Arrival and welcome at the airport by a representative of Ceylon Best Holidays. Transfer to Colombo. After lunch – city tour of Colombo.
Colombo – a city with a rich history: founded by Arab traders, fortified by the Portuguese, conquered by the Dutch, and later developed into a colonial capital by the British. Today, Colombo combines historic colonial architecture with a modern business district.
The city has over 1 million inhabitants. Colombo’s architecture is impressive in its elegance and, at times, its eccentricity: a lighthouse in the middle of the business district, the over 500-year-old Pettah Market surrounded by skyscrapers and magnificent colonial buildings.
After breakfast – drive to Sigiriya. On the way, visit the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Elephants have a special status in Sri Lanka. In 1975, a state-run elephant orphanage was founded in Pinnawala to take in young elephants that lost their parents or were injured by poachers. Here, the young animals receive basic training. Some are later transferred to zoos worldwide, while others are used for work in Sri Lanka. The main goal of the orphanage is the rearing of new generations – there are now over 90 elephants living there.
The best time to visit is during feeding and bathing. Visitors can observe the animals up close and, with a bit of luck, see the smallest elephants being bottle-fed.
After lunch – climb the Sigiriya rock.
Sigiriya – the 180-meter-high Lion Rock with the legendary “Sky Fortress.” Via stairs carved between the giant lion paws and the mouth of the rock lion, you reach the palace ruins, the royal pool, and the famous rock frescoes of semi-nude dancers. Poetic inscriptions from the 8th century are still preserved on the rock surface today. Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Thousands of tourists travel to Sri Lanka to see this wonder of the world.
After breakfast – drive to Kandy. On the way, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a spice garden, and a batik factory in Matale.
Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple) – UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Five main caves contain over 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of Hindu deities (including Vishnu and Ganesha). The wall paintings cover about 2,100 m² and depict important scenes from Buddha’s life – such as the temptation by Mara.
Archaeological findings prove that people lived in this area as early as 2,700 years ago.
Spice Garden: You will see how cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and other spices grow. Spices are used not only in the kitchen but also in medicine and cosmetics. Here, visitors learn a lot about their application and can purchase products.
After lunch – city tour of Kandy, visit the handicraft center and the Temple of the Tooth.
Kandy: The last capital of the Sinhalese kings, which held out against the Portuguese and Dutch for a long time until it was captured by the British in 1815. Picturesquely situated in a valley, the Mahaweli River flows through the city. In the center of the city is an artificial lake.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa): Since 311 AD, the city where the sacred tooth of Buddha is kept has been considered the capital and symbol of power. The Temple of the Tooth was built in 1590 on the grounds of the royal palace. Richly decorated with wood carvings, silver work, and ivory. Today, visitors can catch a glimpse of the relic during prayer times.
The famous Esala Perahera procession takes place every year in August – with colorful elephants, dancers, acrobats, and musicians.
17:00 – National cultural program with traditional Kandy dances.
After breakfast – visit the Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, the Gem Museum, a tea factory, and a tea plantation.
Royal Botanical Garden Peradeniya: One of the most significant in Asia. It is located in a river loop of the Mahaweli River. Highlights include: – over 750 species of decorative houseplants – around 100 orchid species – 175 palm species – an avenue of memorial trees planted by heads of state.
Gem Museum: Sri Lanka is known as Rathnadweepa – “Island of Gems.” King Solomon’s gems are said to have come from here. Sapphires, rubies, alexandrites, tourmalines, aquamarines, and many other gemstones are mined here.
Tea Plantation & Tea Factory: The world-famous Ceylon tea grows in the central highlands. The cool, humid, and slightly rainy climate belt is ideal for high-quality tea. Tasting freshly prepared tea is recommended.
Afterward, return to Colombo.
⚠️ For further beach stays in the south, southwest, or northwest of Sri Lanka, an additional transfer surcharge applies.
Current prices at the following link: (the original link remains unchanged)
– 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 – Fees for photo and video recording – Tips
03.07.2026 
