Arrive at Colombo International Airport, where you will be greeted by an airport representative and your designated guide from Esna Holidays. After completing the necessary formalities, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and proceed towards Kandy. En route, you may visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (approximately 90 km from Colombo) if time permits. This sanctuary is home to over 100 elephant orphans, many of whom are accustomed to human visitors and are harmless. The Orphanage is open from 8:30 am to 5:45 pm, with feeding times at 9:15 am, 1:15 pm, and 5:00 pm, and bathing sessions from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm—providing a unique opportunity to observe and interact with these gentle giants.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed on a city tour of Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka and former last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, ceded to the British in 1815. Sightseeing includes Upper Lake Drive, Market Crafts Centre, and Gem Museum.

Next, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, a majestic 147-acre garden originally established in 1374 as a pleasure garden for the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. Home to over 5,000 species of trees, plants, and creepers—including rare and endemic species—highlights include the Spice Garden, Orchid House, and five Palm Avenues, featuring the tallest, Royal Palm Avenue, planted in 1905, and the remarkable Double Coconut from Seashells Island, known for having the largest seed in the plant kingdom.

Optional: Experience the Kandy Cultural Show, an hour-long spectacle showcasing traditional Sri Lankan art forms. Be amazed by fire dancers, sword dancers, and the colorful Kandyan dancers performing to the primal beat of drums.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), built in 1595 by the Kandyan Kings to enshrine the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws white-clad pilgrims offering lotus flowers, and its intricate carvings reflect the rich architectural heritage of Kandy.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit a Spice and Herbal Garden en route. Sri Lanka is world-renowned for its valued spices and healing herbs, and these lush gardens showcase important varieties such as sandalwood, margosa, cocoa, citronella, almond, jasmine, and coconut. Take the opportunity to see firsthand how cloves, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and saffron grow in their natural surroundings. At the Regent Spice and Herbal Garden, learn about the medicinal and healing properties of these spices and herbs, and how they can be incorporated into daily life. Valued since the times of the Pharaohs and Chinese Dynasties, these spices continue to play a vital role in Ayurvedic medicine and wellness practices today.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Balapitiya for a Madu River Boat Safari. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the river, passing dozens of mangrove-forested islets while experiencing the tranquil rhythms of rural life. Along the way, admire a 200-year-old temple, watch locals cultivating cinnamon, observe traditional fishing techniques, and see demonstrations of coir and rope making. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting 46 species of birds, including 14 aquatic varieties, while the riverbanks are adorned with giant water lilies and colorful butterflies.

Next, visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project (KSTCP), established by Dudley Perera in 1988. The project monitors local sea turtle activity and protects nesting sites, raising awareness about these endangered creatures. A key highlight is the hatchery, where rescued eggs safely hatch away from predators before being released into the sea at night. Some hatchlings are temporarily ‘head-started’ to improve survival chances during their early life stages. Every nest, egg, and hatchling is vital for the species’ survival, making this visit both educational and impactful.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Colombo for a city tour. Drive through the bustling commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential neighborhood of Cinnamon Gardens, and visit the historic Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison. Explore Sea Street, the goldsmiths’ quarter in the heart of Pettah, the vibrant Bazaar area with a Hindu temple featuring elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolvendaal, dating back to 1749. Other highlights include the BMICH, a replica of the Avukana Buddha, and Independence Square.

In the evening, enjoy shopping in Colombo. Stroll along the Galle Face Green, a 5-hectare oceanfront promenade popular with both locals and tourists. Visit stores such as Cotton Collection, House of Fashion, and Odel, the largest department store on the island, offering stylish clothes and souvenirs with a Sri Lankan touch. Explore Beverly Street, the Pettah bargain market, the Noritake Showroom, Barefoot, Laksala, and modern shopping complexes like One Galle Face and Colombo City Center for a complete shopping experience.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, taking with you the unforgettable memories of your journey through the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.