Sri Lanka Express Tour
Per person sharing
The Sri Lanka Express is an all-encompassing tour of this captivating island.
Start your journey in Colombo, the bustling capital and economic hub, before immersing yourself in the splendors of Minneriya National Park, the iconic Sigiriya Rock, and the allure of spice gardens and tea plantations.
Experience the thrill of a scenic train ride between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, traversing breathtaking landscapes.
As your adventure unfolds, find serenity in Bentota during the final days of your expedition.
This popular stretch of beach resorts provides the perfect setting to unwind, with sun, sea, and sand at your fingertips. Beyond leisure, Bentota offers exciting opportunities for scuba diving, snorkeling, and various water-based sports.
Indulge in the warmth of Sri Lanka's ever-smiling people and savor the mouth-watering local cuisine. The island, teeming with birdlife and exotic species like elephants and leopards, unfolds as an original paradise, showcasing scenes as beautiful as the hand of God ever created. Despite its size, Sri Lanka goes by many nicknames like the Teardrop of India and Pearl of the Orient, reflecting its richness, beauty, and the profound impact it leaves on its visitors. This small island state is a vibrant tapestry of languages, cultures, and religions, creating an exotic and intense tapestry of experiences.
At a glance
| Day 1 | Welcome to Sri Lanka. Meet and transfer to Colombo hotel |
| Day 2 | Colombo - Dambulla - Minneriya |
| Day 3 | Visit Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa |
| Day 4 | Continue to Kandy via Matale |
| Day 5 | Optional train ride to Nuwara Eliya with a city tour |
| Day 6 | Travel to Beruwela |
| Day 7 | A free day for beach activities |
| Day 8 | Depart for Colombo Airport and check in for your return flight |
Highlights
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Sigiriya Rock fortress
- Polonnaruwa, a World Heritage site
- Minneriya National Park jeep game drive
- Madu river boat ride
- Turtle Hatchery
- Temple of the Tooth Relic
- A train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
- Cultural Dance show Kandy
Quick Contact
Itinerary
Arrival in Sri Lanka - Colombo
- Welcome to Sri Lanka!
- Arrival at Colombo Airport. You are met by our driver/guide and airport staff for assistance. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
- Colombo; Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and major port is a fine amalgamation of all the hues and cultures within this paradise isle. This chic metropolitan has skyscrapers, sandy beaches and a collage of markets and gardens, bringing together the many facets of this island nation. The city offers fine dining and shopping, not to mention the overarching beauty of the city’s rapidly developing landscape; a perfect combination of well-preserved colonial architecture and urbanity. Be amazed by the many cultural and historical wonders located within locales such as Fort and Cinnamon Gardens. The bustling market streets of Pettaha make up for an interesting place of visit.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Colombo.
Colombo - Dambulla - Minneriya |(B)
- After breakfast, travel to Dambulla and check-in at your hotel
- Once refreshed, you are taken to Minneriya for an afternoon safari game drive
- Minneriya National park- located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997. Located in the center of the cultural triangle, Minneriya is a good alternative to the busier parks in the south and it's easy to weave in a day here between visiting the ancient cities. The dry season, preferably from June to September, is the best time to visit the park when the ancient tank, the lake that dominates the area, dries out and the grasses and shoots push through. During this time, it is possible to see herds of up to 150 elephants feeding and washing, as well as toque macaques, sambar deer and leopards.
- Overnight at your hotel in Dambulla.
Dambulla - Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa (B)
- After breakfast go to Sigiriya for a climb up the Rock Fortress.
- Sigiriya -The marvelous rock fortress of Sigiriya is a rare jewel among the many treasures in Sri Lanka. The site was the domain of King Kashyapa whose aim was to build an impregnable fortress and within it, a heavenly abode. Rising over the dry plains of the Dambulla district, the tough climb up this flat-topped monadnock ends with the most scenic bird’s-eye view of the emerald plains and leafy villages below. The skeletal layout of the ancient city within the fortress marvels its observers with the grandeur and complexity of the 5th-century urban-planning of Sri Lanka. On the way to the top one can observe the famous Sigiriya frescoes of the buxom, wasp-waisted maidens bearing flowers, amidst the wilderness and ancient ruins. The smoothly glazed ‘Mirror Wall’ located a few steps away has sealed the expressions of ancient visitors, inspired by the vibrant frescoes.
- After your visit, continue to Polonnaruwa for a city tour of this ancient city
- Polonnaruwa – A ‘World Heritage Site’, Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century AD. A great revival was achieved in the country, politically, economically and socially during the periods of kings Vijayabahu 1, Parakramabahu 1 and Nissankamalla. The monuments here are better preserved than at Anuradhapura - the previous capital. Parakrama statue, royal palaces, audience halls, Vata-da-ge, Thuparama, Rankoth Vehera, Kiri Vehera, Gal Vihara, Lankathilaka & Thivanka Image House are some of the interesting monuments here.
- Return to your hotel in Dambulla for overnight
Inclusions
- Meet and assist on arrival and departure by our local representative
- Transfer and intercity transportation as per itinerary in AC vehicle
- 7 Nights’ Accommodation at selected hotels in a double room sharing
- Meals: as mentioned
- Local English-speaking Chauffeur Guide
Exclusions
- International/Domestic flights – Departure & Fuel taxes (Contact us for best airfares)
- Personal expenses, meals and drinks unless otherwise specified
- Travel Insurance
- Entrance fees
- Sri Lanka visa fee
- Tips
- Optional tours – local Guide and Entrance fees
- Services not stated in the itinerary
Validity
- Rate valid for travel between 01 APR and 31 OCT 2024
H/S Supplement applicable for travel during July and August 2024
Contact us for alternative travel dates
Country information
Best time to go
Sri Lanka has a more complicated weather line compared to other Asian Islands. The West and South experience monsoon rains between May and September. The North and East experience monsoon between October and January. So, plan your holiday carefully. The coastal dry season is between April and November for the East Coast and December to March for the west coast areas. Also, note that the humidity is rather high
Getting around
Taxis have yellow tops and red/white number plates. They are metered but it is advisable to agree on a rate before boarding. Use the brand-new Tourist friendly Tuk-tuks for a short ride. Agree on the rate with the driver beforehand
Culture and Language
The normal manner of greetings is a handshake. Western clothing is very suitable during your stay except when visiting Buddhist Temples, formal and modest dress is required (no bare legs and upper arms). Sri Lankans are conscious of social order and status.
Sinhala is the mother tongue, but Tamil is the classical and oldest language
Sri Lanka food & drink
The staple meal consists of rice accompanied by several side dishes such as vegetables, egg, meat or fish. The local cuisine is a treat for the taste buds. Fish and Seafood feature strongly on many menus. Sweet and strong tea is served any time of the day
Tipping
Most hotels and restaurants already include a 10% service charge. Anywhere else, tipping is optional BUT appreciated and would be around 10%. When visiting temples, one can leave money in the donation box
Sri Lanka Favourite dishes
Hoppers: Sri Lankans version of thin pancakes with curry edges
Kottu: consists of flatbread, vegetables, oil, spices and egg/chicken or cheese
Coconut Sambol: finely grated coconut mixed with red onions, dried chilies, lime juice and salt
Wambatu Moju: Eggplant deep fried and combined with chili powder, mustard seeds, cloves and salt
Asmi: A combination of milk, rice flour, cinnamon leaves and coconut milk
A Tourist Paradise
Few places in the world offer the traveler such an outstanding combination of striking landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location. Sri Lanka is one of those places in the world.