Sri Lanka Hill Country Tours

Welcome at Airport by Helanka Vacations representative and transfer to Nuwara Eliya. Arrive and check in to a Hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Rest of the day relax at Hotel after a long journey.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful mountain station in Sri Lanka known for its incredible scenery and abundant tea plantations. Sometimes referred to as “Little England’, the city is well-kept and neat and features British-style red-brick walls, mock-Tudor half-timbering and a very English country club. The surrounding areas offer breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery, and most importantly a wonderful break from the heat and humidity of the coast.  Tea Estates, waterfalls, and mountains complete the picture. Visitors can take guided tours of the tea plantations, meander through the roses, take a picturesque walk to the ‘Lovers’ Leap’ waterfall, and meander through orchids and giant cypresses at the Hakgala Gardens. Other highlights include the Seetha Amman and Nuwara Eliya Buddhist Temples and the Galway's Land National Park.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Breakfast at Hotel.

Start sightseeing Nuwara Eliya by visiting the old brick post office, country house like hill club and its interesting interior, the 18-hole golf course, race course, Gregory Lake, Victoria Park and the Botanical gardens in Hakgala, established in 1861. Highlights include the central pond, lower flower garden, rose garden, glass house, bulb garden, upper flower garden and their folklores. There is a collection of flowers such as Lilium, Watsonia, Gladiolus, Agapanthus and Zephyranthes. The Badulla tree which can be found here is said to have valuable medicinal properties. This garden is inhabited by many species of birds such as; Wood Pigeons, Southern Crow Pheasants, Layard's Woodpeckers, Fantail Warblers, Yellow Fronted Barbertons and Tickell's Flowerpecker.

Visit the “Sita Amman Kovil”, a quaint little Kovil, with the statues of Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Lakshmana and Sugriva, is supposed to be the only Kovil in the entire world dedicated to Sita. The stream by the side of the temple is a famous spot as it is said to have once been the bathing place of Sita.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Breakfast at Hotel, proceed to Nanu Oya Railway Stationed to board the train to Ella. (Train tickets strictly subject to availability).  

The train journey is very pleasant because of the beautiful surroundings of mountains, countryside, rice fields, and very cool climate. You will be passing the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella which is on the Demodara loop and spans across 91 meters at a height of 24 meters. The beautiful nine arches are a very picturesque spot as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Behind the railway, a forest blooms and below, tea leaves are being cultivated.

Arrive in to Ella Railway Station and you will be met at the Station by our Chauffeur guide and transfer to Hotel in Ella.

Rest of the day enjoy the surrounding of Ella. Overnight in Ella.

Ella

Resting on the southern edge of Sri Lanka’s picturesque Hill Country, the small, sleepy village of Ella is known for its exceptional natural scenery, its wonderfully tranquil atmosphere, and its pleasantly moderate climate. This popular backpacker-hub has become a well-established, must-see tourist destination and an ideal base for travelers exploring the idyllic surrounding countryside cloaked in tea plantations and lush forest. With only a handful of essential stores and tourist facilities, Ella has managed to retain its rural charm and visitors will find a single street winding its way down the hillside past a few quaint cafés, guesthouses and cottages enclosed in neat, flower-filled gardens. At the edge of the escarpment you will find a classic view past the renowned Ella Rock on the right and through a cleft in the hills – the so-called Ella Gap – to the plains far below.

Overnight stay in Ella

Little Adam's peak of Ella- Little Adam's peak is also known as ‘Punchi Sri Pada’ locally. It is 1141 m in height. It is figured in Pyramid Shape Mountain which stands opposite of the Ella rock. Walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the scenery. It will take around 35-45 minutes to reach the top of the mountain on a zig- zag path.Note: Climb the rock before the sun rises as it could get very hot and always carry a water bottle with you. If you could have a cup of tea or some refreshment you may feel better on your way back. It’s wise to keep in mind that if you want to take a photograph with the tea plucker working in the tea plantations, they will ask for money.

Walk along the 9 Arch Bridge and catch the train - The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24 meters. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Behind the railway, a forest is booming and below, tea leaves are being cultivated. The walk along train tracks is very pleasant, beautiful surroundings, mountains, countryside, rice fields, and very cool climate.

The Dhowa Rock Temple- This date back over 2000 years and is a protected heritage site and a hidden gem in the surroundings of Ella. It is a partially finished standing statue of Buddha on a direct rock with a shrine of beautiful frescoes of the Kandy era.  It is considered as a cave shrine formed in the era of king Walagamba and it was known as “Kumbalthissa Ariyakara” shrine in the past.

The Ella rock- Ella rock lies just a little further from Little Adam’s peak. Once reached the top, you will be faced with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. This includes views of Little Adam’s Peak and a clear view of the Ella Gap. The Ella Gap is a space between the mountains as an arrow flies; that gives a fantastic view all the way to the southern coast.Note: The entire hike will take up till 4 hours or more, it is recommended that you start before the sun rises.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Ella.

Breakfast at Hotel and proceed to Colombo. Arrive and check in to Hotel in Colombo. Evening set on city tour in Colombo and enjoy the night life in Colombo. Return to the hotel & overnight.

Colombo

Sri Lanka’s seaside metropolis of Colombo offers a laid-back atmosphere coupled with a mixture of crumbling colonial buildings and glinting skyscrapers. Stroll to Pettah, Colombo’s main market and be dazzled by the variety of gems, the brightly colored fruit and vegetable stalls and the plethora of ayurvedic medicines on offer. Sample some of the city’s fine fare, from curries to crabs, in any one of the beachfront bistros or inner-city dining rooms. Nature lovers should head to Galle Face Green, a grassy promenade along the Indian Ocean for a stroll or take a scenic train ride to Mount Lavinia Beach.

Breakfast at Hotel. Start your city tour and shopping. A drive through the city will take you to Fort and Pettah – the commercial area of the city and tree-lined Colombo 7 – Cinnamon Gardens. Colombo 3, 4, 5 & 8 are the prime residential areas of the city. The Hindu Temple at Sea Street – lined with goldsmith shops, the Dutch Church at Wolfendhal dating back to 1749, the historic Devatagaha Mosque, Independence Square, BMICH, Gangaramaya Temple and Colombo Museum are but some of the many attractions in Colombo. Sri Lanka is renowned for Ceylon Tea, Ceylon Cinnamon, Blue Sapphires spices, precious and semi-precious gems and jewelry in silver, gold and white gold. Time permits shopping around Colombo. Late in the afternoon depart to Airport for your departure flight. ...END OF TOUR…

 

Rates on request (based on 3* / 4* / 5* / Boutique hotels)  

Included

• 05 nights’ accommodation on Bed and breakfast basis.
• Transport in an air conditioned Car/Micro Van with an English speaking Chauffeur. (Above 6pax – English Speaking National Guide).
• Arrival & Departure transfers.
• Entrance fees for the sites as per the program.
• Water bottle on Arrival.
• All applicable taxes (Subject to change without any prior notice).

Excluded

 

• • Lunch / dinner during the tour.
  • Early check in & late check out not included.
  • Tips and Porterage’s.
  • Other extra expenses of personal nature.
  • Camera & Video permits (for tourist sites mentioned).
  • All extra expenses at Hotels.
  • Visa fee charges.