Overview
A concentrated 5-day journey through Sri Lanka's cultural triangle and southern coast. Climb the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, ride through the emerald tea plantations of the hill country, and relax on Bentota's palm-fringed beaches. Experience Sri Lankan hospitality, sample authentic cuisine, and witness one of Asia's most culturally rich destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Arrive Colombo — Drive to Sigiriya
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, meet your driver-guide, and drive to Sigiriya (approximately 4 hours). En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage established in 1975 to care for orphaned and injured wild elephants — watch them being fed and bathing in the river. Check into your hotel near Sigiriya Rock. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Sigiriya Rock — Dambulla — Kandy
Early morning climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (the 'Lion Rock'), a UNESCO World Heritage site built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century atop a 200-meter monolithic rock. Ascend through the Lion's Gate (giant carved lion paws are all that remain), past the famous Mirror Wall and the stunning frescoes of the Sigiriya Damsels, to the summit where you'll find remnants of the ancient palace with panoramic views over the jungle. Descend and visit Dambulla Cave Temple — a UNESCO site with five sacred caves containing 153 Buddha statues and beautiful ceiling paintings dating back 2,000 years. Continue to Kandy (approximately 2.5 hours), the last capital of the ancient Sinhalese kings. Evening witness a traditional Kandyan cultural dance show featuring fire-walking. Overnight in Kandy.
Kandy — Tea Country — Nuwara Eliya
Morning visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), which houses a tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is the most revered Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka. Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya with over 4,000 plant species. Afternoon drive through the stunning tea country to Nuwara Eliya (called 'Little England' for its British colonial architecture and cool climate). Visit a tea factory to see how the world-famous Ceylon tea is processed. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya at 1,868 meters elevation.
Scenic Train to Bentota Beach
Morning take the legendary train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella (or Haputale) — widely considered one of the world's most scenic train rides, passing through emerald tea plantations, misty mountains, waterfalls, and hill villages (train journey optional based on schedule). Drive to Bentota beach (approximately 4-5 hours) on the southern coast. Afternoon relax on the golden sand beach. Overnight in Bentota.
Bentota — Colombo — Departure
Morning optional water sports (jet ski, banana boat) or beach relaxation. Visit a turtle hatchery where endangered sea turtles are protected. Drive to Colombo for last-minute shopping at Odel or Dutch Hospital shopping complex. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.
What's Included
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Private AC vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
- All monument entry fees
- Airport transfers
- All taxes
Not Included
- International flights
- Lunch and dinner
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Sri Lanka visa fees
per person
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