Routing:
Colombo >> Negombo >> Sigiriya >> Polonnaruwa >> Matale >> Kandy >> Nuwara Eliya >> Bentota >> Colombo
Uncover the cultural, natural and coastal treasures of Sri Lanka on this immersive 8-day journey, covering 4 out of the 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country. Begin your adventure in the heart of the Cultural Triangle, exploring Dambulla, Sigiriya and Kandy. Then unwind along the golden shores of Bentota before concluding with a vibrant city tour of Colombo. Recommended for first-time visitors to Sri Lanka.
Trip Highlights
- Observe Sri Lanka's gentle giants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Marvel at the ancient art murals at Dambulla Cave Temple
- Explore Polonnaruwa, the medival capital of Sri Lanka
- Climb the impressive Sigiriya Lion Rock
- Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy
- Tour a Tea Plantation and Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya
- Cruise through scenic mangroves on a Madu River Safari
- Learn about sea turtle conservation efforts at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
Upon arrival in Colombo International Airport, meet with your airport representative and transfer to Negombo and check in to your hotel upon arrival.
*Note: Early check-in subject to hotel's availability at point of arrival.
Spend the evening exploring Negombo, a charming laid-back coastal town known that reflects a rich mix of Dutch and Portugese influences, visible in landmarks like the Dutch Fort. Meanwhile, St. Mary's Church and the bustling Lellama Fish Market offer a glimpse into local life.
Overnight in Negombo.
[ - / - / Dinner ]
Breakfast in hotel and transfer towards Sigiriya. If time permits, stop by the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary that cares for rescued and orpharned elephants. Visitors can observe these gentle giants up close, watch them bathe in the nearby Maha Oya River, and learn about their conservation efforts.
Continue to Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an impressive and well-preserved temple complex of five caves carved into the side of a natural rock overhang. The caves house over 150 status of Buddha, kings and gods, as well as extensive murals narrating the life of Buddha and Sri Lanka's history.
Proceed to your hotel and overnight in Dambulla.
[Breakfast / - / Dinner]
Today, embark on a day trip to Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its well-preserved ruins and ancient architecture. Once a thriving royal city between the 11th and 13th centuries, it showcases the grandeur of Sinhalese civilization through majestic palaces, colossal Buddha statues, and intricately carved stupas.
Visit key attractions including the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara with its remarkable stone-carved Buddhas, the Quadrangle, and Parakrama Samudraya — a vast man-made reservoir symbolizing advanced ancient engineering.
Overnight in Dambulla.
[Breakfast / - / Dinner]
Start the day with an early morning climb up the majestic Sigiriya Lion Rock, a rock fortress built back in the 5th century, on top of a huge boulder 180m tall. The hike consists of 1200 steps, with the first part a leisurely walk through the pleasure gardens, before one starts to climb (with two rest areas along the way).
Return to your hotel for breakfast, then check out and set off for Kandy. Along the way, visit a spice garden in Matale where scents of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and mace waft through the air and offer visitors an insight into an age old industry of spice production.
Upon arrival in Kandy, begin your tour of the city - explore local markets, Upper Lake Kandy, and Kandy Town, including a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). Located within the royal palace complex, this buddhist temple houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha, which is believed to hold the governance of the country. Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site partly due to this temple.
Check in to your hotel and spend the remaining day at leisure. Overnight in Kandy.
[Breakfast / - / Dinner]
After an early breakfast, depart for Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda. Stop by Ramboda Falls which boasts a dramatic drop of approximately 109m, as well as the Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple. More than just a site for spiritual solace, the temple provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and tea plantations.
Proceed for a Tea Plantation and Tea Factory visit, catch sight of tea-pickers at work, and learn about how tea is harvested.
Continue on a city tour of Nuwara Eliya, also known as 'Little England'. Once the favoured cool-climate escape for the English and Scottish pionners of Sri Lanka's tea industry. Take a stroll along the beautifully-landscaped Lake Gregory, constructed by the British Governor of Ceylon Sir william Gregory in 1873 as part of a project to improve the irrigation system in the area.
Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
[Breakfast / - / Dinner ]
Early breakfast at hotel and transfer to Bentota.
Cruise through the scenic mangroves on a Madu River Safari, spot exotic wildlife, visit small islands, and experience a unique fish spa.
Next, visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, a facility dedicated to sea turtle conservation efforts, including a chance to release baby turtles into the ocean.
Overnight in Bentota.
[Breakfast / - / Dinner ]
Check out and begin your journey back to the capital city of Colombo.
Experience a vibrant blend of culture, history and modernity through a city tour of Colombo - explore colonial landmarks, bustling local markets like Pettah Market, and serene temples such as the Gangaramaya Temple. Pick up souvenirs, designer wear and local gems at boutiqes and malls like the One Galle Face and Colombo City Centre.
Overnight in Colombo.
[Breakfast / - / Dinner ]
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Colombo International Airport for your onward flight.
[Breakfast / - / - ]
End of itinerary.
- Early check-in and late check-out is subject to hotel's availability.
- Itinerary sequence may be altered without prior notice in the event of weather disruption and/or other unforeseen circumstances.
- All prices indicated are valid at point of quotation, and are subject to change based on final travel dates, availability at point of booking, and any other add-ons or customisation to the base package.
- Air and train tickets (where applicable) are subject to availability at point of tour confirmation, which may result in adjustments to the original itinerary.
- Proposed accommodation options are subject to availability based on actual travel dates. In case of non-availability, an alternative accommodation at a similar or superior hotel will be secured.
- Rate adjustments (if any) will be communicated and applied accoridingly.
In case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local government taxes / fuel hike, etc., tour fares may be revised accordingly. - Upon acceptance of quotation, we will require a clear copy of each traveller's passport to lock in bookings.
- You are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance prior to travel.
- Please refer to the FAQs section for payment and cancellation terms.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Covered
- Special welcome on arrival with flower garlands
- 7 nights' accommodation on twin-sharing basis
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transportation in air-conditioned vehicle as indicated in itinerary
- All sightseeing entrance fees according to the programme
- Professional English-speaking chauffeur-guide service
- 2x 500ml bottled mineral water per day
What’s Not Covered
- International airfare (Singapore <> Colombo) and accompanying taxes & fees
- Single supplement applicable for each single room required
- Any other meals, activities, admission fees and other items not indicated in itinerary
- Tips or gratuities for guide(s) and driver(s)
- Visa fees and travel insurance (where required)
- Any personal and miscellaneous expenses
- Any other services not mentioned in the above inclusions
A: While the best time to visit the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka is during June to August when the weather is cooler, one may expect some rainfall in the west coastal areas of Negombo and Bentota. For visiting both regions together in a single trip, December to March is a good time, when the season is dry and humidity is lower.
A: Yes, high-speed trains or domestic flights between Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai are included as per the itinerary.A. Absolutely! Feel free to let us know if you’d like to extend your trip to another city before/after the base itinerary, or if there’s any place or activity that you’d like to include or omit – customised tours are what we specialise in.
A: Yes, most A: No, our land-tour package rates do not include flights, to also allow our customers to customise their trip based on choice of airline, travel dates and flight routing, etc.
A. All tour fares are quoted in Singapore Dollars (SGD).
A. Visa requirements vary across different nationalities and are constantly changing. You may refer to this third-party website for more information. Should you require a visa to travel to Sri Lanka, we highly recommend completing the visa application prior to departure.
A. Fill in and submit the form below with details on your trip request, as well as any questions or customisation requests you might have, such as rooming configurations, pre/post-extension to/from another city, etc. Our friendly team will send you a quotation via email within 3 working days from your submission of request.
A. Of course! Even if your desired travel dates fall outside of the validity period shown in the Tour Fare table, simply indicate your choice of departure date in the Departure Date field of the enquiry form, and we will provide you with a quotation based on your customised travel period.
A. >> 50% deposit to lock in booking upon acceptance of quotation.
>> Remaining tour fare upon confirmation of all trip arrangements.
A. >> Within 45 days prior to departure: Non-refundable
>> More than 45 days prior to departure: Total amount paid less non-refundable service fee of $80 per person less any amount that has already been paid to any supplier upon service confirmation.
