Ayubowan Sri Lanka
Overview
“Ayubowan” — the traditional Sinhala greeting — sets the tone for a warm introduction to Sri Lanka. This journey combines Colombo's markets and temples with the cultural heritage of Kandy, the tea-covered hills of Nuwara Eliya, the scenic trails of Ella, an elephant safari at Udawalawe, and a relaxing finish on the beaches of Bentota.
Designed for travellers who want a balanced introduction to Sri Lanka, the itinerary combines culture, mountains, nature, wildlife and beach time with the flexibility of a private vehicle and chauffeur guide.
Gallery
Highlights
- Colombo — Galle Face Green, Pettah market, Gangaramaya Temple, Lotus Tower
- Kandy Lake, bazaar and the Temple of the Tooth
- Nuwara Eliya tea country and scenic waterfalls
- Ella — Nine Arch Bridge and mountain landscapes
- Udawalawe National Park — elephants, deer, buffalo and birdlife
- Bentota — golden beaches, river scenery and coastal relaxation
Included & excluded
- 5 nights accommodation in the selected hotel category
- Daily breakfast & Dinner
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Airport pickup and departure transfer
- All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Entrance fees to attractions and heritage sites
- Udawalawe National Park jeep safari
- Tea plantation and tea factory visit
- 1 litre drinking water per person per day
- Driver and vehicle-related expenses
- Applicable hotel and government taxes
- International flights and airfare
- Sri Lanka visa / ETA fees
- Lunches & optional activities and excursions
- Bentota boat trips and water sports
- Optional Kandyan cultural dance performance
- Personal expenses, shopping and beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Early check-in or late check-out charges
- Any services not specifically mentioned under Included
Day by day
Arrival — Colombo
Settle into Colombo and discover the capital's contrasting mix of modern city life, colonial heritage, temples and local markets.
- Airport arrival and private transfer to Colombo
- Hotel check-in
- Visit Galle Face Green
- Explore the lively Pettah Market
- Visit Gangaramaya Temple
- Optional visit to Lotus Tower
- Enjoy sunset around Galle Face
- Overnight in Colombo
Colombo → Kandy
Travel inland from the capital to Kandy, Sri Lanka's historic hill-country capital.
- Scenic drive towards Kandy
- Visit Kandy Lake
- Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Explore Kandy Bazaar and local shops
- Optional Kandyan cultural dance performance
- Enjoy the evening atmosphere around the lake
- Overnight in Kandy
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Continue into Sri Lanka's famous tea country, where winding roads lead through green mountain landscapes and working tea estates.
- Visit a working tea plantation
- Visit a tea factory
- Learn about Sri Lankan tea production
- Enjoy a tea tasting
- Arrive in Nuwara Eliya
- Explore the colonial-style town
- Visit Gregory Lake, subject to time and weather
- Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya → Ella
Travel through some of Sri Lanka's most scenic mountain landscapes towards Ella.
- Scenic journey through tea plantations
- Optional visit to a local tea estate
- Stop at viewpoints and waterfalls along the route
- Arrive in Ella
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge
- Explore Ella town
- Optional Little Adam's Peak hike, subject to weather and fitness
- Enjoy the mountain atmosphere at sunset
- Overnight in Ella
Ella → Udawalawe → Bentota
Leave the mountains behind and continue towards Sri Lanka's southern and western coastal regions, with a wildlife experience along the way.
- Scenic departure from Ella
- Udawalawe National Park jeep safari
- Search for wild elephants, deer, buffalo, crocodiles and birdlife
- Continue towards the south-west coast
- Arrive in Bentota
- Check in to your beach hotel
- Overnight in Bentota
Bentota → Departure
Enjoy a relaxed final morning on the beach before your transfer to the airport.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Free time to enjoy Bentota Beach
- Optional morning swim
- Optional river or boat excursion or water sports
- Leisure time at the resort
- Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
- Departure from Sri Lanka
Map
Frequently asked questions
What does “Ayubowan” mean?
It's the traditional Sinhala greeting, roughly “may you live long” — this route leans into a culture-first introduction to the island, hence the name.
Is the Udawalawe stop a full safari or just a drive-by?
A proper jeep safari, usually a couple of hours, timed en route between Ella and Bentota rather than an overnight stop.
Is 6 days enough to properly see Kandy, the hills and the coast?
It's a brisk but workable pace — each stop gets at least a night, though travellers wanting more time in any one place often extend to 8 or 9 days instead.