The largest city in Sri Lanka and its commercial capital, Colombo is a juxtaposition of the old, European influenced architecture and a new, rapidly changing commercial hub with its imposing skyscrapers and developments standing as a testament to the city’s wealth.
Originally known as ‘Kolon thota’ (the native word for ‘port’), the city was named ‘Colombo’ by the Portuguese occupiers at the turn of the 16th century.
Today the city is a melting pot of different races and religions which is undergoing unparalleled change and development while retaining its unique colonial heritage, making it a spectacular place to visit during any Sri Lankan tour.
Experience the unique sights and sounds of the Sri Lankan rain forest from the unique vantage point of the Kelani River with white water rafting at Kitulgala. With two grades available, the white water rafting can be enjoyed by kids up to the age of 80 (yes, we’ve had 80 year olds join in)!
Bordered by the thick Sri Lankan rainforest, white water rafting down the Kelani River is an exhilarating experience and will leave you with a unique memory of this special place.
Sri Lanka’s second city, Kandy, is unmistakably the country’s cultural capital with its exuberant festivals, unique music and dance, and colonial architecture. It’s also the home to arguably the most revered religious site in the whole of Sri Lanka – the Temple of the Tooth.
Kandy’s uniqueness is inherited from its forebears, the last remaining Sinhalese on the island who would not give up their independence like the rest of the island in the face of Portuguese and Dutch occupation. The last mainstay of Sinhalese culture, Kandy has preserved its rich customs which is evident today in its distinctive music, festivals and buildings.
Set in the heart of the stunning Hill Country, Kandy is surrounded by the most majestic scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world. The emerald hills, covered in the world famous tea plantations, is the perfect backdrop during your trip to Kandy.
The tea grown in the fertile soil of the picturesque Sri Lankan mountains is world famous, not surprising when you consider Sri Lanka used to be known as Ceylon.
The tea plantations which produce the leaf are a magnet for tea lovers and anyone who is interested in the colonial history of Sri Lanka or enjoys stunning landscape views.
The surrounding countryside is a vivid green, due in part to the high amount of rainfall the area experiences. As you drive through the dramatic mountain landscape you’ll see plenty of waterfalls, Ramboda Falls 30km from Nuwara Eliya is very impressive.
Situated a mile above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is the capital of the tea industry and retains much of the colonial feel, it makes for the perfect starting point for a visiting a Sri Lankan tea plantation . Tea estates dominate the landscape and you’ll travel through acres upon acres of tea plantations, terraced on the green hills, before you reach the town of Nuwara Eliya.
A trip to watch the famous Culture Show, a spectacle of traditional Sri Lankan dance, music and performance, is a must when visiting Kandy.
The captivating one hour performance immerses the audience in local tradition and culture. The evening show includes drummers, traditional performers and fire and demon dancers!
We include a trip to the Culture Show when we visit Kandy during our Sri Lankan tours.
