Enchanting Sri Lanka Tour (5 Days)

As you arrive on this splendid island of Sri Lanka, one of our representatives from Next Travel Sri Lanka will be there at the Arriving Lounge of the Colombo Airport with paging your name. And then, they will proceed you to your hotel that is nestled within the cultural triangle.

However, the journey of heading up to your hotel won’t ever be a boring ride. You have ample opportunities to taste the Sri Lankan food, and fruits from the boutiques by the roads. And why not? Quenching your thirst with ‘Thembili’ (King Coconut) under the warm sun would certainly be enlivening. Besides, how the villagers sell cashew nuts, pineapple, etc. beside the roads near their farms, and the small stalls and carts with mouth-watering street food is simply an amazing sight to witness. Moreover, how the innocent genuine smiles of the vendors welcome you, and how they wholeheartedly serve you is simply a delight. Going beyond, your guide will also explain to you about the Sri Lankan farmers, and the fascination of the Sri Lankan food and fruits that you enjoy, making your experience on this island more memorable.

And while you travel to your hotel, you can even stop for a little break on your halfway, in a shady place backed by the lush greenery, and relax yourself a bit while enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. Meanwhile, you can discuss your next day plans with the guide. And finally, you can check in to your hotel, take a rest, and get ready for the following day.

You can start your second day with a delicious early breakfast, and then leave the hotel to head to Sigiriya.

Sigiriya is simply a major tourist attraction on the island, and also a world heritage site. The Sigiriya rock fortress that stands majestically amidst the verdant surroundings of the beautiful village of Sigirya, simply reveals to the world the historical grandeur of the country. Going beyond, this marvellous creation of King Kashyapa is indeed a treasure trove with many cultural values as well. Thus, it is certainly a must-visit for anyone who would love to explore the rich culture of this island, and reaching the summit of this rock fortress which is around 200 m high is a great experience for hikers as well. However, it is always better to dress in a comfortable dress and trainer shoes, to climb this rock, which would take around 2 hours for both up and down.

Next, you can leave Sigiriya, to head to Polonnaruwa, the second capital kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, you can enjoy a plate of rice and curry, that offers you the authentic flavours of Sri Lankan culinary styles. Besides, the ride from Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya will offer you opportunities to catch sight of majestic tuskers crossing the road around Minneriya National Park. So, keep an eye!

However, exploring the highlights of the city of Polonnaruwa will take around two hours in the afternoon. Yet, if you are interested in walking around the ancient city further, nothing to worry about! You have plenty of time and places. It is indeed a sacred city with a number of religious and cultural attractions, and considering its significance Polonnaruwa was also declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The ancient ruins are there, the scenic landscapes, coupled with the rhythmically flowing large lakes are surely going to offer you a wonderful experience out there.

Optional
If you are willing to observe the beauty of the majestic tuskers in herds, you can visit the Minneriya National Park, and the Kaudulla National Park. These premises indeed shelter the largest elephant gatherings in Sri Lanka, and thus, they create wonderful opportunities to spot a number of elephant families in their natural habitat itself. And yes, if you are lucky enough, you might even spot hundreds of them! And finally, the second day of the tour will conclude as you arrive back at the same hotel to spend your night.    

As per the plan, following your breakfast at the hotel, you will leave for the scenic city of Kandy. The drive from Sigiriya to Kandy would approximately take around 3 hours, and on the way, you can visit the Dambulla Cave temple as well.

Dambulla Cave temple is simply a significant religious and cultural attraction in SriLanka, that is located around 150 m above its surrounding plains. Its caves, paintings, monuments, and other remains that belong to the 1st century BC, allures any to this wonderful site. Besides, the Dambulla cave temple is the best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka and owing to its significance, it is declared as a UNESCO world heritage site as well. Hence, visiting this site would be one of the best experiences on this island, which would fascinate you with its charm. Afterwards, as you pass Matale towards the city of Kandy, you get the chance of stopping at one of the most wonderful spice gardens in Sri Lanka. Matala being an area with the perfect climate and elevation for the growth of spices and herbs, you can observe all kinds of Sri Lankan spices and herbs in this garden premises. And yes, it would be one of the unique experiences that you could enjoy on this island.

And then, you will head to Kandy and check in to the hotel. You can enjoy either your lunch or snack at the hotel and then rest for an hour or two. And finally, towards the end of the day, you would get the chance of experiencing a fabulous experience on this island. Yes, you would be enjoying a Sri Lankan traditional and cultural dancing and drumming program in Kandy city. It would be a programme of around 1 hour, and it would surely reveal to you the enchantment of Sri Lankan heritage. Afterwards, you can get back to the hotel at Kandy, and enjoy the relaxation for the day.

Simply, day 4 is completely dedicated to witnessing the splendours of the beautiful city of Kandy. You can have breakfast from the hotel, and begin the exploration.

In brief, Kandy is a city of value and beauty. It is home to the most honoured religious treasure of the Buddhists, the charming Temple of Tooth Relic, which shelters the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Thus, this city is famous as the most religious place for Buddhists. Besides, from architecture to the festivals celebrated, every aspect related to this wonderful religious attraction is simply impressive. Owing to these religious significance, as well as the historical and cultural grandeur, UNESCO declared this city as a world heritage site. Hence, exploring the enchantment of this city is never a decision you would regret.

However, after visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic, you can head to the bustling street market area. Walking along with the closely located shops, observing how customers bargain at the small stalls, and having a small conversation with the vendors out there will surely offer you a unique experience.

Besides, afterwards, you will get the chance of visiting one of the most famous tourist attractions on this island. Yes, it is none other than the Peradeniya Botanical Garden. With its alluring landscapes and vibrant shades, it rests as one of the best gardens in whole Asia, with an extensive range of beautifully arranged fauna and flora. Also, the historical background it holds as one of the royal gardens of the British in the Gampola period further enhances the importance of this wonderful site.

The fifth day of the tour begins with a delicious breakfast from the hotel, and then you will leave the hotel to head to a beach hotel in Negombo, or either the Colombo International Airport.
During the ride, you can stop halfway at a beautiful tea estate that would offer you an alluring scenery of the lush greenery. Besides, we surely know that you love Sri Lankan tea! So, why not? You can even visit a Sri Lankan tea factory, and witness how the tea leaves from Sri Lanka are being processed. And yes, meanwhile you can even experience the enchantment of a perfect cup of tea brewed with the world's finest!

Next, you can drop by the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe hundreds of elephants of all ages, living under the supervision and the facilities provided by the management of the orphanage. How they are fed, or they are bathed, as well as the playful acts of the baby elephants there are surely going to fascinate your eyes and fill your heart with love for them.

And finally, the 5-day tour package of Next Travel Sri Lanka, which offers you a number of wonderful experiences and thousands of memories to cherish, ends as you arrive at the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, or either at a spectacular Beach Hotel bordered by the golden shores in Negombo.

After all, we believe that this tour package features the best of the island, satisfying the true favours. Besides, if you prefer to make your dream travel in Sri Lanka a reality, in exactly the way your heart desires, we are here to offer you tailor-made tour packages as well. Contact us for more information.

Happy and Safe Travelling!

Let it be a stay by the golden stretches, a chill amidst the cool breeze or a holiday surrounded by the lush greenery! Whatever your heart desires, the wide array of star class hotels in Sri Lanka are ready to provide you with accommodation in a way that suits your wishes! And yes, an experience at the mentioned hotel or a similar range hotel on Bed and Breakfast basis will offer you the below delights!

• Buffet at the Restaurant (Dinner & Breakfast)
• Bedroom Suit
• Air Conditioned Living and Dining Area
• TV Lounge
• Mini-bar
• Pool Facilities
• Complimentary Wi-fi

Of course, there is so much on this island to explore, and getting around this country is not an issue at all! However, in order to offer you a trip with excellent comfort, we offer you the below selections to make the choice you wish.

• Air-Conditioned Car
• Air Conditioned Mini-Van
• Air Conditioned Van

Also, we guarantee you that the vehicles we offer are in perfect condition, and thus, a hassle-free ride is ensured for you!

It is true that one can visit the attractions on this island on their own. Still, let us assure you that having a travel guide makes your journey more wonderful, and stress-free. In fact, they know about this island like the back of their hands. They are capable of enlightening you about each and every place you visit. Going beyond, they would turn out to be a companion of yours, inspired with a passion to fulfill your expectations on this beautiful island. Hence, we make sure to provide you with the service of an English-speaking, chauffeur guide. And yes, they will surely become a reason for you to make this Sri Lankan travel more amusing than ever!

Dishes in Sri Lanka are a true delight! Hence, you should never miss a chance to experience the authenticity and the exclusivity of the mouth-watering Sri Lankan tastes. However, breakfast is provided to you by the hotel, and the other meals are excluded from the package. However, any of the Sri Lankan hotels/restaurants would allow you to choose among the below selections, for each of your main meals.

Breakfast	Starters Soups Appetizers Sri Lankan Food Milk Rice String Hoppers Hoppers Rice and Curry Pol Roti Pittu Those Noodles Dishes Seafood Platters International Cuisine Beverages
Lunch	Starters Soups Appetizers Rice and Curry Noodles Dishes Seafood Platters International Cuisine Beverages Deserts
Dinner	Starters Soups Appetizers Sri Lankan Food String Hoppers Hoppers Rice and Curry Pol Roti Pittu Noodles Dishes Seafood Platters International Cuisine Deserts

Also, please note that these are the general food items that any of the hotels would offer you, and there may be a wide variety of additional dishes depending on the hotel you dine at.

In addition, we will be providing you with a 1x500ml water bottle per person per day.

It is no secret that several other requirements come up as the travel begins. Yet, as a responsible travel agent in the industry, we assure you that none of those requirements is going to burden you. And yes, that is simply because we are offering you the below additional services as well.

• All Entrance Tickets for Tourist Sites Included

Certain religious and cultural attractions, Museums, National Parks, Botanical Gardens, etc, on this island, require the visitors to purchase an entrance ticket, in order to enter the site. Yet, our customers do not have to worry about anything with regard. We make sure that these entrance tickets are purchased, and submitted to the counters, and thus, you can simply visit and enjoy these places with peace of mind.

• Vehicle Parking Tickets Included

Most of the tourist attractions have vehicle parks, and they charge a fee for the facility provided. Still, it won’t ever be a burden for our tourists. We ensure that we take care of all the parking charges in the places we visit.

• Mineral Water Provided during Sightseeing Tours

Of course, the best is to avoid drinking tap water in Sri Lanka. Hence, wherever you travel, we suggest you have a water bottle with you. However, take it easy, because we provide you with a bottle of mineral water during your sightseeing tours.

International Flights are not included in our packages. It is up to the visitors to take care of their flight bookings and our tour packages, and additional services begin only once they arrive in Sri Lanka.

We recommend you have travel insurance to enjoy yourself more and travel stress-free on this paradise island of Sri Lanka. Yet, insurance is not included in our tour packages. Tourists are responsible for choosing the insurance packages that suit them the most and getting themselves insured.

Of course, you will be provided with breakfast. Still, it is up to the travellers to bear personal expenses for whatever is not mentioned in the itinerary and the booking form. In fact, the travellers should bear their cost for lunch and dinner as well.

Of course, it is the Asian culture to tip the guides and the drivers. Still, it is up to you to decide whether you tip them or not. However, guide/driver tips are not included in our tour package.

Certain religious and cultural attractions, Museums, National Parks, Botanical Gardens, etc, on this island, require the visitors to purchase an entrance ticket, in order to enter the site. It is a must note that our tour package DOES NOT include these entrance tickets. It is up to the travellers to purchase these tickets at the entrance of those sites.

Abiding by the new normal, Sri Lanka is now open for tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, quarantine measures are different for the vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists. 

Completing two weeks upon receiving the recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccinations will make you begin travelling on the island sooner. Apart from that, Sri Lanka requires no mandatory vaccinations before arrival.

The natural marvels of the island nation Sri Lanka, which includes the golden shores, charming cascades, scenic landscapes, and diverse wildlife are indeed capable of attracting any tourist. Besides, its rich cultural heritage, delightful festivals, pleasant climate, exclusive cuisines, and extensive range of facilities for affordable prices, simply make tourists go to Sri Lanka, at any time of the year.

Tourists are only permitted to get to Sri Lanka, by air.

Yes, of course! If you are arriving in Sri Lanka for a holiday, for medical treatments, or to take part in an event, you will require a Tourist Visa.

Any foreigner who plans to arrive in Sri Lanka should obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) through http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. The website also contains a full guide on obtaining the ETA, along with the payment details.

The Visa is valid for 30 days.

Yes, you can. Still, you have to apply for a visa extension, before your current visa expires. All you have to do is collect the visa extension form from the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (You can also download the form from here), and submit the duly filled application, along with the following.

• Return Air Ticket
• Details of the place of accommodation
• The application along with a photograph of the applicant

Also, please note that the applicant should be present to collect the visa.

It is always better to have your National Identity Card, and Passport with you when travelling around the island.

In brief, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. Thus, it always has something to do and somewhere to visit on this island. Still, it is always better to choose a time where the monsoon rains do not impact the area you plan to visit in Sri Lanka. This complete overview of the weather and climate of Sri Lanka, and the official website of the Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka will help you with regard.

You can either use public transportation which includes the bus and train services. If not, you can even hire a taxi, a tuk-tuk, or hire a vehicle to drive yourself.

Sri Lanka Rupees (SLR) is the currency used in Sri Lanka.

Not really! If you are using public transportation, enjoying meals from budget restaurants, and taking accommodation at budget hotels, you can experience the holiday at your heart’s core, at a low budget. Thus, the cost depends upon your choices. Still, a holiday in Sri Lanka is simply cheaper than many other tourist destinations across the world.

The best is to wear comfortable materials, preferable cotton, linen, or rayon since Sri Lanka is warm most of the time. Besides, if you are visiting a religious place, the best is to wear something light colour that covers from your shoulders to your knees, to blend with the culture there. Besides, having a shawl will help you to cover yourself in instances where your attire is inappropriate to visit such a place.

As long as you are travelling in a populated area it is safe to travel alone in Sri Lanka. Still, if you are a female travelling alone, the best is to wear an attire that covers your body, and also, wearing a fake wedding ring, acting familiar, etc. will help you avoid unnecessary hassles. However, the best is to avoid night rides, and use google location if you are travelling alone!

Most can! Still, some locals would only be familiar with Sinhala and Tamil languages. However, hand signals will help you in instances as such.

Electricity is not an issue in the present, especially around tourist hotspots. It is true that some extremely rural areas still lack this facility. Still, we can assure you that those areas are out of the tourist zones. However, Sri Lanka operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50 Hz. Hence, be mindful to bring compatible devices or voltage converters. Besides, it is always better to have with you a power bank, rechargeable lamp, etc. because emergency power cuts could occur once in a while.

As you might already know, Sri Lankan Rupees is the currency used in Sri Lanka. The best would be to bring USDs with you and then to exchange them for the local currency once you arrive. Doing so will offer you opportunities to get better exchange rates as well. Besides, Mastercards and Visa Cards are widely accepted, while American Express Cards are also often accepted. Still, it is always better to have cash in hand, since most of the local boutiques around tourist attractions do not have the facilities to accept credit cards. Also, ATMs are available islandwide. Still, not all of them accept international cards. The daily transaction limit usually ranges between SLR 100,000 to SLR 200,000 and a transaction fee is imposed upon every transaction. Moreover, banks are open on weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM and closed on weekends. Still, some main cities have a few banks that are open 24/7, or either till night hours.  

Of course, telecommunication facilities are available almost island-wide, except for the extremely rural areas. If you are planning to stay connected during your travel to Sri Lanka, the best would be to buy a local sim since the mobile service providers here offer perfect tourist plans that would simply save your money. Also, buying a sim in Sri Lanka is not that hard. You can buy one easily from the airport premises, or from the outlets islandwide.

As you already know, Sri Lanka holds accommodation facilities that cover an extensive range. Starting with the Home Stays, Guest Houses, Bungalows, to Medium-Scale Hotels, and Super-Luxury Hotels, this paradise island has it all. Of course, the price might vary upon your selections and the facilities they offer. Still, accommodation facilities are indeed cheaper in Sri Lanka, when compared with tourist destinations worldwide. However, some of the Home-stays, Guesthouses, and Bungalows might not have AC and hot water facilities. Hence, if you are concerned with regard, it is always better to ask about these little things before placing your bookings. Besides, finding accommodation during the off-season might not be that hard. Still, it is always the best to hunt for accommodation a few days earlier, just to travel with pace in mind.

Discovering the unique flavours of Sri Lankan Food, seafood, and cultural dishes would simply be a delightful experience that you can ever imagine of! Let it be the luxurious hotels that offer you both local and international cuisine, and the small boutiques or the street stalls that amaze you with their mouth-watering tastes, all of them are impressive beyond words. However, local dishes might be a bit spicy. Thus, it is always better to inform the cook earlier, if you prefer less spicy food. Besides, the cost of food in Sri Lanka highly varies depending on the place you choose to dine, and the dishes you select.

Photography and videography are not forbidden in Sir Lanka. Still, make sure you request permission, especially if you are capturing locals, their boutiques, or their houses. Besides, never turn your back to religious statues, or pose with them with funny poses, since Sri Lanka is a country backed with strong cultural values. Also, whenever you visit a religious or a cultural attraction, or a museum, make sure to check for notices. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in certain places, and using the flasher is strictly prohibited in some sites with historical paintings, and murals. Going beyond, photography and videography in some places require prior permission or payments. Hence, making memories is always fine, yet, it is always better to be mindful of the restrictions. And yes, your travel guide will simply help you with these concerns!

As you might already know, Sri Lanka is a country with a rich cultural heritage. Thus, we encourage you to follow the below ethics when visiting religious places in Sri Lanka.

• Most religious places encourage visitors to wear a light colour attire that covers their body, shoulder to knees. Thus, if you are visiting a religious place, make sure that you do not wear shorts, crop tops, skinnies, etc. Also, having a shawl with you will help you cover your body at such times, in order to blend with the culture there.
• Visitors enter the religious place barefoot and caps, hats, scarfs, etc. are removed before entering the site.
• The tranquillity of the religious places in Sri Lanka is simply impressive. Hence, make sure you mind your behaviour.

Indeed, safety is first! So, it is always better to keep an eye on animals, especially on the stray dogs on the roads. Be mindful when feeding them, or touching them. And by chance, if a stray dog or any other animal bit you, make sure you arrive at the nearest government hospital, and they will make sure to treat you accordingly.