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Day 1
Colombo International Airport
Upon arrival at Colombo Airport our representative will meet and greet you before guiding you to the transfer to your hotel. Settle in your room before spending the rest of this first day at leisure. Overnight in Colombo.
Hotel: Global Towers 3* (or similar) -
Day 2
Colombo - Habarana
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Colombo. Begin the tour with a visit to Dambulla Rock Temple to explore this 2,000-year-old sacred pilgrimage site carved deep inside a mountain. This awe-inspiring complex of five caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features thousands of metres of painted walls and ceilings and contains more than 150 images of the Buddha and other deities and Sri Lankan kings. Continue to Polonnaruwa and explore the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of king Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama Samudraya – a lake built by King Parakramabahu the great, the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Then transfer to your hotel in Habarana for overnight. Overnight in Habarana.
Hotel: Sorowwa Resort & Spa 4* (or similar) -
Day 3
Habarana - Sigiriya - Kandy
Take the road after a tasty breakfast. Begin to explore with a climb to the fifth-century the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which sits atop a rock that dramatically rises almost 200 metres above the rainforest. King Kashyapa built a citadel at the top of this giant boulder known as the ‘Lion Rock’, which was the innermost stronghold of a vast fortified city. It was later abandoned and forgotten until the British found it and began an archaeological exploration. Today, the remnants of this once thriving city offer a tantalising indication of what once stood here. Pass through the lion’s ‘belly’, climb to the top, and enjoy the breathtaking views. Then, continue to Kandy and enjoy an afternoon city tour that includes the Temple of the Tooth Relic a cultural show In the evening. Overnight in Kandy.
Hotel: Oak Ray Heritage 3* (or similar) -
Day 4
Kandy - Ella
Savour Sri Lanka’s most famous product with a visit to a tea plantation and factory. Observe the tea production process from the picking of the leaves to their grading and selection, and finally the manufacture of dried tea leaves. Cap off this experience with a tasting of genuine Ceylon tea in the factory. Continue to Ella and check in to your hotel. Overnight in Ella.
Hotel: Oak Ray Ella Gap 3* (or similar) -
Day 5
Ella
After breakfast at the hotel get ready to explore Ella. Marvel at the breathtaking Ella Gap, offering sweeping views of lush valleys and distant mountains. Explore the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a stunning feat of engineering surrounded by dense greenery and tea plantations. Then, return back to your hotel and relax. Overnight in Ella.
Hotel: Oak Ray Ella Gap 3* (or similar) -
Day 6
Ella - Yala
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Tissamaharama. Arrive at your hotel for check in. In the afternoon enjoy Safari at Yala National Park. As your jeep rumble through the giant gates of Yala, you are not only stepping into the most visited national park in the country but also the lands of civilization, which thrived during the reign of Sri Lankan kings. On completion, you will return to the hotel and rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at a hotel in Tissamaharama/Yala.
Hotel: Oak Ray Lake 3* (or similar) -
Day 7
Yala - Gale
After collecting packed breakfast proceed to Yala National park for morning Safari and then continue to Galle. In the afternoon explore Galle. Walk the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions today flooding cultural enthusiasts on a global scale. Its original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date showcase evidence of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion - the oldest of all - and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. However, its hallmark stands a reality where the Dutch fort remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks frequenting its streets bracing the air of the Elysium of architecture. After exploring the city, return to the hotel. Overnight in Galle.
Hotel: Thaproban Beach House 4* (or similar) -
Day 8
Galle - Bentota/Wadduwa
Breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Bentota/Wadduwa area. Check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Bentota/Wadduwa.
Hotel: The Palms 4* (or similar) -
Day 9
Bentota/Wadduwa
Breakfast at the hotel followed by the day at leisure to relax on the beach. Overnight in Bentota/Wadduwa.
Hotel: The Palms 4* (or similar) - Day 10 Return After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Colombo Airport for your departure flight.
Included
- Operated with an English-speaking escorted driver-guide
- 9 night’s accommodation
- 9 Breakfasts
- Arrival/ Departure transfers from and to Colombo Airport
- Shared transport throughout the tour
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Dambulla temple Polonnaruwa city tour Sigiriya Rock Fortress Kandy city tour Temple of the Tooth Relic tea plantation Ella Gap and Nine Acre’s Bridge Safari at Yala National Park Galle tour
- Meet & Greet on day 1
Exclusions
- Kandy perahara supplements
- Entrance fees for Peradeniya Royal botanical Garden
- Dinner supplements at hotels
- Camera & video permits
- Lunch Dinner Beverages and extras (Specified)
- Entrance Fees for the sites
- Cost of Air Tickets & Travel Insurance
- Early check-in & Late check-out
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Any other services not specified above
- Optional tours and activities
- Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays accidents etc.
SRI LANKA – AT A GLANCE
Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is an island nation located south of India, in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Despite its relatively small size, the island offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes. Lush tropical forests, arid plains, misty mountains covered in tea plantations, and golden sandy beaches unfold over short distances, giving travelers the impression of crossing several countries in a single journey. Sri Lanka is also deeply shaped by Buddhism, whose ancient remains dot the landscape. Among them, Sigiriya—a 5th-century citadel perched atop a massive rock—stands out with its frescoes and the ruins of a former royal palace. Farther north, Anuradhapura, an ancient royal capital, preserves religious sites over two thousand years old, bearing witness to a refined and deeply spiritual civilization.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Sri Lanka has a dual capital system. Colombo is the country’s economic capital and main urban center, while Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, located in its suburbs, serves as the administrative capital. The country covers an area of 65,610 km². The official languages are Sinhala, spoken by approximately 70% of the population, and Tamil. The local currency is the Sri Lankan rupee. Bargaining is part of everyday life, particularly for taxi and tuk-tuk rides, and sometimes in markets. The international dialing code is 94. Sri Lanka is 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Montreal. Electricity operates at 230 volts.
DID YOU KNOW…
When visiting temples, it is mandatory to remove your shoes, and wearing socks is strongly recommended, as stone floors exposed to the sun can become extremely hot. Sri Lanka is among the world’s largest tea producers, ranking third with approximately 300,000 tons produced annually, in long-standing competition with India. India itself lies very close by—the two countries are separated by just 31 kilometers at their narrowest point. In Avukana, visitors can admire a monumental Buddha statue carved from granite in the 5th century, remarkable for its exceptional state of preservation. The country is also home to a vast number of artificial lakes, created for irrigation and hydroelectric power. Hydropower remains a major energy source, complemented since the 1980s by solar energy.
COLOMBO
Located on the west coast of the island, Colombo served as Sri Lanka’s capital for many years before the role was transferred to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. Today, it remains the country’s economic and cultural hub. A lively and cosmopolitan city, Colombo pulses with religious and cultural celebrations. Vesak, celebrated in mid-May, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. During this time, the city is adorned with spectacular illuminated decorations, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Christmas is also widely celebrated, despite Christians being a minority, reflecting the country’s religious diversity and spirit of tolerance.
KANDY
Located approximately 116 kilometers east of Colombo, Kandy sits at an altitude of 500 meters, surrounded by lush landscapes nourished by the Mahaweli River. A former royal capital, the city is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the Temple of the Tooth, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines in the country, believed to house a relic of the Buddha. Each year in August, Kandy comes alive during the spectacular Perahera festival, featuring richly adorned elephants, torchbearers, and traditional dancers in a procession that is both solemn and festive.
NUWARA ELIYA
Connected to Kandy by one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world, Nuwara Eliya lies in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, about 100 kilometers to the south. The train ride passes through rolling green hills, misty valleys, and endless tea plantations. The town retains a distinctly British atmosphere inherited from the colonial era. Surrounded by manicured gardens and vast tea fields, it is also a starting point for numerous hikes, including routes leading toward Adam’s Peak, one of the country’s most iconic summits.
ELLA
Perched at over 1,000 meters above sea level, Ella offers sweeping views over the southern plains of the island. This small town, surrounded by hills and waterfalls, enjoys a cooler and more pleasant climate than much of the country. Travelers are drawn to its peaceful ambiance, ideal for relaxation and hiking. Trails leading to nearby peaks allow visitors to fully experience the natural beauty and tranquility that define the region.
MIRISSA
On the southern coast, about 150 kilometers from Colombo, Mirissa is a popular destination known for its fine sandy beaches and lively atmosphere. The town is famous for its nightlife as well as for dolphin and whale watching in the Indian Ocean. Warm, clear waters make it ideal for swimming, diving, and other water activities, making Mirissa a must-stop for lovers of sun and sea.
ANURADHAPURA
Located in the north of the country, Anuradhapura is part of Sri Lanka’s renowned Cultural Triangle. A former royal capital between the 4th and 10th centuries, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the cradle of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka, the city features monumental stupas, monasteries, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. The site exudes a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
CUISINE
Sri Lankan cuisine reflects a rich cultural blend. Influenced by local traditions, South Indian cooking, and the legacy of Dutch colonists and foreign traders, it is characterized by generous use of spices, rice, and coconut. Rice, typically boiled or steamed, is served with a variety of curries made from fish, meat, or vegetables. Meals are often accompanied by chutneys, sambals, and pickled vegetables, including the famous coconut sambal flavored with chili and lime.
BEVERAGES
As tap water is not safe to drink, only bottled water should be consumed, including for brushing teeth. Tea is the national beverage, usually served strong, sweetened, and with a splash of milk. Fresh fruit juices made from pineapple, mango, papaya, or watermelon are extremely popular. Coconut water from the King Coconut is widely sold along roadsides and provides a refreshing, natural drink. Local beer is light and widely enjoyed, while arrack—an alcohol distilled from coconut sap—is often consumed neat or mixed. Toddy, a naturally fermented beverage, has a flavor reminiscent of beer.
SHOPPING AND SOUVENIRS
Sri Lanka is world-famous for its Ceylon tea, primarily cultivated in the highlands. Spices such as cinnamon and cardamom also play a central role in local craftsmanship. Gemstones are highly sought after, as are traditional masks from Ambalangoda and wood carvings. Major cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Hikkaduwa offer many shopping opportunities, where bargaining is common practice.
SAFETY
Although marked by a past of civil war and terrorist attacks, Sri Lanka is now a far more peaceful country. Security measures have been strengthened, and the situation has significantly stabilized. As in any country with social inequalities, certain precautions remain necessary, particularly regarding petty crime or street harassment. These issues, however, do not define the country as a whole, which is widely known for the kindness and hospitality of its people. The Canadian embassy is located in Colombo.
HEALTH ADVICE
It is essential to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date before departure. Several vaccines are recommended for Sri Lanka, including hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis. Travelers should also protect themselves against mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases such as dengue and chikungunya. Special attention should be paid to food hygiene to avoid traveler’s diarrhea.
CLIMATE
Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. Two main seasons alternate—the dry season and the monsoon—whose timing varies by region. This unique pattern allows for travel almost year-round by choosing the most favorable area. The south and west coasts are ideal from December to March, while the east coast is best visited from May to September. In mountainous regions such as Nuwara Eliya, the climate is cooler, with temperatures around 20°C. Sea temperatures remain warm year-round, averaging about 28°C.
RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS
Sri Lanka’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Buddhism is the dominant faith, practiced by approximately 70% of the population. Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are also well represented, contributing to the country’s rich spiritual and cultural diversity.
ETIQUETTE AND CUSTOMS
Sri Lankans are widely known for their kindness and warm hospitality. Politeness, patience, and respect are fundamental values. Body language, particularly head movements, may be confusing for visitors. Society remains relatively conservative, and modest clothing is recommended, especially in religious sites. Full moon days, known as poya days, are public holidays and hold deep religious significance for Buddhists; alcohol sales are prohibited on these days. Meals are often eaten with the right hand, as the left hand is traditionally considered impure.
Name: Best of Sri Lanka
Brand: tripcentral tours
Quality: Tourist Class
Tour Type: Escorted
Start City: Colombo
End City: Colombo
Vacation Overview:
Explore during this 10-day tour Sri Lanka high and low with this fascinating round-trip starting in the capital, Colombo, and taking an inland loop that covers all the main historic, cultural and natural attractions of this magical island. Discover a world of lush landscapes, picturesque lakeside cities, historic temples and ancient citadels. Meet some of the friendliest and gentlest creatures in the animal kingdom and enjoy the lush green tea plantations spread through the hill county. Conclude the tour with a few relaxing days on the beautiful beaches of Bentota.
