Ceylon Food Trails, Wildlife and Beach

Arrive Colombo Airport

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Please clear immigration and visa formalities collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS Executive will page you by your name at the arrival lounge. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to the assigned hotel.

Colombo City Tour & Welcome Dinner

It is traditionally centred around Fort, a business district with its roots as a fortified Portuguese trading post, and the green waters of Beira Lake, all facing out to sea. Hot and busy, recent years have seen Colombo gradually transform from a place visitor could not avoid to a fascinating destination well worth exploring. In this tour, you will visit famous attractions like The Independence Square, BMICH and the Aukana Buddha Statue replica, SSC Cricket Club and Sri Lanka Cricket Head office, Cinnamon Gardens and Colombo highly residential area, Beautiful Gangarama Temple and Seemamalaka overlooking the Beira Lake, Galle Face Green & Colombo National Museum. Evening, enjoy a Welcome dinner in one of the popular local restaurants specializing in multi-cuisine. Inspired by multi-cultural influences, Sri Lanka’s reputation as a food destination is well-deserved, and discover why with your passionate curator.

Travel to Dambulla (En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temple)

Tucked in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, the humble town of Dambulla is a treasure trove of historical monuments that are definitely worth a visit. Dambulla is also home to the largest rose quartz mountain in South Asia and the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Of all the places to visit in Dambulla, the amazing Dambulla cave temple complex must be first on your list. Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the first century BC and considered to hold the most breath-taking masterpieces of Buddhist Art in Sri Lanka. The complex spans five caves and contains over 150 Buddha images, some of which date as far back as the 1st century BC. The most elaborate and spectacular of the caves is the massive reclining Buddha statue rests in the background. On our way we stop by a roadside fruit market to taste the seasonal fruits. After exploring the cave complex, step outside and witness a beautiful view of the nearby countryside.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Wildlife Safari at Minneriya National Park

Rise early for your journey to the magnificent rock-top fortress of Sigiriya, a 5th century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through picturesque water and boulder gardens, past the pools and fountains, and climb past the ancient and colossal Lion’s Paws to a steep winding 200-meter high staircase. Pause during your ascent to admire the mirror wall and the famous Sigiriya frescoes. Upon reaching the summit you will admire 360-degree breath-taking views of the surrounding jungle and hills. Afternoon, proceed for a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. The Park is based largely around a huge tank (reservoir) and serves as the largest assembling of Asian Elephants at any given time. Besides elephants, Minneriya is also home to many species of mammals like the deer, sambur sloth bear and a variety of birds. During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze at the reservoir.

Cooking Demonstration

Walk into a Local Paddy cultivation farm where the surrounding is all paddy fields and vegetable farms. Learn how to prepare a range of authentic dishes. This private cooking demo offers an immersive introduction to the country’s culinary traditions. The class will take you through the spices used in Sri Lankan food and general preparation techniques. The local chef will cook with you a delicious meal which you can then enjoy at leisure afterward.

Travel to Kandy (En-route visit Matale Spice Garden)

Today we travel to Kandy nestled in the plateau in central Sri Lanka, Kandy Highland is a paradise getaway surrounded by mountains, tea plantations, and a rainforest known for its biodiversity. The city reveals imposing colonial era and Kandyan architecture, none more impressive than the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most sacred shrines. En-route visit Matale spice plantation and try different spices and herbs, helping you gain an insight into the long spice history of the island. Step into the unpolluted, green garden, where you can see how herbs and spices are grown in their natural environment, then learn about its medicinal values and use in Sri Lankan cuisine to enhance the taste of specialty meals. Find various products made from the garden's herbs and spices at the onsite shop.

Assistance on Arrival (Visit Peradenaiya Botanical Garden)

Assistance on arrival and visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants, and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest Palm Avenue (Royal Palm Avenue) was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world is one such avenue.

Kandy City Tour (Visit to the Temple of Tooth relic & Gem Museum, Upper lake and Evening cultural show)

This morning we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kandy and visit multiple highlights of the UNESCO listed city. Start your day with hotel pickup at 9:00 am and head to your first stop, visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth. This temple has a burgeoning history spanning several centuries and is the home of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. Then walk around the Kandy Lake and to the Upper Lake area where you can get a beautiful view of Kandy. Next to the Gem Museum and enjoy a short film on how gemstones are mined in Sri Lanka then explore the shop attached showcasing the finished jewelry. In the evening enjoy a spectacular Kandy Cultural Show, which will give you the opportunity to watch various traditional Kandyan dances and acts.

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Travel to Nuwara Eliya also nicknamed Little England, rest & recuperate center of the colonial British tea planters and dignitaries. The smoking steeples, British Tudor style architecture, misty mountains covered in tea plantations, and a lake to stroll along with feeling like a perfect holiday. Listed are some top things to see and do if you wish to explore the town. Enjoy a 20 minutes speedboat ride on Gregory Lake for a few hundred rupees. Enjoy a stroll in Victoria Park, spreads out on 27 acres of land and is full of trees and flowers. Roam the Winter Market The Bale Bazaar because they sell winter clothes for the cold Nuwara Eliya weather. Visit Ambewela Farm, Just a little bit out of town and you reach the rolling hills of Ambewela where the cows roam free to graze in turns. Hike along the Horton Plains to World's End a drop-off at the edge of a huge cliff at the end of the Horton Plains plateau.

Arrive Nuwara Eliya (Tea Tour)

On arrival, we enjoy a tour around the famous tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya, a land of tea estates and waterfalls! If you arrive in the morning you may witness the tea pickers at work, carefully picking the “two leaves and bud” that go into making the Pure Ceylon Tea. Later take a guided tour of the tea factory and learn about the next stage in the production of tea making. The full process involves Tea Plucking, Withering, Rolling, Fermentation, Firing and Sorting/Grading before it is bulk packed to be sent to the tea auctions in Colombo. After the tour, enjoy a cup of tea that is made here, sitting on the café balcony that overlooks the stunning tea plantations.

Horton Plains Excursion & High-Tea at Grand Hotel

Today we wake up early and travel to Horton Plains for an excursion with your chauffeur guide. Walk through the grasslands, patches of evergreen forests and cloud forests interspersed with freshwater streams and mist-covered swamps. This UNESCO designated Natural World Heritage site, being a biodiversity hotspot is one of the best places to observe various species of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. However, the key attraction at Horton Plains is a sheer precipice with an 870m drop called “World’s End” from where one can see the Baker’s fall. Enjoy a pleasant afternoon ‘High Tea’ Sri Lankan style either in the open-sided Grand Tea Lounge or on the beautifully manicured lawn of the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya. Presented on the typical tiered stands, you will be served anything from sushi, spring rolls and burger sliders, to the more traditional triangular sandwiches, scones and dainty cakes, all washed down with some delicious single estate and blended Ceylon tea.

Ella city tour excursion

We wake up early and travel to Ella with your packed breakfast. Do a full-day tour to Ella, the famous mountain village and a paradise of hills with stunning views. Start your day from Ella rock, which is a great activity for those that are really interested in hiking and trekking, through tranquil woodland and tea plantations. It is wise to head up first thing in the morning for amazing panoramic views. Climb down from Ella rock and transfer by Tuk-tuk to visit nine arches bridge which is one of the iconic bridges in Sri Lanka, located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. This massive bridge has been built entirely of solid rocks, bricks, and cement without using a single piece of steel. When one stands underneath it and looks up there is a beautiful sight of ‘nine skies’ through the nine arches, hence it’s called as Nine skies bridge. Lunch is provided at a Local Restaurant on direct payment.

Travel to Bentota

Today we travel to Bentota, thrilling water sports and palm-fringed golden beaches are all part of the many discoveries that lie in store. This beach town provides travelers with unbounded access to a plethora of places to visit and many exciting things to do in Kalutara. Explore nearby top attractions like the Kalutara Maha Bodhi, it was constructed completely hollow in the place of the previous pagoda that was destroyed in colonial times. Richmond Castle built in the 1900s is a mansion that was constructed by the officer in charge of Kalutara. Thudugala Ella is a waterfall that appears as if two falls are stacked on top of each other.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel.

Day at leisure

Day at leisure to relax by the ocean or explore on own. Calm seas and miles of pristine beaches make this laid-back resort town a favourite holiday playground. Bentota is a mecca for watersports: try scuba diving in the coral-rich waters, go deep-sea fishing on a traditional outrigger canoe, or try your hand at windsurfing on the resort’s gentle waves. As evening approaches, sample the local cuisine with a dinner of fresh-caught seafood before watching a memorable sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Day at leisure

Day at leisure to relax by the ocean or explore on own. Calm seas and miles of pristine beaches make this laid-back resort town a favourite holiday playground. Bentota is a mecca for watersports: try scuba diving in the coral-rich waters, go deep-sea fishing on a traditional outrigger canoe, or try your hand at windsurfing on the resort’s gentle waves. As evening approaches, sample the local cuisine with a dinner of fresh-caught seafood before watching a memorable sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Travel to Colombo

Today travel to Colombo. on the western coast of the island, Colombo is a sprawling city home to over five million people. It is traditionally centered around Fort, a business district with its roots as a fortified Portuguese trading post, and the green waters of Beira Lake, all facing out to sea. Hot and busy, recent years have seen Colombo gradually transform from a place visitor could not avoid to a fascinating destination well worth exploring. Its historic quarters and grand 19th-century architecture have been restored, the seafront spruced up and cosmopolitan vibe revived with numerous museums, galleries, and characterful eateries opening that celebrates its unique and diverse heritage. The city is dotted with temples, shrines, cafes, markets and is best explored by Tuk Tuk or in the safety of your vehicle.

Farewell Dinner and Colombo Departure

Evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in one of the popular local restaurants specializing in multi-cuisine. Inspired by multi-cultural influences, Sri Lanka’s reputation as a food destination is well-deserved, and discover why with your passionate curator. The restaurant is located in bustling Colombo, which sets the ideal ambiance for an intimate Sri Lankan dinner. Enjoy warm-hearted hospitality and listen to fascinating tales about old Ceylon and its culinary heritage as you enjoy nibbles of delicious Sri Lankan dishes. Inspired by inheritance recipes, each dish is curated using ingredients of impeccable quality. You are given the opportunity to try various dishes that boast a distinctive identity hailing from different parts of the island. Finally, wrap up your Ceylonese dinner with an authentic Sri Lankan dessert. Later in time transfer to Colombo international airport to board your flight home.