CULTURE AND NATURE

CULTURE AND NATURE
DAY 01 – AIRPORT – COLOMBO

Arrival at Sri Lanka’s international airport. Welcome by a representative of Ceylon Best Holidays. Transfer to Colombo. After lunch – city tour of Colombo.

Colombo

Founded by Arab traders, fortified by the Portuguese, conquered by the Dutch, and developed into a powerful colonial capital by the British – Colombo combines historic colonial architecture with modern business districts.

Over 1 million people live here. Architectural highlights include: – a lighthouse in the middle of the business district, – the over 500-year-old Pettah Market, – ultra-modern skyscrapers next to magnificent colonial buildings.

Dinner & overnight stay in Colombo Hotel 3* / 4* / 5*
DAY 02 – COLOMBO – ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE – SIGIRIYA

After breakfast – drive to Sigiriya. On the way, visit the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Founded in 1975. Over 90 elephants live here – orphans, injured animals, or young animals that have lost their parents. The elephants receive care and “training” here before being handed over to zoos or used for work on the island.

The best time to visit: feeding and bathing. With a bit of luck, you can even see baby elephants being fed with a milk bottle.

After lunch – climb to the Lion Rock of Sigiriya
Sigiriya

Spectacular rock (180 m) with the legendary “Sky Fortress,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. To see: – ruins of the royal palace – royal water tank – the famous frescoes of the heavenly maidens – lion paws and rock inscriptions from the 8th century

One of the most significant landmarks in Sri Lanka.

Dinner & overnight stay in Sigiriya Hotel 3* / 4* / 5*
DAY 03 – SIGIRIYA – DAMBULLA – KANDY
After breakfast – drive to Kandy. On the way, visit:
Dambulla Cave Temple
Spice Garden
Batik factory in Matale
Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple)

UNESCO World Heritage site, the largest cave temple in the country. In five main caves, there are: – 153 Buddha statues – 3 royal statues – 4 statues of Hindu gods – over 2100 m² of wall paintings

2700-year-old burial sites were found in the surrounding area.

Spice Garden

You will see how cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, and other spices grow. Explanation of their medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary uses.

After lunch – city tour of Kandy, visit the arts and crafts center and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha.

Kandy

The last capital of the Sinhalese kings, today the cultural center of the country. The city is picturesquely situated by Kandy Lake and the Mahaweli River.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha

The most important Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka – the Tooth of Buddha – arrived on the island in 311 AD. The temple consists of intricately carved wooden elements, painted ceilings, and doors made of silver and ivory.

The famous Esala Perahera in August is one of the most magnificent processions in Asia.

17:00 – Cultural dance show
Dinner & overnight stay in Kandy Hotel 3* / 4* / 5*
DAY 04 – KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA
After breakfast – visit:
Royal Botanical Garden Peradeniya
Gem Museum
Royal Botanical Garden Peradeniya

One of the most beautiful gardens in Asia. To see: – over 750 species of indoor plants – 100 species of orchids – 175 species of palm trees – Avenue of memorial trees

Gem Museum

Sri Lanka – known as Rathnadweepa (“Island of Gems”). Famous sapphires like “The Blue Belle” and the “Star of India” originate from here.

Drive to Nuwara Eliya
On the way:
Ambuluwawa Tower
Tea factory & plantation
Ramboda Waterfall
Walk in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya (“City of Light”)

Popular highland resort at an altitude of 1884 m, with a mild climate, green hills, and colonial flair.

Dinner & overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya Hotel 3* / 4* / 5*
DAY 05 – NUWARA ELIYA – ELLA – YALA

After breakfast – drive to Ella, stop at Ravana Waterfall.

Ravana Waterfall

Despite its low height (<10 m), one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. Its name comes from the Ramayana epic.

Continue to Yala

After lunch – Jeep safari in Yala National Park.

Yala National Park

Largest protected area in southeastern Sri Lanka (1259 km²). Home to: – Leopards – Elephants – Deer – Buffalo – Crocodiles – Monkeys – Peacocks, pelicans, herons

The best time for wildlife viewing is early in the morning and shortly before sunset.

Dinner & overnight stay in Tissamaharama Hotel 3* / 4* / 5*
DAY 06 – YALA – COLOMBO
After breakfast – return trip to Colombo. On the way, visit:
Galle Fort (17th-century Dutch fortress)
Turtle farm
Galle Fort

UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the largest remaining colonial forts in Asia. Built in 1640 by the Dutch. Famous for Portuguese-Dutch architecture and historic merchant alleys.

Turtle farm

Here, eggs are collected, protected, and the hatchlings are strengthened before being released into the ocean.

Continue to Colombo.

END OF THE TRIP
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

– Accommodation in a double room (half board) – Air-conditioned transfers – Russian-speaking tour guide – Entrance fees according to the program – Taxes

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

– Lunch – Early check-in / Late check-out – Personal expenses – Permits for photo/video recording – Tips