Kandy · Nuwara Eliya · Bentota · Colombo
Short on time but still want temples, tea country and the beach? This 4-night route hits Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, the cool hills of Nuwara Eliya, the Dutch-era Galle Fort and a day of water sports in Bentota, all wrapped up with a Colombo city tour before you fly out. A private air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking chauffeur handle every transfer.
Day by day
Arrive in Sri Lanka and drive to Kandy (approx. 4 hrs), stopping at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage en route. Visit a spice garden in Mawanella and Kandy's gem museum, then, time permitting, an evening cultural dance show and a viewpoint over the city.
Kandy city tour taking in Upper Lake Drive, the Market Square and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, then head up to Nuwara Eliya (approx. 3 hrs) via Ramboda Falls, a tea factory and Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, with an evening visit to Victoria Park and Gregory Lake.
Visit Seetha Amman Temple and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens before descending to Bentota (approx. 5.5 hrs) via Kithulgala, with the option of white-water rafting on the Kelani River en route.
Morning visit to the historic Galle Fort, then back in Bentota for a Madu River boat trip, the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, and an afternoon of water sports including jet-skiing and banana boat rides — Sri Lanka's self-styled "water capital".
Transfer to Colombo (approx. 3.5 hrs) for a city tour and some shopping, before continuing to the airport for your flight home.
Costs
Good to know
Yes, this route is built for shorter stays — it moves at a brisker pace than our 6 and 7-night itineraries but still covers the highlights.
A round of jet-ski, banana boat and tube rides works out to around $30 per person, paid locally and quoted separately.
Yes, it's entirely optional — those who'd rather not raft can relax and enjoy the river views instead.
We quote 3, 4 and 5-star options at every stop, and if a listed hotel isn't available we'll book an alternative in the same category.
Yes — a popular upgrade is our 7-day route via Ella and a Yala leopard safari. Ask us when you enquire.
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