Heritage Tours - Option III - Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour (Summer)

Heritage Tours - Option III - Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour (Summer)

Sri Lanka’s rich culture has tapestry with its religious history. The main influencer is Theravada Buddhism that introduced to Sri Lanka in 343 BC. However, during the 7th and 8th centuries, AD Mahayana Buddhism has also developed in the country. In this period “Avalokiteshvara” Bodhisattva was most popular in Sri Lanka. Within the Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition, Avalokitesvara is also identified as Natha Deviyo or Lokeshvara Natha (Natha), who lives in Tushita heaven and is destined to become the future Buddha “Maitreya”. 

This tour programme has planned to give you detailed knowledge about Sri Lankan Buddhist culture. That includes some of the disclosed lesser-known, but still captivating sites in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the tour also offers you the chance to understand more about local culture and traditions together with fascinating experiences in Sri Lankan nature.

Let’s enjoy a Buddhist pilgrimage tour!

You can edit and change this itinerary online as per your interest and need. Options are available for upgrading your hotel, changing activities and requesting any special needs and want.

What you have to do is select hotels from the available hotels and note the changes on the form at the bottom and submit them.


DAY 1 Negombo
DAY 2 & 3 Anuradhapura
DAY 4 & 5 Jaffna
DAY 6 & 7 Trincomalee
DAY 8 & 9 Polonnaruwa
DAY 10 & 11 Kandy
DAY 12 & 13 Nuwara Eliya
DAY 14 Colombo

from USD 1,828

Per person on double sharing basis

Tour Map

Key Highlights

  • Visit Negambo – Anuradhapura - Jaffna – Trincomalee-Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya – Dambulla - Mahiyanganaya – Kandy-Nuwara Eliya – Colombo
  • Boat ride in Dutch Canal
  • Visit Yapahuwa rock fortress, Nillakgama Bodhigaraya, Avukana Buddha statue, and Sesseruwa Buddha statue.
  • Explore the sacred city of Anuradhapura and Mihintale
  • Visit Tanthirimale ancient Buddhist monastery, Madu church, and Thirukketeeswaram Kovil Hindu temple.
  • Ferry boat ride to Nainativu Island 
  • Visit Keerimalai Pond, Nilavarai well and Kantarodai Buddhist 
  • Explore Pulmoddai beach, Arisimale beach, Girihadu seya, Vatadage, Thiriyaya
  • Boat ride to Pigeon Island marine national park
  • Wheals and Dolphin watching in Trincomalee
  • City tour in Trincomalee 
  • Visit Seruwawila Mangala Maha Seya temple and Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya 
  • Cycling inside the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
  • Morning hike to Pidurangala rock to witness the sunrise at the top.
  • Explore the ancient city of Sigiriya.
  • Elephant watching, Minneriya national park.
  • Visit Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya
  • Meet Vaddhs, the Sri Lanka Aborigines.
  • Experience the fishing, dining and relaxing in the canoe camp on a boat platform at the Sorabora Wewa (Reservoir)
  • Visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden and Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka, and Embekke temples.
  • Visit Sri Dalada Maligawa in the secret city of Kandy, a world heritage site
  • Visit Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya
  • Trekking Horton Plains national park
  • Hike to Pidurutalagala rock
  • Explore Devon falls and St. Clair's falls
  • White water rafting in Kitulgala 
  • Visit Kelaniya temple

What's included

  • Accommodation for 14 Nights.
  • 14 Nights’ accommodation sharing Double Room on HB (breakfast and dinner) basis as per itinerary. 
  • Services of TLJ’s English speaking accredited chauffeur-guide accompanying throughout the tour.
  • Travel in a late model mid-sized air-conditioned car.
  • Local transfers
  • Government tax and service charges
  • Entrance and activity charges directly pay at the site as per itinerary 

What's Not included

  • All activities not detailed in inclusions are Pay As You Go. 
  • International airfares.
  • Lunch, snacks & beverages.
  • Personal travel and medical insurance
  • Tips for guide / driver / assistant
  • Visa fees
  • Expenses of a personal nature.
  • Video camera and still camera fees
  • Permits at some locations
  • Welcome to Sri Lanka. Transfer you to Negombo
  • Boat ride in Dutch Canal
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  • At the arrival lounge of Colombo Airport, you will be received by your chauffeur guide who will take care of you for the next 15 Days and transfer you to Negombo. Approximately 20 minutes drive.
  • Check in to the hotel and relax.
  • Afternoon boat ride in the Dutch Canal to explore the lifestyle and the culture of the fishing communities living on the banks of the canal.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Jetwing Thalahena Villas, Negombo
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Available Hotels

Jetwing Thalahena Villas

Jetwing Thalahena Villas

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Hive 68 - Hotel and Resorts

Hive 68 - Hotel and Resorts

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Pledge Scape

Pledge Scape

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Villa Hundira

Villa Hundira

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Jetwing Lagoon

Jetwing Lagoon

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Heritance Negambo

Heritance Negambo

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night


  • Transfer you to Anuradhapura 
  • En-route visit Yapahuwa rock fortress, Nillakgama Bodhigaraya, Avukana Buddha statue, and Sesseruwa Buddha statue
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  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Transfer you to  Anuradhapura - approximately 3 and half hours’ drive
  • En-route hike to Yapahuwa rock fortress, the capital city of ancient Sri Lanka for a limited period. And explore Nillakgama Bodhigaraya, Avukana Buddha statue, and Sesseruwa Buddha statue. It is said that these two rock-cut statues were made by the master and the pupil.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Rajarata Hotel,  Anuradhapura
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Available Hotels

Rajarata Hotel

Rajarata Hotel

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Hotel Heladiv

Hotel Heladiv

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Kubura Resort

Kubura Resort

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Hotel White House

Hotel White House

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Ulagalla by Uga Escapes

Ulagalla by Uga Escapes

US$ 231 + per night


  • Explore Sacred city of Anuradhapura, World Heritage site and Mihintale, a rock mountain peak that has close relations with Buddhism in Sri Lanka
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  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura Cultural World Heritage Site and Mihintale, a rock mountain peak that has close relations with Buddhism in Sri Lanka
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Rajarata Hotel,  Anuradhapura
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Available Hotels

Rajarata Hotel

Rajarata Hotel

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Hotel Heladiv

Hotel Heladiv

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Kubura Resort

Kubura Resort

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Hotel White House

Hotel White House

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Ulagalla by Uga Escapes

Ulagalla by Uga Escapes

US$ 231 + per night


  • Transfer you to Jaffna 
  • En-route visit Tanthirimale ancient Buddhist monastery and Thirukketeeswaram Kovil Hindu temple
  • Afternoon Jaffna city tour
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  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Transfer you to Jaffna. Approximately 3 and a half hours’ drive.
  • En-route visit Tanthirimale ancient Buddhist monastery and Thirukketeeswaram Kovil. 
  • Thanthirimale is an ancient Buddhist monastery sprawling extensive boulders spreading over a huge area in the midst of thick forest which gives a panoramic view.  The caves at Thanthirimale had been inhabited by the Megalithic man in Sri Lanka where Paleolithic cave paintings and some primitive drawings done by Veddah people were discovered. 
  • Thirukketeeswaram Kovil,  one of the five historical Sri Lankan Shiva temples is located 10 km east of Mannar town.
  • Afternoon Jaffna city tour. You will be able to explore Jaffna library, Jaffna market, Supramaniyam Park, Old Park, Coastal villages, Rio ice cream, Nallur temple, Arc of last kingdom's palace, St James church, St Mary's Cathedral, Buddhist Pagoda, a statue of the last king of Jaffna kingdom,  last king's minister house,  and archaeological Museum. 
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Thinnai Organic Farm, Jaffna
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Available Hotels

Jetwing Jaffna

Jetwing Jaffna

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Thinnai Organic Farm

Thinnai Organic Farm

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

FOX JAFFNA

FOX JAFFNA

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Fort Hammenhiel Resort

Fort Hammenhiel Resort

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

The Thinnai

The Thinnai

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Jetwing Jaffna

Jetwing Jaffna

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night


  • Ferry boat ride to Nainativu Island and explore Nagadeepa Buddhist temple and Nagapooshani Amman kovil 
  • Visit important places of Keerimalai Pond, Nilavarai well, and Kantarodai Buddhist stupas and try to explore Palmyra tree products common only in the Jaffna peninsula
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  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Transfer you to Kurikkaduwan Jetty, one hour drive from the hotel where the ferry service starts to Nainativu Island. It is about 30 min ferry boat ride to the island. Due to the Nagadeepa Buddhist temple and Nagapooshani Amman kovil, this island is the most important place for both Buddhists and Hindus. During a ceremony time in the Hindu temple, you can have lunch with the devotees.
  • Afternoon visits important places of Keerimalai Pond, Nilavarai well, and Kantarodai Buddhist stupas and try to explore Palmyra tree products common only in the Jaffna peninsula.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Thinnai Organic Farm, Jaffna
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Available Hotels

Jetwing Jaffna

Jetwing Jaffna

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Thinnai Organic Farm

Thinnai Organic Farm

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

FOX JAFFNA

FOX JAFFNA

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Fort Hammenhiel Resort

Fort Hammenhiel Resort

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

The Thinnai

The Thinnai

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Jetwing Jaffna

Jetwing Jaffna

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night


  • Transfer you to Trincomalee
  • En-route explore Pulmoddai beach, Arisimale beach and Girihadu Seya, Vatadage
  • Afternoon relax at the Kuchchaveli beach 
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  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Transfer you to Trincomalee. Approximately 4 and a half hours’ drive, if you drive directly
  • En-route visit Pulmoddai beach, Arisimale beach, Girihadu seya, Vatadage, Thiriyaya.
  • Pulmoddai beach is totally different from other beaches in Sri Lanka. The sand on the beach is totally black in colour. That is due to minerals of ilmenite, Magnetite and Rootile deposited on the beach. Those minerals are separated and exported by the nearby factory. There is damaged jetty also can be seen in Pulmoddai. That was used to boarding the ships that came to load the minerals. However, during the ethnic conflict one ship was sunk by an attack, and the jetty was damaged in 1997.
  • According to legend, during Lord Buddha’s time, 2 seafaring merchants called Thapassu and Bhalluka left India in their ship full of rice to be sold in Sri Lanka. They got the hair relic of Lord Buddha with them. A cyclone was hit the ship and drifted towards Pulmoddai. It was hit a rock and drifted to the beach and rice has mixed with the sand. That’s how this beach gets its’ name. The merchants were survived and came into the island through “Yan Oya”. They built the “Girihadu saya” near Thiriyaya enshrining the hair relics of the Lord Buddha given by himself.
  • Afternoon relax at the Kuchchaveli beach
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Anilana Nilaveli
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Available Hotels

That's Why Beach Cabanas Nilaveli

That's Why Beach Cabanas Nilaveli

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Nilaveli Beach Hotel

Nilaveli Beach Hotel

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Cardamon Hotel Nilaveli

Cardamon Hotel Nilaveli

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Amanta Beach

Amanta Beach

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes

Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes

US$ 231 + per night

Sailing-Trincomalee

Sailing-Trincomalee

US$ 231 + per night


  • Whales watching Trincomalee
  • City tour in Trincomalee to explore Lover’s leap, Swami Rock and Koneshwaram Hindu Temple and Fort Frederick, Trincomalee
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  • You will be picked up from the hotel at 5.30 am for the Wheals and Dolphin watching tour. Tour takes about 3 hours. Picnic breakfast will be served. 
  • Trincomalee is an internationally important destination for seen Blue whales and Spinner Dolphins
  • After that City tour in Trincomalee where you can visit Portuguese and Dutch Fort, presently known as “Fort Frederick” completed in 1624 AD was built on Swami Rock is reminiscent of the colonial rule,
  • Koneshwaram Hindu Temple situated atop of the Swami Rock is a classical medieval Hindu Temple devoted to God Shiva, contains ornate shrines, and a massive statue of Shiva and nearby Lovers’ Leap or Ravana’s cleft at Swami Rock is a rock cleft approximately 106.68m above sea level. 
  • In the afternoon relax at the beautiful Kuchchaveli beach
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Anilana Nilaveli.
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Available Hotels

That's Why Beach Cabanas Nilaveli

That's Why Beach Cabanas Nilaveli

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Nilaveli Beach Hotel

Nilaveli Beach Hotel

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Cardamon Hotel Nilaveli

Cardamon Hotel Nilaveli

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Amanta Beach

Amanta Beach

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes

Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes

US$ 231 + per night

Sailing-Trincomalee

Sailing-Trincomalee

US$ 231 + per night


  • Transfer you to Polonnaruwa. 
  • Visit Seruwawila Mangala Maha Seya temple and Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya both are historical Buddhist temples. There might be a chance to witness heard of elephants because you will be coming through Soamwathi national park. 
  • Cycling inside the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
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  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Transfer you to Polonnaruwa. Approximately 4 hours’ drive.
  • En-route visit Seruwawila Mangala Maha Seya, Seruwawila, and Somawathi Raja Maha Viharaya both are historical Buddhist temples. There might be a chance to witness heard of elephants because you will be coming through Soamwathi national park. 
  • Afternoon cycling inside the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the 2nd capital of ancient Sri Lanka and a Cultural World Heritage Site
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Sudu Araliya, Polonnaruwa
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Available Hotels

Sudu Araliya

Sudu Araliya

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Giritale Hotel

Giritale Hotel

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Mahanuge Hotel

Mahanuge Hotel

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Hotel Sudu Araliya

Hotel Sudu Araliya

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Ekho Lake House

Ekho Lake House

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

The Deer Park Hotel

The Deer Park Hotel

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night


  • Morning hike to Pidurangala rock to witness the sunrise at the top
  • Explore the ancient city of Sigiriya and the Sigiriya Museum
  • Visit Dambulla cave temple
  • Elephants watching safari at Kaudulla national park
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  • Wake up in the early morning for a morning hike to Pidurangala rock to witness sunrise at the top of the Pidurangala rock. It would be one of the most spectacular views you have ever seen. It is only about 20 min hike.
  • Then climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site 
  • Visit Sigiriya museum 
  • After that visit the Dambulla cave temple, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site.
  • Then visit elephants watching safari at Kaudulla national park.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Sudu Araliya, Polonnaruwa
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Available Hotels

Sudu Araliya

Sudu Araliya

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Giritale Hotel

Giritale Hotel

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Mahanuge Hotel

Mahanuge Hotel

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Hotel Sudu Araliya

Hotel Sudu Araliya

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Ekho Lake House

Ekho Lake House

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

The Deer Park Hotel

The Deer Park Hotel

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night


  • Transfer you to Kandy via Mahiyanganaya
  • Visit Mahiyangana temple, the place believed to be the Load Buddha first visited in Sri Lanka
  • Meet Vaddhs, the Sri Lanka Aborigines.
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  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Transfer you to Kandy via Mahiyanganaya. Approximately 2 hours’ drive to Mahiyanganaya and another 2 hour’s to Kandy.
  • En-route visit Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, the place, believed to be the Load Buddha first visited in Sri Lanka 
  • Meet Vaddhs, the Sri Lanka Aborigines
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Heritage, Kandy 
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Available Hotels

Oak Ray Heritage

Oak Ray Heritage

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Oak Ray Regency

Oak Ray Regency

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

390 VILLA VISTA

390 VILLA VISTA

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Queens Hotel Kandy

Queens Hotel Kandy

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Amaya Hills

Amaya Hills

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Tea Heights

Tea Heights

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Mahaweli Reach Hotel

Mahaweli Reach Hotel

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Ellerton Bungalow

Ellerton Bungalow

US$ 231 + per night

Santani Resort & Spa

Santani Resort & Spa

US$ 231 + per night


  • Morning visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden and tri-temples of Gadaladeniya, Lankathilaka, and Embekke temples.
  • Afternoon visit Sri Dalada Maligawa in the secret city of Kandy, a world heritage site
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  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Visit Gadaladeniya, Embekke, and Lankatilaka temples which showcase the unique Sri Lankan art and architecture and Peradeniya Botanical Garden.
  • Afternoon visits the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the temple where the two surviving Relic of Tooth of Lord Buddha is placed and an object of veneration for Buddhists.
  • Do some shopping in Kandy.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Heritage, Kandy
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Available Hotels

Oak Ray Heritage

Oak Ray Heritage

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Oak Ray Regency

Oak Ray Regency

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

390 VILLA VISTA

390 VILLA VISTA

US$ 0 - US$ 54 per night

Queens Hotel Kandy

Queens Hotel Kandy

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Amaya Hills

Amaya Hills

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Tea Heights

Tea Heights

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Mahaweli Reach Hotel

Mahaweli Reach Hotel

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Ellerton Bungalow

Ellerton Bungalow

US$ 231 + per night

Santani Resort & Spa

Santani Resort & Spa

US$ 231 + per night


  • A train journey from Kandy to Nanuoya. A picturesque train journey in the world. 
  • Afternoon visit Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya 
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  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Transfer to Kandy Railway Station for the train journey. The journey between Kandy and Nanuoya through Sri Lanka’s central highlands gets the elevation from 465m to 1,613 m through the tea plantation really you feel, ride to the moon. 

            Entrain at 8.40 am from Kandy Railway Station

            Detrain at 12.45 pm from Nanuoya Railway Station

  • You will be picked up by your Chauffeur guide at the Nanuoya Railway Station.
  • Afternoon visit Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya temple
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Summer Hill Breeze, Nuwara Eliya
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Available Hotels

The Tea Garden

The Tea Garden

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Oak Ray Summer Hill Breeze

Oak Ray Summer Hill Breeze

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Lakeside Cottages

Lakeside Cottages

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Lakeside Cottages

Lakeside Cottages

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Heritance Tea Factory

Heritance Tea Factory

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel

US$ 231 + per night

Little England by Celeste

Little England by Celeste

US$ 231 + per night


  • Early morning visit to Horton Plains national park, a world heritage site for a fantastic trek around the park. You will be able to explore the Mini world’s end, World’s end and Baker’s falls in Horton Plains national park 
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  • Early morning visit to Horton Plains national park, a world heritage site for a fantastic trek around the park. You will be able to explore the Mini world’s end, World’s end and Baker’s falls in Horton Plains national park.
  • Transfer you to Horton Plains national park at 5 am – approximately 1 and a half hours’ drive.
  • Picnic breakfast will be provided before starting the trek.
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Oak Ray Summer Hill Breeze, Nuwara Eliya
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Available Hotels

The Tea Garden

The Tea Garden

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Oak Ray Summer Hill Breeze

Oak Ray Summer Hill Breeze

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Lakeside Cottages

Lakeside Cottages

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Lakeside Cottages

Lakeside Cottages

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Heritance Tea Factory

Heritance Tea Factory

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel

US$ 231 + per night

Little England by Celeste

Little England by Celeste

US$ 231 + per night


  • Transfer you to Colombo
  • En-route explore Devon falls and St. Clair's falls
  • Kitulgala white water rafting on Kelani River 
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  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Transfer you to Colombo. 
  • En-route explore Devon falls and St. Clair's falls situated close to each other in the Dimbula area
  • White water rafting at Kelani River in Kitulgala. It does not require a higher degree of rafting skills or swimming experience for White water rafting at the Kelani River. It is safer even for the beginners
  • Dinner and overnight stay at Cinnamon Red, Colombo
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Available Hotels

Fair View Hotel Colombo

Fair View Hotel Colombo

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Cinnamon Red

Cinnamon Red

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Marino Beach Colombo

Marino Beach Colombo

US$ 55 - US$ 115 per night

Galle Face Hotel

Galle Face Hotel

US$ 116 - US$ 175 per night

Shangri-La Hotel Colombo

Shangri-La Hotel Colombo

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night

Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo

Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo

US$ 176 - US$ 230 per night


  • Morning visit to Kelaniya temple
  • Colombo city tour
  • Transfer you to Airport say goodbye to Sri Lanka.
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  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Visit Kelaniya temple, believed to be visited by the Lord Buddha during his 3rd visit to Sri Lanka and Colombo city tour to explore Colombo
  • Then checkout from the hotel and proceed to Airport for the departure. Approximately 40 min. drive.
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