Sri Lanka, an island nation located in South Asia, known for its tropical beaches, rich cultural heritage, and is very famous for its vibrant cuisine.
The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ancient city of Anuradhapura and the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, which attracts visitors from around the world. The beaches of Sri Lanka are also popular with tourists, such as Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Arugam Bay offer opportunities for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
The country's diverse wildlife is also a draw for visitors, with national parks such as Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park being home to elephants, leopards, and other exotic animals. Sri Lanka's cuisine is a highlight for many visitors, with a range of spices and flavors, such as curry, coconut milk, and seafood, making it a foodie's paradise. Sri Lanka has also recently become popular for its eco-tourism opportunities, such as trekking, cycling, and bird-watching.
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Pinnawala is famous for its elephant orphanage, which is the largest in the world, established in 1975 as a refuge for abandoned and injured elephants. Here you can watch the elephants bathe in the river, feed them, and even ride on their backs.
Apart from the elephant orphanage, Pinnawala also has other attractions for you. The village is located close to the ancient city of Kandy, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also visit the nearby Pinnawala Open Zoo, which has a variety of animals such as lions, tigers, and bears.
Sigiriya is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Sri Lanka and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sigiriya is known as the Lion Rock, as it is built on a massive rock that resembles a lion. The fortress was built in the 5th century AD by King Kasyapa, who ruled the region at the time. The fortress served as a palace and a fortress.
The fortress is surrounded by a moat, and the only way to reach the top is through a series of staircases built into the rock. One of the main attractions of Sigiriya is the frescoes that adorn the walls of the rock. The frescoes depict beautiful women, and it is believed that they are the portraits of King Kasyapa's concubines.
At the top of the rock, visitors can see the ruins of the ancient palace and fortress. The ruins include the remains of the royal throne, the king's swimming pool, and the palace gardens. Visitors can also enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding countryside from the top of the rock.
Nuwara Eliya is a town located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, known for its scenic beauty and tea plantations. The town is situated at an altitude of 1,868 meters above sea level and is a popular tourist destination due to its pleasant climate and picturesque landscapes.
Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as "Little England" due to its colonial architecture and history. The town was founded in the 19th century by British planters, who were attracted to the area due to its fertile soil and ideal climate for tea cultivation. Today, visitors can still see the colonial-era buildings and enjoy a cup of tea in one of the many tea estates that surround the town.
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Colombo. Drive to Habarana for overnight visiting Pinnawala en route. |
| Day 2 | Excursions to Polonnaruwa and Sigriya. Overnight at Habarana. |
| Day 3 | Drive to Kandy for overnight stay via Dambulla Rock Cave Temple and Spice Garden in Matale. |
| Day 4 | Excursion to Paradeniya Botanical Gardens. Overnight in Kandy. |
| Day 5 | Drive to Nuwara Eliya for overnight stay visiting a tea garden and factory on the way. |
| Day 6 | Drive to Colombo via Kitulgala. |
| Day 7 | Fly out from Colombo. |
| Route | Distance |
|---|---|
| Colombo - Habarana | 173 km/107 miles |
| Habarana - Kandy | 96 km/60 miles |
| Kandy - Nuwara Eliya | 72 km/45 miles |
| Nuwara Eliya - Colombo | 163 km/101 miles |