Sri Lanka is a blessed country with beautiful landscapes and today you will be visiting the Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, which was established in 1876 to conduct experiments on exotic economic plants. This beautiful garden comprises of an enormous variety of plants that helps the development and the education of the country’s floriculture and botanical research. The most significant feature of this garden is that various trees of the 19th century is still available in the garden and you can experience a beautiful boat ride at the Attanagalu Oya with a bridge over the river which offers scenic view. Yes! do not forgot to bring your camera there is plenty of scenic beauty to capture.

Proceed towards the cultural side of Sri Lanka to arrive at Kandalama.

Overnight stay in Kandalama (3 Nights)

Sapphire: Lake Lodge Kandalama (Deluxe Room)

Diamond: Heritance Kandalama (Superior Room)

It’s an early start today, as we rise up and proceed to Sigiriya where you will be visiting the iconic Sigiriya Gardens renowned as one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. The most interesting fact is this garden is segregated in to three different forms that is interlinked to each other, named as Water gardens, Boulder gardens and Terraced gardens. The Water garden consists of a plot surrounded by water built according to famous ancient architecture. Boulder gardens is an interesting place to visit as these boulders had a pavilion upon them and those bricks were used to attack the enemies. These military techniques that were used centuries ago is astonishing!! Heard of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Yes! the Terrace gardens of Sigiriya is compared to it as it also represents a series of terraces, leading to the base of the Sigiriya Rock similar to hanging gardens of Babylon.

Sigiriya inheriting these mesmerizing landscapes has also the Rock Fortress, known to be the 8th wonder of the world, with it’s marvelous rock fortress and a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. The site was the domain of King Kashyapa whose aim was to build an impregnable fortress and within it, a heavenly abode.

Later in the day, proceed to visit the Popham’s Arboretum the only preserved botanical garden devoted for trees, butterflies, dragonflies and mammals that can be observed in their natural setting which was established in 1963.

Walk through the footpaths over the wooden bridge built over the streams flowing around the greenery will sure give a soothing feeling whilst the birds chirp their happy songs to cheer you up. The walk through this wilderness is a one of a kind experience. The fine scent of the soil gives you a refreshing feel that calms your soul when the fresh breeze hugs surrounds you.

This morning we head to the First Capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura.

Anuradhapura is the sacred city which was the epicentre of the country’s civilization during the medieval era. The city is renowned for the multiplicity of religious and archaeological sites, offering a plethora of sightseeing opportunities ranging from the striking ancient stupas (mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics) of small sun-dried bricks to ruins of ancient temples, sculptures, the sacred Bo tree (Peepal tree) site as well as several ancient man-made tanks that deck the city’s landscape. The site boasts interesting information on the ancient Sri Lankan garden architecture.

Next, we visit Mihintale, located in the North Central province is an important religious site particularly for Buddhists, as it marks the site of the birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. There are several locations of religious and archaeological value in the area, the Mihintale rock is the most significant of all. The great stairway leading up to the rock is absolutely picturesque: shaded by queues of frangipani trees with white flowers adorning the path. Following the interesting hike up the monadnock, one would behold the breath-taking bird’s eye view of the azure skies above and the emerald plains below.

As your days unfold in this mesmeric little island that has authenticity in every feature it has to offer you, let’s visit the spice garden which is more of an educational tour which explains the importance and the healthy benefits you gain in using them on a day to day basis. Cinnamon, cloves, coriander, coffee, nutmeg, pepper, cardamom, aloe vera are some of the most used spices and herbal tress used when cooking and for various other medication purposes. This is a wonderful opportunity to view the spices that stirred the interests of many nations, since time immemorial, in this emerald isle for its exotic spices, world over.

On completion, proceed to Kandy and tour around the city in the evening. Most often referred to as the hill capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy offers a diverse variety of experiences to its visitors ranging from history, culture and simple scenic beauty coupled with a touch of urbanity. The city’s colonial architecture has been preserved well even in the backdrop of rapid urbanization. Close to the city’s center is the prime landmark, the Sri Dalada Maligawa that houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Apart from the ancient monuments of the Kandyan era, the delightful jumble of antique shops and the bustling market in the city also make up for interesting places of visit.

If you are interested to know a little history, you may visit the Garrison Cemetery an oblong piece of well-maintained land that contains 163 graves from colonial times.

Overnight stay in Kandy

Sapphire: Mountbatten Bungalow (Bungalow Room)

Diamond: Adigars Manor (Deluxe Room)

This morning visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic green spaces, renowned for its beautifully landscaped grounds, majestic palm-lined avenues, and vibrant collections of tropical flowers, orchids and spice plants. Wander among centuries-old trees and shaded walkways and enjoy a tranquil retreat that showcases the island’s rich botanical diversity in the heart of Kandy. Although its origins date back to the era of medieval kingdoms, it was officially awarded the status of a botanical garden during the British colonial period.

The remainder of the day is at leisure or you may wish to walk through the local markets and beautiful lakeside.

Today you will be taken on the scenic journey through hills and tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya, dubbed the ‘Little England of Sri Lanka’ is located in the thick, misty hills of this paradise isle. The colonial atmosphere remains preserved, resembles a British countryside complete with rose gardens, hedges and red-roofed bungalows. Although the town-centre has receded from its old-world charm, the lush tea-plantations, the racecourse, the English country house–styled Hill Club and the beautifully kept golf course instantaneously rush its visitors back to the colonial times.

You may take a leisurely walk along the Gregory Lake once you complete the panoramic tour around the city.

Your overnight hotel is sure to boast a beautiful garden of its own. Don’t miss out on exploring the garden and talk to the many gardeners that spent years maintaining it.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya (2 Nights)

Sapphire: The Oliphant (Luxury Room)

Diamond: Stafford Bungalow (Deluxe Room)

This morning we visit the Hakagala Botanical Garden, which is an essential visit during your trip to the hill resort of Nuwara Eliya.

Located on a rock named Hakgala (jaw-like rock), the cool climate in the area has provided perfect settings for foreign botanical species to thrive, unlike in other parts of the country. Among the varied foreign species housed within Hakgala, leafy conifers and cedars from Australia, Bermuda and Japan, thick cypresses from the Himalayas and a special variety of pine all the way from New Caledonia are to be seen. Other delights that would enthral its visitors are the gorgeous English Oak, the fernery and the rose garden that feature various types and hues of roses, sure to send the visitors into a reverie.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the surroundings. Famously known as the Tea Country with its world-famous Ceylon tea, why not explore the tea plantations. Here you will be able to learn all aspects of tea in just the right amount of detail – from a look back to the early days of “planting” and the lifestyles of the early colonial settlers, to the manufacturing process, to how flavours are created to suit various palates. You will learn a lot more about how the tea is processed from the tea leaf to your teacup.

Wake up this morning to drink the beauty of the surrounding, breathe the fresh cool air of the mountains and click in some wonderful pictures.

We head south of Sri Lanka, towards Galle. On the way, we visit the Mirijjawila Dry Zone Botanical Garden, a 300 acre beautiful garden built in the dry zone towards the Hambantota district and it is known to be the first Sri Lankan garden developed by local experts for the conservation of diminishing species of trees and shrubs, medicinal herbs and many more plants of the dry zone by offering an attractive place to visit for foreign and local tourists

Continue to Galle and you may take a detour heading along the coast, passing small fishing villages. Witness the ever-famous stilt fisherman carefully balanced in the stilt, engaging in their daily catch.

Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure relaxing by the beach.

Overnight stay in Galle (2 Nights)

Sapphire: Radisson Blu (Deluxe Room)

Diamond: Jetwing Lighthouse (Deluxe Room)

This morning, we drive to Bentota to visit the Lunuganga Estate.

Lunuganga Estate located in Bentota was owned by Asia’s most prolific and influential architect of the 20th century, Geoffrey Bawa. Its visitors are pleasantly surprised at its landscape which resemble an Italian renaissance garden in the tropics. The site, a former rubber plantation located in a peninsula jutting out into a lake, was utilized by Bawa for nearly half a century to carry out experimentations on space, light and scale.The estate today is essentially a series of outdoor rooms bearing an eclectic combination of antiquity and modernity.

Next, it’s a visit to the Brief Garden owned by landscape artist, late Bevis Bawa. The was the garden which inspired his brother, renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa to create Lunuganga. Sprawled over 20 acres, you will see a garden which has not changed once in the past 85 years. A vast array of sculptures are found in the garden, with hidden spaces consisting of benches, tables, ponds, and a bathing fountain add charm to this unique attraction. Keep an eye out for exotic birds that have made the space of the garden their home.

We stop to visit the Cinnamon Plantation on our way back to Galle. Later in the evening explore the Dutch Fort with its quaint streets and beautifully lined boutiques that sells antiques and souvenirsl Galle, a living time capsule home to the largest occupied Fort in Asia. Its quaint beauty extends beyond its golden beaches, cerulean waters, the picturesque views and the rich history while walking through the narrow, cobbled streets within the Fort.

It’s a leisurely start to the day as we travel to Colombo.

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and major port. It is a fine amalgamation of all the hues and cultures within this paradise isle. This chic metropolitan brings together many facets of this island nation. Tour around the Colombo city, which will include a visit to the oldest Hindu Kovil in Colombo and The Wolvendaal Church. You will be able to visit the Independence Square and drive by the Old Parliament House, Town hall, Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre, BMICH together with time for shopping at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct.

Do not forget to take a stroll in the Viharamahadevi park, which was formally known as the Victoria park named after Queen Victoria. This is currently the largest public park in Colombo, shaded with gigantic tress and perfectly paved walking paths either side of the park covered with leaves sets a very charming ambience to relax in the evenings after a good jog. Take a walk through the little bridge over the murky lake and see little ducklings freely roaming around in the waters and spot one or two walking around the greeny grass beside it searching for food.

Overnight stay in Colombo (2 Nights)

Sapphire: Galle Face Hotel (Superior Room)

Diamond: Maniumpathy (Deluxe Room)

After breakfast today, we set inland to visit the Sethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden.

If you wish to have some quiet time away from the hustle and the bustle from the city, Seethawaka Botanical Garden is the perfect setting for a relaxed time. This is one of the most recently opened garden and the 5th addition to the botanical gardens in Sri Lanka, with the climate quite cooling, and you can unwind yourself seated near a bench next to the stream that flows through the garden. One of the importance facts about this garden is that it also serves as a conservation ground for wet lowland plants while promoting bamboo cultivation. This picturesque garden is quite a serene area for photography whilst you also educate yourself referring to the information boards in the area. The highlight of this garden is the large lawn area surrounded by kumbuk trees and the small lake where you can have a good time leisurely enjoying the beauty of the nature.

The rest of the evening is at your own leisure.

Transfer to Colombo International Airport and check in for your onward flight.