Discover the diverse beauty of Sri Lanka on an unforgettable 9-night, 10-day journey through the island's ancient heritage, cultural heartland, scenic hill country and tropical coastline. Explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple, discover the cultural treasures of Kandy, experience the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya and relax along the golden beaches of Bentota.
Enjoy a carefully balanced itinerary with time to explore, relax and experience Sri Lanka at a comfortable pace. Visit a working tea plantation and factory, experience a traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance, explore the tranquil waterways of the Madu River and visit a turtle hatchery. The journey concludes with a city experience in Colombo before your departure.
This extended itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to experience Sri Lanka's highlights without rushing between destinations, combining sightseeing, culture, nature, scenic landscapes and beach relaxation. The core destinations and experiences are based on the supplied Sri Lanka Highlights brochure.
Highlights
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Kandy City Tour
- Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- Scenic Tea Country
- Tea Plantation Experience
- Tea Factory Experience
- Ramboda Waterfall
- Gregory Lake
- Nuwara Eliya City Tour
- Bentota Beach
- Madu River Boat Safari
- Turtle Hatchery
- Colombo City Tour
- Red Mosque
- Gangaramaya Temple
- Beach Relaxation
- Leisure Time
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Sri Lanka | Airport → Colombo
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your personal chauffeur guide and transferred to your hotel in Colombo. Settle in and spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your flight or exploring the vibrant capital at your own pace. (Highlights: Meet & Greet at the Airport, Airport Transfer, Hotel Check-in, Relax after your flight, Optional evening walk at Galle Face Green or Independence Square.)
Overnight: Colombo
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Day 2
Colombo City Exploration
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed exploration of Colombo. Discover the city's blend of colonial heritage, modern architecture, religious landmarks and vibrant urban life. Visit key attractions and enjoy some free time for shopping or exploring the city at your own pace. (Highlights: Colombo City Tour, Red Mosque, Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Optional Shopping.)
Overnight: Colombo
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Day 3
Colombo → Sigiriya
After an early breakfast, depart Colombo and journey towards the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Upon arrival in Sigiriya, visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient royal citadel, pass through the impressive Lion's Gate, admire the ancient frescoes and Mirror Wall, and enjoy panoramic views from the summit. (Highlights: Scenic Drive to the Cultural Triangle, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Ancient Frescoes & Mirror Wall, Lion's Gate, Panoramic Views from the Summit, Resort Leisure Time.)
Overnight: Sigiriya
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Day 4
Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and continue towards Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka. En route, visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple and stop at a spice garden in Matale to discover the island's famous spices and Ayurvedic herbs. Continue to Kandy and explore the sacred city before experiencing a traditional Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance. (Highlights: Dambulla Cave Temple, Spice Garden, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandyan Cultural Dance Show, Kandy City Tour.)
Overnight: Kandy
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Day 5
Kandy Cultural Experience
Enjoy a relaxed day discovering the cultural and natural beauty of Kandy. Explore the city at a comfortable pace and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Royal Botanic Gardens. The additional time allows you to experience Kandy without the need to rush between attractions. (Highlights: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy City Tour, Leisure Time.)
Overnight: Kandy
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Day 6
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, depart for the picturesque hill country. Visit a working tea plantation and tea factory to learn how world-famous Ceylon Tea is produced. Continue through scenic mountain roads, passing cascading waterfalls and lush tea estates before arriving in Nuwara Eliya, known for its colonial charm and cool climate. (Highlights: Tea Plantation, Tea Factory Experience, Ramboda Waterfall, Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya City Tour.)
Overnight: Kandy
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Day 7
Nuwara Eliya Leisure & Scenic Experience
Enjoy a relaxed day in the cool and scenic surroundings of Nuwara Eliya. Take time to appreciate the town's colonial character, surrounding tea estates and mountain scenery. Enjoy leisure time at your hotel or explore the area at your own pace. (Highlights: Nuwara Eliya, Tea Country Landscapes, Tea Estates, Gregory Lake, Leisure Time.)
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
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Day 8
Nuwara Eliya → Bentota
Following breakfast, leave the cool hill country behind and travel towards Sri Lanka's beautiful south-west coast. Enjoy the changing scenery as you descend from the misty mountains towards the golden sandy beaches of Bentota. Upon arrival, check in to your resort and spend the remainder of the day relaxing beside the Indian Ocean. (Highlights: Scenic Drive through the Hill Country, Coastal Landscapes, Beach Relaxation, Resort Leisure Time, Optional Water Sports.)
Overnight: Bentota
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Day 9
Bentota | River, Wildlife & Beach Experience
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely day in Bentota. Take a boat safari along the Madu River through tranquil mangrove forests and visit a turtle hatchery dedicated to sea turtle conservation. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach or enjoying optional water sports. (Highlights: Madu River Boat Safari, Turtle Hatchery, Bentota Beach, Leisure Time at the Resort, Optional Water Sports.)
Overnight: Bentota
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Day 10
Bentota → Colombo → Airport
After breakfast, travel towards Colombo and enjoy a guided city experience before your departure. Explore the city's historic landmarks, modern shopping districts and colonial architecture. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute shopping before transferring to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure. (Highlights: Colombo City Tour, Red Mosque, Gangaramaya Temple, Shopping at One Galle Face Mall or Colombo City Centre, Airport Transfer.)
What's included
- ✓9 nights accommodation at selected hotels
- ✓Accommodation according to selected package category
- ✓Meals according to the selected package type
- ✓Sightseeing tours as per itinerary
- ✓Return airport transfers
- ✓Transportation throughout the tour
- ✓Driver and guide services
- ✓Comfort Package: 2★ / 3★ Budget Hotels – Bed & Breakfast
- ✓Deluxe Package: 3★ / 4★ Hotels – Half Board
- ✓Luxury Package: 4★ / 5★ Luxury Hotels & Resorts – Half Board
Not included
- ✕Air tickets
- ✕Travel insurance
- ✕Personal expenses
- ✕Entrance fees
- ✕Excursion and activity fees
- ✕Meals not mentioned above
- ✕Vehicle usage beyond the given route
- ✕Services not specified