Fascinating Sri Lanka Tour (4 Days)

When you arrive in Sri Lanka, you will be able to find one of our representatives from Next Travel Sri Lanka at the Arriving Lounge of the Colombo AirPort paging your name. Once your identity is confirmed, you will be guided to the luxurious and comfortable vehicle provided to you, and then they would transfer you to the hotel. Of course, we know that you need some time to relax after a tiring flight. So, we have spared a few hours of this day for you to relax, and afterwards, you would head to the city of Colombo, to begin your journey with a sightseeing tour. However, if you are not that much aware of the city of Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, let us mention to you that it is a vibrant city with a number of fascinations. Out of the many important places in this bustling city to visit, we have selected a few of the major attractions for you. Accordingly, we would first visit the old Parliament building of Sri Lanka, which now houses the Presidential Secretariat of the country. Next, we would visit the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, also known as BMICH, which is an exquisite convention centre in Sri Lanka, in the heart of the city.  Later, you will head to the Gangaramaya Temple, a wonderful Buddhist religious and cultural attraction, with a bunch of valuable historical marvels. And finally, the tour for the day would end with an excursion to the Old Town Hall, which stands majestically in white, as a famous landmark of the city. After spending time there and capturing its wonderful looks, you would arrive at a hotel in Colombo to spend your night.

Following the breakfast of the second day, you would begin your trip to the beautiful city of Kandy.  And on the way, you would visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can find a good number of orphaned, and injured elephants of all ages. Besides, you can observe their life in a close view out there, including the sight of feeding them and bathing them in a river nearby. Afterwards, you would again continue your journey towards the sacred city of Kandy, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. And the drive to Kandy would never be a boring one, as you would be able to observe the daily life of Sri Lankan villagers as you pass small boutiques of cashew nuts, pineapple, ‘Thembili’ (King Coconut), and the small stalls and carts with mouth-watering street food. Further, you will also observe the beauty of the lush greenery of the tea estates, verdant mountainous surroundings, and experience the relaxing climate while reaching this splendid city as well. However, once you reach Kandy, you will check in at the hotel. You will spend the evening leisurely, and spend the overnight there.

Of course, there is a lot to explore in the splendid city of Kandy. Thus, following the breakfast of the third day, the sightseeing tour of Kandy would begin. First, you would visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the most sacred religious and cultural attraction of Buddhists. Next, you would proceed with Upper Lake Drive, Arts & Crafts Centre, Gem Museum, and the Lapidary. Of course, these places would simply prove to you the grandeur of the last Sinhalese kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka, the Kandyan Kingdom, as well as the shades of colonial impacts they hold. Next, you would be experiencing one of the most delightful experiences in Kandy. Yes, you would visit the Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya, the wonderful land of colours. Its alluring landscapes, vibrant florals amidst the greenery, together with the pleasant climate, are surely going to soothe your mind and soul with their charms. Then, in the evening, you would get an opportunity of enjoying a dance and drumming performance, that exhibits the astonishing traditions and culture of the Kandyan era. And finally, you would arrive at your hotel to spend the night that day.

The fourth day of this tour will offer you a whole different experience, as it would be a day of leisure by the sea. So, following the breakfast of this day at Kandy, you would begin your drive to Bentota, the wonderful coastal city of Sri Lanka. On arrival, you would check in to a hotel nestled out there. However, even though we mention this day as a day of leisure, you have several things to enjoy in this charming city. So, you can stroll by the golden sandy beaches of Bentota, and then even visit the major attractions of this city such as the Japanese-style gardens, Turtle Hatcheries, Cinnamon Plantations, Buddha Temples, etc. And the relaxation for the overnight would be at a hotel in Bentota.

The fifth day of the tour would also offer you a number of amusing experiences since it mainly focuses on an iconic coastal town of Sri Lanka, which is none other than Galle. So, following breakfast at Bentota, you would begin your journey to Galle in the morning. On arrival, you would visit one of the most scenic, and alluring beaches of Sri Lanka, Unawatuna. Then, you would be able to explore the city, and meanwhile, you would visit a UNESCO world heritage site, which is the Galle Fort, that majestical stands around the city limits. Also, as you walk along the streets of around Galle Fort, you would simply realize how the colonial impacts still keep the city living and delightful. Apart from that, you also have the opportunity of visiting a turtle hatchery, to experience how the injured and endangered turtles are being looked after, and to witness how the turtle babies are released to the sea. And then, in the evening, you would arrive back at the Hotel in Bentota, for the overnight stay. Optional:  If you are willing, you can choose to go on a boat trip on the Madu River, in Galle, in the evening.

Of course, the 6th day marks the end of this delightful tour, which added a bunch of beautiful memories to your stay in Sri Lanka. Yet, our service won’t end there, since we would be dropping you back at the Colombo International Airport, depending on the time of your departure flight. After all, we believe that this tour package features you 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
• 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! From arrival transfer to departure transfer, we would offer you a trip with excellent comfort. You have 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 experienced English-speaking naturalist driver/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.

• Monument Entrance Fees

Certain religious and cultural attractions, Museums, National Parks, Botanical Gardens, etc, on this island, require the visitors to purchase an entrance fee, in order to enter the site. However, it is a must note that our tour package includes monument entrance tickets.

• Charging Facilities

Of course, charging facilities happen to be a must for any traveller. Still, you have nothing to worry about! Charging facilities are included in this tour package.

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.

Of course, you will be provided with accommodation. Still, it is up to the travellers to bear personal expenses for Pre and post-tour accommodation. Further, the travellers should bear their cost for lunch and dinner as well.

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.

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 non-vaccinated 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 beha

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.