8N 9D NUWARA ELIYA, KANDY, YALA AND BENTOTA
Itinerary
DAY 01: Arrival in Colombo
- Arrival: Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival your chauffeur/guide will meet you and drive you to Colombo.
- Relax and Explore Colombo: After check-in at your hotel, take some time to relax.
- Begin your exploration with a city tour, visiting the vibrant Galle Face Green, a popular spot to mingle with locals and enjoy some traditional street food.
- Visit the Colombo Fort, with its stunning colonial-era architecture.
- Explore the Lighthouse, offering panoramic views of the harbour and sea, built in 1952.
- Drop by Jami Ul Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque), Dutch-built churches, and the floating market of Pettah.
- Explore Independence Square, the Sri Kaileswaram Hindu Temple, Gangaramaya Temple, National Museum, and the Lotus Tower, the 19th tallest tower in the world.
- Overnight Stay in Colombo.
DAY 02: Colombo to Kandy (Approx. 4 hrs drive)
- Breakfast at the hotel and depart for Kandy via Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.
- Visit the orphanage, home to abandoned and injured elephants. Learn about their care (Entrance Fees: USD 20 per person).
- Stop at a Spice Garden in Mawanella for a sensory experience of various spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper.
- Temple of the Tooth Relic: In the evening, visit this sacred temple that holds the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important pilgrimage destination (Entrance Fees: USD 10).
Overnight Stay in Kandy.
DAY 03: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 2.5 hrs drive)
- Kandy City Tour:
- Visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, with over 4,000 plant species (Entrance Fees: USD 7).
- Stop by Bahirawakanda Temple, known for its giant Buddha statue (Entrance Fees: USD 3).
- Enjoy a walk around the serene Kandy Lake and explore the vibrant city streets.
- Departure to Nuwara Eliya: On the way, stop at Ambuluwwawa Tower for a breathtaking 360-degree view (Entrance Fees: USD 5).
- Visit a Tea Factory and experience the tea-making process, followed by a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 04: Explore Nuwara Eliya
- City Tour:
- Visit the Nuwara Eliya Golf Course, Racecourse Grounds, and Victoria Park.
- Explore the Sitha Amman Kovil, a temple with a legend tied to the Ramayana.
- Visit the Hakgala Botanical Garden at 5,400 feet above sea level (Entrance Fees: USD 7).
- Taste the fresh strawberries grown in the region and enjoy the local delicacies.
- Take a Boat Ride on Gregory Lake for a scenic experience (USD 10).
- Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.
DAY 05: Nuwara Eliya to Yala (Approx. 3.5 hrs drive)
- Travel to Ella: Enjoy a scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.
- Activities in Ella:
- Experience the Flying Ravana Mega Zip Line for a thrilling ride offering panoramic views of the lush hills and tea estates (Entrance Fees: USD 25).
- Visit the Ravana Waterfall, located just 10 minutes from Ella city centre, for some stunning photo opportunities.
- Proceed to Yala after the activities.
Overnight Stay in Yala.
DAY 06: Yala National Park
- Morning Safari: Embark on a morning safari at Yala National Park (6:00 AM – 9:30 AM). Yala is home to Sri Lanka’s largest population of leopards, along with elephants, bears, and various bird species (Entrance Fees: USD 25, Jeep Hire: USD 45 for up to 6 pax).
- Leisure time after breakfast at the hotel or opt for an Afternoon Safari (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM).
- Overnight Stay in Yala.
DAY 07: Yala to Kalutara (Approx. 6 hrs drive)
- Drive to Kalutara: En route, stop at Coconut Tree Hills in Mirissa, a picturesque spot offering a view of the coast, and visit Thalpe Beach, famous for its coral reef rock pools.
- Stilt Fishing: Learn about traditional stilt fishing practiced by local fishermen along the coast.
- Overnight Stay in Kalutara.
DAY 08: Explore Bentota
- Visit Brief Garden: A beautiful Japanese-style garden created by Bevis Bawa (Entrance Fees: USD 20).
- Turtle Hatchery: Visit the Sea Turtle Hatchery in Bentota to see endangered species of turtles (Entrance Fees: USD 4).
- Madu River Boat Safari: Explore the river’s rich biodiversity, including bird species, on a boat safari (Boat fees: USD 25 for 8 pax).
- Cinnamon Island: Visit an island known for its traditional cinnamon plantation (Entrance Fees: USD 5).
- Water Sports: Enjoy various water sports activities such as water skiing, jet skiing, or banana rides (USD 30 for 3 activities).
Overnight Stay in Kalutara.
DAY 09: Kalutara to Airport (Approx. 2 hrs drive)
- Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
The above tour description, inclusions, exclusions are daywise itinerary are indicative and may change at the time of quoting and booking.