1

Only one, day tour you can do from Bentota that’s Kandy, Pinnawala and back to Bentota.

Uda Walawe and back you need one night out.

The cultural triangle, Sigiriya, temple at Dambulla, Polonnaruwa

-Also can do in 2 days ,1 night out. If you can stay 2 night out is more relax.

Private driver recommendations; try to find one that’s been recommended and seconded by other members.

Approx. costs also appreciated;
This bit difficult for me you must check with travel agents or driver or beach boys from Bentota.

Sandra

2

You could cover the one day trip to Kandy ,Pinnawala, Colombo in one day trip.

Also Galle ,Unawatuna with in one day.

You could plan a short excursion maximum 2 days up to Udawalawa including safari in national park and one night in Udawalawa and return next day with cultural tour in Anuradapura ,

Cost there are some good vehicles I know you could get it for 0.60 USD per km upwards that i know in this area.And accommodation for driver you could get FOC from relevant hotel you book.

Better to book excursion hotels early since there will be peak time during December

Cheers have a great tour.
Nuwan

3

Hello
3- 4 days and you want to see hell of a lot, my advise is, get a driver for a round trip, just about 55-60 a day and you'll be better off, day trips costs you more and unnecessary returns and wasting time too.
agostino

4

Hey,

thanks so much everyone.

So I guess we'll rather stay at least 3 nights and include as much as we can. Is there time to go to Nuwara Eliya when staying 3 nights? And when staying 4 nights is it realistic to go to Uda Walawe afterwards as well?

One day trips to the south we also have in mind - Galle, Unawatuna.

Again many thanks!

5

hi,

we managed sigiriya, dambulla, anuradhapuram, polonnaruwa, kandy and nuwara eliyah in 5 nights. however, didn't stay a night at nuwara eliyah! so, just travel distances and seeing an entire site takes that much time. we hired a car too and had a fairly packed schedule!

as others have suggested, its good to ask the hotel for a taxi.. i asked the hotel + approached a taxi person online through email... found on a random search... and then compared rates...

regarding pinnawala elephant orphanage - do check in advance about the river water levels. we happened to be there when the water levels were high - just for that day, so didnt get to see the elephants bathe!

we really enjoyed the cultural triangle. was wonderful. so great that you are doing it... we also stayed at a plantation near kandy. while your hotel stay is booked. this is an old plantation home built by a belgium family that for generations has lived in sri lanka. check them out... halgolla plantation ...

near sigiriya in the lanes there is a workshop of artisans. they have some lovely woodwork and in front of you... and its not as touristy as some of these places are... they seem least concerned if you buy or not... but some beautiful carving... do keep a look out for that!

my appreciation of my trip to srilanka @ my blog merrytogoaround.com

have a lovely trip.
bhavani

6

Hi all,
thanks so much for all your messages.
We have booked a 5 days 4 nights tour now which we are very happy with.

We are very much looking forward to finally get to Sri Lanka in 9 days!!

7

In case anyone is interested, that's the tour:

Day 01-Check out and proceed to Sigiriya via Pinnnawala(3-4 hour drive) elephant orphanage.Visit the rock fortress in the afternoon and enjoy an elephant ride in the evening at the Sigiriya lake.
Overnight stay at Sigiriya.

Day 02-Check out and proceed to visit Polonnarura(2 hour drive) in the morning.After Polonnaruwa proceed to Kandy(5 hour drive) for overnight stay via Dambulla caves and Matale spice gardens.Visit Temple of the tooth in the evening during evening ceremony.
Overnight at Kandy.

Day 03-Leave Kandy for Nuwara Eliya (3 hour drive) in the morning 07:30 am via Ramaboda falls,tea plantations and many water falls.Nuwara Eliya city tour and leave for Nanuoya to catch the train to Ella (the most scenic train trip in the island/ 3 hour drive).
The driver guide will come to the Ella rail way station to take you to the hotel.Visit Mini Adam's Peak in the evening.overnight stay at Ella.

Day 04-Check out and proceed to (3 hour drive) Yala via Buduruwagala.Enjoy evening safari and overnight stay at Yala from 14:30pm to 19:00 pm(3 hour drive).

Day 05-Check out and proceed to Aluthgama (5 hour drive) via Mulkirigala rock temple.

8

Hi cajulu.

First of all, I hope you have a great trip! I am going to Sri Lanka as well, but not untill the beginning of January.

The 4 nights tour you have booked, what agency/which guide are you using? And what is the price per person?