Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Colombo. Check into your hotel and rest.

Evening: Explore the Galle Face Green, an ocean-side urban park, offering street food stalls and a vibrant atmosphere to soak in the local culture.

Mostly a deserted island of its own, the name translates as rock bay in Tamil. The town features one of the most scenic beaches in Sri Lanka with its endless golden sands and the pristine turquoise waters. The northern edge of the cape boasts a curve-shaped Passekudah Beach with splendid white sands lined with luxury accommodations. Back in the days before the tsunami hit the Kalkudah Beach, the beach was dotted with plenty of tourist hotels and resorts. Since the tsunami, the beach has been deserted, mostly occupied by cows, dogs, and occasional fishers and boats. If visitors are looking for a more secluded beach encompassed by natural beauty, Kalkudah Beach should make it to the checklist.Things to do in Kalkudah Beach1. Coconut Cultural Park: Nestled behind the resorts, Coconut Cultural Park is dedicated to nothing but coconut trees that is solely linked to the country. This attraction is perfect for taking a stroll amid the trees and learning the uses of the coconut palm, including oil for cooking, coir rope and rugs, and much more. Along with coconut trees, the park also features papaya trees. 2. Passekudah Beach: Featuring super shallow water that warms up during the sunny days, Passekudah Beach is perfect for a nice swim. But beware, as there are sharp corals nestled in the waters and the sand. The vast stretch of the beach also lines many resorts offering blissful views.

Day 2: Colombo to Habarana

Morning: Early departure from Colombo to Habarana. This journey offers a glimpse into the countryside and rural life of Sri Lanka.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Habarana. Relax or explore the local area.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner at the hotel.

Habarana is a picturesque village located in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, nestled amidst lush greenery and surrounded by stunning landscapes. Famous for its proximity to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa, Habarana serves as an ideal base for exploring the rich historical and cultural treasures of the region. The village is also renowned for its serene atmosphere, offering opportunities for wildlife safaris in nearby national parks like Minneriya and Kaudulla, where visitors can spot herds of elephants and a variety of bird species. With its tranquil ambiance and convenient access to Sri Lanka's cultural and natural wonders, Habarana captivates travelers seeking an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of the island nation.

Day 3: Exploring Habarana and Surroundings

Morning: Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient frescoes and panoramic views.

Afternoon: Explore the Minneriya National Park on a safari, where you can see elephants, monkeys, and various bird species in their natural habitat.

Evening: Return to the hotel and relax.

Day 4: Habarana to Kandy

Morning: Depart for Kandy. En route, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its detailed murals and Buddha statues.

Afternoon: Arrive in Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a significant site for Buddhist pilgrims.

Evening: Attend a cultural show featuring traditional Kandyan dance.

The cultural capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by hills and known for the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred Buddha relic. The city hosts the Esala Perahera festival, a spectacular annual event. The nearby Royal Botanical Gardens offer a tranquil escape with exotic plants and orchids.

Day 5: Exploring Kandy

Morning: Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, known for its impressive collection of orchids and palm trees.

Afternoon: Explore the local markets and the Kandy Lake. Consider a boat ride on the lake for a peaceful experience.

Evening: Relax at your hotel or take a stroll in the city.

Day 6: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Morning: Depart for Nuwara Eliya, enjoying the scenic beauty of the hill country, including waterfalls and tea plantations.

Afternoon: Visit a tea factory to learn about the process of tea making and enjoy a tasting session.

Evening: Explore the town, often referred to as “Little England” for its colonial architecture and cool climate.

Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka's hill station famed for its tea production. With a multitude of gorgeous attractions ranging from waterfalls and tea plantations to gardens and lakes, Nuwara Eliya is the epitome of scenic beauty. Add to that the colonial-style buildings dotting the area, a golf course and the cold climate— and you'll feel like you have entered a world unlike Sri Lanka's iconic landscape; no wonder it is also called Little England!The town's colonial legacy is evident in its well-preserved architecture, with charming buildings, manicured gardens, and a golf course that transports visitors back in time. Nuwara Eliya's Victorian-style homes, quaint churches, and the iconic red post office evoke a sense of nostalgia, contributing to its unique and tranquil ambiance.The cool climate of Nuwara Eliya makes it an ideal location for cultivating tea, and the surrounding hills are dotted with expansive tea estates. Visitors can explore the tea-making process through guided tours of tea factories, where they can witness the journey from plucking the leaves to savoring a freshly brewed cup. In addition to its colonial charm and tea-related activities, Nuwara Eliya offers natural attractions such as Gregory Lake, a man-made reservoir that provides opportunities for boating and picnics. Hakgala Botanical Gardens, nestled beneath the shadow of Hakgala Rock, showcases a diverse collection of flora, including orchids, roses, and ferns, making it a delightful spot for nature enthusiasts.The town is also a gateway to Sri Lanka's highest peak, Pidurutalagala, and Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its scenic beauty and unique ecosystems. With its blend of colonial heritage, scenic beauty, and proximity to nature reserves, Nuwara Eliya offers a distinctive experience for travelers seeking a tranquil retreat in the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country.

Day 7: Nuwara Eliya to Yala

Morning: Early morning departure to Yala, famous for its national park.

Afternoon: Embark on a safari in Yala National Park, known for its leopard population, elephants, crocodiles, and various bird species.

Evening: Check into your hotel and rest after a day of adventure.

Day 8: Yala to Bentota

Morning: Depart for Bentota, a coastal town known for its golden beaches.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or enjoying water sports.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely evening with a beachside dinner.

Sprawled over 979 square kilometres, Yala National Park in southeast Sri Lanka is the nation’s largest and most-visited wildlife conservation zone. As Lanka’s oldest wildlife sanctuary, Yala shelters a vast area of unspoilt jungles, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, home to the highest population of leopards on the planet, alongside Sri Lankan elephants, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species. Yala National Park is sectioned into five blocks, and there are eco-friendly campsites all over. By paying an admission fee of USD 15, you can enter through one of the four gates: Katagamuwa, Palatupana, Kataragama Road, and Galge. The fascinating thing about hiking here is discovering the park’s diverse terrain, ranging from marine wetlands, deciduous and thorn forests, freshwater lakes and ponds, mainly composed of Precambrian-era metamorphic rocks.A large section of the park is covered by marshes and sandy beaches, where families enjoy picnics and swimming. Further inland, Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery where caves display centuries-old rock paintings. Magul Vihara is another pilgrimage site displaying ancient ruins within the park. The best way to enjoy a Yala National Park tour is to take Jeep safaris with a driver, but you can blaze your own trails with bicycles.

Day 9-10: Relaxing in Bentota

Days 9 & 10: These days are for relaxation and personal activities. Options include visiting the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, enjoying more water sports, taking a boat ride on the Madu River to explore its mangroves, or simply unwinding on the beach.

Evening: Explore local cuisine at beachfront restaurants.

A coastal town in Sri Lanka, renowned for its golden beaches, water sports, and the serene Bentota River. It offers a perfect blend of sun, sea, and sand, along with luxury resorts and Ayurvedic wellness spas. Known for its broad golden beach and calm waters, making it suitable for water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing. The Bentota River offers boat safaris where visitors can explore mangrove forests and local wildlife.

Day 11: Departure

Morning/Afternoon: Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy one last stroll on the beach or visit the Brief Garden, a beautiful landscape garden.

Evening: Departure from the nearest airport.