Embark on a holiday of a lifetime. Our Sri Lanka tour packages from Chennai is a combination of beaches, culture, historical attractions, and leisure.
The experienced team at T2 Travels Sri Lanka design tour packages to give visitors diverse experiences of Sri Lanka.
Blessed with the richest culture, historical splendor, unmatched natural beauty, pristine beaches, great wildlife, and mouthwatering cuisine – Sri Lanka has it all.
When you travel from Chennai to Sri Lanka, be prepared to be mesmerised by your neighbouring island and enjoy a well-organised tour with our team of experts.
Sri Lanka Tour Packages from Chennai Option 1 (4 Days)
Day 1 – Bentota
On your first day in Sri Lanka, you will be mesmerised by the sun-kissed beaches of the beautiful resort town – Bentota. Check into your hotel and begin your holiday after a hearty meal!
It’s no wonder Bentota is one of the most famous tourist hubs in the southern coastal belt.
The town is blessed with not only dazzling beaches and the best holiday resorts but also the best marine life, lagoons, turtle hatcheries, estuaries, and a list of interesting places to see nearby.
Here’s our pick on what you can do in Bentota,
Beach it
Bentota Beach continues for several kilometers to the south of the town. It is one of the top beaches in the island for a holiday under the sun.
You can spend weeks stretched out on the sandy shores or take time for watersports. Try surfing, jet skiing, diving and snorkeling.
Boat safari
There are plenty of water-based adventures to enjoy in Bentota. Not only can you enjoy watersports but take time to go on a river safari on the River Benthara.
The boat trip gives you a chance to explore the vicinity and let the scenery sink in.
There are tiny islands fringed with mangroves and they are home to colourful birds and animals such as water monitors and crocodiles.
GalapataViharaya (temple)
GalpataViharaya is a Buddhist temple located within 2km of the Bentota town. The temple houses the sacred tooth relic of ArahatMahaKashyapa.
Today you only see the ruins of the temple but the original pillars, stones and rock carvings are still intact.
There is a perahera (procession) organized to honourArahatMahaKashyapa that gathers large crowds to the temple.
Turtle hatchery
A short ride from Bentota will take you to the famous turtle hatchery on the Koggala Beach. Many people don’t know that Sri Lanka is a major breeding ground for a variety of sea turtles.
These endangered creatures’ come to beaches such as Koggala and Rekawa to breed their unborn babies.
The turtle hatcheries were set up as conservation project to safeguard these turtles till they are born.
Brief garden
A short drive inland from Bentota you will find the eccentric house ‘Brief Garden’ the house owned by local artist Bevis Bawa. There is a collection of interesting and unusual artwork on display.
The highlight of the house is the garden, which is designed with a collection of sculptures, statues, and excessively grown greenery.
Travel time – To travel from Katunayake (BIA) to Bentota will take less than 2 hours.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Tour Packages from Bangalore
Day 2 – Kandy
On day two of srilanka tour package from Chennai, we take you to the cultural capital of Sri Lanka – Kandy.
The cool weather in the charming city of Kandy will be a refreshing change after the heat of the southern coast. Locally known as ‘MahaNuwara’, Kandy is the second-largest city in the country.
It is an important landmark for Buddhism in Sri Lanka and is considered the most sacred city and even the protector of the country.
Kandy is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is part of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, which is formed by – Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa.
Here are some of the ‘must-dos’ in Kandy,
Temple of the Tooth
The Temple of the Tooth or ‘Sri DaladaMaligawa’ is a Buddhist temple that houses the sacred tooth relics of Buddha.
It is the highlight of Kandy and it’s a place you must not miss during your time in the city. The tooth relics are placed in a gold casket and are kept in a heavily guarded room.
The room will only be open to visitors during pooja time (offerings and prayers) and you will only be able to see the caskets and not the actual relics.
Tips – Make sure to wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders. Wear footwear that is easy to remove and socks will come in handy if it’s sunny.
Peradeniya botanical garden
Just outside of Kandy, you find the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Garden. It was once exclusively for the royal family members in Kandy.
Today, it is open to visitors and it is the biggest botanical garden in Sri Lanka. The famous orchid patches are quite a spectacle.
The coconut palms, rubber trees, the spice garden, and the royal palms that were planted in the ’50s are all that makes the garden a breathtaking display.
Tip – two hours are enough to do a complete walk around the garden and even have a snack.
Kandyan dance act
Did you know that Kandyan dancing has links Indian shamans? Over the centuries Sri Lankans have blended these dance acts to fit the local traditions and culture.
The KohombaKankariya is a dance form that portrays various movements of birds and animals.
You will be amazed to see that Kandyan dance performances are not only about dancing but a blend of drumming, acrobats and pirouettes.
The ornate costumes and accessories are beautiful and unique. The performances generally finish with fire walking.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Tour Packages From Trivandrum
Day 3 & 4 – Nuwara Eliya
On your third day on Srilanka tour package from Chennai, we included NuwaraEliya since it’ll be a refreshing change from the first two days.
It’s also one of the best places to spend your last days in the country and you will take back many fond memories. The best way to travel from Kandy to NuwaraEliya is by train.
This is considered one of the most scenic routes in the world. The journey will last for three hours and you’ll get a chance to snap some great Instagram worthy #holidaysnapshots!
NuwaraEliya is a small town in the hill country of Sri Lanka. The chilly weather and old-world charm make it one of the nicest places in the country.
Here are some of the best places to visit in NuwaraEliya, that we recommend.
Victoria Park
Victoria Park is located in the middle of NuwaraEliya town. The park is named to honour Queen Victoria on her 60th Jubilee Coronation.
The park is home to a hue of colourful flowers and it’s an ideal place to relax. Victoria Pak is popular for bird watching and you may come across the Indian Pitta, Sri Lanka White-eye, and the endemic Yellow-eared BulBuls and many others.
During March-May and August – September the flowers are in full bloom. There is a kids play area so adults can relax while the kids enjoy themselves.
Nuwara Eliya post office
One of the most iconic colonial buildings in NuwaraEliya is the Post Office. Located right next to the Victoria Park, it’s difficult to miss this charming building.
The Brits built the Post Office in 1894 and it still retains the old-world colonial charm. The brilliant pink exterior of the building is outstanding.
Some of the original equipment used in the post office is on display.
Horton Plains and World’s End
A short drive from NuwaraEliya will take you to Horton Plains National Park. The hike trails in the Plains that lead to World’s End (a massive cliff) is one of the best experiences in NuwaraEliya.
If you are looking for some outdoor activity – try this hike!
Tea plantation
Sri Lanka and tea have a perpetual bond that has lasted for centuries. A nice hot cup of tea is not simply a beverage; it is a culture and one that many adapt to when they visit the country.
All of us have unique preferences when it comes to making a cup of tea. But have you ever wondered how can one brew a perfect cup of tea? The best way to find out is to visit a tea plantation.
You will be given a complete tour along with a nice cup of freshly brewed tea.
On the final day of your Sri Lanka packages from Chennai, enjoy the soothing weather and have some rest before your flight back home.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Tour Packages from Coimbatore
Srilanka Tour Package from Chennai Option 2 (5 days)
Day 1 & 2 – Sigiriya and Dambulla
At T2 Travels we create our tour packages to give visitors a mix of experiences in Sri Lanka. You can choose the best package according to your preferences and budget.
Our second option for the Sri Lanka tour from Chennai starts with a tour in the ‘eighth world wonder’!
Sigiriya or ‘Lion Rock’ is a rock fortress dating back to the 5th century AD.
The palace among the clouds sits at the 200-meter high rock. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is referred to as the ‘eighth world wonder’.
History of Sigirya
The ruins of the fortress are clear evidence of the magnificence and grandeur of the complete structure.
Visitors are unable to fathom the glory of the fortress and how impressive it would have been 1600 years before.
Sigiriya has been a place of fountains, lush foliage, ponds, and vibrant pavilions. The frescos in Sigiriya are one of its greatest attributes.
All of the frescos are of women and it is said to depict the harem of King Kashyapa. The village area around Sigiriya has been inhabited for thousands of years.
When King Kashyapa took reign during the 3rd century, the Sigiriya was built as the royal residence.
After his death, the palace was transformed into a Buddhist monastery but during the 14th century, it has been abandoned.
Exploring the rock
To thoroughly explore the Sigiriya Rock, it will take at least 2-3 hours. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when it’s less sunny. Try to avoid the weekends especially Sundays and Poya holidays since it gets congested.
The stairway is pretty narrow and the crowds become too much to handle sometimes. The climb up is not as exhausting as it looks from the bottom but if you are scared of heights then it might get a bit unpleasant in certain sections.
Sigiriya museum
The museum is located outside the main entrance and the best time to go there is before you start climbing. You get interesting details of the fortress as well as a variety of photographs of Sigiriya.
The entrance ticket includes the tour to the museum as well so don’t miss it!
Tip – Ladies avoid wearing skirts for the climb since it gets very windy on certain spots.
Opening hours: 7 am – 4 pm.
Dambulla
During your time in Dambulla, visit the best-preserved ancient cave temple in Sri Lanka. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an iconic ancient Buddhist temple.
The temple is made up of five caves. Each cave is filled with ancient murals relating to Buddhism and Sinhala Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka. Each section of the temple is filled with statues of Buddha of various sizes.
You need to climb 346 steps to reach the cave temple. Along the way, you will be greeted by troops of wild monkeys.
If they see you carrying flowers, fruits, and other food items they may get aggressive and jump at it. Make sure to carry such items covered inside a bag.
Opening hours: 7 am – 7 pm.
Ticket: Tickets need to be purchased by 5 pm.
You can use the rest of your day to,
– Explore the Dambulla village
– Climb the Rose Quartz Mountain
– Travel to the ancient ruins of Ritigala.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Tour Packages From Trichy
Day 3 & 4 – Ella
After two days of exploring history and culture, your next destination will be a different experience.
The breathtaking scenery of Ella has made a popular stop for visitors. The small town in Central Sri Lanka is perfect for hiking, enjoying the outdoors and it’s laid back vibe has made it a popular spot among backpackers.
Hike to Ella Rock
The hike to Ella Rock generally takes around four hours. The interesting trail passes a tea plantation, rail track, and some twisty turns close to the peak.
Make sure to carry essentials such as food and water and wear comfortable shoes. The most popular route is through the railway onto the south.
Tea Plantation
Ella is beset with various tea estates and factories. Visit a tea plantation where you will see the female tea pluckers at work.
You will be given a tour of the factory where you can see the entire process of making a cup of Ceylon tea. You can also enjoy some freshly brewed tea.
Ravana Ella (waterfall)
The Ravana waterfall is a 25-meter high fall that flows from an oval-shaped rock boulder. During the rainy season, the waterfall becomes voluptuous.
There are various eateries around the waterfall and you can buy small knickknacks as souvenirs too.
Nine Arched Bridge
The railway bridge between Ella and Demodara station is the popular Nine Arched Bridge. Nearly a century old, it is built using stone and cement without the support of steel.
You can enjoy the architecture and the surrounding area from the bridge. Sunset is ideal to get some nice clicks.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Tour Packages From Tamil Nadu
Day 5 – Galle
There’s no better place in the country to end your Sri Lanka tour packages from Chennai than the city of Galle. Make the most of your trip by sightseeing and relaxing at the beach.
Galle is a prominent city in the South of Sri Lanka. The salty winds, wonderful Dutch Architecture, handicrafts, unique local food, friendly people are all part of the package during a visit to Galle.
A perfectly preserved colonial city of southern Sri Lanka, the city of Galle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Galle Fort
The Galle Fort has many reminiscences of the Dutch era. The pebble stone traffic free street of the fort is lined with stylish boutiques, old villas and colonial style buildings. When you enter the fort it feels like you’ve been taken back two centuries.
One of the best-preserved testimonials of the colonial times in Sri Lanka, your trip to Galle is futile without visiting the fort.
Dutch reformed church
The 17th century protestant church is one of Galle’s most important period pieces. The interior may seem plain but the architectural and historical value of the church is what’s important.
Galle beach
Galle Beach is a great place to spend the day getting a tan, playing a game of volleyball or football. You can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving here.
The beach is not wide and when the high tides start it can wash over most of the sand. When the high tides come it is great for swimming and once the beach dries up, then it makes way for beach football.
You also find plenty of trees, giving shade to visitors. The bars and restaurants scattered on the beach also use the trees to give them shade.
Other places to visit in Galle
– The Galle Light House
– Galle National Museum
– Dutch Reform Church
– All Saints Anglican Church
T2 Travels offers customised tour packages for visitors from around the world to enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka.
