Dream of Sri Lanka

5 Days / 4 Nights
Destination Sri Lanka
Group Size 1 - 12 Persons
Meals Bed & Breakfast
Languages Any
Difficulty Easy to Moderate
Transportation Private AC Car / Van
Best Season December to April
Tour Type Private Tour
Starting Price $250 / pp

Trip Overview

Experience the best of Sri Lanka in just five unforgettable days. This curated itinerary perfectly blends wildlife encounters, spiritual heritage, and coastal beauty, offering an authentic taste of the island’s famous hospitality.

Begin with an unforgettable visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage before exploring the cultural heart of Kandy, home to sacred temples and traditional arts. Journey to the beautiful southern coast for tranquil river safaris and golden beaches, concluding your adventure in the vibrant capital of Colombo. This tour offers the perfect introduction to Sri Lanka’s diverse culture and stunning scenery for travelers seeking a memorable short holiday.

Trip Highlights

  • Visit the world-renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and observe rescued elephants in their natural surroundings, including their daily river bathing experience.

  • Discover a traditional spice and herbal garden to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous spices, Ayurvedic herbs, and natural remedies.

  • Explore the cultural capital of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage City surrounded by scenic mountains.

  • Visit the sacred Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, home to one of Buddhism’s most revered relics.

  • Learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous gemstones during a visit to a local gem museum.

  • Experience the vibrant traditions of Sri Lanka through an exciting cultural dance performance featuring traditional music and fire dancing.

  • Enjoy a scenic boat safari along the Madu Ganga, famous for its mangrove forests, birdlife, and tranquil waterways.

  • Visit a turtle conservation hatchery and learn about efforts to protect endangered sea turtles.

  • Relax on the golden beaches of Bentota or Hikkaduwa, enjoying the tropical coastal atmosphere.

  • Visit the historic St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most revered Catholic churches.

  • Explore the beautiful Ponnambalavaneswarar Temple, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to Lord Shiva.

  • Enjoy a guided city tour of Colombo, visiting landmarks such as Colombo Harbour, Independence Square, BMICH, Galle Face Green, Old Parliament, and Town Hall.

  • Indulge in shopping at Colombo’s modern malls and vibrant local markets before your departure.

Ideal For

This tour is perfect for:

  • First-time visitors to Sri Lanka

  • Couples and honeymooners

  • Families

  • Wildlife and nature lovers

  • Cultural and religious travelers

  • Beach holiday enthusiasts

  • Short vacation seekers

  • Travelers looking for a well-balanced Sri Lankan experience

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & The Gentle Giants

  • Route: Airport to Pinnawala

  • Activities: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

  • Overnight: Pinnawala

Arrive at Bandaranayke International Airport and meet your Explore Lanka Travel agent. Travel to Pinnawala, home to nearly 100 elephants of all ages. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 as a conservation and breeding center. Witness these magnificent animals during their daily walk to the river for their baths—a unique and unforgettable sight.

Day 2: The Cultural Heart of Kandy

  • Route: Pinnawala to Kandy

  • Activities: Spice Garden, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Gem Museum, Cultural Show

  • Overnight: Kandy (or Pussellawa)

After breakfast, travel to Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhala Kings. En route, visit a spice and herbal garden to learn about the processing of Sri Lanka’s world-famous spices. Upon arrival in Kandy, visit the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses the tooth of the Buddha. Explore a traditional gem museum and end your day by witnessing a Sri Lankan cultural dance performance showcasing traditional music and rituals.

Day 3: River Safaris & Coastal Bliss

  • Route: Kandy to Balapitiya / Bentota

  • Activities: Madu Ganga Boat Safari, Turtle Hatchery visit

  • Overnight: Hikkaduwa or Bentota

After breakfast, travel to Balapitiya for a boat safari on the Madu River. This area is rich in biodiversity, with waterways passing through swampy marshlands and mangrove forests. Later, visit a turtle hatchery to learn about local conservation efforts. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the sun and sand at the beach.

Day 4: Spirituality in Colombo

  • Route: Bentota to Colombo

  • Activities: St. Anthony’s Church, Ponnambalavaneswarar Temple

  • Overnight: Colombo

After breakfast, travel to Colombo. Begin your city exploration at St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade, one of the oldest and most revered Catholic churches in the country, consecrated in 1834. Next, visit the Ponnambalavaneswarar Temple, a famous, fully stone-built Shiva temple that stands as an architectural masterpiece.

Day 5: Colombo City Tour & Departure

  • Route: Colombo Sightseeing

  • Activities: City tour, Shopping, Departure

  • Overnight: N/A

After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive city tour of Colombo. Visit landmarks including the Colombo Harbour, the President’s House, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Town Hall, Independence Square, Galle Face Green, and the Old Parliament building. Take some time for last-minute shopping in the vibrant markets and malls of Colombo before transferring to the airport for your final departure.

Map & Route Location

$420/person