Arrival and welcome at the airport by a representative of Ceylon Best Holidays. Transfer to Kandy. On the way, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a tea plantation, and a tea factory in the Pilimatalawa area.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Elephants play an important role in the life of Sri Lanka, which is why a state-run elephant orphanage was founded in Pinnawala in 1975. Young elephants that have lost their parents or were injured by poachers are brought here. The baby elephants receive basic training here; some are later transferred to zoos worldwide, while others are used for work in Sri Lanka.
The main goal of the center is the successful rearing of new generations. Today, over 90 elephants live here. The best time to visit is during feeding and bathing. Visitors can observe the animals from very close up – with a bit of luck, you can even see the youngest ones being fed with a milk bottle.
Tea Plantation and Tea Factory: In the central highlands are the well-known Ceylon tea plantations – famous for their high quality. The moist, cool, slightly rainy climate provides ideal conditions and an incomparable aroma. A visit to the plantation and factory is highly recommended – including a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
After lunch – city tour in Kandy: Visit the craft center and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha.
Kandy: The last capital of the Sinhalese kings, which long resisted Portuguese and Dutch colonizers and only fell to the British in 1815. Kandy is picturesquely situated amidst hills; the wide Mahaweli River and the artificial lake give the city a special charm.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha: The Sacred Tooth was brought to the island in 311 AD and became a symbol of royalty and state power. In 1590, King Vimaladharmasuriya I had the two-story temple built to preserve the relic.
Richly decorated with wood carvings, an ornate ceiling, and doors made of silver and ivory. In the past, only the king and the high priests had access. Today, visitors can see the relic from a distance during ceremonies.
Associated with the relic is one of Asia’s most spectacular processions – the Esala Perahera in August: elephants in magnificent robes, dancers, acrobats, and musicians parade through the streets.
After breakfast – visit the Royal Botanical Garden and the Gem Museum.
Royal Botanical Garden Peradeniya: One of the best botanical gardens in Asia, founded in 1821. It is located in a river loop of the Mahaweli and includes numerous zones of tropical flora.
Highlights of the garden: – over 750 species of indoor plants – around 100 orchid species – 175 palm species – an avenue of memorial trees planted by famous personalities
The garden is particularly impressive due to its variety of colors, which reaches its peak during the dry season.
Gem Museum: Sri Lanka has been known for centuries as Rathnadweepa (“Island of Gems”). Many world-famous gemstones – including the “Blue Belle” and the “Star of India” – originate from here. In addition to sapphires, rubies, alexandrites, aquamarines, spinel, topaz, and garnet are mined, among others.
Continue to Sigiriya. On the way, visit the spice garden and the cave temple of Dambulla.
Spice Garden: Here you can see how cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and other spices grow. They are used in cooking, medicine, and cosmetics. Tourists can receive explanations and purchase products.
Cave Temple Dambulla (Golden Temple) – UNESCO World Heritage Site. The largest cave temple complex in Sri Lanka with over 80 caves. The main attractions are located in five grottoes: – 153 Buddha statues – 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings – 4 statues of Hindu deities – 2100 m² of murals
The motifs range from Buddha’s temptation by Mara to his first sermon. People lived here as early as 2700 years ago – archaeological finds prove this.
Sigiriya – the Lion Rock: A 180-meter-high rock with the famous “Sky Fortress.” Via stairs that lead through the giant lion paws and mouth, visitors reach: – the royal palace – the royal water basin – the frescoes of the “Heavenly Maidens”
Poems from the 8th century are still preserved on the rock today. Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited highlights of Sri Lanka.
Return to Colombo.
⚠️ For subsequent beach holidays in the south, southwest, or northwest, an additional transfer surcharge is required.
For current prices, please refer to the following link: https://online.aristeya.com.ua/search_hotel?STATEINC=15&TOURTYPE=38&TOURINC=1775&CHECKIN_BEG=20260101&NIGHTS_FROM=6&CHECKIN_END=20260131&NIGHTS_TILL=6&ADULT=2&CURRENCY=4&CHILD=0&TOWNS_ANY=1&STARS_ANY=1&HOTELS_ANY=1&MEALS_ANY=1&ROOMS_ANY=1&PRICEPAGE=1&DOLOAD=1
– Accommodation in a double room (half board: breakfast & dinner) – Air-conditioned transfers – Russian-speaking tour guide – Entrance fees according to the program – Taxes
– Lunch – Early check-in / late check-out – Personal expenses – Permits for photo/video recording – Tips
03.07.2026 
