DAY 1 => Arrival and Colombo City Exploration
Ayubowan! Upon landing, you will receive a warm personal welcome from your DTH Travel Sri Lanka Representative and meet your Chauffeur-Guide. You will then be transferred to Colombo (approx. 35 mins), the vibrant commercial capital, where you will check into your hotel. In the evening, embark on a comprehensive Colombo City Tour. Highlights include the sacred Gangaramaya Temple and the tranquil floating Seema Malakaya, along with drives past the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, BMICH, and Galle Face Green. The evening offers optional time for shopping at popular boutiques and complexes before you enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Colombo.
Meals Included: Dinner.
DAY 2 => Elephant Sanctuary and Kandy's Sacred Heart
After breakfast and check-out from your Colombo hotel, you will journey towards the cultural hills. Your first stop is the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (approx. 2.5 hours drive), a vital conservation center where you can witness the large herd of orphaned and rescued elephants, offering a memorable wildlife experience. Afterward, you will proceed to the city of Kandy. Here, you will visit the profoundly sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site that enshrines the revered canine tooth of Gautama Buddha. The day concludes with an Evening Kandy City Tour, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Kandy.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 3 => Ascent to the Mist: Ramboda Falls and Little England
After breakfast and checking out from Kandy, you will begin the scenic journey to the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya (approx. 3 hours drive). The drive is a highlight itself, featuring a stop to admire the majestic Ramboda Falls, a beautiful tiered waterfall known for its powerful twin streams and scenic misty spray. You will then continue your ascent to Nuwara Eliya, often nicknamed 'Little England' due to its preserved colonial atmosphere, complete with red-roofed bungalows and rose gardens. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay amidst the cool, misty hills.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 4 => Day 4: Ceylon Tea Immersion and Highland Attractions
Start your day with a visit to the Seetha Amman Temple, a place of spiritual significance located near Nuwara Eliya. The day's focus then turns to the region's famous produce with a full Tea Plantation Experience. You'll receive a guided tour of a tea estate, participate in hands-on tea plucking (learning to pick the crucial 'two leaves and a bud'), and visit the Tea Factory to observe the entire production process, concluding with a fresh tea tasting. The afternoon includes a comprehensive Nuwara Eliya City Tour, featuring sights like Gregory's Lake and the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Garden. You will return to your hotel for leisure time, dinner, and an overnight stay in the charming 'Little England' of Sri Lanka.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 5 => Hill Country Icons and Transfer to Mirissa Beach
After breakfast and check-out from Nuwara Eliya, begin the long, scenic transfer towards the southern coast and the beach town of Mirissa (approx. 5 hours drive). En route, you will visit two iconic sites near Ella: the magnificent Nine Arch Bridge, an architectural marvel set amidst lush tea hills, and the impressive cascading waters of Ravana Falls. After these memorable stops, you will continue your journey, descending from the cool highlands to the tropical warmth of the coast. Upon arrival in Mirissa, check into your hotel for leisure time, dinner, and an overnight stay, ready to enjoy the beach tomorrow.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 6 => Ocean Giants, Stilt Fishing, and Galle Fort History
Begin your day with the exciting Optional Whale Watching excursion in Mirissa (requiring an early 6:30 AM start with a packed breakfast). From December to April, this is one of the world's best spots to sight magnificent Blue Whales and Sperm Whales. After breakfast, you will observe the unique sight of the Stilt Fishermen in Koggala, practicing their traditional fishing technique.
You will then proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Galle Dutch Fort. Spend time walking the historic ramparts and exploring the quaint, cobbled streets of this largest occupied fort in Asia. Finally, you will transfer to the vibrant beach resort of Hikkaduwa (approx. 1.5 hours drive from Mirissa), check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 7 => Hikkaduwa to Bentota Beach Bliss
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel. Today involves a leisurely drive along the stunning southern coastline as you transfer from Hikkaduwa to the beautiful beach resort of Bentota (approx. 5.5 hours drive). Upon arrival and check-in at your hotel, the rest of the day is entirely yours. You are free to relax by the pool, explore the golden beaches, or simply enjoy the tropical atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay in Bentota.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 8 => Coastal Conservation and Madhu River Safari
After breakfast, your day focuses on the natural wonders surrounding Bentota. You will first visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, a crucial conservation project dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the rehabilitation and safeguarding of these creatures. Following this, you will embark on a serene Madhu River Boat Tour. This beautiful river zone, one of the country's largest wetlands, is brimming with a rich ecosystem. You will glide through the tranquil waters, exploring mangrove forests and tiny islets, observing the diverse birdlife. Return to your hotel in Bentota for leisure time, dinner, and your final overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 9 => Farewell and Departure
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel in Bentota. Following check-out, you will be transferred privately to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) (approx. 1 hour 35 minutes drive) to connect with your scheduled onward flight, concluding your wonderful 9-day journey through the Tea Hills, Whale Tails, and Golden Coast of Sri Lanka.