Culture of the Hills is a short, single night, 2-day tour into the heart of Sri Lanka’s scenic, cool and culturally rich hill country. From Kandy’s very own UNESCO World Heritage site, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
Day 1 - In Kandy
During your time in Kandy on the first day of your tour, you will be visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which is a caring facility for elephants, mainly young ones who have been displaced from the natural homes. You can see how they eat, bathe in the river and even feed the baby elephants during their meal times. Then you can enjoy an hour long cultural show that depicts some popular art forms including sword and fire dancers.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the home for young Elephants who have been displaced or lost from their natural habitat, located at Pinnawala village in Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is the best place for an up close and personal experience with the world’s largest land mammals
The Kandy Cultural Show
The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.
Day 2 - Kandy to Colombo
The second day we leave Kandy and on route to Colombo, we will first visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic which is an important place of veneration among Buddhist pilgrims who come from all over the country. From well adorned walls to beautiful passageways brightening up the premises the temple is a place of calmness. From Kandy, you will be visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya which is a massive park that contains over 1000 of species of plants. There is a wobbly suspension bridge and a maze where you can have fun. Then we head back to Colombo to drop you off at your hotel.
Degaldoruwa Temple
This temple was built in a cave dug into a large rock. You will get to see the colorful paintings on Buddhism in the Kandyan era, which cover the insides of the temple entirely.
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Admission Ticket Not Included
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha's sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Admission Ticket Not Included
Royal Botanical Gardens
Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, which were formed in the early 19th century. Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy the learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees, or bordered by flowering plants. Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes or even climbing the twisty trees that make wonderful jungle gyms.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minute
- Admission Ticket Not Included
Embekke Devalaya
The woodworking of Embekke is unique and perfectly done and several detailed woodcarving panels decorate the pillars, walls and roof.
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Admission Ticket Not Included
Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya
Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya is a historic Buddhist temple located in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka. Built during the 14th century by King Bhuvanekabahu IV of the Gampola Kingdom, it is one of the finest examples of Sri Lankan architecture from that period. The temple is known for its unique blend of Buddhist and Hindu architectural styles and houses beautiful murals, sculptures, and carvings.
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Admission Ticket Not Included
Temple of the Gadaladeniya
Gadaladeniya Temple was built just before Embekke in the early 14th century. It was the creation of a South Indian architect, and the magnificent giant golden Buddha statue, slightly worn but still visibly detailed sculptures and paintings and the interesting main stupa structure with its four satellite stupas are a historic feast for your eyes.
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Admission Ticket Not Included
Includes
- Accommodation in Standard Hotel on Half Board Basis, Inclusive of Dinner & Breakfast.
- Service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur throughout the tour.
- Transport in a Private Vehicle, inclusive of all chauffer accommodation, cost of fuel, parking & highway tolls.
- All prevailing taxes and service charges.
Excludes
- International / Domestic Airfare.
- Entry Visa Fees.
- Cost of Beverages.
- Any expenses of personal nature.
- Tips & Portages.
- Meals where not specified.
- Entrance fees where not specified.
