Picturesque Hills

<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</p><p>Pinnawala (2 hours drive).</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay at Tulip of Ceylon Nature Resort .</p>

<p>After Breakfast, you will be transferred to Millenium Elephant Foundation Pinnawala by a Sri Lankan Tuk Tuk or the A/C Luxury Car given for your tour according to your preference (20 min drive)</p><p>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. Next, Experience White Water Rafting in the beautiful Kelani River, covering 5 significant rapids and 4 minor rapids. This action is for anybody over the age of 10 years with security gear, modern rafts, and comprehensive safety instructions will be given by the White Water Rafting Instructors before you start Rafting with them. The distance covered is around 5 KMs. The waterway and its encompassing will cause you to feel charmed, with a memorable experience during your White Water Rafting Tour in Kitulgala.</p><p></p><p>As the day draws to a close, head back to your Resort in Pinnawala.</p>

<p>You can have a River Bath (Safe for even children) or a Swim in the outdoor swimming pool early morning according to your preference and after breakfast,</p><p>you will be given a Sri Lankan village tour where you can get a chance to see a trending topic nowadays in social media, Sri Lankan Village Life. You may see the Rubber Cultivations, walk through the Paddy fields. Learn to cook (FREE) exceptionally delicious traditional Sri Lankan food (Rice with 4 Curries) inside a village house and this classic Sri Lankan Meal will be your lunch (FREE). This is your truly Sri Lankan holiday experience.</p><p>After lunch, you may walk (15 - 30 Minutes) to the Shrine in the village which will give you a truly Sri Lankan village life experience. You will spend the whole day in the village with your guide from the same village who works in the Nature Resort.</p><p></p><p>Overnight Stay in Pinnawala.</p>

<p>After breakfast, Your next stop the Sri Lankan Gem Museum (FREE) which is 1 hour away from the Resort. 20 Minutes from the Museum will be </p><p>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. Go on a city tour of Kandy in the afternoon. 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, Sri Lanka.</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.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Kandy.</p>

<p>After breakfast, take a 3 hour 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. Next, Head off on an Indiana Jones-like adventure as you discover the treasures of Sri Lanka’s Dambulla Temple (30 min 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></p><p>Overnight stay in Dambulla. </p>

<p>The climate in Dambulla – Kandalama is exceptional for flying balloons, due to its extremely calm and predictable nature.</p><p>Sri Lanka Balloon Rides generally take place in the early morning (because the weather is more stable), and the average distance we cover, in accordance with the wind speed and direction, is anywhere from one to ten miles.</p><p>You can have a scenic Hot Air Balloon flight in the morning with Lanka Ballooning (Pvt) Ltd which is a fully licensed operator and approved by the CAASL (Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka) affiliated to Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and relevant ministries to operate Hot Air Balloon Rides in Sri Lanka, or can relax at the Hotel with breakfast until noon. Your next stop will be The Minneriya National Park (30-50 min drive), a wildlife sanctuary, is the most easily accessed National Park from the cultural triangle and the Minneriya Jeep Safari is one of the most popular activities among the travellers. The largest recurrent annual gatherings of wild elephants take place between July and September at Minneriya National Park. This gathering is listed by Lonely Planet as among the Top Ten wildlife spectacles in the world. Although the months in which the elephant gathering occurs offer the best experience, the safari tour of Minneriya National Park is a pleasing encounter any day of the year.</p><p>The park provides sufficient feeding ground for elephants and many other wild animals, such as Sri Lankan leopards and Sri Lankan Bears. The wildlife here comprises of 26 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish and 75 species of butterflies. Transfer to the Hotel in Kandy.</p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Kandy.</p><p></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></p><p>Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.</p>

<p>After breakfast, Visit Horton Plains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site & Eco-tourism hideout in the heart of the isle (1 hour drive), Endless stretches of green pastures marks one of the healthiest wet montane evergreen forests in the Island. The Panoramic scenic beauty of the Hill Country could be witnessed within the Park. Endemic Slender loris and endemic purple Monkey are among the important animal species that could be seen, drive carefully through herds of Sambhar Deer, shy to human touch & Birdlife chirping across the plains. If you're lucky enough you may be greeted by the sights of a grunting Wild Boar, a pouncing Fishing Cat, otters or even the 'Spotted-Ghost that haunts the plains' - the Sri Lankan Leopard! </p><p>With an altitude above 7,000 feet, the plateau sweeps to a robust 3,169 hectares sheltering flora and fauna varieties that may be found nowhere else on earth. Take in the majestic Baker’s Falls, gushing down over jagged rock precipices. Trek through the frost-covered grass while breathing in the fresh air. You may even gaze down World's End, a head-spinning 3,700 feet drop towards the Southern end. </p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Nuwaraeliya.</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, Trek to The Little Adam’s Peak. 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.</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, Trek to Ella Rock. 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>As the day draws to a close enjoy your last night in The Hill Country with great food, drinks and so good music at “The Cafe Chill” - which was once nominated to "The Best Restaurant in the World" award hosted by a leading travel company in the world. </p><p></p><p>Overnight stay in Ella.</p>

<p>After breakfast, you will be transferred to Colombo in time for your flight back or to a Beach Hotel you prefer, bringing to an </p><p>end of an unforgettable adventure through Sri Lanka’s gorgeous hills.</p>