Overview
Sri Lanka in four days
Three of Sri Lanka's most different places in four days: sacred Kandy in the hills, the golden shore at Bentota and the energy of Colombo. A short break that still feels like a journey, and an easy add-on to a business trip or a Maldives stay.
A starting point, not a fixed package. Change the pace, hotels or places and we'll re-plan it around you.
- Kandy
- Bentota
- Colombo
Day by day
Your 4 days
Day 01Airport → KandySacred Kandy, the hill capital
Your guide is waiting at arrivals. On the drive into the hills you stop at a spice garden, then explore Kandy with a city tour and the viewpoint over the lake. In the evening, a Kandyan dance show. Choose from the options below to fill the rest of the day.
Included: Spice garden · Kandy city tour and viewpoint · Kandyan dance show · Gem and batik workshops
✦ Add if you like: Temple of the Tooth Relic · Peradeniya Botanical Gardens · Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Day 02Kandy → BentotaThe golden shore
After breakfast you leave the cool hills for the coast, with a stop at a working tea plantation. Bentota is made for slowing down: an afternoon on the beach, then a boat ride through the mangrove islands of the Madu River if you'd like.
Included: Tea plantation visit · Bentota beach
✦ Add if you like: Madu River boat ride · Turtle hatchery · Fish therapy · Water sports
Day 03Bentota → ColomboThe city that never sits still
Colombo surprises people. Our guide takes you around Independence Square, the Red Mosque and Pettah market, or Fort's boutique lanes if you'd rather shop. Dinner at a local restaurant can be arranged.
Included: Colombo city tour · Independence Square · Red Mosque · Pettah market
✦ Add if you like: Gangaramaya Temple · Lotus Tower
Day 04Colombo → AirportUntil next time
The last morning is yours. Depending on your flight, there's time for one last walk or one last meal before your private transfer to the airport.
Included: Airport drop-off
✦ Optional: entry tickets for these aren't in the tour price. Tell us which you'd like and we'll add them to your quote.
Highlights
Why travellers choose this route
- 01Kandy
The last royal capital, its lake and the Temple of the Tooth.
- 02Madu River
A boat ride through a 60-island mangrove maze, with monitor lizards and kingfishers.
- 03Colombo
Markets, mosques and colonial streets in one afternoon.
What's included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, with assistance
- 3–5★ hotels, bed and breakfast or half board (you choose when we quote)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Fuel and local vehicle insurance
- City and shopping tours in every destination
- Gem, batik and handcraft workshops, and a spice garden visit
- Kandyan dance show (on routes through Kandy)
- Tea factory visit (on routes through the hill country)
- All government taxes
Not included
- Entry tickets for ✦ optional experiences
- International flights and visa
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Early check-in and late check-out charges
- Camera and video permits
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Guide and driver tips
Cancellation: no charge 30+ days before arrival (bank charges aside), 30% at 14–29 days, 75% at 7–13 days, 100% under 7 days. See Terms.
Make this route yours
Send your dates and we'll reply with a day-by-day plan and an itemised quote within 24 hours.