Sri Lanka Central Highlands Tour (5 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 you will be transferred to your hotel in Colombo. The ride would take nearly 1 hour, and it won’t ever be a boring ride for you. Of course, you have many things to look around as you travel. In fact, the sight of people swarming at train stations, and bus stations at office hours would simply surprise you. Besides, vehicles that pass, the tall buildings and small street stalls, people who live a luxurious life, along with the innocent people who take efforts to make a living, and whatnot? Yes, the travel to the city of Colombo will offer you a chance to witness all these aspects of Sri Lankan society. Further, the colonial-era architecture that you would spot once in a while, cultural and religious attractions that represent all ethnicities in the country, greenery around, and the Beire lake that flows through the heart of the city further magnify the diversified beauty of this wonderful city. Thus, you simply have several things to observe and experience while you travel to this bustling vibrant city, which is also the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. However, after arriving at your hotel, you would have plenty of time to relax after a tiring flight and to get ready for the tour starting the next day. Besides, the hotel you check-in would be a 3-star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

On the second day of the tour, you would be heading to the beautiful hill town of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya. The ride would approximately take around 5 hours. Still, it would be a trip with excitement and beauty. This would be one of the most relaxing trips that you would ever experience on this splendid island owing to many reasons. The climatic changes you witness is one of the main reasons why we say so. In fact, the journey would begin in a warm climate at Colombo, and gradually it would turn into a pleasantly cool climate as you reach the central highlands of the country. Besides, the lush greenery around, tall waterfalls that stand amidst them, the vibrant shades of beautiful flowers, and the mountains covered with the mist are sure to create enchanting sceneries as you travel. And this trip would be more interesting, as you visit two of the most charming waterfalls of the island, Devon, and St. Claire’s on the way. However, after arriving at Nuwara Eliya, you have enough and more chances to explore the beauty of this hill town. In the afternoon you would be taking part in a city tour, and meanwhile, apart from the natural beauty, you would also be able to spot some alluring English country style houses and half-timbered bungalows from the colonial era as well. At the end of the day, you would arrive at a 3-star hotel to spend overnight.

The third day of this tour is simply a day with nature. At around 6.00 a.m in the morning, we would be making a pre-dawn start to Horton Plains National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides, as you might already know, it is one of the most popular hiking spots on this island. Thus, visiting this wonderful land would certainly be an amazing experience. You would be able to take part in a guided walk along the park’s nature trails to a viewpoint known as World’s End. Simply, it would be one of the best places to enjoy the most alluring scenic views of the beautiful surroundings. Moreover, Horton Plains is an ideal spot for bird watching as well. Both endemic and migrant bird species live here, along with many other species of wildlife. However, after exploring the charming greenland, you will continue your journey up to Baker’s Falls. Then, in the afternoon, you would be visiting the Pedro Tea Factory to experience the making of world-famous ‘Sri Lankan tea’. And why not? You can also visit a tea plantation and enjoy plucking some tea leaves as well. Then, you would arrive back at Nuwara Eliya to spend overnight.

Following breakfast on this day, you would be heading to the charming ancient city of Kandy, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The drive would approximately take around 3 hours, and thus, it would be nearly afternoon when you arrive at this beautiful sacred city. Then, in the afternoon you would take part in a city tour around the city of Kandy, and during this travel, you would be visiting the main attraction of Kandy, the temple of tooth relic, and many other attractions such as the upper lake drive, market square, and gem lapidary. Besides, the relaxing climate and the scenic beauty of Kandy, are never second to the delights of Nuwara Eliya. So, all these things bundled together are sure to offer you a fascinating experience in this wonderful town. However, after experiencing the charm of the city of Kandy, you would arrive at a 3-star hotel in the town to spend overnight.

Following breakfast on this day, the tour would end as we drop you back at Colombo City or the Colombo International Airport. 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 trip 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 cater to you. And for this tour, we have chosen 3-star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis, helping you enjoy your stay in a way that suits your wishes!

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

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, this package includes breakfasts only. Still, take it easy because our representatives may help you arrange the rest of the meals of the day upon your request. Further, 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. Note: We would be providing you with bottled water.

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 trip more amusing than ever!

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, this package includes entrance tickets for the below-mentioned places.

• Horton Plains
• Tea plantation and Tea Factory
• Kandy Temple of Tooth

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.

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.

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 anything that is not mentioned in the Itinerary, lunch, and dinner, and for snacks, alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks, etc.

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 trip 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 you money. Also, buying a sim in Sri Lanka is not that hard. You can buy one easily from the airport premises, or the outlets islandwide.

Discovering the unique flavours of Sri Lankan Food, seafood, and cultural dishes would simply be a delightful experience that you can ever imagine! 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 Sri 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.