Sri Lanka Special - 8 Days Package

Day 1 : Colombo (Katunayake) Airport Kandy

Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be greeted by a designated guide from Esna Holidays. After completing the formalities, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle for your transfer to Kandy.

Your First Destination: Kandy
En Route: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Spice Garden
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Located in Pinnawala village, this orphanage, nursery, and captive breeding ground is home to the world's largest herd of captive elephants. As of 2011, it housed 96 elephants, including 43 males and 68 females spanning three generations. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation, the orphanage aims to care for and protect orphaned wild elephants found in and around the forests of Sri Lanka.
Spice Garden
Experience the rich variety of spices for which Sri Lanka is renowned. You'll be introduced to various spices and learn about their cultivation and processing.
Check into your hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 2 : Kandy Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After an appetizing breakfast, check out from the hotel and commence your sightseeing tour of Kandy.
Explore Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, the Market Crafts Centre, and the Gem Museum. Kandy, the hill capital and venue of the annual Perahera, was the last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, which was finally ceded to the British in 1815.
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, a majestic botanical garden spanning 147 acres. Established in 1374 as a pleasure garden for the Kings of Gampola and Kandy, it boasts more than 5,000 species of trees, plants, and creepers, including rare and endemic flora from the tropical world. The Spice Garden and Orchid House are particularly popular with tourists. The gardens are adorned with five Palm Avenues, the oldest and tallest being the Royal Palm Avenue, planted in 1905. One avenue features Double Coconuts from the Seychelles Islands, which have the largest seeds of any plant in the world.
In the evening, enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional dances.
Transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 3 : Kandy Nuwara Eliya

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes
After indulging in a delightful breakfast, proceed towards Nuwara Eliya. Along the way, make a stop at the majestic Ramboda Waterfalls, standing tall at 109 meters (358 feet), ranking as the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 729th highest worldwide. Located in the scenic Pussellawa area, along the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass, this waterfall is formed by the Panna Oya, a tributary of the Kothmale Oya. Sitting at an altitude of 945 meters (3,100 feet) above sea level, it offers breathtaking views and countless photo opportunities, making it an essential stop during your exploration of the region.
During the journey, take a pause to *Walk Through a Tea Plantation, where the process begins with the meticulous plucking of "two leaves and a bud." Introduced to the island in the 1850s by the British, Ceylon Tea has gained global acclaim for its exceptional quality and has remained a cornerstone of the island's economy for generations.

Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay, immersing yourself in the charm of this beautiful destination.

Day 4 : Nuwara Eliya Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Start your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a sightseeing adventure in Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, boasts stunning vistas of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and tea plantations. Despite being one of the coolest places on the island, it offers a climate akin to an English spring day, albeit with cooler temperatures at night. Evidence of British influence abounds in the architecture, with houses reminiscent of country cottages and Queen Anne-style mansions. The Victoria Park, situated in the heart of the town, is an enchanting spot for a leisurely stroll or a picturesque picnic. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the park's diverse avian population, offering glimpses of rare species amidst the lush greenery.

The Queen Victoria Park,, centrally located in Nuwara Eliya, is a must-visit destination. Established in honor of Queen Victoria's 60th Jubilee Coronation in 1897, this park is adorned with vibrant flowers and provides tranquil spaces for relaxation and enjoyment. Featuring a dedicated play area for children and a scenic train tour for adults, it is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities and abundant flora. Victoria Park truly comes alive with the colorful bloom of flowers.

Gregory Lake, originally constructed in 1873, is a prominent landmark in Nuwara Eliya. This picturesque lake, also known as Lake Gregory, was once a wetland that has been transformed into a captivating waterbody. Popular among tourists for recreational activities, the lake serves as an ideal setting for leisurely picnics and family gatherings. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance and marvel at the beauty of the surroundings. Capture timeless memories amidst the scenic backdrop, as the allure of Gregory Lake promises an unforgettable experience. Transfer to your hotel for a relaxing evening followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 5 : Nuwara Eliya Bentota

Enjoy a delightful breakfast before embarking on your journey to Bentota, with an estimated travel time of approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes.
Along the way, take a moment to marvel at the breathtaking beauty of St. Clair’s and Devon Waterfalls. St. Clair’s Fall, often dubbed the "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka," is renowned for its impressive width and is among the six waterfalls affected by the Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project. Devon Fall, situated 6 kilometers west of Talawakele in the Nuwara Eliya District, stands at a majestic height of 97 meters and is named after Devon, an English coffee planter whose plantation lies nearby.

Kithulgala beckons with its allure, renowned not only for its exhilarating White Water Rafting adventures but also for its rich history. Just 100 kilometers from Colombo, this spot boasts the historic Beli Lena Caves, believed to have been inhabited by the pre-historic Balangoda Man.
After your exploration, proceed to your hotel in Bentota for a relaxing evening. Indulge in a delicious dinner and unwind for the night, anticipating the adventures that await tomorrow.

Day 6 : Bentota Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a captivating city tour of Bentota.
Experience the serene beauty of the Madu River with a scenic boat ride through the expansive 915-hectare Madu Ganga Estuary. This estuary is intricately connected to the Randombe Lake by two narrow channels, creating a rich wetland ecosystem that comprises 64 mangrove islets. In 2000, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conducted an extensive biodiversity survey of the area, uncovering the presence of over 300 plant species and 248 vertebrate species across 10 distinct wetland vegetation types. This exceptional diversity led to its classification under the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands in 2003.

Next, delve into the world of marine turtle conservation at Kosgoda. Globally, all seven species of marine turtles face endangerment, with five of them choosing Sri Lanka's shores for nesting. Witness the awe-inspiring process of marine turtles laying eggs, hatchlings emerging, and making their way back to the ocean. The Kosgoda Conservation Project offers a unique opportunity to learn and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Conclude the day's adventures with a transfer back to the hotel for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay in Bentota.

Day 7 : Bentota Colombo

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Morning:
Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast.
Check out from the hotel and proceed to Colombo.
Evening:
City & Shopping Tour:
Colombo City Tour: Drive through the city, exploring both bustling commercial areas and serene, tree-lined residential districts such as Cinnamon Gardens. Visit key landmarks including Fort (the former British administrative center and military garrison), Sea Street (the goldsmiths' quarters in the heart of Pettah), the Bazaar area (home to a Hindu temple with elaborate stone carvings), and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal, which dates back to 1749.
Colombo Shopping Tour: Experience the commercial and administrative hub of Sri Lanka, a blend of diverse cultures, religions, and socioeconomic classes. Visit popular spots such as bargain markets, Independence Square, Odel Shopping Mall, Colombo City Center, One Galle Face, the Laksala state-owned handicrafts emporium, Dutch Hospital, and Premadasa Gems & Gallery.
Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Colombo.

Day 8 : Colombo Airport

Hote None 
Meals Breakfast 
Travelling Time: Approx. 01 Hours
Transfer to Airport for the flight back.