10-Day Jain Food-Friendly Sri Lanka Itinerary: Culture, Nature & Spirituality

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Rajdhani Restaurant

Start your day at Rajdhani in Colombo which offers authentic vegetarian and Jain-friendly Indian meals, perfect to ease into Sri Lanka's vibrant culture.
LKR1000, 1h

11:00am

Gangaramaya Temple Visit

Explore this important temple showcasing Sri Lankan Buddhist culture along with a museum; open till 7pm. It's a serene spot to immerse yourself in local spirituality.
LKR300, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Currycraze

Enjoy Jain-friendly dishes focusing on fresh vegetables and pulses in a welcoming ambiance, a perfect spot to experience Sri Lankan-style Indian cuisine.
LKR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Beira Lake and Seema Malaka

Relax at Seema Malaka, a tranquil floating temple on Beira Lake; a peaceful break in the heart of the city.
Complimentary, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Vegetarian

Dine at The Vegetarian, one of the few places in Colombo offering Jain food with an emphasis on traditional tastes and healthy eating.
LKR1500, 1h
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Day 2: Historic South Coast

Galle, Sri Lanka on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Galle

Depart early for Galle (approx 2.5 hours) by private car or train along the scenic coast.
LKR3000, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Vivega Kitchen

Enjoy Jain-friendly breakfast options including fresh fruit and nut porridges at Vivega Kitchen, in line with their plant-based philosophy.
LKR900, 1h

11:30am

Explore Galle Fort

Walk the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, appreciating Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, boutique shops, and museums. Open throughout the day.
Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Poonie's Kitchen

Relish Jain-friendly and vegan Sri Lankan dishes made with organic ingredients in a charming café inside the fort.
LKR1000, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Unwind on the nearby Unawatuna Beach, known for calm waters and sunsets. Remember to keep to Jain principles by avoiding sea food and respecting nature.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Poseidon Restaurant

Opt for vegetarian options omitting onion and garlic to suit Jain food preferences while enjoying seaside views.
LKR1300, 1h
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Day 3: Scenic Hill Country

Ella & Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on July 7, 2025

6:30am

Train to Ella

Catch the famed morning train from Galle or Colombo to Ella via train transfer, which is an epic scenic journey through tea plantations and waterfalls. Total journey approx 6-7 hours.
LKR750, 6h30m

9:00am

Breakfast on train or at Ella Café One

Bring packed Jain-friendly breakfast or stop at Ella Café One that offers vegan options aligning closely with Jain diet restrictions.
LKR700, 1h

1:00pm

Arrival in Ella and Check-in

Settle into a guesthouse or eco-lodge surrounded by mountains and tea estates.
Varies, 1h

2:30pm

Little Adam's Peak Hike

Enjoy a gentle hike to Little Adam’s Peak with panoramic views of the valley - suitable for all fitness levels and open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Matey Hut

Dine on vegetarian and Jain friendly curries made without onion or garlic, focusing on locally grown vegetables.
LKR1200, 1h
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Day 4: Tea Country & Lake

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Take a scenic morning drive or train from Ella to Nuwara Eliya, the cooler hill station known as 'Little England' (around 2-3 hours).
LKR1500, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at The Hill Club

Visit The Hill Club for a colonial style vegetarian breakfast offering fresh fruits, breads, and tea.
LKR1100, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Gregory Lake

Relax by Gregory Lake; enjoy boat rides or walk the lakeside. Open daily and peaceful for all visitors.
Boat rides approx LKR400, 2h

3:00pm

Explore Tea Plantations

Visit a tea factory like Pedro Tea Estate to learn about Sri Lanka's world-famous Ceylon tea while enjoying scenic views.
LKR500, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Salmiya

Known for excellent vegetarian and Jain food, Salmiya prepares meals without onion and garlic with varied Sri Lankan and Indian dishes.
LKR1400, 1h
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Day 5: Cultural Heritage

Kandy, Sri Lanka on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Kandy

Depart early for Kandy (approx 2.5 hours) situated in central Sri Lanka’s mountainous region.
LKR1500, 2h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Balaji Dosai

Enjoy delicious South Indian vegetarian and Jain food, with dosas and idlis made without onion and garlic in Kandy’s premier eatery.
LKR800, 1h

11:00am

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the relic of Buddha’s tooth; open 5:30am-8:00pm, an essential cultural and spiritual stop.
LKR1500, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar & Café

Offers excellent vegan and Jain friendly dishes focusing on fresh veggies and legumes, great to refuel before afternoon sightseeing.
LKR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Royal Botanical Gardens

Explore one of the largest botanical gardens in Asia with diverse tropical plants; open till 6pm for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
LKR 1500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Oriental Bistro

Enjoy flavorful Jain and vegetarian dishes using locally sourced ingredients in an elegant setting.
LKR1300, 1h
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Day 6: Rock Temples & Caves

Dambulla & Sigiriya, Sri Lanka on July 10, 2025

6:30am

Drive to Dambulla

Early morning drive to Dambulla (approx 2.5 hours), famous for its cave temples filled with Buddha statues and murals.
LKR1500, 2h30m

9:00am

Breakfast at local vegetarian café

Sample Jain-friendly Sri Lankan breakfast options focused on fresh fruits and rice-based dishes avoiding onion and garlic.
LKR700, 1h

10:00am

Dambulla Cave Temple

Visit the revered cave temple complex open from 7am-7pm, featuring ancient Buddhist art and impressive views of the surrounding area.
LKR1500, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Iron Bar Café

A cozy spot offering vegetarian meals with Jain compatible recipes, using seasonal veggies and pulses.
LKR900, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Ascend the spectacular Sigiriya Rock fortress, a UNESCO site open until 5:30pm; admire frescos, gardens and ancient engineering marvels.
LKR4500, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at local vegetarian restaurant

Choose a restaurant offering Jain-friendly thali plates prepared without onion and garlic, typical of northern Sri Lanka cuisine.
LKR1200, 1h
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Day 7: Sacred Ancient City

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka on July 11, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Anuradhapura

Depart early for Anuradhapura (around 3 hours) to visit one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals with vast archaeological sites.
LKR2000, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Enjoy fruit platters and fresh juices aligned with Jain dietary rules, prepared with care at your accommodation or café.
LKR700, 1h

10:30am

Explore Archaeological Park

Spend the day touring stupas, ancient temples, and monasteries such as Ruwanwelisaya and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, open dawn till dusk.
LKR4500, 5h

3:30pm

Lunch at a vegetarian-friendly local eatery

Enjoy meal options like rice and curry made with lentils and vegetables, avoiding root vegetables, to respect Jain principles.
LKR900, 1h

6:00pm

Relax at hotel or Gardens

Relax back at your lodging or stroll through nearby gardens reflecting on the sacred site’s spiritual ambiance.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Confirm Jain-friendly options for dinner emphasizing simple and wholesome vegetarian meals.
LKR1300, 1h
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Day 8: Back to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Return to Colombo

Journey back to Colombo from Anuradhapura (around 4 hours), prepare for departure or city exploration.
LKR2500, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Shanmugas

Feast on authentic South Indian vegetarian and Jain cuisine focusing on dosa, idli, and thali with no onion and garlic, open till 9pm.
LKR1000, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping and Leisure at Pettah Market

Experience bustling stocks of spices, textiles, and jewelry in Colombo's famous market district, vibrant and lively during daylight hours.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Upali's by Nawaloka

Taste refined Sri Lankan vegetarian dishes in a popular upscale restaurant with some Jain adaptations on request.
LKR1500, 1h
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Day 9: Day trip to Negombo

Negombo, Sri Lanka on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Negombo

Short drive (30-40 minutes) to Negombo, a lively beach town near Colombo with a relaxed atmosphere.
LKR800, 40m

8:30am

Breakfast at Vegetarian Cafe & Restaurant

Delicious Jain-friendly Indian and Sri Lankan dishes are available, focusing on fresh vegetables and lentils.
LKR800, 1h

9:30am

Negombo Beach Stroll

Enjoy the sandy beaches and local fish market area, remember to abstain from seafood per Jain practices.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Visit St. Mary's Church

Explore this beautiful colonial-era church open until 5pm, richly decorated and a peaceful cultural site.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Rice Bowl

Offers Jain-friendly vegetarian curries made without onion and garlic, sourcing organic produce where possible.
LKR900, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Colombo

Travel back to Colombo to prepare for final day activities or departure.
LKR800, 40m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Govinda's

End your trip with a memorable Jain and vegan meal at Govinda's in Colombo, known for its delicious and strict Jain food adherence.
LKR1600, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Light Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple Jain-friendly breakfast at your accommodation with fruits and light snacks before check-out.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Airport Transfer

Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departing flight.
LKR3000, 1h
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