Day 01 – Airport to Kandy

It is 115 Km from the Airport to Kandy. It takes 3 hours to reach Kandy without stopping anywhere. There is no highway to go to Kandy via Pinnawala. But you will enjoy the beautiful village scenery all over the route. It’s a good thing you visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage en route. A caring home for abandoned and wounded elephants. It is a much-loved destination for tourists and locals alike.

Here, adults and baby elephants from around Sri Lanka thrive, and a captive breeding program is also proving to be highly successful. The feeding and bathing times are generally the ideal times to visit when you can observe these gentle giants at their best.

You can start the Kandy City tour in the afternoon. The hill capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and home to significant historical and religious attractions, such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy, the last Kingdom capital until the British captured it in 1815.

You can cover some highlights of the city within a short time. If you want to know more places in Kandy city, we have written a separate article about Kandy city tour for those interested; the link follows immediately.

https://pantheratravels.com/kandy-city-tour/

Kandy Lake is an excellent place for people to watch in the shade of the ancient trees. Go for a walk with your travel buddy.

One of Kandy’s unique aspects is its laidback streets, full of a colorful kaleidoscope of colonial buildings and houses.

Explore the Sacred Temple of the Tooth relic in the Royal Palace complex, a historic location of cultural and religious significance.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic is the jewel in the heart of the old city, captivating and majestic. It is a greatly venerated site, as it holds the Tooth Relic of the Buddha and thus attracts pilgrims from all over the world and the island. Overnight stay at Kandy.

Day 02 – Kandy

Kandy Viewpoint is a quick stop with a platform from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city, with its glamour blended with nature. Perched on top of a mountain, this attraction offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Situated at approximately.

If you are a nature lover or simply looking for a peaceful escape from bustling city life, the Royal Botanical Garden in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is the perfect destination. Spread over 147 acres, this enchanting garden is a haven for flora and fauna enthusiasts, offering a delightful experience amidst the lush greenery and vibrant blooms.

The Royal Botanical Garden, also known as Peradeniya Botanic Gardens, dates back to the 14th century during the reign of King Vikrama Bahu III. Created as a pleasure garden for the royal family, it was later transformed into a botanical garden by the British in 1821. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a scientific research and conservation center.

The gem museum showcases various gemstones, including the famous Ceylon sapphires. Visitors can learn about the different types of gemstones, their characteristics, and the factors that determine their value. The museum also houses a gemological laboratory where gemstones are tested and certified. Visiting these gem museums in Sri Lanka will give you a deeper understanding of the country’s gem industry and allow you to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these precious stones.

Elephant wood carvings and Masks are a famous Sri Lankan handicraft made from local hardwoods and used in religious and decorative settings. They depict elephants in various poses and are decorated with intricate patterns, often painted in vibrant colors. Traditional techniques have been passed down through generations and can take months or years. Highly sought after by collectors and art lovers, Sri Lankan Elephant wood carvings are also commonly used as gifts and decorations in the country.

The cultural show starts at 16.30 in the evening, and the Kandy cultural show captivates your ears and eyes with spectacular local culture and art displays. In this one-hour show, you will see drummers, fire dancers, and more in a cultural spectacle covering various aspects of Sri Lanka’s traditions. This cultural show depicts multiple forms of Kandyan dancing, which was once native to the area but has now spread to different island regions.

You have two options for entering the audience. If you visit, you can pay an entry fee or obtain free tokens from the Gem Museum & Lapidary. Please talk to your tour guide for the information.

We have written a separate article about the Cultural dancing show Kandy for those interested; the link follows immediately.

https://pantheratravels.com/cultural-dancing-show-kandy/

You can visit the Kandy bazaar (local market) or the hotel. Overnight stay in Kandy. 

Day 03 – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya 

You must start at 7:30 a.m. from the hotel after Breakfast. Proceed to Nuwara Eliya by train.

The Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train tour (3 to 4 hours) is an attractive and picturesque journey on the island. In village life, you will pass through beautiful tea estates, waterfalls, and rivers. Our vehicle will pick you up at Nanuoya (Nuwara Eliya) railway station. 

 You can cover some highlights of the city within a short time. If you want to know more places in Nuwara Eliya city, we have written a separate article about Nuwara Eliya city tour for those interested; the link follows immediately.

https://pantheratravels.com/nuwara-eliya-city-tour/

Visit the spectacular Sitha Amman Kovil.

According to legend, Seetha Amman temple is where Ravana, King of Lanka, kept Sita during his reign. 

One of the most iconic landmarks of Nuwara Eliya town is Gregory Lake, an artificial lake surrounded by lush green hills. Take a stroll along the lakeside, rent a paddleboat, or relax and enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings. 

The lake is also famous for picnics and offers breathtaking views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Gregory Park is a narrow, stripped park along the lake’s brink. There is a beautiful walking path around the lake.

Explore the city’s Colonial History. Nuwara Eliya is full of colonial buildings, such as the famous Post Office housed in an 1894 Tudo Manor. Stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya. 

Day 04 – Nuwara Eliya to Negombo

Visit a tea factory, one of Sri Lanka’s primary sources of foreign exchange. Ceylon tea is recognized as Ceylon Tea and is renowned for its high–quality aroma and taste.

In over one hundred and fifty years, the name Ceylon had become synonymous with the world’s finest tea. In the world’s eye and tongue, Ceylon was tea, and tea was Ceylon. What Rolls Royce is to cars, Rolex is to watches, Havana is to cigars, Scotland is to whisky, and Ceylon is to tea. The legendary lion of the Sri Lankan flag was introduced to the Ceylon Tea logo to guard this commitment, the symbol of quality.

Ramboda Falls is 109 m, the eleventh tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and the 729th tallest waterfall in the world. It is situated at Ramboda Pass. The Panna Oya, a tributary of Kothmale Oya, forms the waterfall, which is 945 above sea level. It is beautiful, and you love it.

Visit Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple Ramboda, 35 Km from Nuwara Eliya town towards Kandy. It is a significant spot in the epic Ramayana, and Hindus worldwide consider it one of the main spots. In the Ramayana, Hanuman searches for Sitadevi on these hills. Chinmaya Mission of Sri Lanka built a Hanuman temple at this site

Sri Lanka, known as the “Spice Island,” is famous for its lush green landscapes and aromatic spices. A visit to the spice gardens of Sri Lanka is a sensory delight, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the country’s rich spice heritage and experience the scents and flavors that have made it a culinary paradise. Visit Spice Garden in Mawanella.

Various organic herbs are known for their excellent medicinal, health, and longevity properties. Herbal medications are the world’s oldest medicinal practice for treating physical and psychological ailments.

Check-in Hotel Negombo. Enjoy the beach in Negombo.

No visit to Negombo is complete without sampling the delicious local cuisine. The city offers many culinary delights, from mouthwatering seafood curries to traditional Sri Lankan snacks. Take advantage of the opportunity to try hoppers, a famous Sri Lankan dish made from fermented rice batter, or Kottu roti, a flavorful street food made with shredded roti and vegetables. Overnight stay in Negombo. 

Day 05 – Negombo to Airport

After Breakfast, checkout & proceed to the Colombo Airport to catch your flight. It is 9 km and 30 minutes. It depends on your flight time, which can be spent more time on the beach.