Udawalawa + Ella + Train Ride Waterfalls + Kandy Three Days Excursion

Early in the morning, departure from the hotel and a scenic route among palm plantations, rice fields, inaccessible stretches of jungle, Sri Lankan villages and towns to Udawalawa – an elephant sanctuary and national park on a jeep safari.

Currently, the Udawalawe National Park covers an area of ​​approx. 30,000. There are over 800 Indian elephants living in hectares. These are both wild animals and those that, despite being able to live in a natural environment, still need human care. Indian elephant herds consist of females and their offspring and can number up to 100 elephants, elephanus maximus maximus, but the largest herds number up to 300 individuals, while males choose a solitary lifestyle, possibly wandering in pairs or several individuals. It should be assumed that one adult can eat up to 200 kg of green matter and drink 200 liters of fresh water, hence the journeys in search of food continue uninterrupted. Elephants born in the Pinnawala orphanage or those rescued by people in various circumstances are fed by the park staff, who also care for the health and condition of these majestic mammals. There are also daily demonstrations of feeding baby elephants with milk and palm leaves at the Elephant Transit Home at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. It should be mentioned that the efforts of people involved in restoring elephants to their natural environment resulted in approximately 100 happy elephants fed by human hands and now living in the wild and completely unrecognizable from others born in the natural environment. Way to go!

Asian elephants are the biggest attraction of the Udawalawe Park and a visit to this park gives you almost a 100% chance of seeing them in their natural habitat. You can see other animals here, including: leopards (very rare), rusty spotted cats, tarai, axis deer, Indian hawks, water buffalos, golden jackals, munjacs, monkeys, including macaques and gereses. In the park, ornithologists can observe cuckoos, woodpeckers, ticks, marabou, storks, ibises, herons, pelicans, kingfishers, bee-eaters, the ubiquitous and noisy peacocks, etc.

A jeep safari around the national park will take approximately 3 hours, while a visit to the center caring for elephants will take approximately 40 minutes (optional).

From Udawalawa we will go to the mountains to visit the second largest waterfall on the island of Diyaluma. In Sinhala, Diyaluma or Diya Haluma means “fast flow of water” or can be translated as “liquid light”. It is a spectacular waterfall, at the top of which there are cascades and depressions where you can safely swim, jump into the water from rock ledges or approach the edge of this captivating creation of nature to take unforgettable photos. There are several trails leading to the top of the waterfall, and some of the not too strenuous climbing in temperate climates can be replaced by a tuk tuk ride. While reaching the peak (approx. 45 min), we will travel along narrow paths on the slopes of the mountains, we will pass through tea plantations, we will see several primitive houses of local inhabitants, mainly Tamils, we will cross the dense jungle to enjoy a bath in clean and fresh, but not cold waters. waterfall with numerous local residents arriving there. Fabulous scenery is the main attraction of this place located far from the beaten tourist trails.

After playing in the basins and cascades of the waterfall, we will go along a picturesque mountain route to a unique town in Sri Lanka – Ella. On the way, we will stop at the Ravana Waterfalls, where flocks of the ubiquitous macaques – thief monkeys – will carefully watch the visitors, waiting for the attention of the distracted tour participants to steal a hat that can be exchanged with the monkey for a banana. Ella, a small town, is an extraordinary place on the island, where tourists from all over the world come not only to enjoy one of the most comfortable climates in Ceylon, where the temperature is usually 20-25 degrees Celsius, but also serves as a base for the Little Peak. Adam (Punchi Siri Pade) as well as a historic bridge from World War I built by the British due to the lack of steel and stone. “9 arch bridge” is picturesquely situated among tea plantations, dense tropical jungle and connects two hills with a monumental structure from the base of the pass.

Ella Valley

The purpose of building the bridge was to carry the railway line that is still in operation today, connecting important urban centers. With a bit of luck, we can witness the passage of the famous blue train, which suddenly appears in the tunnel in front of the bridge.

Ella surprises with the diversity of building forms that stands out among the plainly monotonous architecture of Sri Lanka, including many that were constructed using a building material rare on the island – bamboo. This town is particularly appreciated by lovers of nightlife, because there are nightclubs here, where you can spend time until dawn in a chill-out atmosphere of an international clientele, try a variety of dishes from around the world, or relax in hammocks or swings installed in local clubs.

Before sunrise we will go to Little Adam’s Peak, then after breakfast at the hotel we will set off from the train station by train to Nuwara Ellia, one of the highest towns in Sri Lanka, the capital of tea plantations, a Victorian town called Little England – Nuwara Ellia. The train journey will take about 3.5 hours. The railway line runs through pine forests, eucalyptus groves, tea plantations, terraced fields, leads through many tunnels and railway bridges – this is an opportunity to get acquainted with the colorful crowd of natives traveling this popular means of transport in the mountains. The Sri Lankans make the journey more pleasant by playing drums and singing local songs, while often inviting you to have fun together by treating you to local alcohol – popular coconut arrack. This route has been recognized by travelers as one of the most spectacular railway lines in the world.

Optional: Nanuoya – Demodara route

The train journey from Nanuoya to Demodara is a magical experience that enchants with its picturesque landscape of tea-covered hills, winding tunnels and extraordinary bridges along which the bustling city winds.

By train or our own means of transport we will reach Nanuoya, the closest town to the city of lights – Nuwara Elliya. In Nuwara Ellia, we will be able to look at the Victorian buildings of the city, go to the famous Baal Bazaar, or browse at the local market offering a wide range of exotic fruits. A horse racing track built by the British and one of the best golf courses in Southeast Asia are other attractions of this city. The local color is complemented by Victoria Park and the summer residence of the President of Sri Lanka, as well as a colorful promenade with shops selling soap and jam.

From Nanuoya we will go to Kandy – the former capital of the Sinhala kings. Along the way, Ravana Waterfalls, tea plantations and a visit to them, as well as to one of the factories where you will be able to not only observe the quite complex method of producing this one of the most popular drinks on Earth, but also taste it.

On the way, we will visit the Ambuluwawa Tower – a soaring tower, surprising in terms of its bold architecture, climbing a winding staircase towards the sky.

In Kandy we will go to the most important religious place for local Buddhists – the Temple of the Relic of the Tooth of the Buddha, where you will be able to not only see the buildings of the temple complex but also watch the rituals of the locals visiting this place.

Kandy is a metropolis, so there will be time to shop for souvenirs or the famous Sri Lankan sapphires in local polishing shops and sales centers.

In Peradenia there are Botanical gardens, where we planned to visit. Visit to the Gardens

Sri Dalada Maligawa

Kandy offers many other attractions that you can optionally use: Udawatakkale Gardens, numerous temple complexes, shopping malls, bazaars, cooking classes, etc.

On the way to the hotel on the beach you can stop at numerous stalls and local shops or in the colourful, bustling cities of Southeast Asia in its Sri Lankan version.

Return to the hotel and end of the tour.