LIONS PARADISE- SRILANKA

Discover refreshingly Srilanka with stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant.

Sri Lanka has many nicknames: Teardrop of India, Pearl of the Orient etc. This colourful collection reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of the affection it evokes in its visitors. Consequently this small island state contains an exotic mixture of languages, cultures and religions.

Sri Lanka, the Isle of Serendipity is a tourist paradise with an abundance of tourist attractions like the sunny beaches, glorious ancient cities, salubrious hill country, beautiful fauna & flora, exquisite handicrafts, world renowned gems, traditional dance & drama, colourful festivals, smiling people and not forgetting the mouth watering Sri Lankan cuisine. Sri Lanka is fast becoming the shopping centre of South Asia. Found at the tip of India, this little exotic island is abundant with marvelous discoveries for any tourist. Be it a journey of exploring the wilderness, an Ayurvedic wellness holiday, a relaxing get-away in the sun, or even that quick business trip, there is something for everyone.

Destination: Srilanka

Duration: 6Nights | 7Days

Places Covered: Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala and Bentota

Overview

Sri Lanka, a country with great history, wonderful culture and diversity!  Sri Lanka that gets you familiar with its diverse landscape, lifestyle and wildlife. Visit cities that are economic and administrative hubs and experience life at small mountain towns and wildlife sanctuaries. Sri Lanka has close ties with religion. With sites and temples that are believed to have been part of mythological epics to scared Buddhist relics, the country has some of the most beautiful places of worship for all religions. History in the form of various dynasties have left behind their imprints and are seen in various shapes and forms all across the country. With diverse landscapes, excellent weather conditions, pristine beaches and vast expanses of the ocean, Sri Lanka has something that caters to tourists of every kind!

Day 1: Colombo to Kandy (via Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage)

Welcome to the land of surprises! Your arrival at Colombo marks the beginning of a series of experiences that you are likely to cherish for a very long time to come. You will be welcomed by our representative at the Colombo Airport. A transfer to Kandy, the second largest city in Sri Lanka has been arranged. During the course of your Sri Lanka Tour, you will visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Established to care for abandoned elephants, this orphanage is today the largest of its kind worldwide. It houses elephants from 3 generations, a feat in itself! Overnight stay will be at a comfortable hotel at Kandy.

Day 2 :  Kandy

A sumptuous breakfast today is followed by a City Tour that will take you to the most significant attractions in the city, including the Upper Lake Drive, the Market Square and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. You may also visit the 67-acre spread of the Royal Botanical Gardens, a depositary for the most exotic species of botanical delights. Kandy is also home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – a much celebrated relic in the world of Buddhism. It is believed that the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka, hidden in an Orison princess’ hair and protected intensely from unworthy and impious hands.This evening, be sure to enjoy a cultural event showcasing the various dance forms of Sri Lanka. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

After an early breakfast, we will check-out and begin our journey to Nuwara Eliya, the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka. En route, you will visit a charming tea plantation. NuwaraEliya, your destination for the day is a quaint and pristine mountain station at an altitude of about 6100ft! Arriving in Nuwara Eliya, check-in into a hotel and unwind yourself. Post this, you can also visit Seethaeliya, the place where Seetha was believed to be held captive by Ravana as per Hindu mythology; overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: NuwaraEliya to Nuwara Eliya

After having breakfast in the hotel, check-out and proceed towards the Yala National Park – the second largest in Sri Lanka. The park comprises of 5 blocks, 2 of which are open to public. Get your cameras ready as you will come across flora and fauna that is rather exotic and rare to find! Spot more than 200 species of birds, elephants, wild buffaloes and many other wildlife species in the park. By evening, check-in into a local hotel and retire for the night.

Day 5: Yala to Bentota

Today your destination will be the lovely coastal town of Bentota that was believed to be ruled by the demon named ‘Bem’. Famous for toddy production and the art of healing with Ayurveda, the town is a sought after destination for water sports and is also home to a turtle hatchery. However, while we drive down to Bentota, we will make a short stop at the city of Galle, which was built and strongly influenced by the Portugese, who ruled the city 16th century onwards. Visit the city’s natural harbour, a perfect complement to its character! You can take a walk down the old town where you can appreciate the work of traditional lace makers and carvers. Be sure to pick up a few souvenirs made of shell! Overnight stay will be in a comfortable hotel will be the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Day 6: Bentota to Colombo

After a filling breakfast this morning! Colombo, was believed to be an integral point in as far back as the ‘Silk Route’, on account of its large harbour and strategic geographic position. Get a comprehensive feel of the city as you take a city-tour today. Visit commercial as well as residential areas, the most prominent one being Cinnamon Gardens. Visit the Sea Street and the Bazaar area, the former being the quarters for goldsmiths in Pettah. You will also walk through the Fort – the military and administration centre for the British. Witness a beautiful Hindu Temple with intricate stone carvings, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal that dates back to 1749 and the historic Dawatagaha Mosque. The Independence Square and a replica of the Avukana Buddha are must-sees among other local attractions; overnight at a local hotel.

Day 7: Depart from Colombo

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before being dropped at the Airport. End the tour with memories galore and experiences diverse, yet beautiful! With an enriching experience of a lifetime we leave with new friends and happy memories of one of the most beautiful Places on earth. Let us be in contact with each other through email, facebook, and meet again on one more memorable Holiday. See you all!! Holiday Concludes.

Best time visit: December to April, as this is dry season in the popular west and south coastal areas and Hill Country. The Christmas and New Year period is particularly popular and is the most expensive time to go. April and September are the best to see the whole country, while the inter-monsoonal season in October and November sees fine weather for most of the island interspersed with sudden thunderstorms. If you’re prepared for sudden bursts of rain, it’s still a good time of year to travel and to enjoy the beaches. Low season is May to August when the Yala Monsoon hits, but it’s still a reasonable time to visit the North and East.