Deal negotiated for you
- The 10 days and 9 nights tour, accommodation in the listed hotels or similar
- Half-board from dinner on the day of arrival to breakfast on the day of departure
- Flights departing from the city of your choice
- Transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide (except in Bentota)
- The tea train from Nanu Oya to Ella
- Welcome and assistance on arrival at the airport
- Visits and activities as mentioned.
- TukTuk ride to Sigiriya
- Beach holiday in Bentota
- One 50 cl bottle of water per person on arrival
Your stay starts here
The best of Sri Lanka with beach extension 3*
This 10-day private tour allows you to experience Sri Lanka’s iconic culture and heritage first-hand. Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the temples of Kandy and Dambulla, and the Dutch Fort in Galle. You will also have the opportunity to explore the country’s natural beauty on a safari and a trek in Ella. Take in some of the most spectacular views in the "Land of Tea" on the famous mountain train. Finally, relax on the tropical beach at Bentota to round off your trip.
Your itinerary, day by day:
- Day 1: Arrival in Sri Lanka, check-in at Sigiriya
- Day 2: Sigiriya: Sigiriya Rock and the elephants
- Day 3: Temples of Dambulla, Kandy and the spices of Sri Lanka
- Day 4: Nuwara Eliya - Nanu Oya - Ella
- Day 5: Ella - Mini Adams Peak - Ella
- Day 6: Galle - Bentota
- Days 7, 8 and 9: Relaxation by the sea in Bentota
- Day 10: Last day in Bentota and departure from Colombo
Your detailed itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival in the Land of Tea
You will be met and assisted by an English-speaking representative upon arrival at Colombo Airport (BIA).
Then transfer to Sigiriya (approx. 3½-hour journey).
Check in and settle into your hotel room. Enjoy a free afternoon at the hotel. Enjoy a 25% discount at the Elephas Hotel Spa.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 2 | Sigiriya: Lion Rock and the elephants of Sri Lanka
Have breakfast at the hotel.
Take a tuk-tuk ride through the countryside to Sigiriya. Discover the famous Lion Rock in Sigiriya. At the heart of the Cultural Triangle lies this remarkable fortress, which is a fascinating example of engineering and art.
Cross the moat to see the richly landscaped pleasure gardens, which contain royal baths and fountains that still operate during the rainy season.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Notes: There are approximately 1,000 steps to climb. Those who suffer from vertigo may find it difficult to climb to the top.
Next, you will enjoy a jeep safari in the ECO Park to see elephants. In this region, elephants roam freely and visiting one of the area’s national parks is the perfect way to spot these gentle giants, as well as deer, buffalo, birds and much more.
Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours.
Tip: Wear sunglasses and a cap. Avoid bright colours.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 3 | Temples of Dambulla and Kandy
Have breakfast at the hotel.
Then, transfer to Kandy with stops along the way (approximately a 3-hour drive). On the way, visit the Dambulla Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. It was founded in the 1st century by King Valagamba. The five caves house ancient sculptures and paintings of the Buddha and various Hindu deities.
Duration: Approximately 1½ hours.
Tip: Please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Visits are made barefoot, so please bring socks.
Practical information: The climb involves approximately 400 steps.
Stop off at the Spice Garden in Matale. You will have the opportunity to visit a spice garden and sample aromas and flavours such as cinnamon, ginger, pepper, vanilla and cardamom.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
Tip: While the visit is informative and interesting, some vendors may try to pressure you into buying products at higher prices. Please bear this in mind when making purchases. If you enjoy the experience, the Gardens would appreciate a small purchase.
A visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is a must. This famous temple, which houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, is the city’s main attraction. Puja (Thevava) ceremonies are held every morning and evening in honour of the relic, and visitors can view the casket in which it is kept. Witnessing these ritual proceedings, accompanied by traditional drum music, is an essential experience for any traveller visiting the sacred city of Kandy.
Duration: 2 hours.
Tip: Please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Visits are made barefoot, so please bring socks.
Practical information: The Puja (Thevava) ceremony held during the Elephant Festival (Perahera) attracts large crowds of devotees.
Continue exploring the city of Kandy.
Check in to the hotel and settle in. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 4 | Nuwara Eliya and Ella
Have breakfast at the hotel.
Then, transfer to Nuwara Eliya, stopping along the way (approx. 3 hours’ drive).
Stop to visit a tea factory partway through your journey. Ceylon tea is recognised as the finest in the world. The climate gives the tea a variety of flavours and aromas that are synonymous with quality. Sri Lanka produces some of the world's most fragrant teas.
Duration: 1–2 hours.
Please note that there is no production on public holidays or Sundays, but visits are permitted.
En route, enjoy a quick tour of the town of Nuwara Eliya. Designed to resemble a typical English village, the "City of Lights" features an 18-hole golf course and a racecourse, and you will feel as if you have stepped into the setting of a P.G. Wodehouse novel, complete with all the charm and comfort of old England.
Duration: 1 hour.
Please note that the duration of the visit depends on train times and journey times, as well as the time spent at the tea factory.
Next, continue to Nanu Oya to take the famous tea train between Nanu Oya and Ella. This train journey will allow you to enjoy perfect views of the mountainous landscape.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
Please note that seats are not guaranteed and are subject to availability.
Check in to the hotel and settle in.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 5 | Ella - Mini Adams Peak - The 9 Arch Bridge (Ella)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Hike to Mini Adams Peak:
Located in the Ella region, on the Ella/Passera road, Mini Adams Peak or "Punchi Sri Pada" in Sinhalese, is a mountain that stands at a height of 1,141 metres. This hill, in the shape of Adams Peak (the sacred mountain), is covered in beautiful vegetation, and the path leading up to it passes through lovely tea plantations. From the top of the mountain there is a panoramic view spanning a great distance towards the south of the island..
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Distance: 1.6 km | Elevation: 70 m
Note: Not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Take a stroll to discover the Nine Arch bridge. The walk should take between 10 and 20 minutes depending on where you start.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 6 | Galle - Bentota
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Bentota (approx. 4-hour drive).
Along the way, stop to discover Ravana Falls. This is a famous waterfall that is said to have been the home of a mythical demon king of Sri Lanka. Further along, visit Galle and its Dutch fortress. Galle is the main city on the south coast, whose oldest monument is the 17th-century Portuguese and Dutch fort in which the central city is contained. As you walk through the Old Town, a UNESCO-recognised site, you'll see strong Dutch influences in the architecture, along with some old British residences and various mosques with Arab touches. A city with plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment - take time out for shopping, a drink, or even an ice cream.
Check-in and settle into the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 7 | First day of relaxation in Bentota
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to enjoy the beach.
Bentota is a town in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, around 7-8 kilometres south of Beruwala. Bentota has some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, with shallow and pristine waters.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Please note: Vehicle and driver not available.
DAY 8 | Free day in Bentota
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to enjoy the beach.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Vehicle and driver not available.
DAY 9 | Free day in Bentota
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to enjoy the beach.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Vehicle and driver not available.
DAY 10 | End of your stay in Sri Lanka
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check out by noon
Transfer to Colombo Airport (approx. 2.5-hour drive).
End of your wonderful stay in Sri Lanka.
Your accommodation
During your tour, you will stay at the 3- and 4-star hotels (local standards) listed below, or similar:
Nights 1 and 2, Sigiriya: 3-star Elephas Resort
Night 3, Kandy: 3-star Earl’s Regent Kandy
Nights 4 and 5, Ella: 3-star Hotel Onrock Ella
Nights 6 to 9, Bentota: 4-star EKHO Surf Bentota
PLEASE NOTE: The above hotels are subject to availability. Changes may be made, although we will always endeavour to re-accommodate you in similar standard hotels.
Your board
Half-board
During your tour, you will be accommodated on a half-board basis from dinner on the day of arrival to breakfast on the final day.
The local driver-guide
During the tour, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking driver-guide (except during the beach stay in Bentota from day 7 to day 9).
