Arrive at Colombo where you will be met by your chauffeur / guide and enjoy a scenic transfer to Habarana passing paddy fields and rubber plantations on the way.
Accommodation:
Habarana Village by Cinnamon (Superior Room) or similar
Travel time approximately 4.5 hours
Habarana Village by Cinnamon
Habarana Village by Cinnamon is where serenity lies across the lush forested land that borders the stunning lake. Experience rustic barefoot type elegance here, which is designed to reflect the rural environs and simplicity of village life.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where King Kasyapa built his capital city and his brightly decorated palace. The site gets its nickname Lion Rock as the old stairway to the top of the rock led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of how big the lion's head must have been.
Drive back to the hotel and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
Optional – Polonnaruwa Ancient City (US$ 50.00 Per Person. Minimum 2 pax) - this medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rose to fame as the capital (10th - 12th century AD) after the decline of Anuradhapura. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger than the Colombo harbour. The monuments are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past. Highlights are the Royal Palace complex including the King's Palace and Audience Hall, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage, and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite - a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving. Some of the best examples of Hindu influence – the Temples of Shiva, intricate statues of Hindu Gods, fascinating Budhist temples, the Lankatileka and Watadage, the Galpotha, the Lotus bath, the Kiri Vihare Dagoba, and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth are other impressive sights.
Optional – Minneriya or Kaudulla or Eco Park Afternoon Jeep Safari (US$ 160.00 per couple Including Private Jeep Hire & Entrance Fee for 2). Transfer time: 30 minutes approx. (per way). Minneriya reservoir and its surrounding wetland habitat are inhabited by a large number of aquatic bird species in addition to elephants. Sambar and Spotted deer are other wild animals that roam the park. Visit to the specific park would depend on the movement of Elephants.
Accommodation: Habarana Village (Superior Room) or similar
Habarana Village by Cinnamon
Habarana Village by Cinnamon is where serenity lies across the lush forested land that borders the stunning lake. Experience rustic barefoot type elegance here, which is designed to reflect the rural environs and simplicity of village life.
Depart to Kandy with an en-route excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dambulla Rock Caves. This series of caves are cut into a granite outcrop that’s 160 metres high, from here the views of the surrounding countryside are outstanding. It was used as a Buddhist monastery and is very decorative with many ornate murals and statues inside. Next you head to a Spice Garden to see spices growing in their naturaral habitat and learn of their use in Sri Lankan cuisine. The afternoon includes a sightseiingtour of Kandy including a visit to the much revered Temple of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, a visit to a bazaar and a Gem Lapidary where you might want to buy a personalised gem or jewellery. This evening enjoy a cultural show with a display of several ancient and modern dance forms and drum rhythms.
Optional add on:- Cooking Class with a Sri Lankan Lunch (US$30pp. Minimum 2 people) - Enjoy a short cookery demonstration with the chef. The chef will explain the intricacies of the unique Sri Lankan cuisine taking you step by step through the process of a Sri Lankan signature dish.
Accommodation: Radisson Kandy (Superior Room) or similar
Travel time approximately 3.5 hours.
Radisson Hotel Kandy
Radisson Hotel Kandy welcomes you to the heart of Kandy. Our convenient location is ideal for business and leisure with plenty of attractions nearby. Relax in one of our 122 stylish rooms, each equipped with thoughtful and modern amenities to ensure your stay is a comfortable one.
Make sure you visit iconic attractions such as Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) or the peaceful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Everything you need is at your fingertips, including dining options at our on-site restaurant and rooftop bar, meeting spaces, pool and fitness center.
Ater breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Gardensin Kandy, a lush 47 acres featuring 300 species of orchids and a variety of tropical birds. Followed by a scenic mountain climb passing waterfalls to Nuwara Eliya, a dense forest area with fantastic wildlife. Here you will see that the red or green roofed plantation bungalows, country style homes and hotels with manicured flower gardens, a fine 18 hole golf course and a racecourse give this town a decidely British feel. Onwards to a working tea plantation and a factory to watch the process of turning the green leaf into the familiar final tea product. Breakfast and Dinner are included.
Optional – Train Ride to Nuwara-Eliya instead of a car (US$ 20.00 Per Person). Take the scenic train journey to Nanu Oya, slowly winding its way up through vast tea plantations– pre booking necessary (1st class Air-conditioned cabin or 2nd Class reserved cabin). Guests will be picked up from Nanu Oya railway station and will be driven to the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
** Please note that the train transfer cannot be guaranteed as the ticket sale only opens 21 days before travel. In the eventuality that no tickets are released, the transfer will be done by road instead (3 hours) Whilst we will endeavour to purchase tickets for the morning train, it might be that clients will travel on the afternoon train instead. **
Accommodation: Galway Heights (Deluxe Room) or similar
Galway Heights Hotel
AN ENCHANTING GETAWAY IN THE MOUNTAINS
Among the rich greenery of the central hill country sits a dwelling that welcomes travellers to experience the wonderful hospitality of Sri Lanka. Galway Heights is a Nuwara Eliya hotel offering a heavenly hideaway. Feast your eyes on mesmerising sceneries!
Enjoy a scenic drive followed by a city tour of the fascinating city of Colombo including visits to the Commercial, Residential and Bazaar areas. Colombo has long been the traditional gateway to the Orient and the original traders and settlers. Here you will see the influences left behind by the the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and the British in the churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and also food. This is where your tour will end.
Please note that you cannot fly home the same day, as the tour ends in Colombo late afternoon. You must book a night in Colombo at the end of your tour before leaving Sri Lanka, or book a beach break in Sri Lanka if you want to extend your stay.
Travel time approximately 5.5 hours.
Tour departs daily from Colombo.
What’s Included:
Four nights’ accommodation on a half board basis. Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver guide. Entrance fees to sites detailed. Pick up from Colombo airport and drop off at Colombo city (transfers to airport straight after your tour, or drop off at beach hotel between will be at an extra charge). Two water bottles per person per dayYour tour price does not include:
International flights. Transfer to beach hotel or back to the airport after your tour. Tipping and other miscellaneous personal expenses. Lunches. Special camera and video permits. Accommodation on day 5 for guests wanting to extend their stay.An air-conditioned car would be provided for 1-2 pax travelling together and an air-conditioned micro van would be provided for 3-5 pax travelling together.
