A Ceylon Escape Holidays representative greets you warmly at Bandaranaike International Airport before the scenic drive up into the hills. Break the journey with an optional stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to witness the famous river bathing ritual, or explore the fragrant Mawanella Spice Garden. Arrive in Kandy for an evening visit to the glowing Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, followed by a vibrant Kandyan cultural dance performance. Overnight in Kandy.
Wander through the magnificent Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, where towering bamboo groves, orchid houses and a canopy of giant Java fig trees create one of Asia’s finest green spaces. A fascinating Gem Museum visit reveals Sri Lanka’s legendary sapphire and ruby heritage. Continue up into the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya for a tea plantation walk, factory tour and guided tasting beside Gregory Lake. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Board the iconic highland train at Nanu Oya for one of the world’s most celebrated rail journeys – a slow, breathtaking wind through mist-wrapped tea estates, silver waterfalls and mountain valleys. Explore Ella’s magnificent Nine Arch Bridge and hike Little Adam’s Peak for sweeping panoramic views. Browse charming highland cafés before returning to Nuwara Eliya by vehicle. An optional evening tea estate walk rounds off the day beautifully. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Begin with a visit to the atmospheric Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya, one of Sri Lanka’s most mythologically significant Hindu shrines, steeped in Ramayana legend. A spectacular photo stop at the thundering Ramboda Falls follows before the scenic countryside drive descends toward the coast. Arrive in Bentota as the sun softens over the Indian Ocean for a romantic evening stroll beside the waves. Overnight in Bentota.
Bentota Beach delivers a full day of sun-soaked adventure. Skim across the waves on a jet ski, bounce along on a banana boat or soar above the ocean on a parasailing harness. The afternoon shifts to serenity with a mangrove boat safari along the winding Madu River, rich with birdlife and monitor lizards. Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery before a relaxed beach evening with an optional romantic candlelit dinner. Overnight in Bentota.
The final drive north leads to Colombo for a last flavour of Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital. Visit the eclectic and treasure-filled Gangaramaya Temple before pausing for photographs at the striking Colombo Lotus Tower, the tallest structure in South Asia. Browse the boutiques at Independence Square arcade and the city’s modern malls for last-minute gifts and souvenirs before the airport transfer and a fond farewell. Overnight in Bentota.
