Welcome to Sri Lanka, a truly unique destination. Negombo offers a mix of urban and coastal charm, introducing visitors to Sri Lanka’s dynamic energy and historic landmarks. Negombo is known for its lagoon and vibrant fishing community, while Colombo blends colonial heritage with modern vibrancy.  

Travel Time:
Bandaranaike International Airport to Negombo: 30 minutes (10 km).

Activities:

• Once you arrive at Colombo CMB airport, your tour leader will greet you and transfer you to your hotel (pickup from any hotel in Colombo or Negombo can also be arranged). Your first stop will be the coastal town of Negombo, just 30 minutes from the airport. Known for its golden sandy beaches, delicious cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere, Negombo is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach destinations.
• Colombo City Tour (If time permits/ based on arrival time): Explore Sri Lanka’s bustling capital with highlights such as Galle Face Green, Independence Memorial Hall, and Gangaramaya Temple. Visit the vibrant Pettah Market and take in the contrast between colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers.
• Negombo Lagoon Tour (If time permits/ based on arrival time): A boat ride along the Negombo Lagoon offers serene views of mangroves, birdlife, and local fishermen at work.

Meals:

• Dinner: At the hotel in Negombo. (Included)

Overnight Stay:

Negombo –Regal Réseau Hotel & Spa (Deluxe) or Club Hotel Dolphin(Superior)

Following breakfast, head to Kandy, the former capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom. Nestled on a plateau encircled by mountains, Kandy is known for its cultural significance, housing the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Travel Time:
Negombo to Pinnawala: 2.5 hours (90 km).
Pinnawala to Kandy: 1.5 hours (45 km).

Activities:

• En route to Kandy, you’ll stop at the Millennium Elephant Foundation. Connect with Sri Lanka’s cherished elephants in a responsible and conservation-focused environment. Guided walks with elephants offer a close view into their world, while feeding experiences provide insight into their diet and habits. The foundation emphasizes ethical elephant care, making this a memorable and responsible encounter.
• Upon arrival in Kandy, you may visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE). One of the most revered Buddhist temples, this sacred site holds a tooth relic of Buddha and is set in a stunning lakeside complex. Explore the rich spiritual heritage and admire the intricate architecture and artwork that make this a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Evening, you’ll engage with a Cultural Dance Show and witness a vibrant performance showcasing traditional Kandyan dances, drumming, and fire-walking, providing an exciting and immersive experience into Sri Lanka’s cultural traditions.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At the hotel in Negombo. (Included)
• Lunch: At a local restaurant en route to Kandy.
• Dinner: At the hotel in Kandy. (Included)

Overnight Stay:

Kandy –Kandy Topaz (Deluxe) or Amaya Hills (Superior)

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a delightful trip to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s tea region. Known as ‘Little England,’ this city features numerous buildings from the British colonial era, including the Queen’s Cottage, the General’s House, the Grand Hotel, the Hill Club, and the Town Post Office. 

Travel Time:
Kandy to Nanu Oya by train: 4 hours.
Nanu Oya to Nuwara Eliya: 30 minutes (10 km).

Activities:

• In the morning, you will start your day at the Gem Museum, where you can explore Sri Lanka’s rich gem heritage. The museum features a display of sapphires, rubies, and more, offering insights into gem mining and the craftsmanship involved in jewelry making.
• Afterward, visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, one of Asia’s largest botanical gardens. It boasts over 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, and towering palms. A guided stroll through the garden reveals exotic plants, medicinal herbs, and breathtaking flower displays, making it a tranquil and scenic retreat for nature enthusiasts.
• Next, you’ll embark on a stunning train ride from Kandy to Nanu-Oya station. Renowned as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, this ride through misty hills, tea plantations, and forested landscapes is a highlight for any traveler. Breathtaking landscapes, including valleys, waterfalls, and quaint villages along the route, provide unforgettable views and opportunities for beautiful photographs. (Train tickets will be arranged at the station / Class category is subject to availability).
• In the evening, take a Nuwara Eliya City Tour. Stroll through the town’s colonial-era buildings, visit Victoria Park, and enjoy the scenic views of Gregory Lake.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At the hotel in Kandy. (Included)
• Lunch: Lunch at a café.
• Dinner: At the hotel in Nuwara Eliya. (Included)

Overnight Stay:

Nuwara Eliya –Lyndone Grove (Deluxe) or Araliya Red (Superior)

After breakfast, you’ll head to Bentota, which offers beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and adventure. On the way, a visit to the tea factory highlights Sri Lanka’s famous tea production.

Travel Time:
Nuwara Eliya to Bentota: 5.5 hours (210 km).

Activities:

• In the morning, visit a Tea Factory where you can witness the journey of Ceylon tea from leaf to cup. You will learn about traditional tea-making methods, sample various types of tea, and enjoy the rolling green landscapes of Nuwara Eliya.
• Upon arrival at your hotel, take some time to Relax On The Sandy Beaches of Bentota. It’s the perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At the hotel in Nuwara Eliya. (Included)
• Lunch: At a restaurant en route to Bentota.
• Dinner: At the hotel in Bentota. (Included)

Overnight Stay:

Bentota–The Palms Beruwala(Deluxe) or AVANI Bentota Resort (Superior)

After breakfast, explore the cultural charm of the south coast through historical landmarks, river safaris, and turtle conservation initiatives.

Travel Time:
Bentota to Galle: 1 hour (55 km).

Activities:

• Morning drive down to Galle, walk through this 16th-century Galle Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site with charming colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. The fort is a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, with cafes, art galleries, and historical landmarks along the way. Historical Galle Lighthouse stands proudly on the southeast tip of the fort.
• Next experience embarks on a relaxing boat ride through the serene Madu River through the mangroves (red water trees), navigating past mangroves and small islands, where you’ll encounter wildlife, including birds and monitor lizards. Explore the local cinnamon industry and enjoy scenic island views
• Afterwards, you’ll visit a Turtle Hatchery Center where you can learn about and observe sea turtles at various stages of development, from hatchlings to adults, emphasizing efforts to protect endangered species.

Meals:

• Breakfast: At the hotel in Bentota. (Included)
• Lunch: At a local restaurant in Galle.
• Dinner: At the hotel in Bentota. (Included)

Overnight Stay:

Bentota–The Palms Beruwala(Deluxe) or AVANI Bentota Resort (Superior)

After breakfast, you’ll explore Colombo, the capital city with a history dating back to the fifth century. Once a vital part in the East-West Sea trade, Colombo has evolved into a vibrant modern city. Its lively streets, diverse restaurants, and contemporary shopping malls draw crowds of both locals and tourists.  

Travel Time:
Bentota to Colombo: 2.5 hours (70 km).

Colombo to Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo): 45 Minutes (35 km)

Activities:

• Upon arrival at Colombo, you’ll have a Colombo City Tour from which you can visit all the highlighted places in the city such as Red Mosque, Gangarama temple, Independent Square, and so on.
• Thereafter, proceed to the airport in time for your return flight or we drop you back at your hotel in Colombo or Negombo.
• Goodbye from Exotic Perla!

Meals:

• Breakfast: At hotel in Bentota. (Included)
• Lunch: In Colombo or en route to the airport.

Departure:
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward journey.