8-Day Adventure Itinerary Exploring the Best of Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Gallery Café

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Gallery Café, known for its fresh and healthy menu options in a chic setting.
LKR2000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore one of Colombo's most important temples, featuring a mix of modern architecture and cultural relics.
LKR300, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk along Galle Face Green

Relax and enjoy the ocean breeze at this large urban park along the coast, great for sightseeing and local street food.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Savor exquisite Sri Lankan crab dishes at this top-rated seafood restaurant, a must for food lovers.
LKR4000, 1h30m

3:00pm

National Museum of Colombo

Discover Sri Lanka's rich history and heritage through well-curated artifacts and exhibits.
LKR1500, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Upali's by Nawaloka

Try authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with a modern twist at this elegant yet cozy restaurant.
LKR2500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ancient Rock Fortress

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day early with a complimentary hotel breakfast to fuel your day.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Sigiriya

Travel from Colombo to Sigiriya, approximately 4 hours by car.
LKR6000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sigiriya Village

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a local restaurant near Sigiriya Rock.
LKR1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, an ancient rock fortress famous for its frescoes and panoramic views. Open till 6 pm.
LKR4500, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel with local and international dishes.
LKR3000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Ancient City Tour

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for the day.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Polonnaruwa

Short 1-hour drive from Sigiriya to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
LKR1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site

Visit the well-preserved ruins of this ancient medieval capital, including the Gal Vihara rock temple. Open till 5 pm.
LKR4300, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Polonnaruwa Rest House

Dine at this historic rest house restaurant serving local fare.
LKR1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Parakrama Samudra Reservoir

View this massive ancient reservoir built during the reign of King Parakramabahu the Great.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Sigiriya

Drive back to your hotel in Sigiriya for rest.
LKR1500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy your hotel’s cuisine with an option to try some fresh seafood specialties.
LKR3000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cultural City

Kandy, Sri Lanka on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for the journey to Kandy.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Kandy

Travel about 2.5 hours to the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, nestled in the hills.
LKR4000, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Temple of the Tooth

Explore this sacred Buddhist temple which houses a relic of the tooth of Buddha. Open till 7 pm.
LKR1500, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Empire Cafe

Enjoy light and tasty Sri Lankan and Western dishes in a quaint atmosphere.
LKR1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Royal Botanical Gardens

Visit the stunning 147-acre gardens at Peradeniya, home to over 4,000 plant species. Open till 5:30 pm.
LKR1500, 2h0m

6:00pm

Attend Cultural Dance Show

Experience vibrant traditional Kandyan dance and drumming performances held nightly.
LKR1000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Relish authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes, popular among locals and visitors alike.
LKR800, 1h0m
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Day 5: Hill Country Escape

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early before the scenic hill country drive.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Nuwara Eliya

Travel about 2.5 hours through beautiful tea plantations to this charming hill town.
LKR4000, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit a Tea Factory and Plantation

Tour a working tea factory to learn about tea production and sample fresh Ceylon tea.
LKR1000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Grand Indian

Enjoy rich North Indian cuisine with impeccable flavors in a classic setting.
LKR1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Gregory Lake

Relax and enjoy boating or a lakeside walk in this picturesque location with cool climate.
LKR500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Take a short drive to these serene gardens known for rare flora and stunning landscapes.
LKR1000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Club

Dine in a colonial-era clubhouse offering elegant multi-cuisine meals and ambiance.
LKR3000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Scenic Train & Hiking

Ella, Sri Lanka on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast before an iconic railway journey.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Train from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station) to Ella

Experience the stunning train ride through tea estates, mountains, and valleys. Duration approx 6 hours but worth every minute.
LKR700, 6h0m

3:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Cafe Chill, Ella

Grab a casual lunch with varied menu options at this popular spot in Ella.
LKR1200, 1h0m

4:30pm

Hike Little Adam's Peak

A relatively easy 1.5-hour hike offering magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at 98 Acres Resort & Spa

Enjoy a serene dining experience with local cuisine surrounded by lush nature.
LKR2500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Wildlife Safari

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka on July 10, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast to prepare for the safari morning.
Included, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Yala National Park

Approximately 2.5-hour drive to the park entrance for the safari.
LKR4000, 2h30m

9:00am

Morning Safari in Yala National Park

Explore one of Sri Lanka’s best national parks famed for its leopard population and diverse wildlife. Open for safari from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
LKR7000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at park restaurant or packed lunch

Enjoy a meal amidst nature; many lodges or restaurants near the park provide excellent food.
LKR1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to nearby beach or hotel

Relax after safari by visiting nearby beaches like Kirinda or heading back to your hotel.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Savor dinner at the hotel offering Sri Lankan and international dishes.
LKR3000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Colonial Galle & Departure

Galle, Sri Lanka on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before traveling to Galle.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Galle Fort

Travel about 3 hours to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortified city on the southwest coast.
LKR4000, 3h0m

11:30am

Walk Galle Fort

Explore the charming old colonial streets, museums, and cafés of this historic fortified city. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Poonie’s Kitchen

Relish fresh and healthy organic dishes with a Caribbean twist within the fort walls.
LKR1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Travel to Colombo International Airport

Head back to Colombo Airport for your departure, approximately 2.5 hours’ drive.
LKR4000, 2h30m

5:30pm

Prepare for Departure

Check-in and relax for your flight back home.
Varies, N/A
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