Classic Sri Lanka Tour with Beach Vacation (Small Group Tour) – 9 Days

Tour Type

Private

Overview:

The Classic Sri Lanka Tour with Beach Vacation is a well-crafted 9-day small group tour that offers an incredible mix of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and its serene, tropical beaches. This tour is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the country’s ancient temples, historical sites, and UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, while also unwinding on some of the most beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka. With a combination of culture, nature, and beach relaxation, this tour provides the perfect balance of exploration and leisure.

Itinerary Summary

Day Place Highlights
1 Colombo Arrival, Colombo city tour
2 Colombo to Sigiriya Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Temple
3 Sigiriya to Kandy Kandy Temple of the Tooth, Lake
4 Kandy Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens
5 Kandy to Bentota Beach day at Bentota
6 Bentota Leisure day on the beach
7 Bentota to Galle Visit Galle Fort
8 Galle Beach day, explore Galle
9 Colombo Departure

Itinerary

  • Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport where you will be welcomed by your tour guide.
  • Visit Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. Explore attractions like the Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, and the Colombo National Museum.
  • Enjoy your first taste of Sri Lankan cuisine at a local restaurant.

Overnight stay in Colombo.

  • After breakfast, embark on a drive to Sigiriya (approximately 4-5 hours).
  • On the way, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Buddhist cave paintings and statues dating back to the first century BCE.
  • Continue to Sigiriya and explore the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient palace and one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks.

Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

  • Drive to Polonnaruwa (about 1.5-2 hours from Sigiriya), another UNESCO World Heritage site and the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka.
  • Visit the Gal Vihara, with its impressive statues of Buddha, Vatadage, Lankatilaka Temple, and the Royal Palace complex.

Return to Sigiriya for an overnight stay.

  • Head towards Kandy, a city rich in culture and spirituality (approximately 2.5-3 hours drive).
  • Visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered religious sites, housing the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.
  • Experience a traditional cultural dance performance in the evening.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

  • Spend a relaxing day in Kandy. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, home to a stunning collection of tropical plants and orchids.
  • Enjoy a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake, and explore the Kandy Market for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

  • After breakfast, drive to Bentota, a beautiful beach destination on the south coast of Sri Lanka (approximately 4 hours).
  • Arrive and check-in to your beachside accommodation, where you can relax by the beach or enjoy water sports.

Overnight stay in Bentota.

  • Enjoy a full day of beach relaxation at Bentota Beach. You can engage in various water activities such as jet skiing, windsurfing, or snorkeling.
  • Alternatively, take a relaxing boat ride along the Bentota River or visit nearby attractions such as the Brief Garden.

Overnight stay in Bentota.

  • Spend the morning relaxing on the beach before heading back to Colombo in the afternoon (approximately 2-3 hours drive).
  • In the evening, enjoy some leisure time for last-minute shopping or exploring Colombo’s vibrant markets and restaurants.

Overnight stay in Colombo.

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure, marking the end of a memorable Sri Lankan journey.

Inclusions

  • 8 nights' accommodation in 3-4 star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and dinner.
  • All transportation by air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Professional guide services.
  • Entrance fees to attractions.

Exclusions

  • International flights.
  • Meals other than breakfast and dinner.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Tips and gratuities.

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