Mountains & Beach
Peaks to Paradise
5 Days / 4 Nights Package
5 Days / 4 Nights Package
5 Days | Kandy, Sigiriya, Bentota and Colombo
This compact private tour is designed for travellers who want to experience Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, green mountains, tropical beaches and vibrant capital within five days.
Begin with the elephants of Pinnawala and the sacred mountain city of Kandy, explore the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, relax beside the golden beaches of Bentota and complete the journey with sightseeing, shopping and nightlife in Colombo.
Exclusions: international flights, visa or ETA fees, entrance tickets, personal expenses and tips. All of it is spelled out in your written quote.
A starting point, not a fixed departure. Add nights, swap a stop or change the pace and we'll rebuild it around you.
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your private chauffeur-guide.
Travel towards Kandy, stopping at Pinnawala along the way.
Visit the Pinnawala area, famous for its elephants and scenic riverside setting.
Depending on your preference, visit the government-operated Elephant Orphanage or a reputable elephant-care facility. Learn about the elephants while observing them from a safe distance.
Activities involving elephant riding, forced bathing or unnecessary physical contact are not recommended. The exact programme will depend on elephant welfare standards and scheduled viewing times.
Continue into the green Central Highlands and arrive in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s last royal capital.
Check in at the hotel before enjoying a guided city tour. See Kandy Lake, the central market, colonial buildings and a viewpoint overlooking the city.
In the evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist shrine.
The temple houses a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha and forms part of the UNESCO-listed Sacred City of Kandy. If timing permits, experience the evening pooja, accompanied by traditional drumming.
An optional Kandyan cultural show featuring traditional dance, drumming and fire-walking can also be arranged.
Overnight stay in Kandy
After breakfast, leave Kandy and travel towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
En route, visit a spice and herbal garden in the Matale region.
Learn how cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla and medicinal plants are cultivated and traditionally used in Sri Lankan cuisine and Ayurveda.
Purchasing herbal or cosmetic products is entirely optional.
Visit the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Sri Lanka’s largest preserved cave-temple complex.
Its five principal caves contain more than 150 statues of Lord Buddha, Sri Lankan kings and Hindu deities. The walls and ceilings are covered with colourful paintings created and restored over many centuries.
Reaching the temple involves climbing steps, and visitors should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
Continue to Sigiriya and visit its magnificent fifth-century rock fortress.
Explore the landscaped water gardens, ancient frescoes, Mirror Wall and enormous Lion Paws. Those who climb to the summit will see the ruins of King Kashyapa’s palace and enjoy panoramic views across lakes, forests and distant mountains.
Travellers who prefer a less demanding visit may explore the museum, water gardens and lower archaeological sections.
Check in at the hotel after the visit.
Overnight stay in Sigiriya
After breakfast, leave the Cultural Triangle and travel to Bentota on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast.
This is the longest journey of the tour, taking approximately five to six hours depending on traffic and refreshment stops.
Arrive in Bentota, check in at the beach hotel and spend the remainder of the day relaxing.
Bentota is known for its broad golden beach, tropical surroundings and resort atmosphere.
Depending on weather and sea conditions, enjoy:
Finish the day with a seafood, Sri Lankan or vegetarian dinner overlooking the coast.
Overnight stay in Bentota
After breakfast, begin the day with two nature experiences before travelling to Colombo.
Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the Madu River wetlands.
Cruise between mangrove forests, small islands and traditional cinnamon-growing communities while looking for birds, water monitors and other wildlife.
Visit a sea turtle conservation project in Kosgoda.
Learn about the different marine turtle species found around Sri Lanka and the conservation work undertaken to protect eggs, hatchlings and injured turtles.
Continue to Colombo and check in at the hotel.
Explore Sri Lanka’s commercial capital with your chauffeur-guide. Depending on available time, visit or see:
Enjoy free time for shopping at One Galle Face, Colombo City Centre, Havelock City Mall, Odel or selected local shops.
In the evening, choose between a rooftop dinner, live music, a nightclub or an optional casino experience.
Overnight stay in Colombo
After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.
Leave Sri Lanka with memories of elephants, sacred Kandy, ancient Sigiriya, tropical beaches and Colombo city life.
Operational note: This is a fast-paced tour. Day 03 includes a long journey from Sigiriya to Bentota. A morning arrival on Day 01 is recommended to comfortably include Pinnawala and Kandy.
Tell us your dates and how you like to travel, and we'll send back a tailored version of this itinerary with a full quote, usually within a day.