Day By Day Itinerary
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DAY 1
AIRPORT – KANDY – APPROX. 4 HRS DRIVE
Upon arrival, you will receive a warm welcome by our representative at the airport. From here, your journey begins with a scenic 4-hour drive to the lush, cultural heartland of Kandy. On the way, visit the world-famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary dedicated to nurturing a safe and caring natural environment for orphaned and injured elephants. Witness as these gentle giants are bottle-fed or playfully splash around during their daily bath in the nearby river, a moment that touches hearts and cameras alike.
Make a fragrant Spice Garden in Mawanella as your next stop, where age-old Ayurvedic herbs and spices grow in abundance. You’ll be introduced to the natural healing secrets of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg before making your way to a Gem Museum in Kandy, showcasing some of Sri Lanka’s most prized treasures.
Once reaching Kandy, check in at a hotel and unwind.
Enjoy the evening with a Traditional Cultural Dance Show, where vivid costumes, drumming beats, and ancient dance forms come together in a spectacle of heritage and artistry. Don’t miss the panoramic view of the city bathed in twilight from the Kandy Viewpoint.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Kandy.
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DAY 2
KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA (Approx. 3 Hours Drive)
After a hearty breakfast, get set to go for a brief Kandy city tour. Drive along Upper Lake Drive, breathe in the cool mountain air, and explore Market Square, buzzing with local colour. The main highlight is the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a revered Buddhist pilgrimage site that is said to house the tooth of Lord Buddha himself.
Continue your exploration of the mist-kissed highlands of Nuwara Eliya. Pause at the cascading Ramboda Waterfalls on the way and stay in awe of its stunning surroundings. Also, you will be attracted by the aroma of a tea factory, where you will witness firsthand how Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea is processed. Visit the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple on the way, nestled amidst the hills, to seek blessings and find solitude.
By afternoon, arrived in Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England” for its colonial charm. Located at about 6,000 feet above sea level, this highland is a picture of the bygone era- complete with stone cottages, blooming gardens, and the colonial-style Grand Hotel with its golf course.
Stroll in serenity at Victoria Park, a delight for botany lovers and birdwatchers alike. Originally, the park was the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden and was formally named in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Then, visit Gregory Lake, a calm reservoir set against green hills, which was constructed during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. The lake and the surrounding area make up the Gregory Lake Area. It is ideal for a lakeside walk or simply soaking in the peaceful scenery.
Check into a hotel and relax.
Dinner & Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.
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DAY 3
NUWARA ELIYA – BENTOTA (Approx. 5.5 Hours Drive)
Start your day with breakfast, followed by a spiritual and mythological exploration of Seetha Amman Temple, which is believed to mark the spot where Sita was held captive by King Ravana in the epic Ramayana. Rich in legend and adorned with ancient statues of Rama and Sita on one side, this temple holds immense cultural significance.
Next, wander through the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, also referred to as Ashok Vatika in Hindu lore. This is where, as per the legend, Lord Hanuman met Sita, bringing her news from Rama and a symbol of hope. It is also said that Hanuman nearly destroyed it in order to prove to Ravana the forces against him. But a part of this garden still exists with its exotic plants, rare blooms, and historical associations.
Continue your journey toward the Bentota, stopping by the picturesque Kitulgala, a small town famed for its lush rainforests and thrilling water sports. Adventurous spirits can enjoy white water rafting (USD 15.00 per person) in Kelani River. This 5 km stretch is full of fun and safe with five major and four minor rapids, trained guides, and modern equipment. Those who prefer dry feet can enjoy the scenery and forested backdrop as you drive through.
Finally, arrived in Bentota. Check-in at a hotel and spend the rest of the evening relaxing on the golden sands.
Enjoy local delicacies for dinner and stay overnight in Bentota.
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DAY 4
GALLE CITY TOUR & BENTOTA CITY TOUR
After breakfast, head to explore Galle and visit Galle Fort, the UNESCO world heritage site.
The Heritage City of Galle: This coastal stronghold boasts the majestic Galle Fort, built originally by the Portuguese, fortified by the Dutch, and maintained through British rule. Battered daily for over 400 years by the waves, this fort survived the onslaught of a tsunami and is a popular tourist attraction among residents and visitors alike. Walking through its cobblestone lanes feels like stepping into a living museum. Colonial mansions, vibrant cafes, art galleries, and sea-facing ramparts paint a charming picture of days gone by.
Bentota: Post Galle, return to Bentota for a day of nature, wildlife, and beachside fun. Witness the Sea birds and Wanders, including the rare Indian Heron, Vegetation, and various local and winter migrants on the shore. Bentota offers you several sightseeing tour options such as Turtle Hatchery, Madu River Boat trips on Bentota River, etc.
Madu River Boat Ride: Begin with the tranquil Madu River Safari, a cruise through mangrove tunnels, tiny islands, and fish farms. This unique ecosystem is home to over 11 species of agnatic mollusks, and 14 land-dwelling mollusks are found in this system. 70 species of fish, 31 types of reptiles, and 50 kinds of butterflies. Nature lovers and birdwatchers will find this eco-adventure both calming and exciting, with over 111 species of bird species identified in the mangrove and several migratory birds.
Turtle Hatchery at Kosgoda: Next, visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, a successful conservation project aimed at protecting Sri Lanka’s sea turtles. Learn about their breeding process and witness tiny hatchlings being prepared for their journey into the ocean.
Later on, take advantage of Bentota’s water sports haven.
Water Sport: Bentota is a place to chill and thrill with action-packed water excitement. Whether you’re into jet skiing, banana boating, wakeboarding, or a scenic boat ride, there’s something here for everyone. The warm waters and breezy coastlines make Bentota an ideal place to relax or rev up your day with aquatic adventures.
Dinner and stay overnight in Bentota.
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DAY 5
BENTOTA -COLOMBO CITY TOUR-AIRPORT- APPROX 03.30 HRS DRIVE
Enjoy the final breakfast of this trip before setting off to the vibrant commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, is easily the largest metropolis in the country. This commercial and entertainment fuses colonial elegance with modern flair, offering historic architecture, skyscrapers, and coastal charm all in one. If you want to enjoy urban nightlife or shopping in Sri Lanka, Colombo is ideal for you.
Your Colombo city tour includes notable landmarks such as Galle Face Green, a seafront promenade perfect for an oceanfront stroll; the iconic Viharamahadevi Park, lush with trees and fountains; and colonial buildings that reflect the city’s rich past. Take a moment to absorb the tropical atmosphere under tree-lined boulevards as city life bustles around you.
Next, enjoy some last-minute shopping. From budget-friendly Pettah Market, brimming with local goods, to upscale shopping centers like ODEL, Arina, Crescat Boulevard, Majestic City, Liberty Plaza, etc. Colombo offers retail options for every style and budget. Pick up handicrafts, garments, designer wear, leather goods, exquisite gemstones, and batik fabrics as souvenirs from Sri Lanka to home.
Wrap up your trip with a sunset overlooking the Indian Ocean or a final local meal before heading to the Colombo International Airport for your departure flight, accompanied by a heart full of memories from this magical island once known as Taprobane.