Day 01
Air port - PINNAWALA, KANDY
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PINNAWALA
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13 km northeast of Kegalle town in Sri Lanka. Pinnawala is notable for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13 km (8.1 mi) northeast of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala is notable for having the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. In 2011, there were 88 elephants, including 37 males and 51 females from 3 generations, living in Pinnawala.
The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to many of the orphaned unweaned wild elephants found wandering in and near the forests of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).
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KANDY
Kandy (Sinhalese: Maha nuwara, pronounced [mahaˈnuʋərə]) is a major city in Sri Lanka, located in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. It is the second largest city in the country after Colombo. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.
The sacred Temple of the Tooth in the historic city of Kandy houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics and draws followers of the Buddhist faith from all over the world. The Royal Complex situated around the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake – comprising of the King’s Palace, the Queens Palace, the Audience Hall, the Royal Boathouse and the Royal Summer House, represent the zenith of ancient Sri Lankan architecture.
In the hills around Kandy, many temples feature the distinctive architecture, murals and carving of the late-medieval period. These include two 14th century temples: the beautiful hilltop Lankatilleke and Gadaladeniya, its wooden doors still bearing the original paintings.
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NUWARA ELIYANuwara Eliya (City of Lights) is a resort city in the Central Mountain Range of Sri Lanka. Blessed with salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery; it’s hard to imagine that Nuwara Eliya is only 180 Km from the hot and humid Colombo.
Nuwara Eliya, also known as ‘Little’ England’, was the favorite hill station of the British who tried to create the resort into a typical English Village. The old brick Post office, country house like hill club, with its hunting pictures, mounted hunting trophies and fish, and it’s strict formal dinner attire; the 18 hole golf course, race course etc., evoke nostalgia of Colonial British Ceylon and Lake Gregory, Tea Plantation, Waterfalls and Hagala Botanical Gardens are few among other attractions around the hill topic.
Nuwara Eliya [nuwərə ɛlijə] is a city, in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The city name meaning is "city on the plain (table land)" or "city of light". The city is the administrative capital of Nuwara Eliya District, with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) and is considered to be the most important location for Tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is also known for the temperate, cool climate, the city is known for being the coolest area in Sri Lanka.
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BENTOTABentota and near by Beruwala are havens to tourists with accommodation to suit every budget, a range of Ayurveda treatments, and an array of water sports leaving the adventurer spoilt for choice! This tourist destination offers you water skiing on the rivers or estuaries, snorkelling, scuba diving, wind surfing, parasailing, fishing and a host of other activities to suit your mood.
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COLOMBO
Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. There are several places that foreign visitors may enjoy exploring during their visit to Colombo. Here are some of the top attractions:
Galle Face Green: This seaside urban park offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and is a popular spot for picnics, kite flying, and leisurely walks.
Gangaramaya Temple: A significant Buddhist temple known for its impressive architecture, intricate artwork, and a museum displaying a variety of artifacts and gifts from various countries.
Viharamahadevi Park: The largest park in Colombo, featuring beautiful gardens, a giant Buddha statue, and a playground, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Independence Memorial Hall: Built to commemorate Sri Lanka's independence from British rule, this impressive building and its surrounding park are worth a visit.
National Museum of Colombo: Sri Lanka's largest museum showcasing the country's history, art, and culture with an extensive collection of artifacts.
Old Colombo Dutch Hospital: A renovated historical building now home to various shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering a mix of local and international cuisine.
Pettah Market: A bustling and colorful market where visitors can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Sri Lanka while shopping for souvenirs, spices, textiles, and more.
Colombo Fort: The historic heart of the city, where visitors can see colonial-era buildings, the President's House, and various government offices.
Mount Lavinia Beach: Located just outside Colombo, this popular beach offers a relaxing escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Colombo Lotus Tower: One of the tallest towers in South Asia, providing a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck.
These are just a few of the many attractions Colombo has to offer. Visitors can also explore the city's bustling markets, try delicious local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Sri Lanka. As always, when traveling, it's essential to respect local customs and traditions to make the most of your experience.
