During this 4-day Essence of Sri Lanka tour, you will visit the must-see sites and cities in Sri Lanka. We are confident you will enjoy this experience and gain a deep understanding of Sri Lankan culture throughout the tour.
During this 4-day Essence of Sri Lanka tour, you will visit the must-see sites and cities in Sri Lanka. We are confident you will enjoy this experience and gain a deep understanding of Sri Lankan culture throughout the tour.
Colombo
Colombo - Day 1: Airport – Colombo
Upon arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed by our representative. They will then be guided to their vehicle to commence their holiday in Sri Lanka. The first stop will be Colombo.
Colombo is the largest city and the commercial hub of Sri Lanka. Situated on…
Colombo
Colombo - Day 1: Airport – Colombo
Upon arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed by our representative. They will then be guided to their vehicle to commence their holiday in Sri Lanka. The first stop will be Colombo.
Colombo is the largest city and the commercial hub of Sri Lanka. Situated on the west coast, it is a bustling and lively city with a blend of modern and colonial influences. The city features a diverse range of architecture spanning centuries, showcasing various styles. Numerous colonial buildings influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British stand alongside structures built in Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Indian, and Contemporary architectural styles. This is most evident in the heart of the city, the Fort area. Colombo is also home to many shopping malls and department stores offering brand-name clothing at significantly reduced prices, making it a popular shopping destination for tourists.
Colombo City Centre - City Tour: During the city tour in Colombo, visitors may explore famous sites including Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, the National Museum, Twin World Trade Center towers, Old Parliament Building, Fort district, Independence Hall at Independence Square, and notable Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, and Christian places of worship. (Entrance fees to sites are not included). For shopping, visitors may explore Odel, House of Fashion, Beverly Street, Majestic City, Noritake, etc. Overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo.
Colombo to Kandy
Kandy - Day 2: Colombo – Kandy
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Today, the journey continues to Kandy. Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
On the way, guests can visit one of Sri Lanka’s most significant tourist attractions, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. Volunteers and caretakers provide shelter and care for orphaned, abandoned, and injured elephants within the park. Visitors can observe caretakers feeding, bathing, and assisting these gentle giants. They can also walk with the herd to the nearby river to watch the elephants bathe and play in the water.
Kandy District - Kandy
Nestled amidst the hills, Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. As the second-largest city in Sri Lanka, it is renowned for its immense beauty and is recognized as one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country. With its lush prairies, picturesque lake, the country’s longest river, and misty mountains, Kandy captivates every visitor effortlessly. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.
Kandy City Tour
Kandy City Center - Day 3: Kandy
City Tour: During the city tour, visitors will explore one of the world heritage sites and a sacred place for Buddhists worldwide; the Temple of the Tooth Relic, known to Sri Lankans as Dalada Maligawa. The next stop will be the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a paradise for nature enthusiasts. This beautiful floral haven is home to over 300 different varieties of orchids, other spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. Annually, more than 1.2 million people are enchanted by the beauty of these 147-acre flower gardens. The richness of the area will be further affirmed by a visit to the Gem Museum. Sri Lanka is known for producing the finest quality gems in the world. Semi-precious gems, including the exclusive sapphires of Sri Lanka, come in shades of blue, red, green, white, etc. In the evening, guests will witness a traditional cultural dance show. (Entrance fees to sites are not included) Overnight stay at a hotel in Kandy.
Ranweli Spice Garden - After lunch, the journey continues to Kandy. En route, a visit to a Spice Garden in Matale is included.
Stop At: Ranweli Spice Garden
For centuries, spices have been one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated exports, used not only in food but also in medicines and cosmetics.
Duration: 1 hour
In the afternoon, a city tour of Kandy includes a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, upper lake drive, market square, gem lapidary, and more. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Kandy is a major city located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. The city is nestled amidst hills in the Kandy plateau, which spans an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and serves as the capital of the Central Province. Kandy is home to The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.
Duration: 2 hours
Day 4: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya - Day 4: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Today, the journey continues to Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya (City of Lights) is blessed with a pleasant climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains, and greenery. Surrounded by hills and tea plantations, the town of Nuwara Eliya enjoys spring-like weather throughout the year. It is also known as “Little England,” a favorite hill station of the British who endeavored to transform Nuwara Eliya into a typical English Village. The old brick Post Office, country house-like hill club with its hunting pictures, trophies, and strict formal dinner attire; the 18-hole golf course, horse race course, etc., all evoke memories of “England.”
Victoria Park of Nuwara Eliya - City tour: During the city tour in Nuwara Eliya, visitors will explore the main attractions of the town, including the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. A visit to a working tea factory is also included, where the slow-growing tea bushes of this highland region produce some of the world’s finest Orange Pekoe tea. Visitors can also explore Seetha Eliya and Haggala Gardens.
Seetha Eliya is a temple mentioned in the famous epic Ramayana. Haggala is a temperate hill-country garden where languid low-country lotus and water lily float in their serene beauty. Overnight stay at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya – Bentota
Bentota - Day 5: Nuwara Eliya – Bentota
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Today, the journey continues to Bentota.
Bentota
Bentota is known as the city of the Golden Beaches. Visitors can relax and enjoy the spirit of the sea and the warmth of the soft sand. The day is spent swimming in the water and basking in the sun. Bentota offers the perfect setting for a leisurely beach vacation. While enjoying the sun, sea, and sand, water sports enthusiasts can engage in various water sports, adding to the unique pleasure of this locale. Overnight stay at a hotel in Bentota.
Bentota City Tour
Bentota - Day 6: Bentota
City tour: During the city tour, guests will enjoy a boat ride along the Madhu River. It is a scenic and relaxing tour, passing many islets forested with mangroves and experiencing the natural rhythms. For a more exclusive experience, a visit to the turtle hatchery is recommended. The Turtle Hatchery is the primary turtle nesting site, opened by the Wildlife Protection Society in 1981. Visitors can see large tanks filled with newborn turtle hatchlings. After being fed, the baby turtles are taken to the sea and released when they are 2-4 days old, usually during the safer hours of darkness. Overnight stay at a hotel in Bentota.
Bentota to Colombo Airport
Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall - Day 7: Bentota – Airport
Transfer to the airport, marking the end of the tour.

- All current taxes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Accommodation included: 3 nights
- Lunch
- 3 nights accommodation at 3 star hotels on Bed & Breakfast basis as per itinerary
- Dinner
- Hiriwadunna Trekking with Lunch
- Breakfast
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Cycling in Polonnaruwa
- All current taxes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Accommodation included: 3 nights
- Lunch
- 3 nights accommodation at 3 star hotels on Bed & Breakfast basis as per itinerary
- Dinner
- Hiriwadunna Trekking with Lunch
- Breakfast
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Cycling in Polonnaruwa
- Gratuities
- Any others expenses not mentioned in Inclusions section
- Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)
- Gratuities
- Any others expenses not mentioned in Inclusions section
- Alcoholic drinks (available for purchase)
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.