ENCHANTING SRILANKA TOUR
7 Days – 6 Nights
Colombo – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Bentota
Discover the best of Sri Lanka with our curated itineraries. Designed to cover almost all the major attractions in the country and can be easily adapted to fit the plans of both international and local travel agents. Exploring these itineraries before planning your holiday will help you find the best and most affordable options for all types of travelers.
Day 01: Arrive Colombo – Kandy
Upon arrival at Colombo airport, you will be greeted and proceed to Kandy. En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, located approximately 90 km from Colombo. Established in 1975, this orphanage houses abandoned and wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased, including baby elephants from various parts of the country and those born through the captive breeding program. The best times to visit are during feeding (9:30-10:00 AM and 1:30-2:00 PM) and bathing (10:00-10:30 AM and 2:00-2:30 PM) when the elephants are taken to the nearby river. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 02: Explore Kandy
After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kandy was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings and is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha (Dalada Maligawa). Visit the Royal Palace (Maha Wasala), the National Museum, Palle Wasala (former queens’ residence), Meda Wasala, the Audience Hall, and the Natha and Vishnu Devalas. Explore the Bathing Pavilion (Ulpenge) and the island in Kandy Lake called Kiri Samudraya (Milk White Ocean), used by the kings as a summerhouse. Kandy is also a center for Buddhism, arts, crafts, music, and culture. Overnight stay in Kandy.
Day 03: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and head to Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit a tea plantation. Tea was first planted in Sri Lanka in 1824, and today, the country is one of the world’s largest tea exporters. Visit the Ramboda Falls, a magnificent waterfall with three parts. Descend to the Ramboda basin, where you can view the entire waterfall from the Ramboda Inn. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 04: Explore Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, start your full-day tour of Nuwara Eliya. According to the Indian epic Ramayana, this area is where Sita, the queen of King Rama, was kept hidden by Ravana. Visit the Sita Amman Kovil, a temple dedicated to Sita, with statues of Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Lakshmana, and Sugriva. Explore the nearby stream where Sita is said to have bathed. Visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, believed to be the Ashok Vatika from the Ramayana, and see the beautiful rhododendrons. Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England,” is set against a backdrop of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and tea plantations. Visit Victoria Park, a lovely spot for a stroll or picnic, especially during the spring and fall flower seasons. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 05: Nuwara Eliya to Bentota
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to Bentota via Kithulgala. Optional white water rafting is available in Kithulgala, a famous spot for adventure. Visit the historic Beli Lena Caves, where the prehistoric Balangoda Man lived. The area was also the filming location for David Lean’s epic war film “Bridge on the River Kwai.” Explore the Kelani Valley Forest Reserve, home to rare and endemic birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Overnight stay in Bentota.
Day 06: Explore Bentota
After breakfast, start your full-day tour of Bentota, Sri Lanka’s first National Holiday Resort developed by the Ceylon Tourist Board. Enjoy water sports and take a boat trip on the Bentota River. Experience the mangroves and local wildlife on a river cruise. Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, where you can see five species of turtles. The hatchery buys eggs from villagers and fishermen, hatches them, and releases the young turtles into the sea. Overnight stay in Bentota.
Day 07: Departure
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.