For those who want to truly savour Sri Lanka without compromise, this 8-day itinerary is the ultimate island experience. Arrive to the warm welcome of Pinnawala’s magnificent elephants and the fragrant spice gardens of Mawanella, then spend two unhurried days exploring Kandy — visiting the majestic Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, and a captivating evening of traditional Kandyan dance. The journey continues into the cool highlands, with a scenic ascent to Nuwara Eliya via the thundering Ramboda Falls and a hands-on Ceylon tea experience, followed by a full day to discover the town’s colonial charm — from the serene beauty of Queen Victoria Park to the shimmering waters of Gregory Lake. The descent south brings thrilling white water rafting at Kithulgala and the spectacular cascades of St. Clair’s and Devon Falls, before two blissful days on the coast at Bentota — gliding through the biodiverse Madu River wetlands, witnessing nesting sea turtles at Kosgoda, and diving into exhilarating water sports. A final day in Colombo rounds off this grand journey with colonial landmarks, vibrant bazaars, and world-class shopping, leaving you with a deep and lasting connection to the heart of Sri Lanka.
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 Esna Holidays. 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.
Check-in to hotel & rest of the day at leisure
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 Royal Botanical Garden, Ramboda Waterfalls, Tea Plantation & Tea Factory,
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.
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.
Check-in to hotel & relax.
Dinner & overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
After a scrumptious breakfast commence sightseeing.
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.
Queen Victoria Park
Queen Victoria Park is a beautiful public park located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. The park is named after Queen Victoria of England and was established during the British colonial period. It covers an area of around 27 acres and features lush green lawns, flower beds, and a range of exotic trees and plants. The park also has a picturesque lake, where visitors can enjoy boat rides and fishing. Queen Victoria Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. The park is especially stunning during the spring and summer months when the flowers are in full bloom.
Gregory Lake
Located in Nuwara Eliya, Lake Gregory was constructed in the year 1873. Also known by the name Gregory Lake, it is a wetland converted into a beautiful lake. Used for recreational purposes, the lake is visited by a large number of tourists every year. The lake is in the heart of the city. And has now been converted into a lake park where one can enjoy relaxing picnics. Spend quality time with your family here as it is one of the top picnic spots. Have an amazing experience with your family at this lake. The beauty of this lake will leave you totally mesmerized. Also, you can get yourself clicked beautiful pictures here and make everlasting memories.
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 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.
