Itinerary in Detail
Day 01: Colombo
On your arrival in Sri Lanka you will be met at the airport by your chauffeur and transferred to Colombo. During the 60 minute journey from the airport you can catch a glimpse of Sri Lankan life.
Throngs of street vendors, tuk-tuks weaving crazily about in traffic, 60 seater busses that always seem come right at you are all part of the sights and sounds that would greet you on your way.
Upon arrival at the Galle Face Hotel, you can rest, relax and recover from jetlag. We will host you to a complimentary dinner in the evening. During this dinner we will answer all your questions regarding the tour and also familiarize you with general information.
Day 02: Kandy
Travel to Kandy after an early breakfast. Our first stop on the itinerary is the Pinnawela elephant orphanage. The orphanage is home to orphaned elephants as well as injured elephants.
Every day the entire herd is taken to the river across the street for a bath after which the smallest members are bottle fed. After watching the animals we travel onwards to Kandy. Arrive in Kandy late afternoon.
Relax at the hotel for a while and then visit the Kandy City where you will witness a colorful pageant featuring drummers, dancers and firewalking.
Spend the night in Kandy at a hotel with spectacular views of the surroundings.
Day 03: Kandy
Travel to the Peradeniya gardens after breakfast. The botanical garden was the pleasure gardens of the last king of Kandy and is the largest of its kind in Sri Lanka. After exploring the gardens return to Kandy and visit the Museum and the Temple of the tooth.
Return to the hotel and relax in the evening.
Day 04: Nuwara Eliya
Leaving Kandy travel a short distance to Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is a town 2040m above sea level. This town is popular amongst the locals and is packed during the annual new holidays break in April.
It is however quiet during the rest of the year. The architecture of the town is predominantly British influenced and is often referred to as “little England”.
On arrival in Nuwara Eliya you may relax at the hotel or explore the town.
Day 05 – Day 06: Castlereigh
Meet at dawn with our Naturalist and travel to the Horton Plains. This high altitude nature reserve is home to large numbers of Samburs and a few Leopards.
There are also quite a few unique plants found only at this reserve. With Lal as your guide you would truly appreciate the uniqueness of this nature reserve. The highlight of Horton plains is the “World’s End”.
The worlds end is a sheer cliff face of 880m. It offers some breathtaking views and on a clear day you can see the Indian Ocean 50 Km away.
Bidding farewell to Lal we travel to Hatton and into the heart of the tea trails to arrive at your planter’s bungalow overlooking the Castlereigh Reservoir. This beautifully restored bungalow has classic wooden furnishings and fireplaces.
Relax in total comfort and have your meals in the dining room or on the Terrace. Play a game of croquet, swim or explore the surrounding tea trails.
Summer houses offer the option of relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book. Watch the sunset over the lake and sip sundowners on the terrace.
Day 07: Kitulgala
Travel to Kitulgala a small town en route to Colombo and the location for the famous movie "Bride on the River Kwai". Kitulgala is also home to some of the best whitewater rafting in Sri Lanka. The grade 2 and 3 rapids are safe for even beginners and offer the more experienced excitement.
The eco lodge is also a birdwatchers paradise with many of Sri Lanka's endemic species including the frogmouth and the Red Faced Malkoha being spotted here. You can whitewater raft, explore the caves nearby, visit the forest crossing over in a dugout or relax with a glass of fresh toddy.
Day 08: Colombo
Leave Kitulgala and head to Colombo. Arriving in Colombo at noon time you may visit the various clothing and souvenir shops or relax at the hotel.
Day 09:Airport
Depart in good time for your flight back home.
