Sri Lanka - A Serendipitous Escape

Arrival at Colombo International Airport (CMB):
Upon landing, our representative will meet and greet you at the arrivals area and assist with your transfer to Kandy.

Departure to Kandy:
Please ensure your flight arrives by 13:00 hours, as the airport exit process typically takes about an hour. We will depart for Kandy at 14:00 hours.

En Route Visit:
On the way to Kandy, we'll stop at a Spice Garden in Mawanella, where you'll explore a variety of local herbs and spices. This visit offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich botanical heritage.

Arrival in Kandy:
Check-in at your hotel in Kandy. The rest of the day is free for leisure activities. Enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Begin your day with a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, located approximately 5.5 km west of Kandy. Established in 1821, this 147-acre garden is renowned for its extensive collection of over 4,000 plant species, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. 

Afternoon:

• Kandy City Exploration: Stroll around Kandy Lake, a serene spot in the heart of the city. Explore local markets and handicraft shops, where you can find authentic Sri Lankan souvenirs. Notable places include:

  • Laksala: A government-run handicrafts store offering a variety of authentic Sri Lankan souvenirs.
  • Selyn Handloom Shop: Sri Lanka’s only Fairtrade-certified handloom company, showcasing the country’s rich textile heritage.
  • Kandy City Center (KCC): A modern shopping mall located on Dalada Veediya, close to the Temple of the Tooth.

Evening:

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Visit this revered Buddhist temple, which houses a tooth relic of the Buddha. It's a significant pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Cultural Dance Performance: Enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance performance, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Night:

• Leisure Time: Return to your hotel for a restful evening.

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel in Kandy.

• Scenic Drive to Nuwara Eliya: Embark on a picturesque journey through Sri Lanka's lush tea country, traversing rolling hills and verdant landscapes.

• Tea Plantation & Factory Visit: Stop at a renowned tea plantation and factory to witness the traditional tea-making process. Enjoy a guided tour and sample a variety of Ceylon teas.

• Ramboda Waterfalls: Continue to Ramboda, where you'll be mesmerized by the cascading Ramboda Waterfalls. Capture stunning photographs and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Afternoon:

• Sita Amman Temple (Ashok Vatika): Visit this sacred Hindu temple, believed to be the site where Sita was held captive in the Ramayana. Explore the temple's tranquil ambiance and learn about its mythological significance.

• Gregory Lake: Stroll around the picturesque Gregory Lake, a man-made reservoir surrounded by colonial-era buildings. Engage in leisure activities such as boating or simply relax by the lakeside.

• Colonial Streets Exploration: Wander through the charming streets of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as "Little England," characterized by colonial architecture and cool climate.

Evening:

• Check-in at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

• Leisure Time: Relax and unwind at your hotel, soaking in the cool mountain air.

Morning:

• Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Transit to Bentota:

• Set off on a scenic drive from the misty highlands to the sunny southwest coast—covering approximately 204 kilometers, with a drive time of around 3 hours 15 minutes 

Arrival & Leisure:

• Upon arrival, check in at your beachfront resort.

• The afternoon is yours to enjoy—whether that means lounging by the pool, dipping your toes in the sea, or simply absorbing the coastal ambiance.

Overnight:

• Stay overnight in Bentota and let the ocean lull you into relaxation.

This section highlights the comfort and beauty of traveling from the cool highlands to the coastal charm of Bentotaperfect for a seamless transition in your Sri Lanka adventure.

Morning in Bentota

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your resort.
• Optional experiences to enrich your coastal morning:
  • Madu River Boat Safari — Drift through serene mangrove ecosystems and discover hidden temples and wildlife along the waterways.
  • Turtle Hatchery Visit — Witness conservation in action and meet the adorable residents engaged in sea turtle protection efforts.
• Transfer to Colombo

• In the afternoon, begin your journey to Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital. The road distance from Bentota to Colombo ranges between 64–80 km, typically covered in 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Evening: Explore Colombo

Once you arrive and settle into your hotel (e.g., Morven or similar), immerse yourself in an urban cultural journey featuring:

• Galle Face Green — A lively seaside promenade perfect for sunset strolls and people-watching.
• Independence Square — A monumental plaza symbolizing Sri Lanka’s post-colonial history.
• Gangaramaya Temple — A striking blend of modern and traditional Buddhist architecture and spiritual ambiance.

• Shopping at Odel and Crescat Boulevard:

  • Odel is a stylish fashion haven offering clothing, accessories, and unique local collections.
  • Crescat Boulevard is an upscale boutique mall housing fashion outlets, cafés, a gourmet supermarket, and lifestyle stores.

Overnight Stay

• Settle into your selected Colombo hotel and enjoy a relaxing night after a day of coastal relaxation and city exploration.

Morning & Check‑Out:

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• At 08:30, guests check out and depart for Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport.

Travel Time & Flight Planning:

• The road distance from central Colombo to the airport is about 33–40 km. Depending on traffic, travel time ranges from 40 to 60 minutes.
• To ensure a smooth connection, guests should schedule their departure flights no earlier than 13:00 hrs. This gap gives sufficient buffer for traffic or airport procedures.

Flexible Transfer Options (for Early or Late Arrivals):

• Guests needing an earlier departure or not wishing to wait can arrange private transfers at an additional supplement.
• These private transfers take approximately 30 to 45 minutes, offering a stress-free transit with reliable air‑conditioned vehicles and driver assistance.