Kandy, the charming hill capital, lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy plateau, 1525 feet (465 metres above sea level. Steeped in history, the focal point is the Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth, where the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined. As Sri Lanka's cultural centre and sacred city, Kandy was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988. A unique way to make the trip in one day is offered by private air taxi, a chartered seaplane.

00MIDCMB-K Kandy by Chartered Seaplane

Departure: March 15, 2013

Duration: 8.5 Hours

Reserve by: December 10, 2012

This one-day Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations by December 10, 2012. Requests received after this date are on a space available basis only. Payment in full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. This programme is non-refundable if cancelled within 90 days of sailing. Space on the chartered seaplane is limited, but a minimum number of participants is required to operate this excursion.

Avail yourself of this unique opportunity of flying by private air taxi into the centre of the Kandy plateau, site of the charming hill capital of Kandy. Considered to be the jewel of Sri Lanka, the town lies between hills at an altitude of 1525 feet (465 metres). Steeped in history, Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese monarchy. Its' most famous attraction is the Temple of the Tooth, home to a sacred relic of Lord Buddha.

Depart the ship and drive to Peliyagoda passing through green and lush countryside. Here, board the chartered Twin Otter seaplane for a flight of approximately 45 minutes to the Polgolla Reservoir. During the flight at an altitude of 1500 to 2000 feet (450 to 600 metres) you will be able to enjoy breathtaking aerial views. After deplaning at Polgolla, your trip continues by road to Kandy.

Nestled in a valley surrounded by hills and dense jungle bordering the city's gardens, Kandy enjoys a regal location, with a beautiful artificial lake and a pagoda in its center.

The major highlight of the day will be your visit to the Temple of the Tooth. Built to house this precious relic of the Buddha, which is enshrined in an inner chamber, the temple is a work of art in itself. An impressive stone rampart encloses the shrine, which stands two storeys high on a platform in the centre of the courtyard. The upper gallery is connected to the first floor of the temple by a small bridge. There, behind a gilt railing, the golden reliquary rests on a silver table. It contains a nest of six boxes - the famous tooth lies within the smallest one. Ritual prayers by the monks are accompanied by beating drums, trumpets and hypnotic chants.

Leaving the Temple of the Tooth, proceed to the Earl's Regency Hotel and enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch, including two beverages of your choice - domestic beer, house wine, or soft drinks.  

Following lunch, drive back to the Polgolla Reservoir where your chartered seaplane stands ready to fly you back to Peliyagoda. Then conclude this memorable trip to Kandy with the 45-minute transfer to the pier in Colombo.

Please note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and light cotton clothing, although the temperature in Kandy may be slightly cooler than in Colombo. Moderate dress is required to enter the Temple of the Tooth. No shorts or short skirts. Ladies must have their shoulders covered. Shoes have to be removed prior to entering the temple (you may want to bring a pair of socks as the pavement may be hot). There is a walk of about 10 minutes to the temple as vehicles cannot approach the building. Walking is on both firm and uneven surface, plus a considerable number of steps need to be climbed at the Temple of the Tooth. Being a popular pilgrim site, guests may encounter a line waiting to go inside. The chartered seaplane is exclusive for Silversea. Therefore a minimum is required to operate, but space is limited. Operation may be subject to weather. A video camera fee of $3.00 is charged at the temple and is to be paid in cash at the site.  

Programme Includes:

·        Roundtrip Chartered Seaplane flight - Colombo/Kandy/Colombo

·        Lunch at Earl Regency Hotel  (includes choice of two beverages, local beer, house wine, soft drinks)

·        Bottled water on coach

·        All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, telephone calls, video camera fees, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.

All Land Adventures require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described.  If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure.  Silversea's published cruise cancellation policy will remain in effect.  All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea.   All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason, within 90 days of sailing and are recommended to guests 18 years or age and older.  This description is a general overview of this programme.  Our local operator reserves the right to substitute other sites if local situations, including holidays and weather, require.  The programme described in this brochure is provided by independent contractors. Silversea acts solely as ticketing agent. Silversea shall have no obligation or liability of any kind to guests for the business practices, acts or omissions in connection with or arising out of arrangements with independent contractors, including but not limited to airline carriers, ground-tour operators, and hotels since they are neither agents for nor employees of Silversea Cruises. Silversea's liability does not extend beyond the vessel.