Search Icon Search Icon
Enquire Now

Serendipity

duration
Holiday By Design
06 Nights
Holiday By Design
07 Days
day Location/Route duration Overnight
Day 01 Arrival and transfer to Bentota. Evening at leisure. Bentota
Day 02 Enjoy the beaches of Bentota Bentota
Day 03 Afternoon: a thrilling safari in the Yala National Park awaits you! Yala
Day 04 Morning: Drive to Ella I Evening: Visit a tea factory and learn about tea manufacture Ella
Day 05 Visit the highlights of Ella. Ella
Day 06 Morning: Drive to Colombo. Evening: Sightseeing in Colombo Colombo
Day 07 Departure Transfer
Colombo City Walk

Colombo's amazing Fort district still has the energy like in the late nineteenth century when the streets were teeming with ox carts and alive with the sounds and whiffs of the sea, as rubber, tea, cinnamon, kittul treacle, rope and peacocks were loaded aboard ships.

  • Take a walking tour of the Colombo's historic Fort district
  • Learn about the city's colonial past and pick up some photography tips
  • Sample some fiery street food!
  • Recap your walk over iced cold beers at the Dutch Hospital Complex

Taking a walking tour is one of the best things to do in Colombo city and Mark and his colleagues, natives from Colombo, have hosted walks in Colombo for several years under the Colombo City Walks banner.Starting at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex in Fort and walk along the old colonial streets, away from your usual tourist spots, and seek out the colonial Dutch mansions and be a part of the history that is now commercial hub of Colombo. Explore the old Cargills building, visit the New Chinese shop, snap a picture outside the Pagoda Tea Rooms where Duran Duran filmed their iconic music video, Hungry Like The Wolf, and enjoy a cup of Ceylon Tea on the balcony of the Grand Oriental Hotel while taking in the sunset views of the Colombo Harbour.End your walk back at the Dutch Hospital, formerly a hospital during the 17th century, the complex is now host to high-end restaurants, bars and shops.  Relax, take a breather, admire the architecture, and have a drink… or two.

Location : Colombo.
Duration : 2 Hrs.
Best time to visit  : Morning or Evening

Day 01
ARRIVAL AND TRANSFER TO BENTOTA | OVERNIGHT IN BENTOTA
Ayubowan!!! x
A warm welcome to Sri Lanka! Your guide from Holidays by Design will be present at the arrivals hall to greet you and assist you to your vehicle.
You could change your currency before departing the airport as this may come handy during your holiday. Banks are open 24/7
We will be heading to Bentota via the southern expressway. Speak to your chauffeur if you prefer to make a pitstop at the service area (2.5 hours)
Settle into your hotel, rest and relax from your journey.

Overnight accommodation in Bentota

Day 02
BEACH STAY | OVERNIGHT IN BENTOTA
Bentota x
Bentota is a favorite for those seeking the ultimate beach experience. With the sea and its beaches, the river and a lagoon fusing into each other at this location, Bentota attracts thrill seekers for a variety of water sports and boating excursions.
At the North end of Bentota facing Aluthgama, lies 'Paradise Island' as it is popularly known; a narrow sliver of land between the choppy breakers of the Indian Ocean and the calm waters of a lagoon. At its rear, is the Bentota Ganga (Sinhala for river)) which provides the setting for some of Sri Lanka's biggest water sports events. Visitors have the option of taking boat trips through mangroves where time stands still. Ambling along the attractive beaches on the southern side lined by dense thickets of corkscrew palms, are some of the most amazing vistas along the island's coast.
The Turtle Care Centre x
The Turtle Care Centre at Kosgoda beach is one of 18 turtle hatcheries along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The center is located in the South Western coastal village of Kosgoda and was established in 1981. It is also very popular as all five species of turtles that visit Sri Lanka nest in Kosgoda. This is not so with many of the other hatcheries around the island whose beaches host only some of the species. The center functions mainly as a hatchery and makes huge efforts to increase the rate of hatching, and survival of baby turtles in their very initial stages.
However, the Care center also works on sick or injured adults; treating them and releasing them back into the ocean. They also run volunteer programs and awareness programs for local and international visitors. The Kosgoda Turtle Care center is a great place to learn and love nature while also having fun. It is hands-on and family friendly and therefore should definitely be visited on your holiday to Sri Lanka.

This morning after breakfast we engage in some adventurous water sports hosted at the beach area. You will be able to engage in various water-based activities ranging from Jet Ski, Banana Boat, Tube Boat, Canoeing, Surfing, Wind Surfing, Water Skiing, Speed boat rides and many more.

This evening you will visit the Kosgoda Turtle hatchery, to learn and understand more about the different turtle species in Sri Lanka. If you are lucky you may also be able to release baby turtles to the sea.

Dinner this evening will be arranged at the hotel upon arrival.
Overnight accommodation in Bentota

Day 03
DRIVE TO YALA NATIONAL PARK | OVERNIGHT IN YALA
Yala National Park x
With an area covering 1260 square kilometers, of which only one-fifth of the area is open to visitors, Yala not surprisingly, is still the most visited reserve located in the deep south. The rest of the Park is a strict natural reserve, and you are only allowed entry into the park in a vehicle. Its charm lies in its unspoilt dry zone landscape, dotted by low scrub; rocky outcrops, lush green trees and its serene lakes are particularly magical. The views from Sithulpahuwa are special!
The main attraction and thrill in Yala is to spot leopard and perhaps the cubs too, the largest population of leopard in a natural environment – approximately 40 in Block 1. The park is home to 44 species of mammals including elephants and the sloth bear, and an incredible 215 bird species; Huddles of colorful painted storks among many a species of waders found feeding on the edge of the water holes, the sight of dozing crocodiles, elephants cooling off in the water or quenching their thirst, or a glimpse of the elusive sloth bear, leave an indelible mark on any nature lover.

Spend this morning at leisure with a late breakfast. Heading to the pool will be a good way to keep the kids occupied and beat the heat.

We recommend departing to Yala in time for the safari (4.5 hours). Your lunch will be arranged en route this day at an authentic local restaurant. A kid’s menu will be available based on non-spicy food.

Upon arrival, rest and unwind. This afternoon we will head to the Yala National Park for a special safari experience for kids. During your game drive, the kids will be taught on bird watching techniques and spotting of local animal tracks. The experience will also end with a learning experience on how to spot burrows, identifying edible plants and basic navigation using the sun and moon.

This evening dinner will be arranged at the campsite. Kids will be quizzed and awarded to recognize their new-found knowledge based on their safari experience.

Overnight accommodation in Yala

Day 04
DRIVE TO ELLA | OVERNIGHT IN ELLA
x
Based on your sighting last evening you could plan your day. For wildlife enthusiasts another game drive would also be an option for this morning.
Proceeding breakfast, we will head to the hill country, Ella (3 hours),
Upon arrival, rest and unwind. This evening visit a tea estate and factory with your chauffeur guide for understanding of the process that goes into producing that cup of ‘Pure Ceylon Tea’. You might see the tea pickers at work or weighing their day’s haul at one of the many roadside weigh-stations You will find plenty of options for dinning this evening, speak to your chauffeur for recommendations.

Overnight accommodation in Ella

Day 05
SIGHTSEEING IN ELLA | OVERNIGHT IN ELLA
Ella x
Ella - If it’s sheer magnificent beauty that you seek, Ella has to be on your list. Famous for the stories that intertwine with the epic story – “Ramayana” from India said to have used by King Ravana to imprison Princess Sita from Lord Shiva, is a must visit destination on your visit to the tea country. Ella is also home to the life-giving “Ravana Falls”.
Due to its elevation, Ella enjoys a cooler climate that supports an amazing variety of lush flora and fauna. This same elevation allows Ella to provide clients with unique opportunities for Adventure. Ella is highly regarded as a destination for providing some of the most admired views. Take a stroll on the road less travelled. Experience kayaking at the Buduruwagala Reservoir, or a relaxing cycle tour absorbing the picturesque Ravana Falls, or enjoy bird watching at Ella jungle.

This morning after breakfast we will head on an adventurous trek to witness the highlights of Ella. Your experience will include the daring zipline running amidst the tea plantations and a sunset from the Little Adam’s Peak.

Dinner could be arranged at a place of your preference.

Overnight accommodation in Ella

Day 06
SIGHTSEEING IN COLOMBO | OVERNIGHT IN COLOMBO
Colombo x
A dynamic capital that can vie with many a city around the world, it has evolved to be the commercial hub of the island connecting with several towns linked by a fine system of roads and railways connecting both the North, the South, the East and the hill country. A new expressway, one of many coming up, connects the international airport at Katunayake, with the capital - a 20 minute drive avoiding the busy sprawling towns on the old route. Crowded streets and peak hour traffic are the results of a long and formless urban straggle overflowing from Colombo.
Nevertheless, the city’s impressive commercial and cultural life grows apace and a heady mixture of Asian anarchy, colonial charm and modern progress defines its character. Showily opulent and shiny office blocks rub shoulders with tumbledown local cafes and shops while serene Buddhist shrines and colonial churches stand cheek-by--jowl with ornate, colourful Hindu temples - all evidence of a rich mix of races and religions, that has blossomed into this cosmopolitan city.
A rebuilt and revitalized Pettah, the more colonial styled Fort area, the renovated Dutch Hospital, the Independence Square, the Nelum Pokuna theatre hall, the Victoria Park, now ablaze with lights are all elegant architectural landmarks, that the city can justly be proud of.

An early start is recommended for this day since we will have a long drive back to city (6 hours).

Packed breakfast could be arranged if required on this day on request. Pit stops will be made en route unorder to have a smooth journey.

Upon arrival, rest and relax the day.

Late this evening we will head to the Colombo city to visit the highlights. You will be navigating the city in a Tuk Tuk, another way to experience the local lifestyle and beat the traffic.

Your evening will end with a mouthwatering range of street food at the Galle Face Green. It’s also a great place to watch the locals and the art of kite flying.

Day 07
DEPARTURE TRANSFER

Depart in time for your flight back home.

nights03
days04
Sun, Sand & Sea read more
nights07
days08
Surf and Yoga read more
nights05
days06
Palm Fringed Island read more
nights10
days11
Golfing in Sri Lanka read more
nights05
days06
Culinary Break read more
nights07
days08
Beaches & Wildlife read more
nights10
days11
Flavours of Sri Lanka read more
nights05
days06
Sri Lanka – Highlights read more
nights07
days08
Spice Trails read more
nights12
days13
Paradise Island – Packaged read more
nights06
days07
Fusion Sri Lanka read more
nights12
days13
Wanderlust – Sri Lanka read more
nights06
days07
The Geoffrey Bawa Trail read more
nights13
days14
So Sri Lanka – Serendipity read more
nights21
days22
Ultimate Sri Lanka read more
nights10
days11
Tea with a Twist read more
nights05
days06
A Family Affair read more
nights06
days07
The High and Low Grown read more
nights04
days05
The Highland Experience read more
nights09
days10
Good times together read more
nights06
days07
The Big Four read more
nights12
days13
A Tropical Experience read more
nights07
days08
Birding read more
nights07
days08
Tea & Culture read more
nights09
days10
Intimate Sri Lanka read more
nights07
days08
Beach & Wildlife read more
nights07
days08
Ayurvedic Bliss read more
nights07
days08
Serendipity read more
nights06
days07
Rainforest & Beaches read more
nights06
days07
Culture & Literary Festival read more
nights05
days06
Sun and Fun read more
nights07
days08
Romantic Escapes read more
nights07
days08
Harmony in the Highlands read more
nights07
days08
Wildlife & Adventure read more
nights13
days14
The Full Experience read more
nights 08
days09
Surfing in the East read more
nights07
days08
The Cultural Experience read more
nights05
days06
Back in Time read more
nights06
days07
The Colonial Trail read more
nights03
days04
The Peninsula Experience read more
nights07
days08
Wildlife & Camping read more