Shri Lanka

After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En route visit Gem Museum / Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple & Tea Factory.

CEYLON GEMS - Industry has a very long and colorful history. Sri Lanka was affectionately known as Ratna - Dweepa which means Gem Island. The name is a reflection of its natural wealth. Marco Polo wrote that the island had the best sapphires, topazes, amethysts, and other gems in the world. [1]Ptolemy, the 2nd century astronomer recorded that beryl and sapphire were the mainstay of Sri Lanka‟s gem industry. Records from sailors that visited the island states that they brought back “jewels of Serendib”. Serendib was the ancient name given to the island by middle – eastern and Persian traders that crossed the Indian Ocean to trade gems from Sri Lanka to the East during the 4th and 5th century.

SRI BAKTHA TEMPLE - The kidnapping of Sita by Ravana (was King of Lanka) - meant that Ravana had to hide Sita in several locations. The Seetha Amman temple was named after the wife, Sitadevi, of Lord Rama. The structure was built on one of the exact sites where the demon king Ravana held Sita as his captive, in the Ashoka Forests of the region. It is believed that the Lordess used the stream by the temple and meditated by the rocks along the stream.

TEA EXPERIENCE - Which involves a visit a plantation to observe firsthand the process, starting from the plucking field where it all begins with the picking of “two leaves and a bud” to the factory where the processing begins. Originally introduced to the island around 1850 by the British, Ceylon Tea is world famous for its high quality and has remained a major contributor to the island‟s economy for generations. Currently, Sri Lanka is one of largest exporter of tea worldwide. The high altitudes produce the best flavors, so Sri Lanka's hill-country is the ideal environment to grow the most flavorsome tea. A guided tour around a Tea Factory is an enlightening experience.

NUWARA ELIYA - The "Little England" of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the Island, but it is really just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for Birding as you get some rare birds in this Park. Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

After breakfast proceed to Seetha Eliya to visit Seetha Amman Temple.

SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE - Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful hill station in Sri Lanka, known for its tea estates, waterfalls, famous golf course, and much more. There is also a small but well known temple - the Seetha Amman Temple - located about a ten minutes drive from Lake Gregory. The temple is an important one in Hindu Mythology.

In the afternoon proceed to Bentota. En route visit Kitulgala White Water Rafting. (Nuwara Eliya to Bentota – approximately 4 hours)

KITULGALA WHITE WATER RAFTING - Experience White Water Rafting in the picturesque Kelani River, covering 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids. This activity is for anyone above the age of 10 years with safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive safety briefing will be given by our white water rafting instructors beforehand. The distance covered is around 5 KMs. The river and its surrounding will make you feel enchanted, with a memorable Experience during your White Water Rafting Tour in Kitulagala.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

After breakfast proceed to Colombo. En route we suggest you to visit Turtle Hatchery Farm & Cruise along the Madu River at Bentota.

TURTLE HATCHERY FARM - Sri Lanka's first and original turtle hatchery is 5km (3miles) south of Induruwa in Kosgoda reputedly the best beach for turtle-watching and signposted off the Galle Road. If you have not had your fill of baby turtles already, the Victor Hassel lad Turtle Hatchery stays open daily from 6am -6pm

TURTLE HATCHERY FARM - Sri Lanka's first and original turtle hatchery is 5km (3miles) south of Induruwa in Kosgoda reputedly the best beach for turtle-watching and signposted off the Galle Road. If you have not had your fill of baby turtles already, the Victor Hassel lad Turtle Hatchery stays open daily from 6am -6pm

CRUISE ALONG THE MADHU RIVER- a relaxing trip with plenty of interesting stops. You pass dozens of islets forested with mangroves and can appreciate the timeless natural rhythms of rural life. You cruise in a canopied, outboard motor powered boat; pausing to view a 200-year-old temple & to watch the locals cultivating cinnamon. You may also see traditional fishing techniques in action & can view demonstrations of coir manufacture and rope making. Bring your binoculars along if you can, as around 46 species of bird reside in the area, including 14 aquatic varieties. You can also spot huge water lilies & colorful butterflies.

COLOMBO - a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings and the Dutch Church of Wolfe dhal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha, the Independence Square and Gangaramaya Temple

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

After breakfast we suggest you to commence a city tour & shopping at Colombo.

COLOMBO SHOPPING - We suggest you to visit Odel / House of Fashion / Bare Foot / Paradise Road Café / Noritake for ceramic items / Laksala for Souvenir are the best shopping centers in Colombo.

In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Breakfast