Day By Day Itinerary
-
DAY 1
AIRPORT – KANDY – APPROX 03 HRS DRIVE
As you arrive, our friendly representative will greet you at the airport, setting the tone for your journey ahead. Without delay, your tropical adventure starts as you head toward Kandy.
En route, make a memorable pause at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. This sanctuary is a heart-warming haven for orphaned and injured elephants, both young and old, rescued from various parts of the island. Watching them bathe in the river or enjoy their feeding time offers an up-close glimpse into the lives of these gentle giants.
Thereafter, stop at a fragrant Spice Garden in Mawanella, where you can walk amidst the aromatic paths of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves while learning about their healing properties. A quick detour also takes you to a Gem Gallery in Kandy, where you’ll be dazzled by Sri Lanka’s precious stones.
Upon arrival in Kandy, check into a hotel and relax.
In the evening, enjoy a colour and rhythm-filled atmosphere and watch an electrifying Traditional Kandyan Dance Performance that includes drumming, fire acts, and centuries-old rituals.
Dinner and stay overnight in Kandy.
-
DAY 2
KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA – APPROX 03 HRS DRIVE
After a delicious breakfast, begin your day with a leisurely tour around the hilly city of Kandy. Known for its serene beauty and historic charm, you will pass by the scenic Upper Lake Drive and the vibrant local Market Square. Don’t miss to visit the renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site, the Temple of Tooth Relic. It is a place believed to house Lord Bhuddha’s ‘tooth relic.’ Walk around the town to shop for souvenirs with intricate treasures in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony, and more.
Afterwards, set off towards Nuwara Eliya, a charming colonial town tucked away in the highlands. Along the way, stay awestruck by the cascading Ramboda Waterfalls, seek blessings at the peaceful Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, and stroll along a tea factory that introduces you to the island’s famous brew.
As you arrive in Nuwara Eliya, often dubbed “Little England,” you’ll notice its cool climate, old-world cottages, and elegant gardens. Perched at a height of 6200 feet, this English town stands as serene as it did well over a century ago- the magnificent Grand Hotel presiding over them all.
Sita Amman Temple: Visit the Sita Amman Temple, which is believed to be the spot where Sita was held during the Ramayana. Ancient statues of Rama and Sita can be seen on one side of the temple. This temple is famous among locals and tourists due to its mythological beliefs and modern building with paintings, statues, and pillars decorated with sculptures depicting the stories of Rama and Sita.
Gregory Lake: Next, enjoy a walk by Gregory Lake, a perfect spot to breathe in the crisp mountain air. This reservoir was constructed in 1873 by the British Governor Sir William Gregory and named after him. The surroundings of the lake make up the Gregory Lake Area.
Victoria Park: Explore Victoria Park, a peaceful public garden full of seasonal blooms located next to Nuwara Eliya Post Office in Sri Lanka. This park was originally the research field of Hakgala Botanical Garden and gained its name in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Check-in into a hotel and unwind.
Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
-
DAY 3
NUWARA ELIYA-ELLA-YALA- APPROX 03.30 HRS DRIVE
After breakfast, we set out on a picturesque drive to Yala, passing through the charming hillside town of Ella. On the way, pause your journey to admire the cascading Ravana Falls and explore the Ravana Cave, steeped in legends from the Ramayana.
While in Ella, make sure to witness the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era marvel tucked within lush green surroundings.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens (Ashok Vatika): Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens, believed to be part of the ancient Ashok Vatika where King Ravana kept Sita, insisting her for marriage and Lord Hanuman brought Lord Rama’s ring for Sita and asked her to take her back. It is also said that Hanuman nearly destroyed this Ashok Vatika, but a part of this majestic garden still exists. This site offers both historical significance and natural serenity, with a wide array of flora from across the world.
This quiet town is a blend of natural beauty, steeped in the ancient legend of Rama and Sita from the Indian epic -the Ramayana, with landmarks named after King Ravana, the mythical ruler. The towering mass of the renowned Ella Rock presides over the area, and the mountain pass known as Ella Gap offers astonishing views of the various valleys on the South Coast. The little town of Ella is far from a scenic stopover but a truly charming and beautiful place for relaxing days and unforgettable vistas.
Arrive at your hotel in Yala, check-in, and unwind after the scenic journey.
Dinner and overnight stay in Yala.
-
DAY 4
YALA – BENTOTA - APPROX 04 HRS DRIVE
Wake up early for an adventurous morning safari in Yala National Park. From 5:30 to 9:30 AM, go on an open-jeep expedition through dry forests, grasslands, and lagoons.
Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife destinations and the second largest national park. Designated as a national park in 1938, it is located in the southeast part of the country, hugging the vast Indian Ocean. This park consists of five blocks, two of which are now open to the public and also adjoining parks. Renowned for having one of the world’s highest densities of leopards, Yala is also home to 44 species of mammals like elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, deer, and over 215 bird species.
Return back to the hotel and have breakfast.
Thereafter, we drove towards the golden beaches of Bentota, making a significant stop at the fortified city of Galle.
The Heritage City of Galle: Explore the historical Galle Fort, originally built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch and preserved by the British. With its cobbled streets, colonial buildings, and vibrant cafés, Galle is a perfect mix of antiquity and charm. This fort stood strong for over 400 years, battered daily by the ocean, and even survived the onslaught of a tsunami. Its past glory makes it the must-visit place in Sri Lanka for locals and tourists alike.
Arrive in Bentota and settle into your beachside resort.
Dinner and overnight stay in Bentota.
-
DAY 5
BENTOTA CITY TOUR
Start your day with a flavourful breakfast, then head out for a delightful Bentota city tour.
Bentota: Bentota is a magical place where rivers meet the sea, making it a hub of water-based activities and nature encounters. The general area of the city is interesting for birds. Spot Sea Birds and Wanders on the shore, rare Indian Herons and Vegetation along the river harbours, and many more winter migrants. This city opens up gates for various sightseeing tours like Turtle Hatchery, Madu River Boat trips on Bentota River, etc.
Madhu River Boat Ride: Begin with a Madu River Boat Safari, an immersive cruise through lush mangrove forests dotted with small islands rich in biodiversity. Spot colourful birds, water monitors, and perhaps a crocodile or two as you glide past local cinnamon plantations. This place is rich in biodiversity, with about 11 species of agnatic mollusks, 14 land-dwelling mollusks, 70 species of fish, 31 types of reptiles, and 50 kinds of butterflies. Bird watchers will be pleased by the 111 species of bird in this mangrove-formed environs, which host several migratory birds.
Continue to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, a conservation initiative aimed at protecting endangered sea turtles. Learn about the different turtle species found along the coast and witness hatchlings being released into the ocean.
Spend the rest of your day relaxing on sandy shores or trying hands in optional water sports like jet-skiing, banana boat rides, or windsurfing.
Dinner and overnight stay in Bentota.
-
DAY 6
BENTOTA – COLOMBO -APPROX 02.30 HRS DRIVE
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital city.
Go on a guided tour of the capital and largest metropolis city in the country to explore the perfect blend of modernity and colonial legacy. The city is a commercial and entertainment hub with many corporate buildings, restaurants, shopping malls, spas, hotels, and nightclubs. One unique thing you are bound to find in the heart of Colombo is the tree-lined main streets, which add to the idea that this truly is a tropical paradise. Drive through the bustling commercial zones, see the iconic Galle Face Green, and stop at Independence Square and the Old Parliament Building. Wander through upscale neighbourhoods like Cinnamon Gardens and stop by the Gangaramaya Temple, a cultural and architectural treasure.
Later on, enjoy the last-minute shopping experience in Colombo and shop for souvenirs.
With a variety of shopping complexes, the city stands at the top of the list of the best places to shop for souvenirs in Sri Lanka. If you are looking for an affordable place, don’t miss Pettah Bazaar to buy almost everything. If you move along Galle Road, you can find shopping malls like Majestic City, Liberty Plaza, Crescat, ODEL and Arina to shop for garments, handicrafts, books, leather goods and many more.
As evening sets in, relax at a rooftop café, sip a tropical cocktail, and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Check-in Hotel & relax
Dinner & Overnight stay in Colombo
-
DAY 7
COLOMBO -AIRPORT - APPROX 45 MINTS DRIVE
After the last hearty breakfast of this trip, it’s time to say goodbye to Sri Lanka. You will be transferred to the airport with a suitcase full of memories and the warmth of this island’s hospitality etched in your heart.