Overview
SRI LANKA – A JOURNEY OF HERITAGE, NATURE & SPIRITUAL DISCOVERY
Hotels
Meals
Sightseeing
Transfers
Tour Style:
- Scenic Landscapes
- Ramayana Heritage
- Spiritual Discovery
- Tea Plantations
- Cultural Experiences
- Nature
- Photography
- Leisure
Discover the enchanting island of Sri Lanka on a thoughtfully curated journey that brings together pristine coastal charm, lush tea-covered mountains, fascinating colonial heritage and sacred sites associated with the Ramayana. From the tranquil waterways of the Madu River and the historic Galle Dutch Fort to the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya, the spiritual landmarks of Kandy and the vibrant capital of Colombo, this holiday offers a memorable introduction to Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, rich traditions and timeless attractions.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JOURNEY
- Coastal Escape: Discover Bentota and experience the scenic Madu River boat safari.
- Colonial Heritage: Explore the historic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Ramayana Trail: Visit the revered Sita Amman Temple and Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple.
- Scenic Hill Country: Enjoy the refreshing climate and picturesque landscapes of Nuwara Eliya.
- Waterfall & Tea Experiences: Admire Ramboda Falls and discover the fascinating process of Ceylon tea production.
- Spiritual Kandy: Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.
- Botanical Beauty: Explore the lush Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya.
- Wildlife Encounter: Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
- Capital City Discovery: Experience Colombo’s highlights and enjoy time for shopping, subject to the available schedule.
Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN SRI LANKA – TRANSFER TO BENTOTA
Begin your Sri Lankan holiday with a flight from your respective city to Bandaranaike International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representative and escorted to your vehicle for the scenic drive to Bentota, a popular coastal destination known for its relaxed atmosphere and tropical surroundings.
On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure after your journey. The evening is free for you to unwind at the hotel or explore the surrounding area independently.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bentota.
Day 2
BENTOTA – MADU RIVER SAFARI – GALLE DUTCH FORT – BENTOTA
After breakfast, proceed towards Balapitiya to experience a memorable boat safari along the picturesque Madu River, one of Sri Lanka’s remarkable wetland ecosystems.
Madu River Boat Safari: Cruise through peaceful waterways fringed by lush mangrove forests, discovering the region’s rich biodiversity and tranquil natural surroundings. The river and its interconnected lagoon support a variety of birdlife and aquatic species. Recognised as a Ramsar wetland of international importance in 2004, this ecosystem is among the highlights of Sri Lanka’s southern coastal region.
Continue to Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s colonial past. Originally established by the Portuguese in 1588 and subsequently fortified by the Dutch from 1649, the fort showcases a distinctive blend of European architectural influences and South Asian traditions. Explore its historic surroundings and appreciate the heritage of this remarkable coastal landmark, which continues to be home to a vibrant, multicultural community.
After the sightseeing excursion, return to Bentota.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bentota.
Day 3
BENTOTA – NUWARA ELIYA – THE CHARM OF SRI LANKA’S HIGHLANDS
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and embark on a scenic drive towards Nuwara Eliya, situated in the heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
Often referred to as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its cool climate, rolling hills, lush tea plantations and charming colonial-era character. Historically favoured as a British hill station, the town retains a distinctive atmosphere complemented by beautiful mountain scenery and landscaped surroundings.
En route, visit the revered Sita Amman Temple, one of the most significant sites associated with the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka. Located in the Sita Eliya area, near Hakgala, the temple is traditionally believed to mark the place where Goddess Sita was held captive by Ravana in Ashok Vatika, also known as Ashokavanam.
According to the Ramayana tradition, this is where Lord Hanuman met Goddess Sita and presented Lord Rama’s ring as a sign of reassurance. The nearby stream and distinctive rock formations are also associated with local beliefs surrounding this sacred episode, making the temple an important destination for devotees and travellers interested in the Ramayana heritage.
Continue your journey through the scenic highlands to Nuwara Eliya. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax amidst the refreshing mountain atmosphere.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 4
NUWARA ELIYA – A SCENIC HILL STATION EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque hill station celebrated for its pleasant climate, verdant tea estates and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Discover the town’s distinctive colonial charm, admire its scenic surroundings and enjoy the peaceful ambience that makes Nuwara Eliya one of Sri Lanka’s most appealing highland destinations. The region’s rolling plantations and refreshing natural environment offer wonderful opportunities for photography and leisurely exploration.
After completing the city tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 5
NUWARA ELIYA – RAMBODA FALLS – HANUMAN TEMPLE – TEA COUNTRY – KANDY
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart for Kandy, travelling through the beautiful landscapes of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. En route, experience some of the region’s most memorable natural, spiritual and cultural attractions.
Ramboda Falls: Pause to admire the impressive Ramboda Falls, a spectacular waterfall standing approximately 109 metres high. Located near Ramboda Pass along the A5 highway, the falls cascade through a lush mountainous setting, creating a scenic highlight along the journey.
Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple: Continue to this important Ramayana Trail pilgrimage site established by the Chinmaya Mission. The temple houses a striking five-metre granite statue of Lord Hanuman and is traditionally associated with the place where Hanuman began his search for Goddess Sita. The name Ramboda is linked to the Tamil term Rampadai, meaning Rama’s force, reflecting local traditions connecting the area with Lord Rama’s army.
Sri Lankan Tea Plantation and Factory: Experience the heritage of world-famous Ceylon tea with a guided visit to a tea plantation and factory. Learn about the cultivation and processing of tea, from withering and sorting to grading and packaging, and discover why Sri Lanka’s central highlands are renowned for producing high-quality tea. Enjoy a warm cup of freshly prepared Ceylon tea amid the picturesque plantation scenery, with an opportunity to purchase tea as a souvenir.
After the day’s experiences, continue to Kandy and check in to your hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.
Day 6
KANDY – SACRED HERITAGE & BOTANICAL BEAUTY
After breakfast, proceed to explore Kandy, a historic city celebrated for its spiritual significance, cultural traditions and lush natural surroundings.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Visit Sri Dalada Maligawa, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. Located within the former Royal Palace Complex, the temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which has played a significant role in the island’s religious and political history. Once the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, Kandy remains an important centre of Buddhist heritage and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya: Continue to the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, among the island’s most celebrated horticultural attractions. Stroll through its expansive landscaped grounds, admire the impressive palm avenues, explore the vibrant orchid collections and discover a remarkable variety of tropical plants. The gardens provide a refreshing natural setting and a wonderful opportunity to appreciate Sri Lanka’s rich botanical diversity.
After sightseeing, return to the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.
Day 7
KANDY – PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE – SPICE GARDEN – COLOMBO
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart for Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital. En route, visit some of the island’s well-known attractions.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Visit this renowned elephant care and breeding centre, established in 1975 to provide care and protection to orphaned and vulnerable wild Asian elephants. Located in the village of Pinnawala, the centre has become one of Sri Lanka’s recognised wildlife attractions, offering an opportunity to learn about elephant care and conservation. The experience provides insight into the importance of protecting these magnificent animals.
Spice Garden: Continue to a Sri Lankan spice garden to discover the island’s long-standing association with spices and traditional cultivation. Learn about the varieties of spices grown in the region and their importance in local cuisine and heritage.
Proceed to Colombo and check in to your hotel. If time permits, enjoy a city tour covering selected highlights of the capital, followed by free time for shopping and independent exploration.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Colombo.
Day 01
COLOMBO – DEPARTURE
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before completing the check-out formalities. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport for your return flight.
As your Sri Lankan holiday comes to an end, bid farewell to this beautiful island with cherished memories of its coastal landscapes, sacred Ramayana sites, cool mountain retreats, tea plantations and rich cultural heritage.
Depart Sri Lanka with wonderful memories and experiences to treasure for a lifetime.
Inclusions
- International Airfares: Return international airfare Ex Delhi as per the package itinerary.
- Luxury Accommodation: Hotel accommodation in luxury hotels throughout the tour.
- Luxury Transportation: All transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned luxury coach.
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners during the tour.
- Professional Tour Guidance: Services of an English-speaking guide throughout the tour.
- Airport Transfers: Arrival pick-up and departure drop-off at Bandaranaike International Airport.
- Entrance Fees: Entrance fees to the sightseeing attractions included in the itinerary.
- Madu River Experience: Scenic boat safari through the beautiful waterways and mangrove landscapes of the Madu River.
- Galle Dutch Fort: Visit to the historic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Visit to the renowned elephant care and conservation centre.
- Gangaramaya Temple: Visit to this celebrated Buddhist temple and cultural landmark in Colombo.
- Sri Lankan Visa: Sri Lankan visa fee as specified in the package.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance coverage for guests up to 69 years of age. Guests aged 70 years and above will be subject to an additional premium, as applicable.
- GST: Applicable GST as per prevailing government regulations.
Exclusions
- Peronal Expenses
- 2% TCS (Tax Collected at Source): Applicable as per Government norms and claimable during income tax return filing, subject to eligibility and prevailing regulations.
WHY THIS JOURNEY APPEALS TO THE 50+ TRAVELLER
- A varied holiday combining coastal scenery, mountain landscapes, cultural heritage and spiritual discovery.
- Comfortable road transfers and hotel stays throughout the journey.
- A balanced combination of guided sightseeing and free time.
- Opportunities to enjoy nature, photography and authentic local experiences.
- A meaningful introduction to Sri Lanka’s Ramayana heritage and Buddhist traditions.
- A memorable island experience combining relaxation, discovery and cultural enrichment.
Important Notes
- The itinerary is subject to flight schedules, local conditions and operational requirements.
- Sightseeing and activities are subject to weather conditions, local regulations and availability.
- Travel insurance for guests aged 70 years or above will attract an additional premium, as applicable.
