Srilanka
Mark Twain described Sri Lanka as "all harmonious, all in perfect taste". Visit this land of idyllic landscapes, colourful culture and warm, carefree people and you will agree.
"May you have the gift of long life!" With this traditional greeting, you are welcomed to Sri Lanka; the original Garden of Eden.
Colombo is a bustling metropolis of big businesses and small bazaars. Kandy, the last royal citadel, is Sri Lanka's cultural centre and home to the legendary Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the colourful festival of Perahera. Galle, the ancient port of Tarshish, is a town entirely enclosed within a medieval fortress. Nuwara Eliya, in the salubrious upcountry, nestles amidst picturesque tea gardens and dazzling waterfalls. In the 'Rajarata', or king's domain, are the ancient cities of Anuradhpura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Sigiriya.
Sri Lanka's currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. You should have no problem using international credit or debit cards in most of the larger shops. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are the most commonly recognised cards, and any debit card with a visa facility is usually accepted.
Sri Lanka lies in the same time zone as India. English is widely spoken, though Sinhalese is the first language and Tamil is the language of choice in the north.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
In the 4th century A.D., a tooth of the Buddha was hidden in an Orissan princess’s hair and brought to Sri Lanka. Since then, this relic has gained a reputation and a following throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized historic and religious possession.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Quite close to Kandy is this 147-acre garden, containing over 4,000 species of plants and insects. Its origins date back to the 14th century; and today, these verdant gardens are a source of delight for the people around as well as the scientific community.
The Spice Garden, Matale
Visit a spice garden to see, at close quarters, all the spices for which this island is renowned. Cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, nutmeg and a dozen other plant varieties, they’re all here. You could also shop for fresh spices here.The Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo *****
One of Sri Lanka's finest establishments, The Cinnamon Grand Hotel combines a unique brand of warm, welcoming luxury with a superb location.
LOCATION
The Cinnamon Grand Hotel is situated in the heart of the city, 37 kilometres from the airport, in the centre of the business district. It is also in close proximity to the main arterial road and walking distance from the city centre, major diplomatic missions and shopping malls.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
The Cinnamon Grand Hotel boasts 310 rooms and suites, many offering spectacular views of the Beira Lake and the pool. All rooms are luxurious and outfitted with every modern comfort, from a satellite television and mini bar to a computer and fax machine. The hotel also sports a health club, with a well equipped gymnasium, massage rooms and a sauna.
DINING
London Grill, the gourmet's choice, serves the finest grills and roasts accompanied by a range of wines. Known for its aura of elegance and tranquillity, the Taprobane offers an assortment of international favourites interspersed with eastern and oriental delicacies. The restaurant offers a 24-hour à la carte menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and also an impressive buffet.
SPECIALS
The Cinnamon Grand Hotel guarantees the female business traveller unrivalled comfort, undivided attention and gracious hospitality through the luxurious and exclusive Lady's Executive Wing.
Luxury amenities for the female business traveller include beautiful tropical flowers in the bedroom, a special low-calorie menu including an array of cocktails and fresh fruit juices, a souvenir for each lady and more.
EXCLUSIVELY FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
Stay for three nights and take a tour of Colombo City.
Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy *****
Paramount among this five-star hotel's many attractions is the fact that it occupies a unique location - nestled snugly between a river, mountains and secluded tropical gardens.
LOCATION
Mahaweli Reach Hotel in Kandy is a three hour drive from Colombo International Airport and occupies an enviable riverside location in the ancient capital of Kandy.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
Each of the luxurious 115 rooms opens out into the lush tropical garden with its freeform swimming pool or faces the Mahaweli River. Rooms on the upper floors have balconies with stunning views. The two magnificent suites and the other rooms are equipped with the most luxurious amenities and facilities. The hotel offers a lounge bar, an Ayurvedic treatment centre, tennis courts, and a billiard room. Entertainment features traditional dance troupes, live music and barbecues under the stars.
DINING
Dine amidst elegance at the main restaurant on exotic Sri Lankan cuisine and excellent table d'hôte choices complemented by fine wines and liquors from the bar.
SPECIALS
The world famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, said to house Lord Buddha's tooth, is nearby, as are lesser known temples and the Kandy Highway Museum.
EXCLUSIVELY FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
Stay for two nights and get a 30 minute head massage at the Ayurveda Centre.
Taj Exotica, Bentota *****
This resort lives up to its name. Everything about it is lush, rich and exotic: the food, the accommodation and most of all, the gold and azure swathe of coastline just beyond every window.
LOCATION
Sprawling along the south coast of Sri Lanka, this beautiful, 160 room resort is located 90 kilometres south of the Bandarnaike International Airport and 60 kilometres from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
The hotel offers state-of-the-art business services, a host of indoor activities, daily entertainment at the bar, a discotheque, regular cultural shows, water sports, a gymnasium and health club, elephant rides, horse rides and more. Yoga lessons are also on offer. Rooms and suites are spacious and sophisticated with each guestroom outfitted in stylish décor and exotic, native materials.
DINING
The welcoming Aquarius Bar serves delicious refreshments in a casual, comfortable ambience. Mkop is the hotel's lively discotheque. Scenic and inviting, the Name Restaurant offers a fine selection of cuisines including Sri Lankan and Indian.
At Oriental, guests can find a variety of Chinese inspired dishes. Palms, the 24-hour coffee shop, is a great place to enjoy a quick bite. The relaxing Sea Lounge Bar is the perfect place to spend an evening.
SPECIALS
Whether you wish to relax or recharge, the Taj Exotica offers a range of leisure and entertainment facilities unrivalled in all of Sri Lanka.
EXCLUSIVELY FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
A complimentary bottle of wine.
Visited places
Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bentota, Colombo
Your Itinerary
Kandy 1 night
Nuwara Eliya 1 night
Bentota 1 night
Colombo 1 night
DAY 01
Arrive in Sri Lanka. You will be met by a local representative and transferred to Kandy. Rest of
the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Kandy.
DAY 02
After Breakfast commence sight seeing in Kandy including Upper Lake Drive, Market Square,
the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Royal Botanical gardens.
* Kandy - the hill capital.
Venue of the annual Perahera. The last stronghold of the Sinhala
Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism’s influence
in Sri Lanka today. Temple’s shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are
everywhere.
* Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth
was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic
has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is
considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession.
After breakfast visit * Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, Sixty Seven hectares of exquisite
beauty and botanical treasurers containing more than 4000 species, this is haven not only for
Scientists but to every nature lover as well.
Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya, En route visit Tea Plantation & Tea Factory.
Nuwara Eliya
The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of
Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest
places on the island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature does
drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are
like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.
The Victoria Park, in the middle of town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic. Seasons may be
absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the
spring (march to May) and the fall (August and September). These are the “seasons” when lowcountry
folk flock to Nuwara Eli to escape the sea level heat and humidity.
Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and check-in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 03
After breakfast proceed to Bentota via Kitulgala. Check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure
on the beach. Overnight stay in Bentota.
Day 04
After breakfast proceed to Colombo. Afternoon commence city tour of Colombo with shopping.
Colombo a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the treelined
residential, Cinnamon Gardens. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and
military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area,
where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of
Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. The historic Dawatagaha Mosque and the former Eye Hospital
are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica
of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.
Visit the Mlesna exquisite tea boutique, cashew nut shop, ready made garments and all sorts at
Majestic City. Visit the Lanka Ceramics Centre, a place where you can buy “NORITAKE SET” or
other ceramic items, visit the Odel shop at Lipton place and’ House of Fashion’. Overnight stay in
Colombo.
DAY 05
After breakfast transfer to airport to connect with the departure flight.