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Private Tour · 3★ & 2★ hotels 3 Days Sri Lanka Tour: Pinnawala, Kandy & BentotaHills to sea in three easy days: elephants at Pinnawala, a temple evening in Kandy, tea and gems, then a beach night and a Madu River boat ride. Private Tour · 3★ & 2★ hotelsEasy intensityEnglish-speaking guide Tour priceFromUSD 258per person A 3 day Sri Lanka tour from Kandy to Bentota is the right shape for a short visit, a stopover that deserves more than an airport hotel, or a first taste of the island before a longer trip. In three days you meet elephants, spend an evening in the old hill capital, walk through a tea estate, and finish beside the Indian Ocean with a boat ride through mangroves. A private vehicle and an English-speaking driver-guide take you from the airport arrivals hall to the departures hall, so the whole thing runs smoothly and you never have to work out a timetable. Who the 3 day Sri Lanka tour from Kandy to Bentota suitsThis tour is designed for people with very little time and a wish to see more than a beach. It works for couples on a long-haul stopover, families with children who enjoy animals, and solo travellers who prefer not to arrange transport. The pace is easy. There is no climbing and no early jeep ride, and the physical effort amounts to short walks, temple steps and a boat seat. Most of the work is done in the car, which is air-conditioned and comfortable, so you can rest between visits. Day by day in briefDay one starts at the airport in the morning, and nothing in the schedule is meant to rush you. You drive inland to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, then continue up into the hills for the afternoon in Kandy, a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and an evening cultural dance show. Day two is spent on the hill-country side: a tea estate and factory with a tasting, a gem museum and workshop, and some time for shopping before the long drive down to the coast and your hotel in Bentota. On the last day you take a boat on the Madu River, see a turtle hatchery and then continue to the airport. You sleep one night in Kandy and one in Bentota, both on a bed-and-breakfast plan. What you will actually seeAt Pinnawala you can watch calves being fed and the herd bathing in the Maha Oya river, a sanctuary that has run since 1975. In Kandy, the lakeside hill capital of the last Sinhalese kings, the temple smells of jasmine and the drums echo through the halls, followed by a dance show with fire-walkers and costumed performers. The tea visit explains how leaf is withered, rolled and dried, and ends with a cup brewed fresh. The gem workshop shows how stones are mined and cut, with no obligation to buy. The Madu River trip winds past mangrove islands to a cinnamon demonstration, a temple island and a fish-spa platform. Pacing, comfort and practicalitiesBecause the tour is short, we try to keep every transfer sensible. The airport to Kandy takes about three hours with the elephant stop on the way, and the coast road from Kandy to Bentota is the longest drive of the tour, so settle in with water and a book. Take a light layer for the evening, as Kandy cools down once the sun sets. Dress modestly for the temple, covering shoulders and knees and leaving shoes at the door. Entrance fees are paid separately. Breakfast is included at both hotels, while lunch and dinner are paid by you, and your driver-guide is glad to suggest good local restaurants. Best time for this tourThe hills and the south-west coast are driest from roughly December to March, and April is usually still pleasant, so that is the easiest time for this combination. Outside those months you may meet some rain, particularly in the afternoons, but the temples, tea and boat ride all still work well. Kandy can be warm and humid in the day, and cooler in the evening, so a light layer helps. Extend or adapt the routeThree days is tight, and many guests add a night. You could extend the stay in Bentota for beach days, or insert the Peradeniya botanic gardens in Kandy, or even continue north to the ancient cities. Tell us your arrival time, your interests and your flight home, and we will adjust the plan. Tour highlights
Day-by-day itinerary Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall after your morning flight, helps with luggage and starts the tour right away. The drive from the airport to Kandy takes about three hours, but you break it at Pinnawala, which sits on the way and is the ideal first stop after a long flight. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage began in 1975 on a coconut estate beside the Maha Oya river. It was started by the Wildlife Department to give shelter to elephants found orphaned or hurt in the forest. Calves under three are still given milk from bottles by the keepers, and twice a day the herd is walked down the street to the river for a bath. Standing on the bank as dozens of elephants splash, roll and spray one another is a lovely way to start the trip. Expect to spend about an hour or two here. You reach Kandy in the afternoon and check in at your hotel. Kandy sits among hills around a small lake and was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings. Before the evening show you visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The relic, believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, is said to have been carried to the island in a princess's hair in the fourth century, and it has been honoured ever since. Dress modestly and take off your shoes at the entrance. The offering of flowers, the drums and the quiet chanting make it a moving place. From about five to six in the evening you attend a Kandyan cultural dance show, with drums, acrobatic dancers and fire-walking. Dinner is your choice afterwards, at the hotel restaurant or at a place in town that your driver-guide recommends. Accommodation Devon Hotel, Kandy or similar Included Activities
Landmarks
 After breakfast you spend the morning on the hills around Kandy, then turn towards the sea. The coast is a long drive away, so plan to leave Kandy by early afternoon. The first stop is a tea estate and factory. The central hills are where Ceylon tea became a major export, after British planters recognised how well the cool, damp slopes suited it. Local history says the first plants from China were raised at the Peradeniya gardens, and the industry later spread to places like Hatton and Bandarawela. At the factory you follow the leaf through withering, rolling, fermenting and drying, then sit with a freshly made cup and look across the terraces. Ask for a plain cup first, then try a stronger one to taste the difference. After that you visit a gem museum and workshop. Sri Lanka has been famous for its sapphires and other stones since ancient times, and here you can see the story of a gem from a mine to a ring. A model mine, glass cases of rough and cut stones and a short film explain the work, and craftsmen show how the stones are cut and set. The showroom is optional, and there is no obligation to buy. A little time is left for shopping in Kandy, where you might look for tea, spices, wood carving or batik. Then you begin the long drive towards Bentota, through hill country, then lowland villages and finally the palm-lined coast. You reach your hotel in the evening, in time for a walk on the beach and a dinner of your choice, at the hotel or a beachside restaurant. Meals Breakfast Accommodation Laluna Ayurveda Resort or similar Included Activities
Landmarks
 After breakfast and check-out you leave Bentota for a final morning on the water. The Madu River is a wetland of mangrove islands, and a boat takes you along narrow channels beneath dense green branches. The estuary has about 64 islands, some inhabited, and has been a protected sanctuary since 2006. Stops usually include a cinnamon-peeling demonstration, a small temple island and a fish-spa platform where tiny fish nibble at your feet. Nearby is a turtle hatchery. Here eggs are protected, injured turtles are cared for and hatchlings are released into the sea. It is a calm, educational stop that children enjoy. From there your driver takes you to the airport, about two hours from Bentota, and we time the pick-up around your flight. Thank you for travelling with Volata Travels. Meals Breakfast Included Activities
Landmarks
Route mapWhere you'll stayThese are the hotels we plan to use. If one of them is full on your dates, we book another hotel of the same standard (“or similar”) and tell you its name before you travel. Devon Hotel, Kandy or similarKandy 1 night · Bed and breakfast · or a similar 3-star / 2-star hotel Laluna Ayurveda Resort or similarBentota 1 night · Bed and breakfast · or a similar 3-star / 2-star hotel What's included
What's not included
Pickup & drop-offPickup: Your Volata Travels driver-guide meets you in the arrivals hall at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Katunayake, with a name board. Pick-up from a hotel in Colombo or Negombo can also be arranged. Drop-off: Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your departure flight, with the timing planned around your flight. Important informationItinerary order and overnight stops can be adjusted to fit your dates and pace — this is a private tour built around you, not a fixed departure. Cancellation policyAll cancellations must be received in writing by your Volata Tour Consultant. 19.1 Unless otherwise specified in your quotation, the following cancellation terms will apply to your booking: 19.1.1 Cancellations received between the date of booking and 61 days prior to departure will result in the loss of the deposit. 19.1.2 Cancellations received 60 – 46 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 25% of the tour price. 19.1.3 Cancellations received 45 – 29 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 50% of the tour price. 19.1.4 Cancellations received 28 – 15 days prior to departure will be subject to a cancellation charge of 75% of the tour price. 19.1.5 Cancellations received 14 days or less prior to departure will be subject to a forfeiture of the entire tour price. 19.2 Cancellation of airline tickets will be subject to the refund policy of each individual airline and may be greater than the percentages above particularly when low cost/net-based fares are used. 19.3 The purchase of special event tickets is subject to the refund policy of each individual event. Please refer to the specific event policy for details. 19.4 Volata reserve the right to charge for financial penalties, fees and losses incurred in excess of your cancellation fee as a result of cancellation.... What travellers say4.7 average from 6 customer reviews KW Krzysztof Wójcik, Poland Knowledgeable guide, comfortable travel, and a fascinating itinerary. Excellent experience. GM Grace Miller, United States Everything went smoothly, and our guide was fantastic. We came away with great memories. AS Anna Schneider, Germany Our holiday had a lovely balance of sightseeing and time to unwind. The schedule was organized in a way that made it easy to enjoy each destination, and the vehicle was comfortable for the drives. We returned home with many happy memories. MR Matteo Ricci, Italy A lovely cultural experience with a comfortable pace. We especially enjoyed exploring the city. AM Ana Martínez, Spain We were very pleased with the arrangements. Our airport transfer was on time, the hotels were ready for us, and daily transportation was dependable throughout the trip. IC Inês Carvalho, Portugal A pleasant cultural tour with a friendly guide and plenty to discover. You might also like       Ready to plan your Sri Lanka trip?Tell us your dates and interests — we'll put together a private itinerary within a day. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough to see Kandy and Bentota?
It is enough for a first impression. You see the elephants, the temple, tea and gems in the hills, then reach the coast for one evening and a boat ride. It is not a deep tour, and the drives are long. If you can add a night, Bentota or Peradeniya gardens are good ways to slow it down.
How long is the drive from the airport to Kandy?
The drive is about three hours, plus whatever time you spend at Pinnawala on the way. Because the elephant orphanage is on the route, it makes a natural break. After that the road climbs into the hills, and your driver-guide chooses the best stops depending on traffic and your energy.
How long is the drive from Kandy to Bentota?
It is the longest drive of the tour. The route goes down from the hills to the coast, past Colombo or around it, and takes several hours with stops. We usually leave Kandy in the early afternoon, after the tea and gem visits, so you arrive in the evening and still have time for the beach.
What time of year is best?
The hills and the south-west coast are driest from roughly December to March, and April is often still good. That is the easiest time for this route. In other months you can expect some rain, especially in the afternoon, but the temple, tea factory and boat ride all go ahead and the scenery is greener.
What should I wear at the Temple of the Tooth?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and choose clothes that are easy to wear in the heat. Shoes and hats come off at the entrance, so sandals are practical. Carrying a light scarf is handy for anyone who feels the temple air-conditioning or sun. Your driver-guide will tell you where to keep your voice low.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it is one of our gentlest programmes. Children usually love the Pinnawala elephants, the dance show and the boat ride through the mangroves. The days include long drives, so bring snacks, a tablet or a book. There is no strenuous walking, and we are happy to adjust the pace or add rest stops.
Is the gem or shopping stop compulsory?
No. The gem museum and workshop are there to show how stones are mined and cut, and you can enjoy the displays without buying anything. The shopping time in Kandy is also optional, and if you would rather rest or walk by the lake we can adjust the plan on the day.
Can I add more days or change the route?
Yes. All private tours with Volata Travels can be customised. Many guests add extra nights in Bentota or Kandy, include the botanic gardens at Peradeniya, or continue to Sigiriya and the ancient cities. Entrance fees are paid separately. Send us your flight times and interests, and we will propose a version that fits.
What's included in the 3-day tour price?
Meet and greet at Bandaranaike International Airport; 2 nights in 3-star and 2-star hotels (or similar), double or twin room sharing; a single room if you travel alone; Daily breakfast at your hotels (bed and breakfast); All transfers and sightseeing in a private air-conditioned vehicle; English-speaking driver-guide throughout the tour; Fuel, parking, driver accommodation and highway fees. The tour costs USD 258 per person when two adults share a room, or USD 504 for one traveller in a single room, for 2 nights / 3 days. These prices are valid for travel from 8 October 2026 to 30 November 2027.
What's not included?
International flights and the Sri Lanka ETA visa fee; Lunches, dinners and drinks (breakfast is included); Entrance fees and activity fees (Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and cultural show, Madu River boat ride, turtle hatchery); Optional tours and optional activities; Train tickets (if you choose the scenic train); Hotel supplements when you travel on 24 December and 31 December (New Year), and the Christmas supplement on 24 December; Tips, porterage and personal expenses; Early check-in and late check-out at hotels; Travel insurance and bank charges.
Is the price the same on 24 and 31 December?
Not quite. Hotels charge a compulsory supplement for the nights of 24 December (Christmas Eve) and 31 December (New Year's Eve), and these supplements are not included in the tour price. If your dates include either night, tell us when you enquire and we will confirm the supplement for the hotels on your route before you book.
Can I customize this tour?
Yes. The order of stops, the number of nights in each place, the hotels and the activities can all be adjusted to your dates, pace and budget — this is a private tour built around you, not a fixed group departure. Tell us what you would like to change and we will send a revised quote.
What is the cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be received in writing by your Volata Tour Consultant. Cancellations received up to 61 days before departure result in the loss of the deposit. Between 60 and 46 days before departure a charge of 25% of the tour price applies; between 45 and 29 days, 50%; between 28 and 15 days, 75%; and 14 days or less before departure the entire tour price is forfeited. Airline tickets follow the refund policy of each airline, and special event tickets follow the policy of each event. The full Terms & Conditions are at www.volatatravels.com/terms-and-conditions.