Programme

Arrive Colombo Airport. After completing the formalities proceed towards Kandy (125 kms.)
Enroute visit the fishing village in Negombo which is the center of the island’s fishing community. It is largely Roman Catholic by faith, with huge imposing churches down almost every street. The sea & the catamarans are the backdrop to the Negombo scenery and Pinnawala, the elephant Orphanage. This orphanage was established to feed nurse & house young elephants found abandoned by their mothers. Often the young ones fall into pits and ravines in their request for water during drought period. This is the home to some 60 or more elephant orphans. A place you will really enjoy and never forget. Most orphans are accustomed to their curious human visitors are harmless. Started in 1972 the Elephant Orphanage was relocated to at the present site in 1975 Bathing time at Ma Oya just in front of the orphanage is sharp at 10 am and 2 pm. Feeding time is about and hour earlier.
Finally proceed towards Kandy. Arrive at hotel in Kandy. Check-in the hotel. Night halt at Kandy.

Kandy, the Hill Capital of Sri Lanka nestling among the misty hills in the central region of this paradise island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was here once the Sinhala kings ruled majestically. Next to Colombo, it is also the most visited city in Sri Lanka. As the shrine holding the sacred tooth relic of the lord Buddha is placed in the heart of the city, it's also the most venerated city in Sri Lanka. Because of the history, pageantry and veneration associated with this exquisite city, Kandy is classed as a World Heritage City by UNESCO. Kandy is a reflection of the variety, harmony and diversity of the people and cultures that make Sri Lanka a great nation. It was once the capital of the Kandyan kingdom, the last bastion of resistance to the colonial domination of the nation. This royal city fell to the British in 1815 sealing the fate of Sri Lanka's long cherished independence. This last seat of the Sinhalese kings, who ceded power to the Britishin in 1815 after many a battle with the western colonial forces, still retains much of the old charm and tradition of the truly Sri Lankan life style.

After breakfast, visit the city of Kandy. The most famous landmark of Kandy is its lake, in the center of the city. Udawatte-kele is a nature reserve surrounded by city. Further visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, the finest of its kind in Asia, the largest of the botanical gardens of Sri Lanka, couldn't be better located. In the Mediterranean climate of Kandy, the gateway to the Central Highlands, the Gardens, at an elevation of 500 meters above sea-level, were tightly bounded on three sides by a loop of River Mahaweli (Great sandy river), the largest river of Sri Lanka. More than 4000 species include indigenous and introduced plants. This garden is best known for it’s collection of orchids the largest in Asia. Peradeniya is believed to take its exotic name from Sinhalese names Pera (guava) and Deniya (a plain). The name also reveals, although Guava is not indigenous to Sri Lanka, introduction of the fruit to the island and cultivation had occurred even prior to the era of British Colonialists in Ceylon. The Gardens date back to the Kandyan kingdom, when they were used as royal pleasure grounds. However, it was soon after the British seized the Kandyan Kingdom that they were established in 1821. The Gardens are elegantly landscaped over 150 hectares of beautifully undulating grounds). Thereafter visit to Gem shop Kandy is also famous for its shopping, gems and jewellery, handicrafts, batiks, Kandiyan sarees etc.

In the evening, visit Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Tooth Relic). The Sri Dalada Maligawa or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a temple built in 16th century within the royal palace complex which houses the only surviving relic of Buddha, a tooth, which is venerated by Buddhists. The relic has played an important role in the local politics since ancient times, it's believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country, which caused the ancient kings to protect it with great effort. Kandy was the capital of the Sinhalese Kings from 1592 to 1815, fortified by the terrain of the mountains and the difficult approach. The city is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO, in part due to the temple. Monks of the two chapters of Malwatte and Asgiriya conduct daily ritual worship in the inner chamber of the temple, in annual rotation. They conduct these services three times a day: at dawn, at noon and in the evening. On Wednesdays there is a symbolic bathing of the Sacred Relic with an herbal preparation made from scented water and flagrant flowers, called Nanumura Mangallaya. This holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed among those present. Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka from the Kalinga province in ancient India in the 4th century AD. Several building have been added to the temple complex by successive rulers, the latest being the Golden Canopy over the inner shrine where the Tooth Relic is placed). Night halt at Kandy.

After breakfast, leave for Nuwara Eliya (76 kms.) the center of hill country, En-route visit Ramboda Temple (Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, on these hills of Ramboda where Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi. Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka built a temple with Hanuman as the presiding deity. On every full moon day special pooja”s are conducted and witnessed by thousands of devotees. The image of Lord Hanuman is 16 feet) and a tea plantation and witness the manufacture of the world famous ‘’Ceylon tea‘’ at Makwoods Tea factory. Arrive Nuwara Eliya. Check in the hotel.
Nuwara Eliya, also called as a Little England, is the most famous hill resort in Sri Lanka, is located at the altitude of 2000 metres. Land of the renowned Ceylon tea, the waving mountains of Nuwara Eliya are carpeted by green tea plantations, punctuated with bublisng streams and waterfalls. This picturesque town is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. This town is picturesquely located on the shores of Lake Gregory in a prime tea growing district.. Set up and developed as an English Village and Health Resort by the 19th century British colonial settlers, its older buildings such as the Post Office, Holy Trinity Church, the Grand Hotel, Vintage Hotels and Houses and the Golf Club have old English Architecture, pretty flower gardens and great nostalgic charm. The sightseeing highlights are the Victoria Park, the Nuwara Eliya Golf Course, the Hakgala Botanical Gardens.which has a good collection of sub tropical and mountain flora.
After an evening tea, visit- Sita Amman Temple (this temple is located at Ashok Van, which is believed to be the exact place where Sita was held captive by the demon-king Ravana in the Lanka of the epic, Ramayana. Myth has it that Sita, the wife of King Rama, was imprisoned in the Ashoka forests of the region. The temple trustees believe that this is no myth and that Sita's imprisonment at this spot is a historical fact). Spend the evening walking in the cool climate. Night halt at Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast, departure to Galle (125 kms.- 3 Hrs.) Reach Galle. Check-in the hotel.
Galle is the capital of the southern province is a city with a colourful history. UNESCO declared World Heritage Site the magnificent Dutch fort is the most popular attraction of the town. 300 year old Dutch atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings not invaded by the skyscrapers. The beautiful beach of Unawatuna is just 6 kms. south east of the city centre. The southern coastal belt is the most popular among the tourists and comes to life mainly from October through April when the monsoon moves northeast and the sea becomes calm with blue skies. The earliest European administrative centre of Sri Lanka was the major port and the largest city until the British shifted the port to Colombo. The City of Galle had been the European administrative centre over 4 centuries.
Visit Galle fort (this fort was built first by the Portuguese, then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it looks new and polished with reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Today Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world. The Dutch fort also known as Ramparts of Galle withstood the Boxing Day tsunami which destroyed the Galle town. There are many Moor families who live inside this fort along with Sinhalese, Dutch, English, Portuguese and Germans. More details regarding the history of the fort can be found at the visitors centre and at the Dutch period museum inside the Fort. Today, the citizens of Dutch fort in Galle are trying to make this a free port and a free trade zone. If successful no taxes are levied on the companies and individuals who reside inside the city) and Dutch Reformed Church Built by a Dutch Army officer at the site of a previous Portuguese church and completed in 1754 the church is situated close to the new entrance to the fort. The church contains record of marriages since 1748 and baptism from 1678. The other significant of the building id there are no pillars inside the building and the weight of the roof is supported by the walls). Night halt at Galle.

After breakfast, proceed towards Colombo (116 kms.). Enroute Visit- Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery (45 kms. from Galle) (the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka operates a famous turtle hatchery near Bentota. It was established in 1981 to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. The hatchery pays fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the long sandy beach. 10% of the hatchlings survive their journey to the sea- 10 times the rate in the wild. Visitors can see and sometimes handle new born and older turtles. The main laying season is from October to April but some eggs and hatchlings can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year. The hatchlings are usually released at 2-4 days old)
Further visit- Bentota (this famous golden beach is safe for swimming and particularly popular with foreign tourists. But other areas have strong currents, so take local advice. The name is said to come from a demon “Bem” who ruled the local river (river bank = “tota”). The area is famous for jewellery, and it is possible to visit the moonstone mines. There are Buddhist temples at Kande Vihare (160 ft tall) and Sri Kalyanarama Maha Viharaya, Kaluwamodera (made from ancient marble) There is a range of water sports on offer. There are boat trips on the Bentota and Maadu rivers, with visits to local temples and cinnamon estates and great opportunities to observe the local wildlife. A romantic river safari is the highlight of many people’s holiday, but more active holidaymakers can try surfing, skiing and diving on the reef at Akurela beach. The Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka operates a famous turtle hatchery near Bentota. It was established in 1981 to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. The hatchery pays fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the long sandy beach. 10% of the hatchlings survive their journey to the sea – 10 times the rate in the wild. Visitors can see and sometimes handle new born and older turtles. The main laying season is from October to April but some eggs and hatchlings can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year. The hatchlings are usually released at 2-4 days old)
Arrive Colombo. Check-in the hotel.
Thereafter visit- Colombo Fort (originally a fort during the Portuguese and Dutch periods but now a major commercial center of the country and housing major offices, big hotels, some of the better shops, airline offices, banks, main post office, immigration office, travel agents and restaurants. Within Fort are several places of tourist interest, which can be conveniently seen on foot), Pettah (adjacent to Fort is Pettah-Colombo's leading bazaar district. It has narrow cobbled streets lined with shops and street stalls that offer the most fantastic bargains and the most unimaginable range of goods varying from bright printed fabrics, suitings, undergarments, children wear, footwear and handbags to electrical goods, semi precious jewellery, watches, rare first edition books, cutlery and other household items. Each criss-crossed lane of Pettah leads to the main street and each has developed its own specialized characteristic. For example, household goods are found on Keyzer Street. Prince Street is famous for glass, mirrors and electrical items. Malwatte Avenue sells English, Sinhala and Tamil music cassettes), Galle face green (a promenade on the sea face stretching one and a half kilometers, it is a relic of the British era. Laid out in 1859 it was used for horse racing. Today it is the largest open space in Colombo and a famous picnic spot.) and National Museum (Housed in a grand colonial building, the National Museum is the custodian of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. Among its exhibits are a vast collection of half a million books, more than 4000 archaic palm leaf manuscripts, rock sculptures from the ancient cities, bronze brassware and royal weapons of Sri Lankan kings, fascinating paintings of by gone eras and an excellent collection of antique demon masks. The most interesting among the exhibits are the regalia of the Kandyan Kings dating back to the 17th century) Evening free for relaxation. Night at Colombo.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to connect your flight to Male. Arrive Male.
Maldives is an ideal setting for a memorable honeymoon and a relaxation holiday. A nation of Islands scattered across in the Indian Ocean southwest of India and Srilanka. Maldives is a natural wonder with 1.190 islands consisting of 26 atoll formations spread over an area of some 90,000 square kilometers. Maldives For Divers has some of the world's best diving sites and spectacular underwater marine life. Whether on sea, underwater, or on one of the most beautiful tropical islands you have ever seen. Maldives- a dream destination famous for its beautiful white beaches and breathtaking underwater scenery. But there is more to this unique nation, these 1190 islands spread across the Indian Ocean and circled into 26 natural atolls. They boast rich cultural traditions, a history of kings and queens, pageants, feasts and festivals, their own language and script. Truly a natural wonder, the islands rarely exceed two meters in height. The 1,190 islands, consisting of 26 atoll formations, are spread over an area of some 90,000 square kilometers. The origins of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity. Historical and archaeological evidence indicate that the islands were first inhabited over 5,000 years ago. There are also indications that the Maldives, having being on an important trade route, were settled by people from all over the world, leaving the actual origins shrouded mystery.
Later transfer to your dream Maldives resort by speedboat or Dhoni (Slow Boat). Check into the resort. Evening relax & overnight stay. You have an various options of Maldives tours choose from. Night halt at Maldives.

After breakfast day free for Maldives tours & water sports activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, etc. on your own. Evening will be free for relaxation. Night halt at Maldives.