
6 Days
Sri Lanka Scenic Tour

Overview
This fascinating 6 Day Sri Lanka Scenic Tour brings together the island’s most captivating landscapes and experiences in a journey that moves from the cultural heart of Kandy to the cool tea country of Nuwara Eliya and the sun-kissed shores of Bentota. You will encounter sacred temples, lush botanical gardens, cascading waterfalls, emerald tea estates and charming colonial-era streets, with time for elephant encounters at Pinnawela and a leisurely cruise through the mangroves of Madu Ganga.
The pace leaves room for discovery without making every day feel like a race from one attraction to the next. With a carefully balanced mix of sightseeing, scenic drives and unhurried coastal time, this well-paced 6-day tour in Sri Lanka offers a wonderful introduction to the landscapes, heritage and pleasures that make the country such an inviting destination.
Highlights
- Experience Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage and see elephants during their daily feeding and bathing routines.
- Explore Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, including the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and scenic Kandy Lake.
- Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, home to tropical plants, orchids, grand trees and beautiful riverside scenery.
- Travel through Sri Lanka’s scenic tea country, with mountain roads, lush plantations and dramatic highland views.
- Visit a tea plantation and factory to learn about Ceylon tea production and enjoy a tasting.
- See Ramboda Falls, one of the impressive waterfalls of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
- Discover Nuwara Eliya, with its cool climate, colonial architecture, Gregory Lake and charming hill-station atmosphere.
- Relax on Bentota Beach, with time for swimming, leisure and optional water activities.
- Cruise along Madu Ganga, passing mangroves, small islands and tranquil waterways.
- Visit a sea turtle conservation centre and learn about Sri Lanka’s marine turtle species and conservation work.
- Explore historic Galle Fort, walking its old streets, ramparts, colonial buildings, cafés and oceanfront viewpoints.
- Enjoy a glimpse of Colombo, with visits to historic areas, temples, markets and colonial-era landmarks before your departure.
Itinerary
- Day 01:Arrival in Colombo – Kandy
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), meet our reprsentative and begin your journey towards Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital.
On the way, stop at Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe elephants during their daily feeding and bathing routines. The riverside setting and close view of these magnificent animals make this a memorable first experience in Sri Lanka.
After the visit, proceed to Kandy through the lush landscapes of central Sri Lanka. On arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax after your flight and road journey.
Later in the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake and explore the nearby town centre. The lake, surrounded by wooded hills and historic buildings, provides a pleasant introduction to the city. You can also browse the local shops before returning to your hotel for an early night.
Drive Distance: 120 km | 2-3 Hours
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel - Day 02:Kandy Sightseeing
Begin the day with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist sites. Known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa, the temple forms part of the former royal palace complex and houses the sacred relic of the Buddha’s tooth. Its ornate interiors, shrines and religious ceremonies offer an insight into the spiritual traditions of Kandy.
Thereafter, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Spread across extensive grounds beside the Mahaweli River, the gardens are known for their impressive collection of orchids, palms, tropical plants and enormous trees. The spacious setting allows you to explore at a comfortable pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Return to Kandy for the afternoon and explore more of the city. Walk around Kandy Lake, visit the bustling market area and browse shops selling Ceylon tea, spices, traditional handicrafts and locally made products.
If you are interested in gemstones, a visit to a gem museum and lapidary can be arranged. In the evening, you may also attend a traditional Kandy cultural dance performance, featuring colourful costumes, drumming and traditional dances.
Return to your hotel after the day’s sightseeing.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel - Day 03:Kandy – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, leave Kandy and travel into the central highlands towards Nuwara Eliya. The approximately 2.5 to 3-hour drive takes you through some of Sri Lanka’s most scenic tea-growing landscapes, with winding mountain roads, green plantations and small hill-country settlements along the way.
Make a stop at Ramboda Falls, one of the notable waterfalls in the central highlands. Take some time for photographs and enjoy the cool mountain air before proceeding towards the tea country.
A visit to a tea plantation and factory provides an opportunity to learn about the production of Ceylon tea, from the harvesting of leaves to processing and grading. You can also enjoy a tea tasting and discover some of the characteristics that have made Sri Lankan tea famous around the world.
Continue to Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque hill station known for its cool climate, colonial-era buildings, gardens and tea estates. After checking in, spend some relaxed time around Gregory Lake. You can also visit Victoria Park or simply stroll through parts of the town to appreciate its distinctive character and architecture.
The cooler climate makes Nuwara Eliya a refreshing contrast to the warmer lowlands.
Drive Distance: 76 km | 2-3 Hours
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel - Day 04:Nuwara Eliya – Bentota
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and, if time permits, take an early walk around Gregory Lake or enjoy a short nature walk before departing for the south coast.
Leave Nuwara Eliya around 8:00–9:00 AM for Bentota. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, gradually taking you from the cool highlands towards Sri Lanka’s warmer coastal plains.
The journey provides a striking change of scenery as tea-covered mountains give way to lower landscapes, villages and tropical vegetation. Depending on your interests and the pace of the day, you can make a brief stop at a tea estate viewpoint, a local town or a suitable place for lunch.
Arrive in Bentota during the late afternoon or early evening and check in to your beach or riverside hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. You can take a relaxed walk along Bentota Beach, enjoy the sunset or unwind beside the river before dinner.
Drive Distance: 206 km | 4-5 Hours
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel - Day 05:Bentota Exploration
Today is dedicated to the coastal side of Sri Lanka, with a more relaxed pace after several days of sightseeing and road travel.
After breakfast, take a boat ride on the Madu Ganga, a scenic river estuary surrounded by mangroves and small islands. The boat journey provides a different perspective of the coastal environment, passing through narrow waterways and areas where local communities live and work.
You may also visit a sea turtle conservation or hatchery centre in the Bentota or nearby coastal area. These centres provide information about Sri Lanka’s sea turtles and conservation efforts, with opportunities to learn about the different species found along the island’s coastline.
Return to Bentota for some free time during the afternoon. Relax on the beach, take a swim or try a light water activity. You can also simply enjoy the resort and make the most of the slower pace.
If you would like more sightseeing, take an optional late-afternoon excursion to Galle Fort, around 30–40 minutes from Bentota. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its historic ramparts, colonial buildings, narrow streets, cafés and ocean views. A late visit allows you to explore the old fort area before finding a pleasant spot to watch the sunset.
Return to Bentota in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel - Day 06:Bentota – Colombo – Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and driving towards Colombo. If your flight schedule allows, enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Colombo. Visit the historic Fort area and drive through the lively streets of Pettah, one of the city’s busiest commercial districts. You may also visit Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s best-known Buddhist temples, and Seema Malakaya, a tranquil temple complex situated on Beira Lake.
Thereafter, proceed to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your six-day Sri Lanka journey to an end.
Drive Distance: 60 km | 1 Hour
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
- All accommodation in 4 Star hotels on a twin/double-sharing basis
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Private transportation throughout the tour by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- An experienced English-speaking driver/guide throughout the tour
- Daily breakfast at the hotels
- Sightseeing and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical Gardens, Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, tea factory and other included attractions
- Madu Ganga boat ride
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
Exclusion
- International airfare and airport taxes
- Sri Lanka tourist visa or ETA fees
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners unless specifically mentioned
- Drinks and beverages
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and shopping
- Tips and gratuities for the driver/guide and other service staff
- Optional activities and excursions not listed under inclusions
- Any expenses arising from flight delays, cancellations, road closures or other unforeseen circumstances
6 Days
On Request
Trip Inquiry
Trip: Sri Lanka Scenic Tour
Best Time to do this Tour
December – March: During these months, weather is favorable for exploring Kandy, traveling through the central highlands and relaxing on the southwest coast. Kandy usually sees daytime temperatures of around 25–30°C (77–86°F) and nighttime temperatures of 18–22°C (64–72°F). Nuwara Eliya is much cooler, with daytime temperatures around 16–22°C (61–72°F) and nights dropping to approximately 9–14°C (48–57°F). In Bentota, expect warmer coastal conditions, with daytime temperatures of 28–32°C (82–90°F) and nights around 23–26°C (73–79°F).
April is also a pleasant month for this tour, although temperatures become warmer and occasional showers are possible. From May to September, the southwest monsoon can bring more rain to Bentota and Colombo, while October and November tend to have more variable conditions. Even during the wetter months, the tour remains possible, with the changing weather adding a different character to Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking Requirements
- A copy of your passport (first page only).
- Pick-up and drop-off details (Hotel name and contact number).
- A 25% advance deposit is required to confirm your booking (minimum 1 month before). [Click here for the online payment gateway.]
Cancellation & Refund Policy
- 15 days before travel date: 10% of total cost will be charged.
- 10 days before travel date: 25% of total cost will be charged.
- Within 48 hours of travel date: No refund.
Note: All cancellations must be sent via email (mgr@ahospitalityclub.com ).
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