Trip Overview
This short 5-day Sri Lanka itinerary is perfect for those that want to see the highlights of Sri Lanka but are a little short on time.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, learn about the importance of spirituality, and come into contact with some of Sri Lanka's most beautiful national parks. Experience the traditional culture of Sri Lanka and come into close contact with the large herds of elephants that come to Minneriya.
This itinerary combines nature, wildlife and urban adventure all in one - it is a trip not to be missed!
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites, learn about the importance of spirituality, and come into contact with some of Sri Lanka's most beautiful national parks. Experience the traditional culture of Sri Lanka and come into close contact with the large herds of elephants that come to Minneriya.
This itinerary combines nature, wildlife and urban adventure all in one - it is a trip not to be missed!
Customise this trip for a perfect match
Private, Personalised TravelNo generic group tours. Just the activities you love, and nothing you don't.
Insider Local KnowledgeAccess insider tips, hidden gems and authentic experiences known only to locals.
End-to-end ServiceFrom the initial planning to full support while travelling, Designer Journeys provides seamless service every step of the way.
Travel With ConfidenceFeel assured travelling with an accredited Australian company with comprehensive financial guarantees and a local emergency system.
Itinerary
Day 1
Begin Your Sri Lanka Itinerary
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Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you will be met by a designated chauffeur guide and taken to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. After the visit, the driver will take you to your hotel in Negombo. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. You can take some time to recover from your journey and relax in your hotel or you can take a stroll in Negombo for a glimpse of local Sri Lankan life.
Accommodation
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana★4 star
Activities
Dambulla Cave Temple
Free Time in NegomboOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver
Private Driver from Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple to Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Meals
Dinner
Destinations
Dambulla
Habarana
Negombo
Day 2
Sigiriya Visit and Elephant Safari
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This morning you will go on a hike to the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, where you will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. After, head to a local village in Sigiriya, and experience life as a Sri Lankan villager, and where lunch will be prepared for you in an authentic Sri Lankan way. In the afternoon you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the sight of over 150 elephants congregating in one place in Minneriya National Park.
Accommodation
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana★4 star
Activities
Sigiriya Lion Rock
Hiriwaduna Village
Minneriya National Park Safari
Transportations
Private Driver from Cinnamon Lodge Habarana to Sigiriya Rock
Private Driver from Hiriwadunna to Minneriya National Park
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Destinations
Habarana
Sigiriya
Anuradhapura
North Central Province
Day 3
Spice Garden and Kandy
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This morning you will embark on a tour of a local spice and herbal garden, where you learn about spices in Sri Lanka such as coriander, chilli, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg and their uses. After, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. In the afternoon you'll enjoy an entertaining traditional Kandyan cultural performance.
Accommodation
Earl's Regent Hotel★4 star
Activities
Euphoria Spice and Herbal Garden
Sri Dalada Maligawa
Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
Transportations
Private Driver from Cinnamon Lodge Habarana to Euphoria Spice & Herbal
Private Driver from Euphoria Spice & Herbal to Sri Dalada Maligawa
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
Habarana
Matale
Kandy
Day 4
Colombo Sightseeing
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This morning you will head to the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Here you will see cannonball trees, walk over a suspension bridge and through the beautiful hedge mazes. After, a private driver will transfer you to the capital of Sri Lanka: the vibrant city of Colombo. You are free to relax at your hotel in the afternoon or do some sightseeing in Colombo at your own pace.
Accommodation
OZO Colombo★4 star
Activities
Royal Botanical Gardens
Colombo City
Restaurants
Awanhala
Nana's King Street FoodOptional Activity
Transportations
Private Driver from Royal Botanic Gardens to Awanhala
Private Driver from Awanhala to OZO Colombo
Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Destinations
Kandy
Ambepussa
Colombo
Day 5
Departure From Colombo
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After breakfast at your hotel, you will pack your belongings after a memorable Sri Lanka itinerary. A driver will be waiting for you at the hotel lobby to transfer you to the airport.
Transportations
Private Driver from OZO Colombo to Bandaranaike International Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Colombo
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What’s included?
- 4 nights accommodation
- 9 activities
- 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
- Airport transfer
- Ground transportation
What’s not included?
- Alcohol beverages
- Domestic flights
- Entrance fees
- Entry visas / airport departure tax
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Laundry
- Licensed English speaking guides
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 1,684/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Sri Lanka in 5 days
4-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
Unique local experiences you can’t find elsewhere
More Inclusions
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All the activities you love, and nothing you don't
Inspiration for you
Explore the authentic activities in Sri Lanka
Dambulla Cave Temple, Central Province, Sri Lanka|Minneriya National Park Safari, North Central Province, Sri Lanka|Hiriwaduna Village, North Central Province, Sri Lanka|Sigiriya Lion Rock, Central Province, Sri Lanka|Euphoria Spice and Herbal Garden, Central Province, Sri Lanka|Sri Dalada Maligawa, Central Province, Sri Lanka|Kandyan Cultural Dance Show, Central Province, Sri Lanka|Royal Botanical Gardens, Central Province, Sri Lanka|Colombo City, Western Province, Sri Lanka|Awanhala, Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka
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