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 visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage enroute

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and set off on a scenic drive to Dambulla, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. En route, make a memorable stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a renowned sanctuary established to care for orphaned and injured elephants. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to witness elephants up close as they enjoy their daily bath in the nearby Maha Oya River, a playful and heartwarming sight. You can also observe the feeding of the young calves and learn about the conservation work being done to protect these majestic animals. After spending quality time at the orphanage, continue your journey through lush greenery, passing charming villages, paddy fields, and coconut plantations. Arrive in Dambulla (Approx. 04 to 05 hrs. drive) by afternoon and check in to your hotel. If time and energy permit, head out to explore the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched on a rocky outcrop. The temple complex features a series of five caves adorned with over 150 Buddha statues and vibrant murals that date back over 2,000 years. Return to your hotel in the evening and relax at leisure, taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the region.

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 Sigiriya Fortress & enjoy the Hiriwadunna Village tour

Begin your day early with a visit to the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically from the central plains, this ancient rock citadel—also known as the “Lion Rock”—was once the royal palace of King Kashyapa in the 5th century. As you climb the stone stairways, explore the impressive water gardens, boulder gardens, and remnants of the grand palace complex. Halfway up, pause to admire the famous Sigiriya frescoes—delicate paintings of celestial maidens believed to represent either apsaras or royal consorts—and walk alongside the Mirror Wall, a polished surface once so reflective that the king could see himself in it. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a deeper appreciation of this architectural and engineering marvel. After descending, return to your hotel for a short break and refreshment before continuing your cultural immersion with a village safari in the nearby rural hamlet of Hiriwadunna. This hands-on experience begins with a serene ox-cart ride through rustic pathways lined with paddy fields, vegetable farms, and lush forest. Next, embark on a peaceful canoe ride across a scenic man-made reservoir, where you may spot local birdlife and water buffaloes cooling off in the shallows. Your journey culminates in a warm welcome at a traditional village home, where you'll enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch prepared using clay pots and firewood, served amidst a tranquil, natural setting. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with local life, gain insight into age-old farming and cooking techniques, and savor the simplicity of rural hospitality. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and unwind at leisure.

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 & Minneriya National Park

After breakfast, set off for a guided cycling tour through the awe-inspiring ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s best-preserved archaeological treasures. As you pedal through the expansive ruins, you’ll discover the grandeur of this 12th-century capital—exploring ancient palaces, Buddhist shrines, monasteries, and intricately carved stone statues. Highlights include the Royal Palace complex, the Gal Vihara with its exquisite rock-cut Buddha images, and the impressive Parakrama Samudra, an enormous man-made reservoir that reflects the advanced hydraulic engineering of the era. The leisurely cycling route offers a scenic and immersive way to experience the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization. In the afternoon, continue your adventure with an exciting jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, renowned for hosting one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants in the world. As you journey through the park’s dry-zone forests, grasslands, and wetlands, keep your eyes peeled for herds of elephants, deer, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. If you’re visiting during the dry season (June to September), you may witness the famous “Elephant Gathering,” where hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Tank—a truly unforgettable wildlife spectacle. Return to your hotel in the evening after a day filled with culture, history, and nature.

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 via Matale spice garden

After breakfast, depart for Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, with an en-route stop at a spice garden in Matale. Here, takes a guided tour through lush plantations where you’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and clove. Discover their traditional uses in cooking and Ayurvedic medicine and enjoy a refreshing herbal drink as part of the experience. Continue your drive through scenic hill country landscapes and arrive in Kandy (Approx. 2.5 to 03 hrs. drive)—a charming city nestled amidst misty hills and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, believed to house a relic of the Buddha’s tooth. Explore the temple complex and witness the traditional rituals that take place throughout the day. In the evening, immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture with a vibrant Kandyan cultural dance performance. Enjoy a captivating showcase of traditional music, rhythmic drumming, and energetic dances that reflect the island’s rich heritage. Return to your hotel afterward for a relaxing evening in the heart 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)

Scenic train journey to Ella

By Train: Departure Kandy at 0845hrs. / Arrive Ella at 1520 hrs. or similar.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board one of the world’s most scenic train journeys—the train ride to Ella - Subject to availability. As the train winds its way through the central highlands, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of emerald-green tea plantations, mist-covered mountains, cascading waterfalls, and charming hillside villages. The leisurely pace of the journey allows you to soak in the beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country at every turn, with open windows and doorways offering the perfect vantage point for photos and fresh mountain air. Arrive in the laid-back hill town of Ella by afternoon, a picturesque village surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic landscapes. Known for its cool climate and relaxed atmosphere, Ella is a favourite among nature lovers and hikers. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—perhaps take a gentle stroll through the town, sip a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea, or simply relax and take in the stunning views from your hotel.

Overnight stay in Ella

88th Ella or similar (3*), EKHO Ella or similar (4*), 98 Acres Resort & Spa or similar (5*)

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

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak & Tea Plantation tour

Start your day early with a gentle hike up Little Adam’s Peak, one of Ella’s most rewarding and accessible trails. The path winds through lush tea plantations and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and misty hills. The hike takes about 30–45 minutes each way and is ideal for all fitness levels. At the summit, enjoy a peaceful moment as the morning sun casts a golden glow over the landscape—perfect for photos and quiet reflection. After descending, continue to the iconic Nine Arched Bridge, a marvel of colonial-era engineering nestled in the jungle. Built entirely of stone and brick without steel, this picturesque viaduct is surrounded by dense greenery and is a favorite spot for train watchers and photographers alike. If you're lucky, you might catch a train passing across the bridge—an unforgettable sight. Later in the day, visit a working tea factory and plantation to experience Sri Lanka’s legendary tea culture firsthand. Walk through the verdant tea fields, meet the tea pluckers, and learn about the intricate process of turning fresh leaves into world-famous Ceylon tea. End the visit with a freshly brewed cup of tea while overlooking the rolling hills, before returning to your hotel for a relaxing evening in Ella.

Overnight stay in Ella.

88th Ella or similar (3*), EKHO Ella or similar (4*), 98 Acres Resort & Spa or similar (5*)

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

Travel to Udawalawe National Park and enjoy the thrilling jeep safari

After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic drive to Udawalawe National Park (Approx. 2.5 to 03 hrs. drive), a wildlife haven located in Sri Lanka’s southern dry zone. The journey takes you through a changing landscape of tea-covered hills, rural villages, and open grasslands, offering glimpses of everyday life in the countryside. Upon arrival, head straight into the park for an exciting afternoon jeep safari. Renowned for its large population of Asian elephants, Udawalawe offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in its open plains and reservoir-dotted terrain. During the safari, you may encounter herds of elephants roaming freely, along with buffaloes, crocodiles, monitor lizards, spotted deer, and a wide variety of bird species, including eagles and peacocks. The park’s vast and relatively uncrowded environment provides an intimate safari experience in the wild. After the safari, check in to your lodge or hotel near the park. Spend the rest of the day at leisure—relax in the peaceful natural surroundings, enjoy a swim, or simply unwind with a book andlisten to the sounds of the jungle as evening sets in.

Overnight stay in Udawalawe.

Waraka Udawalawe or similar (3*), Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort or similar (4* & 5*)

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

Travel to Bentota via Galle & Mask Factory in Ambalangoda enroute

After breakfast, depart for the coastal town of Bentota, a journey that takes you from Sri Lanka’s southern wilderness to its golden beaches. En route, stop in the historic city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautifully preserved Dutch Fort. Take a leisurely stroll along the Galle Fort ramparts, explore the narrow cobblestone streets lined with colonial-era buildings, and browse charming boutiques, art galleries, and cafés. Discover key highlights such as the Galle Lighthouse, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the Old Gate, all while soaking in the blend of European and South Asian architecture and culture. Continue your drive with another fascinating stop at a traditional Mask Factory in Ambalangoda, where you’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s rich heritage of handcrafted masks used in ancient rituals, storytelling, and folk dances. Watch local artisans at work as they carve and paint vibrant masks and gain insight into the meanings behind different designs—ranging from protective demons to mythical characters. Arrive in Bentota (Approx. 04 to 05 hrs. drive) by late afternoon and check in to your beachfront hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the sea, take a dip in the pool, or enjoy a peaceful walk along the palm-fringed shore as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

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)

Visit Turtle Hatchery and enjoy the River Safari

After a relaxed breakfast, set out to explore two of Bentota’s most cherished nature experiences. Begin with a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, a conservation project dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles. Here, you’ll learn about the life cycle of these gentle creatures, see hatchlings being cared for before their release into the ocean, and understand the efforts made to protect nesting sites along Sri Lanka’s coastline. If you're lucky and visiting during the right season, you may even witness a turtle release into the sea. Next, enjoy a scenic Bentota River Safari, a tranquil boat ride along the lush Madu Ganga River. Glide through mangrove tunnels and along small islands as your guide points out local wildlife such as monitor lizards, crocodiles, water birds, and even monkeys. You may also visit a small island cinnamon plantation or a centuries-old temple along the way. The river safari offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich biodiversity and rural life. Return to your hotel in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is at leisure—you can relax by the beach, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, or simply enjoy the coastal ambiance of Bentota as the day winds down.

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)

Day at leisure in Bentota

Today is a day at leisure to relax and unwind at your own pace. Enjoy the serene surroundings of Bentota, known for its golden beaches, swaying palms, and laid-back coastal charm. You may choose to spend the day lounging by the pool, taking long walks along the beach, or indulging in a soothing Ayurvedic spa treatment (on direct payment). For the more adventurous, optional water sports for kids/adults (on direct payment) such as jet skiing, windsurfing, or banana boat rides are available on the Bentota River. Alternatively, simply sit back with a book and soak in the tropical atmosphere as you enjoy your final full day in paradise.

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 to Colombo and Departure

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and enjoy a comfortable drive to Colombo (Approx. 1.5 to 02 hrs. drive), Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital city. Upon arrival, set off on an exciting tuk-tuk tour—a fun and authentic way to explore the city’s colourful streets and colonial charm. Wind your way through bustling markets, heritage buildings, and cultural landmarks such as Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Galle Face Green, and the lively streets of Pettah. Your local guide will share stories and insights as you experience the city’s energy up close. After the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll savour a delicious spread of Sri Lankan cuisine, rich in spices, flavours, and tradition. Reflect on the unforgettable moments of your journey as you dine in the heart of Colombo. Later in the evening, you will be transferred to Colombo International Airport for your departure flight, taking with your wonderful memories of your time in Sri Lanka.

No Accommodation on this day.

Meals: (Breakfast at the hotel’s designated restaurant & Dinner will be in the local restaurant)