1st Day ISTANBUL – KUWAIT – COLOMBO
We meet at the international departure terminal of Istanbul New Airport three hours before the flight. After luggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, we fly to Kuwait with Jazeera Airways scheduled flight. After arriving in Kuwait, our flight to Colombo begins with Jazeera Airways scheduled flight. We spend the night on the plane.
2nd Day COLOMBO – PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE – DAMBULLA TEMPLE – HABARANA-SIGIRIYA
After arrival in Colombo, we proceed to our private bus waiting for us at the airport. Then we move for our tour of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. We enjoy an open buffet breakfast by the river along the way. Established in 1975, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage started with seven orphans. Today, some of these orphans have the chance to see their grandchildren born in the same place. The primary aim of the orphanage was more tourism-oriented, but it quickly became a conservation and education center. During our visit to the orphanage, we will be able to walk alongside the elephants and watch them bathe themselves with their trunks. Afterward, we depart for our tour of the Dambulla Temple. When we step into the mystical surroundings of Dambulla, we will be greeted by the serene atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together, we will embark on a pilgrimage in five extraordinary cave temples, each a sanctuary of ancient art and spirituality. Dambulla is not just about temples; it holds immense historical significance. We will explore the rich history and cultural importance of these caves, where ancient kings sought refuge, and that continue to inspire us with magnificent cave frescoes and sculptures. Our journey in Dambulla takes us to the heart of Buddhism. Together, we will witness intricate cave paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, providing insights into the profound philosophy that has shaped the lives of millions. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to relax. Dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel.
3rd Day HABARANA – SIGIRIYA – HIRIWADUNNA – HABARANA-SIGIRIYA
Early in the morning, we set off for our tour of Sigiriya. Be ready to embark on a fascinating journey to discover the ancient marvel of Sri Lanka's "Lion Rock" fortress, Sigiriya! As we approach Sigiriya, we will be welcomed by the towering presence of this legendary rock formation. Together, we will climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock, passing through steep stairs and ancient paths to reach the summit. Along the way, we will marvel at the intricate frescoes that adorn the rock surface, each offering a glimpse into the artistic brilliance of a bygone era. When we reach the top, we will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the lush Sri Lankan countryside. Together, we will stand at the summit of this ancient fortress, once ruled and sheltered by kings. The ruins of the ancient palace and the gardens surrounding it will unfold before us, showcasing Sri Lanka's architectural and engineering prowess. Our next stop will be the mysterious Lion's Gate, the most important part of Sigiriya. Together, we will witness the massive lion paws guarding the entrance, a symbol of the fortress's magnificent past. As we explore the remnants of the royal palace and admire the intricate water gardens below, we will find ourselves transported back in time to an era of wealth and grandeur. After the tour, we transfer back to the hotel for breakfast. Next, we depart for our tour of Hiriwadunna. Our journey begins with a leisurely walk in Hiriwadunna village. Together, we will stroll along lush paths, passing by traditional houses and friendly locals greeting us with warm smiles. While wandering in this enchanting village, we will gain a deeper appreciation for rural life in Sri Lanka. Hiriwadunna is known for its serene lakeside setting, and we will have the privilege of experiencing this firsthand. Together, we will embark on a peaceful katamaran journey surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The lake's mirror-like surface creates a dreamy scene that reflects the vibrant greenery and azure skies. One key highlight of our Hiriwadunna tour is a ride on a traditional bullock cart. Together, we will hop onto these charming carts pulled by sturdy bulls and explore the rural area. This timeless mode of transportation will allow us to experience the authentic rhythms of rural life. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and have free time to relax. Dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel.
4th Day HABARANA – SPICE GARDEN – KANDY – SRI LANKA TRADITIONAL SHOW
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms and depart for our Spice Garden tour. As we step into this green paradise, we will be greeted by a symphony of scents. Together, we will walk among the vibrant greenery filled with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and other exotic spices. Our journey will be a sensory delight as we learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of these valuable materials. We will explore the ancient trade routes that brought these spices to the island and their roles in shaping the country’s culinary traditions. However, the Spice Garden is not just about spices; it is also a treasure trove of herbal medicine. We will discover the healing herbs and plants used in traditional Ayurveda medicine and gain insights into their therapeutic properties. Together, we will learn how these age-old remedies are still widely practiced in Sri Lanka today. Afterward, we depart for our tour of Kandy. Upon entering Kandy, we will be transported to a world where tradition and history seamlessly blend with modern life. Our tour will include highlights such as the Temple of the Tooth and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Kandy Lake is an oasis in the heart of the city. Together, we will enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, admiring its tranquil beauty and the city views. Then we will depart for our Sri Lanka Traditional Show tour. We will step into the rich and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka, enhanced by visual performances paired with traditional music and drumming rhythms. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Kandy and have free time to relax. Dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel.
5th Day KANDY – GIRAGAMA TEA FACTORY – GALLE – SEA TURTLES
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms and depart for our tour of Giragama Tea Factory. When it comes to Ceylon Tea, Giragama is always a well-known name. We visit the tea factory in Giragama for an authentic experience wrapped around a cup of tea. We watch how tea is processed before classification and taste a fresh cup of Ceylon tea straight from the garden. After that, we head for our tour of Galle. As we step through the ancient walls of the Galle Fort, we will embark on a journey through time. Together, we will stroll along the cobbled streets lined with colonial-era architecture reflecting the Dutch and Portuguese heritage of the city. We will explore the quaint boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafes that add a modern touch to this historic settlement. Together, we will enjoy a leisurely walk along the iconic Galle Ramparts, where we can see panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The cool sea breeze and rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the rocks create a perfect tranquil atmosphere for relaxation. Next, we depart for our Sea Turtles tour. As we step onto the sun-kissed shores of Sri Lanka, we will learn about crucial efforts to protect endangered sea turtles and their precious nests. We will see sea turtles of all sizes and even get the chance to hold the smaller ones in our hands. We will visit nesting sites and witness the nesting turtles' rituals in awe as they lay their eggs in the carefully prepared sandy nests. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Galle and have free time to relax. Dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel.
6th Day GALLE – COLOMBO
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for a panoramic city tour of Colombo. During our tour, we will wander through bustling streets where colonial-era architecture harmoniously blends with modern skyscrapers, creating a captivating urban landscape. We will find ourselves in the midst of a city that is continuously evolving while proudly preserving its heritage. We will pass through Galle Face Green, where we will feel the ocean breeze on our faces and witness a mesmerizing sunset over the Indian Ocean. Highlights of our tour include panoramic views of Lotus Tower, Town Hall, Consulate Avenue, Independence Memorial, and Gangaramaya Temple. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Colombo and have free time to relax. Dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel.
7th Day COLOMBO – NEGOMBO – KUWAIT – ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms and depart for our tour of Negombo. Together, we will uncover the charm of Negombo's pristine beaches where we can swim, enjoy the sun, or dive into water sports adventures. Gentle waves and golden sands create a perfect backdrop for relaxation. Together, we will explore the lively streets of the city filled with colonial architecture and vibrant markets. We will delve into the rich heritage of Negombo, influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods. Then we enjoy our dinner at a local restaurant. We will have free time until our transfer to the airport. At midnight, we will meet as informed by your guide and transfer to the airport.
8th Day ISTANBUL
After luggage, ticket, and customs procedures, we fly to Kuwait with Jazeera Airways scheduled flight. Following that, we fly to Istanbul with Jazeera Airways scheduled flight. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our tour and services come to an end.