Tour – Lassana Lanka – 02 Nights / 03 Days

DAY 1 – AIRPORT – KANDY

Arrival and welcome at the airport by a company representative Ceylon Best Holidays. Transfer to Kandy. After lunch – city tour of Kandy. Visit to the arts and crafts center and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha.

Kandy – the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, which withstood the colonization of the island by the Portuguese and Dutch and only lost its status in 1815 after being conquered by the British. It is one of the oldest cities in the country. Situated amidst hills, the city is extremely picturesque. Its natural ornament is the wide Mahaweli River, and in the city center, there is an artificial lake.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha – Since 311 AD, when the Sacred Tooth was brought to the island in the hair of Princess Hemamala, this relic has been a symbol of state sovereignty. The city where the Buddha’s tooth was kept was considered the capital of the country. When the relic arrived in Kandy in 1590, King Vimala Dharma Suriya I built a two-story temple on the grounds of the royal palace to house the sanctuary. The temple is decorated with wood carvings, painted ceilings, and doors adorned with silver and ivory. Previously, only the king and the high priests had access to the temple. Today, the doors of the room are opened during services, and the sanctuary can be viewed from a distance.

Associated with the relic is one of the most magnificent processions in the East – Esala Perahera. Every year before the full moon in August, the sanctuary is exhibited to the public. Dozens of elephants in colorful robes with bells and lighting, as well as hundreds of dancers, acrobats, and musicians, take part in the procession through the streets of the city.

17:00 – National cultural show with Kandy dances. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy (Hotel 3*/4*/5*)

DAY 02 – KANDY – SIGIRIYA – DAMBULLA – KANDY

After breakfast – drive to Sigiriya. On the way – visit to the Dambulla cave temple, the spice garden, and a batik factory in Matale.

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage site (since 1991). It is located in the central part of Sri Lanka and is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country. The rocks rise 160 meters above the surrounding plains. There are over 80 documented caves in the area. The main sanctuaries are located in five caves with numerous statues and murals dedicated to Gautama Buddha. In total, there are 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan rulers, and four depictions of gods (including Vishnu and Ganesha). The frescoes cover 2,100 square meters. People lived in these caves as early as 2,700 years ago, which is evidenced by nearby burial sites (Ibbankatuwa).

Spice Garden Here you can see how cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and other spices grow. These are used not only in culinary arts but also in medicine and cosmetics. In the “spice gardens,” tourists can see the plants, hear explanations about their use, and purchase them.

Sigiriya – the Lion Rock with a height of 180 meters, on which the legendary “Fortress in the Sky” is located. Visitors reach the summit, the ruins of the palace, the royal pool, and the “greatest gallery of rock frescoes” via a staircase carved into the rock between the paws, throat, and jaws of a gigantic lion. Poetic inscriptions from the 8th century are still preserved on the surface today. The monument is under the protection of UNESCO.

Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy (Hotel 3*/4*/5*)

DAY 03 – KANDY – ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE – COLOMBO

After breakfast – visit to the Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, the Gem Museum, a tea factory and plantation, and the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala.

Royal Botanical Garden – one of the best in Asia. It was founded in 1821 and is located in a loop of the Mahaweli River. The garden impresses with its variety of tropical flora, a collection of over 750 indoor plant species, and about 100 orchid species. It is also famous for its 175 palm species and the avenue of memorial trees planted by prominent figures (including heads of state).

Gem Museum Since ancient times, Sri Lanka has been known as “Ratnadvipa” – the land of gems. The stones mined here are highly valued worldwide. Most of the famous sapphires and other precious stones in the world’s crown jewels come from this island.

Tea Plantation The central highlands offer ideal conditions for the world-famous Ceylon tea. We recommend visiting a factory to enjoy a cup of real, freshly brewed tea.

Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala Founded in 1975 for orphaned or injured elephants. Today, over 90 animals live here. The best time to visit is during feeding or bathing in the river. Tourists can observe the animals up close.

Departure to Colombo ⚠️ If a subsequent beach holiday in the south, southwest, or northwest is planned, an additional charge for the transfer is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Included in the price: