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9-Day Ultimate Tour of Sri Lanka's Southern and Central Highlights

Viewed by 81 travelers

Day Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 20, 2025

9:00am

Arrive in Colombo

Land at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation after your journey.
USD 0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Enjoy fresh seafood in a renowned restaurant located in Colombo Fort, perfect for a hearty start.
USD 30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore one of Colombo's most important Buddhist temples with eclectic architecture and museum exhibits.
Free, 1h 30m

4:00pm

Relax at Galle Face Green

Enjoy the sunset views at the seafront promenade, great for photos and local snacks.
Free, 1h
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Day Day 2: Kandy Exploration

Kandy, Sri Lanka on July 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast with Sri Lankan specialties before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Kandy

Drive approximately 3 hours through scenic tea plantations and hill country.
USD 50 (transport), 3h

12:00pm

Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic

Explore this sacred Buddhist site, home to a relic of Lord Buddha, open from 5:30am to 8pm.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Empire Cafe

Enjoy international and local dishes in a stylish setting, open until 10pm.
USD 15, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kandy Lake & Royal Botanical Gardens

Stroll around the scenic lake and explore the lush gardens in Peradeniya, open till 6:00pm.
Free, 2h
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Day Day 3: Nuwara Eliya & Tea Country

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on July 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast to prepare for the scenic drive.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Drive approximately 2.5 hours through lush landscapes and tea plantations.
USD 50 (transport), 2h 30m

10:30am

Tour a Tea Factory & Plantation

Learn about Sri Lanka’s famous tea production process with tastings included, open from 9am to 5pm.
USD 10, 1h 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hill Club Restaurant

Enjoy European and local cuisine in a colonial-era setting, open till 9pm.
USD 20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Gregory Lake & Hakgala Botanical Garden

Relax by Gregory Lake or stroll through the botanical garden, open until 5:30pm.
Free, 2h
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Day Day 4: Ella Scenic Beauty

Ella, Sri Lanka on July 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before heading to Ella.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ella

USD 40 (transport), 2h

10:30am

Visit Nine Arch Bridge & Ella Rock

Marvel at the historic bridge and if adventurous, hike Ella Rock for stunning views (approx 2 hours round trip).
Free, 2h 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ella Spice Garden

Sample local Sri Lankan curries and fresh spices, open until 9pm.
USD 12, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Ravana Falls

Visit breathtaking waterfalls and enjoy the lush surroundings, open throughout the day.
Free, 1h 30m
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Day Day 5: Yala Safari Adventure

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka on July 24, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a full day of safari adventure with local or hotel-packed breakfast.
Included, 1h

7:00am

Travel to Yala National Park

USD 150 (full-day safari & transport), 3h

10:00am

Yala Safari Drive

Go on a guided safari to spot leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife; open 6am to 6pm.
Included in package, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Yala Safari Camp

Enjoy a local buffet or packed picnic lunch offered at safari lodges.
USD 10, 1h
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Day Day 6: Relax at Bentota Beach

Bentota, Sri Lanka on July 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with fresh breakfast before heading to Bentota.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Bentota

USD 70 (transport), 2h

10:30am

Relax on Bentota Beach

Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or water sports along the pristine beach.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Golden Star Beach Restaurant

Feast on fresh seafood and Sri Lankan curries with ocean views, open till 10pm.
USD 15, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Bentota River for Boat Ride

Experience a relaxing boat tour through mangroves and see local wildlife.
USD 20, 1h 30m
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Day Day 7: Colombo City Tour

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to start your day exploring Colombo's sights.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Visit Independence Memorial & Pettah Market

See landmarks and shop for souvenirs in the bustling Pettah area, open throughout the day.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit National Museum & Viharamahadevi Park

Explore Sri Lanka’s history and relax in the city’s largest park, open till 5pm.
USD 5, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Upali's by Nawaloka

Taste authentic Sri Lankan dishes in a popular local restaurant, open until 9pm.
USD 12, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Beira Lake & Gangaramaya Museum

Relax by the lake and explore the museum exhibits with cultural insights.
Free, 2h
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Day Day 8: Shopping & Leisure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last hearty breakfast in Sri Lanka.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Odel and Arcade Shopping Malls

Shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts at Colombo’s major malls.
Variable, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Francais

Indulge in French-inspired cuisine in a cozy cafe setting.
USD 15, 1h

1:30pm

Relax or Optional Beach Visit

Spend your final hours relaxing on nearby beaches or sightseeing.
Free, 2h
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Day Day 9: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Airport

Proceed to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.
USD 50 (transport), 3h
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