Tea Tide
Best for
Couples, Culture Seekers
Duration
6N/7D
Season
December–March
Difficulty
Easy
Vibe
Cultural, Heritage
A Tibro Journey
Six nights from the cool tea hills of Nuwara Eliya down to the warm coast at Bentota. The mangrove turtles and the Madu River, then Colombo for the markets and a shopping day.
Sri Lankan Delight 6N is a 6N/7D heritage & culture journey through Sri Lanka. Highlights include Pinnawala & Spice Garden, Nuwara Eliya tea plantations, Bentota Madu river.
Signature Moments
Three Mornings You'll Remember
No. 01
Pinnawala & Spice Garden
Pinnawala & Spice Garden
No. 02
Nuwara Eliya tea plantations
Nuwara Eliya tea plantations
No. 03
Bentota Madu river
Bentota Madu river
No. 01
Pinnawala & Spice Garden
Pinnawala & Spice Garden
No. 02
Nuwara Eliya tea plantations
Nuwara Eliya tea plantations
No. 03
Bentota Madu river
Bentota Madu river
Day by Day
6N/7D, in order
Day 1
Arrive Colombo – Nuwara Eliya
You will be warmly welcomed by our representative at the Colombo International Airport. After arrival begin your scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as "Little England" for its cool climate and colonial charm. On the way, stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary for abandoned and injured elephants, where you can watch them being fed and bathing in the river. Continue your journey through the lush central highlands, visiting a tea plantation and tea factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s world-famous Ceylon tea, and enjoy a fresh cup amid the plantations. Also, pause to take in the breathtaking waterfalls cascading through the hills. Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, check in at your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to relax and unwind in the serene mountain setting. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 2
Nuwara Eliya Sightseeing Tour
After having breakfast at the hotel. Begin with a visit to the Sita Amman Temple, a sacred Hindu site believed to mark the spot where Sita was held captive by King Ravana, according to the Ramayana. The temple is surrounded by scenic greenery and a peaceful river flowing beside it. You’ll find statues, murals, and inscriptions depicting the legend, with a peaceful stream running beside the temple where Sita is said to have bathed. Next, explore the Hakgala Botanical Garden, the second-largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. Nestled at the base of Hakgala Rock, it features a vast collection of exotic and native plants, including vibrant orchids, towering trees, and beautifully landscaped flower beds. Later, drive through the town centre, passing landmarks such as Gregory Lake, a tranquil water body where you can enjoy optional boating or take a relaxing walk along its shores. You’ll also spot old British colonial buildings like the Grand Hotel and Hill Club, reflecting the town’s colonial past. Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 3
Nuwara Eliya to Bentota
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out. Depart for Bentota, a serene coastal town located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. The journey offers scenic views as you descend from the central highlands to the coastal plains, passing lush countryside, rivers, and local villages. Upon arrival in Bentota, check in to your beachside resort or hotel. Take some time to settle in and unwind after the drive. In the evening, you are free to relax at leisure. Enjoy a peaceful walk on the soft sandy beach, take in the stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean, or simply lounge by the poolside at your resort. Overnight stay at your hotel in Bentota.
Day 4
Turtle Hatchery & Boat Ride on Madhu River
Begin your day with an early breakfast at the hotel. Head to the coastal town of Mirissa, located about 2.5 to 3 hours from Bentota, for an unforgettable whale watching experience. Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to spot blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat. Board a specially equipped boat and set out into the Indian Ocean, accompanied by expert guides who will help you spot these gentle giants. After your whale watching tour, begin your return journey toward Bentota with stops for more coastal experiences. En route, visit a Turtle Hatchery, where you’ll learn about the conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtles. Witness various species of turtles at different stages of development, from eggs to hatchlings and even rescued adults. If lucky, you might even witness a turtle release into the ocean. Next, enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Madu River, a beautiful wetland estuary famous for its rich biodiversity. Glide past mangrove forests, islets, and traditional stilt fishermen, and stop at points of interest such as a fish spa, cinnamon island, or historic temples hidden within the mangroves. Overnight stay at your hotel in Bentota.
Day 5
Bentota to Colombo – Colombo City Tour
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then check out and proce ed to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s dynamic capital city that blends colonial elegance with modern vibrance. Upon arrival, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Independence Memorial Hall, built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence; the beautifully ornate Gangaramaya Temple, which showcases a mix of modern architecture and traditional culture; and Galle Face Green, a seaside promenade popular with locals and visitors alike. Drive past the historic Old Parliament Building, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Lighthouse Clock Tower, remnants of British colonial rule. Explore the bustling Pettah Bazaar for a glimpse into local life, or stop by the stylish Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct for souvenirs, cafes, and boutique stores. Later in the afternoon, check in to your hotel. The evening is free for you to relax or explore Colombo’s thriving dining and nightlife scene at your own pace. Overnight stay at your hotel in Colombo.
Day 6
Shopping Tour in Colombo
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then check out and depart for Colombo, Sri Lanka’s cosmopolitan capital city. Upon arrival, dive into a shopping tour across some of Colombo’s most popular retail spots. Whether you're looking for designer wear, souvenirs, handicrafts, gems, tea, or local products, Colombo has it all.
Day 7
Colombo – Departure
Breakfast at Hotel. As all good things come to an end, you will be safely driven to the airport for your flight back home having sweet memories of the tour. ***END OF TOUR***
Where You'll Stay
Hand-Picked Hotels
Nuwara Eliya
Araliya Green Hills Hotel 4*
Bentota
The Palms Beruwala 4*
Colombo
Radisson Colombo Hotel 4*
Nuwara Eliya
Araliya Green Hills Hotel 4*
Bentota
The Palms Beruwala 4*
Colombo
Radisson Colombo Hotel 4*
Honestly
Things most travel sites won't tell you.
On-the-ground details your designer wishes every guest knew before they landed.
Things to Look Out For
Two monsoons, two coasts
Sri Lanka runs two opposite monsoons on one small island. The south-west coast and the hill country are dry December to March; the east coast around Trincomalee and Arugam Bay is dry May to September, when the south-west is wet. There is almost always a dry coast. You just have to be on the right one for the month.
The hill-country train
The Kandy-to-Ella line through the tea estates is one of the great slow train rides anywhere. Book a second-class reserved seat in advance, not first class, because the windows and doors open and everyone hangs out for the Nine Arch Bridge. The blue trains are the old ones and the better ride.
Climb Sigiriya at opening
Sigiriya, the rock fortress in the cultural triangle, bakes by mid-morning and the stairs back up out of the frescoes gallery bottleneck with tour groups. Be at the gate when it opens at seven; you climb in the cool, beat the heat and the crowds, and have the lion's-paw summit nearly to yourself.
- №1
Two monsoons, two coasts
Sri Lanka runs two opposite monsoons on one small island. The south-west coast and the hill country are dry December to March; the east coast around Trincomalee and Arugam Bay is dry May to September, when the south-west is wet. There is almost always a dry coast. You just have to be on the right one for the month.
- №2
The hill-country train
The Kandy-to-Ella line through the tea estates is one of the great slow train rides anywhere. Book a second-class reserved seat in advance, not first class, because the windows and doors open and everyone hangs out for the Nine Arch Bridge. The blue trains are the old ones and the better ride.
- №3
Climb Sigiriya at opening
Sigiriya, the rock fortress in the cultural triangle, bakes by mid-morning and the stairs back up out of the frescoes gallery bottleneck with tour groups. Be at the gate when it opens at seven; you climb in the cool, beat the heat and the crowds, and have the lion's-paw summit nearly to yourself.
The Details
What's Included
Included
- Accommodation at the above-mentioned Hotels or similar Category rooms.
- 05 Breakfasts & 05 Dinners at the hotel itself
- Transport in an A/C Vehicle with the service of an English-speaking chauffeur Guide.
- Sightseeing as mentioned above. (Without entrance fees)
- Value-added tax.
Not Included
- 5% Government Service Tax is applicable in addition to the total invoice.
- 20% Tax Collected at Source (TCS)
- PCR Tests, if necessary, for the required destination
Plan Your Timing
When to Go
The headline season for the classic south-west-and-hill-country route is December to March, when Colombo, the Galle coast, Kandy and the tea highlands are at their driest and the seas are calm for the beaches. May to September swings the rain to the south-west and dries out the east coast instead. The window for Trincomalee and the surf at Arugam Bay. April and October-November are the inter-monsoon months, hot and prone to afternoon storms anywhere.
Your Memoir
Here's how you'll remember it.
Vol. 8, A Tibro memoir, printed on archival paper, shipped after you return.
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