EXPLORE SRI LANKA - 21

Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Benthota – Colombo (5Days/4Nights)

Day 01 – Arrival at Colombo airport – Kandy

Stop 01

New Paradise Spice & Herbal Garden in Mawanalla.

01. The gardens introduce you to the different spices in Sri Lanka and their uses. 02. They also allow you to see how the spices are grown, harvested and produced. 03. High quality spices, traditional remedies and natural cosmetics made with spices are available for purchase at very fair prices. 04. The Spice Gardens are also quiet, peaceful places to spend some time close to nature. 05. The gardens give a chance to try out amazing aromatic meals complete with the spices that tease your senses are a favorite here as well. 06. The gardens are usually open for visitors, though some may charge a minor entrance fee. So it’s a great way to spend your holiday if you are on a budget.

Not all spices are grown in a single garden, of course, since various climates and soil types are necessary for cultivation of the different spices. Therefore taking a guide or finding a formal tour package with a guide and transport method is a good idea.

A guide will take you through rows of cinnamon, panda leaves, allspice , vanilla, and other spice plants. At the onsite shop you can buy different spice or herbal products for consumption or as a souvenir.

Stop 02

Tooth Relic Temple

Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses the most important Relic of the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. A gold canopy was erected some years ago over the roof of the shrine room where it is placed.

After the parinirvana of Gautama Buddha, the tooth relic was preserved in Kalinga and smuggled to the island by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha on the instructions of her father King Guasave.

Stop 03

Culture Show

The Kandy Lake Club Cultural Dance Show is a stimulating Sri Lankan Arts, Dance and Cultural Heritage Show that is a must see for any visitor who visits the historic city of Kandy. The Kandy Lake Club Dance started in 1982 with the view of having a cultural dance performance bringing together all Sri Lankan dance types to one platform. It is the first Cultural Dance Show of its kind to be established in Sri Lanka. It has since become a tourist attraction for many people visiting the country and keen on a glimpse of its rich cultural heritage. Hence it has been performing continuously for the last 35 years. During the show, you will see several dances which depict the graceful movements of birds and animals, which trace their origins back to the ancient ritual known as the Kohomba Kapkariya, as well as energetic acrobatic performances where the men perform a series of leaping pirouettes and stunts such as plate-spinning and the dramatic ‘fire walk’ which ends the show.

Stay Night in Kandy

Day 02 – Nuwara Eliya

Stop 01

Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple

Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple is one of the important Hanuman Temples in Sri Lanka located on summit of the very beautiful picturesque mountain in Ramboda 30 KM north to Nuwara Eliya, the gateway to the tea country hill station of Sri Lanka. This Hanuman Temple in Ramboda was constructed by Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka. Shri Bhakta Hanuman temple is dedicated to the God Hanuman and this is one of important sites of Ramayana Tour in Sri Lanka. Visitors can witness the 18 feet Hanuman statue which is the tallest Hanuman statue in Sri Lanka established inside the Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple in Ramboda.

Chinmaya Mission established in India in 1953 by devotees of the world-renowned Vedanta teacher, His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda. Guided by his vision, devotees all around the world formed the nucleus of a spiritual renaissance movement that now encompasses a wide range of spiritual, educational, and charitable activities, ennobling the lives of thousands in India and across its borders.

This Hanuman Temple was constructed in 1999 and it is believed that Hanuman was searching for Sita Devi and still there are some Ramayana facts available in this area e.g., a village called “Ravana Goda” close to this Bhakta Hanuman Temple. The Tamil word for Ramboda, Rampadai, means “Rama’s force”, this is why Ramboda is believed to be the area where Rama collected his troops. Also, it is believed this was the place where Lord Hanuman took rest while on his way to search Sita as per the Ramayana yatra Sri Lanka.

Traditionally, Hanuman was not much popular among Sri Lankan Tamil devotees as he indeed is in India, because he devastated parts of the island with his burning tail. But in recent times Hindu missionaries and local Tamil spiritual leaders began building shrines for worshipping Hanuman in Sri Lanka also.

Stop 02

Ramboda Water Fall

Ramboda Falls is 109 m (358 ft) high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. It formed by Panna Oya which is a tributary of Kothmale Oya. Altitude of the falls is 945 m (3,100 ft) above sea level.

Stop 03

Damro Tea Factory, Labookellie

En route to the picturesque city of Nuwara Eliya and at an elevation of 5,000 feet, stands the famed Labookellie Estate Tea Factory, renowned for producing some of Ceylon’s finest Teas and the estate itself, established nearly 150 years ago, is perhaps the second oldest tea plantation in the Island.

Visitors having taken time in observing the manufacturing process of tea, need only to stroll a short distance, to enter one of the most desired locations in the hill country that being the “DAMRO LABOOKELLIE TEA LOUNGE”. It overlooks breathtaking views of tea gardens in all shades of green that carpet the slopes of surrounding hills & valleys and those observants could also spot within fields the gentle movement of tea puckers, nimbly harvesting the tender two leaves & bud.

Stop 04

Gregory Lake

Lake Gregory (Sinhala: ග්‍රෙගරි වැව Gregari Væva), sometimes also called Gregory Lake or Gregory Reservoir, is a reservoir in heart of the tea country hill city, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Lake Gregory was constructed during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873.[2] The lake and the surrounding area make up the Gregory Lake Area. One of the main attractions in Nuwara Eliya is Gregory Lake, which is located among the beautiful mountains and tea plantations. Coast of lake is the favorite place for not only tourists, but locals. Here, has a picnic, walk the paths, ride horses and bikes, enjoying the beautiful views of nature. But to swim in the lake impossible. However, you can ride on catamarans, water motorcycles, and even take off and land the plane.

Stop 05

Strawberry Farm

Stay Night in Nuwara Eliya

Day 03 – Moving to Benthota

Stop 01

Devon Waterfall

Devon falls is situated in Dambulla area in West Thalawakele, Nuwara Eliya district. Devon falls were named after a leading English coffee planter called ‘Devon’, where he had his plantation situated around the area where the fall is. The fall is also called ‘Veil of the Valley’, though the name is not so popular among the travelers. Devon falls is a named as a tiered type waterfall since it takes 3 leaps to make the waterfall and a tributary of Kotmale Oya that later joins the Mahaweli river, is the watercourse of this beautiful waterfall.

Stop 02

S.T. Clair Waterfall

St. Clair’s Waterfall is one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls, and referred to as the “Little Niagra of Sri Lanka”. Although the cascade is just off the Hatton – Talawakele road, it is one of the most picturesque waterfalls as it runs through green hills and lush tea estates. The waterfall got its name from the St. Clair Tea Estate– the tea estate in which it runs through. The falls consists of two parts. The upper part is called “Maha Ella” in Sinhalese (“The Greater Fall”) and this segment is 80m tall. The second segment is 50m tall and is called “Kuda Ella” in Sinhalese (“The Lesser Fall”). To make this waterfall, water travels over 3 rocky outcrops, go through 2 segments and fall to a massive pool situated below.

Stop 03

Madu Gaga Boat Tour

The Madu River area surrounding the river are all swampy marshlands covered in mangrove forests. The forest covers over 61 hectares, that is over 150 acres. 14 of the 24 species of mangroves are found in this area. Over 300 species, 19 of which are endemic, have been discovered so far. The largest animal in the region is the wild boar. There are other smaller animals such as monkeys, a variety of squirrels, etc. When it comes to birds, cormorants and kingfishers are a common sight. For avid bird watchers, the mangrove forests are a dream coming true. There are over 111 bird species identified to inhabit the region. There are 31 types of reptiles, namely snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. There are also over 50 kinds of butterflies and 25 kinds of mollusks found in the Madu River zone.

Madu Gaga Fish Therapy

Madu ganga boat tours provides you natural foot massage from hundreds of fish. The Madu Ganaganga boat rides are popular among local and foreign visitors to the area. This ride gives you several memorable experiences and this natural fish therapy is one of them.There are several fish spas located in within Balapitiya, Madu Ganga areas. They setup several artificial cage ponds in the natural river the doctor fish are grown there. You can get in to the floating stage from your boat and sit and put your legs in to the pond. Hundreds of Fish comes and gently nibble the dead skin of your legs. They provide fish food also. Once you feed them, hundreds of them comes and fight for it. The setup contains several ponds, they can support visitors from several boats also. There are different types of doctor fish available there to choose from. Visitors who are going for Maduganga boat ride, should never missed this opportunity of getting tingling massage from fish.

Stay Night in Kosgoda

Day 04 – Benthota

Stop 01

Benthota Beach

• Bentota Beach Sri Lanka is perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. With picturesque landscapes surrounding it and coconut trees swaying with the gentle breeze, it is a picture-perfect place to spend your days when you are not exploring the town. You can laze and relax under the sun or enjoy thrilling Bentota Beach water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing and loads more. If you are in Bentota, make sure not to miss spending some time in one of its most popular beaches.

• There is nothing like exploring the fishing village of Bentota on a cycle. You can learn about its history and culture and experience the local lifestyle. Since it is a small town, going on a cycling day tour ensures that you do not miss any of the interesting landmarks and attractions that it is known for. If you want a unique way to go sightseeing in Bentota, you should definitely opt for a cycling tour.

• Bentota Beach nightlife is quite mellow, so if you want a more laid-back vibe when you go out at night, this is perfect for you. However, for those looking for a bit of dancing and excitement, there is a floating nightclub, you can go to. And if you want to enjoy a couple of drinks, you will not be disappointed by the Bentota Beach bars. You can go bar-hopping from upscale ones to those that are more casual and affordable there is a bar for every budget in this part of the island nation.

• You cannot leave the coastal town without attending a Bentota Beach party 2018. You can have fun near the ocean under the stars with people who are visiting from all over Sri Lanka and the world. You can meet new people and get a firsthand experience of the hospitality of the locals. Beach parties on Bentota beaches are never dull and you will have an amazing time enjoying delicious drinks, awesome music and the company of other fun-loving people. Head for the best beach in Bentota after the sun sets and get ready to have a blast!

• Being a fishing town, Bentota is known for its fresh seafood, and the restaurants here serve some of the most delicious fare with the freshest seafood found in Sri Lanka. From fish to shellfish to more exotic species (some you may never have heard of), restaurants in Bentota Beach offer you a taste of mouth-watering dishes made with the days catch and the freshest local ingredients. Check out Bentota Rock Beach Restaurant, one of the towns most famous eateries for a sample of the diverse seafood fare on offer.

• Bentota beaches are known for being pristine and virtually untouched. This is one of the main things that draws people from far and wide when they visit Sri Lanka. One of the most popular Bentota Beach activities is snorkeling as the waters here are crystal clear. Exploring the waters of the beaches here is an experience you are not likely to forget for many years. Go snorkeling for a close encounter with diverse marine life and enjoy your time in the magical underwater realm.

Stay in Sea night Benthota

Day 05 – Colombo

Stop 01

Colombo National Museum

The largest museum in Sri Lanka, the National Museum of Colombo was established in January 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the then British Governor of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Currently maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government, the museum is home to a lot of important collections, including the crown and throne of the Kandyan monarchs. Housed in a two-storied building, the museum has a big, well-maintained, lush green lawn right in front that is shaded by mighty banyan trees, which adds to the beauty of the place. As you enter the museum, you shall also find a fourth-century Buddha smiling at you in the lobby. Going forward, you will be mesmerized to find the collections in the museum. The galleries are as old as 1877, and you shall find all sorts of ancient art, carvings, and statues from Sri Lanka’s past along with a collection of antique demon masks. You can also find guns, swords, and other things from the colonial times. If you love art, you are totally in for a treat as the gallery also has in display 19th-century reproductions of English paintings of Sri Lanka. On display are the royal throne made for King Wimaladharmasuriya II in 1693, the 9th-century bronze Bodhisattva Sandals, and much more. And that is not all. There are agricultural displays and many more things that are sure to grab your attention and leave a mark in your memories.

Stop 02

Gangarama Temple

The Most Visited temple in the city, the Gangaramaya Temple which organizes Sri Lanka’s largest and the most colorful Vesak festival annually, has a history of 120 years. It was established in 1885 by Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera at a time when Buddhist and cultural resurgence were much needed as the country was under the colonial rule.

The area that was once a swamp beside the Beira Lake, has now turned to be an iconic complex which consists of the temple, the assembly hall in the breathtaking lake and the vocational training institute. Earlier, devotees had to cross the Beira Lake on a boat in order to reach the then small temple which was converted to what is today by the Devundara Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera, a pupil of Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera who appointed him as the chief incumbent of the temple.

Initiated by Ven Sri Jinarathana Nayaka Thera as a collection of artifacts and other objects of religious, cultural and historical value, the museum of the temple was much developed to what is today by Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thera with the help of devotees and donors here and abroad particularly the Asian region. Today the museum is replete with a range of ageless treasures from ancient Sri Lanka as well as around the globe, including valuable Buddha statues of different influences, ancient ola leaf writings, old coins, vehicles and other relics in a classic display of tradition and culture.

Departure

Transfer to Airport for departure flight.

Tour Includes

• Accommodation on sharing a double/twin/triple room at the hotels specified in hotel collection.

• Include Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Transport in a Private Vehicle, inclusive of all Chauffeur accommodation, cost of fuel, parking & highway tolls.

• Private Transport with airport transfers in an Air-Conditioned Vehicle throughout the tour

• Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.

Tour Excludes

• Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details

• International / Domestic Airfare.

• Any expenses of personal nature.

• Tips & Portages.

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