Sri Lanka Delights: Explore, Relax, Repeat

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.

Enjoy your breakfast today before we check-out and leave Colombo. We are heading to Kandy today, an old hill capital of Sri Lanka accompanied by a private guide. The Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a popular tourist attraction for those who love nature. This garden is located about 5.5 km to the west of Kandy, known for the collection of Giant Bamboos of Burma, a Javan fig tree that’s over 100 years old, Cannonball trees, double coconut palms, and a huge variety of beautiful palms, and floras, many of them endemic to this area. Visitors often come for picnics by bringing their own packed lunch, or enjoy a relaxing meal at the cafeteria that serves local cuisines. At extra cost, we can spend an afternoon exploring the UNESCO-listed enchanting city of Kandy and take in the sights of the gold-roofed buildings. It is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka and great for looking for local spices and visiting the tea plantations. That’s why the Kandy Market Hall is always crowded by shopaholics as Kandy’s oldest market square. Next on the list is going to the Temple of Tooth Relic, a world heritage and pilgrimage site for Buddhist from all over the world. It’s also known as Dalada Maligawa where the sacred tooth relic of Buddha is preserved, although it’s not allowed for public viewing. But visitors can catch sight of the golden casket that has the shape of a stupa, available for public viewing twice a day. Explore the ground to check out the smaller temples and museums. Please ensure to wear appropriate clothes that cover your legs and shoulders while visiting the temple and to remove your shoes before entering. Don’t miss out on the cultural show for visitors looking to learn about the historic city of Kandy. It’s where you can enjoy watching a cultural dance performance of Sri Lanka. Afterwards, we’ll go enjoy authentic Sri Lankan meals as we make our way back to the hotel. Spend the night in Kandy

Breakfast at a 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 observing 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 seafloor 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 a 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 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 before we check-out. You’ll have the rest of the day on your own before the time of departure. Our team will drive you to the airport per schedule for your flight back home.