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Highlights of Sri Lanka & Bentota Beach

19 days Cruise & Tour

Highlights of Sri Lanka & Bentota Beach

From stunning scenery to amazing architecture, Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise. Marvel at magnificent temples, discover the Rock Fortress at Sigiriya, encounter elephants at Yala National Park and explore the ancient ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, before unwinding with a relaxing stay on the golden shores of Bentota Beach to perfectly conclude your experience.

  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 18 , Lunches: 13 , Dinners: 14
  • Accommodation
    19 nights in 4/5 star accommodation
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 2
    A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.
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    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
Cruise & Tour
19 DAYS
From USD $7,190PP
Sigiriya Rock Fortress Cooking demonstration in Matale Nuwara Eliya Yala National Park Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery Colombo Bentota Beach
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Tour Highlights

Our Highlights of Sri Lanka & Bentota Beach tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Good to Go

You can holiday to Sri Lanka without having to quarantine either on your arrival in the country or on your return to Australia. Visit Sri Lanka's Government Information Page and Australian Government Smartraveller for full details and to ensure you meet the criteria for entry.
 
Visit our COVID-19 Travel Info Hub for our Travel Safe Protocols, Vaccination Policy and other helpful information.

Day by Day Itinerary

  • Days 1-2
    Fly to Colombo
    Dinner
    Days 1-2: Fly to Colombo

    Fly overnight to Colombo. On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel in the coastal town of Negombo, a short drive from Colombo. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

    Dinner
  • Day 3
    Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 3: Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

    Journey to Sigiriya and explore the magnificent Lion Rock Fortress, built by King Kasyapa. Later visit the world-renowned Heavenly Maiden frescoes.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Polonnaruwa
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 4: Polonnaruwa

    Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, which was the former capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 12th century and is home to well preserved stupas, frescoes and statues. While here, explore the rock temples at Gal Vihara and the Vatadage, an ancient structure with elaborate stone carvings, before returning to Sigiriya.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Anuradhapura
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 5: Anuradhapura

    Travel to the World Heritage city of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated ancient cities. Whilst here, visit the Sri Mada Bodhi Bo tree, over 2000 years old; the Ruwanweliseya dagoba and the Samadhi Buddha statue. Visit the Isurumuniya rock temple to visit its rock carvings dating back to the 3rd century BC.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Spice Gardens & Kandy
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 6: Spice Gardens & Kandy

    Travel to the Buddhist city of Kandy visiting the Dambulla Rock Temple, which dates back to the 1st Century BC. Visit a spice garden and witness a cookery demonstration in Matale. Continue to Kandy.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Explore Kandy
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 7: Explore Kandy

    Visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens before continuing to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. We also explore the remains of the Royal Palace which is now the National Museum. Later, witness a cultural dance show with dinner in the evening.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Nuwara Eliya
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

    Travel to Nuwara Eliya by train, through the world's most picturesque scenery to the city known as Sri Lanka's little England. On arrival you will check-in and relax for the rest of the afternoon.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    City Tour of Nuwara Eliya
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 9: City Tour of Nuwara Eliya

    This morning visit a tea plantation and factory learning all about the manufacturing process. Later this afternoon explore the town centre as you take in the race course, the interesting history of Hill Club Hotel, Gregory Lake and the Hindu Temple of Seetha Amman Kovil.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Yala National Park
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 10: Yala National Park

    Drive to Yala National Park, home to a large number of elephants, leopards, sambhur, wild buffalo and over 130 bird species. Enroute visit Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary, established by the Department of Wildlife Conservation for orphaned elephants.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Explore Yala National Park
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 11: Explore Yala National Park

    Enjoy a morning and evening jeep safari in Yala National Park.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Travel to Galle
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 12: Travel to Galle

    Depart Yala and drive to Galle. On the way, stop and visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole, Mulkirigala Rock Temple and Dikwella Wewurukannala Temple. After lunch stop to view the stilt fisherman at Welligama. Upon arrival in Galle, check into your hotel for a two night stay.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Discover Galle
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 13: Discover Galle

    Today you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Dutch Fort, Galle Lighthouse and Dutch Reformed Church. Also known as Galle Fort, the Dutch Fort is one of the best preserved examples of 17th Century colonial fortifications in the world.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 14
    Colombo
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 14: Colombo

    Travel to Colombo, stopping at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery en route. The hatchery is home to Sri Lanka's pioneering sea turtle conservation project.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15
    Explore Colombo
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 15: Explore Colombo

    Embark on a city tour of Colombo this morning. Explore Fort District, the historic centre of the city. Wander through Pettah Market and visit the Dutch Church of Wolvendhall, dating back to 1749, Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist devotees, and Colombo's finest museums.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 16
    Travel to Bentota
    Breakfast
    Days 16: Travel to Bentota

    Bid farewell to the rest of your group and travel to Bentota, set on the picturesque southwest coast, a destination renowned for its golden beaches, swaying palms and calm, sparkling waters. Arrive at your beach resort and relax. The next few days will be on a private basis with no escorted touring included.

    Breakfast
  • Days 17-19
    Bentota at leisure
    Breakfast
    Day 17-19: Bentota at leisure

    Your time in Bentota can be as slow-paced or as active as you like, with soft, sun-kissed sands to lie on or plentiful activities to partake in. A boat safari through winding mangrove channels is a perfect way to explore, while there are turtle hatcheries, local markets, and traditional fishing villages too. Watersports are an option for those who like action, or there are vibrant beachside cafes and seafood restaurants serving up fresh fish and Sri Lankan delicacies for those who like life at a more sedate pace. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a delightful taste of Sri Lanka’s coastal life.

    Breakfast
  • Day 20
    Depart Colombo
    Breakfast
    Day 20: Depart Colombo

    Transfer to the airport for your flight, arriving home the same day.

    Breakfast
Highlights of Sri Lanka & Bentota Beach map
Negombo (1N) - Sigiriya (3N) - Kandy (2N) - Nuwara Eliya (2N) - Yala National Park (2N) - Galle (2N) - Colombo (2N) - Bentota (4N)

Download Tour Dossier & Trip Notes

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Your Independent Beach Stay

Bentota
Your journey concludes with a peaceful stay on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast in Bentota, where palm-fringed beaches and the gentle rhythm of the Indian Ocean set the scene for pure relaxation. Spend your days unwinding by the shore, exploring the coastline or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, as your trip comes to a calm and refreshing finish. 

Cinnamon Beach

Set between the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean, Cinnamon Bentota Beach offers a stylish beachfront retreat surrounded by tropical gardens and coastal views. Designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, the hotel features elegant rooms, multiple dining options and a tranquil spa, creating a relaxed and atmospheric base for enjoying Sri Lanka’s southern coastline.
A range of stylish rooms and suites are set across the resort, many offering views of the ocean, river or lush tropical gardens. Designed with a blend of contemporary comfort and classic Sri Lankan style, each room provides a relaxing space to unwind, with private balconies or terraces to enjoy the coastal surroundings. All rooms typically include: air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, safe and en-suite bathroom.
Guests can enjoy a variety of facilities designed for both relaxation and adventure. The resort features outdoor swimming pools set within tropical gardens, a choice of restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness centre, as well as access to the beach and nearby river. From unwinding by the pool or indulging in spa treatments to enjoying water sports and local excursions, there are plenty of ways to experience the laid-back charm of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
Dining at Cinnamon Bentota Beach showcases a rich blend of Sri Lankan and international flavours, offering something for every palate. From vibrant buffet spreads to fresh seafood by the ocean and relaxed drinks by the pool, each venue provides its own unique atmosphere by the coast.

Book With Confidence

When to go

Broadly speaking the best time to visit Sri Lanka for touring is from October to April in the Cultural Triangle and July to August in the north of the country.

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 22
    31
    27
  • 58
  • Galle
  • 22
    29
    26
  • 102
  • Kandy
  • 18
    27
    22
  • 79
  • Negombo
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 89
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 9
    20
    15
  • 101
  • Sigiriya
  • 21
    28
    24
  • 109
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 73
  • Galle
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 86
  • Kandy
  • 18
    28
    23
  • 74
  • Negombo
  • 22
    31
    26
  • 69
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 9
    21
    15
  • 78
  • Sigiriya
  • 21
    30
    26
  • 87
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 128
  • Galle
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 117
  • Kandy
  • 18
    30
    24
  • 71
  • Negombo
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 147
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 10
    22
    16
  • 72
  • Sigiriya
  • 22
    32
    27
  • 84
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 25
    32
    28
  • 246
  • Galle
  • 24
    31
    28
  • 241
  • Kandy
  • 20
    30
    25
  • 188
  • Negombo
  • 24
    31
    28
  • 231
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 11
    23
    17
  • 158
  • Sigiriya
  • 23
    32
    28
  • 169
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 26
    31
    28
  • 392
  • Galle
  • 25
    30
    28
  • 297
  • Kandy
  • 20
    29
    24
  • 144
  • Negombo
  • 26
    31
    28
  • 371
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 13
    21
    17
  • 176
  • Sigiriya
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 97
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 26
    30
    28
  • 185
  • Galle
  • 24
    29
    26
  • 206
  • Kandy
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 132
  • Negombo
  • 25
    29
    27
  • 224
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 13
    19
    16
  • 172
  • Sigiriya
  • 24
    31
    28
  • 55
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 25
    30
    28
  • 122
  • Galle
  • 24
    29
    26
  • 165
  • Kandy
  • 20
    27
    24
  • 128
  • Negombo
  • 25
    29
    27
  • 135
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 13
    18
    16
  • 165
  • Sigiriya
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 70
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 25
    30
    28
  • 120
  • Galle
  • 24
    29
    26
  • 155
  • Kandy
  • 19
    28
    24
  • 113
  • Negombo
  • 25
    29
    27
  • 109
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 13
    19
    16
  • 161
  • Sigiriya
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 71
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 25
    30
    28
  • 245
  • Galle
  • 24
    29
    26
  • 213
  • Kandy
  • 19
    28
    24
  • 155
  • Negombo
  • 25
    29
    27
  • 160
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 12
    19
    16
  • 179
  • Sigiriya
  • 23
    31
    27
  • 99
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 24
    30
    27
  • 365
  • Galle
  • 23
    29
    26
  • 340
  • Kandy
  • 19
    28
    24
  • 264
  • Negombo
  • 24
    29
    26
  • 348
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 227
  • Sigiriya
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 267
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 23
    30
    27
  • 414
  • Galle
  • 22
    29
    26
  • 302
  • Kandy
  • 19
    27
    23
  • 296
  • Negombo
  • 23
    29
    26
  • 315
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 222
  • Sigiriya
  • 22
    29
    26
  • 298
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Colombo
  • 23
    30
    27
  • 175
  • Galle
  • 22
    29
    26
  • 178
  • Kandy
  • 18
    27
    22
  • 196
  • Negombo
  • 22
    29
    26
  • 147
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • 11
    19
    15
  • 196
  • Sigiriya
  • 21
    28
    24
  • 258

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart Duration Price Booking Option
Departures in 2026 19 days was USD $7,740pp USD $7,190pp Please Call to Book on (480) 660-5642

Additional Price Information

  • Land only: This tour price is based on land itinerary only. No international flights are included.
  • Visa: A visa may be required and is not included in the tour price. Please check entry requirements with your nearest Consulate.
  • Transfers: Airport transfers are included when arriving on the first day and departing on that last day of the tour, or when booking the group tour additional nights’ accommodation through Wendy Wu Tours.
  • Early check-in and late check-out are not included but can be arranged at an additional price.
  • Tipping paid locally USD$150
  • Price listed is based on new bookings only

Cruise & Tour includes

  • Meals as stated (refer to itinerary)
  • Domestic transportation
  • Touring with English-speaking guides & entrance fees
  • All accommodation

Important Information For Your Tour

Before Booking
Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
and more
Before you go
Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

Extensions and Stopovers

Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

Highlights of Sri Lanka

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Maximum group size of 18 reserved for solo travellers only.
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