Delight of Sri Lanka

Kandy is an ancient hill capital and the last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings before the island was finally ceded to the British in 1815. It bears strong influence of the influence of Buddhism in the country and is revered by Buddhists as a sacred city because of the ‘Dalada Maligawa” Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Kandy is the venue of the annual glittering pageant each August where the Buddha’s Tooth Relic in a golden casket is paraded on a majestic elephant accompanied by over 100 elephants, fire dancers, and ceremonial whip crackers, dancers and drummers.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – Commonly known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Glorious Tooth Temple), is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an ‘Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession.

Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is 06 kms from Kandy, the magnificent river girdled 57 hectares laid out in 1832 are among the finest in the world. Its treasures of tropical flora include fine collections of orchids, aromatic spices, medicinal herbs, palms and rare endangered plant species. These gardens were the naturally camouflaged operations headquarters of SEAC Supreme Allied Commander, Lord Louis Mountbatten during the 2nd World War.

Spice & Herbal Garden – Enjoy the Sri Lanka’s world renowned spices at their source. Visit a spice garden, where smells of cinnamons, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace overwhelm the senses and the visitors are provided an insight into an age old industry of spice production, which attracted many a European and Asian merchants to the ports of ancient Sri Lanka.

Dambulla The Great Cave Temple of Dam bulla is 100 to 150 meters above the road in the southern part of the village of Dambulla. The gigantic rock towering more than 160 m above the surrounding area is 1.5 km. These caves were the refuge of King Walagamba when he was exiled for 14 years. On his return to the throne in the 1st century BC, King Walagamba had a magnificent rock temple built in Dambulla. Dambulla too has been designated as a World Heritage site. The caves feature a mixture of religious and worldly paintings and sculptures. Several reclining Buddha statues and a 15 m long sculpture of the dying Buddha. The famous Dambulla frescoes on the walls and ceiling dates back to the 15th-18th Centuries.

Batik Factory where you can see the manufacture of beautiful Batik prints. The shop contains a wide variety of Batik items.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is popular for its amazing architecture and the skill and genius that went into building it. As it was the residence of the king, there are many entertainment units as well. The Sigiriya Maidens paintings are widely talked about and praised. It is believed that the massive mural once must have held paintings of around 500 maidens, although only twenty-one paintings have survived to this day. The maidens are painted from the waist up with naked torsos. The torsos meet paintings of clouds, giving way to speculation that these paintings are of goddesses. However, some believe that these maidens were King Kasyapa’s ladies.

Village tour – Village tour gives you a memorable experience in a countryside rural village in Sri Lanka. You will enjoy the sightseeing of paddy fields, bullock cart ride, traditional catamaran ride in a lake, visit to a chena cultivation, traditional cooking demonstration in a rural village house and authentic Sri Lankan lunch during this tour.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage – Started in 1975 to house the abandoned and the wounded, the orphanage has grown to be a big family today. The number of elephants has increased to more than 80 now, including baby elephant brought from various parts, as well as 50 babies born as a result of the captive breeding program. The best time to visit is the feeding time and the bathing time when the elephant are taken to the river close by. A unique experience never to be missed.