Colonial Sri Lanka

Often known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a quaint, exotic topical island with some of the best natural riches. From pristine beaches, majestic Buddhist temples, ancient ruins, World UNESCO Heritage Sites, one of the largest green cover areas with thriving biodiversity, Sri Lanka is the quintessential topical heaven, firmly embedded in a colonial past, even as rapid political and economic developments propel it into the 21^st century. While the countries aromatic tea gardens, exotic spices and exquisite gemstones have attracted tourists and traders for centuries, it is only in the recent years that Sri Lanka has gained massive popularity is an ideal cultural and beach holiday destination. Through this itinerary, we take you down the colonial past of this island nation, while enjoying the best of its exotic treasures.

Kandy

Sacred Buddhist shrines, colonial era architecture, mist covered hill tops and lush landscapes merging into the magnificent lake as the city’s centerpiece, Kandy is the quintessential representation of the rich and exotic experiences that the country has to offer. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Kandy is loved for its beautiful landscape, botanical gardens – Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya home to over 4000 endemic species of plants, including most of the most rare and beautiful species of orchid flowers, rare medicinal plants and exotic spices and palm trees and is revered for prominent Buddhist temples – the 17^th century golden roof Temple of the Sacred Too th Relic, believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself, the exquisite Degal Doruwa Raja Maha Vihara the Buddhist cave temple, depicting stories from the Jataka tales on its walls. A visit to the New Ranweli Spice Garden offers an exhaustive collection of Sri Lanka’s most fragrant and exotic spices While in Kandy, a day trip to the UNESCO heritage site of the Sigriya Rock temple – a dramatic site of ruins of an ancient civilization, sitting atop the summit cut out of a single, near vertical bedrock.

Nuwara Eliya

Also referred to as ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya is resplendent replica of the British countryside, with quaint hills, lakes, colonial cottages and exotic parks. Appreciated by the British rulers for its cool climate, also a favorable for the plantation of a unique blend of light Ceylon tea, Nuwara Eliya was the preferred summer retreat for the British tea pioneers in Sri Lanka. Apart from its colonial grandeur, Nuwara Eliya boasts of picturesque expanses of aromatic tea gardens of the 18^th Century Pedro Tea Estate; the majestic floral blossoms of the Hakgala Gardens; the Galway’s National Park – home to over 10 endemic species, including birds and mammals; and The Victoria Park, the almost regal garden with manicured lawns and hill country bird species that holds a strong affection among locals and tourists alike.

Colombo

The capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo, with its pristine beaches, chic cafes, high end restaurants, authentic local sea food delicacies, museums and galleries depicting the rich pre-colonial and colonial heritage and a rapidly advancing economic transformation, is far away from its once celebrated title as the ‘Garden city of the East’.Among its many treasures, the colonial suburb of Fort is home to many Dutch and British era structures, museums and government administrative buildings, including the 16^th century Dutch Hospital complex, the center piece of the suburb. Nearby, the Galle Face Green – a narrow but spacious sea side promenade, is popular for several recreational evening events and intimate rendezvous. The 18^th century National Museum chronicles Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, with priceless exhibits from the ancient Sinhalese Empire, art and paintings from the British era as well as arms and weapons from its ancient past. Having soaked in the history, indulge in quiet reflection at the majestic and the largest Viharamahadevi Park, formerly called the Victoria Park with walkways, landscape lawns and flowering trees. For a first hand taste of the Sri Lankan culture, hit the local markets for the best in cuisine, spices, gemstones, silk and the rejuvenating cup of the famous Ceylon tea.

Galle

The port city of Galle, perched on the Southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, is a pleasant reminder of the colonial grandeur, with fortified fort walls and white washed building bathed in sunlight, are a reminder of one of Sri Lanka’s most prosperous era. Sun kissed beaches, chic café’s, Boutiques, medieval churches and a thriving ambience for creative artists, writers and photographers from all over the world, offer Galle the quintessential ‘Venetian’ feel of freedom, creativity, heritage and pristine nature. Its sun kissed beaches with local fisher folks and the iconic white washed lighthouse, continue to mesmerize the most seasoned of travelers. Among the significant places to visit at Galle is the landmark Flag Rock – a historic Portuguese bastion where one can catch a beautiful sunset, the famed braches of Hikkaduwa actively buzzing with beach bars, diving and surf schools, guesthouses, shops and restaurants is a complete experience in itself with its Tsunami museum, the Hikkaduwa national park where one can catch of glimpse of Sri Lanka’s exotic marine life and the Unawatuna beach a peaceful getaway lined by the palm trees and turquoise sea water is perfect for an intimate sunset with drinks, the Unawatuna is a blissful sojourn, with a delightful rendezvous with the sun, the sea and the sand.

The above is just a broad overview of the destination itinerary and we will be glad to customize your holiday, basis your personal preferences and time frame. With proven expertise in creating value for our clients through carefully crafted luxury and affordable luxury travel itineraries, we pride ourselves for generating several picture perfect memories for our clients, as they explore the globe, one city, one experience, one flight at a time!