Sri Lanka Special - 9 Days Package

Day 1 : Colombo Katunayake Airport Kandy

Dinner: Evening Meal
Travel Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Welcome to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka!

Upon your arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a designated guide from Esna Holidays. Once the airport formalities are completed, you'll be accompanied to your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic transfer to Kandy.

Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Nestled in the village of Pinnawala, this sanctuary serves as a home, nursery, and breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. Boasting the world's largest captive elephant herd, Pinnawala is home to a diverse population, with elephants spanning three generations. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), the orphanage aims to care for and safeguard orphaned elephants found wandering in the forests of Sri Lanka.

Your journey will also include a visit to the Spice Garden in Mawanella, where you'll discover the array of spices that have made Sri Lanka famous. Here, you'll gain insight into the cultivation and processing of these aromatic treasures.

Upon arrival in Kandy, you'll check in to your hotel and have the remainder of the day at your leisure to relax and unwind.
Enjoy a delightful dinner and spend the night in Kandy, immersed in the charm of this historic city.

Day 2 : Kandy Sightseeing

Breakfast and Dinner Schedule:
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before embarking on the Kandy City Tour.

Explore the sights of Kandy, such as Upper Lake Drive, Market Crafts Centre, and the Gem Museum. Known as the hill capital, Kandy hosts the annual Perahera and holds historical significance as the last bastion of the Sinhala Kings, eventually ceded to the British in 1815.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant Cultural Show featuring traditional dances.
Return to your hotel for a delightful dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 3 : Kandy Nuwara Eliya

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Enjoy a delightful breakfast before checking out from the hotel and embarking on a journey to Nuwara Eliya.

During the journey, make a stop at the Royal Botanical Garden in Kandy. This majestic garden, spanning 147 acres, dates back to 1374 and was originally established as a pleasure garden for the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. With over 5,000 species of trees, plants, and creepers, including rare and endemic varieties, as well as flora from around the tropical world, the garden offers a captivating experience. Don't miss the popular attractions like the Spice Garden and Orchid House. As you explore, admire the beauty of the five Palm Avenues, the oldest and tallest being the Royal Palm Avenue planted in 1905. Witness the unique Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, boasting the largest seed of all plants in the world.

En route, indulge in a "Tea Experience" by visiting a plantation and witnessing firsthand the tea-making process. Introduced to the island by the British in 1850, Ceylon Tea is renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality and has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka's economy for generations. With the ideal climate and altitude, the hill-country of Sri Lanka produces the most flavorsome tea. A guided tour of a Tea Factory offers valuable insights into the intricate tea production process.

Continue your journey with a visit to the breathtaking Ramboda Waterfalls, standing tall at 109 meters (358 feet) and ranked as the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and the 729th highest in the world. Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the Pussellawa area, the waterfall is formed by the Panna Oya, a tributary of the Kothmale Oya. Its altitude of 945 meters (3,100 feet) above sea level adds to its allure, making it a must-see attraction on your tour.

Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as the 'Little England' of Sri Lanka, awaits you with its charming landscapes of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and tea plantations. Experience the cool climate reminiscent of an English spring day, with temperatures dropping pleasantly at night. The British influence is evident throughout the town, with houses resembling country cottages or Queen Anne-style mansions. Take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a picnic at Victoria Park, a serene oasis in the heart of Nuwara Eliya known for its diverse birdlife.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind.Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 4 : Nuwara Eliya Sightseeing

Breakfast and Dinner in Nuwara Eliya:
Nuwara Eliya, nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a scenic marvel often dubbed as "Little England" for its temperate climate, sprawling tea estates, and colonial-era architecture. Amidst its verdant hills and valleys, a plethora of outdoor pursuits awaits, from invigorating hikes to leisurely cycling and horseback riding adventures. Explorers can delve into the city's array of attractions, including the enchanting Victoria Park, the tranquil waters of Gregory Lake, and the botanical splendor of Hakgala Gardens. Nuwara Eliya's tea culture is also renowned, with opportunities to savor its renowned brew at local plantations and factories dotting the landscape.

Queen Victoria Park stands as a serene oasis in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, paying homage to its namesake monarch and the British colonial legacy. Spanning approximately 27 acres, the park boasts manicured lawns, vibrant floral displays, and a diverse array of exotic flora. A centerpiece lake offers moments of tranquility, inviting visitors to partake in leisurely boat rides or serene fishing expeditions. Revered by tourists and locals alike, Queen Victoria Park offers respite from urban hustle, particularly enchanting amidst the vibrant blooms of spring and summer.
After a day of exploration, return to the comfort of your hotel for a delightful dinner and an overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 5 : Nuwara Eliya Bentota

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time: Approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading to Bentota.
On the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit some remarkable sites:

St. Clair's Falls, known as the "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka," is one of the broadest waterfalls in the country. It's part of the Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project, which affects six waterfalls.
Devon Falls, located 6 km west of Talawakele in the Nuwara Eliya District, is named after Devon, an English coffee planter. The falls cascade from a height of 97 meters, ranking as the 19th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
Kithulgala, renowned for its White Water Rafting adventures, offers more than just adrenaline-pumping activities. Just 100 km from Colombo, it's home to the historic Beli Lena Caves, where the prehistoric Balangoda Man is said to have lived.
Afterward, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
End your day with dinner and an overnight stay in Bentota.

Day 6 : Bentota Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, embark on a sightseeing adventure.

Experience the tranquility of a Madu River Boat Ride through the expansive 915-hectare Madu Ganga Estuary. Connected by two narrow channels to the Randombe Lake, this area forms a complex wetland system comprising 64 mangrove islets. In 2000, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conducted a comprehensive biodiversity survey of the region, unveiling the presence of no fewer than 10 major wetland vegetation types, supporting over 300 plant species and 248 species of vertebrates. Such remarkable diversity led to its classification under the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands in 2003.

Next, visit the Marine Turtle Conservation Center in Kosgoda. Globally, all seven species of marine turtles are endangered, with five of them nesting in Sri Lanka. Witnessing the process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born, and swimming back to the sea is truly captivating. The Kosgoda Conservation Project provides an ideal opportunity to learn about and observe these endangered species.Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.Enjoy a delicious dinner and stay overnight in Bentota.

Day 7 : Bentota Colombo

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before checking out from the hotel and heading to Colombo.

Along the way, indulge in Bentota water sports activities. From exhilarating jet skiing and windsurfing to tranquil paddleboarding and snorkeling, there's an activity for everyone. Immerse yourself in the colorful underwater world through scuba diving or unwind on a boat tour along the picturesque Bentota River. With its pleasant climate and inviting waters, Bentota offers the ideal blend of adventure and relaxation.
Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay in Colombo.

Day 8 : Colombo City Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
After enjoying a delightful breakfast, check out from the hotel and head to Colombo.
In the evening, embark on a City & Shopping Tour.

Colombo City Tour: Drive through the bustling commercial districts and serene residential areas, including Cinnamon Gardens. Explore Fort, once the British administrative hub and military stronghold. Visit Sea Street, renowned for its Goldsmiths' quarters within Pettah, as well as the vibrant Bazaar area featuring a Hindu Temple adorned with intricate stone carvings and the historic Dutch Church of Wolfe dhal dating back to 1749.

Colombo Shopping Tour: Immerse yourself in the vibrant capital, where cultural diversity, religions, and socioeconomic strata converge. Explore bustling markets, Independence Square, the upscale Odel Shopping Mall, Colombo City Center, One Galle Face, and shop for handcrafted treasures at Laksala, the state-owned handicrafts emporium. Discover the colonial charm of Dutch Hospital and peruse the exquisite gems at Premadasa Gems & Gallery.Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Colombo.

Dayn 9 : Colombo Airport

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