Are you looking for Sri Lanka tour packages from Kochi? Then we’ve got you covered. Our tour packages are designed to offer visitors the best experience during their stay in the country.
We make sure that everyone who comes on our tours gets a chance to explore tourist sites and off the beaten track so that they can experience what Sri Lanka is all about.
Why Visit Sri Lanka?
Since 2010, the number of tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka has tripled. Lonely Planet listed Sri Lanka as the number one destination to travel in 2019.
If you love the great outdoors then Sri Lanka has the amazing hiking trails with sweeping views of waterfalls and tea field.
Beach bums have nothing to worry about since the island stands on the deep blue sea with the best waves for surfing.
If you are looking to chill by the pool then Sri Lanka is home to luxury resorts and top-class boutique hotels to unwind with pools and spas.
Sri Lanka Tour Packages from Kochi (Cochin) Option – 1 (3 Days)
Day 1 – Kandy
Sri Lanka’s hill capital, Kandy is the second biggest city in Sri Lanka. As a major city in the country, people expect Kandy to be another crowded metropolis found in South Asia.
It is anything but your typical urban city. Kandy is a cultural hub and an important landmark for Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Blessed with mild climate the city is enveloped by a serene lake and is home to breathtaking natural attractions. It is also a foodie haven and a shopper’s paradise in its own right.
Many travellers make Kandy a starting point on their journey to central highlands.
Kandy is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, which is formed by – Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa.
These are the three significant Sinhala kingdoms during ancient times. Kandy was the last reigning Sinhala monarchy that succumbed to the British rulers in 1815.
Temple of the Tooth
The central attraction of Kandy is Sri Dalda Maligawa or Temple of the tooth. It is the Buddhist temple that houses the sacred tooth relics of Buddha.
The tooth relics are safely placed inside a golden casket and visitors are only given a chance to see this casket but even that is a rare chance.
If you visit the temple during pooja (prayer and offering) time you can get a glimpse of the blessed casket. Don’t worry if you miss the pooja times since the temple has so many beautiful and interesting things to see.
Visiting other temples
Apart from the Temple of the Tooth, there are three more significant temples in Kandy. On the top of the Panhalgala Rock, the ancient Lankathilake temple stands in splendor.
The significance of this beautiful temple is that it is half Hindu and half Buddhist. The second significant temple is the Embekke Devalaya which is a Hindu temple dedicated to deity Kataragama.
Gadaladeniya Viharaya is the next temple, which is considered one of the largest rock temples in the country. All three of these temples are great examples of sacral architecture in Sri Lanka.
Woodwork factory
A visit to a carpentry factory where the local artisans work their magic to create beautiful pieces using Kandyan art is a great experience.
Batik factory
The local batik making industry has been in existence for more than a century. You can take a tour of one of the factories and see the process of dyeing and the designs being created from scratch.
This is a great place to get gifts to take back home.
Cultural dance performances
It’ll be interesting to know that Indian shamans originally performed certain aspects of Kandyan dance.
Over the years Sri Lanka has embraced its original form and blended it to create a dance form that celebrates local culture and tradition.
The dance rituals ‘Kohomba Kankariya’ depict graceful movements of animals and birds. The performances are not only dancing acts but its a combination of drumming, dance, and acrobats.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Tour Packages from Kerala
Day 2 – Nuwara Eliya
A 2.5-hour drive from Kandy will take you to another popular town in the hill country – Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya is nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is a place of rolling tea mountains, cascading waterfalls, and reminisce of Victorian architecture.
Fondly referred to as ‘Mini England’, it’s a place loved by locals and international travellers alike. The cool climate and the natural beauty of the town are what captivate visitors.
Take a train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Known as one of the most scenic train rides, this is a popular route loved by everyone. The ride has become famous due to the breathtaking scenery you pass through.
It’s important to decide early if you want to take this ride since tickets sell out fast so you need to grab the best ones before others do.
Waterfall excursion
Nuwara Eliya is blessed with wonderful gifts from Mother Nature – waterfalls. Cascading down from the highest mountain in the country, Piduruthalagala Lover’s Leap waterfall is a 30meter high beauty.
When you pass through the Hatton – Nuwara Eliya route you simply can’t miss the 97-meter Devon waterfall named after the pioneer coffee planter in Lanka.
Take a hike to Horton Plains
One of the best outdoor expeditions in Nuwara Eliya is the hike to Horton Plains. It is a grassland plateau that comes to an abrupt end at the World’s End, a magnificent escarpment than plunges 880 meters below.
The hike is generally 9.5km and takes up to three hours at a slow pace.
Parks and boat rides
If you are looking for less challenging outdoor activities then visit Victoria Park in the Nuwara Eliya town.
Named after Queen Victoria of England, its a beautiful park sprawling with greenery and beautiful flowerbeds. It’s very family-friendly with kids’ play area and is great for picnics.
Gregory Lake is located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya offering a variety of outdoor activities. It’s an extremely popular spot among locals and foreign travellers.
There are swan boat rides and pony back rides around the lake. You can also take a stroll or play ball on the 5km grassland. There are vendors selling snacks and knickknacks around this area.
It’s ideal for a picnic or to soak up the refreshing scenery and enjoy the mountain breeze.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Tour Packages from Ahmedabad
Day 3 – Bentota
After two days in the hill country, your next stop will be a refreshing change to the southern coastal belt! Bentota is a fishing town that is a popular beach getaway located within few hours from Colombo.
When you are driving from Nuwara Eliya, the ride takes up to 5.5 hours however, the scenery is beautiful and you can stop along the way to do some shopping and enjoy a yummy meal.
You can enjoy the Bentota beach which is great for swimming, diving, snorkeling, surfing, and banana boat rides. You can spend all day swinging on a hammock, sipping your favourite cocktail and soaking up the sun.
Bentota is not all about the beach. While it’s usually popular as a beach town there are other things here you can look forward to.
Visit a sea turtle conservation centre
A short drive from Bentota will take you to the village of Kosgoda. The local sea turtle conservation project that began in 1998 has come a long way over the years.
It is an important institute dedicated to protecting sea turtles that come to the local shores. The centre’s main task is to collect turtle eggs from the nesting ground and give them the right setting to hatch safely away from any dangers.
Visitors can go visit the hatchery to see how things are done. If you are lucky, you can see the newly hatched turtle babies coming out of the sand.
They have certain restrictions to protect these turtle babies so please make sure to adhere to them.
Madu Riverboat safari
A 25-minute drive from Bentota will take you to the Madu Ganga River where you can enjoy a boat safari. Even though it is a small waterway, it is rich in bio-diversity.
A boat ride through the Madu River estuary is one of the best things for a nature lover to do.
Cinnamon Island
There is a small island inside the Madu Lake, which is completely taken over by cinnamon plantations. One family that has been harvesting for generations owns it.
You can learn the techniques of producing high-quality cinnamon that is exported to countries around the world.
Suggested Read: How To Spend 3 Days in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Tour Packages from Kochi (Cochin) Option – 2 (5 Days)
Day 1 – Sigiriya
On the first day of the Sri Lanka tour packages from Kochi (Cochin), we take you to one of the greatest ancient monuments – Sigiriya.
It is no wonder that Sigiriya is the most visited tourist site in Sri Lanka. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, Sigiriya is a fortress built by King Kashyapa as his royal complex and later donated to a Buddhist monastery.
The king’s royal palace included a complex of gardens, ponds, and fountains that are functional to this day. The irrigation system used here is far beyond its time and the waterworks are functional even to this day.
The massive fortress is built around the royal compound to keep away his enemies has been in the shape of a lion.
Today only the lion’s paws are visible but according to historians and archeological findings the complete structure of a lion had been visible back in the day.
Today, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major archeological site in Sri Lanka.
Top things to see in Sigiriya,
– Boulder Gardens
– Frescos of Sigiriya damsels
– Mirror wall
– Water gardens
– Summit and the breathtaking scenery
Sigiriya travel tips
– When travelling to Sigiriya, it is highly recommended to stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple on your way. If you stop at Dambulla in the morning, you can rest and make your way to Sigiriya in the late afternoon.
– Many people miss going to the Sigiriya Museum, but it’s completely worth it and is covered in the ticket. It’s best to visit the museum before the climb.
– Make sure to wear comfortable footwear and cotton clothes.
– While there are certain restrictions when taking photographs inside Sigiriya, you also find a spot that you can cape amazing Instagram worthy photos!
– Don’t forget to stretch your muscles after you climb down to avoid aches and pains the next day!
Suggested Tour: 14 Days Sri Lanka Tour
Day 2 – Ella
Ella is a scenic little hamlet located in the hill country of Sri Lanka. Over the years Ella has transformed into a major tourist attraction and a backpacker paradise.
From the quaint little village, it has single-handedly become responsible to attract thousands of visitors to the country.
If you are travelling from Kandy to Ella, do not miss a chance to take a train ride. It is considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world and – we agree!
Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella created such a big Instagram frenzy. Capturing the bright blue train passing on the Nine Arch Bridge has become one of the most iconic pictures to flaunt your holiday in Sri Lanka.
The best time to see the bridge is early morning before the crowds gather. The massive bridge made completely of cement and stone (without the use of steel) is close to a century-old now.
If you take the train ride from Kandy to Ella, the train you will cross this bridge.
Take a hike
The hike to Ella Rock is quite popular since it’s an easy trek. You don’t need a guide for it and can find your way from the town. The best time to start your hike is in the morning since the weather is pleasant.
The hike is around 9km and will take only a few hours to complete. Along the way, you pass tea plantations, paddy fields, and the village. Once you reach the summit, you will be spell bounded by the striking scenery.
Dinner and night out
Ella has got some serious backpacker vibes going on for the last couple of years. With this new trend, you get small cafes serving western food and lip-smacking cocktails with some light music in the background to set the mood.
The hip new cafes and bars come alive in the evenings. The atmosphere is nice for some mouthwatering dishes and cool beers before you call it a day.
Suggested Tour: 12 Days Sri Lanka Itinerary
Day 3 – Mirissa
We make sure that the Sri Lanka tour packages from Cochin cover all parts of the country, that’s why we take you from the hill country to the southern coast!
Mirissa Beach
This is a no brainer if you are going to the southern coast because the first thing visitors look for is the palm-fringed beaches. So the number one thing to do in Mirissa is head to the beach.
Mirissa beach has some super waves for surfing and is great for swimming too. You can enjoy some yummy, budget-friendly meals with the best cocktails on the shore.
Whale and dolphin watching
Mirissa is renowned for whale and dolphin watching. The whale- watching season runs from November to April and it’s one of the best things to do during your stay.
Whale watching tours generally start early morning and last up to 3- 4 hours. Many tour companies offer packages that include the excursion and onboard meals.
You can expect to see Blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins!
Climb Parrot Rock
Climbing Parrot Rock is one of the fun things to do in Mirissa. Parrot Rock is a small hill overlooking the beach so there’s not much of a climb.
It’s a great place to start your day by watching the sunset or wrapping up by the beach at sunset.
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka 18 Day Itinerary
Day 4 – Galle
Your next stop is the heart of the southern coast – Galle. This historical city is a tourist hub that attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe.
The stunning Galle Fort, colonial architecture, and the breathtaking beaches all make up this beautiful city.
Galle Fort
This is the most spectacular attraction in the city of Galle. It is extraordinary in terms of history and archeology. The Portuguese built it during the 16th century and later the Dutch renovated it to the current stage.
The Fort brings together history, architecture, and archeology into one exciting package. Today, the cobblestone streets are lined with chic cafes, trendy lifestyle boutiques, and luxury accommodation that lure tourists from around the world to visit the Fort.
Some of the top places to visit inside the fort are,
-Galle National Museum
-The Galle Lighthouse
-Dutch Reform Church
-Maritime Archeology Museum
Cycling tours through the Fort
To explore the bygone age of one of the best-preserved colonial fortresses in Asia, hop on a bicycle. This is the best way to go sightseeing at your own pace and enjoy what is left behind from the bygone years.
Day 5 – Colombo
On your final day of the Sri Lanka tour packages from Cochin, we take you to the commercial capital and largest city of the country – Colombo!
Colombo is a vibrant city that brings together people of all nations in the country. Blending skyscrapers, colonial architecture, hospitable locals, mouthwatering food, and great entertainment.
Colombo is one of the best cities in the country to begin or end your holiday.
National Museum
The National Museum of Colombo is one of the ‘must-see’ locations in the city. Established in 1877, it is housed in a colonial-era building. The museum covers a wide collection of artifacts related to Sri Lanka’s history.
Gangaramaya Viharaya
The Gangaramaya Viharaya is on a prominent Buddhist temple located in the heart of Colombo. Located close to the placid Beira Lake, it is one of the most ornate temples you will see in the country.
There is a massive collection of Buddha statues and other artifacts related to Buddhism displayed in the temple. The smallest Buddha statue in the country can be seen here and you need a magnifying glass to see it!
Galle Face Green
It is impossible to overlook the Galle Face Green when you are in Colombo. Located in the heart of the city it is a seaside promenade, which is ideal for an evening stroll.
It is one of the most popular places for visitors to enjoy their time leisurely. You can go on a walk, fly a kite, play ball or enjoy the street food. This is the best place in the city to watch the sunset.
Dutch Museum
The Dutch Museum in Colombo is housed in a building that was used for multiple purposes. In the 17th century, it was the residence of a Dutch Governor, it also served as a police station, post office, Catholic seminary, and a military hospital.
The museum has a display of artifacts and furniture related to the Dutch colonial times. The museum opens to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm.
Enjoy the food
Colombo is where you can enjoy world-class fine dining restaurants serving dishes from around the world. You also get the best street food and local dishes in small eateries and restaurants located around the city.
You must make sure to relish on string hoppers, variety of hoppers, kottu and a typical meal of rice and curry before you leave. Don’t forget to taste the tropical fruits and king coconut – the taste will not be the same as in Cochin!
If you are looking for one of a kind Sri Lanka tour package from Cochin then drop us a message. T2 Travels Sri Lanka offer some of the best tour deals in the country.
All our travel packages are tried and tested so that our clients get to enjoy a smooth holiday in sunny Lanka.
We have a team of travel experts that work tirelessly to offer the best Sri Lanka travel packages and the best experiences during their stay in the country.
