Ceylon Charms: Discover the Allure of Sri Lanka

Colombo is the business and commercial center and the new capital is Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, only a few miles away. Colombo was only a small seaport, which came into prominence in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 and the development of it as a major Harbor took place during the British period. Colombo became the capital of Sri Lanka in 1815 after the Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to the British. The remains of the buildings during the period of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city. None of the Portuguese & Dutch fortifications are found today but some of their buildings and churches could be seen in the Fort & Pettah areas. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Kayman’s Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhaal dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple dating to 6th CBC Dewatagaha Mosque, Colombo Museum and the Natural History Museum are some of the sites to be visited. Also visit the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), see the replica of Avukana Buddha in front and the Independence Memorial. Take out time for some shopping before returning back to your hotel.

"Breakfast at hotel. This is a Galle and Bentota Day Tour that includes pick-up from your hotel. The Boat Safari at Madu River is a major attraction that will show you the view of the wide Madu Ganga. It’s a healing journey through the mangrove forest and observe the biodiversity of Madu River that includes 19 endemic species. There are 64 islands and is such an attractive destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. Catch sights of the rare bird species and reptiles that made their home here. There are also traditional fishermen here who make a living through Stilt Fishing. It is a method that uses a crossbar with a vertical pole attached to the sea floor and they wait by the crossbar for the fish to bite. Then visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project for turtle hatching. Since 1981, the area has become one of the best locations to find turtles laying their eggs and it was established by the Wildlife Protection Society. The project will take in newborn turtles and raise them in big tanks with nutritional food and clean environment for just a few days. They’ll then be released into the wild at night from the safest area to ensure survivability. The Conservation generally has five species they take care of and visitors will learn all about these gorgeous turtles that are now endangered. They are also allowed to interact with the turtles and hold them in their palms and check out the babies in their tanks. The Galle Fort is the highlight of the tour, a historical structure that was constructed during the Dutch colonial era. The Fort was finished in 1663 and stood as a fortress that’s well-known for the European architecture mixed with Sri Lankan influence. It earned the World Heritage Site title in 1988. The tour ends with us dropping you back to your hotel.

"Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel in Colombo today before we transfer to Kandy. While on our way to Kandy, we’ll make a quick stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which has become one of Sri Lanka’s most popular attractions. Tourists and locals all love meeting the residents here and interact with the 65 captive elephants who were saved from many situations. Some of them were orphaned and abandoned since babies, others were elderly matriarchs who can’t survive in the wild anymore or adults that had suffered from unethical treatments while in captivity. After you have the best time at the elephant orphanage, we’ll continue driving to Kandy and check-in at the hotel. We’ll spend the night in Kandy."

After breakfast, proceed to visit Dalada Maligawa-The Temple of the Tooth Relic in time for the ‘Pooja’. Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex which houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple.And also witnessed a typical Sri Lankan Cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dancing.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel today before we check-out and leave Kandy. We’re heading out to enjoy nature that is Ella, which means waterfall in Sri Lankan language. And you can rest assured that this town truly lives up to this name with the number of waterfalls that you can find surrounding this small city. It’s popular for the Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, and Ravana’s Cave. Check-in upon arrival and rest before we head back out. We’re going to visit one of these highlights: the Ravana Falls, an 82-feet/25m waterfall that cascades from a rock outcrop. It is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka and is located within the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, just 6km from the Ella Railway Station. Legend has it that Princess Sita was hidden in the Ravana Ella Cave located behind the waterfall when Ravana kidnapped her. The pool formed by the waterfall is also said to be where Rama’s queen bathed. We’ll visit the Little Adam’s Peak next, an easy 30-minute climb with proper pathways you can take to enjoy the view. The peak became popular for the “sacred footprint” or Sri Pada that’s believed to be either of Buddah’s, Shiva’s, Adam’s, or St. Thomas. Enjoy the truly incredible view from Ella Gap after the hike. You’ll be back at the hotel after the climb for your overnight stay in Ella.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel in Kandy. We’ll check-out after for our ride to Colombo where you can go on a shopping spree at the malls and local markets. We’ll transfer you later to the Colombo Airport in time for your return flight home.