Arrive at Colombo International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by your representative and guide from Beyond Yatra. After completing airport formalities, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic journey to Kandy. En route, if time permits, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to more than 100 elephants where you can witness feeding sessions and river bathing – an unforgettable experience with great photo opportunities. Continue your drive with a stop at a traditional Spice Garden, where you will discover Sri Lanka’s world-famous cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, cloves, ginger, and saffron, along with their Ayurvedic and medicinal uses. On arrival in Kandy – the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – embark on a sightseeing tour that includes Upper Lake Drive for panoramic views, the bustling Market Crafts Centre, and the renowned Gem Museum. A visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is a highlight, with 147 acres of lush greenery, over 5,000 plant species, an Orchid House, and majestic palm avenues including the rare Double Coconut Palm. In the evening, you may choose to attend a vibrant Kandy Cultural Show (subject to availability), featuring fire dancers, drummers, and traditional Kandyan performances, before visiting the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist treasure – the tooth of Lord Buddha – within its richly decorated shrine built by the Kandyan Kings. Finally, check into your hotel in Kandy, enjoy a delicious dinner, and unwind after a fulfilling day.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed towards the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya. En route, visit the Sri Bhaktha Hanuman Temple, a revered site connected to the Ramayana. According to legend, this is where Lord Hanuman searched for Sita in the surrounding jungles, and nearby lies the mystical Sita Tear Pond, said to have formed from her tears. The temple itself houses a striking granite statue of Lord Hanuman, rising over 40 feet tall, and the Ramboda area is believed to be where Rama’s forces once gathered against Ravana. Continue to the Seetha Amman Temple, nestled beside a stream where Sitadevi is said to have bathed during her captivity at Ashok Vatika. Idols discovered in this very stream over a century ago are now enshrined in the temple, which also features shrines dedicated to Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. Intriguingly, footprints resembling those of Lord Hanuman can be seen along the riverbank, some small and some enormous, symbolizing his ability to change form at will.

On arrival in Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as “Little England”, explore this charming colonial hill station once cherished as a holiday retreat by the British. Stroll through its quaint streets lined with pretty cottages, villas, and stately mansions. Capture a memory at the iconic red-bricked post office, relax amidst the floral beauty of Queen Victoria Park, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Lake Gregory.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart from the cool misty hills of Nuwara Eliya and journey down to the sunny southern coast of Sri Lanka towards Bentota. On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing by the beach or simply enjoying the serene coastal surroundings. In the evening, relish a delightful dinner and unwind in comfort.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your day with a visit to the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project (KSTCP), established in 1988 with the mission of protecting endangered sea turtles and preserving their nesting grounds. Here, you will learn about the threats faced by these gentle marine creatures and the efforts taken to safeguard them. The project’s hatchery plays a vital role, allowing rescued eggs to hatch safely away from predators before the hatchlings are released into the sea under the cover of night. Some hatchlings are temporarily cared for in a process known as “head starting,” giving them a better chance of survival before release. Each egg, hatchling, and turtle is crucial to the survival of the species, making this visit both inspiring and educational.

Continue to Balapitiya for an enchanting boat safari on the Madu River, a serene journey through mangrove-fringed waterways and a labyrinth of islets. As you cruise along, witness the timeless beauty of rural life, spot fishermen practicing traditional techniques, and pass by cinnamon cultivations and coir rope-making demonstrations. The ride also reveals fascinating sights such as a 200-year-old riverside temple, flocks of colorful birds including 14 aquatic species, as well as butterflies, water lilies, and other flora and fauna thriving in this rich ecosystem.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial capital, for an exciting city tour. Drive through both the busy business districts and the leafy residential quarters of Cinnamon Gardens, before exploring the historic heart of the city. Visit Fort, once the British administrative centre and military garrison, and stroll through Sea Street, the famed goldsmiths’ quarter in Pettah. Discover the vibrant Bazaar area, home to a Hindu temple adorned with intricate stone carvings, and step into history at the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal, dating back to 1749. Continue to the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), admire the striking replica of the Avukana Buddha, and pause at the iconic Independence Square, a symbol of Sri Lanka’s freedom.

In the evening, enjoy shopping in Colombo’s most popular hubs. From the open green expanse of Galle Face Green—a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike—to modern shopping centres and boutiques such as Cotton Collection, House of Fashion, Odel, Beverly Street, Noritake Showroom, Barefoot, Laksala, One Galle Face, and Colombo City Center, you’ll find everything from fashionable clothing and handicrafts to souvenirs with an elegant Sri Lankan touch.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Spend some free time exploring Colombo at your own pace or indulge in some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts to take home.

Later, you will be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you wonderful experiences and unforgettable memories of your journey through Sri Lanka.