Luxurious Introduction to Sri Lanka

Encounter the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka during this one hour visit! Dating back to the 1st century, the Dambulla rock caves became a Buddhist temples when they were converted into residential quarters for monks. You will be amazed by the five caves that sit under a vast overhanging rock. Each one now acts as a shrine room and contains numerous images of Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses. Mural paintings line the walls, depicting Buddha’s journey to enlightenment and his teachings. Throughout the centuries, this has been a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Set out to observe wild elephants and birds in their natural habitat at Minneriya Park, ideal for the 'off season' safari enthusiast. Situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka betwixt four ancient cities, it spans 8,889 hectares and offers visitors the chance to observe animals from a suitable distance without disturbing the natural environment. Spot large herds of over 100 elephants and look out for birds like the Sri Lanka Jungle-fowl, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot; mammals like Sambar, Spotted Deer, Leopard, Sloth Bear. You might also spot endemics like the Toque Macaque and Purple-faced Langur.

Experience time with gentle Asian elephants who have been given a second chance at life thanks to Millennium Elephant Foundation, a local animal charitable organization. A personalized guide will be with you throughout your tour of the verdant 15 acre estate, and will be able to show you the facilities. Learn about how the organization medically assists these gentle giants. Take a tour of the on-site museum, which highlights the history of these elephants and the organization since it was first founded in the 1960s by the Samarasinghe family. This private experience offers you a 30 minute walk through the grounds with an elephant, where you can assist with the pachyderm’s bathing in a local river. If you would like the elephant to give you a shower from his trunk, then he may just oblige! You can also tour the Maximus Elephant Dung Paper Factory, an income-generating project of the organization. If you wish to stay longer, a three course lunch (with refreshments) can also be arranged in advance.

Explore a Sri Lankan jewel! Located at an altitude of almost 500 m above sea level, the ancient capital city of Kandy offers a rich amalgam of ancient wonders. Visit centuries-old famous temples and architectural marvels on a pleasant Kandy loop, past three 14th century Hindu-Buddhist temples and back through Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Embekka Devalaya, Lankatilaka Vihara and Gadaladeniya Temples are among the other famous sites in the city. Discover fascinating traditional and contemporary motifs and colors during your visit to a local batik printing factory, before you return to your hotel.

Enjoy a personalized walk through the City of Colombo with Mark Forbes and see the city come alive through his love for Colombo’s rich culture and heritage. The amazing architecture which the Dutch and English left behind, combined with your introduction to words ‘borrowed’ from the Portuguese vocabulary, will show you a side of Colombo that few experience first-hand. With his knowledge and easygoing, friendly nature, Mark invites guests to enter into this world he has embraced wholeheartedly and reveals what being ‘Sri Lankan' is really about. Best experienced in the evenings (but also fun during the mornings), this 3-4 hour walk will have you explore the ‘wind-down’ time that is an essential part of Sri Lanka’s island culture, and gently familairize you with the humid climate. ‘Before and after' photographs of grand old buildings that Mark possesses will leave you breathless, and the exquisite architecture will certainly make you 'shutter happy'!