Best of Sri Lanka Highlights
5
Nights
6
days
Experience the best of Sri Lanka in just six days with this whirlwind highlight tour. From ancient cultural treasures to misty highlands and wildlife safaris to golden beaches, this journey offers a perfect blend of heritage, nature, and relaxation.
Arrival – Dambulla Cave Temple – Sigiriya
- Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be warmly welcomed by your chauffeur.
- Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- En route, visit the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple, famous for its ancient rock-cut statues and vibrant frescoes.
- (Optional: Stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to observe rescued elephants up close – depending on your interest and arrival time.)
- Continue to Sigiriya and check in to your hotel.
- Evening at leisure to relax after your journey.
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Polonnaruwa Ancient Kingdom
- Early morning climb to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an architectural marvel built in the 5th century.
- After a mini-break and refreshments, depart for Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO site.
- Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, featuring royal palaces, temples, and wellpreserved ruins.
- Return to Sigiriya in the evening.
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya
Village Tour – Kandy via Matale
-
After breakfast, enjoy a Sigiriya village experience:
- Travel by traditional bullock cart,
- Cross a lake by catamaran,
- Engage in an authentic Sri Lankan cooking session with a local family. - Post lunch, proceed to Kandy via Matale.
- (Optional: Visit a Matale Spice Garden to learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices and Ayurveda herbs.)
- On arrival in Kandy, check in to your hotel.
- In the evening, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most revered pilgrimage sites.
- Overnight stay in Kandy
Botanical Garden – Nuwara Eliya – Train Ride to Ella – Nine Arch Bridge
- After breakfast, visit the serene Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
- Continue your journey to Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England”.
- Visit a tea plantation and factory to see how Ceylon Tea is made.
- Drive to Nanu Oya railway station and enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train rides to Ella.
- Your chauffeur will meet you in Ella and take you to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of colonial-era engineering.
- Overnight stay in Ella
Little Adam’s Peak – Buduruwagala – Udawalawe Safari – Mirissa
- At dawn, begin the gentle trek to Little Adam’s Peak for breathtaking sunrise views over Ella's lush landscapes.
- After breakfast, depart for Mirissa, a charming beach town on the southern coast.
- En route, visit the ancient rock carvings at Buduruwagala Temple.
- Stop at Udawalawe National Park for an exciting jeep safari, where you may spot elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and more.
- Continue to Mirissa and check in to your beach resort.
- Overnight stay in Mirissa
Beach Relaxation – Departure
- Enjoy a leisurely morning at the beach.
- (Optional: You can extend your stay and explore Ayurvedic Panchakarma wellness treatments for rejuvenation.)
- At the appropriate time, your chauffeur will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.
Inclusions
- Private transportation with Deutsch/English-speaking chauffeur guide
- 5 nights’ accommodation in selected hotel category (BB/HB as preferred)
- Daily breakfast (or half board if selected)
- All sightseeing as per itinerary
-
Entrance tickets to:
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City
- Temple of the Tooth (Kandy)
- Peradeniya Botanical Garden
- Tea factory visit
- Train ticket from Nanu Oya to Ella (2nd or 1st class, subject to availability)
- Udawalawe National Park safari with jeep - Village tour with bullock cart, catamaran ride, and local cooking experience
- Water Bottles & Snacks
- All government taxes
Exclusions
- International airfare & visa fees
- Lunches, dinners (unless half board selected)
- Optional visits (e.g., Pinnawala, Matale Spice Garden, Ayurveda treatments)
- Tips for chauffer & personal expenses
- Early check-in/late check-out (unless specified)
What are the must-see attractions included?
Highlights include:
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Dambulla Cave Temple
• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy)
• Scenic Train ride through the hill country (e.g. Nanu Oya–Ella)
• Nuwara Eliya tea plantations
• Galle Fort
• Yala or Uda Walawe National Park for wildlife safaris
Is transportation included?
Absolutely! a private air-conditioned vehicle and driver is typically included, and train tickets on scenic routes are arranged by the agency.
What types of accommodations are provided?
Comfortable mid-range hotels, Luxury Hotels, or guesthouses are usually included, with upgrade options available from boutique stays in the hills to coastal resorts.
Are meals included?
Most packages include daily breakfast, and often dinner at hotels. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are usually extra.
Is a guide included at heritage sites and parks?
A local driver-guide accompanies you, but specialist guides (e.g. for national parks or caves, Any other cultural areas) you can ask from Us for German/English Speaking guides.
What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
• October–April is ideal for the south, west, and hill country
• May–September suits the easterly regions For a full island highlights tour, December–March is generally optimal
What should I pack?
• Lightweight clothes, plus a warm layer for cooler hills (10–20 °C)
• Rain gear, as weather varies by region
• Good walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle
Arrival – Dambulla Cave Temple – Sigiriya
- Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be warmly welcomed by your chauffeur
- Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- En route, visit the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple, famous for its ancient rock-cut statues and vibrant frescoes.
- (Optional: Stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to observe rescued elephants up close – depending on your interest and arrival time.)
- Continue to Sigiriya and check in to your hotel.
- Evening at leisure to relax after your journey.
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya.
Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
- After breakfast, depart for Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England" for its cool climate and colonial charm.
- En route, stop at a scenic tea plantation and tea factory to see how Ceylon Tea is produced.
- Visit Ramboda Falls and other roadside viewpoints.
- In Nuwara Eliya, take a city tour including Gregory Lake, the Victoria Park, and charming colonial architecture.
- Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya – Ella by Train – Transfer to Bentota
- Board a scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella (subject to seat availability), passing through breathtaking tea country and cloud forests.
- Explore Ella briefly—see the Nine Arches Bridge, and if time allows, visit Little Adam’s Peak.
- Then begin your descent from the hills to the coast with a transfer to Bentota.
- Overnight Stay in Bentota
Bentota – River Safari, Turtle Hatchery & Leisure
- Early morning Madu River boat safari, through mangroves and small islands.
- Visit a nearby turtle hatchery, where sea turtles are protected and rehabilitated.
- Enjoy a local shopping experience for handicrafts, spices, or batiks.
- Optional: Attend a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration and learn how to prepare a traditional dish.
- Evening at leisure to relax by the beach or enjoy hotel facilities.
- Overnight Stay in Bentota
Bentota – Beach Leisure – Departure
- Relax on the beach in the morning.
- After breakfast or lunch (depending on your flight), transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for departure. OR
- Extend your stay with an Ayurvedic Panchakarma program at a nearby wellness retreat, designed for body detox, balance, and rejuvenation (pre-booking required).
Inclusions
- Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle and German/English-speaking chauffeur-guide.
- Accommodation for 04 nights at selected category hotels.
- Daily breakfast and dinner at hotels (as per meal plan).
-
All entrance fees to mentioned sites:
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Temple of the Tooth Relic
Train Ride from Nany Oya to Ella
Madu River Boat Tour
Shopping tour - Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
Exclusions
- International airfare & visa fees
- Lunches, dinners (unless half board selected)
- Optional visits (e.g. Turtle Hatchery)
- Tips for chauffer & personal expenses
- Early check-in/late check-out (unless specified)
How do I book a tour with Lankaawo Travels?
Booking your dream trip is easy! Simply fill out our Booking Form with your travel details, preferences, and dates. Our travel experts will then craft a personalized itinerary with 24 hours for you. Once you’re happy with the plan, we’ll finalize the details and confirm your booking.
Can I customize my tour?
Absolutely! We specialize in creating tailor-made experiences. Whether you’re looking to explore Sri Lanka’s culture, adventure, nature, or beaches, we can adjust any tour to suit your interests, preferences, and budget.
Do you provide a chauffeur for tours?
Yes, we offer English and German-speaking chauffeurs to guide you through your Sri Lankan adventure. Our chauffeurs are friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the island, ensuring you get the best out of your trip.
For further information you can see our latest reviews on Google – Lankaawo Travels
What is included in a typical tour package?
Our tour packages are designed to offer a hassle-free experience. Most packages include:
• Accommodation (ranging from luxury to budget options)
• Transportation (private chauffeur-driven vehicles)
• Guided tours to top attractions
• Activities (safaris, cultural experiences, Ayurvedic Consulting, Cookery Demonstration,
Surfing, Diving, tattooing Programs, Hiking, Trekking experiences and etc.)
• Meals (depending on the package)
• 24/7 customer support during your trip.
If you have any specific requirements, we can also customize your package to include extra services.
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the ideal time depends on the region you plan to visit:
• West & South Coast (November to April) – Best time for beach holidays and diving.
• Cultural Triangle (Throughout the year) – Great for cultural exploration and nature.
We’ll recommend the best travel times based on your itinerary.
• East Coast (April to September)
Why Visit: The east coast of Sri Lanka, including Trincomalee and Arugam Bay, is known
for its beautiful beaches, surfing, and diving spots.
• North of Sri Lanka (May to September)
Why Visit: The North offers a rich cultural experience with a blend of historic sites and
serene coastal beaches, particularly around Jaffna.
Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before your trip. We can guide you through the process if needed.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and by cash. If you’re booking through our website, we offer secure online payment options for your convenience.
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Departure or Ayurvedic Wellness Extension
- After breakfast, your chauffeur will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your departure. OR
- Continue your journey with an Ayurvedic Panchakarma Cure at a selected wellness retreat. Tailored to your body type, this program includes detox, massage therapies, herbal medicines, yoga, and consultation with Ayurvedic doctors (advance booking required).
