Colombo Trip Overview
If you have a limited amount of time to see the sights of Sri Lanka, this 2-day tour will take you to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, and to some of the country’s most popular attractions. Visit the cultural city of Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and more.
• Walk around the Gregory lake and enjoy the beautiful surroundings
• Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
• Explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the largest in Sri Lanka
• Tour a tea plantation and factory in Nuwara Eliya
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
If you have a limited amount of time to see the sights of Sri Lanka, this 2-day tour will take you to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, and to some of the country’s most popular attractions. Visit the cultural city of Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and more.
• Walk around the Gregory lake and enjoy the beautiful surroundings
• Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
• Explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the largest in Sri Lanka
• Tour a tea plantation and factory in Nuwara Eliya
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo – Kandy
Stop At: Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya Road, Peradeniya 20400 Sri Lanka
Peradeniya Botanical garden is one of the oldest gardens sits 500 meters above sea level near the historical city of Kandy. They were initially founded in the 16th century during Italian Renaissance period though some records prove the existence of small scale physic gardens as early as the 14th century. The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees and is renowned for its collection of orchids and the long, palm framed pathways. It is managed by the Division of National Botanic Gardens of the Department of Agriculture and the National Herbarium of Sri Lanka is attached to it as well. It encompasses a total area of 147 acres. Though the groundwork for the current gardens were laid in 1821 by Alexander Moon, the origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli river.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth is a temple that houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. The significance of Sri Dalada Maligawa is based on this tooth relic that has played an important part in the social and political platforms of the Kandyan kingdom in the olden days. Built by King Vimaladharmasooriya the first during the 16th century, the architecture of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is glorious and spectacular. At the entrance of the Temple, the steps influenced by the period’s artistry are intricately designed. The sacred tooth relic itself is placed in a golden casket adorned with precious stones. Every year the Sri Dalada Maligawa attracts thousands of visitors and each person who has viewed this magnificent edifice has only left overwhelmed by its grandeur.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kandy Lake, Centre of Kandy City, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Stroll around the peaceful Kandy Lake, considered the heart and soul of the city because of its central location and undeniable beauty. In the middle of the lake is a tiny island with a few palm trees, recognized as one of Kandy’s iconic scenes. There are few boat ride services and you can enjoy the ride and the climate in middle of the vast freshwater. Fishing in the lake and littering is strictly prohibited. The place is lovely for an evening walk, jogging, or to sit back on the benches and have a chat. Beauty of the lake is multiplied many times on a full moon day.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kandy Lake Club – Cultural Dance Show, 7 Sangamitta Mawatha, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The Kandyan Dance is traditionally performed to percussion only. The most common drum is the Geta Beraya, which is only used in Kandyan Dance. To assist the dancer to keep rhythm a small pair of cymbals knows as the Thalampota is also used. The Vannam’s however have lyrics that are sung in tune with the movements of the dancer. These lyrics sing about the virtues of the animal that the Vanna is depicting. According to the legend, the origins of the Kandiyan dance lie in an exorcism ritual known as the Kohomba Kankariya, which was originally performed by Indian shamans who came to the island of Sri Lanka.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in a 3 star hotel in Kandy
Day 2: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Stop At: Post Office Nuwara Eliya, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Nuwara Eliya 22200 Sri Lanka
Many of the buildings in the town date to the era of British Colonial rule and were constructed in the late 19th century, giving rise to the town’s nickname “little England”. This includes this picturesque red post office, which still active and functioning; it was opened in 1894. The Nuwara Eliya post office was honored with its own stamp, issued in 1990. The residence of the former post master on the second floor was recently converted into a holiday bungalow (for rent), and it would be an interesting and well-situated place to stay. Stepping into the post office is like stepping back in time as well, including this massive wooden letter box.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Hakgala Botanic Gardens, Badulla Road, Nuwara Eliya 22200 Sri Lanka
Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of the largest garden in Sri Lanka. It is believed that it is the highest altitude botanical garden in the world. As far the mythological story it is said that here was Sita kept when she was abducted by Ravana. And one can notice a temple associated by the garden paying gratitude to Sita. Nonetheless, the garden will definitely make you spellbound with its ranges of roses, orchids and many other species. There are many sections in the garden each displaying a unique feature. The garden abounds over 10,000 species of plants and perhaps spring is the best season to get visited here.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Gregory Lake was build under the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. This is the most prominent attraction in Nuwara Eliya and all the vistors used to come here and spent some time by the lake and relax. This was used as a place for water sports and for re-recreational activities during the British time. The boats rides at this lake offer an unforgettable experience with the availability of swan boats which can be taken on hire easily. The view of the surrounding misty hills can be enjoyed peacefully sitting at this spot. The best part of this area is the pleasant and soothing atmosphere, which can be best enjoyed during the month of April.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pedro Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
The Pedro Tea Factory is located just outside the town centre and is a small tea factory. This place provides you a glimpse of you the tea is manufactured. It is situated about 3.5km east of Nuwara Eliya on the way to Kandapola. The tea factory is a symbol of 19th century engineering which was built in 1885. You can take a half hour guided tour of the factory which is quite interesting. It is very exciting to see how and where the tea is processed. Being one of the oldest black tea factories in Sri Lanka this place has a beautiful view of the surrounding tea farms.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: No accommodation included on this day
