Essence of Ceylon is the ideal vacation to be familiarized with Sri Lanka known as the wonder of Asia. This tour is designed for an octet of days concentrating on island’s culture, wild life, sceneries and beaches which are the four main culminations of the country. Tour destinations are perched on the famed tourist attractions enabling the guests to experience the best of the island within a weeks’ time.
Having arrived in Sri Lanka you will be greeted by both our Travel Design representative and your chauffeur guide at the airport itself. Take a leisurely drive to Negombo and check in to your hotel. Recover any Jetlag, relax and spend your time at leisure. Relax by the pool; enjoy some of the finest watersports available at the hotel. Overnight stay at Negombo
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin the journey to Sigiriya, en-route you have the option to visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, providing homes for orphaned and injured elephants.
Arrive at Sigiriya, check in.
Evening, hike Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, being named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also famous for Sigiriya Frescos, the Mirror Wall, the Boulder Gardens, and the water gardens. The kingdom is believed to be the kingdom of King Kashyapa who believed to be the founder of most of the structures of the palace which you will find at the rock summit. Overnight in Sigiriya
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel enjoy a visit to Polonnaruwa, the second kingdom of Sri Lanka. Identify the various sites and temples within the Polonnaruwa Kingdom not forgetting to take the mini detour from the main site to Gal Vihara Temple Complex where three postures of Lord Buddha is carved out of one massive rock mass depicting the craftsmanship of the ancient civilization of Sri Lanka.
Later proceed to Tropical Village for a memorable lunch experience together with a cookery demonstration to be introduced to the fine culinary arts of Sri Lanka. In the afternoon join in the gentle giants where the annual elephant gathering takes place by the Minneriya Tank. Spend the evening exploring the Minneriya National park from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Overnight stay will be in Sigiriya
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin the journey to Kandy, the last capital of Sri Lanka. Blessed by a cool yet calm and soothing climate, Kandy is famous for its natural beauty and landscapes. Arrive at the Kandy city where the old charms of Kandy is yet to be witnessed and is also named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a visit to Temple of the Tooth Relic, believed to be the home of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha (optional).
Evening spend the time at leisure at the bungalow; enjoy a swim by the pool overlooking the magical scenery and greenery of the bungalow. Overnight stay at the bungalow
After a mouthwatering breakfast at the hotel proceed to Nuwara Eliya via train ride, a magical journey through the misty mountains and beautifully cascaded waterfalls. Enjoy the view as you pass virgin mountains and tea carpeted valley and enjoy the aroma of freshly plucked tea as it is processed in a nearby tea factory.
Your chauffer guide will pick you at the Nanu Oya Station and drive you to explore the process of manufacturing black tea. Enjoy a cup of tea while learning the art of tea grading. Arrive at the bungalow, live the life of a planter this afternoon, your personal butler will attend to all your needs.
After a truly Sri Lankan yet personalized breakfast at the bungalow, check out and begin the journey to Yala, famous for wild life activities and nature. En-route you have the option to stop at Hakgala Botanical Gardens to explore flora and fauna and as well as a stop at Ravana Ella Falls.
You also have the option to stop at Ella to view the Ella Gap and Bandarawela to take a detour to visit Lipton Seat stopping at Wellawaya for a Sri Lankan meal straight from the “Kamatha”.
Arrive at Tissamaharama, check in at the hotel, and relax the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Tissamaharama
After breakfasts at the hotel proceed to Galle; another UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the Dutch Fort in Galle, one of the only remaining Dutch Forts in Asia. Meet Atheek – as he takes you through the vast maze that is the Historic Galle Fort. This exciting one hour walk will take you back to how life was during the colonial period. You will learn the history of the Fort; the largest “living” fort in Asia, and its inhabitants; meet the descendants of the original fort families, visit buildings and landmarks that have stood the test of time, learn about the spice trade, and most importantly, sit down for some quality time with Juliet at the end of your walk, where you will recap your days’ learning over a hot cup of spice tea.
As all good things come to an end, you will be safely driven to the airport for your flight home. Departure
