Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world (more than 90 elephants). For almost 50 years this institution caters not only to the abandoned elephant babies but also to those injured and maimed within the jungle. If we are lucky, we can not only watch them bathe, but also we will feed them or see the twin male baby elephants.
Dambulla Cave Temples is a World Heritage Site (UNESCO 1991) that comprises 5 major cave temples, 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses. The Golden Buddha is also revealed after descending from the gentle slope of Dambulla, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding flat landscape, including the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, 19 km away.

Early in the morning we go for history and visit the former Sinhala kingdom - Polonnaruwa (UNESCO 1982). We will discover an archeological park that will be a pleasure to explore with hundreds of ancient buildings from the 10.-11th century - tombs and temples, statues, and dagobas, which are also home to an endemic species of macaque, called the toque macaque. You can also enjoy this perfect atmosphere of Polonnaruwa while cycling.
After traditional farmer lunch, what we will enjoy in the middle of paddy fields, it's Safari time. In Minneriya National Park we will observe numerous herds of wild elephants.

Do you like to be active from the morning time? So you will love climbing to the top of this massive rock, about 200 m high, called Lion Rock, to see what an impressive palace was built on top of this rock by King Kashyapa in the 5th century. On the way up you will also be captivated by the water gardens, the drawbridge, the gate in the shape of a lion's head, and the walls decorated with colorful frescoes. Sigiriya has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
On the way from Sigiriya to Kandy is a place called Matale. The area is well-known for spices and their products, which are used in Ayurvedic medicine. Skillful growers and experienced herbalists will show us many varieties of plants, flowers, fruits, and products. Here they will show us what real curry, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, cocoa, or other spices look and taste.
Kandy, a city in the heart of this island, is also the cradle of Buddhism. Sri Dalada Maligawa, or as you may know it - The Temple of the Sacred Tooth, is located in the complex of the Royal Palace of the former Kingdom of Kandy (UNESCO 1988). This place offers not just an amazing part of history, fascinating architecture, and ancient stories but there is also an indescribable magic atmosphere.

After seeing a huge bit of fauna (elephants, monkeys, snakes,...), we are amazed by srilankan flora. The Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya is located just 5km far from Kandy city. The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. The total area of the botanical garden is 147 acres (0.59 km2), which we can go across by walk or by cart.
How much do you know about tea? Once we do an excursion to a tea factory, you will know absolutely everything about planting, plucking, traditional processing (such as fermentation), and categorization of tea. Tea tasting is an experience that will mesmerize your taste buds and soothe your soul.
We will get to Nuwara Eliya by train. It is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The Kandy to Nuwara Eliya rail route runs on the original tracks built by the British in 1864 originally designed to transport tea and coffee from hillside estates, it's now an important means of connecting major cities and a tourist attraction in its own right.

Nuwara Eliya - because of the misty climate and the British colonial architecture, the city is known by the name Little England. It is the highest town (1868m a.s.l.) with greeny mountains and freshly smelling tea plants. Nuwara Eliya offers many attractions and sightseeing for the visitors, including a trip to tea plantations and tea factories, golfing, horse riding, boating, hiking, and of course exploring the beauty of the landscaped gardens, lake, and waterfalls. We not going to miss any of it, definitely.
If you ask a srilankan, what he thinks is the most beautiful place in Sri Lanka, he will answer you - Ella (let us please know, if you get a different answer :D ). Views from the summit of Little Adams Peak are incredible, 360 degrees panoramic views with clouds rolling in, is a treat to watch for any traveler. And to climb up to the top takes only 45 minutes.
The glorious Nine Arch Bridge is one of the engineering marvels of the early 20th century. This bridge, which is almost 100 years old, has been built with blocks of stone and cement without any strengthening iron or concrete.

We move from the inland to the east coast, to Galle. This city is the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia, showing the interaction between Portuguese architectural styles and native traditions. The city was extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The Galle Fort is a world heritage site (UNESCO 1988) and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. This historic city is a delight to explore on foot, an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques, and churches, grand mansions, and museums.

The down south beaches are also known as the home of sea turtles and marine life. Five of the seven species of sea turtles - the Green Turtle, Loggerhead (both categorized as endangered), Hawksbill Turtle, Olive Ridley (vulnerable), Hawksbill Turtle, and Leatherback (critically endangered) - visit the Sri Lankan shores to nest. The sole reason behind this level of endangerment is a human activity because turtles are hunted for their meat and eggs, which are considered to be a delicacy and their shells are used to make ornaments. On the south of the island were established several turtle hatcheries to protect sea turtle eggs and increase hatching rates. They also treat disabled turtles and treat the weak ones due to fishing. The perfect dot to the top of this round tour will be to experience a special moment when you release 5-7day old turtle cubs to their natural environment.