Pricing is indicative and is not valid over public or religious holiday periods.
Private Holiday
7 Days ex Colombo
Departs: Daily
Negombo (1) | Sigiriya (2) | Bentota (3)
Soak up the mesmerizing culture of Sri Lanka with guided tours of several of the most iconic sites in this ancient land before spending a few days relaxing at one of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches.
Highlights:
- Take a guided tour of Sigiriya, the impressive rock fortress that was the heart of an ancient Sri Lankan kingdom
- Watch the world’s largest gathering of wild elephants on a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park
- Experience the bliss of a beautiful sunset over the sparkling Laccadive Sea
- Your own driver and vehicle in Bentota for your whims
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Colombo Airport – Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our local operator then transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation in Negombo. After checking in, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Negombo.
Day 2: Negombo – Sigiriya (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer with your driver to Sigiriya, with a stop at the Dumbulla Cave Temple on the way. An icon of Sri Lanka, the Dambulla Rock Temple houses remarkably unique drawings in five magnificently constructed cave temples. Each exquisite cave painting is done along walls that also shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over the beautiful landscape.
Upon arrival at Sigiriya, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 3: Sigiriya – Minneriya – Sigiriya (B)
Following breakfast depart the hotel to visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and a guided tour.
Sigiriya, the World Heritage listed 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa, is a stunning example of ancient Sri Lankan engineering and urban planning. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' to get a view of the symmetrical royal gardens below. Surrounded by ramparts & moats, the Lion Rock is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of the 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya and covered with a hundred meters of centuries old graffiti. Take the time to explore the museum downstairs to learn more about the citizens, castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right onto its summit with an ingenious hydraulic system.
Later, travel to the Minneriya National Park for Elephant viewing. Covering 8800 hectares, this world famous sanctuary for elephants is also home to herds of deer and ample birdlife – but the Elephants are the stars of the show. Park your jeep on the bank of the reservoir, switch off its engine, and watch carefully as herds of elephants - one by one - roll on to the grass-covered banks, to feed on tender shoots. This is the largest elephant gathering in the world - over 300 at a time - which has made the park a magnet for wildlife enthusiasts from across the globe.
Upon completion, return to the hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Day 4: Sigiriya – Bentota (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Bentota, your beachside home for the next three nights. On arrival at the hotel, check in and spend the rest of the day at your leisure making use of the facilities or nearby beach. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 5: Bentota (B)
Today is set aside at leisure, to spend as you see fit with an air-conditioned car and driver available for a mileage of 80 km’s. Alternatively, take the opportunity for an optional day tour to visit the Galle Dutch Fort & a River boat ride (surcharge applies). Overnight Bentota.
Optional tour (surcharge applies): Galle Dutch Fort & River boat ride at the Madu River
Galle, the epic Southern capital, is where classic Dutch architecture sits in a tropical setting, creating a vividly beautiful atmosphere. Walk the Dutch streets as you observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions, creating a unique cultural smorgasbord. Its original ramparts and bastions showcase evidence of a heritage preserved for more than 3 1/2 centuries. Walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion, and the lighthouse standing in its glory next to the Point Utrecht Bastion. Hop into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex to be mesmerized by an array of souvenir selections. Or simply soak in the atmosphere of the Dutch fort which remains a working community with its usual buzz of administrative offices, court complex, commercial buildings, churches and Southern folks.
Next, partake in a river safari at the Madu River in Balapitiya. Madu River is a complex coastal ecosystem of mangroves and islands. A boat tour is an ideal way to experience hundreds of species of plants and animals in their natural habitat. There are around 64 islands in the river and lagoon, from a tiny speck housing and a deserted shrine to one housing 250 families, connected to the mainland via a long footbridge. You can visit an island with a Buddhist monastery, where the friendly young monks will show you a 150-year-old book made of palm leaves and how they cook on cinnamon wood on an open fire.
Day 6: Bentota (B)
After breakfast you will spend the day at leisure. Your driver and vehicle will be at available for a mileage of up to 80 km’s for the day. Overnight in Bentota.
Day 7: Bentota (B)
This morning you will be transferred to Colombo International Airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 6 nights’ accommodation in selected hotel categoryBreakfast daily
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Sightseeing as specified in itinerary
- Entrance fees to Dambulla Temple Caves, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Minneriya National Park
- Jeep safari at Minneriya National Park
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the below (or similar):
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.
Negombo
First Class: Jetwing Sea
Deluxe Class: Jetwing Beach
Sirigya
First Class: Aliya Resort
Deluxe Class: Cinnamon Lodge
Bentota
First Class: Thaala Bentota
Deluxe Class: Taj Bentota Resort & Spa
Dress Code
Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage is deeply influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, and its colonial past. When visiting temples, it’s important to dress modestly — covering shoulders and knees — and to remove shoes and hats before entering sacred areas.
Holiday Periods & Cultural Observances in Sri Lanka
Please note: Rates are not valid during public or religious holidays. Availability of services may be limited during these periods. When planning your visit to Sri Lanka, it’s important to be aware of local holidays and cultural practices that may affect travel plans, business hours, and services.
• Dry Days: Sri Lanka observes several religious holidays throughout the year, including Poya Days (full moon days), which are recognized as Public, Bank, and Mercantile Holidays. These are referred to as “dry days”, during which the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in shops, hotels, and restaurants and wine stores, taverns, and bars are closed.
• Poya Days: Occur monthly on the full moon. Many shops and businesses close, and public services may be limited.
• Hindu & Buddhist Festivals: Dates are determined by local astronomical observations, making them difficult to predict in advance. These festivals may affect local transport, business hours, and access to certain sites.
• Muslim Festivals: Dates are based on local moon sightings and may vary. During Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night. While business hours may be affected, Sri Lanka’s predominantly non-Muslim population means disruptions for travellers are generally minimal.
Sightseeing
All sightseeing normally requires a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites. A good level of fitness will ensure you get a maximum enjoyment from your visit.
Social Conventions
Sri Lanka’s genuine hospitality to tourists is renowned. Take care to avoid religious offence, however. Respect the Buddhist faith: do not touch a monk, do not pose for photographs on religious statues, be mindful not to turn your back on Buddha statues when taking photos and avoid touching religious artifacts. Always seek permission before photographing individuals, especially monks, as a gesture of respect.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
