Welcome to Colombo (by international flight) – Negombo (Approx. 01 hr. drive)

On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, as you exit the arrival terminal building, you will be welcomed by India Tours & Travels executive holding a placard in your name to greet you. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to your hotel in Negombo and check-in.

Negombo, a charming coastal town just north of Colombo, offers a relaxed introduction to Sri Lanka. Known for its golden beaches, colonial architecture, and vibrant fishing community, the town blends tropical tranquillity with cultural depth.

Overnight stay in Negombo.

Earl’s Regent or similar (3*), Jetwing Sea or similar (4*), Jetwing Blue or similar (5*)

Meals: (No meals included)

Travel to Dambulla and visit Dambulla Caves

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your scenic drive to Dambulla (Approx. 3.5 to 4 hrs. drive), located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes dotted with rice paddies, coconut groves, and traditional villages, offering a glimpse into rural Sri Lankan life. On arrival in Dambulla, explore the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and best-preserved cave temple complexes in the country. This sacred pilgrimage site dates to the 1st century BCE and consists of five major caves carved into a massive granite outcrop. Each cave is adorned with exquisite ancient murals and over 150 statues of Lord Buddha, Hindu deities, and Sri Lankan kings, reflecting over 2,000 years of religious history and artistry. Climbing to the top of the rock, you’ll be rewarded not only with spiritual inspiration but also sweeping views of the surrounding plains, forests, and distant mountains. After the temple visit, continue to your hotel in Dambulla or nearby Sigiriya and check in. The rest of the evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy your serene surroundings.

Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Sigiriana Resort or similar (3*), Amaya Lake or similar (4*), Heritance Kandalama or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)

Excursion to Polonnaruwa Kingdom and Minneriya National Park

After breakfast, this morning, embark on an excursion to the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, the capital of medieval Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 14th centuries AD and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During its brief but illustrious period, the Polonnaruwa Kingdom was home to several great monarchs who left behind remarkable legacies. Explore the awe-inspiring Gal Vihara, featuring four colossal statues intricately carved from a single rock. Admire the elaborately carved Moonstone, the majestic Lankathilaka image house, and the impressive statue believed to be of King Parakramabahu, along with many other historical treasures. In the afternoon, proceed to Minneriya National Park for an exhilarating jeep safari. This park is renowned for its diverse ecosystem, primarily consisting of low-canopy forests and expansive grasslands that encircle the historic man-made Minneriya Reservoir. As you traverse the park's rugged terrain, keep an eye out for the spectacular wildlife, including the famous gatherings of elephants, which are among the largest in Asia. The reservoir attracts numerous bird species, making it a haven for bird watchers. Your expert guide will help you spot other resident animals such as deer, leopards, and various primates. Enjoy the raw, natural beauty of Minneriya as you immerse yourself in this unforgettable safari experience.

Overnight stay in Dambulla.

Sigiriana Resort or similar (3*), Amaya Lake or similar (4*), Heritance Kandalama or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)

Travel to Kandy visiting Sigiriya Rock Fortress enroute

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka (Approx. 2.5 to 03 hrs. drive). En route, visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most treasured historical landmarks in the country. Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Sigiriya is an ancient rock citadel built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century AD. Ascend the towering 200-metre-high rock to discover the ruins of a royal palace, exquisite frescoes, and the famed Mirror Wall, all surrounded by beautifully landscaped water gardens. After exploring Sigiriya, continue your drive to Kandy, nestled amidst lush hills and tea-covered mountains. On arrival, check-in at your hotel and relax. Later visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a deeply spiritual Buddhist temple that houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic — a tooth of Lord Buddha. Experience the rich atmosphere of worship as pilgrims offer flowers and prayers in the ornately decorated temple complex. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kandyan cultural dance performance, a vibrant display of local music, drumming, and flamboyant costumes reflecting the artistic heritage of the hill country.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

Thilanka Hotel or similar (3*), Amaya Hills or similar (4*), The Golden Crown or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)

Travel to Nuwara Eliya and enjoy the tea plantation tour

After breakfast, set off on a beautiful drive to Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 03 to 3.5 hrs. drive), a charming hill town nestled at an altitude of 1,868 meters. Known for its temperate climate, colonial architecture, and rolling tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya is affectionately called “Little England” for its old-world ambiance and cool weather. As you wind through the central highlands, enjoy stunning views of lush valleys, gushing waterfalls, and endless stretches of tea-carpeted hillsides—an ever-changing landscape that makes the journey just as memorable as the destination. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax. Soak in the refreshing mountain air and admire the town’s scenic beauty, with its English-style gardens, red-brick bungalows, and serene lakes. In the afternoon, head out for an insightful visit to one of the region’s historic tea plantations and factories. Here, you’ll walk through manicured tea estates, meet local tea pluckers dressed in traditional attire, and witness the age-old process of Ceylon tea production—right from plucking and withering to rolling, fermenting, and drying. A guided factory tour will give you a deeper understanding of how Sri Lanka became one of the world’s leading tea exporters. End your visit with a tasting session, where you can savour different varieties of freshly brewed tea while enjoying sweeping views of the mist-draped hills. Return to your hotel in the evening and spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps enjoying a walk around Gregory Lake or unwinding in the cozy ambiance of your hotel.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Mirage Kings or similar (3*), Araliya Green Hills or similar (4*), Araliya Green City or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)

Travel to Bentota via Galle

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey from the highlands to the southern coast as you travel to Bentota, a serene beach destination known for its golden sands and tranquil lagoons. En route, stop at the historic port city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that beautifully blends colonial elegance with tropical charm. Explore the Galle Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch. Walk along its well-preserved ramparts, wander through cobbled streets lined with colonial buildings, art galleries, and quaint cafes, and soak in panoramic views of the Sri Lankan Ocean from the iconic lighthouse. Browse local boutiques for handmade souvenirs, gems, and spices. Continue your drive north along the scenic southern coastline, passing through charming fishing villages and palm-fringed beaches. Arrive in Bentota (Approx. 06 hrs. drive) by late afternoon and check in to your beachside hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure—relax on the beach, dip into the pool, or simply enjoy the coastal sunset.

Overnight stay in Bentota.

Club Bentota or similar (3*), Thala Bentota or similar (4*), Taj Bentota Resort & Spa or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)

Bentota – Day at leisure

Enjoy a relaxed day at your own pace in Bentota, where sun, sea, and serenity come together in perfect harmony. Spend your time unwinding on the golden beaches, taking a refreshing dip in the warm waters of the Sri Lankan Ocean, or lounging by the pool with a good book and a tropical drink in hand.

Overnight stay in Bentota.

Club Bentota or similar (3*), Thala Bentota or similar (4*), Taj Bentota Resort & Spa or similar (5*)

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)

Departure transfer Colombo International Airport

After breakfast, check out (standard check-out time is 1200 hrs. - noon) from your hotel and bid farewell to the golden shores of Bentota. You will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (Approx. 1.5 to 02 hrs. drive) in time for your onward flight.

No Accommodation on this day.

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant)