“Ayubowan” Warmly Welcome The pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, is yours to explore.
Galle Fort, located on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, was initially built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. This historic site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions. The fort is home to a diverse, multi-ethnic population, and efforts are underway to preserve its cultural heritage. The Turtle Hatchery in southern Sri Lanka is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles, which are endangered due to human activities. Staff patrol the beaches to protect nesting turtles and their eggs, ensuring their survival for future generations. Ambalangoda is famous for its traditional wooden masks, used in dance rituals and exorcism ceremonies. These masks are intricately carved from Kaduru wood and painted in vibrant colors. The art of mask-making, along with traditional exorcism, mask dancing, and puppetry, is in decline, but the local Mask Museum preserves this cultural heritage by showcasing reproductions and carving techniques. The Madu River, located in the Galle District, is a significant wetland ecosystem. It is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including 303 species of plants and 248 species of vertebrates. The river is also known for its cinnamon production and the Buddhist Kothduwa Temple.
Mirissa, located 125 miles from Colombo, is an ideal destination for tourists seeking Sri Lanka's southern charm. Known for its tout-free beaches, Mirissa is a favorite among surfers and has gained popularity as a prime spot for whale and dolphin watching. Blue Beach Island, a private beach camping spot near Dikwella, offers a unique camping experience with stunning views of the sunset and the soothing sound of waves. This secluded island, just 50 meters from the mainland, allows visitors to enjoy camping, snorkeling at sunrise, and indulging in seafood delicacies. Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa is a famous viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of the infinite sea and Mirissa Bay. A short 10-15 minute walk from Mirissa Beach, it has become a popular spot for capturing picturesque scenes of coconut trees against the ocean backdrop. Stilt Fishing, a traditional Sri Lankan fishing method, has a history dating back to just after World War II. Though it declined after the 2004 tsunami, it has seen a resurgence in recent years. The origins of stilt fishing are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been introduced by traders and passed down through generations.
Ella, a charming hill-country village in Sri Lanka's Uva Province, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, lush cloud forests, and picturesque tea plantations. Nestled in the Badulla District, Ella offers breathtaking views, especially through Ella Gap, where, on clear nights, the distant glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on the south coast is visible. The town is perfect for leisurely walks through tea plantations, visiting temples, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. Key attractions include the Halpewatte Tea Factory, Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Ella Falls, the Nine Arches Bridge, and Ella Rock. The Nine Arches Bridge, also known as the "Bridge in the Sky," is an architectural marvel set amidst verdant hills, attributed to local builder P. K. Appuhami, who, with British engineers, constructed it using stone bricks and cement due to a wartime steel shortage. Ravana Falls, part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of Sri Lanka's widest waterfalls, with its flow resembling a flower during the wet season. Little Adam’s Peak, standing at 1,141 meters, offers stunning views after an easy climb through tea fields, with panoramic vistas of Ella Rock, tea plantations, and the Ella Gap, extending to the southern coast on clear days.
Ella Rock is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka, offering stunning panoramic views that are particularly mesmerizing in the early mornings and late evenings when mist and clouds envelop the area. The hike to Ella Rock, though a bit challenging, is worth the effort, taking about four hours round trip. The journey begins with a scenic rail walk from Ella train station, followed by a diverse landscape featuring a waterfall, rubber tree forest, and tea plantations. Another highlight in the region is the Halpewatte Tea Factory, located 1,230 meters above sea level in the Uva province. Established in 1940 during British rule and later acquired by Mr. A.P.D. Abeyrathne in 1970, the factory has grown significantly from its modest beginnings. Initially producing 20,000 kg of tea per month, it now boasts a production capacity of 150,000 kg monthly, making it the largest tea producer in Sri Lanka’s Uva region. The factory offers visitors a comprehensive tea experience, from trekking through lush tea gardens and picking tea leaves to learning about the tea manufacturing process and savoring a fresh cup of Ceylon tea. This combination of natural beauty and cultural richness makes Ella Rock and Halpewatte Tea Factory essential stops on any Sri Lankan itinerary.
Nuwara Eliya, nestled amidst lush green valleys, tea estates, and misty mountains, is a charming town in Sri Lanka that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and an English-like atmosphere. The town, often enveloped in morning mist and cool, crisp air, is a perfect retreat with its invigorating climate and picturesque surroundings. Visitors can explore tea estates, a scenic golf course, a racecourse, and British-style houses, all contributing to its allure as a vacation destination. One of the town’s attractions is the Strawberry Farm in Meepilimanna, specializing in two strawberry varieties—Tamar and Festival. The farm began in Radalla, where it now serves as a nursery. The farm is known for its quality assessment and grading before the plants are transferred for planting. Another highlight is the New Zealand Farm at Ambewela, part of the Ambewela Farms. This dairy farm, located in the cool, pristine environment of the hill country, is open to visitors and is renowned for its superior cattle breeds, modern technology, and high-quality pastures. The farm produces top-quality milk and dairy products, maintaining international standards in a local setting.
Kandy, a major city in Sri Lanka's Central Province, served as the last capital of the ancient kings' era. Nestled amid hills on the Kandy plateau, the city is surrounded by tropical plantations, particularly tea. Kandy holds significant administrative and religious importance and is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. This temple, located within the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, houses the revered relic of Buddha’s tooth. The relic has historically played a crucial role in local politics, symbolizing the governance of the country. In recognition of its cultural and historical value, Kandy, largely due to this temple, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Kandy is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its traditional dance forms. The city hosts the Cultural Dance Show, showcasing three main styles of Sri Lankan classical dance: Kandyan, low country, and Sabaragamuwa. Kandyan dance, originating from ancient purification rituals, is the most popular and is performed exclusively by males. Low country dances are ritualistic, aimed at appeasing evil spirits, while Sabaragamuwa dances, often performed in Ratnapura, are dedicated to the worship of God Saman.
Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest city and commercial capital, lies on the west coast of the island near Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the official capital. The city's name, derived from the Sinhalese word "Kolamba" meaning port, reflects its historical importance as a harbor. Colombo is known for its vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere, with trendy eateries, galleries, and shops. The city is undergoing significant development, reshaping its skyline. Key landmarks in Colombo include the Old Parliament Building, now the Presidential Secretariat, which was built in Neo-Baroque style during British colonial rule and opened in 1930. Another notable site is the Independence Memorial Hall, a national monument celebrating Sri Lanka's independence from British rule in 1948. It features a statue of the country's first prime minister, Don Stephen Senanayake. Gangaramaya Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, serves as both a place of worship and a cultural center, reflecting its historical role in Buddhist revival. The Old Colombo Dutch Hospital, dating back to 1681, has been repurposed into a heritage shopping and dining precinct. Finally, King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe's prison cell in Colombo Fort is a historical monument where the last King of Kandy was imprisoned, featuring inscriptions and portraits related to his capture and deportation.
Departure transfer to Airport to flight back home.
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