Sri Lanka – Ella - Yala-Special

Sri Lanka – Ella & Yala Special

Highlights

• Discover the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka. 
• Enjoy endless beaches, timeless ruins and welcoming people.
• Get the chance to witness the bathing and bottle feeding of elephants.
• Optional tours during your free time.

• General Info
• • STARTING PRICE $550
  • AIRPORT Colombo
  • DURATION 7 nights
  • DEPARTURE DATES

    From 01 October 2022 till 31 May 2023

  Send Your Request HERTZ GSA for outbound reservations from Lebanon.
• ITINERARY
• • Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, Dambulla, Kandy, Ramboda, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Galle, Bentota & Colombo - 8 days / 7 nights

  Day 1: Arrival to DambullaOn arrival you will be blessed to get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. Your designated Guide from Esna Holidays will welcome you at the Airport and will guide you to the transportation.
  Your First Destination will be Dambulla (Approx. 04 Hours Drive)
  En route visiting MILLENIUM ELEPHANT FOUNDATION is in Kegalle near Kandy. Join an elephant expert who volunteers here and learn all about the foundation and the elephants that they care for. You can walk with the elephants, bathe them, and visit the on-site elephant dung factory. However, visitors should be aware that many of the elephants kept here are chained, on the request of their owners. The elephants do no manual labor, however, and are only guided by a trained mahout, a caretaker who uses a hook to tap certain pressure points on the animal’s body – this does not hurt them when done correctly.

  DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE first came to use as a refuge for King Valagambahu in 1st century BC. Concealed by the local monks upon returning from exile to his throne at Anuradhapura he had the magnificent cave temple built for them. The cave temple consists of a complex of Buddhist image houses. Its rock ceiling is one large sweep of colorful frescoes, some of which dates to over 2,000 years, which depicts Buddhist mythology, and the tales of the Buddha's previous births. This cave temple has the largest number of Buddha statues all housed in one place, including a 14-meter-long, colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock.
  
  Overnight stay in Dambulla

   

  Day 2: Dambulla - Sigiriya - Habarana- Dambulla

  After a scrumptious breakfast proceed to Sigiriya,

  SIGIRIYA is a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” and the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot-high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels still shining in their original colors. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, Summerhouses, Boulder Gardens, and the Caves within the enclosed area should not be missed.

  PIDURANGALA rock is an enormous rock located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya. The two rocks have an interlinked history: whilst King Kasyapa was building Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the 5th century, he moved monks living around Sigiriya to a new monastery on Pidurangala Rock. An ancient cave temple still houses objects from various vintages that reflect Buddhist, Hindu and western beliefs, and the stupa to the left of the temple entrance is believed to mark the spot where King Kasyapa was cremated. There are glorious vistas of the surrounding landscape and an incredible view of the majestic Sigiriya Rock.
  HIRIWADUNNA VILLAGE TRECK This is a typical countryside experience with a jeep ride to the rural village of Hiriwadunna. The trek begins with a beautiful walk along to a man-made reservoir. You will also experience a boat ride, bullock cart ride, rural vegetable cultivation, paddy fields and enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch at a Village house.
  In the evening leisure at hotel

  Overnight stay in Dambulla

  
  Day 3: Dambulla - KandyAfter breakfast Proceed to Kandy, En route Visit the Spice Garden & Matale Hindu Temple.
  Near to the main road through Matale, THE MUTHUMARIAMMAM TEMPLE is a tall, exuberantly decorated structure that can be easily seen from afar. The prominent towers, called Gopurams, boast hundreds of detailed sculptures, in a rich mosaic of colour. These Gopurams structures can be seen in other Hindu temples across the island, as well as in Southern India
  SPICE GARDEN IN MATALE to see the different spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed
  KANDY, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum & Temple of Tooth Relic. Kandy the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism's influence in Sri Lanka today. Temple's shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere.
  ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, PERADENIYA This majestic botanical garden is 147 acres in extent and was started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants, and creepers. Some which are rare and endemic, as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. The Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest, Royal Palm Avenue, was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world, is one such avenue.
  By the night experience a Colorful Cultural Dance Show where you will be taken to mind blowing Sri Lankan culture extravaganza… Get ready for Heavy drumbeat and acrobatic act.

  Overnight stay in Kandy

   

  Day 4: Kandy - Ramboda - Nuwara EliyaBreakfast at Hotel restaurant then check out & proceed to Nuwara Eliya, Visit the Ramboda falls & Tea factory.
  Enjoy “Tea experience”, which involves a visit a plantation to observe firsthand the process, starting from the plucking field where it all begins with the picking of “two leaves and a bud” to the factory where the processing begins. Originally introduced to the island around 1850 by the British, Ceylon Tea is world famous for its high quality and has remained a major contributor to the island’s economy for generations. Currently, Sri Lanka is one of largest exporter of tea worldwide. The high altitudes produce the best flavors, so Sri Lanka’s hill-country is the ideal environment to grow the most flavorsome tea. A guided tour around a Tea Factory is an enlightening experience.

  RAMBODA FALLS Located next to the road between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, standing at over one hundred meters tall, and is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque.
  It is most definitely worth a stop off during your tour of the area given the stunning surroundings and countless photo opportunities that arise.
  NUWARA ELIYA the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls, and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the Island, but it is just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for Birding as you get some rare birds in this park.

  Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

   

  Day 5:Nuwara Eliya - Ella - YalaBreakfast at Hotel then you will be heading to Nanu Oya Railway station for an once lifetime experience.
  This is going to be a unique experience, taking a Classical Train Journey.
  Enjoy a very scenic train journey to Ella, the heart of the tea growing industry and full of colonial charm.
  The slow descend through the tea fields and hill countryside with its winding tracks and misty panoramas, offers an unmatched perspective and wonderful experience
  ELLA often described as ‘’lonely planet’’ and ‘’waterfall’’ is a congested town located in Sri Lanka. Ella is pure natural beauty, with its waterfalls, greenery, and hills it is just jaw-dropping. It has views that one hasn’t witnessed before, scenes one hasn't seen before and nature one hasn't felt before. Ella is the perfect place to go to if one wants to refresh the brain. It has many famous places and has been under the attention of tourist for a decent amount of time now.

  Another wonder of Ella is its waterfalls. RAVANA FALLS is a very popular waterfall. The refreshing and clean water that slide down on earth. It is one of the most popular sites in Sri Lanka. However, this panorama is just so attractive.
  THE NINE ARCH BRIDGE in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Behind the railway, a forest is booming and below, tea leaves are being cultivated

  Then proceed to Yala - Check in & Relax

  Overnight stay in Yala

  
  Day 06: Yala - Galle - BentotaEarly morning Jeep safari at Yala National Park.
  YALA, situated in the southeast corner of the island, is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Its varying habitats, consisting of scrub plains, jungles, rocky outcrops, freshwater lakes, rivers, and beaches, provides home to many species of animals including sloth bear, herds of elephants, buffalo, monkeys, sambar, deer, crocodiles, and the endangered leopard subspecies, Panthera Pardus Kotiya, which is only found in Sri Lanka.
  35 Leopard making it one of the world’s densest leopard populations. Countless other animals including sloth bear, deer, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys, and numerous species of birds can also be seen.
  Then Refresh & Check out from hotel then proceed to Bentota via Galle
  GALLE FORT a UNESCO World Heritage Site, originally built by the Portuguese and then further developed by the Dutch and the British, covers nearly four sq. kms, and is protected by 12 bastions and connecting ramparts. During the early 18th century, the Old Dutch Gate was the entrance point to the Fort. Subsequently the British built the Main Gate which is still used today. Buildings of interest include the Dutch Reformed Church, All Saints Church, Amangalla Hotel (formerly the New Oriental Hotel), and the lighthouse and bell tower.
  Evening visit Bentota - Check in the hotel & Relax

  Overnight stay in Bentota

  
  Day 7: Bentota - ColomboBreakfast at Hotel, check out and proceed to Colombo.
  MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION KOSGODA Globally, all seven species of marine turtles are endangered. Of these seven, five come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka. The process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born, and swimming back to sea is fascinating to observe. The Kosgoda Conservation Project is an ideal way to learn and observe this endangered species
  MADU RIVER BOAT RIDE in the 915-hectare Madu Ganga Estuary is connected by two narrow channels to the Randombe Lake, forming a complex wetland system encompassing 64 mangrove islets. In the year 2000, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) undertook a detailed biodiversity survey of the region & revealed the existence of no less than 10 major wetland vegetation types supporting over 300 plant species & 248 species of vertebrates. This remarkable diversity has led to its being classified under RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands in 2003.
  COLOMBO CITY TOUR, drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Visit Fort, the former British administrative Centre and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfe dhal dating back to 1749.

  Check in the hotel & Relax – Overnight stay in Colombo

   

  Day 8: Departure from ColomboBreakfast at Hotel - Check out & proceed to Airport
  Though it will be difficult to say goodbye, as all good things come to an end. Your representative from Esna Holidays will meet you on time at the hotel lobby to return you by way of a scenic drive to the international airport for your departing flight and a safe journey home.

• Pricing
• For your info
• Terms & Conditions

• Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, Dambulla, Kandy, Ramboda, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Galle, Bentota & Colombo - 8 days / 7 nights

Day 1: Arrival to DambullaOn arrival you will be blessed to get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality. Your designated Guide from Esna Holidays will welcome you at the Airport and will guide you to the transportation.
Your First Destination will be Dambulla (Approx. 04 Hours Drive)
En route visiting MILLENIUM ELEPHANT FOUNDATION is in Kegalle near Kandy. Join an elephant expert who volunteers here and learn all about the foundation and the elephants that they care for. You can walk with the elephants, bathe them, and visit the on-site elephant dung factory. However, visitors should be aware that many of the elephants kept here are chained, on the request of their owners. The elephants do no manual labor, however, and are only guided by a trained mahout, a caretaker who uses a hook to tap certain pressure points on the animal’s body – this does not hurt them when done correctly.

DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE first came to use as a refuge for King Valagambahu in 1st century BC. Concealed by the local monks upon returning from exile to his throne at Anuradhapura he had the magnificent cave temple built for them. The cave temple consists of a complex of Buddhist image houses. Its rock ceiling is one large sweep of colorful frescoes, some of which dates to over 2,000 years, which depicts Buddhist mythology, and the tales of the Buddha's previous births. This cave temple has the largest number of Buddha statues all housed in one place, including a 14-meter-long, colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock.

Overnight stay in Dambulla

 

Day 2: Dambulla - Sigiriya - Habarana- Dambulla

After a scrumptious breakfast proceed to Sigiriya,

SIGIRIYA is a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” and the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the Palace on the summit of the 600-foot-high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 life sized damsels still shining in their original colors. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, Summerhouses, Boulder Gardens, and the Caves within the enclosed area should not be missed.

PIDURANGALA rock is an enormous rock located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya. The two rocks have an interlinked history: whilst King Kasyapa was building Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the 5th century, he moved monks living around Sigiriya to a new monastery on Pidurangala Rock. An ancient cave temple still houses objects from various vintages that reflect Buddhist, Hindu and western beliefs, and the stupa to the left of the temple entrance is believed to mark the spot where King Kasyapa was cremated. There are glorious vistas of the surrounding landscape and an incredible view of the majestic Sigiriya Rock.
HIRIWADUNNA VILLAGE TRECK This is a typical countryside experience with a jeep ride to the rural village of Hiriwadunna. The trek begins with a beautiful walk along to a man-made reservoir. You will also experience a boat ride, bullock cart ride, rural vegetable cultivation, paddy fields and enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch at a Village house.
In the evening leisure at hotel

Overnight stay in Dambulla

Day 3: Dambulla - KandyAfter breakfast Proceed to Kandy, En route Visit the Spice Garden & Matale Hindu Temple.
Near to the main road through Matale, THE MUTHUMARIAMMAM TEMPLE is a tall, exuberantly decorated structure that can be easily seen from afar. The prominent towers, called Gopurams, boast hundreds of detailed sculptures, in a rich mosaic of colour. These Gopurams structures can be seen in other Hindu temples across the island, as well as in Southern India
SPICE GARDEN IN MATALE to see the different spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed
KANDY, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum & Temple of Tooth Relic. Kandy the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism's influence in Sri Lanka today. Temple's shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere.
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, PERADENIYA This majestic botanical garden is 147 acres in extent and was started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants, and creepers. Some which are rare and endemic, as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. The Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest, Royal Palm Avenue, was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world, is one such avenue.
By the night experience a Colorful Cultural Dance Show where you will be taken to mind blowing Sri Lankan culture extravaganza… Get ready for Heavy drumbeat and acrobatic act.

Overnight stay in Kandy

 

Day 4: Kandy - Ramboda - Nuwara EliyaBreakfast at Hotel restaurant then check out & proceed to Nuwara Eliya, Visit the Ramboda falls & Tea factory.
Enjoy “Tea experience”, which involves a visit a plantation to observe firsthand the process, starting from the plucking field where it all begins with the picking of “two leaves and a bud” to the factory where the processing begins. Originally introduced to the island around 1850 by the British, Ceylon Tea is world famous for its high quality and has remained a major contributor to the island’s economy for generations. Currently, Sri Lanka is one of largest exporter of tea worldwide. The high altitudes produce the best flavors, so Sri Lanka’s hill-country is the ideal environment to grow the most flavorsome tea. A guided tour around a Tea Factory is an enlightening experience.

RAMBODA FALLS Located next to the road between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, standing at over one hundred meters tall, and is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque.
It is most definitely worth a stop off during your tour of the area given the stunning surroundings and countless photo opportunities that arise.
NUWARA ELIYA the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls, and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the Island, but it is just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for Birding as you get some rare birds in this park.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

 

Day 5:Nuwara Eliya - Ella - YalaBreakfast at Hotel then you will be heading to Nanu Oya Railway station for an once lifetime experience.
This is going to be a unique experience, taking a Classical Train Journey.
Enjoy a very scenic train journey to Ella, the heart of the tea growing industry and full of colonial charm.
The slow descend through the tea fields and hill countryside with its winding tracks and misty panoramas, offers an unmatched perspective and wonderful experience
ELLA often described as ‘’lonely planet’’ and ‘’waterfall’’ is a congested town located in Sri Lanka. Ella is pure natural beauty, with its waterfalls, greenery, and hills it is just jaw-dropping. It has views that one hasn’t witnessed before, scenes one hasn't seen before and nature one hasn't felt before. Ella is the perfect place to go to if one wants to refresh the brain. It has many famous places and has been under the attention of tourist for a decent amount of time now.

Another wonder of Ella is its waterfalls. RAVANA FALLS is a very popular waterfall. The refreshing and clean water that slide down on earth. It is one of the most popular sites in Sri Lanka. However, this panorama is just so attractive.
THE NINE ARCH BRIDGE in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Behind the railway, a forest is booming and below, tea leaves are being cultivated

Then proceed to Yala - Check in & Relax

Overnight stay in Yala

Day 06: Yala - Galle - BentotaEarly morning Jeep safari at Yala National Park.
YALA, situated in the southeast corner of the island, is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Its varying habitats, consisting of scrub plains, jungles, rocky outcrops, freshwater lakes, rivers, and beaches, provides home to many species of animals including sloth bear, herds of elephants, buffalo, monkeys, sambar, deer, crocodiles, and the endangered leopard subspecies, Panthera Pardus Kotiya, which is only found in Sri Lanka.
35 Leopard making it one of the world’s densest leopard populations. Countless other animals including sloth bear, deer, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys, and numerous species of birds can also be seen.
Then Refresh & Check out from hotel then proceed to Bentota via Galle
GALLE FORT a UNESCO World Heritage Site, originally built by the Portuguese and then further developed by the Dutch and the British, covers nearly four sq. kms, and is protected by 12 bastions and connecting ramparts. During the early 18th century, the Old Dutch Gate was the entrance point to the Fort. Subsequently the British built the Main Gate which is still used today. Buildings of interest include the Dutch Reformed Church, All Saints Church, Amangalla Hotel (formerly the New Oriental Hotel), and the lighthouse and bell tower.
Evening visit Bentota - Check in the hotel & Relax

Overnight stay in Bentota

Day 7: Bentota - ColomboBreakfast at Hotel, check out and proceed to Colombo.
MARINE TURTLE CONSERVATION KOSGODA Globally, all seven species of marine turtles are endangered. Of these seven, five come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka. The process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born, and swimming back to sea is fascinating to observe. The Kosgoda Conservation Project is an ideal way to learn and observe this endangered species
MADU RIVER BOAT RIDE in the 915-hectare Madu Ganga Estuary is connected by two narrow channels to the Randombe Lake, forming a complex wetland system encompassing 64 mangrove islets. In the year 2000, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) undertook a detailed biodiversity survey of the region & revealed the existence of no less than 10 major wetland vegetation types supporting over 300 plant species & 248 species of vertebrates. This remarkable diversity has led to its being classified under RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands in 2003.
COLOMBO CITY TOUR, drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Visit Fort, the former British administrative Centre and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfe dhal dating back to 1749.

Check in the hotel & Relax – Overnight stay in Colombo

 

Day 8: Departure from ColomboBreakfast at Hotel - Check out & proceed to Airport
Though it will be difficult to say goodbye, as all good things come to an end. Your representative from Esna Holidays will meet you on time at the hotel lobby to return you by way of a scenic drive to the international airport for your departing flight and a safe journey home.

• STARTING PRICE $550
• AIRPORT Colombo
• DURATION 7 nights
• DEPARTURE DATES

  From 01 October 2022 till 31 May 2023

Send Your Request HERTZ GSA for outbound reservations from Lebanon.