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8-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of Sri Lanka Including Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Visit

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Day 1: Arrival and Transfer

Colombo to Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 11, 2025

12:00PM

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport

Arrive from Hyderabad and complete customs formalities preparing for your onward journey.
LKR0, 1h0m

1:00PM

Transfer from Colombo to Kandy

Private transfer approx. 3.5 hours through scenic hill country landscapes to Kandy. Comfortable vehicle recommended.
LKR8000, 3h30m

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle in at The Kandy House or Cinnamon Citadel for an authentic and scenic stay in Kandy.
LKR0, 1h0m

6:00PM

Evening Walk Around Kandy Lake

Enjoy a peaceful sunset stroll around Kandy Lake to relax and acclimate after travel.
LKR0, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Kandy Garden Restaurant

Savor authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with rice, curry, and hoppers near the lake in a cozy setting.
LKR1500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Colombo to Kandy

Day 2: Kandy and Pinnawala

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Hearty breakfast including tropical fruits and freshly brewed Ceylon tea to start your day.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:15AM

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

A must-see sanctuary caring for orphaned elephants; arrive mid-morning to see feeding and bathing, open 8:30AM to 5:30PM. Approx. 45 min drive from Kandy.
LKR1500, 2h0m

11:30AM

Return to Kandy

Head back to Kandy for afternoon activities and a short rest before sightseeing.
LKR0, 1h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Enjoy budget-friendly South Indian vegetarian specialties like dosas and thalis near Temple area.
LKR800, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic

Explore this sacred Buddhist temple housing a revered tooth relic of Buddha. Best to visit earlier, but afternoon visits are quieter post-lunch; open till 8:00PM.
LKR1500, 1h30m

3:45PM

Kandy Lake and Udawattakele Forest Reserve Walk

Combine a leisure walk around the lake with a nature hike in Udawattakele Reserve, spotting birds and monkeys.
LKR0, 2h0m

6:00PM

Cultural Dance Show at Kandyan Art Association

Enjoy traditional Kandyan dance and drumming in an engaging 1-hour performance, daily 5:30PM - 6:30PM.
LKR1500, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Empire Cafe

Dine on fusion Sri Lankan and Western dishes in a stylish and comfortable setting.
LKR2000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kandy

Day 3: Hill Country Journey

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a fulfilling breakfast before travel to the hill country.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Transfer from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Drive a scenic route through tea plantations into the cool mountain climate over approx. 3 hours.
LKR7000, 3h0m

12:00PM

Check-in and Lunch at The Grand Hotel

Check into colonial-style hotel and enjoy classic Sri Lankan and British heritage dishes at Hill Club restaurant.
LKR2500, 1h30m

2:00PM

Hakgala Botanical Gardens Visit

Explore tropical and sub-tropical plant varieties in serene gardens, open 8:30AM - 5:00PM.
LKR1000, 1h30m

4:00PM

Rowing Boat on Gregory Lake

Relax with a pedal boat ride on scenic Gregory Lake surrounded by mountainous views.
LKR500, 1h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hill Club Restaurant

Experience elegant colonial dining blending local flavors with British cuisine in a refined setting.
LKR3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Day 4: Scenic Train Ride

Nuwara Eliya to Ella, Sri Lanka on May 14, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to the train station at Nanu Oya.
Included with stay, 1h0m

8:00AM

Transfer to Nanu Oya Station

Short taxi ride in cool mountain air to catch your scenic train to Ella.
LKR1500, 20m

9:00AM

Train Journey from Nanu Oya to Ella

Experience one of the world’s most picturesque train rides passing through tea plantations and misty hills over 6 hours.
LKR700, 6h0m

3:00PM

Arrival and Check-in in Ella

Settle in at guesthouses like 98 Acres Resort or Mountain Heavens with stunning valley views.
LKR0, 30m

4:00PM

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak

Easy late afternoon hike (1 to 1.5 hours) to enjoy breathtaking views of the hills and valleys.
LKR0, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Matey Hut

Casual dining with a blend of Sri Lankan and Western homemade dishes in a warm atmosphere.
LKR1200, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Day 5: Coastal Transfer

Ella to Bentota, Sri Lanka on May 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Relax with breakfast before beginning your journey to the southern coast.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Private Transfer from Ella to Bentota

Scenic 5 to 6 hour drive southwest via Colombo to the beach resort town of Bentota.
LKR11000, 6h0m

3:00PM

Check-in at Beach Resort

Unwind at beachfront resorts like Avani Bentota or Centara Ceysands to relax and enjoy ocean views.
LKR0, 30m

4:00PM

Relax on Bentota Beach

Spend late afternoon relaxing on the sandy beach with calm ocean vistas.
LKR0, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Malli’s Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh, Sri Lankan style seafood in a casual open-air atmosphere.
LKR1800, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ella to Bentota

Day 6: Bentota Excursions

Bentota, Sri Lanka on May 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Resort

Leisurely tropical breakfast with local specialties served at your resort.
Included with stay, 1h0m

10:00AM

Bentota River Safari

Take a 2-hour boat safari exploring the mangrove ecosystem spotting birds, crocodiles, and turtles.
LKR3500, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Sea View Cafe

Enjoy beachfront dining with a focus on fresh seafood and traditional Sri Lankan dishes.
LKR1500, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit Brief Garden

Explore the tranquil and artistic garden estate of Bevis Bawa, perfect for a late afternoon stroll.
LKR1500, 1h30m

5:00PM

Evening Leisure at Resort or Beach

Unwind enjoying the sunset and resort facilities, soaking in Bentota’s relaxed vibe.
LKR0, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Lighthouse Cafe

Relish fresh seafood and casual cuisine by the water at one of Bentota’s popular local eateries.
LKR1800, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Bentota

Day 7: Return to Colombo

Bentota to Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Final breakfast in Bentota before departure to Colombo for last night.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Private Transfer Bentota to Colombo

Drive approx. 2 to 2.5 hours returning to Colombo for city exploration and stay.
LKR5000, 2h30m

12:00PM

Check-in at Colombo Hotel

Stay at Cinnamon Red near the airport or city center with modern amenities and convenience.
LKR0, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Dine at this renowned seafood restaurant specializing in crab dishes. Open 11:30AM - 3:00PM.
LKR4000, 1h30m

3:00PM

Visit Galle Face Green

Take a refreshing walk along this ocean-side urban park enjoying panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
LKR0, 1h30m

5:00PM

Shopping and Sightseeing at Pettah Market

Experience vibrant streets full of spices, textiles, and souvenirs, perfect for local culture and gifts.
LKR0, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Upali’s by Nawaloka

Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan dishes like kottu, string hoppers, and seafood curries in a cozy atmosphere.
LKR2000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Bentota to Colombo

Day 8: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 18, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before check-out and transfer to bandaranaike International Airport.
Included with stay, 1h0m

8:00AM

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

Allow ample time for drive, check-in, and security for your international flight.
LKR2500, 1h0m

11:00AM

Flight Departure

Board flight back to Hyderabad, ending your scenic and cultural Sri Lankan journey.
Varies, N/A
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