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Affordable and Relaxing 5-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary from Chennai for Friends

Viewed by 206 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Colombo Discovery

Colombo, Sri Lanka on September 27, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport

Arrive from Chennai to Colombo and transfer to your budget hotel in Colombo city for check-in and freshen up.
INR 0, 1h

10:30am

Breakfast at Green Cabin

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast including hoppers and short eats at Green Cabin, open from 7:00am to 11:00am.
INR 350, 1h

11:30am

Colombo City Tour

Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, and the National Museum to soak in local culture and history. These sites usually operate from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
INR 600, 3h

3:00pm

Relax at Galle Face Green

Stroll along Galle Face Green, enjoy sea views and local snacks as the sun sets. The area is open all day.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Dine on fresh seafood specialties at Ministry of Crab, rated among Colombo’s best restaurants. Open until 10:30pm. Budget accordingly;
INR 1200, 2h
Find Hotels in Colombo

Day 2: Cultural Day in Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka on September 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a simple breakfast at the hotel to get ready for the day’s travel and activities.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel Colombo to Kandy

Take a train or bus from Colombo to Kandy; trains offer scenic views and take approximately 3 hours.
INR 400, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at The Empire Cafe

Enjoy a cultural fusion meal in this charming café open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
INR 500, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic

Explore this sacred Buddhist temple, open 5:30am to 8:00pm, and one of Kandy’s most important cultural sites.
INR 600, 2h

3:00pm

Stroll around Kandy Lake and Markets

Relax by the lake and visit local markets to experience city life and buy souvenirs.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Savour tasty South Indian vegetarian dishes popular among locals and travellers, open until 10:00pm.
INR 400, 1h
Find Hotels in Kandy

Day 3: Hill Country Nature and Tea

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on September 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before travelling to the hill country.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Bus or taxi ride to Nuwara Eliya, the 'Little England' of Sri Lanka, about 2.5 to 3 hours with picturesque mountain scenery.
INR 600, 3h

11:30am

Visit a Tea Plantation and Factory

Discover the tea-making process and taste fresh Ceylon tea; plantations open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR 350, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Hill Club

Enjoy colonial charm and local cuisine in this historic club open 12:00pm to 2:30pm.
INR 700, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Gregory Lake

Relax by the serene Gregory Lake and enjoy pedal boating or a lakeside walk.
INR 200, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Grand Indian

Try excellent Indian and Sri Lankan dishes in this budget-friendly restaurant open until 10:00pm.
INR 500, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Nuwara Eliya

Day 4: Beach Relaxation in Bentota

Bentota, Sri Lanka on September 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before travelling to the beach town Bentota.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel Nuwara Eliya to Bentota

Hire a taxi or take a bus down to Bentota, a beautiful beach location approximately 5 hours away; start early to maximise beach time.
INR 1200, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Happy Garden Restaurant

Beachfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and Sri Lankan cuisine, open from 10:00am to 9:00pm.
INR 600, 1h

2:30pm

Relax on Bentota Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing or enjoying water sports offered at the beach.
Free to INR 500 for rentals, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner at Malli’s Seafood Restaurant

Conveniently located by the beach with a variety of affordable local seafood dishes, open till 10:00pm.
INR 700, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Bentota

Day 5: Return to Colombo & Departure

Bentota to Colombo, Sri Lanka on October 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast by the beach before departing.
Included, 30m

8:30am

Travel Bentota to Colombo

Take a train or bus (approx. 2 hours) back to Colombo airport area to catch your flight.
INR 250, 2h

11:00am

Last-minute Shopping at Colombo

If time permits, explore local shops or malls near Colombo airport such as Odel for souvenirs and gifts before check-in.
Varies, 1h

1:00pm

Flight back to Chennai

Board your return flight with memories of a relaxing, cultural, and fun trip.
INR 7000 approx. round trip, 3h
Find Hotels in Bentota to Colombo
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