DAY 1 => Welcome to Sri Lanka – Colombo Arrival and Evening Tour
Ayubowan! Upon landing, receive a warm personal welcome from your DTH Travel Sri Lanka Representative. You will meet your Chauffeur-Guide and be transferred to Colombo (approx. 35 mins), the nation's vibrant commercial capital. After checking into your hotel, you will embark on an evening city tour. Highlights include visits to the sacred Gangaramaya Temple and the serene floating Seema Malakaya, along with drives past modern landmarks like the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, BMICH, and Galle Face Green. The evening concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in Colombo. Optional time is available for shopping at popular spots like Odel.
Meals Included: Dinner.
DAY 2 => Elephant Sanctuary and Kandy's Sacred Heart
Day 2: Elephant Sanctuary and Kandy's Sacred Heart
Description:
After breakfast and check-out, you will journey towards the cultural hills. Your first major stop is the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (approx. 2.5 hours drive), a vital conservation center dedicated to rescuing and protecting wild elephants, offering a heartwarming wildlife encounter. Afterward, you will proceed to Kandy, the revered last capital of ancient kings. 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, including an opportunity to visit local gem shops, 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, your journey ascends into the Central Highlands towards Nuwara Eliya (approx. 3 hours drive). The scenic drive includes a stop at the majestic Ramboda Falls, a beautiful tiered waterfall known for its powerful cascade and misty spray. You will then continue to Nuwara Eliya, often affectionately called 'Little England.' The town retains a distinctive colonial atmosphere, complete with preserved bungalows and gardens, offering a refreshing, cool climate contrast to the coast. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in the tranquility of the hill country.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 4 => Ramayana Trail, Tea Plucking, and Highland Charm
Your day begins with a visit to the sacred Seetha Amman Temple, a key site linked to the Ramayana epic. Following this spiritual stop, you will dive into the island's most famous industry with a comprehensive Tea Plantation Experience. This includes a guided tour, a chance for hands-on tea plucking (learning to pick the crucial 'two leaves and a bud'), and a Tea Factory Visit to see the meticulous process of creating Ceylon tea, culminating in a fresh tea tasting session. The afternoon features a Nuwara Eliya City Tour to appreciate the town's colonial architecture and beautiful surroundings, including a visit to Gregory Lake. You will then return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 5 => The Iconic Scenic Train Ride to Ella
After breakfast and checking out, you will drive to Nanu Oya station to begin one of the world's most spectacular railway journeys. Board the train for a breathtaking ride to the charming village of Ella (approx. 3 hours train ride). This journey is renowned for its incredible views of tea plantations, mountains, and dense jungle scenery. Upon arrival in Ella, you will visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge (The Bridge in the Sky). This iconic landmark, built entirely of rock and brick, is a photographer's dream, especially when viewed against the backdrop of lush greenery. Afterward, you will check into your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Ella.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 6 => History and Coast – Galle Fort to Bentota
After breakfast and check-out from your hotel in Ella, you will embark on a scenic journey towards the southern coast. The first stop is the historic Galle Dutch Fort (approx. 3 hours 45 mins drive). As Asia's largest occupied fort, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a captivating time capsule. You will enjoy walking through its quaint, cobbled streets, appreciating the rich history, charming architecture, and picturesque views of the ocean. Following the visit, you will transfer to the renowned beach town of Bentota (approx. 1 hour 15 mins drive). After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure to relax on the beautiful beach or optionally indulge in thrilling water sports. Dinner and overnight stay in Bentota.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 7 => Coastal Nature and Conservation in Bentota
Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel or on the beach in Bentota. In the afternoon, your focus shifts to the region's natural wonders, starting with a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. This conservation center, established to protect local sea turtles from extinction, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the rehabilitation and safeguarding of these magnificent marine creatures. Following this, you will embark on a tranquil Madhu River Boat Safari. Cruise through this vast wetland, exploring the rich ecosystem, passing by mangrove forests and numerous islets that provide shelter to diverse wildlife. After the safari, return to the hotel for leisure time, dinner, and your overnight stay in Bentota.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner.
DAY 8 => Departure
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel in Bentota. After check-out, your private chauffeur will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) (approx. 1 hour 35 minutes drive) for your scheduled onward flight, marking the end of your incredible 8-day journey through Sri Lanka.
Meals Included: Breakfast.