Tour overview
Sri Lanka formerly known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, separated from the Indian peninsula by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. Sri Lanka shares a maritime border with the Maldives in the southwest and India in the northwest.
Sri Lanka has a population of approximately 22 million people and is home to many cultures, languages, and ethnicities. The Sinhalese people form the majority of the nation’s population, followed by the Tamils, who are the largest minority group and are concentrated in northern Sri Lanka; both groups have played an influential role in the island’s history. Other long-established groups include the Moors, Indian Tamils, Burghers, Malays, Chinese, and Vedda.
Highlights
- Maadu River Safari
- Turtle Hatchery
- Colombo Tour
Included
- Sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary
- Show entrance ticket as per itinerary
Not Included
- Passport fees, immunization costs, city taxes at the hotel and local departure taxes (wherever applicable)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of the itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to Bentota
After arriving at the Colombo Airport, our representatives will be waiting for you. The team will transfer you to Bentota and head straight to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be for you to rest before you spend the night at Bentota.
Day 2: Bentota City Tour
Enjoy your breakfast before we drive to Balapitiya. We’ll be heading down to the beautiful Madu River for a relaxing cruise down the river rich in biodiversity.
The Boat Safari at Madu River is a major attraction that will show you the view of the wide Madu Ganga. It’s a healing journey through the mangrove forest and observe the biodiversity of Madu River that includes 19 endemic species. There are 64 islands and is such an attractive destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. Catch sights of the rare bird species and reptiles that made their home here. There are also traditional fishermen here who make a living through Stilt Fishing. It is a method that uses a crossbar with a vertical pole attached to the sea floor and they wait by the crossbar for the fish to bite.
Then visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project for turtle hatching. Since 1981, the area has become one of the best locations to find turtles laying their eggs and it was established by the Wildlife Protection Society. The project will take in newborn turtles and raise them in big tanks with nutritional food and clean environment for just a few days. They’ll then be released into the wild at night from the safest area to ensure survivability.
The Conservation generally has five species they take care of and visitors will learn all about these gorgeous turtles that are now endangered. They are also allowed to interact with the turtles and hold them in their palms and check out the babies in their tanks.
For those looking for that extra adrenaline run, Bentota is also popular for the watersports like tube riding, banana boat, or jet skiing at additional personal cost. We’ll then head back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer from Bentota to Colombo
Enjoy your breakfast the check-out from the hotel in Bentota and hop on your ride for Colombo. We’ll immediately head for the hotel for your check-in before you can rest in your room. You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure and we suggest you indulge in Colombian shopping experience at the Odel & Mondy. Or perhaps give the famous Casinos of Colombo a visit!
We will spend the night at the hotel in Colombo.
Day 4: Colombo City Tour
Colombo is the business and commercial center and the new capital is Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte, only a few miles away. Colombo was only a small seaport, which came into prominence in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 and the development of it as a major Harbor took place during the British period. Colombo became the capital of Sri Lanka in 1815 after Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to the British. The remains of the buildings during the period of the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city. None of the Portuguese & Dutch fortifications are found today but some of their buildings and churches could be seen in the Fort & Pettah areas. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Kayman’s Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhaal dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple dating to 6th C.B.C., Davatagaha Mosque, Colombo Museum and the Natural History Museum are some of the sites to be visited. Also visit the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), see the replica of Avukana Buddha in front and the Independence Memorial. Take out time for some shopping before returning back to your hotel.
Day 5: Transfer to Aiport for Departure
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before we check-out. You’ll have the rest of the day on your own before the time of departure. Our team will drive you to the airport per schedule for your flight back home.
