This short yet comprehensive tour takes you to discover the enchanting Kandy and its surroundings. Make a stop at a typical tea factory and learn about its process in Giragama. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the temple of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Walk into the 147-acre Botanical Gardens and visit the spice garden in Matale.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Sigiriya Rock Fortress: The 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site doesn't only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering & urban planning supremacy but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art & culture.
Dambulla: In the city of Dambulla lies a hub that has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed 5 cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla.
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.
Kandy: Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe - before it was brought under 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
Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya: bundled with the most welcoming facilities located just 4 miles off Kandy - is a flourishing national asset in the Wonder of Asia.
Day 1: BENTOTA/ NEGOMBO – GIRAGAMA – PERADENIYA – KANDY (185km – 4hrs / 105km – 3hrs)
Pick-up from your beach hotel and proceed to Kandy. On route proceed to Giragama and visit a tea plantation site. Watch how tea is being processed before it is graded, and send your taste buds to the edge with a fresh cup of Ceylon Tea just off the estate! Upon completion, proceed to Peradeniya and visit the Botanical Garden (duration approx. 2-3hrs). 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. Lunch at a local restaurant in Kandy (included). Then proceed to do a Kandy city tour (duration approx. 3hrs). 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 will feature the Kandy City Centre, bundled with the latest and excellent brands, a bazaar, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Walk in colour as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market. Upon completion, proceed to witness a cultural show. 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. On completion returned to the hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Kandy.
Day 2: KANDY – MATALE – SIGIRIYA – DAMBULLA – BENTOTA/ NEGOMBO (320km – 7hrs / 235km – 6hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Sigiriya. On route proceed to Matale and visit the spice garden (duration approx. 45min). Stop by the side of a spice garden and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea! Upon completion, proceed to Sigiriya and climb the rock fortress (duration approx. 2hrs). Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. Wander into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to realize how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system describing a colossal masterpiece of the great king, which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries. Lunch at a local restaurant in Dambulla (included). Then proceed to visit the Dambulla rock temple (duration approx. 1.5hr). Observe how exquisitely cave paintings are done along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting. On completion, return to your respective beach hotel.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Sri Lanka. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Visas: Please note all clients will have to log into the website and obtain the visas prior to arrival for all clients arriving in Sri Lanka after 1st January 2012. The government has informed that all applications will be processed within 24 hours and payment can be made on-line by credit card. The details are available at the website www.eta.gov.lk
