Cover the Island

<p>On arrival at the Bandaranayake International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality; Representative of Tulip Holidays Sri Lanka will welcome you and transfer to Millenium Elephant Foundation Pinnawala (2-3 hour drive). At this place, you can enjoy your time with Asian Elephants while Feeding, Bathing and Walking with them. Elephant Riding can also be arranged upon request. Do not be surprised when you get the chance to witness baby elephants being bottle-fed or see them walk around freely causing absolutely no harm to anyone. It is a sincerely moving sight to observe how these orphaned gentle giants are taken care of here.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Tulip of Ceylon Nature Resort Pinnawala.</p>

<p>After breakfast, You will be visiting an Ayurvedic and Herbal Garden (Free Entrance and Guide) to see the organic and endemic Ayurvedic plants and to get some knowledge about The Traditional Ayurveda. While enjoying a complimentary Ceylon Spice Tea session you can request for a complimentary Ayurvedic Head/ Neck or a Shoulder massage. Head off on an Indiana Jones-like adventure as you discover the treasures of Sri Lanka’s Dambulla Temple (3 hour drive). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the country’s best-preserved and biggest cave temple which has a rich history which runs all the way to the first century BC. This is called the Golden Temple of Dambulla.</p><p>Next, take a 30 min drive to witness the eighth wonder of the world. The Lion Rock which is also called the Sigiriya rock is the most important cultural attraction of Sigiriya. The Rock features the remnants of a royal palace on its summit. While ascending the rock, one will get the chance the take in frescos of lovely maidens, the mirror wall and a series of other features. En route back, visit a Batik shop. The batik craft in Sri Lanka is inspired mostly by Indonesian-style batik and can be found in all sorts of garments and textiles. From classic designs to more contemporary fashions, batik is an important part of Sri Lankan fashion and textile manufacture. Batik can be found in classic sarees and Western-style clothing.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Kandy.</p>

<p>After breakfast, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, a flourishing national asset which is 30 mins away from The Kandy City. First developed as a pleasure garden under royalty and later improved upon by the British, the gardens are located just four miles from Kandy and feature the most welcoming facilities as well. Walk into this 147-acre haven for an experience of bliss, passing well-tended lawns, pavilions and an octagon conservatory. Be greeted by the vast expanse of magnificently landscaped, lush green turf which will encourage you to take an exhilarating break. Towards the north of the entrance is a cafeteria that one might come across, before heading to some of the highlights here; this includes the Orchid House and the giant Javan fig tree, each with their sense of grace and beauty.</p><p>Next, you can have a visit to a Leather Shop with Arts and Crafts where you can do souvenir shopping as well. En route back, visit a Batik or a Silk clothing store. The batik craft in Sri Lanka is inspired mostly by Indonesian-style batik and can be found in all sorts of garments and textiles. From classic designs to more contemporary fashions, batik is an important part of Sri Lankan fashion and textile manufacture. Batik can be found in classic sarees and Western-style clothing. Explore the Sri Lankan Gems by stepping into the Sri Lankan Gem Museum (FREE) en route to The Sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, a historic temple that houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Enjoy the beauty of the Kandy Lake Round and the city in the evening by wandering around this royal city. Last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, before it was brought under the British rule in 1815, this city was the final royal capital of Sri Lankan kings. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has a rich culture, history and heritage and attracts travellers from around the world.</p><p>Kandy city viewpoint is a place where you can see the whole city from one place. You will decide on the place you take your Lunch. Alternatively, take a stroll amidst the vibrant colour of the fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy Market. Fine-tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming amplified by a cultural show that enhances the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Kandy.</p>

<p>After breakfast, a 2-3 hour drive to Nuwara Eliya (the City of Love) via Ramboda Falls. En-route drop by to The Ceylon Tea Factory and Plantation where you will learn about Ceylon Tea Plantation and Manufacturing process (FREE) and some beautiful waterfalls. Nuwara Eliya, This town seems like a piece of English district. Tudor-style and Victorian homes look across the blue lake. These buildings are the other architectural monuments to the English, the Post Office, the English country house like Hill Club with its hunting pictures, mounted hunting trophies and fish, Anglican Church and private residence. The Golf course here is one of the best in Asia. Walking the sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya in the evening, visit the famous Gregory's Park where most of the Sri Lankan choose to Propose to their partners. Experience the misty winding roads, slopes blanketed by lush green carpets of tea bushes and invigorating fresh mountain air, the charming little town of Nuwara Eliya offers visitors an intimate getaway experience. Enjoy hikes among grassy slopes and valleys which open up to captivating vistas of a picturesque countryside hamlet. </p><p>
Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.</p>

<p>After breakfast, you will be heading to witness one of the most scenic Train Rides in the world, Nuwaraeliya to Ella train ride (3-4 hours ride). We will pick you from the Ella Railway Station. </p><p>Visit the famous Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, Also known as the Bridge in the Sky. The Nine Arch Bridge is famous for its super tall arches, which you can walk on directly along the train tracks. While walking on top of the tall arches, you will be met with breathtaking views of tea plantations down below and peaks of mountains overhead. You can try the “Flying Ravana“ a zip lining over the Tea Fields. The course runs for half a kilometre, reaching speeds of nearly 80 KM/hour. In the evening you can have a chill at Night Pub Street.</p><p></p><p>Overnight Stay in Ella.</p>

<p>After breakfast, You can either trek to The Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock. Little Adam’s Peak is 1141 m in height and from the entrance, it takes up to 30-55 min for the hike. Views from the summit are incredible. 360 degrees panoramic views with clouds rolling in, is a treat to watch for any traveller.</p><p>The hike itself is a worthy experience as you walk through lush green tea estates, talking to locals who are plucking and collecting tea leaves, working in the estate. And The Ella Rock Hike is a famous cliff located high above Ella’s village and 1041m (3415ft) above sea level.</p><p>The view at the top rewards you with the most breathtaking lookout across the hills of the country. Like in most of the Sri Lankan highlands, there are Tea Estates everywhere. With just a little walking, you can get to the plantations quite easily. Why not veer off the path and walk through the tea for a bit.</p><p>Next, you can have a bath at the Ravana Falls, a famous and scenic waterfall in Ella.</p><p>Relax your evening at Night Pub Street.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Ella.</p>

<p>After breakfast, Transfer to Yala National Park (2 hour drive). Go into the wild, take a safari to leopard country. Explore Yala National park, the second largest and the most visited National Park in Sri Lanka.</p><p>Touch base with some of your favourite animals. Watch Leopards feed, laze and play in the open, and in case you're fortunate you will see many of them as Yala is known to have the highest density of Leopards on the planet. Tune in to the elephant's trumpet, monkeys gab, sloth bear snorts and the resonant winged creature tune from the verdant woods. Watch out! There's bounty more to stop you on your tracks and let your heart pound quicker. From the break of first light to the setting of sunset, Yala National Park is clamouring with energy, welcoming untamed life aficionados and nature lovers to observe a portion of nature's miracles, enjoy some incredible photography and be unified with nature as never before.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Yala.</p>

<p>After breakfast, transfer to Mirissa (3 hour drive) which is one of the main beach destinations in southern Sri Lanka. The area has it all, one of the best beaches in the world, surf waves, whale watching and great bars and restaurants. You are staying in Mirissa Beach for 2 nights. In these two days, you can choose the activities you do. Some of the activities are Snorkeling, Kayaking and Surfing (The blue waters offer a good ride for beginners and experienced surfers equally. The spot is good for beginner and intermediate surfers to build confidence on a reef. The location of the point between rocks and a hill means its waves are hardly affected by onshore wind. Mirissa also has a beach break ideal for beginners and boogie boarders.). furthermore, you can hop into the "Coconut Tree Hill" a major tourist travel spot. The view or sunset view from here is simply amazing. You can do Whale and Dolphin watching which may take about 3-5 hours and you should check in to the Mirissa Harbour by 6 am. The tour takes about an hour to get into the Indian Ocean where the whales are known to be feeding. If you go during the whale watching season (September - Early May), your chances of seeing a whale are quite high (90-95%) and if not, you can re-book your tour (for free).
</p><p>Overnight stay in Mirissa.</p>

<p>Mirissa Beach.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Mirissa.</p>

<p>After breakfast, Return to Colombo (3 hour drive), En route, head to the historic city of the Galle (1 hour drive from Mirissa), where you will get the chance to wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dutch Fort. Walk along its cobbled streets lined with carefully preserved colonial buildings, shop at chic little concept stores and pay a visit to the Dutch Church and Museum to learn about the fortification’s rich history. Visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Center, get up close and personal with some of the world's majestic creatures. The turtle farm breeds, releases and rehabilitates sea turtles of all ages. Tour the sanctuary with one of the knowledgeable guides, who will teach you about these magical animals. Visitors also have the opportunity to hold and, with some luck, release the creatures into the wild. Wander around the commercial city of Colombo the whole day according to your preference. Colombo is a place for you to have a city tour with its modern and historical blend. There are places like Museum, Dutch Hospital, BMICH, Independence Square, Clock tower, Majestic City, Crescat Boulevard, One Galle face Mall and many more attractions with Night Life.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Colombo.</p>

<p>After breakfast, Transfer to Negombo where you find one of the most fabulous golden Beaches in the world. You spend 3 nights in Negambo where you can enjoy the beach with water sports and enjoy the streets with the best pubs and seafood in Sri Lanka while souvenir shopping. Located within a fairly close distance to Bandaranaike International Airport, Negombo offers some of the most exiting diving stretches in the country. It's known for the pristine stretches of shores and sandy-bottomed lagoon. It's also quite well known for offering fresh catches of Lobsters, jumbo Prawns and Crabs. If you're hoping to enjoy some thrilling water sports why not try your hand at Kitesurfing, Jet Skiing, Snorkelling or Scuba Diving? Negombo also offers visitors great entertainment options such as Bars, Discos and Clubs for a frolicking good time out in the town. </p><p>
Overnight stay in Negombo.</p>

<p>Negombo Beach.</p><p></p><p>
Overnight stay in Negombo.</p>

<p>Negombo Beach.</p><p></p><p>
Overnight stay in Negombo.</p>

<p>After breakfast, you will be transferred to The Bandaranaike International Airport in time for your flight back, bringing to an end of an unforgettable trip across the Emerald Island.</p><p></p>