Sri Lanka at Leisure
07 Days / 06 Nights Holiday Package
07 Days / 06 Nights Holiday Package
A relaxed and unhurried journey through Sri Lanka's finest sights, allowing you to savour every experience at your own pace. This carefully crafted 07-day itinerary takes you from the island's ancient cultural heartland - through the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and the spice gardens of Matale - to the colonial charm of Kandy, the refreshing tea highlands of Nuwara Eliya, the thrilling white-water rapids of Kitulgala, and the vibrant streets of Colombo.
On arrival, you will be met by a WonderScapes Travels representative, following which, begin your journey to Kandalama via Pinnawala.
En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Founded in 1975, the orphanage was initially created to care for seven orphaned elephants. While it also attracted tourism interest, its primary focus gradually shifted toward elephant conservation and education, developing into an important centre dedicated to the care, protection, and study of elephants.
The free movement of the herd allowed natural interactions between male and female elephants. The nearby river also played an important role, and in 1984, the first elephant was born at Pinnawala. It is significant that some of the orphan elephants have even seen their "grandchildren" being born here! The success story of Pinnawala has drawn the attention of scientists from all over the world, and a considerable number of books and research articles on the orphanage have been published in several languages.
Visitors today have the chance to get up close to these majestic creatures, be it during feeding time or when they all head to the nearby river for a cooling and sometimes playful bath.
Following your visit, transfer to your hotel in Kandalama. Overnight stay in Kandalama.
After a scrumptious breakfast, head to Sigiriya, the fifth-century rock citadel built during the reign of King Kasyapa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent fortress showcases the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan engineering and planning, and is one of the island's most remarkable monuments, rich in art and culture.
Climb to the summit and pass through the remains of the colossal Lion's Paws, enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and serene lake vistas. Admire the iconic frescoes of the "Cloud Maidens", stroll along the famed Mirror Wall, and explore the ancient inscriptions and poems left by past visitors.
Finish your visit at the museum near the entrance, which offers a deeper understanding of the citadel's historical significance and the advanced irrigation system incorporated into its design.
Return back to your hotel to unwind and look back at the day's adventures. Overnight stay in Kandalama.
After a delicious breakfast, depart for Kandy, with a stop en route at a spice garden in Matale, famous for its wide variety of spices. During your visit, explore the different spices and learn about how they are cultivated and processed. You will also have the opportunity to witness a cookery demonstration, showcasing the use of these spices in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
Proceed from Matale to your hotel in Kandy and check in. You can leisurely spend the afternoon however you please. Overnight stay in Kandy.
After breakfast, proceed to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. The Royal Botanical Gardens were originally created during the reign of a Sinhala king as a pleasure garden for royalty. When the British took over the Kandyan Kingdom, they expanded and enhanced this picturesque site. Covering 147 acres, the gardens feature a diverse collection of trees, plants, and flowers, making it a perfect place to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature.
After visiting the gardens, begin a city tour of Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with much to explore. Drive around Kandy Lake, built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, in 1798. Explore the bustling Kandy town and bazaar, as well as the arts and crafts centre, gem museum, and lapidary. Finally, visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha and is the focal point of the annual Kandy Esala Perahera festival.
Thereafter, witness a cultural show which offers more insight into the city's rich culture and traditions.
End the day relaxing at your hotel. Overnight stay in Kandy.
After breakfast, proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit a tea plantation and tea factory in the region, renowned for producing some of the finest tea in the world. Here, you will learn about the tea manufacturing process and observe how the tea is graded. As part of the visit, enjoy a freshly brewed cup of pure Ceylon tea at the factory.
Thereafter, continue to Nuwara Eliya, a charming town known for its refreshing mountain climate and scenic beauty. It is one of the island's most popular hill resorts and the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country, renowned for producing high-quality Ceylon tea.
The nation's highest mountain, Pidurutalagala (8,282 feet), is located here. This picturesque hillside retreat is also home to one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in South Asia.
Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
After breakfast, proceed to Colombo via Kitulgala.
The scenic Kitulgala town is located in the Sabaragamuwa Province and served as one of the filming locations for the 1957 Oscar-winning film "Bridge on the River Kwai" directed by David Lean. Kitulgala is the most preferred destination in Sri Lanka for White Water Rafting, an intense water sport activity that allows enthusiasts to raft through the rapid currents of the untamed Kelani River.
Following your stop here, make your way to the island's commercial capital. Colombo has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. That rich heritage is reflected in its architecture, which blends colonial buildings with modern high-rises and bustling shopping malls.
The impressive Colombo National Museum, dedicated to Sri Lankan history, borders the sprawling Viharamahadevi Park with its giant Buddha statue. From vibrant markets to serene temples, colonial landmarks to contemporary attractions, Colombo offers a fascinating blend of old and new, making it a must-see destination on your Sri Lankan journey.
Overnight stay in Colombo.
After breakfast, it is time to transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's culture and landscapes.
Your accommodation, meal plan and transfers are tailored to your preferences & budget
Bring cool & comfortable clothing!
Sunscreen, flip flops, shoes and insect repellent will always come in handy
At all religious sites in Sri Lanka everyone is expected to dress respectfully in modest light coloured clothing with shoulders & knees covered
NO hats or footwear are allowed inside temples, so flip flops (which you would have to leave at the entrance) and an extra pair of socks are a good idea so you do not have to walk barefoot on the hot ground.
