Spanning seven days across Sri Lanka’s most iconic landscapes, this richly layered itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience the island without rushing. Begin with the gentle giants of Pinnawala and the aromatic spice gardens of Mawanella before arriving in Kandy — where a full extra day allows you to explore the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya at leisure, witness traditional Kandyan cultural dances, and soak in the timeless charm of the hill capital. From there, wind through the misty highlands to Nuwara Eliya, pausing at the spectacular Ramboda Falls and a world-renowned Ceylon tea plantation along the way. The descent to the south brings white water rafting at Kithulgala, the cascading beauty of St. Clair’s and Devon Falls, and a dedicated day at the coast — with a peaceful Madu River boat safari, a heartfelt visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, and thrilling water sports in Bentota. Your final full day in Colombo invites you to wander through colonial Fort, explore the vibrant bazaars of Pettah, and indulge in world-class shopping before bidding farewell to this extraordinary island.
Included/Excludee
Cost Includes
- Daily Guided Tours, excursions and transfers based on schedule
- Meals as specified on the itinerary above
- Accommodation in mentioned hotels or similar
- Arrival Grand Welcome by Esna Holidays
- Welcome Drinks at Every Hotel
- Coffee/Tea Making Facilities at every hotel
- Local Experienced Arabic / English Speaking Driver Cum Guide
- All Taxes
Cost Excludes
- Lunch throughout the tour
- Entrance Fees to sights
- Water Sport activity charges
- Tips & Porter age
- Visa Charges
- Spa & Laundry
Tour Plan
Upon arrival at the Colombo International Airport, you will be met by a designated guide from Palm Leaf Travels. After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and then transfer to Kandy.
Your First Destination will be Kandy.
En route visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2011, there were 96 elephants, including 43 males and 68 females from 3 generations, living in Pinnawala. The orphanage was founded to care and protect the many orphaned wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).
Spice Garden in Mawanella to see the different spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.
Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum & Temple of
Tooth Relic. Kandy the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera The last stronghold of the Sinhala
Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri
Lanka today. Temple’s shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere.
Check-in to hotel
Dinner & overnight stay in Kandy
After a scrumptious breakfast proceed to sightseeing
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya is 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.
Upon return to Kandy, commence sightseeing inside the town.
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.
Witness Cultural Dance Show (Traditional Dances)
Return to hotel.
Dinner & Overnight stay in Kandy
After a scrumptious breakfast checkout from hotel & transfer to “Little England Nuwara Eliya”
En route visit the Ramboda Waterfalls, Tea Plantation & Tea Factory,
Ramboda Waterfalls is 109 m (358 ft) high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world. It is situated in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda Pass. It is formed by Panna Oya which is a tributary of Kothmale Oya. Altitude of the falls is 945 m (3,100 ft) above sea level. Undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque. It is most definitely worth a stop off during your tour of the area given the stunning surroundings and countless photo opportunities that arise.
Thereafter, Enjoy “Tea experience”, which involves a visit a plantation to observe firsthand the process, starting from the plucking field where it all begins with the picking of “two leaves and a bud” to the factory where the processing begins. Originally introduced to the island around 1850 by the British, Ceylon Tea is world famous for its high quality and has remained a major contributor to the island’s economy for generations. Currently, Sri Lanka is one of largest exporter of tea worldwide. The high altitudes produce the best flavors, so Sri Lanka’s hill-country is the ideal environment to grow the most flavorsome tea. A guided tour around a Tea Factory is an enlightening experience.
Nuwara Eliya the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls, and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the Island, but it is just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for Birding as you get some rare birds in this park.
Check-in to hotel & relax.
Dinner & overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
After an appetizing breakfast, Checkout from hotel & proceed to Bentota
En route visit, St. Clair's Falls is one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka and is commonly known as the "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka". It is one of six waterfalls affected by the Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project.
Devon Falls is a waterfall in Sri Lanka, situated 6 km west of Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District. The falls is named after a pioneer English coffee planter called Devon, whose plantation is situated nearby the falls. The Waterfall is 97 metres high and ranked 19th highest on the Island.
Kithulgala is one of the most famous places for White Water Rafting adventures. However, there are many more reasons why this spot, just 100 kms from the capital Colombo, is well worth visiting. Chief among these is the historic Beli Lena Caves where the pre-historic Balangoda Man supposed to have lived.
Check-in to hotel & rest of the day at leisure
Dinner & overnight stay in Bentota
After a scrumptious breakfast at hotel proceed for sightseeing
Madu River Boat Ride in the 915-hectare Madu Ganga Estuary is connected by two narrow channels to the Randombe Lake, forming a complex wetland system encompassing 64 mangrove islets. In the year 2000, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) undertook a detailed biodiversity survey of the region & revealed the existence of no less than 10 major wetland vegetation types supporting over 300 plant species & 248 species of vertebrates. This remarkable diversity has led to its being classified under RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands in 2003.
Marine Turtle Conservation Kosgoda Globally, all seven species of marine turtles are endangered. Of these seven, five come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka. The process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born, and swimming back to sea is fascinating to observe. The Kosgoda Conservation Project is an ideal way to learn and observe this endangered species.
In the afternoon, engage in Water Sports Activities
Return to hotel for night halt,
Dinner & overnight stay in Bentota
Upon completion of breakfast, Checkout from hotel & proceed to commercial capital of Sri Lanka and Check into hotel.
Afternoon, commence sightseeing of the commercial capital of Sri Lanka
Colombo City Tour, 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, Lotus Tower, 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 Wolfe dhal dating back to 1749.
Colombo Shopping Tour: Take a fascinating journey in the capital of the isle paradise. This commercial and administrative hub of the country proves to be a blend of cultural texture, religions, and socioeconomic classes. Visit bargain markets, Independence Square, Odel Shopping Mall, Colombo City Center, One Galle Face, Shopping at Premadasa and Laksala state owned Handicraft’s emporium.
Return to hotel.
Dinner & overnight stay in Colombo
Transfer to Airport for the flight back.
