Dambulla / Matala /Kandy
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer from Dambulla to Matale
- Visit the Spice Garden
The Spice Routes, also known as the Maritime Silk Roads, was a sea route network that linked the East to the West, allowing trading to occur. This was how various spices were introduced to Sri Lanka, and how Sri Lanka has since then retained it in its culture. Various spices, whether indigenous to the land or otherwise, are being grown in Sri Lanka, and have been used in the local cuisine and for various medicinal purposes such as with Ayurveda and homeopathy. During your tour of the Spice Garden, you can learn about the spices, and their cultivation process and more.
Following the tour of the Spice Garden, you can also immerse yourself in the art of cooking a Sri Lankan meal, using those spices and their properties. Following the cookery demonstration, you are able to enjoy this delicious meal too!
The last kingdom of Sri Lanka, Kandy is home to history, culture, historical buildings, and a grand collection of art and craft. The valley and the rolling hills made it the perfect bastion to the kingdom, where it staved off advances from the Portuguese, Dutch and later the British. However, with the signing of the Kandy Convention in 1815, the kingdom of Kandy came to an end. The Royal Palace is now known as the Dalada Maligawa and is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and a visit is a must when in Kandy. Clad modestly in white, be part of the daily poojas and pay your respects to the sacred tooth relic and be blessed by the monks.
- Have Lunch & Proceed on a Sightseeing City Tour
Experience the wonder of Kandy first-hand by visiting great attractions of the country’s industries such as the following;
- Visiting a Gem Museum, Lapidary and Shopping for Gems & Jewelry
Sri Lanka’s gem industry is renowned globally, made famous for its exquisite Blue Sapphires. Become acquainted with the gems of Sri Lanka with a visit to the museum and a lapidary, and witness a gem mining and cutting documentary. You are also able to shop for souvenirs from the museum gift shop.
The art of making Sri Lankan handloom sarees is quite intricate. Find out how silk and handloom sarees are made. You can also opt to be dressed in a beautiful handloom saree or sarong to experience the Sri Lankan traditional dressing attire. You can also indulge in a bit of shopping at the gift shop for beautiful silk and handloom items!
- Visiting a Woodcarving and Handcrafts Centre
Woodcarving is one of Sri Lanka’s most ancient skill set, and one that has been passed down from generation to generation. Witness how the local artisans create woodcarvings, statues, furniture, traditional masks, sculptures, handcrafts, and paintings. You can also purchase a few trinkets and souvenirs from the in-house shop too!
Take in the beautiful displays of the various types of dance art forms such as up-country and low-country dancing with the likes of traditional Kandyan dancers and more! The breathtaking fire dancers and demon dancers are truly quite an amazing experience!
- Dinner and overnight stay at your choice of Hotel