12 Days. Explore Sri Lanka 5*

About the destination: Dambulla is a large town in the Matale District of Sri Lanka’s Central Province, located about 148 km (92 miles) northeast of Colombo and 72 km (45 miles) north of Kandy. Because it sits at a major road junction, it serves as the country’s main hub for vegetable distribution. The area’s main attractions include Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple complex and the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, known for having been built in just 167 days. Dambulla is also home to South Asia’s largest rose quartz mountain range and the Ironwood Forest, known locally as Na Uyana Aranya. Nearby, the Ibbankatuwa prehistoric burial site—located within about 3 km (2 miles) of the cave temples—is an important archaeological site. It provides evidence of indigenous civilizations that existed long before significant Indian influence reached the island.

About the destination: Nuwara Eliya is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The city serves as the administrative capital of the Nuwara Eliya District and is known for its picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is considered the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its temperate, cool climate, making it the coolest area in Sri Lanka. The town's attractions include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and opportunities for boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. Victoria Park is a popular and attractive oasis. The city also serves as a base for visits to Horton Plains National Park. The plains feature a well-visited tourist attraction at World's End, a sheer precipice with a 1050-meter drop. 'Lovers Leap' is a spectacular waterfall located among tea plantations, just a short walk from the town of Nuwara Eliya. It cascades down a height of 30 meters in a long, flowing sheet of water.

About the destination: Bentota is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, located in the Galle District of the Southern Province, governed by an Urban Council. It is approximately 65 kilometers south of Colombo and 56 kilometers north of Galle. Bentota is situated on the southern bank of the Bentota River mouth, at an elevation of 3 meters above sea level. The name of the town is derived from a mythical story which claims a demon named 'Bem' ruled the tota or river bank.

About the destination: Colombo, situated on the banks of the Kelani River and stretching along the coast with views of the Indian Ocean, is the largest city and the financial and commercial hub of Sri Lanka. While Colombo is often regarded as the country's capital, the official administrative capital is Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, a suburb located to the east of Colombo. The streets of Galle Fort are rich with the city's colonial heritage, showcasing the influences of the Portuguese, British, and Dutch who left their mark here. To delve deeper into the Dutch era in Colombo, a visit to The Dutch Period Museum is recommended. The city presents a captivating mix of cultures and religions, with mosques, churches, and temples scattered throughout. The Gangaramaya Temple is the most renowned Buddhist place of worship in Colombo, featuring a museum that houses an extensive collection of Buddhist relics from around the globe. The Sri Kailawasanathar Swami Devasthanam Kovil Hindu temple is a vibrant and ornate temple that is well worth a visit. The Wolvendaal Church, constructed by Dutch settlers, is an impressive building and a must-see in Colombo. Colombo is often bypassed by tourists who visit the country for its beaches, but the city is the most vibrant place in Sri Lanka, offering high-end shopping, a lively nightlife, delicious restaurants, and intriguing historical sites.