rightfully is the heartland of wildlife in Sri Lanka. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country, but also the lands of a civilization which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. You name it, and Yala has it! Its usual inmates cover herds of elephant, sloth bear, spotted dear, jackal, extensively populated birdlife as well as the highest density of leopards in the world that garnish the park to be one of the finest destinations in the country. Feel the rough track as your jeep thunders over rocks and swish passing narrow bends for an exhilarating experience blended with the cries of wilderness under the tropical sun.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Yala.

Day 03: Yala/Nuwara Eliya:

After breakfast proceed to NuwaraEliya. (Approx. 4.5 hrs)

Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate, remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, the city of light – once governed by English & Scottish planters – is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world. A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breath taking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet.

Afternoon visit of a Tea Plantation and a Tea factory.

Overnight stay at a hotel in NuwaraEliya.

Day 04: Nuwara Eliya /Peradeniya / Kandy:

After early breakfast proceed to Kandy and on the way visit the royal botanical garden of Peradeniya.(Approx 4 hrs)

First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later harmonized by the British, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya – today bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy – is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia. Walk into this 147 acre bliss of an experience, passing well tended lawns, pavilions & an octagon conservatory to be greeted by the vast expanse of a magnificently landscaped lush green turf which will encourage you for an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance rests a cafeteria that one might come across before stepping into some of the highlights – the orchid house & giant Javan fig tree – of this place which overflow in grace.

Afterwards continue to Kandy. (Approx 30 min)

Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe – before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, Kandy – the World Heritage Site & last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings – crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town – cradled among the misty hills – will feature the Kandy City Centre – bundled with latest and world class brands, bazaar, an arts & crafts center, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Drive towards Victoria Golf Course, undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in the world for a sweep blended with class and style. Or walk in colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market.

Fine tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.

Overnight stay at a hotel Kandy.

Day 05: Kandy/ Dambulla: (Approx. 3hrs)

After Breakfast, proceeds to Dambulla, on the way visit the spice garden of 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 & 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 & 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.

Afterwards transfer to the Ayurveda hotel of your choice in Dambulla.

Hotel Recommendation 4*

Hotel Recommendation Boutique

INCLUDED SERVICES – VERSION A:

• Accommodation in Double room on BB basis.
• Tour starts with Breakfast on day 02 ending with breakfast on day 05 at hotels specified or similar categories.
• Transport in a comfortable vehicle.
• English speaking driver/guide during the roundtrip.
• Entrance fees & tickets – Kandy tooth relic temple, Kandy dance , Katharagama Temple , 1 full day Yala National Park

INCLUDED SERVICES – VERSION B:

• Accommodation in Double room on BB basis.
• Tour starts with Breakfast on day 02 ending with breakfast on day 05 at hotels specified or similar categories.
• Transport in a comfortable vehicle.
• English speaking driver/guide during the roundtrip.
• Entrance fees & tickets – Kataragama Temple, Yala national park, Peradeniya botanical garden, Temple of the tooth relic; Kandy Dance.

NOT INCLUDED SERVICES – VERSION A & B:

• Video Camera and Still Camera visiting different sites.
• Cost of beverage throughout the tour.
• Lunch and the dinner on the tour.
• Supplement for Christmas or New Year Eve Dinner
• Entrance fees supplements given above.
• Expenses of a personal nature.
• Any other services not specified above.

NOTE:

Hotel Check in: 14h00 – Check out: 12h00