Sri Lanka Travel Experience

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by an airport representative and a designated guide from Esna Holidays. After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and then proceed to Kandy. En-route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – IF TIME PERMITS

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: About 90 KM from Colombo towards Kandy is the home to some 100 or more elephant orphans. A place you will really enjoy and never forget. Most orphans are accustomed to their curious human visitors and are harmless. The Orphanage is open from 8.30am to 5.45pm and visitors can interact a little with the elephants during the regulated bathing and feeding times. You can watch them feeding at 9.15 am, 1.15 and 5.00 pm. Bath times are from 10 am until 12 noon and from 2 until 4 pm.

Visit Spice Garden- Sri Lanka is world renowned for its valued spices and healing herbs. Our lush spice and herbal gardens feature many important herbs such as Sandalwood, Margosa, Cocoa, Citronella, Almond, Jasmine, and Coconut. When visiting us, make the most of the chance to experience first-hand how cloves, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and saffron are grown in their natural surroundings. At Regent Spice and Herbal Garden, you can learn of their medicinal healing properties and how to use them in your day-to-day needs. Used worldwide in many medicines, the healing powers of spices have been respected from the time of the Pharaohs and Chinese Dynasties, while our herbs are used in Ayurvedic concoctions. 

Start Sightseeing in *Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Crafts Centre, Gem Museum. Kandy the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera the last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. 

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya– This majestic botanical garden is 147 acres in extent and was 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 which are rare and endemic, as well as flora from the tropical world, are found in the gardens. The Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest, 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

Visit Kandy Temple- The Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) was originally built by the Kandyan Kings in 1595, to house and honor the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Attracting crowds of white-clad pilgrims bearing lotus flowers for means of worship, the Maligawa features a myriad of intricate carvings that speak volumes of the architectural values of Kandy. Today the City of Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in part because of the Temple of the tooth relic.

Optional – Later evening experience at the Kandy Cultural Show. The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Be wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

Check into the hotel & relax. Overnight Stay at Kandy Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to Galle, enroute visit to Balapitiya for a Boat Safari at Madhu River.

Madu River Ride – Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Madu River, a relaxing trip with plenty of interesting stops. You pass dozens of islets forested with mangroves and can appreciate the timeless natural rhythms of rural life. You cruise in canopies, outboard motors powered boats, en route take in the view of a 200-year-old temple and watch the local’s cultivating cinnamon. You may also see traditional fishing techniques in action and can view demonstrations of coir manufacture and rope making. You can also see 46 species of birds reside in the area including 14 aquatic varieties. You will also spot huge water lilies and colorful butterflies.

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project (“KSTCP”)

Dudley Perera’s project has been underway since 1988. The main aim of the project is to monitor local sea turtle activity and conserve the local nesting sites. We aim to make the public more aware of how endangered these beautiful creatures are and just how important it is to help protect them before it is too late.

One of the most important activities of the project is its hatchery. Within the sanctuary of the project, collected and rescued eggs can hatch safely away from predators before being released into the sea at night-time. In addition, a certain number from each hatching are kept back for a short period for ‘headstarting’ before release. The hatchery program is designed to maximize the number of hatchlings reaching the sea and surviving through the critical stages of their early life. Only a few hatchlings from each batch will ever make it to adulthood. Therefore, every nest-ground, every egg, every hatchling, and every turtle is crucial to the survival of the species. Unfortunately, sea turtles face many dangers.

Optional

Bentota is famous for being a top beach in Sri Lanka as well as for its, river cruises and water sports, mainly due to having both river and beach around the location. Here’s our top picks for an unforgettable and adventurous experience in Bentota, Sri Lanka!

Jet Skiing

Jet Skiing is one of the most fun and adventurous water sporting activities in Bentota. Though its mostly enjoyed by the trill seeker, beginners can choose to be accompanied by an experienced instructor as well. This is a must do with your friends, family or with your loved ones while in Bentota.

Banana boat & Tube riding

Banana tube is like its name says, shaped like a banana and is attached to a ski boat by roap. The ride will guarantee that huge waves will come thrashing over your heads. While being suitable for any age, you can select from single rings, and sofa rides as well in Bentota.

Check into the hotel & relax. Overnight Stay at Galle Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the Galle Fort

Galle is a historical jewel to Sri Lanka wonderful to explore on foot. Among the endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums the ancient Dutch fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts the hearts of tourists. Stroll around the ancient city where you will find a gourmet of fancy restaurants and coffee shop to chill and relax. The beach side is surely a bliss which will make you want to lock yourself up in this sun kissed island and indulge in the sea breeze and endless blue waters. Return to the hotel and relax

Overnight Stay at Galle Hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the City of Colombo. The city tour of Colombo a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Visit Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a    Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha & the Independence Square.  

Evening Start Shopping in Colombo-The 5-hectare ribbon of beach stripe, the Galle face green is now the largest open space in Colombo that attracts hundreds of tourists and locals alike. Cotton Collection, House of Fashion and Odel, the largest departmental store in the island offers you stylish clothes to cute souvenirs with elegant Sri Lankan touch, also Beverly Street, visit bargain market in Colombo Pettah, Visit Noritake Showroom, Barefoot, Laksala, One Galle Face & Colombo City Center.

Check into the hotel & relax. Overnight Stay at Colombo Hotel.