EXPLORE SRI LANKA - 31

Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Madolsima – Yala – Mirissa – Galle – Colombo (9Days/8Nights)

Day 01 – Arrival at Colombo airport – Kandy

Stop 01

Elephant Orphanage Pinwale

En-route visit the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela.The orphanage was created to protect abandoned and orphaned elephants. It has now grown into the most popular elephant attraction in the country and with good reason, for nowhere else except at Pageants (processions) are you likely to see so many elephants at close quarters. The elephants are controlled by their mahouts (keepers) who ensure they are fed at the right times and don’t endanger anyone but otherwise the elephants roam freely around the sanctuary area.

There are many elephants in residence from babies to young adults. Among the attractions, you will be able to witness elephants being led to a nearby river for bathing. You could also see the feeding of the baby elephants which is the highlight of the visit.

Bathing at river – 10.00am – 12.00pm

02.00pm – 4.00pm

Fruit Feeding - 9.00am – 9.45am

12.00p.m – 1.45pm

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 Guha Siva.

Stop 03

Shopping Batik Factory & Gem Shop

Stop 04

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

Dunsinane Fall

Dunsinane Falls or Pudalu Oya Ella lies between two tea estates Dunsinane Estate and Sheen Estate in Nuwara Eliya district in Central Sri Lanka. It is created by the Pundalu Oya river that is a tributary of Kotmale Oya. This magnificent waterfall is divided into two parts by a bridge. While the fall reaches a height of about 100 m (328 ft), only the top 30 m (98 ft) can see from the road. The second section, which is approximately 70 m (230 ft) high is concealed underneath the bridge. Due to the steepness of the area, it is difficult to get to the bottom of the fall. The Upper Kotmale Project has designated the area covering the river below as a high-security zone.

The Saraswati idol in the center of the waterfall brings uniqueness to the waterfall. There is a Hindu Devalaya next to the waterfall as well.

Stop 02

Lover s Leap Waterfall

Lover’s Leap Waterfall is approximately 50 minutes from Hatton and should definitely be one of the places to visit when you’re here.

As its name suggests, the story behind this cascade’s name is rather tragic, however, this story has been passed down through so many generations that it got a life on its own and now it’s more myth than reality! It is said that there were two lover’s whose families did not approve of their union, to ensure everlasting love, they came to this waterfall and lept hand-in-hand to their deaths. This haunting story is ingrained in the local culture, so much so that some locals still refuse to walk past the waterfall after sunset, claiming that the ghosts of the two lovers haunt the region…

Despite this oddly Shakespearean tragedy, Lover’s Leap Waterfall and the trail to get there is quite beautiful. The waterfall is situated on the outskirts of Nuwara Eliya town, which is a small town dotted with colonial buildings, and right opposite the Pedro Tea Estate. The best thing to do is get dropped off at the main road and then hike to the fall. Although uphill, the hike is not too strenuous and it is more of a leisurely hour-long walk. If you’re travelling as a group you may like to rent some bicycles and cycle to the cascade, which is another great option. On your hike, you will pass through manicured tea gardens and small cottages which are nestled in between the surrounding shrubbery, till you finally reach Lover’s Leap Waterfall. There is a magnificent view from the top of the fall where you will see Nuwara Eliya town surrounded by green vegetation, and there are large boulders which make it an excellent location for a picnic.

Stop 03

Bomburu Ella Waterfall

At a distance of 13 km from Hagkala Botanical Gardens and 19 km from Nuwara Eliya Bus Stand, Bomburu Ella is a waterfall at Uva-Paranagama Divisional Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Located near the border of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts, Bomburu Ella is the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka and among the must-visit places in Nuwara Eliya. Also known as Perawella Falls, it is falling from a height of about 165 feet (50 m). The waterfall is a collection of about 10 little-known jungle waterfalls, situated between 1500 and 2000m above sea level in the Sita Eliya Kandapola Forest Reserve. They are served by the upper segment of the principal tributary of the Uma River, known as the Duulgala River. The waters of the Bomburu Ella Fall have been diverted to a powerhouse located in the area and is utilized for cultivation purposes. The starting point of the trek to the top of Bomburu Ella Fall will be at the Bomburu Ella village, which can reach by public transport, tuk-tuk or private vehicle. The road is in good condition up to the village where you start the 2 km hike to reach the waterfall. Parking spaces will be available at the starting point of the hike, for convenience and ease of access. There are two entry options - the first one is near the bus stop with stairs up to the top while the second one is the narrow road towards the village which is much easier. However, both roads meet at a point near the top which is a snack spot with few small stalls set up by the villagers.

Stop 04

Moon Plaines

The main attraction of Moon Plains is the mini–Worlds End at the edge giving a 360 Degree view of the surrounding peaks and towns. It is a Wide-open area with the chances of seeing wild boars, cows, buffaloes, deer and also a total of 105 bird species are recorded in the area of which 16 are endemic to Sri Lanka. Nine mountains of Sri Lanka can be clearly seen from the top of the Moon Plaines.

Stay Night in Nuwara Eliya

Day 03 – Ella

Stop 01

Rawana Fall & Ravana Cave

Stop 02

Ella Rock View Point

Ella Rock is located just a little outside of Ella town in the middle of Sri Lanka. The beautiful green mountains of Ella make the Ella rock hike a must do while staying in Ella. The total hike to Ella Rock and back to Ella town is 8 km long and takes 4 hours from start to finish. But schedule some more time for short stops and of course to admire the amazing view on the summit. The best time to start the hike is early morning because of several reasons. To beat the heat and to have the chance of a clear view and magical sunrise. But you have to be an early bird for that! If you want to see the sunrise you have to leave Ella town at 4AM. It’s best to have a headlamp so you don’t have to use your flashlight of your phone.

Stop 03

Nine Arche Bridge

Stop 04

Ella Spice Garden Cooking Lesson

"Ella Spice Garden was established in 1982 with motive of giving a different experience to the travellers who visit Ella. Our culinary sessions will give you the opportunity to learn authentic Sri Lankan cooking with a unique, varied and extremely healthy cuisine. The class will take you through the spices used in Sri Lankan cooking and general preparation techniques. We will cook with you a delicious meal which you can then enjoy at leisure afterwards. You will take home a good experiance of the basics of cooking Sri Lankan food as well as the ability to prepare a few dishes to an excellent standard."

Stay Night in Ella

Day 04 – Madolsima

Stop 01

Kombukara National Pool & Secret Waterfall

Ballaketuwa is a beautiful little town. Ballaketuwa is located in a very old Hindu temple. Ballaketuwa Hindu temple is a special landmark of the town of Ballaketuwa. Due to the location of the "Kombukara Nature Pool and Secret Waterfall" which is very close to the town of Ballaketuwa it is also known as the "Balleketuwa Waterfall", "Balleketuwa Nature Pool and Secret Waterfall" and "Ballaketuwa Komukan Oya". Many of the beautiful sights of Ella can be seen in the Ballaketuwa area, as well as a number of high-quality restaurants and entertainment venues.

Stop 02

Aradunu Falls

Aradunu Ella is situated in Passara in the Badulla district. It is 30 meters in height and gets its name due to its bow shape. According to folklore, King Walagamba took refuge in a cave near the falls to escape from South Indian invaders. The fall begins from the Namunukula mountain range. It is also believed that there is a tunnel to the rear of the fall that leads up to a Buddhist temple named Passara Raja Maha Viharaya. Aradunu Ella flows through an abandoned savannah grassland that is currently being used for agriculture.

Aradunu Ella is located in the northern parts of the Passara area in a private tea estate named “Elteb Tea Estate”. There is a small walk to reach the fall after which you will come to the hydro-power plant connected to the fall. Due to this reason the fall can only be visited during the dry seasons, when the turbines are inactive.

Stop 03

Madolsima Mini World’s End

Madulsima is a village situated in the Uva province of Sri Lanka. It is a picturesque village with mountains popular for hiking and camping. One such popular attraction is the Madulsima Mini World’s End which is a famous hiking spot of the area. Many adventurers also enjoy camping above the clouds during their hikes at Madulsima.

Madlsima Mountain has an elevation of 383 m and stands approximately 700 – 1000 m above sea level. The highest part of the mountain belongs to Roeberry Estate. The Madulsima Mini World’s End which is also known as the Pitamaruwa Mini World’s End is located at the end of this estate. Madulsima is a heavenly location which stands high above in elevation and is mostly shrouded by the mist and feels as if one is travelling among the clouds. Kalugala, which is a popular hiking spot, is located on the northern point of the Madulsima mountain range.

When you reach you will see a range of mountains dotted with small, dry forests. The salient feature of Madulsima World’s End is, that the visitor can view a vast plain starting at the bottom of the mountain and ending towards the East coast. But at Horton Plains visitors are able to see a range of mountains and rock debris from a precipice. It is managed by the Tourist Board of the Uva Province.

In addition to the main Worlds End site at Horton Plains there are at least 4 other popular view points on the mountains of central Sri Lanka with deep precipitous edges known as mini world’s ends. They are Madolsima Mini World’s End, Selagama Mini World’s End, Pitawala Pathana Mini World’s End and the Deanston Mini World’s End. Out of these, the last two are located in the hills of Dumbara range. The Madulsima World’s End is located at the end of the lush Roeberry Estate tea plantation.

Stay Night in Ella

Day 05 – Yala

Stop 01

Yala National Park

Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds. Yala ishome to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. Among its more famous residents are the world's biggest concentration of leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks, and crocodiles. For the most reliable wildlife sightings, it's best to visit Yala in the dry season from February to June. With the water levels lower, it's easier to spot animals coming out to the lagoons to drink. The park normally closes each year for the month of September for maintenance. This Yala safari tour lasts around 5 hours and they pick up from your accommodation in the Yala area – or you can meet them at Yala National Park entrance.

Stay Night in Yala Camping

Day 06 – Mirissa

Stop 01

Hummanaya Blow Hole

Known to be the second largest in the world and the largest in Sri Lanka alone, discover the Hummanaya Blow Hole while you explore the southern coast! Located in Kudawella, a little after the bustling town of Matara. The Hummanaya Blow Hole is a natural wonder that sprays a jet of sea water into the air between two giant rocks; sometimes reaching heights of over 80 – 100 feet.

Stop 02

Mirissa Whales Watching

Some of the major attractions in Mirissa are whale watching. The fantastic place of Mirissa is also known for its tune, mullet, butterfish, snapper, and being the largest fishing port on the South Coast. Great beach! Tides don't affect the water level too much; the waves are not too strong - you can still swim and body board. There are bars on the beach and nice cafes with fresh seafood at 6pm every evening. If you walk to the left over the giant rocks you can get to a scenic hill covered with mangrove trees and palms.

Stay Night in Mirissa

Day 07 – Galle

Stop 01

Koggala Still fisherman

Stilt Fishing is one of the most interesting traditional fishing methods of Sri Lanka. Though stilt fishermen make the activity seem easy and comfortable; stilt fishing requires much skill and balance. The practice started during World War II when food shortages and overcrowded fishing spots prompted some clever men to try fishing on the water. At first, they used the wreckage of capsized ships and downed aircraft, then began erecting their stilts in coral reefs.

Stop 02

Galle Dutch Fort

The story of the Galle Dutch Fort; a UNESCO World Heritage Site reverberates through all traveler’s photos and captions. Initially built by the Portuguese in the 16th century during their conquests, the fort was later fortified and conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century, until it later fell to the might of the British. The old town of Galle was once used as a trading port for spices and other goods for over 200 years. However, today, the fort has been transformed into a place of history, romance and beauty where travelers are warmly welcomed to dive head first into the exotic stories and be a part of this heritage site.

Stop 03

Japanese Peace Pagoda

In 1947, a Japanese Buddhist monk by the name of Nichidatsu Fujii dedicated his life to constructing Peace Pagodas around the world as symbols of peace. More than 80 Peace Pagodas have been built all over the world including in Europe, Asia and the United States.

Hidden amongst the trees of the Unawatuna rainforests and yet visible across the water from the historic Galle Fort in the Bay of Galle is the “Sama Ceitya”, one of four Japanese Peace Pagodas that can be found in Sri Lanka. Situated on Rum masala Hill, it was built with the assistance of Japanese Buddhist monks in 2005 (when Sri Lanka was still in the midst of fighting a devastating civil war) as part of a plan to build temples of peace in conflict zones.

Today, it acts as a symbol of peace for the Buddhist-majority country of Sri Lanka, but its clean, rounded design is intended to represent harmony between people of any and all backgrounds. The immense white stupa that rises out of the Japanese Peace Pagoda is surrounded by statues painted in gold, while a nearby flight of stairs leads to a walkway that goes around the shrine, offering breath-taking views of the jungle, the sea, and the stunning Galle Fort.

When stopping by the Peace Pagoda, visitors should ensure that they are dressed modestly and respectfully; legs and shoulders need to be covered.

Day 08 – Kosgoda

Stop 01

Kosgoda sea Turtle Conservation Project

The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project was started by Dudley Perera in the year 1981. The main aim of the project is to conserve the sea turtles and protect them from predators like birds, dogs, and crabs. It is one of the 18 hatcheries in Sri Lanka devoted to the proper breeding of this endangered species. Visitors can get to see up to five endangered species out of seven species of margin turtles in the world here. The place is especially suitable for kids but provides to be a once in a lifetime experience for all.

The volunteers patrol the beach at night to make sure that any mother turtles have proper conditions to lay eggs. They also carry the eggs back to the hatchery to make sure they hatch properly without any harm from predators and then release the baby sea turtles back into the ocean once properly hatched. They also take care of sea turtles with disabilities and treat the ones who have become weak due to fishing activities.

Tourists will be guided throughout the process of protecting and proper hatching of the sea turtles while visiting the hatchery. One can also visit the hatchery in the evening when the baby turtles are released into the sea as the risk for predators is minimum at this time and get the opportunity to release their baby sea turtle into the sea.

Stop 02

Ariya Pala Masks Museum

A modern-built traditional museum with a splendid collection of traditional masks and other related artic crafts is the main attraction that awaits you at Ariya Pala Masks Museum. Here nearly 120 unique masks used in the traditional dance rituals and religious festivals are displays on show and there would be English speaking staff explaining the procedure and culture to you. The Museum has a retail store, workshop, and library inside where you have books and pamphlets to delve deep into their strange tradition.

Stay Night in Kosgoda

Day 09

Colombo City Tour

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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