Best of Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon your arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, your private driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in the closer city of Negombo. It takes about half an hour. After checking in, the rest of the day is free for you at leisure.

➤ Recommendations for Early Arrival
Negombo is a port city facing the Indian Ocean. Outside your hotel is Negombo Beach where you could take a walk and enjoy the sea breeze. Along the beach there are lots of seafood restaurants. You may walk south for 2 minutes from the hotel to Jude Restaurant (No 100/11.B beach road, Negombo 11500) for a dinner. Seafood platter and grilled mullet are the top picks, and if you want to try some local food, curry rice and kottu are recommended. The average cost per person is USD 7.

➤ SIM Card
Dialog is the leading operator in Sri Lanka with the widest network coverage. You may choose a card with a travel plan valid for 30 days which costs approximately USD 5-8. You could purchase a SIM card either at the counter in the airport or at a shop in downtown Negombo.

➤ Tips on Money Exchanging
The Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) is the official currency of Sri Lanka. It’s about 290 rupees for 1 US dollar. It’s most recommended to exchange money in the airport. The counters are open 24 hours a day and the exchange rate is relatively good. Cash exchange at banks or ATMs is less recommended because most banks in Sri Lanka are only open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm and there might be extra charges, which may be not convenient and cost-effective for you. Remember to get some change for small items, fruits or meals. Try not to pay by cards to avoid fraud.

Accommodation: Jetwing Sea Hotel, Negombo (4 stars) or similar

This morning, head for Negombo Fish Market first which is the liveliest place in the city especially at around 6 o’clock every morning. When fishing boats are coming back with their catch, fishermen are busy unloading and processing fish. Some of the fish are taken to sell in the market, while some are sun-dried on the beach. It’s an interesting sight when crows and seabirds try to get a free seafood breakfast. The market becomes less bustling around 10, so it’s best to get up early if you want to fully experience the ambience. Since the market is full of fish, there would be strong smell and dirty water, and you could wear shoes that are easy to clean. Then, go to the nearby Lellama Fishing Village. People in this tranquil seaside village have been making a living by fishing for generations. They do the same hard work and are exposed to the sea water and hot sun day after day, but they enjoy their life and are hospitable to every visitor with their hands folded and a warm smile. This is perhaps why Sri Lanka is known as the “Land of Smiles”. If they are not fishing on the sea, they mend their nets or repair the boats. Have a friendly chat with the villagers and get a glimpse of their daily life. Next, you will visit the Dutch Canal. Used to stretch for over 120 kilometers (74.5 mi.), the canal was built in the colonial times with a history of over 500 years. The existing canal is only 9 kilometers (5.6 mi.) long, mainly serving for tourism now. Along the canal there are many bright-colored bungalows and boats.

After that, we will drive 3 hours to Dambulla Cave Temple. The 2,000-year-old temple was constructed on the hillside with 5 caves. Outside the temple, you could get a vista of the surrounding forest and even the Lion Rock. Stepping inside the caves, you may find yourself in a totally different world with over 150 standing or reclining Buddha statues. Due to several times of maintenance and expansion in the past kingdoms, the textures of the golden Buddha’s clothing are clear and the paint on the reclining Buddha’s soles is still bright. Looking up at the walls and ceilings, you’ll be amazed at the fine murals of the stories about Shakyamuni Buddha.

➤ Travel Different with Us: Special Stay in Forest
Finally, your driver guide will accompany you to check in at the hotel in Sigiriya, which is situated deep in the serene jungles of Sigiriya. You might easily encounter some cute animals like monkeys or little lizards during your stay. Just be kind to them and immerse yourself in the peaceful natural atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya (4 stars) or similar

Today, enjoy your morning at Sigiriya Rock Fortress - a 1,500-year-old sky fortress hidden in the forest. Approaching the fortress, you may first notice the water gardens along the path. The ancient pools in the gardens are delicate with clear shapes, and some can still be used even today. The climb to the rock fortress starts from 2 giant lion claws which indicate the origin of its name “Lion Rock”. Although the lion’s head and body have long been eroded, it’s not hard to feel the past grandeur and beauty of it. As you climb up the steep steps, you could see incredible frescoes of the former king’s concubines and maids. Most of the women in the frescoes are richly dressed with ornate headdresses. Beside the frescoes is the Mirror Wall, which looks more like an ordinary golden wall now. However, it is said that the long wall was once polished like a real mirror by adding egg mixture on the surface. Atop of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, admire the ruins of the huge palace complex on it. There was once a banquet hall, king’s palaces, bathing pools, etc. Just imagine how workers carried these building materials up to the 200-meter-high (650 ft.) rock more than 10 centuries ago. Looking around, you could get a panoramic view of the forests, plains and the moat round the fortress.

➤ Tip: Please follow your private guide closely and watch your steps while visiting the fortress. It’s better not to accept help from locals because they may ask for a tip after that.

★ A Glimpse into Local Life at Hiriwadunna Village

We will next drive you for about 30 minutes from the Lion Rock to the lakeside Hiriwadunna Village. People still use an old transportation tool - bullock cart in the village. Don’t be surprised if you see some elephants or peacocks roaming around. Your guide will lead you to visit the local homes to touch the real way of life here and watch how the villagers make a traditional lunch for you. The rice and curry could wake up your taste buds, and don’t miss the fresh king coconut water to pair your lunch. In the afternoon, take a catamaran ride on the lake nearby to indulge into the beauty of the surrounding verdant landscape. After the visit, you will be sent back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya (4 stars) or similar

Farewell Sigiriya and this morning we are leaving for Kandy. En route, we will stop at a Spice Garden. Besides textiles and tea, spices are Sri Lanka’s third main export. Sri Lankans know the cultivation and uses of spices very well. Spices such as curry and cinnamon are often added in Sri Lankan cuisines, as well as black pepper, cardamom, cloves and vanilla. In the Spice Garden, you could gain some knowledge about how the spice plants look like and what their features are. There might be some mosquitoes and bugs in the garden, so take some mosquito repellent to prevent bites.

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka, is a significant part of the Cultural Triangle in this country. Upon arrival, experience the rich heritage of the old city by first visiting Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or “Sri Dalada Maligawa” as the locals say. This 400-year-old temple enshrines the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, which was brought to Sri Lanka by an Indian princess in the 4th century. For more than 10 centuries, the tooth has been considered as a symbol of kingship. The exterior of the temple buildings are painted white, a prominent color in Sri Lanka which indicates purity and holiness, and local worshippers in white clothes come and go with lotus in hand. Walking into the temple, you could find the interior richly decorated with golden murals and splendid wooden carvings. The sacred tooth is secretly placed on the second floor, beside which is a large golden Buddha statue.

➤ Tips: You are suggested to follow the rules of the temple to wear clothes that can cover your shoulders and knees, and tour the site with no footwear. It’s recommended to take a pair of thick socks to protect your feet from the hot ground.

Next, let’s watch an exciting Culture Dance Show. The ancient Kandyan dance originated in a kind of sacrificial ritual and now there are also a lot of dances about people’s agricultural life. Enjoy a performance of imitations of animals such as peacocks and eagles, or dances for the celebration of harvest. You may even witness acrobatic shows with performers doing a back flip, twirling plates, or walking on fire. Indulge yourself in the exotic atmosphere and the charming culture. After that, you will be sent back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kandy (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, the guide will accompany you to explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya. Once the imperial gardens of the King of Kandy, it is the second largest tropical botanical garden in Asia. Surrounded on three sides by Mahaweli River - the longest river in Sri Lanka, the garden is quiet and peaceful. It is well-known for housing over 500 orchid species including the world’s largest orchid named after Kandyan dance. In the area of Memorial Trees, there are trees planted by dignitaries around the world, for example, the ficus religiosa tree planted by King Edward VII during his visit to Sri Lanka, and a flowering plant planted in 1961 by Yuri Gagarin - the first man in space. After the visit, we will drive you back to Kandy, and the rest of the day is free for you.

➤ Free Time Recommendations in Kandy
In the afternoon, you may have a good rest at the hotel or further explore the city on your own. Stroll around Kandy Lake, or go to Kandy Municipal Central Market to discover some interesting things from the stalls of fruits, spices, souvenirs and handicrafts. If you would like to learn something about the local textiles, you may go to Batik Factory and watch how to dye the cotton or silk by applying hot wax on them. If you want to catch a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s radiant gems, visit the Gem Museum & Lapidary to get an overall understanding of the classification, development history and processing methods of gemstones. However, it’s better not to buy one because they might not be natural gemstones.

➤ Recommendation for Dinner (at your own expense)
Hideout Lounge, located on the eastern shore of Kandy Lake, serves western food, coffee and traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Black pork curry and chicken spaghetti are the most popular choices. Sitting on the second floor of the restaurant, you could overlook the lake while enjoying your meal.
Average Cost per Person: USD 10
Address: 52 Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandy 20000

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kandy (4 stars) or similar

This morning, you will first be guided to visit Giragama Tea Factory. Sri Lanka is the 4th largest tea producing country globally. Since no chemical fertilizer is used in growing tea trees, tea from Sri Lanka is also praised as “the cleanest tea” in the world. In the tea plantation, you could learn how the freshly-picked tea leaves are processed through withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. Besides the well-known Ceylon black tea, there is also high quality white tea which is also called “Silver Tips”. Have a taste of fresh black tea, and maybe pick some tea leaves and breathe in the scent of the tea trees in the plantation.

Then, proceed to the south coastline to visit Galle Dutch Fort, the only European style World Heritage site in Sri Lanka. Most of the colonial buildings in this little town were constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries’ European style, but the dark-skinned locals in the streets and the spicy flavors in the air are bringing you back to South Asia. There are more than 400 ancient buildings in the fort, and each of them has a sign on the wall, indicating the year of build. The walls are painted in different colors, but the traces of history can still be seen through the old wooden doors and windows. Outside the fort there is a white lighthouse at the seaside, which is a good spot for people to admire the sunset or for couples to take wedding photos.
➤ Tip: It might be very hot with strong sunlight at Galle Dutch Fort, so remember to wear sunscreen, sunglasses or a sun hat to protect you from getting sunburnt.

After that, you’ll be transferred to Bentota to check in at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NH Bentota Ceysands Resort (4 stars) or similar

Take an adventurous Madu River boat safari in the morning to explore the mangrove forests, intricate river channels, and tangled roots of the trees. The river is dotted with over 60 small islands and is home to about 200 species of animals and 300 species of plants. You will have a great chance to spot brightly-feathered birds, monitor lizards, and reptiles during the boat ride. On Cinnamon Island, maybe take a sip of cinnamon tea and learn how cinnamon is grown and harvested. Also you could pay for a relaxing fish therapy if you are interested. Take some insect repellent to protect from mosquito or insect bites.

Next, visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Project to learn about Sri Lanka’s sea turtle species and conservation measures. Due to global warming, a large number of turtle eggs are not able to hatch naturally, making all seven species of sea turtles on the earth endangered, but the hatching rate of sea turtles in the conservation center can go up to more than 90%. There are a lot of newborn baby turtles and hatching eggs in the sand pool, as well as many rescued injured or sick turtles.

★ Special Experience: A Scenic Train Journey from Bentota to Colombo

In the afternoon, grab your camera and take a one-hour coastal train ride to Colombo. Known as one of the most beautiful train journeys in Sri Lanka, the Bentota-to-Colombo train runs parallel to the coastline, offering stunning views of the vast blue Indian Ocean. Indulge yourself in the dreamy scenery when the train travels as if in the sea, looking like a scene from Japanese animated movie “Spirited Away”. Try to choose a seat on the left-hand side to get a better view of the sea. However, please note that the train may be old with jolts and doors and windows wide open, so it’s dangerous to lean out for a photo. It’s more recommended to take photos when the train stops at small stations.

➤ Things to Know: No advance train ticket booking is available online, so we need to buy it at the station and the tickets might be sold out if it’s at peak times. Your driver guide will accompany you to the station in Bentota and help you buy a ticket. Don’t worry if you fail to get a ticket, as the driver guide will escort you to Colombo by private car. If you successfully board the train, the guide will wait for you at the station and transfer you to the hotel.

➤ Recommendations for the Night in Colombo
From your hotel, you may take a short taxi ride to The Avenue (24 Alfred House Avenue, Colombo 00300), a restaurant with lush trees around, offering a good vibe for dining. Burgers and the Caesar salad are highly recommended. The cost is about USD 12 per person. If you want to experience a Sri Lankan massage, you could walk southwest for about 5 minutes to Spa Ceylon Urban Spa & Boutique - Bambalapitiya (740 Galle Road, Colombo 4) after the dinner. It serves traditional massage and water therapy with the use of herbs and essential oils, which can help you relax and rejuvenate.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Colombo (4 stars) or similar

Today, the 8-day best of Sri Lanka tour package comes to an end. Your driver guide will help you check out after breakfast, and then transfer you to the airport for your flight home. We hope you have enjoyed a nice tour in Sri Lanka!

➤ Recommendation for Late Departure
If your departure flight is in the afternoon or evening and you want to make the best of the last hours, you may visit the Independence Square and the Memorial Hall. The old building once witnessed the independence of Sri Lanka, and now it’s a place for strolling, taking photos and learning history.

If you want to extend your tour to other cities, like a whale-watching trip in Mirissa or a visit to the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa, or if you’d like to explore nearby countries such as India or Bangladesh, we are always ready to tailor a private tour itinerary for you.

Meals: Breakfast