Currently being a home to 93 elephants and started on the 16th of February 1975. Pinnawala at the time was a very remote area with lush coconut plantations and Also the immense amount of water required by the elephants is important with the availability of “Ma oya”. House of the abandoned and the wounded elephants, the orphanage has grown to be a big family today. The number of elephants has increased to more than 90 now, including baby elephant brought from various parts, as well as 50 babies borned as a result of the captive breeding program. 1984, the first baby elephant of Pinnawala was born. 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.

Afternoon city tour of Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

The hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera and a major city in Sri Lanka located in the Central Province. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era of Sri Lanka and finally ceded to the British in 1815. The city lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and is also the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. Kandy is revered by Buddhists as a sacred city because of the (Dalada Maligawa) Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Temples shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988. Historically the local Buddhist rulers resisted Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial expansion and occupation.

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 - (Sri Dalada Maligawa) - Commonly known as the Glorious Tooth Temple, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. The relic was historically held by Sinhalese kings. The temple of the tooth is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple and the relic.

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 reputations and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession. Bhikkhus of the two particular chapters, the Malwathu chapters and Asgiri chapters, conduct daily worship in the inner chamber of the temple. Rituals are performed three times daily: at dawn, at noon and in the evenings. On Wednesdays, there is a symbolic bathing of the relic with a herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers called Nanumura Mangallaya; this holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed to those present.

Bhikkhus of the two particular chapters, the Malwathu chapters and Asgiri chapters, conduct daily worship in the inner chamber of the temple. Rituals are performed three times daily: at dawn, at noon and in the evenings. On Wednesdays, there is a symbolic bathing of the relic with a herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers called Nanumura Mangallaya; this holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed to those present.

Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is 06 kms from Kandy, the magnificent 57 hectares laid out in 1832. is 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.

Enjoy the Sri Lanka’s world-renowned spices at their source. Visit a spice garden, where smells of cinnamons, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace invade the senses. The visitors are provided an insight into a glimpse of a centuries-old spice production industry, which attracted many a European and Asian merchant to the ports of ancient Sri Lanka.

Dambulla, a major town in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a key junction and the center of vegetable distribution across the country. The town is widely visited for the largest & most well-preserved cave complex on the island.

Major Attractions of Dambulla.

The famous Dambulla Cave Temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a destination not to be missed if you visit Sri Lanka. One of the iconic attractions in Sri Lanka, the exquisite rock temple of Dambulla dates back to the 1st century BC when the exiled King Valagam Bahu took refuge in the caves with the monks residing here, and later converted the caves into a beautiful temple complex.

The devotees climb barefoot up the slope & steps to reach the cave complex which is home to a collection of 157 statues of Buddha in different sizes depicting various poses; the highlight being a 15 meter long reclining Buddha. The murals & frescos adorning the walls & ceilings are considered to be the largest antique painted surface in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this splendid cave temple is sure to leave you spell bound.

A significant milestone in the history & archeological studies of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya greets you with the spectacular panorama of a colossal rocky outcrop rising dramatically from the plains of Matale. This short-lived capital of a usurper king is a world-class architectural marvel.

Major Attractions of Sigiriya

Sigiriya Rock Fortress & City Often considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the ruins of the capital of King Kashyapa (Kassapa), lie on the slopes & summit of a 200 meter high rock. A combination of a palace & a fortress, Sigiriya (Lion Rock), built in 5th century AD, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The imposing rock fortress, taking its name from the lion paws carved at the entrance, is an awesome sight. Colorful tapestry-like frescos painted on the rock face, and the terraced summit offering a astounding views of the mist shrouded forests, are sure to overwhelm you. Its delightful grooves, nicks & crevices, conceal cherished pieces of the past while its splendid gardens & cave shrines depict the culture & history of Sri Lanka.

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.

Habarana - is the heart of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Located in the dry zone of Sri Lanka Habarana is the center point from which guests could explore the glorious past and the historical myths of Sri Lanka. Culture tourists as well as wildlife enthusiasts are bound to find this location a haven to escape to. Habarana is closely located to the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks which are the transit points to hundreds of Asian elephants and other wildlife during the dry season.

Located in the north central province of Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park attracts a large number of visitors because of wild elephants gathering on the grass fields. In the dry months from August to October, more than 400 wild elephants gather on the shores of the reservoir. This gathering is the highlight of the National Park and is one the largest in the wild anywhere in the world.The park is also home to two endemic monkeys; the purple-faced Langur and Toque Macaque. The purple-faced Langur and Toque Macaque are some of the most endangered primates in the world. It is entertaining to watch them in their habitat as these lively monkeys always swing on branches and chase each other around the trees. Bird watching is another activity you can indulge in while at the park. The Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot, Grey Hornbill and Jungle Fowl are some of the birds you should try to spot.

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.