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

Day 1: Arrival & Relax

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 5, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Rajdhani Restaurant

Begin your journey with authentic Jain-friendly vegetarian dishes at Rajdhani, providing a wholesome start to your Sri Lanka experience.
LKR1000, 1h

11:00am

Gangaramaya Temple Visit

Tour this iconic Buddhist temple and museum with fascinating cultural artifacts; open until 7pm for a calming spiritual immersion.
LKR300, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Currycraze

Savour Jain-friendly Indian cuisine rich in vegetables and pulses, perfect for an energizing mid-day meal.
LKR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Beira Lake and Seema Malaka

Unwind at this peaceful floating temple and enjoy serene lake views in the heart of Colombo.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Vegetarian

Sample a variety of Jain-specific dishes focusing on health and taste in this dedicated vegetarian restaurant.
LKR1500, 1h
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Day 2: Historic South Coast

Galle, Sri Lanka on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Galle

Early morning drive or train from Colombo to Galle along the picturesque coastline (approx. 2.5 hours).
LKR3000, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Vivega Kitchen

Enjoy plant-based, Jain-friendly breakfast items emphasizing fresh and wholesome ingredients.
LKR900, 1h

11:30am

Explore Galle Fort

Walk through the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort with colonial architecture, museums, and charming shops, open all day.
Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Poonie's Kitchen

Dine on vegan and Jain-friendly Sri Lankan dishes with a focus on organic local vegetables in a cozy setting.
LKR1000, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Enjoy the tranquil beach surroundings while observing Jain food principles by avoiding seafood and respecting nature.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Poseidon Restaurant

Choose vegetarian options prepared without onion or garlic, complemented by lovely 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

Board a scenic train heading to Ella, offering breathtaking views of lush tea plantations and waterfalls on a 6 to 7-hour journey.
LKR750, 6h30m

9:00am

Breakfast on the train or at Ella Café One

Enjoy Jain-friendly vegan breakfast options to keep energy levels high during the journey.
LKR700, 1h

1:00pm

Arrival and Check-in in Ella

Settle into a mountain lodge surrounded by tea estates and nature for a restful afternoon.
Varies, 1h

2:30pm

Little Adam's Peak Hike

Embark on a gentle hike to Little Adam’s Peak with stunning valley views, accessible all day without charge.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Matey Hut

Enjoy Jain-friendly curries made without onion and garlic featuring fresh local vegetables, perfect for dinner.
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

Scenic drive from Ella to cool hill station Nuwara Eliya, also known as 'Little England', taking around 2-3 hours.
LKR1500, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at The Hill Club

Colonial-style breakfast focusing on vegetarian options like fruits and breads in a historic setting.
LKR1100, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Gregory Lake

Relax by the lake, enjoy a gentle walk or a pedal boat, open until 6pm so you have ample time to soak the beautiful surroundings.
Boat ride approx LKR400, 2h

3:00pm

Pedro Tea Estate Tour

Learn about Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea production at Pedro Tea Estate, open for visitors through the afternoon.
LKR500, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Salmiya Restaurant

Enjoy Jain-friendly Sri Lankan Indian vegetarian dishes cooked without onion or garlic, popular with health-conscious travelers.
LKR1400, 1h
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Day 5: Cultural Heritage

Kandy, Sri Lanka on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Kandy

Travel to the cultural city of Kandy in approximately 2.5 hours with beautiful mountain views.
LKR1500, 2h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Balaji Dosai

Delight in authentic Jain-friendly South Indian vegetarian dishes such as dosas and idlis made without onion and garlic.
LKR800, 1h

11:00am

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit this spiritually significant temple housing Buddha’s tooth relic; open 5:30am to 8pm for serene contemplation.
LKR1500, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar & Café

Sample Jain-appropriate vegan dishes made from fresh local ingredients in a relaxing ambience.
LKR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Royal Botanical Gardens

Explore the vast gardens showcasing tropical flora; open till 6pm, perfect for an afternoon walk.
LKR1500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Oriental Bistro

Enjoy delicious Jain and vegetarian meals emphasizing fresh produce, served in an elegant environment.
LKR1300, 1h
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Day 6: Dambulla & Cave Temples

Dambulla, Sri Lanka on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Dambulla

Depart early for Dambulla (about 2.5 hours), the town famous for its remarkable cave temples and cultural heritage.
LKR1500, 2h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at local vegetarian café

Enjoy fresh fruits and Jain-friendly Sri Lankan breakfast options without onion or garlic to energize your day.
LKR700, 1h

10:30am

Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive Buddha statues and murals; open 7am to 7pm for exploration at leisure.
LKR1500, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Iron Bar Café

Relax over Jain-friendly vegetarian meals crafted with seasonal vegetables and pulses at this comfortable spot.
LKR900, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, offering archaeological wonders and breathtaking views. Open until 5:30pm.
LKR4500, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at local Jain-friendly restaurant

Sample a wholesome Jain thali with no onion and garlic, focusing on lentils, vegetables, and rice.
LKR1200, 1h
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Day 7: Ancient City Exploration

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka on July 11, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Anuradhapura

Early transfer to Anuradhapura to explore this prime ancient city, about 3 hours from Dambulla.
LKR2000, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Choose fresh fruit and simple Jain-friendly breakfast options to start explorations energized.
LKR700, 1h

10:30am

Explore Archaeological Park

Tour stupas, temples, and ancient ruins such as Ruwanwelisaya and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi; open from dawn to dusk.
LKR4500, 5h

3:30pm

Lunch at vegetarian-friendly local eatery

Enjoy authentic Jain-style rice and curry using lentils and vegetables without root vegetables, respecting dietary needs.
LKR900, 1h

6:00pm

Relax at hotel or gardens

Unwind in your hotel or nearby garden reflecting the city's serene historical atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Confirm Jain food preparation for a simple, wholesome dinner prepared without onion and garlic.
LKR1300, 1h
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Day 8: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Colombo

Begin your journey back to Colombo from Anuradhapura, approximately 4 hours by road.
LKR2500, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Shanmugas

Enjoy South Indian vegetarian and Jain dishes, including dosa and thali, all prepared without onion and garlic.
LKR1000, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping at Pettah Market

Explore the vibrant Pettah Market for spices, textiles, and souvenirs; a lively city hub open in daylight hours.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Upali's by Nawaloka

Taste traditional Sri Lankan vegetarian meals suitably adapted for Jain preferences in a popular restaurant.
LKR1500, 1h
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Day 9: Negombo Day Trip

Negombo, Sri Lanka on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Negombo

Short drive to coastal town Negombo (about 40 minutes) known for beaches and colonial heritage.
LKR800, 40m

8:30am

Breakfast at Vegetarian Cafe & Restaurant

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

9:30am

Beach Walk and Fish Market Visit

Stroll along the sandy beach and explore the local fish market, observing Jain dietary customs by avoiding seafood consumption.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

St. Mary's Church

Visit the beautifully decorated colonial church, open till 5pm, showcasing intriguing colonial architecture.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Rice Bowl

Enjoy Jain-friendly vegetarian curries made without onion and garlic using typically organic vegetables.
LKR900, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Colombo

Drive back to Colombo to prepare for your final day or departure.
LKR800, 40m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Govinda's

Celebrate the last night with a strictly Jain and vegan meal at Govinda's, a highly respected vegetarian restaurant.
LKR1600, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Light Breakfast at Hotel

Have a simple Jain-friendly breakfast at your accommodation featuring fruits and light snacks before leaving.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Airport Transfer

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