Best of Sri Lanka - Small Group Tour

DAY 1 Colombo
Start you tour in style with an arrival transfer to the lovely Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel. Your 4-star hotel is very well located, on the banks of lake Beira in the city centre. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring the vibrant city of Colombo.

Stay at Cinnamon Lakeside: Superior Room (4 star)
Meals: No meals are included today as many guests flights will arrive late in the evening. For guests arriving late the hotel offers late night room service. For guests arriving earlier the hotel offers a good choice of restaurants and many a popular with locals and tourists alike plus in-room dinning.

DAY 2 Colombo
Given many flights into Colombo arrive late evening, we start the tour at a leisurely pace so all our guests have an opportunity to rest, relax and acclimatise before we start sightseeing - There's time for a sleep in, a walk or a swim before your early afternoon city tour.

In the early afternoon head out into the vibrant city of Colombo. It is a diverse mix of people, architecture and religion influenced by ancient kingdoms and European settlers and a great starting point for your Sri Lankan adventure. You will explore with your guide the highlights of this wonderful capital which include Pettah Bazaar, Wolvendaal Dutch Church, Gotami Vihara and Hindu Kovil at Slave Island, one of Colombo’s most impressive Hindu Temples.
This evening enjoy a delicious welcome dinner.

Stay at Cinnamon Lakeside: Superior Room (4 star)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 3 Colombo - Negombo - Sigiriya Rock Fortress - Habarana
This morning, after breakfast, we head out of the city and travel along the bustling Kandy Road past small villages, chaotic towns and roadside carts selling an array of local produce. Stop at the fishing village of Negombo, and enjoy a city tour covering all the major attractions and places to visit in Negombo such as Negombo Lagoon, Hamilton Dutch Canal (boat ride not included) and the Negombo ‘Lellama’ Fish Market, the second largest market in the country where you will see the fresh daily catch of different types of fish and seafood.

From Negombo we travel inland to the Cultural Triangle along the bustling Kandy Road into the country side to reach Sigiriya Rock Fortress, or Lion Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights. Take the opportunity to climb to the top of this striking rock with its vertical walls supporting the remnants of an ancient city constructed in the 5th century. Built 1600 years ago, by King Kasyapa a much maligned but brilliant king, Sigiriya is an exquisite example of ancient Sri Lankan art and architecture. Along the way you will see the Fountain Gardens, Boulder Gardens, the Mirror Wall, frescoes of the ladies of the king's harem, the Lion's Staircase and finally Sky Palace for spectacular panoramic views.
Continue to the charming lodge to relax and enjoy a sumptuous evening buffet.

Note: Climbing to the top of Sigiriya is strenuous but not hard. There are about 1200 steps all the way to the top; some of which are very narrow and steep. When you climb take your time, rest often and drink lots of water. Dress in loose cotton, linen or breathable fabrics. Sunglasses are a good idea to protect your eyes. Closed footwear or at least firmly fastened footwear is recommended.

Stay at Cinnamon Lodge: Superior Room (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 4 Habarana - Polonnaruwa - Habarana
Today you will explore the ancient royal capital , and world heritage site, of Polonnaruwa, one of the most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital and crown jewel of King Parakramabahu, remains superior proof of ancient culture and heritage blended with religious beliefs. Discover on foot, or by bicycle (optional - to be paid locally), the wonderful treasures that remain in the archaeological park including the four beautiful rock-cut Buddha statues at Gal Vihara Temple.

After a busy day sightseeing your afternoon is at leisure to relax at the lodge. You can take a swim in the lovely hotel pool, stroll the lush green park like grounds home to over 40 species of birds and butterfly’s, watch the resident monkeys at play or relax on the veranda with your favourite drink.

Stay at Cinnamon Lodge: Superior Room (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 5 Habarana - Dambulla - Kandy
Proceed to Kandy, stopping en-route to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, the best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This Buddhist place of worship is thought to date back to the 1st century, and houses the county’s most sacred Buddha images.

On arrival in Kandy, check in at your hotel before visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a complex said to hold the tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. Continue on to see the Royal Botanical Gardens before an afternoon free to wander around the city’s lake and explore the local markets.

This evening enjoy a Kandyan Dance performance; the traditional Sri Lankan dance which flourished in the hill country during ancient times. The dancers, who are attired in frilled costumes with glistening head-dresses and breastplates, skip and whirl to the beat of drums executing astonishing acrobatics in mid-air; the highlight is the fire walking at the end of the performance. After the performance proceed back to the hotel and relax.

Stay at Cinnamon Citadel: Superior Room (4 star)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 6 Kandy - Nuwara Eliya
Continue your exploration of the scenic high country with an excursion to Nuwara Eliya. Where the colourful chaos of Sri Lanka meets colonial bungalows, well-tended lawns and red telephone boxes. Discover the journey from tree to cup of the world-famous high-grown Ceylon Tea. With your expert guide, walk through a local tea plantation, meet with a tea plucker and visit the factory to see the processing stage followed by a tea-tasting session.

Check in to the historic Colonial era Grand Hotel, a destination in itself. The hotel features lovely gardens, an indoor pool and a famous snooker & billiards room full of memorabilia (be sure to take look). The hotel is most famous for its high tea and this afternoon enjoy the High Tea on us - a typical British afternoon tea party that happens on the grounds of the hotel. It’s an experience as well as a place to enjoy some quality Ceylon tea and finger foods.

Stay at The Grand Hotel: Deluxe Room (4 star)
Meals: Breakfast, High Tea & Dinner

DAY 7 Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Yala National Park
After breakfast at the hotel we make our way to the station at Nanu Oya for a scenic rail trip to Ella.

The train slowly rises up into the highlands past villages and countryside, eventually reaching 2,000m surrounded by tea plantations. The route takes you through the subtropical spice and banana trees to pine and eucalyptus forest. From Hatton, the scenery is the most spectacular, passing St Clair and Devon waterfalls on the left-hand side and many tea plantations. On arrival in Ella your driver will be waiting at the station for your onward journey to Yala.

Stay at Cinnamon Wild Yala: Jungle Chalet (4 star)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 8 Yala National Park
Wake early this morning to head out on a wildlife safari in Yala.
This expansive national park is a beautiful area where lowland scrub sits on a long stretch of coastline. It is also home a fascinating array of wild animals! Herds of wild elephants are a common sight and you will also be on the look-out for sloth bears, water buffaloes, wild boars, crocodiles, jackals and of course leopards - Yala is known as one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive big cat in the wild.
Return in the afternoon to your hotel, even here wildlife is common with Monkeys, deer, wild boar and an array of bird life all regular visitors to the hotel grounds, along with the occasional Elephant and leopard…for those keen to do more wildlife spotting the deck chairs by the pool overlook the local water hole with resident Crocodiles!
Stay at Cinnamon Wild Yala: Jungle Chalet (4 star)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 9 Yala National Park - Galle - Bentota
Travel the scenic route from Sri Lanka’s southeast coast to Galle in the southwest.

En route visit beautiful beaches, the Wevurukannala Buddha Statue (the largest in the island) and stilt fishermen in Koggala. Once in Galle you will enjoy a tour of the Heritage listed fort area with its charming laneways, rich trading history and Dutch-colonial buildings. Your last stop for the day is the stunning beach town of Bentota.

Stay at Cinnamon Bey: Superior Room (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10 Bentota
Sri Lankan beaches are world-class and Bentota is one of the Islands best. This tour is designed to give you an all round Sri Lankan experience and for many that means a few days at beach-side resort – Sri Lanka is a popular “Flop & Drop” resort destination for travellers around the world.
The choice is yours over the next two days, do as little or as much as you like. With its beachside location, specialty dinning options, large pool and spa facilities there is plenty to keep you occupied at your resort hotel. For those who would prefer to explore more there’s also plenty on offer in Bentota and surrounds and an optional tour exploring the town centre, a river safari & turtle conservation project is available to pre-book (additional cost).

Stay at Cinnamon Bey: Superior Room (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Optional tour Bentota River Safari & Turtle Conservation:
After breakfast head out with your guide to explore the many interesting sights around Bentota. Your tour features a river safari along the lush Bentota river, travelling along wide open waterways lined with swaying palms and then deep into narrow mangrove lined channels where wildlife abounds including water monitors, abundant bird life, chameleons and the occasional crocodile. Sri Lankan beaches are breeding grounds for sea turtles and a number of small not-for-profit turtle hatchery’s and conservation projects operate dedicated to building numbers and rescuing injured turtles. You will visit one of these today to see and hear about the important work they do. The hatchery’s rely on the patronage of visitors like you to operate, over the past two years visitor numbers have plummeted & with little other means of income their ability to continue this important work has been very badly impacted - therefore your visit today and the income it provides is greatly appreciated. Numbers maybe limited due to the size of the boat used for the river safari, please pre-book and ask your Sri Lanka & Beyond consultant for prices.

DAY 11 Bentota
Wake up to the morning sunrise and sea breeze blowing against your face and look forward to a chilled out day in Bentota. You can enjoy a long stroll along the sandy beach and catch a cup of fresh local tea or coffee and head back towards the hotel for breakfast.

Your last day in Sri Lanka is at your leisure with time to refresh and reflect on your travels. After breakfast you can head towards the beach and take a dip in the Indian Ocean, or spend the day walking and relaxing on the sand or by the hotel pools and in the hotel grounds. For those wanting to explore further the buzzing town centre offers many shopping opportunities with good local craft stores, jewellery and gems on offer, or just soak up the atmosphere. Your guide will assist you with transfers and options. many other activities are also available in Bentota such as paragliding and snorkel trips. For those with an interest in gardens or Architecture the wonderful Lunuganga Estate and Bawa gardens, the country estate of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffery Bawa, are well worth a visit.

Stay at Cinnamon Bey: Superior Room (5 star)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 12 Bentota - Colombo
After breakfast we depart Bentota and head back to the capital for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast

If your flight is departing Colombo late in the evening, we strongly recommend our special late check-out, dinner & transfer package. Please ask us for details on booking.

You can also extend your beach stay with additional nights available to pre-book in Bentota, please ask us for a quote - or - consider a pre or post tour stay in the beautiful Maldives, only a 1.5hr flight from Colombo packages including transfers, flights to Male, and accommodation are available.