Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a green, fertile tropical island with palm-fringed beaches, misty mountains and significant archaeology. Dotted with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the tear-drop shaped island of Sri Lanka has verdant jungle, ancient Buddhist temples, an average of eight hours sunshine a day and superb tea, ideally sipped in a colonial-style guesthouse overlooking a hillside [...]
Book Now Ask a QuestionSri Lanka is a green, fertile tropical island with palm-fringed beaches, misty mountains and significant archaeology. Dotted with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the tear-drop shaped island of Sri Lanka has verdant jungle, ancient Buddhist temples, an average of eight hours sunshine a day and superb tea, ideally sipped in a colonial-style guesthouse overlooking a hillside plantation. Fringing the coasts is an array of gently arcing golden-sand beaches. There is an amazing diversity in such a compact nation. Equipped with a stellar combination of scenery, culture and history, a growing focus on sustainable tourism and a more settled society, Sri Lanka is on the radar for curious travellers seeking unique experiences.
Kandy, the only other real city in Sri Lanka, other than Colombo, is the easy-going capital of the Hill Country and has a lot to offer – history, culture, forested hills and a touch of urban buzz. Only 115km inland from the capital, climatically it is a world away due to its 500m altitude.
Situated at around 2000m above sea level and surrounded by lush tea plantations Nuwara Eliya is the main hill resort of Sri Lanka and the heart of the tea industry. Once a pleasure retreat of the European planters the town is still very much an English town with many English style bungalows and buildings.
Bentotas beach is one of the best on the west coast, protected from Galle Road by the broad sweep of the Bentota Ganga. While it is dominated by big package hotels, it also has a number of smaller places catering to independent travellers.
Colombo, Sri Lankas capital, biggest city and major port, draws together all the colours and cultures that make up this island nation, condenses them into a patchwork of markets, gardens and buildings both humble and grand, and knocks them against a narrow slab of beachfront.
Experience the rich diversity of this enchanting island on an exciting 7-Day holiday!
Tour Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrive Colombo – On to Kandy
Welcome to Sri Lanka – Jewel of the Indian Ocean!
Upon arrival in Colombo, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings representative and transferred to your hotel in Kandy. (Private) Enroute, visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. This Elephant Orphanage is home to about 60 elephants found abandoned or orphaned in the wild. Arrive at your Hotel in Kandy and check-in.
Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name “Kandy” conjures visions of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Kandy is the home to the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, which houses the holy relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
In the evening why not spend some time shopping. Choose from either the traditional handicrafts or antiques or Batiks as you walk out of the colorful shops lining up the streets !!
Overnight in Kandy.
Day 02 : Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
This morning, check-out of your Hotel and transfer to Nuwara Eliya(Private). Enroute visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. This botanical garden was first built as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala king and was expanded by the British. It is 147 acres in extent and provides an amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. Arrive at your Hotel in Nuwara Eliya and check-in.
Nuwara-Eliya, the ‘heart’ of the tea country, is located at an elevation of 1980 meters in the central highlands of a tropical island and offers the best both worlds advantages, of tropical abundance and pleasant cool mountain climate.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 03 : Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, proceed to visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens – one of the pleasure gardens of King Ravana. (Private). This garden was expanded during the British period and has a wide variety of flowers including an excellent collection of orchids. See some of the stunning flowers of an English cottage garden in spring and summer, as well as the oldest tea-bush in the island, an ornamental pond and a quaint summerhouse. Hakgala (Jaw Rock) is located at 1500 feet and offers one of the most stunning views ever. Legend says that it was part of the Himalayas carried here by the Monkey God – Hanuman in his quest to help God-Rama rescue Goddess – Sita from the demon king – Ravana.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 04 : Nuwara Eliya – Bentota
This morning, check-out of your Hotel and transfer to Bentota via Kitulgala. (Private) Kitulgala is the location where Oscar winning film ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ was filmed. The beautiful tributary of the Kelani River, over which the bridge was built, is still attracting fans to the picturesque little town of Kitulgala. Later, arrive at your Hotel in Bentota and check-in.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Bentota.
Day 05 : Bentota
The whole day is at leisure. You can explore the stunning surroundings of Bentota on your own. Being one of the most established beach destinations in Sri Lanka, Bentota offers great water sports possibilities. Apart from swimming, body-surfing or diving in the sea, you can jet-ski, windsurf, parasail or enjoy a romantic river safari on the river and lagoon on your own.
Overnight in Bentota.
Day 06 : Bentota – Colombo
This morning after breakfast, transfer from Bentota to Colombo. (Private) Enroute, embark on a city tour of Colombo. Colombo, like many capital cities in developing countries is fast changing its face. Almost overnight, skyscrapers arise from where old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old world charm is retained. For example, there is a 100-year-old clock tower and several British built colonial buildings. Other places of interest are a Hindu and a Buddhist temple, the oriental bazaar at Pettah, the Fort, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) – an outright gift to Sri Lanka from the People’s Republic of China & the old parliament. Also visit Colombo Museum & the folk art centre.
Overnight in Colombo.
Day 07 : Depart Colombo
Today you will be transferred to Colombo airport for your flight back home.
