Arrive Colombo

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, our driver will meet and greet you. You will then be transferred to Colombo, with an approximate travel time of 45 minutes. Upon reaching Colombo, check into your pre-booked hotel where your Local Tour Manager will welcome you and provide a briefing on the itinerary for the next few days.

Colombo City Tour

Your city tour begins with a visit to the Fort and Pettah commercial hub, where you’ll find a mix of offices and shopping areas near the historic GOH, the oldest colonial hotel. Enjoy fantastic views of the Colombo harbor, the lighthouse with its clock tower (which is older than Big Ben in London), the president’s house, and the old parliament.

Next, stroll through the main street, passing by the old Dutch Museum, the belfry, and Old City Hall, which houses puppets of Sri Lanka’s earlier governors. Explore shops and restaurants facing Sri Lanka’s twin tower buildings.

Continue to the old race course, an area filled with colonial architecture, restaurants, and a shopping arcade. Pass through Colombo City Hall, a mini replica of the White House in Washington, DC, and drive past notable landmarks such as the Town Hall, Independence Square, the B.M.I.C.H (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), and the Cinnamon Gardens residential area.

Experience Colombo’s cultural diversity by visiting a Buddhist temple and a Hindu Kovil, where you can learn about the different religions, ethnicities, and customs of the local people.

Return to your hotel in Colombo for a relaxing evening.

Colombo – Dambulla (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

Transfer to Dambulla

Proceed to Dambulla. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Settle in and relax, taking in the serene surroundings of Dambulla.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Dambulla

Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla

Dambulla – Anuradhapura – Mihintale – Dambulla

Dambulla – Kandy (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

Transfer from Dambulla to Kandy via Matale (approx. 2 ½ hours)

Depart from Dambulla and travel to Kandy, with a stop in Matale along the way.

Visit Dambulla Cave Rock Temples

Your journey begins with a visit to the renowned Dambulla Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dambulla, a large town in the Matale district, was constructed in just 167 days. It boasts beautiful sites such as the ironwood forest, Rose Quartz Mountain, Rangiri Stadium, and Na Uyana Aranya. The town is famous for its remarkable cave temples, five magical, dimly lit caves of different sizes, decorated with some of the finest murals and beautifully carved statues. These caves, dating back to the reign of King Vattagamini Abhaya in the 1st century BC, were later adorned by King Nissankamalla and several Kandyan kings. Cave #2 is the largest and most spectacular, measuring 50m in length and 7m in height, with the rock elevated 160m above the surrounding plains, offering stunning views including a distant view of Sigiriya.

Explore Matale

Continue your journey to Matale, a town nestled in the central hills at an altitude of 546 meters. Known for its captivating landscapes, fertile greenery, and scattered mountain ranges with cascading waterfalls, Matale is also renowned for its Spice Gardens, where the world’s best cinnamon is produced. Visit these gardens to see how spices are grown and processed, and watch a cookery demonstration on using these spices in Sri Lankan cuisine. You can also take home a selection of garden-fresh spices.

To the north of Matale, surrounded by the foothills of the Knuckles Mountain range, is the Aluvihara Temple, the historic site where the Pali Canon was first written down on Ola (Palm) leaves. Nearby, several monastic caves with magnificent frescoes are worth visiting.

Transfer to Kandy from Matale

After exploring Matale, continue your journey to Kandy.

Explore Kandy

Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic cities, lies amidst hills and serves as the capital of the Central Province. It is both an administrative and religious center and is the country’s second-largest city. Kandy is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, especially of the Theravada School, due to its famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa). The city is also known for the Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and the vibrant Esala Perahera festival. Kandy is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka, offering a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Check In at the Hotel in Kandy and Relax for the Day

Settle into your hotel in Kandy and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Kandy

Kandy – Pinnawala – Kandy

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer from Kandy to Pinnawala (approx. 1 ½ hours)

After breakfast, depart from Kandy and travel to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Situated northwest of Kegalle, halfway between Colombo and Kandy, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department. Located on a 25-acre coconut property along the Maha Oya River, the orphanage was initially founded to care for orphaned elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka. Taken over by the National Zoological Gardens in 1978, a captive breeding program was launched in 1982, resulting in over 20 elephants being bred here.

The orphanage aims to simulate a natural habitat for the elephants, with exceptions such as daily river baths and bottle-feeding for babies under three years old. Pinnawala boasts the largest herd of captive elephants in the world and is a popular attraction for both local and international tourists. Watching the elephants bathe in the river is a highlight and a truly enchanting experience.

Return to Kandy for Shopping and Sightseeing

After visiting Pinnawala, return to Kandy for a day of shopping and sightseeing.

Shopping in Kandy

Explore Kandy’s exotic arts and crafts, and world-famous gemstones.

Stroll or Drive Along Kandy Lake and Upper Lake Drive

Take a leisurely stroll or drive along Kandy Lake and Upper Lake Drive, enjoying breathtaking views of the hill capital. Optionally, visit the Kandy National Museum to learn more about the city’s history and culture.

Evening Visit to the Dalada Maligawa

In the evening, visit the Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple, part of the Royal Palace complex of the Kandyan Kingdom, houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha and is one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world. The temple, palace complex, and the holy city of Kandy are integral to the history of Buddhism’s dissemination, representing a religion that continues to be practiced today.

Return to your hotel in Kandy for a restful evening.

Kandy – Yala (Drive)

Yala

Yala – Galle (Drive)

Galle – Bentota (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

Transfer from Galle to Bentota

After breakfast, proceed with your transfer from Galle to Bentota.

Check-In at Hotel in Bentota

Upon arrival in Bentota, check in at your pre-booked hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, enjoying the serene beach atmosphere and relaxing surroundings.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Bentota

Bentota

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

Full Day at Bentota Beach

Spend the entire day at Bentota Beach, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and the warm coastal atmosphere. Bentota, a small town located 65 kilometers south of Colombo, is renowned for its breathtaking views and pristine beaches. Bentota Beach, stretching across 7-8 kilometers, is a haven of tranquility, peace, and cleanliness. It offers a natural and relaxing environment, perfect for those looking to unwind without the hustle of bars and restaurants.

With its quiet surroundings and ample space, you can easily find your perfect spot to sunbathe and enjoy the serene beauty of Bentota Beach.

Return to your hotel in Bentota for a restful evening.

Bentota

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel to start your day.

Full Day at Bentota Beach

Spend the entire day at Bentota Beach, soaking in the sea breeze and the warm coastal ambiance. Relax on the soft sands, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, and enjoy the serene surroundings. Bentota Beach, known for its tranquility and cleanliness, offers the perfect setting for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Return to your hotel in Bentota for a peaceful evening.

Bentota – Negombo (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before checking out.

Transfer from Bentota to Negombo

After breakfast, proceed with your transfer from Bentota to Negombo.

Check-In at Hotel in Negombo

Upon arrival in Negombo, check in at your pre-booked hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the coastal town or relaxing at the hotel.

Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Negombo

Negombo – Colombo (Drive)