Considering the busy schedules, lack of sufficient time & the contraction of economies around the world, we have designed below some Day Tours to suit those who would want to consider exploring some of the premier attractions of the Island in a swift nutshell of a tour as some fitting alternatives to consider touring in a day.
Times for sightseeing, refreshments, schedules of the attractions, partaking of food, accommodation, traffic and transport have been carefully considered in devising these tours to enable the discerning visitor to Sightsee, Enjoy, Have Fun & Excitement until the end of the tour from its beginning in the morning & at the end of the day, you can call it a day well spent being light and easy in the land of the least gravity.
A swift ride up the hills of approximately 70 km towards Kandy can take you to visit the ‘Orphaned’ Elephants of the ‘wild’ at Pinnawela, where they are tamed, fed & cared for and to watch them sway down the road to their way to a daily bath that they take in the nearby Mahaweli River.
This is a treat for the eyes as the baby Elephants make use of the water to play, dance & have fun with their elders, as the kids find it hilarious.
Watch how well these orphans are making up their sad lives to be with a ‘community’ of other like minded creatures. They have survived harsh conditions in the wilderness without their parents, almost starving with the least amount of edible vegetation & water to live their natural lives.
Human population growth & development of remote cultivation & human settlements in the vicinity of the wilderness areas where wild animals live are being taken over and contracting the ‘space’ for Elephants to live & migrate as they usually do in their natural habitat.
So this is the main rationale for this shelter to help ‘protect’ their space in this Orphanage for these gentle giants who are earmarked for extinction in the near future.
Free visit to a Gem Shop / Wood Carving and Batik Shop, Tea & Spices
Inclusions
Transport to Pinnawela from Colombo and back
Lunch on tour
Entrance fees to: Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
Exclusions
Anything that is not mentioned above
Locations Covered
Kandy City Tour – Stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake, Hike to 2
Viewpoints to take Scintillating views of Kandy township, Lake, Temple & the Vicinity; Buy your Gifts, Tea, Handicrafts, Silk, Gems etc.
Kandy Temple – Visit the Consecrated Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to see how 2500 years passed through strengthening the Spiritual Culture & enhanced the upbringing of the kids through non-violence
Royal Botanical Gardens – See almost all of the Flora – Plants, Trees, Vines & Herbs of both tropical & temperate Climes of the planet growing side by side along with the seasonal birds
Kandy Viewpoint – Take a breathtaking view of the Lake, Temple, Udawattakele Forest Reserve, settlements, neighboring Mountains, townships & winding roads of the hill capital
Matale Spice Gardens – See the planting, cultivation, growth, harvesting & preparation of Spices for use in the Kitchen, Taste and ‘find’ the differences of each of them
Free visit to a Gem Shop / Wood Carving and Batik Shop, Tea & Spices
Inclusions
Transport to Kandy from Colombo and back
Lunch on tour
Entrance fees to: Kandy Temple / Dance Show / Royal Botanical
Gardens
Exclusions
Anything that is not mentioned above
The capital of the Dazzling Isle of Sri Lanka, Colombo welcomes one & all to Sri Lanka & invites everyone to take a look at its new ‘Lotus Tower’ built to take a panoramic or King’s view of the city. It’s the 19th tallest in the world & 350 meters above sea level with a revolving restaurant, panoramic ‘birdseye’ view & plenty of entertainment including a digital art gallery included in it, is fully worth the time & effort getting up there to kick back & relax.
Colombo Museum exhibits some of the historical artifacts that have been salvaged after the fall of the monarchy, independence & those archaeological remains that get unearthed in modern archaeological finds. The Art Gallery is full of interesting Artwork made by locals.
The Water Park near Avissawella is a fun place to play & chill especially for kids as the water can cool off all the heat & humidity prevalent in the tropical warm breeze & balmy air.
The Galle Face Green adjacent to the Old Parliament is an open air recreation esplanade to relax especially in the evening. Soft blowing or a comfortable squall is always there to cool off a tiring day of activities. A true blue green space attracts the perceptive enthusiast, especially tired workers, parents with kids & families to chill.
Old Parliament Building – House of Commons built by the British to resemble the architecture of the ‘Acropolis of Athens’ in Greece, finding it too small for a growing Leadership, it is now used as the President’s Office.
Inclusions
Transport to Colombo & Suburbs from Colombo and back
Lunch on tour
Exclusions : Anything that is not mentioned above
Explore a Canal built by the Dutch Colonists to transport trading & export goods from the north western estuaries & Lagoons to Colombo & the south western estuaries, waterways & lakes.
A busy Fishing harbour, a large lagoon, Sea & other waterways enable a substantial catch of fish in order to supply an increasing demand for seafood by large hotels in Negombo & adjacent settlements.
The Old Dutch Canal passing through from the north to the south enabled convenient transport of seafood & other produce from the very olden days from the 1600s. It is still an alternative mode of transport of goods & people, especially when the highways get jammed.
The Boat ride into the Nature Reserve of the Maha Oya takes discerning visitors to explore the natural environment of the amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds of this area still largely unexplored and tranquil.
Inclusions
Transport to Negombo from Colombo / Negombo and back
Lunch on tour
Entrance fees to: Nature Boat Ride to the Maha Oya Creek
Exclusions
Anything that is not mentioned above
Formerly a very reserved exercise where dining & drinking was done in closed & protected spaces inside a small number of restaurants and hotels in the country, is gradually opening up wider as the trend has begun to cater to an increasingly fast paced community of both local & foreign enthusiasts.
Street food is here in Sri Lanka with all its numerous variety of tastes.
Explore the great tastes of the blend of fresh vegetables, meat, legumes, & staples with spices, salt, sour, sweet, bitter, astringent & pungence to indulge in tropical delicious delights made ‘hot’ with coconut & coconut milk dished out then & there in all its colors.
The pungent smells of the ‘tempering’ of Garlic, Onion, Green Chilli, Tomato with freshly ground black pepper is unique to the taste of Sri Lankan food, which is in the air during meal times around Galle Face, Slave Island, Pettah, Colombo Fort & other major townships which serves to appetize the passers by.
Inclusions
Transport to Colombo City from Colombo / Negombo and back
Lunch on tour
Entrance fees : None
Exclusions
Anything that is not mentioned above
Visit the well Lighted, Spacious Home, Office & Hotel Architecture at the Jeffrey Bawa Museum at Beruwela, created by a true blue son of the Sri Lankan soil. The Architect of the new captivating Parliament building of the Island nation built on an atoll in the ‘Diyawanna Lake’ of Sri Jayawardenepura – Kotte (the current Administrative Capital & a former Capital of Lanka) located east of Colombo.
Inclusions Transport to Beruwela from Galle & Return
Lunch on tour
Entrance Fees: Jeffrey Bawa Museum
Exclusions : Anything that is not mentioned above
Location Covered
Trekking in Sinharaja Rain Forest – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
21 km East to West & 7 km North to South through Dense Forest which the wildlife avoids leaving alone trekkers & harmless creatures look for food, energy, exercise and to live their lives as if it’s real treading untrodden paths
Uncovering numerous tropical animate creatures & flora unique to this part of the world
Inclusions
Transport to Sinharaja from Galle and back
Trekking charges including trekker
Lunch on tour
Exclusions : Anything that is not mentioned above
Locations Covered
Yala National Park – Be prepared to Capture the Leopard on Camera, over the monkeys, peacocks, bear, deer, crocodiles, iguana, lizards, fish, birds & Forest cover of lush greenery with birds
Inclusions : Transport to Yala from Galle and back
Lunch on tour
Entrance Fees to Yala National Park inclusive of the Jeep Safari Hire
Exclusions : Anything that is not mentioned above
Visit the Uda Walawe National Park – Be prepared to watch for Wild Elephants, Capture Leopards on Camera, look beyond the monkeys, peacocks, bear, deer, crocodiles, iguana, lizards, fish, birds & the lush Forest cover of all hues of greenery with birds chirping to welcome you
Inclusions : Transport to Uda Walawe National Park from Galle and back
Lunch on tour
Entrance Fees to the National Park inclusive of the Jeep Safari Hire
Exclusions : Anything that is not mentioned above
Jump into a ferry boat to go Whale & Dolphin Spotting beyond the horizon of the Ocean. Be prepared for the jaws of the Blue Whales having watched the Dolphins play in the water to welcome your visit
Inclusions : Transport to Mirissa from Galle and back
Lunch on tour
Entrance Fees to : Whale Spotting Ferry Boat
Exclusions : Anything that is not mentioned above
Locations Included
Galle Dutch Fort – See the distinctions of Ancient & Medieval Architecture as if one is in Rome strolling on the stone roads & compare with the Modern
Madhu River – Boat Ride to be in the nature with chirping Birds, watch them as one captures them into images, see the rain forest trees, vines, herbs, amphibians, reptiles and enjoy the tranquility back in the nature
Turtle Hatchery – Watch the Sea Turtles tread up to nest on the shore and return on their slow trudge back to the gigantic Ocean to the warm water
Unawatuna Beach – Enjoy the Appealing atmosphere of a deserted tranquil seaside of a bay to relax, kick back, and chill in the warm breeze & Sea
Weligama Stilt Fishermen – Being Still in the Now, in the Presence of the Silent Presence witnessing the Source of fish, as they sit in their meditation & urge a catch
Inclusions
Transport to Galle & Suburbs from Galle and back
Lunch on tour
Entrance fees to: Madhu River Boat Ride / Turtle Hatchery
Exclusions : Anything that is not mentioned above
Locations Covered
Gem Mining Pit at Ratnapura (Land of Precious Stones), Gem Museum & Gem Shops to inspect Precious Stones of Sri Lanka such as Blue & Star Sapphires, Rubies, Catseyes, Tourmalines, Emeralds & Opals
Inclusions Transport to Ratnapura from Galle & Return
Lunch on tour Entrance Fees: Ratnapura Gem Mining Pit ; Gem Museum
Exclusions : Anything that is not mentioned above
Early morning drive to Horton Plains with picnic breakfasts to arrive at the National Park for sunrise and trek to the ‘World’s End’, sightseeing sambar, leopards, & other creatures of the temperate zone.
View an incredible sight of ‘Samanala Weva’ – Butterfly Lake and the environs 1500 meters below along with other mountain ranges & visit the ‘Baker’s Falls waterfall, inspect the different color of the vegetation.
Visit a Tea Field & Factory in ‘Little England’ to see how an invigorating beverage is created using traditional methods of fermenting, cutting, sorting & drying to make the finest pekoe and taste a cup of fresh fragrant tea made from the day’s pluck.
Inclusions
Transport to Horton Plains & Nuwara Eliya from Kandy and back
Lunch on tour
Entrance fees to: Horton Plains National Park & Tea Factory
Exclusions
Anything that is not mentioned above
Locations Covered
Kandy City Tour – Stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake, Hike to 2
Viewpoints to take Scintillating views of Kandy township, Lake, Temple & the Vicinity; Buy your Gifts, Tea, Handicrafts, Silk, Gems etc.
Kandy Temple – Visit the Consecrated Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to see how 2500 years passed through strengthening the Spiritual Culture & enhanced the upbringing of the kids through non-violence
Royal Botanical Gardens – See almost all of the Flora – Plants, Trees, Vines & Herbs of both tropical & temperate Climes of the planet growing side by side along with the seasonal birds
Kandy Viewpoint – Take a breathtaking view of the Lake, Temple, Udawattakele Forest Reserve, settlements, neighboring Mountains, townships & winding roads of the hill capital
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage – Visit the Shelter created for the Orphaned Elephants where they are tamed, fed & cared for & watch the Baby Elephants play, dance & have fun in the River water bathing space
Free visit to a Gem Shop / Wood Carving and Batik Shop, Tea & Spices
Inclusions
Transport to Kandy, Pinnawela, Peradeniya from Kandy and back
Lunch on tour
Entrance fees to: Kandy Temple / Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage / Royal Botanical Gardens
Exclusions
Anything that is not mentioned above
Locations Covered
Kitulgala White Water Rafting – Raft, Canoe or kayak thru 9 rapids under the rain forest canopy through the brooks to the Kelani River all pumped up, geared & equipped to raft all day in warm water & sunshine & trek back an adventurous riverside
Inclusions
Transport to Kitulgala from Kandy and back
Lunch on tour
01 Round of White Water Rafting
Exclusions
Anything that is not mentioned above
Locations Covered
Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Medieval Paintings on the rocks, royal palace, mirror walls, prehistoric hydraulic system to pump water up to the top of the Palace Garden & an anomalous stone sculpture on one’s way back past the lion’s mouth & amphitheater
Enroute : Sightsee the Ibbankatuwa megalithic burial ground
Dambulla Cave Temple – See 3rd Century BC Murals, Art, Stone Sculptures, Carvings of the Buddha & other Deities all preserved to exhibit in 5 caves by Silent Monks
Hiriwadunna Village Tour – Go back to the Nature with Ayurveda Cookery, Handmade Pottery, firewood used in cooking food & Bull driven Carts as is
Spice Gardens – See how the Spices are grown, cultivated, harvested, sorted, processed, and packed for sale to the markets, Taste them to discern the fresh quality, aroma, fragrance, texture , size etc.
Inclusions
Transport to Sigiriya & Dambulla from Kandy and back
Lunch on tour
Entrance Fees: Sigiriya / Dambulla / 01 Authentic Hiriwadunna Village Experience
Exclusions : Anything that is not mentioned above
Locations Covered
Polonnaruwa Gal Vihara – Stone Temple Sculptures – See how a Standing Buddha, Lotus Buddha & a reclining Buddha has been sculpted out of one big rock mountain with other carvings
Explore Ancient Ruins from the 2nd Century BC on an Elephant
Watch the herds of migrating Elephants at Minneriya National Park coming from the vicinity of Kaudulla National Park & environs
Inclusions Transport to Polonnaruwa from Kandy and back
Lunch on tour Entrance Fees: Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya, Ruins & Minneriya National Park
Exclusions : Anything that is not mentioned above