6 Days • 5 Nights
Sri Lanka Beach & Culture Short Escape
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock, explore the golden cave temples of Dambulla, visit Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth, and then unwind on the palm-fringed beaches of the west coast. Spice gardens, cultural shows and warm seas fill the days.
With comfortable hotels, a private driver-guide and the highlights arranged, it is the essence of Sri Lanka in a few days.
Trip Highlights
- The astonishing Sigiriya Lion Rock
- The golden cave temples of Dambulla
- Kandy's sacred Temple of the Tooth
- A Kandyan cultural dance show
- A spice garden and elephant encounter
- The palm-fringed beaches of the west coast
- Warm seas and swaying palms
- Culture and beach in one easy trip
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Arrive and transfer to Sigiriya, settling in with a welcome dinner.
Climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock and the Dambulla cave temples, then travel to Kandy via a spice garden, with an evening cultural show.
The sacred Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Travel to the west coast and settle into your beach resort, with an afternoon on the sand.
A relaxed beach day — swimming, the resort spa, or an optional boat trip on the Madu River.
Travel to Colombo airport for your onward flight, with a final breakfast.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private driver-guide throughout
- 1N Sigiriya, 2N Kandy, 2N west-coast beach
- Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
- The Sigiriya Lion Rock and the Dambulla cave temples
- Kandy's Temple of the Tooth and a cultural show
- A spice garden visit
- West-coast beach time
- All listed entrance fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka ETA visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Camera and video fees at some sites where not stated
- Optional excursions and safaris where not stated
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you travel, with a passport valid at least six months. We can point you to the official portal
- Currency: The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Cards work in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small towns, temples and tips; ATMs are common in towns
- Two monsoons: Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best coast depends on the season — December to March is ideal for the west, south and hills, while May to September suits the east coast
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove shoes and hats at temples. Never turn your back on a Buddha image for a photo, and note that visitors with Buddha tattoos may be refused entry or asked to cover them
- The scenic train: The Kandy to Ella hill-country train is one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys; reserved seats sell out well in advance, which we book for you
- Getting around: Roads are winding and journeys slower than the distances suggest, so a private driver-guide is the standard and best way to explore the island, all arranged for you
- The hills are cool: The tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella is noticeably cooler, especially at night, so pack a warm layer even in the tropics
- Wildlife: Leopards are elusive and sightings never guaranteed, while elephants are commonly seen; the southeast parks like Yala are best in the drier months from February to July
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present), and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap and widely available. Power is 230V, usually with the type D or G plug, so bring a universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, plus full board on safari at the wildlife lodges. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Sri Lanka's wonderful rice-and-curry and seafood.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own private driver-guide and comfortable vehicle throughout, which is the standard and best way to explore Sri Lanka's winding roads.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need a Sri Lanka ETA, applied for online before travel. We guide you to the official portal and the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
December to March is ideal for the west, south, hills and Cultural Triangle, while May to September is best for the east coast. We plan your route around the seasons for the best weather.
Is the scenic hill-country train included?
Yes — on the relevant itineraries we include the beautiful Kandy or Nanu Oya to Ella train in reserved seats, one of the world's great rail journeys through tea country.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, regions, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a wildlife safari, more beach time, whale watching or a luxury villa. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we get around the island?
By private car with a driver-guide for most of the journey, plus the scenic hill-country train where included — all arranged for you, so you simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Is this good as an add-on trip?
Perfectly — five nights gives you Sri Lanka's cultural highlights and a beach, and it pairs beautifully with the Maldives or India for a longer holiday.
When is the west coast at its best?
The west and south coasts are at their best from December to March, with sunny, drier weather and calm seas. We schedule the beach stay for the best conditions.
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