1. Tour Overview
Often identified as the “ Pearl of the Indian Ocean ”, Sri Lanka is an island nation comprising a blend of vibrant culture, rich biodiversity, natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Arabiers have curated a collection of Sri Lanka Tour Itineraries including the best experiences in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka 3-Weeks itinerary is one such tour package that offers 3 weeks of unlimited fun, knowledge and entertainment.
Here is a gist of what you will experience in the 3-weeks tour in Sri Lanka:
- Exploring wildlife in their natural habitat
- Visiting some of the must visit iconic hotspots scattered around the island
- Exploring a few religious landmarks popular in Sri Lanka
- Traveling and exploring some cities that hold historical significance
- Climbing to the top of two towers with observation decks providing 360 degree panoramic views of the vicinity
- Take some time to explore the tea industry in Sri Lanka
- Engage in some trekking at a cool and misty climatic city
- Relaxing on the pristine beaches in Sri Lanka
- A chance to engage in some water sports in a popular river in Sri Lanka
- Going on a shopping spree at a well known shopping complex in the capital
- Visiting two beautiful Botanical Gardens to relax and capture picture perfect photos
- Sailing a few miles into the ocean to experience whale watching ride
2. Package Inclusions
- Meet and greet our guests at the Katunayake Airport
- Traveling done with an air conditioned private vehicle
- English speaking driver for assistance throughout the tour
- Overnight accommodation arranged at the hotels mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals served on half board basis as stated in the itinerary
- All taxes and government charges
3. Package Exclusions
- - Travel insurance
- - Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- - Personal expenses
- - Activity and attraction charges
- - Charges for the use of other vehicles except the vehicle provided
- - Charges for any other services not mentioned in the itinerary
- - Charges for optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
4. Accommodation Plan
Accommodation for the 3-weeks tour is provided in the following criteria:
Day | Location | Hotel | Star Rate | Meal | Room Type | Room Category |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01 | Colombo | Granbell Hotel | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Standard |
02 | Colombo | Granbell Hotel | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Standard |
03 | Anuradhapura | Rajarata Hotel | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Standard |
04 | Anuradhapura | Rajarata Hotel | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Standard |
05 | Jaffna | Jetwing Jaffna | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Deluxe |
06 | Trincomalee | Amaya Beach | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Deluxe |
07 | Passikuda | Amaya Beach | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Deluxe |
08 | Passikuda | Amaya Beach | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Deluxe |
09 | Polonnaruwa | Deer Park Hotel | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Classic |
10 | Sigiriya | Fresco Water Villa | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Fresco Water Villa |
11 | Kandy | Earl’s Regent | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Deluxe |
12 | Kandy | Earl’s Regent | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Deluxe |
13 | Nuwara Eliya | Galway Heights | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Superior |
14 | Nuwara Eliya | Galway Heights | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Superior |
15 | Ella | Morning Dew Hotel | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Deluxe |
16 | Ella | Morning Dew Hotel | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Deluxe |
17 | Yala | Mandara Rosen | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Deluxe |
18 | Mirissa | Manadara Resort | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Superior |
19 | Bentota | Earl’s Reef | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Deluxe |
20 | Bentota | Earl’s Reef | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Deluxe |
21 | Colombo | Granbell Hotel | 4 Stars | HB Breakfast and Lunch | 1 DBL | Standard |
Charges per person will be as follows:
Number of Travellers | 2 PAX | 4 PAX | 6 PAX | 10 PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|
Per Person rate (DBL Sharing) | $ 1670 | $ 1500 | $ 1415 | $ 1380 |
The 3-weeks itinerary plan carefully tailored by Arabiers offers its customers the chance to explore 16 of the most fascinating destinations in Sri Lanka. Let’s get a closer look at how you will be spending the 3 weeks on this island.
Before getting to the days here is how the weeks will be arranged for the tour:
- Week 1 :- Cultural Heritage and Coastal Relaxation
- Week 2 :- Nature and Adventure
- Week 3 :- Coastal Delights
Day One – Day Two
On Day One we will be waiting to meet and greet you at the Katunayake Airport. An air conditioned private vehicle will be arranged for you at the exit to transfer you to our first destination city–Colombo. Since the next day will be all about exploration we have left Day One for you to relax. The adventure begins on Day Two as you hop into the private vehicle to go on a Colombo City Tour.
Colombo City Tour
Colombo, the vibrant city of this island, portrays a blend of modern and traditional culture, thus making it a must visit destination in Sri Lanka. Perfect city that portrays the true essence of multiculturalism. With that said Arabiers have planned a complete city tour, including some of the most popular iconic landmarks and religious places in Colombo. Not only that, the scenic ocean views you will witness especially at Galle Face Green will leave fascinated about this tiny island.
Here's what you can expect to experience in our Colombo City Tour :
- Gangaramaya Temple
- Viharamahadevi Park
- Galle Face Green
- Pettah Market
- Independence Square
- Arrival in Colombo
- Meet and greet our guest
- Travel to hotel in Colombo
- Breakfast at hotel in Colombo
- Colombo City Tour
- - Gangaramaya Temple
- - Viharamahadevi Park
- - Galle Face Green
- - Pettah Market
- - Independence Square
- Overnight stay in Colombo
Day Three – Day Five
On Day Three we will be exploring two cities on the way to our main destination–Anuradhapura. The cities will be Negombo and Chilaw. Once you have your breakfast we will start journeying towards Negombo.
Negombo Exploration
Negombo, charming beach city, located a few kilometres from Colombo. This city is known for its picturesque coastline and the rich fishing culture. We will be making several stops at some of the popular tourist hotspots in Negombo.
Here is what we will explore at Negombo:
- Negombo beach
- Dutch Fort
- Local markets
Chilaw Exploration
Post exploring Negombo city we will start heading towards Chilaw–another coastal city located in the North western part of Sri Lanka. Similar to Negombo, Chilaw is well known for its beautiful beaches and the vibrant fishing industry. We will be making a single stop in Chilaw to explore a Hindu temple ( Munneswaram Temple ) and then we will continue traveling towards Anuradhapura.
Since we made a few good stops on the way, we will end Day Three, leaving the Anuradhapura Tour for Day Four.
Anuradhapura City Tour
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and religious significance. Ruins, religious sites, majestic pagodas and beautiful landscapes give this city its splendour, thus making it a must visit city in Sri Lanka.
We will visit the following sacred locations in Anuradhapura:
- Sri Maha Bodhi
- Ruwanweliseya
- Thuparamaya
- Jetavanaramaya
- Mihinthale
After exploring the most visited sacred landmarks in Anuradhapura, on Day Five we will take our leave from this historic city and head towards another must visit destination city in Sri Lanka–Jaffna.
Jaffna Exploration
Located in the Northern part of Sri Lanka, Jaffna, is a city showcasing a rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. Famously known for its Hindu heritage, Jaffna serves some of the best cuisines in Sri Lanka. Not only that, the city is scattered with numerous tourist hotspots, including one of the largest libraries in Asia, pristine beaches, colonial ruins and some tiny islands close to the Jaffna peninsula.
Here is what you can expect to witness during our Jaffna exploration tour:
- Jaffna Fort
- Nallur Kovil
- Nagadeepa Purana Vihara
- Casuarina Beach
- Breakfast at hotel in Colombo
- Travel to Negombo
- Negombo Exploration
- - Negombo Beach
- - Dutch Fort
- - Local Markets
- Travel towards Chilaw
- Chilaw Exploration
- - Munneswaram Temple
- Travel towards Anuradhapura
- Overnight stay in Anuradhapura
- Breakfast at hotel in Anuradhapura
- Anuradhapura City Tour
- - Sri Maha Bodhi
- - Ruwanweliseya
- - Thuparamaya
- - Jetavanaramaya
- - Mihinthale
- Overnight stay in Anuradhapura
- Breakfast at hotel in Anuradhapura
- Travel towards Jaffna
- Check – in at hotel in Jaffna
- Jaffna City Tour
- - Jaffna
- - Nallur Kovil
- - Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya
- - Casuarina Beach
- Overnight stay in Jaffna
Day Six – Day Eight
Starting from Day Six we will be journeying to some destination cities on the island's eastern side, including Trincomalee and Passikuda. Both these cities are popular for their long stretches of sandy beaches and especially the Passikuda beach is popular for the number of activities available at the beach.
Trincomalee City Tour
Day Six will be dedicated to explore Trincomalee’s best hotspots and finally end the day relaxing at Nilaveli Beach. Trincomalee is well known, of course, for its beautiful coast line and the other historical landmarks such as Fort Fedrick ( fort built by the Portuguese ) and the Koneswaram Temple ( ancient Hindi temple with a spectacular view of the ocean ).
Passikuda Exploration
We will spend Day Seven and Day Eight in Passikuda. Since this will be a long tour around the island we have left out Day Seven for you to relax at Passikuda, while enjoying the lovely beaches there. Also you may have the chance of engaging in some water sports such as jet skiing, banana boat rides and wind surfing.
- Breakfast at hotel in Jaffna
- Travel to Trincomalee
- Check – in at hotel in Trincomalee
- Trincomalee City Tour
- - Koneswaram Temple
- - Fort Fedrick
- Relax on Nilaweli Beach
- Overnight stay in Trincomalee
- Breakfast at hotel in Trincomalee
- Travel to Passikuda
- Check – in at hotel in Passikuda
- Visit and relax at Passikuda beach
- Overnight stay in Passikud
- Breakfast at hotel in Passikuda
- Full Day Relaxing at Passikuda Beach
- Overnight
Day Nine – Day Eleven
Starting from Day Nine to Day Eleven we will take you on a journey across three of the most important cities with historical and religious significance. That is Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla.
Polonnaruwa City Tour
Polonnaruwa–another ancient capital in Sri Lanka recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site –is the destination city we will visit on Day Nine. Perfect city to explore the ancient Sinhala civilization. Ruins of palaces and Buddha statues carefully carved into granite portray the mind - blowing craftsmanship during those days. Also the majestic lakes built by the kings still showcase the clever engineering capabilities that prevailed those days.
Sigiriya Exploration
Sigiriya is a city that is solely popular for the magnificent Lion Rock Fortress ( also known as Sigiriya Rock Fortress ) built by King Kashyapa during the 5th century. Visit to this magnificent Rock will indeed be an adventure coupled with spectacular scenery, interesting historical stories and cultural significance. Ruins of the Royal Palace, Lion Gate, Cobra Hood Cave, water gardens and terraced gardens are some of the features that will make you wonder about the intelligent engineering capabilities of ancient kings.
Dambulla Visit
Another sacred landmark, popular for its religious and historical significance, is located a few kilometres away from the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. That is the Dambulla Cave Temple. As the name suggests the temple is indeed built inside a cave, thus portraying the creativity, intelligence and excellent craftmanship of ancient Sri Lankans.
- Breakfast at hotel in Passikuda
- Travel to Polonnaruwa
- Check – in at hotel in Polonnaruwa
- Polonnaruwa City Tour
- - Royal Palace
- - Gal Viharaya
- Overnight stay in Polonnaruwa
- Breakfast at hotel in Polonnaruwa
- Polonnaruwa City Tour continued
- - Parakrama Samudraya
- - Polonnaruwa Vatadage
- Travel to Sigiriya
- Check – in at hotel in Sigiriya
- Overnight stay in Sigiriya
- Breakfast at hotel in Sigiriya
- Sigiriya Exploration
- Travel to Dambulla
- Dambulla Exploration
- Travel to Kandy
- Check – in at hotel in Kandy
- Overnight stay in Kandy
Day Twelve – Day Sixteen
Day Twelve to Day Sixteen we will be journeying across the cities nestled in the central province of Sri Lanka–Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella. As you spend these days you will notice how the hot and sunny climate changes to a cool and misty climate as you travel towards Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
Kandy City Tour
Kandy –another city that has religious, cultural and historical significance is a must visit destination city as the city houses some of the most visited tourist attractions of the island. The infamous Temple of the Tooth Relic, for instance, is one iconic landmark visited by millions of tourists, every year. In addition to the religious places we will also take you to some beautiful Botanical Gardens to relax, roam around freely and capture some picture perfect photos with nature as a backdrop.
Nuwara Eliya Visit
Next we will experience the cool climatic destinations in Sri Lanka. One thing you will notice in Nuwara Eliya is the long stretches of green tea plantations visible on all mountain ranges. Not only that, you will not be able to ignore the calm and soothing atmosphere as soon as you are nearing this city. Be ready to enjoy a hiking and trekking journey in Nuwara Eliya and many other relaxing. Also we will take you to witness one of the best panoramic views from the top of a tower located on the way to Nuwara Eliya.
Ella Exploration
After spending two cosy nights in Nuwara Eliya we will travel to Ella –another destination city popular among tourists especially for its comfortable climate and energetic night life. We make sure to escort you to some of the favourite hotspots during the day time so that you have plenty of time to experience the night life in Ella. You have two fun and exciting nights in Ella to keep yourself pumped up for the rest of the tour.
- Breakfast at hotel in Kandy
- Kandy City Tour
- - Temple of the Tooth Relic
- - Royal Botanical Gardens
- - Kandy Lake’
- - Traditional Kandyan Dance Show
- Overnight stay in Kandy
- Breakfast at hotel in Kandy
- Travel to Nuwara Eliya
- On the Way
- - Ambuluwawa Tower
- - Tea Estate Visit
- - Tea Factory Visit
- Check – in at hotel in Nuwara Eliya
- Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
- Breakfast at hotel in Nuwara Eliya
- Nuwara Eliya Visit
- - Horton Plains
- - Victoria Park
- - Hakgala Botanical Gardens
- Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
- Breakfast at hotel in Nuwara Eliya
- Travel to Ella
- On the way
- - Nine Arch Bridge
- Check – in at hotel in Ella
- Overnight stay in Ella
- Breakfast at hotel in Ella
- Ella Exploration
- - Little Adam’s Peak
- - Ravana Falls
- Overnight stay in Ella
Day Seventeen – Day Eighteen
If you are a nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast, these two days will be the ideal days for you. After bidding farewell to the cool climatic cities we will start heading towards a sunny region of Sri Lanka.
Yala, small town located in the south eastern part of the island, is popular as it houses the infamous Yala National Park. Day Seventeen will be occupied for the long drive to Yala and the next day we will start early to ride into the Yala National Park.
Yala National Park
Identified as one of the island’s well known wildlife reserves for its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, including a wide variety of wild animals such as majestic elephants, water buffalos, wild boars, deer, leopards and various bird species. Ideal location for wildlife photographers to spot and capture some unique photos of wild animals in their natural habitat.
- Breakfast at hotel in Ella
- to Yala
- Check – in at hotel in Yala
- Overnight stay in Ella
- Breakfast at hotel in Yala
- Yala Exploration
- - Yala National Park
- Travel to Mirissa
- Check – in at hotel in Mirissa
- Overnight stay in Mirissa
Day Nineteen – Day Twenty-One
Last three days will be for you to experience the coastal delights in Sri Lanka. At Mirissa, we start Day Nineteen early to sail on the sea to explore something interesting and on Day Twenty we will head towards Bentota to collect more interesting experiences.
Although you will be traveling to places during the day time you can have the evening hours to yourself to relax on the beaches. Finally on Day Twenty One, we will end our 3-weeks tour with some last minute shopping at Colombo.
Whale Watching at Mirissa
Day Twenty will be an interesting day as we will sail a few kilometres towards the deep blue ocean for a whale watching experience. You will get to spot majestic blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins. Not only that, the breathtaking scenic ocean views will be another exciting experience for you.
Bentota Exploration
Post experiencing a good sail we will travel to Bentota–the final destination city to have more fun. The fun continues as you get the chance to opt for some water sports at the Bentota River such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, canoeing and kayaking. Also we will be visiting a facility dedicated for the conservation and care of adult and baby turtles. This will, undoubtedly, be another interesting experience in Sri Lanka. At this premises you can volunteer to release grown up baby turtles to the sea and enjoy the view of how they swiftly move with the sea waves.
- Breakfast at hotel in Mirissa
- Whale Watching at Mirissa
- Travel to Bentota
- Check – in at hotel in Bentota
- Overnight stay in Bentota
- Breakfast at hotel in Bentota
- Experiences
- - Water sports at Bentota River
- - Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
- - Brief Garden
- Overnight stay in Bentota
- Breakfast at hotel in Bentota
- Travel to Colombo
- Last minute shopping
- Last minute sight seeing ( if time permits )
- Transfer to the Airport at Katunayake
6. Important Notes
Wish to know more about the Sri Lanka 3-Weeks Itinerary? Contact our Arabiers team for more information.
Lastly here are some tips if you are hoping to choose any itinerary from our tour package collection:
- The itinerary may subject to changes depending on flight schedules and other unavoidable factors
- It is mandatory to have travel insurance for the period you are in Sri Lanka
- Remember to pack comfortable clothes. Make sure to bring suitable clothes and footwear to match the activities in the itinerary
- Have some local cash with you at all times