Arrive Colombo

Arrival and Transfer to Colombo

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted by our driver and transferred to Colombo. The approximate travel time from the airport to Colombo is 45 minutes. Upon reaching Colombo, you’ll check into your hotel and meet your Local Tour Manager, who will brief you 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 and the lighthouse with its clock tower, which is older than Big Ben in London. You’ll also see the president’s house and the old parliament.

Next, proceed along 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. 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 the cultural diversity of Colombo 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

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

Transfer from Colombo to Dambulla (approx. 4 hours)

Begin your journey from Colombo to Dambulla. The drive will take approximately four hours.

Upon arrival in Dambulla, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, relaxing and exploring the surroundings at your own pace.

Return to your hotel in Dambulla for a restful evening.

Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa – Dambulla

Early Breakfast at Hotel and Departure for Sigiriya

Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel before departing for Sigiriya.

Morning Climb and Visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress (approx. 1 ½ hours)

Explore Sigiriya, also known as the Lion’s Rock, a stunning rock fortress and palace located in the Matale district. This World Heritage site, built by King Kassapa, is surrounded by beautiful gardens, ponds, and various structures. Originally a rock-shelter monastery donated by Buddhist devotees, King Kassapa later transformed it into a magnificent palace and garden complex. After his death, it returned to use as a monastery.

Sigiriya’s history dates back nearly five thousand years to the Mesolithic period. The site features rock inscriptions, carved near the drip ledges of many shelters, documenting donations made to the Buddhist monastic order between the third century B.C. and the first century A.D. In 1831, Major Jonathan Forbes of the British army discovered the bush-covered summit of Sigiriya. Since then, it has attracted the attention of antiquarians and archaeologists.

The Sigiriya complex includes a central rock, two rectangular precincts, two moats, and three ramparts, all arranged in a square module.

Transfer from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa (approx. 1 hour)

After exploring Sigiriya, continue your journey to Polonnaruwa.

Explore Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second-largest kingdom, is renowned for its well-planned archaeological relic sites. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to the discipline and greatness of the kingdom’s early rulers. Its beauty and tranquility were featured in Duran Duran’s 1982 music video “Save a Prayer.”

Return to Dambulla

After exploring Polonnaruwa, return to your hotel in Dambulla.

Dambulla – Kandy (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out

Enjoy 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, passing through Matale.

Dambulla

Dambulla, a large town in the Matale district, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Remarkably, it was constructed in just 167 days. The town boasts attractions such as the ironwood forest, rose quartz mountain, Rangiri Stadium, and Na Uyana Aranya. However, Dambulla is best known for its stunning Cave Temples. These five magical, dimly lit caves, decorated with exquisite murals and beautifully carved statues, offer a glimpse into Buddhist art. Dating back to the reign of King Vattagamini Abhaya in the 1st century BC, the caves were later embellished by King Nissankamalla in the 12th century and several Kandyan kings in the 17th and 18th centuries. Cave #2, the largest and most spectacular, measures 50 meters in length and 7 meters in height. The rock is elevated 160 meters above the surrounding plains, offering stunning views, including a distant view of Sigiriya.

Matale

Matale, located in the central hills at an altitude of 546 meters, offers captivating landscapes with fertile greenery and mountain ranges adorned with cascading waterfalls. This bustling town is known for its Spice Gardens, where the world’s best cinnamon is produced. Visit these gardens to see how spices are grown and processed, watch a cookery demonstration on using these spices in Sri Lankan cuisine, and take home a selection of garden-fresh spices.

To the north, 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 feature magnificent frescoes worth visiting.

Transfer from Matale to Kandy

Continue your journey to Kandy, checking in at your hotel upon arrival.

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. It 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. The temple is a testament to the enduring practice of this ancient religion.

Evening Visit to a Kandyan Dance Performance

Conclude your evening with a visit to a Kandyan dance performance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Return to your hotel in Kandy for a relaxing evening.

Kandy – Pinnawala – Kandy

Breakfast at Hotel

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

Kandy City Tour

Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic cities, lies nestled 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).

Kandy is also renowned for its Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya and the vibrant Esala Perahera festival. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka, offering a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Shopping in Kandy

Explore the exotic arts and crafts, and world-famous gemstones that Kandy is known for.

Further Sightseeing in Kandy

Take a leisurely stroll or drive along Kandy Lake and Upper Lake Drive to enjoy breathtaking views of the country’s hill capital. Optionally, visit the Kandy National Museum to delve deeper into the city’s history and culture.

Visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Located near Kandy City, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens are among the finest in Asia, dating back to the 14th century. Spanning 59 hectares (146 acres), the gardens house about 4,000 species of plants, including impressive avenues of palms, diverse collections of orchids, gymnosperms, and flowering trees. Established in 1821 to introduce coffee trees and other economically important tropical plants, the gardens later became a center for horticultural activities. Under the directorship of botanist George H.K. Thwaites, the gardens played a crucial role in establishing Sri Lanka’s tea industry and cultivating the Brazilian rubber tree, vital to the country’s economy.

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

After exploring Kandy, proceed to Pinnawala.

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Located northwest of Kegalle, halfway between Colombo and Kandy, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department on a 25-acre coconut property along the Maha Oya River. Initially founded to care for orphaned elephants, the orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens in 1978, and a captive breeding program began in 1982. Since then, over 20 elephants have been bred here.

The orphanage aims to simulate a natural habitat for the elephants, with some exceptions. Elephants are taken to the river twice a day for a bath, and baby elephants under three years old are bottle-fed by mahouts and volunteers. Pinnawala boasts the largest herd of captive elephants in the world and is a popular attraction for both Sri Lankan and international tourists. Watching the elephants bathe in the river is a highlight and a truly enchanting experience.

Transfer Back to Hotel in Kandy

After visiting Pinnawala, return to your hotel in Kandy for a restful evening.

Kandy–Bentota (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel and Check Out

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

Transfer from Kandy to Bentota

Depart from Kandy and travel to Bentota. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel in Bentota.

Explore Bentota

Bentota is a charming coastal town located 65 kilometers south of Colombo in the Southern Province. Renowned for its breathtaking views and pristine beaches, Bentota is the perfect destination for a peaceful and natural retreat. Bentota Beach, stretching 7-8 kilometers, is a haven of tranquility, cleanliness, and calmness. The quiet surroundings provide a natural and relaxing environment, making it ideal for those seeking a serene holiday. With ample space for everyone, you can easily find your spot to bask in the sun and enjoy the soothing beach atmosphere.

Return to your hotel in Bentota for a restful evening.

Bentota

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.

Full Day at Bentota Beach

Spend the entire day at Bentota Beach, soaking in the sea breeze and the warm coastal atmosphere. Enjoy the serene surroundings, take a leisurely walk along the shore, or simply relax and sunbathe on the soft sands. The peaceful environment of Bentota Beach is perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating.

Return to your hotel in Bentota for a relaxing evening.

Bentota

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel.

Full Day at Bentota Beach

Spend the entire day at Bentota Beach, relishing the sea breeze and warm coastal ambiance. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings, take leisurely strolls along the shore, and relax on the soft sands. Whether you choose to sunbathe, swim, or simply unwind, Bentota Beach offers the perfect setting for a peaceful and refreshing day.

Return to your hotel in Bentota for a restful evening.

Bentota

Bentota–Colombo (Drive)

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel.

Proceed to the Airport

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and head to the airport. Carry with you an abundance of memories from your unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka – The Paradise Island. Safe travels!