Colombo Trip Overview
This comprehensive trip will take you to some of the most incredible places that Sri Lanka has to offer. In this short 5 night adventure, you will visit the charming city of Kandy which crosses an area of tropical plantations, containing mainly tea, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites – Sri Lanka has a rich Buddhist heritage, and the first known Buddhist writings were composed on the Island. Another highlight is a trip to Nuwara Eliya Town which is often referred to as ‘Little England’ and has a British-country-village feel to it.
Additional Info
Duration: 5 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours >> Multi-day Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
This comprehensive trip will take you to some of the most incredible places that Sri Lanka has to offer. In this short 5 night adventure, you will visit the charming city of Kandy which crosses an area of tropical plantations, containing mainly tea, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites – Sri Lanka has a rich Buddhist heritage, and the first known Buddhist writings were composed on the Island. Another highlight is a trip to Nuwara Eliya Town which is often referred to as ‘Little England’ and has a British-country-village feel to it.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sri Lanka and Tour of Kandy
Stop At: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
Kandy’s Tooth Relic Temple is the most significant Buddhist holy place in Sri Lanka, venerated by Buddhists from Southeast Asia as well. There are four shrines for gods connected to the Buddha’s Tooth Temple. These Devales, playing an important role in the processions of the Buddha’s Tooth Relic, are mainly Sinhalese places of worship, whereas Tamil Hindu temples are called Kovils. But the Devales are closely connected to Hinduism in many ways. The above mentioned world-famous procession called Kandy Perahera, originates in the Ratha Yatras held for the Hindu deities. The priests of the Kataragama Devale in the city centre are not Sinhalese Kapuralas, but Tamil Brahmins.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Kandy, Kandy, Kandy District, Central Province
Kandy City tour
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Kandy Lake Club – Cultural Dance Show, 7 Sangamitta Mawatha, Kandy 20000 Sri Lanka
The Dance was done during the king’s times as an entertaining show for the kings. However its popularity reduced when the British took over, but now it’s revived and taken on for the stage. The Kandyan Music & the Dresses all are a beauty to watch.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: “Overnight at Hotel Topaz, a 4-Star Hotel”.
Day 2: Nuwara Eliya, “City on the plain (table land)”
Stop At: Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya Road, Peradeniya 20400 Sri Lanka
Peradeniya is the Royal Botanical Gardens which was the pleasure garden of the last King of Kandy. The Peradeniya Garden is easily one of the best of its kind in the world. The many beautiful avenues will lead one to sections which provide a burst of tropical color. The great lawns & variety of huge trees in tropical climate surrounded by the islands’ longest river Mahaweli, will surprise your Sri Lanka tour at the Peradeniya Royal Botanical garden. The best known attraction of the Gardens is the famous Orchid House, which house for more than 300 varieties of exquisite orchids from the rare indigenous Foxtail and Vesak orchids, to many natural and hybrid species which have made this one of the best known orchid centers of the world. A spice garden gives you a firsthand introduction to the trees, plants and creepers that produce the special spices of Sri Lanka. The Herbarium grows many of the plants used for the traditional Ayurvedic treatments.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Ramboda Waterfall, Pussellawa Sri Lanka
This unique waterfall is situated in the Pussellawa district in the city of Kandy. Ramboda Falls is the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, hidden just off of the Ramboda Pass.
The falls form a ‘Y’ shape in the air, as two water sources become one, to form the splurging waters of the falls. The main source is the Kotmale Oya, a river which is part of the Mahaweli River, the largest in Sri Lanka. The area surrounding the waterfall is renowned for its lush greenery comprising of hilly mountains, ridges, plains and streams.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bluefield Tea Gardens, Ramboda, Nuwara Eliya 22200 Sri Lanka
Visit Tea Plantation & Tea Factory
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka
Gregory Lake was built under the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. The area was originally a swamp before the governer authorised the building of a damn and the expansion of the town.
When it was built the lake was stocked with trout for fishing. Interestingly, in 1913, the water from the lake was channelled into a tunnel which flowed into a hydropower station. To this day, this method continues to supply electricity to the town.
Today, this is the most prominent attraction in Nuwara Eliya and visitors to the area generally spend time by the lake relaxing and enjoying the magnificent views. The lake is used as a place for numerous types of water sports which can also be enjoyed at any time of year.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Nuwara Eliya, Nuwara Eliya, Central Province
Nuwaraeliya City Tour
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: “Overnight at Daffodils Hotel, a 3-Star Hotel”
Day 3: Bentota and Experience White Water Rafting
Stop At: Rafting Kitulgala, Kalugotenna, Kitulgala, Sri Lanka
Experience white water rafting in the picturesque Kelani River, covering 5 major rapids and 4 minor rapids. This activity is for anyone above the age of 10 years. Safety gear, modern rafts, and a comprehensive safety briefing will be given by the white water rafting instructors beforehand.
The distance covered on this adventure is around 5 kilometres. The river and its surrounding scenery will be an utterly memorable experience to take away from Sri Lanka with you.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: “Overnight at Temple Tree Resort & Spa, a 4-Star Hotel”
Day 4: Galle Dutch Fort and Water activities in Bentota
Stop At: Galle Fort, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
Galle Fort was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese and then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Behind the architecture lies a colourful history which our local guide can bring to life.
As you explore the fort, you’ll notice the thick-walled ramparts that withstood the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami but within its walls are some fascinating monuments each with its own story. Our tour is timed so that you’ll finish on the fort walls to take in the panoramic views including a breathtaking sunset.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Madu River, Nilwala River Safari, Bridge View, Custom Road, Balapitiya , Sri Lanka 941906362 Call And Contact, Balapitiya 80550 Sri Lanka
A boat safari that will take you past historical island temples, shaded mangroves and maybe the occasional crocodile. Madu River is a wetland, near Balapitiya that consists of 28 islands and 2 main wetlands.
While travelling along the river, you will encounter these islands and vast expanses of wetlands with various bird species, water monitors, dragonflies and plants along the way. You’ll pass through the secretive passages created by the mangroves.
The mangroves within this fascinating ecosystem play a vital role in preventing erosion and assist in the growth of the plants that line the rivers.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: “Overnight at Temple Tree Resort & Spa, a 4-Star Hotel”
Day 5: Colombo and local art and fabrics
Stop At: Independence Square, Independence Avenue, Colombo 00700 Sri Lanka
Independence Memorial Hall is located in the Independence Square at Colombo 7. This place was known as Torrington Square in the early days. This Hall was built for the commemoration of the independence from the British in 1948.
Every square inch of this monument is filled with lavish symbols of the island’s rich history and political freedom. At the entrance to the building is an imposing statue of D.S. Senanayake, who was Sri Lanka’s first prime minister, surrounded by four menacing stone lions with large eyes.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Bauddhaloka Mawatha Near China Embassy, Colombo 00700 Sri Lanka
An iconic landmark venue, a combination of versatility, prestige, ambience and star class service, BMICH is a one-stop destination allowing the creation of an outstanding setting for a wide range of events.
An outright gift from the People’s Republic of China, BMICH was built as a tribute to the late Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike. Initiated in 1970, the completed first purpose-built conference centre in Asia was inaugurated in 1973.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, Hospital Street Galle Fort, Colombo 00001 Sri Lanka
The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct is one of the most attractive shopping centres in Sri Lanka. During the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka, this building was a hospital – it is considered to be the oldest buildings in the Colombo Fort area.
It is now a heritage building and a shopping and dining precinct. The building was initially designed as a hospital for the soldiers and personnel of the Dutch East India Company. The hospital’s close proximity to the harbour also allowed it to serve Dutch seafarers.
Paintings from the era show that there was once had a canal running next to the hospital, along what is now Canal Row lane. This canal was filled in by British colonists after their capture of the city.
The courtyard in the centre sometimes plays host to live music, here you will find some great restaurants, shops, bars and a lively atmosphere.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Galle Face Green, Galle Road, Colombo Sri Lanka
Galle Face Green is a five-hectare ocean-side urban park and one of the largest open spaces in Colombo. It’s a wonderful place to partake in outdoor activities or some exercise, and it is one of the best spots in the city to watch the sun set over the west coast of Sri Lanka.
The park is rarely empty and gets particularly busy in the early evening as street food vendors take their place and locals come to feast on their snacks.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: “Overnight at Berjaya Hotel, a 4-Star Hotel”
