Sri Lanka 12 Days Coastal and Cultural Journey Kosher

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. If time permits and your energy levels allow, you have the option to embark on a captivating city tour of Colombo, where you'll witness a blend of colonial-era architecture, bustling markets, and modern developments. Overnight stay in Colombo.

Activity: Relax or explore Colombo city in the evening, depending on your flight schedule.

Accommodation: Colombo Lake Lodge Boutique Hotel – Website link

Overnight at hotel

After breakfast, journey to Bentota, known for its golden beaches. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Madu River, exploring its mangroves and diverse birdlife. Then, visit the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through its charming streets, lined with Dutch-colonial buildings, shops, and cafes. Continue to Weligama, a coastal town famed for its stilt fishermen. Witness this unique fishing practice and visit a turtle hatchery, where you can learn about conservation efforts. Overnight stay in Weligama.

Activities: Madu River boat ride, Visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Observe stilt fishermen in action, Explore the Turtle Hatchery

Accommodation:

1. Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa 5* – Website link or
2. W15 Weligama 5* – Website link

Overnight at hotel

Spend two days unwinding on the pristine beaches of Weligama. Relax, swim, soak up the sun, or try your hand at surfing. The choice is yours. You can also explore the local area or simply enjoy the tranquility of your resort. Overnight stays in Weligama.

Activities: Continue enjoying beach activities or spend a relaxing day with your family.

Accommodation:

1. Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa 5* – Website link or
2. W15 Weligama 5* – Website link

overnight at hotel

For wildlife enthusiasts, an optional Yala National Park safari is available. Embark on an exhilarating jeep ride through this renowned park, spotting elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. In the evening, return to Weligama for another relaxing overnight stay.

Activity: Optional Yala National Park Safari. Experience a thrilling jeep safari and spot wildlife. ($80 per person for Jeep and entrance fees + Return Transport Weligama to Yala)

Accommodation:

1. Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa 5* – Website link or
2. W15 Weligama 5* – Website link

Overnight at hotel

Venture into the highlands, traveling to Ella, a picturesque hill station surrounded by tea plantations and cloud-covered mountains. En route, stop at the stunning Ravana waterfalls. Arrive in Ella in the afternoon, leaving time to settle in and perhaps take a short walk around the town. Overnight stay in Ella.

Activities: Visit Ravana Falls. Arrive before 4 PM to enjoy the scenic beauty before Shabbat.

Accommodation: Morning Dew Boutique Hotel 4*-  website link

(Walking distance to Beit Chabad Ella)

Overnight at hotel

Enjoy a day of rest and reflection in Ella. You can take a leisurely stroll around the town, visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, or simply relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Ella.

Activities: Shabbat day - Free time or take a walking tour to the Nine Arches Bridge, a stunning viaduct.

Accommodation: Morning Dew Boutique Hotel 4*-  website link

(Walking distance to Beit Chabad Ella)

Overnight at hotel

Today promises an enriching exploration of both the natural wonders and cultural treasures of Bentota. Begin your day with a tranquil boat ride along the scenic Madu River, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the mangrove forests and observing the vibrant birdlife that calls this area home. Let the gentle rhythm of the river soothe your senses as you navigate through this picturesque landscape.

Next, venture to Cinnamon Island, where you'll gain fascinating insights into the traditional methods of cinnamon cultivation. Learn about the intricate process of harvesting and processing cinnamon, a prized spice that has been coveted for centuries for its aromatic and medicinal properties.

Continue your journey with a visit to a Turtle Hatchery, where dedicated conservationists work tirelessly to protect endangered sea turtles. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing these majestic creatures and learn about the efforts being made to ensure their survival for future generations.

Overnight at hotel

Drive to Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England," for its colonial charm and cool climate. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Gregory and stroll through the Victoria Park. Continue to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. En route, marvel at the Ramboda waterfalls and pass-through scenic tea plantations. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Activities: Lake Gregory boat ride, Visit Victoria Park, Explore Ramboda Falls and tea plantations

Accommodation: The Golden Crown- Website link

</p> <p>Day 10: Kandy's Cultural Treasures .</p> <p>

Explore the historic city of Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Wander through the Royal Botanical Gardens, renowned for its diverse plant collection. Take a tour of the city's bustling bazaar and witness a traditional Kandyan dance performance in the evening. Overnight stay in Kandy.

Activities: Explore Udawatte Kele Sanctuary, Visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Tour Kandy Bazaar, Experience a Kandy cultural dance show

Accommodation: The Golden Crown- Website link

Overnight at hotel

Embark on a day trip to Dambulla, a village known for its cave temples, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient cave paintings and statues. Experience local life with activities like bullock cart rides, tuk-tuk rides through paddy fields, canal boat rides, and visits to a coconut factory and spice garden. You also have the option to climb Pidurangala Rock or Sigiriya Rock for panoramic views (additional cost). Return to Kandy for your overnight stay.

Activities: Day tour to Dambulla Village

Experience a bull cart ride, tuk-tuk ride, and boat ride through paddy fields

Visit a coconut factory and spice garden

Optional: Climb Pidurangala Rock or visit Sigiriya Rock ($45 per person not included)

Accommodation: The Golden Crown- Website link

Overnight at hotel

If time allows, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage before heading to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you cherished memories of Sri Lanka's diverse landscapes, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.

Activities: Optional visit to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

~~~Departure from the airport~~~

Embark on this unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka, where every day brings new adventures and cherished memories.