Day 01 – 04 (FB)

Arrival and transfer Habarana, start your tour with an authentic Sri Lankan lunch at Hela Bojun Hala,

Hela Bojun Hala – Today’s food market is without doubt dominated by fast food.
However, it is a well-known fact that fast foods are prepared using many food additives, artificial flavours and other chemicals. Although they might bring temporary pleasure, long-term effects are harmful, with thousands suffering related health problems. Traditional food items and beverages like hoppers, unduval, ulundu vade, kola kanda, beli mal juice and soya products are prepared here and one could sense a great enthusiasm along with a village spirit at the restaurant. These are freshly prepared by people in the area using fresh ingredients.

Upon completion, visit the Pinnawala Elephant orphanage,

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Pinnawala elephant’s orphanage has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. The orphanage is situated on a 25-acre coconut plantation adjacent to the Maha Oya river. The main objective of the orphanage is to care for orphaned elephants due to various reasons. Currently a herd of over hundred elephants are being taken care of by the orphanage. The visitors get to see the elephants up-close and personal. You get to feed the baby elephants and play with them; I believe that they are the cutest in the animal kingdom. The river bath time of the gentle giants is a real treat and an awesome experience. It is recommended to have your snacks and drinks in the café overlooking the river. It is overall a relaxing experience.

Proceed to Habarana, stop by Koskale in Kurunegala area to taste some freshly made Coconut Rotties. You can taste these with a very hot Sri Lankan sambol which is called ‘Lunu Miris”

Kurunegala is one of the main places of Coconut cultivation in the island, these Rottis are made with fresh coconuts mixed with floor. Served warm with lunumiris, this is one of the favourite snacks or rather a breakfast option in Sri Lanka.

Continue to Habarana check in to your hotel in Habarana. Dinner and overnight stay in Habarana.

Day 02

After breakfast at hotel, start a Village Trek,

Hiriwaduna Village Trek

 Hiriwaduna Village – Hiriwaduna village is a place most tourist visits to experience first-hand a rural village of Sri Lanka and their day to activities. Hiriwaduna has a tropical rainforest climate and a beautiful rural area in the Habarana city. The tour normally starts with a Bullock cart ride to the village lake and from there you will get to experience a boat ride. After a short walk within the paddy fields and vegetable cultivation you will visit a home of a local. You will get the opportunity to relax and enjoy a pure Sri Lankan meal. This will be an opportunity for foreigners to experience and understand the local way of life in rural Sri Lanka. You will get to see that they are closer to nature and enjoy the simplicity of life.

Upon completion, visit the CIC Organic food farm,

Working with over 20,000 rural farmers in a land are of 10,000 acres CIC Agribusiness produces many agri products such as rice, vegetables and fruits. In producing a wide range of Agri Produce including Healthy Rice, Fruits, Vegetables, Seeds and grains and Dairy products which caters to the country’s food security, nutrition and import substitution initiatives. CIC uses internationally-accepted food safety standards and good agricultural practices, that create produce that contains the wholesome goodness and nutritional value required for nourishment

Return to your hotel in Habarana for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 03

After breakfast at hotel, visit Polonnaruwa ancient city and ruins, you can also visit the site by bicycles,

Pollonaruwa – Pollonaruwa holds another mystic attraction to all travellers due to the fact that it was ruled by ancient kings of sri Lanka for over 800 years. It is the second most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa was first established by the Chola dynasity and it is declared as a world heritage. During the rule of Vijayabahu I, trade and agriculture flourished, because the king was so adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted. Hence during his time irrigation systems were built that are superior to today. Visitors from around the world visit Pollonaruwa to see its ancient architectural wonders and to observe the wild animals and nature.

Upon completion, have lunch at Jaga Food,

Jaga Food – This family-run garden restaurant is halfway between Polonnaruwa (6km) and Giritale (7km), The 10 or so curries on offer are cooked on traditional firewood stoves and guests are welcome to poke around the kitchen and even get a free cookery lesson (come at 5.30pm). Grab a drink, look for water monitors in the nearby creek and then wander the garden to see the organic vegetables, herbs and fruits that go into the daily buffets.

Evening visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress,

Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Sigiriya the Lion Rock of Sri Lanka is officially the 8^th wonder of the world. It is a rock fortress listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. It is world famous among historians as the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning. Sigiriya was selected by King Kashyapa as his capital during the years 477 – 495 CE. The whole face of the wall has been covered with paintings of over 500 ladies. This is considered as one of the world’s biggest frescoes. Even though most frescoes have been lost for ever, still some remains to enchant us with the attention to detail of the artist. As per historians, originally the wall was polished so the king could see his reflection which was named as the mirror now it is covered with hundreds of poems written by visitors. Among the oldest landscapes in the world lies the gardens of Sigiriya.

Return to your hotel for the dinner and overnights stay.

Day 04 – 06

After breakfast transfer to Kandy, visit the Dambulla Rock Cave temple en-route,

Dambulla – Dambulla, a town which is quite near to Sigiriya is world famous for the cave temple. It is also the central point of distribution for vegetables in Sri Lanka and quite a busy city 24 by 7. Dambulla cave temple the main attraction of the town, was originally built in 80BC. It is the biggest and best-preserved cave temple which is also a world heritage site. There are 153 Buddha statutes found inside the temple. Other attractions are Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, largest rose quarts mountain range in South Asia and the Iron Wood Forest also known as Na Uyana Arana. Dambulla is more recommended for stop over rather than a complete stay in the town.

Spice Gardens – Sri Lanka is famous for her spices. Stroll through our spice gardens enjoying the aroma of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and get overwhelmed by them. Introduced new products and overwhelm your senses. The visitors are provided with an insight into an age-old industry of spice productions, which attracted many a European and Asian merchant to the island of spices. Over 15 different spices are found in Sri Lanka and many of them are traded in the international market. The gardens will introduce you to the different spices and their use, they will also allow you to see how they are grown, harvested and produced, you will also get the opportunity to buy high quality spices for an affordable price.

Continue to Kandy, visit the Kandy city and the Temple of Tooth Relic.

Kandy & Hill Country

 Kandy – Kandy, broken from Kanda in Sinhala simply means the hill. I think that would clearly outline the geography of the city. Kandy is a major tourist attraction and world famous for the Kandy Perahera. This extravagant parade is happening once a year, a magical event that is one of the main events of our culture. Tens of thousands of visitors around the world visit Kandy during the month of July to witness this event. Kandy also host and protects Lord Buddha’s tooth in a beautiful palace, which is sacred to all Buddhists around the world. Sri Lankan’s believe that the relic brings prosperity and protects the island. Royal Botanical Garden & Udawaththakele, a forest behind the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of Tooth), are few other attractions in Kandy that will create pleasant memories for visitors.

Check in to your hotel in Kandy for the dinner and the overnight stay.

Day 05

Breakfast at the hotel and visit the Kandy Market,

Kandy Market – Hall is a public municipal market located in the centre of the Kandy city, The two floors market is spread with a small courtyard in the center with landscaped gardens. It’s a market which sells absolutely everything. They want to do deals and they want to sell. Their faces will fall if you show no intentions of buying. Upon entering, you will at once, notice all sorts of sweets for sale. Then comes the fruits and spices part! Wet fish, dried fish, meat, vegetables and spices! All sorts of dried food items. You will find clothes, shoes, medicine and crafts upstairs. You cant pass a stall without an invitation from the sellers to buy stuff.

Upon completion reach Gannoruwa for lunch at Hela Bojun.

After lunch, visit the Royal Botanical Garden,

Royal Botanical Gardens – Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia and attracts over 2 million visitors annually. It is world famous for its collection of Orchids and the garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. The origin of the botanical garden dates as far back as 1371 during King Wickramabahu the 3^rd’s era. The classical Avenue of Palms is located in this garden. One tree with a significant history is Cannonball Tree planted by King George V of the United Kingdom and Queen Mary in 1901. We recommend all travellers to take your time, pack your own picknick and have a relaxing day with the nature.

Evening watch the cultural dance show,

Cultural Dance Show – Kandyan dance encompasses various dance forms native to the area called Kandy of the central hills in Sri Lanka. These traditional dancers come from generations with the same back grounds. You can witness the dance performances almost every day in the Kandyan art association which is right next to the Temple of Tooth Relic. They play an important role during the Esala Perahera (pageant) held every year by the Temple of Tooth.

Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 06

After breakfast transfer to Nuwara Eliya, visit waterfalls and a Tea estate en-route,

Nuwara Eliya – Nuwara Eliya, a city in the hill country is also called as Little England due to the similarity between the two climates. The city is all about beautiful landscape and cool climate. It is also the heart of the tea plantation industry of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya hosts the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka and some wonderful waterfalls making any visitor fall in love with her. To name few famous attractions of Nuwara Eliya are Gregory lake, Golf Club, Grand Hotel, Race Course & Haggala Botanical Garden. You will also get to visit Strawberry farms and pick your own strawberries and observe how your tea is plucked and sent to you while enjoying a hot cup of Ceylon tea.

Lunch at Ramboda Falls restaurant. Ramboda Falls restaurant offers you a range of Sri Lankan and international cousines for you to select from.

Prior to checking in to the hotel in Nuwara Eliya visit the Strawberry farm en-route,

Strawberry Farm in Nuwara Eliya – Strawberry Farms can be reached via Hakgala, Ambewela Road, New Zealand Farm Road. Freshly picked Strawberries are available at many outlets and cafes that serve Strawberry drinks, Ice cream pancakes etc. and very moderating priced. Grown at Ambewela Farm. Adam Agro, Rose Garden and many other farms located in Nuwara Eliya. This could be nothing comparing to the strawberry farms in European countries but for Sri Lanka this is ample.

Check in to your hotel in Nuwara Eliya, experience an Indian dinner at the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya.

Day 07

After an early breakfast at the hotel, visit the Ambewela farm,

Ambewela is a hill station, located in the Nuwara Eliya District. The area is also called “Little New Zealand” as it has the look of New Zealand with cows eating grass in the meadows. Due to the high altitude, the mean annual temperature in the area is below 17°C. Frost is common during the Winter. Home for  local dairy farms, Ambewela is also the highest (in altitude) and widest grassland in Sri Lanka which is also a service center to the New Galway tea planting district. Situated en-route to Horton Plaines and World’s End there is a high chance you will be able to spot Mammals such as the Sambar Deer, Leopard dominate the majority of the forest covering the area. Similar to Horton Plains and Ohiya, this site is also one of the Important Bird Areas in the country, making the area a famous location for birdwatching as well.

Upon completion have lunch at Ambewela and take the train ride from Ambewela to Ella,

Ella – Ella is a small town situated at an elevation of 1041 meters above sea level. Ella is considered as one of the musts visits of Sri Lanka due to its rich bio diversity, varieties of flora and fauna and its cool climate. Surrounded by tea plantations, forests, hills and clouds that covers, the town is like a picture out of a fairy tale with the misty mountains and spectacular natural views. Ella is most famous for the view through the Ella gap which is stunning and on a cloudless night you can see the glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on Sri Lankas south coast.  There is a selection of waterfalls, tea plantations and temples an adventurer can visit in Ella. It is also one of the preferred destinations for hikers and back packers.

Check in to your hotel in Ella. Dinner at Chill restaurant Ella.

Café Chill Ella – Cafe Chill is located in the heart of Ella offers delicious international cuisine, while chill music is enjoyed day and night, this restaurant is the perfect place to relax, have a drink feel the Ella vibes. Open for all three meals, the kitchen closes at 10pm meanwhile the bar is closes at 12:30am.

Return to your hotel for the overnight stay.

Day 08 – 10

After breakfast transfer to Unawatuna, lunch at a local restaurant in Tangalle,

Unawatuna – Unawatuna is most famous for its sandy beaches and corals. It is home to endangered purple faced langur, a shy monkey species that can only be found in Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is a seashore dotted with thousands of trees, coconuts and palms and rich in biodiversity. Even though the town is small, it has great shopping vendors, guesthouses, trendy restaurants and lot of activities to choose from. The wide stretched beeches offer good swimming spots and sunbeds to rest and sunbath. There is also a little walk to a Pagoda statue overlooking the bay. The beach is directly connected to the city centre with lot of restaurants and bars so at the end of a relaxing day, you can have a delicious meal and enjoy your favourite drink.

Check in to the hotel and relax at the beach,

Day 09

Relax in the beach. Overnight stay in Unawatuna

Day 10 – 13

After breakfast transfer to Galle, if you are interested, you can visit a Snake farm in Weligama,

Snake Farm in Weligama – A place to be educated about snakes of course if you dare, you can touch them carry them on your neck and get to know the purpose of these reptiles for the environment.  A simple fact being the protection of fields by preying on rats, preventing agricultural losses and protecting urban areas. There are great stories of this farmer who from generation to generation has been catching and breeding snakes for education purposes.

Visit the Galle Dutch Fortress and do a city tour of Galle,

Galle City – Galle, the capital of Southern province. Before the Portuguese ruling of the country it was also considered a major port because of the natural harbour. The city is a fusion of the Portuguese & native architecture and maybe that is why it has become a must visit tourist attraction. The Galle fort which is the biggest feature of the city is considered as a world heritage and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by a European occupier. While in Galle you can visit National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral and Galle International Stadium. Tourists prefer the famous Tuk Tuk tour in the city which will gain you first-hand experience about the city and the locals.

Have a Homestay in Galle. Dinner with a local family in Galle.

Day 11

Prepare yourself for a cooking lesson with a local family a local meal,

Cooking Lesson – Stay with a family and get the opportunity to learn the skill of authentic Sri Lankan cooking. You can visit local market with a family member to source fresh produce and spices – perhaps the most important lesson of the day. Afterwards they will teach you, step by step, how to make a traditional Sri Lankan meal with sea food which you will get to enjoy for lunch or dinner. Cooking lessons are given in either the morning or afternoon, so that you can enjoy your own Sri Lankan dish you cooked for lunch or dinner.

Day 12

After breakfast transfer to a hotel in Galle for relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 13

After breakfast transfer to Colombo, visit the Moonstone mine en-route,

Moonstone Mines – Moonstone, considered to be the most valuable variety of feldspar, is the opalescent variety of orthoclase. Its schiller or adolescence is caused by the intergrowth of two different types of feldspar, with different refractive indexes. The reflection caused by light gives it an opalescent quality, Moonstone is usually whitish-blue, but can be colorless, yellow, orange, gray, or even red. Like many gems found in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, most often moonstones occur as pebbles and irregular masses in gem-gravels and clay-deposits.

Moonstone Mines – Moonstone, considered to be the most valuable variety of feldspar, is the opalescent variety of orthoclase. Its schiller or adolescence is caused by the intergrowth of two different types of feldspar, with different refractive indexes. The reflection caused by light gives it an opalescent quality, Moonstone is usually whitish-blue, but can be colorless, yellow, orange, gray, or even red. Like many gems found in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, most often moonstones occur as pebbles and irregular masses in gem-gravels and clay-deposits.

Upon completion, do a boat ride in Madhu river,

Madhu River Boat Safari – Take a boat ride through the Mangroves of Bentota, you will witness the diverse wildlife such as Water Monitor Lizards, River birds even a crocodile in their natural habitat while cruising through the third longest river in the country. Absorb the nature and enjoy the Mangroves which play a huge part in preventing soil erosion by acting as a natural barrier. This was well proved when the Tsunami strike down south in 2004. The biologists and ecologists find this place a treasure trove for the fertile soil in this region. There are many undiscovered species in the depth of this mangrove forest.

Continue to Colombo and check in to your hotel. Evening proceed on a street food walk in Colombo,

Street Food Walk in Colombo – This could be your favorite part of the stay in Colombo, starting from Galle Face Green, there are many hot spots in Colombo famous for delicious street food, as you walk along the Galle Face green you can try the ‘Isso Wadey”, a short eat made of Dhal, flour and prawns served warm with a sambol will surely warm up your taste buds for the street food walk, you might find these a little spicy as Sri Lankan is a spice country the people are so used to spicy food. Hulfsdrop is another location in Colombo for a variety of street foods such as Samosas, Patties, Rolls, Coconut rotties and also the western snacks like burgers, submarines, various types of soups as well. You must try a traditional Sri Lankan Kottu, as Colombo serves the best of Kottu in Sri Lanka. Definitely you will not be disappointed once you have done the Street food walk.

Return to your hotel for the overnight stay.

Day 14

Departure