Beyond Sri Lanka – Atro Holidays

Beyond Sri Lanka Landing Page.

Bright Lights, Big City and a Holiday to Last a Lifetime!

At Atro Holidays, we not only plan and organise vacations within Sri Lanka, but also spread our Horizons to enable you to enjoy trips overseas at some of the most exotic locations around the globe. We make the process on going on a trip abroad easy and convenient by taking care of your visas, tickets, accommodations as well as itinerary! Our Agents are top professionals in the industry who have years of experience in ensuring successful and hassle-free vacations. From the Far East to the Continent of America, we’ve got you covered with an array of fun activities and exquisite adventures!

The Far East

Dive into one of the most culturally oriented regions on earth, filled with many mystic adventures and surprises, The Far East. This region is home to many popular destinations such as China, Hong Kong, The Philippine Islands, Japan, Singapore and Thailand. From scaling the Great Wall of China, to taking a ride in the Floating Market of Thailand, The Far East is an ideal region for those travel enthusiasts who wouldn’t mind a daring adventure. What’s more is that you will also be able immerse yourself in the deep culture that these countries live in and take part in the various traditional activities and ceremonies, while enjoying the flavoured spices that Asia has to offer! All of this comfortably organised for you by the dedicated team at Atro Holidays.

Singapore

The Republic of Singapore is the skyline of the future with mind-blowing green spaces all around the country. It was named the 4th Best Destination in Asia Pacific for 2019, for the “Lion City’s” food frenzy, green gardens in the middle of the city, shopping frenzy and many other tourist attractions.

Malaysia

“Malaysia, Truly Asia” tourism slogan rightfully tackles the essence of the diversity of Malaysian culture which consists of Muslims, Chinese, Indians as well as aboriginal natives of the islands. Malaysia is known for its equatorial rainforests, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka & George Town, many other wildlife escapades and urban adventures.

Thailand

It is the land of golden temples, golden smiles of the people and a wide variety of food to explore. Thailand is known for the endless shrines and years old temples dedicated to Lord Buddha, with extreme relaxation gateways of meditation and massages. Its luxurious long coastline is one giant playground of sand and ocean.

Philippines

Philippines is thousands of inviting islands sprawled across, making it the paradise for beach and ocean lovers. Yet, it is not only the beach that attracts people to Philippines. Adventures in to the woods as well as on the oceans, diverse culture and people add more to the tourists’ experience.

Vietnam

A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling. From surreal limestone islands to culinary delights to kite surfing, Vietnam has to offer the total package of travelling a South Asian tropical country.

Indonesia

This beguiling nation of over 17,000 islands has massive potential for adventures. It’s hard to beat Indonesia for the sheer range of experiences on offer. Indonesia is a land of so many cultures, peoples, animals, customs, plants, sights, art and foods that it defies homogenization. The people are as radically different from each other as the variety of landscapes you’ll see, with every island a unique blend.

Cambodia

There’s a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure. The remains of the mighty Khmer empire can be seen at the fabled temples of Angkor in Cambodia, monuments unrivalled in scale and grandeur in Southeast Asia.

The Indian Sub-Continent

India is more popularly known for its vast size and population along with the number of cities which are panned over a large area of over 3 million square kilometres! With this large of a country, the activities that tourists can engage in are endless, along with religious and cultural monuments which are sure to take your breath away! The country is also home to an array of great food which include tasty and spicy Indian Curries. The more popular cities within this sub-continent include, New Delhi, Agra; the home of the World-Famous Taj Mahal, Bangalore and Chennai which are visited by millions of tourists every year! To the North, you would find more snowier regions where Snowsports are prevalent. This type of Holiday is sure to be worth your time!

India

With its sumptuous mix of traditions, spiritual beliefs, festivals, architecture and landscapes, your memories of India will blaze bright long after you’ve left its shores. India’s landscapes are as fantastically varied as its cultural traditions. From the snow-dusted peaks of the Himalaya to the sun-splashed beaches of the tropical south, the country has a bounty of outdoor attractions.

Nepal

Maldives

The Middle East

The Middle East is the region which cuts the World Map into two. While the Middle East is mostly associated with Desserts and Nature, the Region is also filled with many popular Urban cities which provide many fun activities for any tourist! The region covers parts of Africa, which holds the Famous Giza Pyramids of Egypt, as well as vibrant cities such as the Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. A little-known fact is that The Middle East is known as the Home of all three major religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism which means that you will be able to partake in a large amount of ancient culture! Overall the Middle East is a comfortable and adventurous region for a great Holiday with your family!

UAE

For most people, the United Arab Emirates means just one place: Dubai, the sci-fi-esque city of iconic skyscrapers, palm-shaped islands, city-sized malls, indoor ski slopes and palatial beach resorts. But beyond the glitter awaits a diverse mosaic of six more emirates, each with its own character and allure.

Europe

Europe can be considered as one of the prime destinations for any individual or family that is interested in a real adventure. This continent is built for backpackers who don’t mind surprises along the way! There is much for offer on such a vibrant continent and it is almost impossible to reach and travel to each and every corner on the European Map! This continent is home to many exotic locations such as France, England, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Portugal and Croatia. These countries while filled with historic value have a dep culture which runs many centuries back. The content is also home to famous monuments such as the Eifel Tower in Paris and the Big Ben in London! With this being an ideal location for sightseeing, Atro Holidays will be able to provide you seamless packages which suit your every need!

Portugal
Spain

Portugal

Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Christians all left their mark on the Iberian nation. Here, you can gaze upon 20,000-year-old stone carvings in the Vila Nova de Foz Côa, watch the sunset over mysterious megaliths outside Évora or lose yourself in the elaborate corridors of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tomar, Belém, Alcobaça or Batalha.

Spain

Spain’s diverse landscapes stir the soul. The Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa are as beautiful as any mountain range on the continent, while the snowcapped Sierra Nevada rises up improbably from the sun-baked plains of Andalucía; these are hiking destinations of the highest order.

Australia

When it comes to enjoying Sandy Beaches whilst partaking in ocean sports, there isn’t an ideal place as Australasia. This region is more popularly known for the world-renowned countries, Australia and New Zealand. The cities of Melbourne and Sydney are both great places to visit in Australia. Further Australia is also famous for the happening Bondi Beach which promotes much tourism. The Penguin Island in Melbourne is also a point of interest for those who are into in Wildlife. On the other hand, we have New Zealand which has the city of Auckland as a great place to visit along with the many pastures that it is home to. One distinguishing factor between Australasia and the rest of the world are the amazing people from each and every background which gives way to a multicultural atmosphere within Australasia. The weather and climate also permit water sports such as surfing and diving which makes it a great place to kick-back and relax!

Australia

Australia

Australia is the unexpected: a place where the world’s oldest cultures share vast ochre plains, stylish laneways and unimaginably blue waters with successive waves of new arrivals from across the globe. Whether you’re tracing outlines of rock art more than 20,000 years old in Kakadu National Park, floating in the azure waters of Rottnest Island or admiring the iconic sites of Sydney Harbour where the Eora Nation traded for centuries, you are on Indigenous land.

The Continent of America

America is always known for its high standards when it comes to customer service and satisfaction and this is exactly what you can expect when you tour the country. The people are extremely friendly, and the atmosphere is filled with positivity and liveliness, which will make you want to never leave! In terms of areas where you can really spend your holiday in style, the regions of Las Vegas and New York sound like ideal options. However, if you’re looking for a more laidback experience, you may want to try out regions such as Miami and California Beaches. America is also famous for their monuments such as The Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. The country also boasts of its unique style of food which is different from the rest of the world. The Culture also promotes a sense of unity and fellowship which should help you to feel right at home during your vacation!

USA

The great American experience is about so many things: bluegrass and beaches, snow-covered peaks and redwood forests, restaurant-loving cities and big open skies. America is the birthplace of LA, Las Vegas, Chicago, Miami, Boston and New York City – each a brimming metropolis whose name alone conjures a million different notions of culture, cuisine and entertainment.

Pilgrimages

Atro Holidays also specialises in Holy Pilgrimages to important locations on the Globe while catering to a diverse range of religions. These tours are completely processed by our team to give you a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Umrah

We at Atro Holidays are ready to make every Muslim’s dream of the pilgrimage to the Holy Lands of Mecca come true. We provide with the ultimate comfortable packages that include visa processing, air ticketing, accommodation with meals and transport.

Annai Vailankanni

Also known as the Lourdes of the East, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Vailankanni is a safe haven for many Christians around the world. More than 500 years later, the nine-day festival and celebration is still observed and draws nearly 2 million pilgrims each year to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health.

Buddhagaya

It is the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained Enlightenment (Pali: bodhi) under what became known as the Bodhi Tree. Since antiquity, Buddhagaya has remained the object of pilgrimage and veneration for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Holy Land

Jerusalem’s Old City is a spiritual lightning rod, sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians. Wide-eyed with awe, pilgrims flood into the walled city to worship at locations linked to the very foundation of their faith. Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian quarters each add their own spice, but this diversity grew from millennia of bloody sieges and transfers of power, leaving still visible deep wounds.

Lourdes

Now known as the Sanctuaires Notre Dame de Lourdes, the grotto is considered one of the holiest sites in Christendom. Over six million people arrive in Lourdes every year hoping to be healed by the holy waters, but the modern town of Lourdes itself can feel rather dispiriting, with a tatty tangle of neon-signed hotels and souvenir shops selling everything from plastic crucifixes to Madonna-shaped bottles.

Tirupati

One of the globe’s largest pilgrimage destinations, the holy hill of Tirumala is, on any given day, thronged with thousands of devotees who’ve journeyed to venerate Lord Venkateshwara here, at his home. Around 60,000 pilgrims come each day, and darshan runs 24/7.

adventure-transport

Car, Hiking, Bikking, Boating

*Note: You always have private car & driver flexible upon your travel desire.

Transport

Car, Elephant

*Note: You always have private car & driver flexible upon your travel desire.

adventure-meals

8 Breakfasts

(*)Our itinerary takes you on the traditional restaurants to uncover the delicious with authentic Asian cuisine. We guarantee that you will not only enjoy the most incredible eateries of Asia but also get a unique insight into Asia local culinary culture. If you have any special requirements (e.g., European food, vegetarians, food allergies and food intolerances), our meal options on all of our tours are always flexible to cater for your every wish. All you need to do is notifying us beforehand!

adventure-Experiences

Day 2: Negombo, Sigiriya

Hike to Pidurangala rock to view the sunset

While the massive ancient rock of Sigiriya is steeped in history and is the main draw for tourists to the area of Dambulla, hiking to Pidurangala Rock to view the plains at sunset is a magical experience with a much more natural feel. The place was first used as a Buddhist monastery worshipped by King Kasyapa with many temples dating back to the third century BC, and now it offers a great adventure for all travelers. Located adjacent to Sigiriya Rock with the nearly same height, Pidurangala affords the best views of not only the valleys but also the famous historic fortress. The hike may take around 30 minutes to an hour to complete, with a well maintained up path and some parts of large rocks and boulders. At the beginning of the trail, you will find a white Buddhist temple, Pidurangala Sigiri Rajamaha Viharaya, where you must cover your shoulders, knees and remove your shoes. This is strictly enforced so you might want to prepare in advance. On the way, you will reach the Pidurangala Cave Temple, the remains of the ancient monastery with a quite well-preserved reclining Buddha statue laying inside. At the top of the rock, you can walk around and enjoy the rural Sri Lankan countryside as well as the inspiring Sigiriya Rock.

Explore the impressive Sigiriya Fortress

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress nearly 200 metres high from the central plains located in the northern Matale District of Sri Lanka, which is famous for its out of this world sight and significant archaeological importance. Meaning the Lion Rock and named a world heritage site by UNESCO, this rock is full of an ancient civilisation’s ruins, thought to be once the capital of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa in the fifth century before abandoned and served as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. For the first look, the fortress is bounded by lush jungles and remains of lily-pad-covered moats, cave shrines and water gardens that are among the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. To reach the top, visitors have to follow the passageway between a giant pair of lion paws and climb a series of vertiginous staircases attached to sheer walls. On the way you’ll see exquisite frescoes depicting apsaras and dancers with offerings. The walkway will lead to the palace garden at the top where you can admire the geological masterpiece of ancient urban planning with ponds and terraces in the elaborate symmetrical design.

Day 3: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya

Take a tour around Polonnaruwa

Located about 200 kilometers from Colombo in North Central Province of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa was once a well-planned royal ancient city and thriving religious center of the eponymous kingdom some 800 years ago. The heyday of the medieval city can still be found in its archaeological park with hundreds of ancient treasures – palaces, pavilions, temples, stupas, ponds and irrigation lakes – that make it named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Among many temples and religious buildings, be sure you pay a visit to the massive Royal Palace, the Sacred Quadrangle with the Vatadage (the circular chamber of the relics), the Shiva Devale temples, the impressive Gal Vihara with four beautiful Buddha statues, and the vast irrigation lake called “Parakrama Samudraya” or the sea of Parakrama, built to collect rain water. The park itself is a delight to explore and a day tour around Polonnaruwa ancient city is certainly a highlight for those keen on uncovering the colorful tapestry of history and culture of Sri Lanka.

Day 3: Sigiriya, Habarana, Sigiriya

Have fun with Habarana Cycling Trip

If you are a cycling enthusiastic who want to feel the real Sri Lanka, this Habarana Cycling Trip is the ideal activity for you. As you wander around on wheels through the back roads of a Habarana village, you will experience the authentic rural life of Sri Lankan people with local village houses, vegetable fields, rice paddies and various crops farmed by villagers. The cycling also allows you to interact with the local residents by a stop at their homes for tasting a herbal drink and having a snack. Other than that Habarana is a hot spot for wildlife and nature where you could explore jungles, lakes and farming fields. This cycling trip might take approximately 4 hours and you will travel with our expert guide who knows the area very well.

Explore the World Heritage Site – Golden Temple of Dambulla

The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a sacred pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Situated around 150 kilometres east of Colombo, this cave monastery is also the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country that has attracted a lot of pilgrims and visitors each year. Dating from the 1st century BC, the rock and caves tower 160 m over the plains with more than 80 documented caves in the grounds, of the major attractions are five cave shrines of varying size and magnificence under a vast overhanging rock. Inside these caves, you’ll find 157 statues of the Lord Buddha, and several statues of Sri Lankan kings and Hindu gods. The murals covering an area of 2,100 square metres are also of particular importance with stories about the Buddha and his life. Visitors have to climb up many steps to the temple, yet the views from the top of the rock is as awe-inspiring as the temple caves.

Day 4: Sigiriya, Kandy

Take a visit to the most religiously significant place for Buddhists – Sri Dalada Maligawa

Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the highest venerated Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha and makes the sacred city of Kandy a World Heritage Site. Located within the royal palace complex, the temple was initially built by King Vimaladharmasuriya I to deposit the tooth relic, then the building is gone before erected by Vira Narendra Sinha as the present-day temple. The beautifully magnificent octagonal Paththirippuwa were added in Sri Vikrama Rajasinha’s time which is now the temple’s library. Every day there are worships in the inner chamber conducted by monks of the two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya, at dawn, at noon and in the evenings. Typically, on Wednesday, visitors can experience a symbolic bathing of the sacred relic in holy water and fragrant flowers called Nanumura Mangallaya. Steeped in cultural heritage and history, Sri Dalada Maligawa is an inspiring place you should not miss in Sri Lanka.

Day 5: Kandy

Climb up Adam’s Peak for sunrise watching

Situated in the southern reaches of the Central Highlands, the imposing Adam’s Peak at 2,243 meters is not only one of Sri Lanka’s most striking natural landmarks, but also an important pilgrimage site to several religions. People believe that the rock formation at its summit is the footprint of the Buddha, giving it well-known name the Sri Pada, or the “sacred footprint”. Many centuries later, Muslims claimed the footprint to be that of Shiva, while for the Christian faith, it belonged to St Thomas. For tourists, Adam’s Peak is a popular and picturesque hiking place for a breathtaking sunrise watching. There are 6 different trails to the summit, and the most favored routes are from Dalhousie aka Nallathanniya and Palabaddala. The climb is traditionally made by night with a mix of incline trekking and 5,000-6,000 crumbling stone steps, taking around 4 hours, and you will reach the top in time for dawn. The best time to hike is from January to May when the weather on the mountain is at its best and visitors can enjoy the extraordinary sunrise views free from cloud.

Immerse in adventurous time with White Water Rafting in Kitulgala

For adventure seekers and water sport enthusiasts who are looking for the thrill of a lifetime in Sri Lanka, an adrenaline filled adventure experience of White Water Rafting along the picturesque Kelani River at Kitulgala is certainly worth your time. Situated 80 km away from Colombo on the main road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Kitulgala is a pleasant town boasting about adventure sporting in amid tickly forest hills, which is also the filming place for the David Lean’s 1957 Oscar-winning epic “Bridge on the River Kwai”. The rafting activity affords the chance to immerse in the stunning tropical scenery of the region, as well as brings about an enthralling experience to first time rafters and experts alike. You will enjoy a 90-minute run of riding the tides of Kelani River through five rapids graded 2 and 3, the distance is about 5 km. With modern rafts, safety gear, and a comprehensive safety briefing, the exhilarating water sport is safe for anyone above the age of 10 years.

Day 6: Adams Peak, Ella

Hike to Ella Rock for beautiful views from the top

Standing at an elevation of over 1,000 metres above sea level, Ella Town is an ideal place to explore the rolling hills as well as take in stunning views of the green Badulla valleys, and hiking Ella Rock is a fun and rewarding journey for all nature and adventure lovers. Ella Rock is a famous and dramatic cliff high above the village and located approximately 5km from the centre of town, which takes around 4 hours of trekking there and back. The hike will start from Ella railway station, just walk along the train tracks, pass through the Kithalella railway station. The path going upwards will take you into a small tea plantation, a field of long grass, then a serene forest of Eucalyptus trees. From here, the last part can be little steep but once you reach the top, the views are totally worthwhile. Be sure to bring your camera for breathtaking photos of impressive landscapes below.

Day 7: Ella, Yala National Park

Soar above Ella’s lush greenery with a zipline experience at Flying Ravana

Besides climbing mountains and chasing waterfalls, Ella offers adventure enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies a thrilling hillside experience with the Flying Ravana. Located amidst the luscious green estates on the way to the Little Adam’s Peak, it is the Sri Lanka’s first ever and longest mega zip-line, stretching for more than half a kilometer while sliding at 80 kmph. As you go on the zip-line, you will enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful hills and stunning landscapes of Ella’s lush greenery and steep mountains. The Flying Ravana has a two-wire zip-line running parallel that allows two persons to go simultaneously and affords a maximum of 110kg. The zipline also follows all the safety standards of the European Rope Course Association and visitors from 6 years old can participate in the activity. The system operates on 30-minute time slots with 25 people allowed within that time frame.

Admire one of the widest falls in Sri Lanka – Rawana Falls

Nestled in the misty mountains of tropical Sri Lanka, Rawana or Ravana Falls is a popular sightseeing attraction of Ella city, which is currently known as one of the widest waterfalls in the country. The waterfall cascades down a height of 82 feet from an oval-shaped concave rock outcrop, shaping an areca flower with withering petals during the wet season while the flow of water reduces dramatically in the dry season. Located inside the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, this waterfall has been named after the legendary king Ravana in the famous Indian epic, the Ramayana. Legend has it that Ravana captured princess Sita and kept her in the caves behind this waterfall, which is now the Ravana Ella Cave. This cave is at the base of a cliff near the falls and becomes a historic site after excavations have revealed evidence of human habitation dating back to over 25,000 years ago.

Explore the wildlife at Yala National Park

Bordering the Indian Ocean and covering a large area of 979 square kilometres, Yala is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka where nature buffs can encounter Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds. The park in nestled the southeast region of the country in a dry zone with five blocks, two of which are now open to the public. The ecosystems found in the park are wide-ranging, from marine wetlands to sandy beaches, rocky outcrops to moist monsoon forests and grasslands. This creates the immense biodiversity and great diversity of wildlife in one of the two first national parks in Sri Lanka. The jeep safaris or game drives in Yala are almost equivalent to Africa with plenty of wild animal spotting opportunities like wild boar, mongoose, spotted deer, crocodiles, and the infamous leopards if you’re lucky.

Day 8: Yala National Park, Colombo

Visit the famous Galle Dutch Fort

The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the Ramparts of Galle, is a beautiful Portuguese fortress in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively reconstructed by the Dutch during the 17th century. After several hundreds of years, the fort still maintains a polished appearance that makes it named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its fusion of European architecture and South Asian traditions. Being a charming old trafing port, this historic town is a delight to wander around, with rambling lanes of imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, grand mansions, ancient mosques, and quirky boutiques. Some of the important heritage landmarks and unmissable sights in the fort are the Dutch Reformed Church dating back to 1755, the Meera Mosque built in 1904, the Old Dutch Hospital, the All Saints Anglican Church built in 1871, the National Maritime Museum, and the 1939 Galle Lighthouse.

adventure-accomadation

Day 1: Negombo

Day 2: Negombo, Sigiriya

Day 3: Sigiriya, Habarana, Sigiriya

Day 4: Sigiriya, Kandy

Day 6: Adams Peak, Ella

Day 7: Ella, Yala National Park

Day 8: Yala National Park, Colombo

accommodation-family

Day 1: Negombo

Day 2: Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya

Day 3: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya

Day 4: Sigiriya, Hiriwadunna, Sigiriya

Day 5: Sigiriya, Kandy

Day 6: Kandy

Day 7: Kandy, Pinnawala, Kandy

Day 8: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Day 9: Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela

Day 10: Bandarawela, Udawalawa

Day 11: Udawalawa, Mirissa

Day 12: Mirissa

Day 13: Mirissa

Day 14: Mirissa, Galle, Colombo

Experiences-family

Day 2: Negombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya

Explore the World Heritage Site – Golden Temple of Dambulla

Explore the impressive Sigiriya Fortress

Day 3: Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya

Take a tour around Polonnaruwa

Day 4: Sigiriya, Hiriwadunna, Sigiriya

Experience interesting activities in Hiriwadunna Village

A visit to Hiriwadunna – a tiny rural village of roughly 2,500 people located close to the town of Habarana – is no doubt an exciting experience that gives you a chance to witness the typical Sri Lankan village life. Start with a small trek through the scrub jungle and community, you will see the locals go about their daily tasks of fishing or farming. Unlike the fast pace of the city, everything is laid-back and peaceful in the sounds of birds and sights of butterflies. As you walk our way through dense forest shrubs to the lake, hop into a catamaran and sail through the waters covered with green lily pads, you’ll catch views of the surrounding forest, marshland and vegetable plots of local farmers. Another highlight is a ride on a bullock cart alongside paddy fields and rural vegetable plantations to a traditional village house, where you will see the hosts prepare an authentic lunch using traditional Sri Lankan methods of cooking. This adventure will be an unforgettable experience for visitors during the time spent in Sri Lanka.

Day 6: Kandy

Take a visit to the most religiously significant place for Buddhists – Sri Dalada Maligawa

Walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya

About 5.5 km to the west of Kandy City in the Central Province of Sri Lanka lies Peradeniya Botanic Gardens, stunning gardens noted for its rich and varied collections of tropical woody plants. They were once reserved gardens for Kandyan royalty, then in 1821 became botanical gardens by Alexandar Moon to introduce coffee trees and cinnamon plants to the region. In the late 1870s, the botanist George H.K. Thwaites brought in and cultivated the tea and Brazilian rubber tree, making it a centre for horticultural activities. Today, occupying 147 acres, the gardens include more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, royal palms, spices, and medicinal plants. Another highlight is the giant Javan fig tree with its colossal umbrella-like canopy of branches, and a few historically prominent trees.

Day 7: Kandy, Pinnawala, Kandy

Get close to the elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Halfway between the commercial capital Colombo and the laidback UNESCO-protected town Kandy lies Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department. The 25 acre coconut plantation adjacent to the Maha Oya River, just as the name suggests, is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants, situated northwest of Kegalle town, in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. It was originally founded to care and protect the many orphaned and injured wild elephants wandering in the forests of Sri Lanka. The main attraction for visitors to the park is clearly to observe the care and daily routine of the elephants, such as bottle feeding of elephant calves, feeding other elephants in their stalls, and bathing in the Ma Oya River.

Day 9: Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela

Walk through Horton Plains National Park

Part of the World Heritage Site named The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, along with the nearby Peak Wilderness Protected Area and the Knuckles Conservation Forest, Horton Plains National Park is undoubtedly a must for nature lovers and hiking adventure seekers. The region forms an undulating plateau over 2,100 meters above sea level, covered with Montane evergreen forests, wild grasslands, rocky outcrops, vast hills, and misty lakes, much of which remains grossly underexplored. A walk through the lush jungle of Horton Plains affords a great chance of exploring the abundant flora and fauna. Expect to see various tropical plants and a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, deer, elk and all kinds of birds. The natural trails of the park leads to a sudden end on the southern edge at World’s End Lookout, a stunning escarpment that falls sheer 900 meters. From here, visitors can take in the incredibly panoramic views over the green valley, and the early morning visit is recommended for clear views before the clouds roll in.

Day 10: Bandarawela, Udawalawa

Admire one of the widest falls in Sri Lanka – Rawana Falls

Explore Udawalawe National Park

Located 165 kilometres from Colombo in south-central sector of Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park is one of the world’s best places to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year, with a herd of about 250 making the park their permanent home. This dry zone was declared as a 30,821-hectare national park in 1972, with the objective of providing a sanctuary for wild animals around the Udawalawe Reservoir, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir. As plains of thorny-shrub jungle and grasslands dominate the topography, though there are some mountain ranges in the north and central of the park, game spotting is much easier than other parks. Visitors can often see adult and baby elephants roaming the park in large herds, bathing and playing in the water in all their playfulness. Also, expect to encounter sambar deer, wild buffalo, mongooses, jackals, spotted deer, and wild boar. Besides, Udawalawe is also a good birdwatching site with 210 species at last count, which afford excellent opportunities for photography.

Day 14: Mirissa, Galle, Colombo

Visit the famous Galle Dutch Fort

Services

⇒ Services: Entrance fees, excursions, visa, water…

⇒ Tour and transfers as mentioned in the itinerary with dedicated air-conditioned vehicle

English speaking guides

Entrance fees and luggage handling

Accommodation: as mentioned above based on twin share

Meals as per program

Experiences

Day 1: Colombo, Kandalama
Get close to the elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Day 2: Kandalama, Sigiriya, Kandalama

Explore the impressive Sigiriya Fortress

Day 3: Kandalama, Dambulla, Kandy

Explore the World Heritage Site – Golden Temple of Dambulla

Day 4: Kandy