Best oF Sri Lanka – 6 nights

Colombo Airport – Negombo

Arrive at Sri Lanka, clear the Visa and immigration documents and head to the arrival lounge. The Esna Holidays representative will welcome you with a warm smile and accompany you to the hotel.

Check-in at the hotel and thereafter enjoy a sightseeing tour of Negombo. Negombo being a small fishing village, and now a hub for many tourists who arrive to Sri Lanka and leave the country, it’s a fusion of the old-times and the new.

The fish market is one of the busiest places in Negombo, with fishermen bringing in the daily catch, fresh, and the buyers bargaining over the new products. With boats pulling on to the shores, the fish unloaded into the shops, merchants from across the country visiting the Fish market for the deals and bargains, you can witness a real time market, just for the fish.

Return to the hotel and enjoy the day at leisure, by the beach, a pool, sipping some quality Sri Lankan arrack, wines, or any tropical beverages.

Meals: Dinner

Drive time: 45 minutes

Negombo – Dambulla

Breakfast at the hotel and leave for Dambulla

It's known for its Cave Temple, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Featuring impressive mural paintings and 157 statues, including a massive Buddha monument, it's a sacred pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the place dates back to the first century BCE, when King Valagambahu took refuge here. Today, it's worth visiting not only for the cave temple but also for the beautiful view over the countryside.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive time: 5 hours

Dambulla – Sigiriya – Minneriya – Dambulla

Leave for the climb to one of the most interesting sites in Sri Lanka – the Sigiriya Rock fortress.

The rocky monolith rises high out of the lush jungle and is home to the remains of an ancient fortress built in the late 5th century CE. The name translates to “Lion Rock,” a reference to the way visitors traditionally began their final ascent to the top of the monument, passing through the open jaws and throat of a lion. Today, the only remains of this lion figure today are the gigantic paws sculpted into the side of the rock.

Thereafter engage in an afternoon safari at the Minneriya National Park.

Minneriya National Park, a vast preserve of forest and grasslands. Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the park is home to elephants, leopards, sambar deer, and langur monkeys. At its heart is the extraordinary Minneriya Tank reservoir. Created by the Anuradhapura civilization over 1800 years ago, its peaceful shores are the perfect place to observe herds of elephants and flocks of storks.

Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive time: 5 hours

Dambulla – Kandy

Leave for Kandy after breakfast

Upon arriving at Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and thereafter enjoy a cultural show. Kandy, strategically situated between three mountain ranges, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive temple complex, dating back to the 16th century, is made up of numerous buildings decorated with paintings and carvings depicting Buddha. As the name suggests, it's home to an important relic, the tooth of the Buddha, which is carefully guarded by security night and day. 

Later in the evening, enjoy a cultural show in Kandy.

Kandy is home to many historical locations. also it is home to the Kandyan dancing; a dancing style that is practiced for many centuries. Even the world-famous Kandy Esala Perahara highlights these beautiful dances and styles. At the cultural show, you will see some of the famous Kandyan dances, performed by talented and skillful dancers.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive time: 3 hours

Kandy – Bentota

Breakfast at the hotel in Kandy and thereafter leave for the pristine beaches of Bentota.

Calm seas and miles of pristine beaches make this laid-back beach area a favorite holiday playground. Bentota is a mecca for watersports: go scuba diving in the coral-rich waters, deep-sea fishing on a traditional outrigger canoe, or windsurfing on gentle waves. As evening approaches, witness of the amazing sunsets you will ever see!

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive time: 5 hours

Bentota – Galle – Bentota

After a leisurely breakfast, leave for Galle.

The ancient port of Galle was Sri Lanka's first international center of trade. Today, this town is a bustling administrative center and the provincial capital of the southern region. Despite the presence of modern architecture and civic amenities, Galle still hosts a stunning collection of sites dating back over hundreds of years. On your trip to Galle, you will also experience the unforgettable Unawatuna Bay, which is surrounded by a reef and home to the namesake Galle Fort. Surrounded on three sides by the ocean, the 36-hectare fort was built by the Portuguese in 1587 and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive time: 4 hours

Bentota – Colombo Airport

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and check out before noon to transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport, for the departure flight. Safe travels!