Best Of Sri Lanka with RAMAYANA

On arrival, be met by a representative of Ceylon One and thereafter proceed to Kandy. En route visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. A sanctuary for orphaned elephants, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage gives visitors the unique opportunity to get up close to these majestic animals. Established in 1975, the orphanage’s elephant population has grown over the years with quite a few elephant claves being born as well. Today visitors have the chance to get up close to these gentle giants of the wild; be present for milk feeding time (09:15am and 01:15pm) and for the daily trip to the nearby river for their daily bath (10:00am and 02:00pm) where some can be seen frolicking in the water. Head to Kandy, the island’s last stronghold before it was captured by the British. The town has a rich history that is very much a part of local culture. Amongst the highlights at this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a revered place of worship amongst Buddhists. From bustling markets full of fresh produce and a modern shopping centre to a gem museum and an arts & crafts centre, there is much to see here. End the day by taking in a cultural show featuring traditional performances and energetic drumming. End the day relaxing at your hotel in Kandy. Overnight stay in Kandy

After breakfast begin your journey to Nuwara Eliya. Optional visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. Home to over 4,000 plants species, the Royal Botanical Gardens is a popular attraction for both local and foreigners alike. Encompassing 147 acres, these gardens date back to the 14th century and have evolved over the course of time. Today, it features an amazing array of flora including orchid varieties and such highlights as the Avenue of Palms and a Cannonball Tree that was initially planted by King George V. Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya. En route visit a Tea factory and the Hanuman Temple in Ramboda. Very much a part of Sri Lanka’s image, Ceylon Tea is loved the world over. Set amidst the enchanting beauty of slopes blanketed in tea bushes, take a tour of a tea factory; learn of the traditions involved in tea processing, while the perfect way to complete your experience is to have a cup of expertly prepared tea. Make your way to the hills of Ramboda, a place that is linked with the Ramayana; it is believed that Lord Hanuman was in search of Sita here. Today, you can find a temple in this area dedicated to Lord Hanuman, constructed by the Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka. Among the highlights is an image of this Hindu deity spanning a height of 16 feet. After your visit head to Nuwara Eliya -Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast at the hotel, it is time to proceed to Bentota En route enjoy a city tour of Nuwara Eliya including a visit to the Seetha Amman Temple and the Hakgala Botanical Garden. A former British colonial retreat, Nuwara Eliya has a unique old world charm set amidst idyllic landscapes of slopes abounding in tea bushes. As you wander around the town you will come across colonial-style bungalows and English cottages which lend to its charm. A magnificent 18-hole golf course can be found here along with Lake Gregory a popular place for a picnic or some recreation. Visit the Seetha Amman Temple, another site that has its origins in the Ramayana. The temple was built in honour of Sita, Lord Rama’s wife; according to local tradition, she was held captive in this area by King Ravana. At the nearby stream, you will also find indentations on the rocks which are believed to be Lord Hanuman’s footprints. Complete your exploration of the hill country with a visit to the Hakgala Botanical Garden also known as the “Pleasure Garden of Ravana”. One of the most picturesque gardens on the island, this popular site is a must visit for nature lovers. Amidst the stunning scenery, you will come across everything from orchids to roses and other flowering plants that add splashes of color to the gardens. Once completed your tour, it is time to make your way to the south coast and your hotel in Bentota While Bentota features one of the best beaches to visit in Sri Lanka, it has more than seaside delights to look forward to. The region has many popular tourist attractions too so a tour here will certainly be a richly rewarding one. The Galapota Temple which houses a large statue of Buddha is a popular attraction, as is the Paradise Island, which is a sandy strip of the Bentota Beach that runs parallel to the Bentota Lagoon. Visit the famed architect, Geoffrey Bawa’s home, Lunuganga, open to those who appreciate fine architecture and design. Water sport fanatics will be delighted to learn that Bentota offers quite a few easy to access diving and snorkelling sites. Among these, the Canoe Rock is quite famous. The many resorts, as well as the water sports centres in the region, provide equipment and facilities needed to enjoy hours of blissful indulgence in the waters here. Overnight stay in Bentota