Kandy and Hill Country Exploration

Kandy and Hill Country Exploration

This tour is a historical journey through the last bastion of the Sinhalese Kingdom. Guided by a capable tourist chauffeur you will explore the intricately ornate Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and its rich history, be dazzled by a colorful traditional dancing show and explore the little known historical temples located across the region which are steeped in history and beautiful architecture and design. A visit to one of Asia's oldest botanical gardens and viewing a magnificent collection of flora completes this amazing experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Kandy

Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Upon meeting up with your English speaking Chauffer head towards the magnificent Temple of the Tooth Relic for a guided tour. This sacred temple was built in the 16th century AD and is located adjacent to the Royal Palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy and overlooks the expanses of the Kandy lake. Referred locally as the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most revered site in the country. This temple complex houses the sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha, and with strong political sway to who holds possession of the tooth, as it was believed that the possessor of this sacred relic had the right to rule the country.
Afterwards, you will enjoy a traditional dance show.
The best way to experience the music and dance culture of Sri Lanka, especially the Kandyan traditions is to witness a cultural dance show in Kandy which provides an insight into the array of dances and playing of drums linked to Sri Lanka’s ancient traditions with the participants dressed in their decorative costumes. Each costume, dance and act signified a story, and the performances will take one on a visual and sensual journey through time and space. Performances such as fire walking and fire breathing as well as Kandyan drumming and devil dancing will be showcased in this show.
After the show, you will head towards your hotel for check in, followed by dinner and overnight stay.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3 star hotel accommodation in Kandy on Halfboard Basis (Dinner and Breakfast)

Day 2: Loop Temples

Stop At: Embekke Devalaya, Embekka Village Three Kilometers from the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Handessa 20480 Sri Lanka
Today after breakfast, you will head out for a day of historic exploration. You will visit the famous loop temples which are found in the Kandy region, namely- Embekke Temple, Gadaladeniya Temple and Lankatileke Temple.
Embekke Devale, is famous for its intricate and elaborate woodcarvings, pillars and other structures. The temple is nestled in the upper Kandy area and lies close to Daulagala about eight miles from Kandy Town.
The Gadaladeniya temple complex was built atop a rock in 1344 during the reign of King Bhuvenakabahu IV, who ruled over the Kandyan kingdom. There is a cross-shaped shrine as you enter the temple complex, where each wing has attractive wall paintings and houses a Buddha image and is crowned with a small stupa.
The majestic temple Lankathileke is one of the most magnificent architectural achievements of the Gampola kingdom, and was built at the crest of a large rock which overlooks the Hantane mountain range. The history of the temple dates back to the 14th century, where several strong kingdoms ruled the land. King Buwanekabahu IV who reigned from 1341-51 AD chose Gampola as his kingdom and constructed this Viharaya with the help of a South Indian architect Sthapati Rayar. .
Afterwards, you can choose to stop for lunch at a local cafe (not included)
Thereafter you will head to Peradeniya to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens.
The Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest of Sri Lanka’s botanical gardens with over 4,000 different species of plants and is regarded among the finest in Asia. The origins of the Botanical Gardens date to 1371 when King Wikramabahu III took to the throne and kept his court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli, where the gardens were reserved exclusively for Kandyan Royalty. Some of the highlights when visiting these unique gardens would be the Orchid collection, walking through a stunning avenue of Royal Palm Trees as well as a giant Javan Fig Tree on the great lawn. Another key feature of the gardens is the large collection of medicinal plants and spices.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Lankatilaka Temple, Gadaldeniya Rd, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The Gadaladeniya temple complex was built atop a rock in 1344 during the reign of King Bhuvenakabahu IV, who ruled over the Kandyan kingdom. There is a cross-shaped shrine as you enter the temple complex, where each wing has attractive wall paintings and houses a Buddha image and is crowned with a small stupa.
The majestic temple Lankathileke is one of the most magnificent architectural achievements of the Gampola kingdom, and was built at the crest of a large rock which overlooks the Hantane mountain range. The history of the temple dates back to the 14th century, where several strong kingdoms ruled the land. King Buwanekabahu IV who reigned from 1341-51 AD chose Gampola as his kingdom and constructed this Viharaya with the help of a South Indian architect Sthapati Rayar. .
Afterwards, you can choose to stop for lunch at a local cafe (not included)

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya Road, Peradeniya 20400 Sri Lanka
Thereafter you will head to Peradeniya to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens.
The Royal Botanical Gardens is the largest of Sri Lanka’s botanical gardens with over 4,000 different species of plants and is regarded among the finest in Asia. The origins of the Botanical Gardens date to 1371 when King Wikramabahu III took to the throne and kept his court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli, where the gardens were reserved exclusively for Kandyan Royalty. Some of the highlights when visiting these unique gardens would be the Orchid collection, walking through a stunning avenue of Royal Palm Trees as well as a giant Javan Fig Tree on the great lawn. Another key feature of the gardens is the large collection of medicinal plants and spices.
After your visit, you will head back to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3 star hotel accommodation in Kandy on Halfboard Basis (Dinner and Breakfast)

Day 3: Kandy

Pass By: Kandy, Kandy, Kandy District, Central Province
Today after breakfast you will checkout from your hotel and be dropped at your desired drop off location within Kandy city limits (20 KM radius)

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.