Beach & Nightlife in Sri Lanka

Airport/Negombo

• Welcomed by our representative & handed over to your respective guide
• Proceed to Negombo

Negombo is situated by the western shores of a lagoon by the same name. Back in the day, it was once a trading port for Portuguese and Dutch. The proximity to the airport and beach resorts in the city, makes it an ideal place for those who want quick access to and from the airport. Many tourists visiting Sri Lanka opt to either transfer to Negombo before their flight or head there to unwind once arriving in the country.

• Old Dutch Fort and Canal

One of the many attractions in Negombo, the Old Dutch Fort is situated close to the lagoon and the grounds known as Esplanade (which is derived from French/Italian; a levelled open space close to the sea). It is home to the ruins left behind from the era, including the Dutch Fort Gate which has prominent inscription. But, the fort grounds are now part of the prison, and you are unable to get a good look. However, the Dutch Canals which are 100km long and run through the town is a great way to travel and explore Negombo. Back in the day, the Dutch Canal it was used as supply routes for the Dutch administration. Explore the city of Negombo and its great attractions including the old churches, great architecture, and the quaintness of its fishing villages using this mode of transport! It truly is a great attraction for those who want to see the country from a different perspective.

• Relax on the Beach during sunset.
• Overnight stay in Negombo at one of the following hotel of your choice;

High End Hotel: Heritance Negombo
Mid-level: Jetwing Lagoon
Low end: Goldi Sands Hotel
Budget: Beacon Beach Hotel

Kandy

• Proceed to Kandy
• City Tour

Reach the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka, the glorious hills of Kandy, and tour the city and catch a variety of attractions that will leave you mesmerised! A visit to the Gem Museum and Lapidary is a must, as Sri Lanka gem industry is something to experience. In the evening, enjoy a Cultural Show with traditional drummers and be mesmerized viewing the many different dance and music art forms inspired by up-country and low-country culture of the Island. Spectacular fire dancers and other folklore, Demon dancers, Traditional Kandyan dancers are a definite breathtaking experience.

• Pay respects at The Temple of the Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, always known as Dalada Maligawa, is a historical and religious gem of the country. A UNESCO World Heritage and Protected Site, the holy site is located in the Royal Palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy. It is one of the resting places of Lord Gautama Buddha’s tooth. When visiting and paying your respects to the shrine in the Temple, the clergy has requested visitors to wear modest white.

• Overnight stay in Kandy at any of the following hotels of your choice;

High End Hotel: Cinnamon Citadel
Mid-level: Amaya Hills
Low end: Queen’s Hotel
Budget: Oakray Regency

Kandy/Nuwara Eliya

• Morning visit to Royal Botanical Garden

Following breakfast at the hotel, make your way to Peradeniya, which is situated about 5.5 km to the west from the city of Kandy. Renowned for its collection of a variety of Orchids, and being home to more than 4000 species of plants including Orchids, Spices, Medical Plants and Palm trees, a stroll through the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden is a relaxing way to become acquainted with Sri Lanka’s indigenous flora and foliage!.

• Move on to Nuwara Eliya

From Peradeniya, head to Sri Lanka’s hill station that is fondly referred as “Little England” by locals. En route a stop at the Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Factory and Tea Garden to learn a little about the glorious tea industry as well as enjoy lunch at the Tea Centre there too. After lunch, a stopover at Ramboda Falls to catch a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s 11^th highest waterfall before getting into Nuwara Eliya. After which, enjoy a city tour while walking around the little town and Gregory Lake, which was built in the 1800s by the then British Governor, Sir William Gregory. Also, a visit to the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club or a strawberry farm should definitely be in the cards!

• Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya at one of the following hotels of your choice;

High End Hotel: Heritance Tea factory
Mid-level: St Andrew’s Hotel
Low end: The Hill Club, Nuwara Eliya
Budget: Summer Hill Breeze

Bentota

• Travel to Bentota via St. Clair’s and Devon Falls

After breakfast, en route to Bentota, stop to take in some of Sri Lanka’s waterfalls! Locals know the St Clair’s waterfall, which is the widest and the 20th highest waterfall in island, as the “Small Niagara” of Sri Lanka. Another one of Sri Lanka’s waterfalls is Devon Falls, its name derived from a pioneer coffee planter of British origin whose plantation is situated nearby. It is the 19^th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

• Stopover at Kithulgala for Level 4 White-water Rafting

You also have the option of experiencing the thrill of white water rafting through the level/grade 4 rapids of the Kalani Ganga (River). Thrilling adventure on the white water sections of the Kalini River is suitable for amateurs as well as professionals. You will experience the thrill of shooting rapids and the euphoria of making it through during this session. Also, you will witness the scenic location used for the Oscar award winning film, “Bridge over the river Kwai” that was filmed in 1956.

• Lunch at The Plantation Hotel in Kithulagala
• Reach Bentota and get settled at the Beach Hotel in Bentota, followed by dinner
• Hotel: Overnight stay in Bentota at one of the following hotels of your choice;

High End Hotel: Cinnamon Bey
Mid-level: Bentota Beach Hotel
Low end: Club Dolphin
Budget: Citrus Hikkaduwa

Galle

• Breakfast and relax on the beach
• Explore the Madu Ganga River Wetland via a Boat Cruise

Explore this unique wetland eco-system and catch a glimpse of the bio-diversity that is home to the Madu Ganga. The colourful wildlife that makes this wetland its home includes a variety of amphibian, aquatic and avian life and not to mention the plant and insects including over fifty kinds of butterflies! The best way to travel between through the mangrove forest is via a boat!

After the boat safari on the Madu Ganga, enjoy lunch at the Captain’s Boat House in Balapitiya.

• Visit Galle Fort

The Galle Fort, which was built by the Portuguese settlers back in 1588, it was taken over by the Dutch after their invasion after 1949, where it was heavily fortified. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also considered as one of the best example of a fortified city built by the Portuguese in South and Southeast Asia. A walk through the fortifications is a treat, with quaint trinket shops, hip eateries and boutique hotels, a walk through the streets onto the ramparts is a must! Don’t forget to also take in Sri Lanka’s oldest lighthouse and the Moon Bastion that sits at the edge of the fort, and not to mention The Dutch Church, the Galle National, Museum, Maritime Museum, Clock Tower and Old Dutch Hospital. If you are after a spot of shopping, the Galle Fort is perfect, especially if you are after gems and jewellery!

• Galle City Tour

Apart from touring Galle Fort, the rest of Galle is also famous for its cultural value and scenic beauty, with many places that attracts the tourists. Galle, known as the capital city of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, is located 119 km from Colombo. Galle, being the fourth largest city in Sri Lanka, is one of the major exits for the Southern Expressways where travel from Colombo will take approximately 1 hour and 45minutes, and 2 hours directly from the BIA Airport. Explore the city centre, take in the fishing boats come onto shore, and take a stroll down Marine Walk.

• Overnight stay at any of the following hotels of your choice;

High End Hotel: Jetwing Lighthouse
Mid-level: Hotel RIU Sri Lanka, Ahungalla
Low end: Taprobane Beach House, Unawatuna
Budget: Thambapanni Retreat, Unawatuna

Mirissa

• Early morning Whale and Dolphin Watching Sea Cruise

Wake up early morning to catch a boat at the best location for whale and dolphin watching in Sri Lanka, at Dondra Head! Witness the ever-smiling dolphins, the majestic Blue Whale (the world’s biggest living mammal), the Killer (Orca) Whales, Fin Whales, Sperm Whales, flying fish and more!

• Overnight Stay in Mirissa at any of the following hotels of your choice;

High End Hotel: Cape Weligama
Mid-level: Weligama Bay Resort
Low end: Palace Mirrisa
Budget: Paradise Beach Club

Colombo

• Proceed to Colombo
• Colombo City Tour, both on Day 7 & 8

Explore the metropolis of Colombo that is truly a unique blend of the history, & culture of the isle of Sri Lanka, with its modern touches, quirks and whims.  The 2-day city tour will cover many of the attractions in Colombo, such as the following;

• The National Museum of Colombo
• Viharamadevi Park – Situated close to the National Museum of Colombo, separated by Green Path, you’ll find one of Colombo’s finest parks, with a children’s park and a amphitheatre that hosts various productions, events and concerts. The stretch of road that lies between the park and the National Museum is Green Path, which has street artists selling their works of art! Make sure to stop and add a few pieces to your art collection to take back home!
• Mazes of Pettah Market – Experience the diversity of the Sri Lanka, by walking through the crisscross streets of the Pettah Market to experience street food, and purchase trinkets at great prices to take back home! Within the streets of Pettah, you can also visit the Colombo Dutch Museum.
• Galle Face Green – Take a stroll down Galle Face Green, which is in fact a five-hectare urban park on the edge of the Fort of Colombo and facing the Indian Ocean.  During British rule, it was used a golf course, for horseracing, and more. Indulge in some street food and take in the view from the pier!
• Old Dutch Hospital Complex – The oldest standing building in Fort, it was recently refurbished and then converted into a shopping & dining precinct that houses some fine boutique shops and renowned restaurants.
• Independence Square Arcade – Another one of Colombo’s recent refurbishment projects, it is now home to a variety of designer shops and great eateries!
• Other notable attractions include Town Hall (the headquarters of Colombo Municipal Council is a structure that was heavily inspired by L’Enfant’s influences in Washington, D.C.), Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) Theatre, Presidential Secretariat Office (at the Old Parliament Building), Independence Square and the New Parliament Complex in Sri Jayawardenapura, Kotte (the capital of Sri Lanka).
• Following the tour, visit a Casino & enjoy the Colombo Nightlife after 6 p.m
• Overnight stay at any of the following hotels;

High End Hotel: Mount Lavinia Beach Hotel
Mid-level: Berjaya Mount Royal, Mount Lavnia
Low end: Palm Beach Hotel
Budget: Mount Breeze/Tropic Inn

Airport

• As per flight schedule, Transfer to Airport