Meet & greet by your local representative at arrivals; quick briefing and luggage assistance before boarding the vehicle to Kandy. Allow 30–60 minutes for immigration, baggage and meeting point formalities.
Scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours from Negombo/BIA to Kandy passing paddy fields and small towns; comfortable vehicle with stops en route for restroom and refreshments. Plan for light stops; traffic into Kandy can add a little time.
Visit the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to watch elephants being fed and bathed in the river—great photo opportunity and a chance to learn about conservation. Facility hours typically ~08:30–17:30; bring a hat and water and note donations/feeding fees may apply.
Lunch provided as part of your package at a recommended roadside restaurant or hotel near Pinnawala serving classic Sri Lankan rice & curry and vegetarian options. Food service generally available noon–15:00 on the route.
Check in to your Kandy hotel and freshen up; hotel staff will provide local information and optional activity bookings for the evening. Most hotels will allow luggage storage if early arrival precedes standard check-in.
Enjoy a Kandy cultural dance performance showcasing Kandyan drumming, traditional costumes and dancing—an engaging introduction to local performing arts. Shows typically begin between 18:30–20:00 and last about 45–60 minutes.
Evening visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to witness the evening puja (devotional ceremony). The temple is a spiritual centre for Buddhists and is typically open around 05:30–20:00, but puja times vary—check locally for exact schedule.
Dinner served at your hotel restaurant featuring a choice of Sri Lankan specialities or international dishes; hotel kitchens usually serve dinner between 19:00–22:00. Relax after your first day and sample local flavours.
Hearty hotel breakfast with hot options, fresh fruit and local tea to prepare you for the day. Hotel breakfast service typically runs from 07:00–09:30.
Wander the extensive Royal Botanical Gardens to see orchids, giant Javan fig trees and a huge variety of tropical plants—one of Sri Lanka’s botanical highlights. Gardens typically open around 06:00–18:00; allow 1.5–2.5 hours to explore.
Visit a gem museum and lapidary to see Sri Lanka’s gems, learn about the gem-cutting process and view a small collection of sapphires and other stones. Small guided demonstrations are common and shops are on site—open generally 09:00–17:00.
Lunch included at a popular local restaurant or the hotel—try traditional hoppers or a rice & curry tasting plate to sample a range of flavours. Most restaurants serve lunch 12:00–15:00.
Stroll around Kandy Lake and browse the nearby bazaar for spices, handcrafts, tea and batiks—ideal for souvenir shopping and street photography. The bazaar shops generally operate from mid-morning until evening.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride around Kandy streets for a fun, local transport experience—great for squeezing in more sights quickly. Tuk-tuk rides are available throughout the day and are inexpensive.
Optional visit to a nearby tea factory to see production and sample fresh Ceylon teas—factory visits usually include a short demonstration and tasting session. Many factories operate 09:00–17:00; confirm closing time before travelling.
For dinner try The Empire Café for a mix of local and international dishes in a cosy setting, or enjoy your hotel’s dinner buffet for convenient local specialities. Restaurants typically open from 18:00–22:00.
Relax at the hotel or take a short walk around the hotel precinct; Kandy has several quiet spots to enjoy the cooler hill-country evening. Hotel lounges often remain open late for drinks.
Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel and prepare for check-out; luggage will be loaded for your transfer back to Colombo. Breakfast service typically starts from 07:00.
Drive back toward Colombo with a planned stop at Maranella (Maranello) Spice Garden to see spice cultivation, traditional uses and buy spices—good spot for photos and short guided tours. Spice garden visits typically run 09:00–17:00.
Short guided walk through spice plots followed by a light lunch or refreshment at the garden café—great for learning about cinnamon, cloves and cardamom and to purchase fresh spices. Garden café hours usually 09:00–16:00.
Check in at your Colombo hotel and relax before the evening city tour; hotels in Colombo typically allow check-in from 14:00 and will store luggage if needed earlier.
Explore Colombo’s highlights: stroll Galle Face Green at sunset, see Independence Square, view the Old Parliament and Fort area from outside and visit Gangaramaya Temple—a compact evening tour showcasing city contrasts. Many sites are best viewed late afternoon to early evening; Gangaramaya Temple usually open until around 20:00.
Visit ODEL (popular upmarket store) for clothing, accessories and souvenirs—open commonly 10:00–21:00; great for buying designer or branded items and gifts. Spend an hour browsing for final souvenirs.
For a memorable Colombo dinner try Ministry of Crab for seafood or The Gallery Café for fusion cuisine in a historic setting—reservations recommended for popular restaurants, typically open 12:00–22:00. If booked by the package, dinner will be arranged at the hotel.
Today is free for shopping, spa time or an optional day trip to Bentota for a Madu River boat safari and water sports—a long day trip that requires an early start (departure around 07:00) and extra cost. Bentota/Madu River excursions typically run 08:00–17:00.
Return to your hotel and prepare for the evening gala—time to rest and get dressed for the event. Allow at least 60–90 minutes to freshen up before the gala.
Gala dinner hosted at a major Colombo hotel ballroom (e.g., Cinnamon Grand) featuring a multi-course dinner, live music and cultural entertainment—dress code smart casual to formal depending on organiser. Gala typically runs 19:30–22:30; confirm seating and any dietary requirements in advance.
Return to the hotel after the gala for overnight stay; hotel bars and lounges remain available for nightcaps. If you wish to continue, check on late-night transport and hotel services.
Final breakfast at the hotel with time to pack and settle any incidental charges. Hotel breakfast hours typically 07:00–10:00; request early breakfast if you have an early flight.
Hotel check-out and private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight; allow at least 3 hours before international flights for check-in and security. Driver will confirm departure time based on your flight schedule.
Arrival at the airport for immigration and boarding; farewell from your local representative with contact details for any onward assistance. Safe travels and pleasant memories of Sri Lanka!