Explorer Sri Lanka

Negombo is a major city in Sri Lanka, located on the west coast of the island and at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, in Western Province, Sri Lanka. The wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the major tourist attractions of Negombo, use the town for the first or the last night of their stay in Sri Lanka. Negombo is a traditional fishing town of Sri Lanka. Regarded as the traditional fishing town, no wonder Negombo is a gourmet’s delight with seafood available in plenty. Also produces spices, ceramics and brassware.

After breakfast leave for Dambulla. Visit the impressive Dambulla Rock Cave Temple en-route which sits 100m to 150m above the road. The hike up to the temples begins along a vast, sloping rock face with steps in some places. The caves’ as a place of worship is thought to date from around the 1st century BC. There are five separate caves of which the interiors are carved into magnificent rock temples containing about 150 images of the Buddha. The interiors are also gilded, earning the place the name “Ran Giri” (Golden Rock).

After breakfast visits the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climb the 180-meter rock which was a royal citadel for nearly 20 years. This great exiting site is nearly one hectare in extent. The rock fortress was built by King Kashyapa who killed his father to gain his wealth. This wonderful fortress is a masterpiece of artistry. Sigiriya has been made famous throughout the world for the frescoes on its rock wall and advanced water system. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After an early breakfast leave for Nuwara Eliya. The road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya climbs nearly 1,400 meters as it winds through jade green Tea Plantations and past crystal-line reservoirs. Kotmale reservoir can be seeing from a little further up the road Ramboda falls, 108 meters in height can also be viewed en-route.

Ramboda Falls is 109m high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. This spectacular water fall is found just below the Gampola – Nuwara Eliya road at Ramboda pass. It is formed by Panna Oya, a tributary of Kothmale Oya. Since there are 3 Cascades formed with the same brook, the upper and lower falls are hardly visited by travelers. Altitude of the falls is 945m above sea level.

Nuwara Eliya – The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations and is 6,200 feet above sea level. In 1826 some British Officers out on shooting, chanced on Nuwara Eliya plains, and Sir Edward Barnes investigated on it. In 1828 a road was constructed over the ridge at Ramboda Pass and a station for convalescent soldiers was established. It was Sir Samuel Baker who fell under the spell of Nuwara Eliya, brought hounds, horses, cattle, sheep etc. and started a typical English farm here. Flowers and vegetable were brought from England and planted. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the Island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature does drop at night. The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic. Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom during spring (March to May) and fall between August and September.

After breakfast leave for Horton Plains The Horton Plains National Park is the only national park situated in the wet zone of the country and falls within the Nuwara Eliya district. Situated 2300m above sea level this national park has different climatic conditions and habitat to all the other national parks. Almost all life forms in Horton Plains are adapted to the high altitude conditions. There are a lot of endemic flora and fauna found in the plains it. The endemic it among fauna is comparatively high. Bear Monkey (race of the Purple Face leaf Monkey), Sambhur and Leopard are some interesting mammals. One would also find several endemic hill country birds in the Horton plains national park. The panoramic scenic beauty of the hill country could be witnessed within the park. The famous “World’s End” and “Bakers Falls” are major attractions. The Kirigalpotta, second highest peak and the Thotapola, third highest peak of the country are also situated in the Horton plains.

After breakfast whole day leisure in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast transfer to Kandy. Then in the evening visit Temple of tooth. p.m. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses the most important Relic of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. A gold canopy was erected some years ago over the roof of the shrine room where it is placed.

After breakfast leisure at hotel in the morning session. p.m. In the evening view a colorful cultural performance of Kandyan Dancers. The finale is a display of fire-walking.

After breakfast visit the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala. The orphanage was created to protect abandoned and orphaned elephants. It has now grown into the most popular elephant attraction in the country and with good reason, for nowhere else except at Pageants (processions) are you likely to see so many elephants at close quarters. The elephants are controlled by their mahouts (keepers) who ensure they are fed at the right times and don’t endanger anyone but otherwise the elephants roam freely around the sanctuary area. There are many elephants in residence from babies to young adults. Among the attractions, you will be able to witness elephants being lead to a nearby river for bathing. You could also see th e feeding of the baby elephants which is the highlight of the visit.

(The center opens at 8.30am and closes at 6.00pm daily. Best times to visit is during bottle feeding at 9.15am and bathing time at the river at 10.00am ) p.m.

Visit Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya – Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the kings of Kandy, 147 acres in extent, it has more than 4,000 species of rare and endemic trees and plants as well as the flora of the tropical world. This is a haven not only for scientists but to every nature lover too. The Spice Garden and Orchid House within the Gardens are popular with tourists.

After drive around the picturesque city of Kandy, the former capital of the country has a lot to offer – history, culture, forested hills and a touch of urban buzz and situated at an altitude of 500m. Kandy served as the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom which fell to the British in 1815 after defying the Portuguese and the Dutch. The town and the countryside around it, is lush and green and has a picturesque lake as its centerpiece.

After breakfast transfer to Kitulgala.

Kitulgala in the hill country, southwest of Kandy provides an ideal base from which many white water rafting trips take place. It is renowned for its breathtaking view as well as adventure. It is on this very spot where Sir David Lean’s Movie “Bridge on the River Kwai”, winner of 7 academy awards, was filmed. Having a little break after the long journey from Nuwara Eliya and get down to a mind blowing rafting experience amongst the shooting wild rapids at Kithulgala. This two-hour rafting expedition will cover about 7km, which includes 2/3 graded rapids.

ROCK SLIDING AND CONFIDENT JUMP

The journey takes approximately two and half hours to reach the destination and return to camp site. It is about 02 Km walking distance from the site – and the natural rock on the way provides one the thrill of sliding in to the water of the lagoon. It is an interesting and enthusiastic event which provides a maximum fun. Further this includes a jump from the natural rock into the deepwater, which will help one to build up confidence.

p.m. Continue the journey to Beruwala Beruwela’s broad and attractive beach called “Golden Mile” is a pristine beach of golden sand well sheltered by the palm groves that spread along the coastal stretch. The wide beach that basks in the glorious tropical sun from the direction of the ocean is well shaded with the lush greenery of the landside. Beruwela has excellent water sport facilities such as water scooter rides, wind surfing. para-sailing, water skiing. While the bay beach is safe for swimming in any month throughout the year, it also affords opportunity for Deep-sea Fishing and Wreck & Coral Reef Diving.

Enjoy the boat trip in Madu River. The Madu River Lagoon is more commonly known as Madu Ganga, It Covers 915 hectors and collective boasts 15 islands of different sizes. The average depth of the lagoon is roughly 3 meters. The river is a shallow water body in the southwest of Sri Lanka which falls into the sea at Balapitiya. Madu Ganga has high ecological, biological importance, being home to over 300 species of plants. It is arguably one of the last remaining tracts of pristine mangrove forests in Sri Lanka. The surrounding village inhabitants of this islets produce the world renowned peeled Cinnamon of Sri Lanka and Cinnamon oil which is a fascinating process to watch. Visitors can also visit the Ma Duwa village, prawn farms, sand mines, and local blacksmiths on the either side of the Madu Ganga.

The beaches of Bentota offer plenty of water sports activities such as water-skiing and windsurfing. WATER SPORTS For the more adventurous guests, get your adrenaline pumping as you engage in a range of thrilling water sports activities such as jet skiing, banana boat riding amongst others at Bentota Beach Hotel a mere 20 minute ride from the resort. Transfer to Beruwala.

Overnight stay at hotel in Beruwala . 

After breakfast leave for Colombo city tour. A drive through the city will take you to Fort and Pettah – the commercial area of the city and tree-lined Colombo 7 – Cinnamon Gardens. Colombo 3, 4, 5 & 8 are the prime residential areas of the City. The Hindu Temple at Sea Street – lined with goldsmith shops, the Dutch Church at Wolfendhal dating back to 1749, the historic Devatagaha Mosque, Independence Square, BMICH, Gangaramaya Temple and Colombo Museum are some of the attractions in Colombo. Colombo largest shopping malls- Majestic city Colombo4, ODEL, Liberty plaza, etc

Overnight stay at hotel in Colombo. 

After breakfast do the city tour with shopping arround Colombo.

Overnight stay at hotel in Colombo. 

Transfer from Colombo to Airport for departure flight.

END OF TOUR.