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5-Day Sri Lanka Adventure from Colombo to Kandy: Culture, Cuisine & Markets

Viewed by 73 travelers

Day 1: Arrive & Explore Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on January 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at NH Collection Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed hotel breakfast included in your stay, featuring Sri Lankan and international breakfast options to energize your day.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore one of Colombo's most important Buddhist temples, rich with eclectic architecture and a museum featuring antiques and religious artefacts.
LKR200 (approx. USD1), 1h0m

11:00am

Pettah Market

Experience the hustle and bustle of this vibrant open-air market; perfect for souvenirs, textiles, and local snacks.
Free entry, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Savour world-renowned Sri Lankan seafood, especially the famous crab dishes, in a highly rated and atmospheric restaurant (open 11:30am–11:00pm).
Approx. USD 25-30 per person, 1h30m

3:00pm

Colombo National Museum

Discover Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture through vast collections of artefacts and exhibits.
LKR750 (approx. USD4), 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Galle Face Green

Enjoy sunset views and local street food stalls along this ocean-front urban park.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Upali's by Nawaloka

Taste authentic Sri Lankan cuisine including specialties like lamprais and hoppers in a welcoming setting.
Approx. USD 10-15 per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: Markets & Shopping

Colombo, Sri Lanka on January 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at NH Collection Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast included at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

Explore beautifully restored colonial buildings housing boutiques, cafes, and artisan shops for unique finds.
Free entry, 1h30m

11:30am

Odel Shopping Mall

Visit one of Colombo’s largest shopping malls for fashion, souvenirs, and dining options.
Free entry, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Lagoon - Cinnamon Grand

Delight in fresh seafood and Sri Lankan dishes at this acclaimed hotel restaurant (open 12:00pm–3:00pm).
Approx. USD 20 per person, 1h30m

3:00pm

Independence Memorial Hall

Visit this historical monument set in a serene park, symbolic of Sri Lanka’s independence.
Free, 45m

4:00pm

Barefoot Gallery & Café

Browse vibrant local crafts and enjoy light refreshments in a colourful, relaxed environment.
Free entry; refreshments approx. USD 5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nuga Gama – Cinnamon Grand

Experience traditional village-style Sri Lankan food served in a charming setting introduced by some of the best flavours.
Approx. USD 15-20 per person, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel & Explore Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka on January 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at NH Collection Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Colombo with your included hotel breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Colombo to Kandy

Choose from a comfortable private car hire (~3.5 hours, approx. USD 60-80) for flexibility, or take the scenic train from Colombo Fort station to Kandy (leaves 8:30am, approx. 4 hours, ticket approx. USD 5-10), both offering a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s changing landscapes.
USD 5-80 depending on mode, 3h30m-4h0m

12:30pm

Check-in and Rest at The Trees Hotel

Settle in and refresh before heading out to explore Kandy, with breakfast and dinner included in your stay.
Included, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Temple of the Tooth

Explore one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka and marvel at its beautiful architecture and relics (open 5:30am–8:00pm).
LKR1500 (approx. USD 7.50), 1h30m

4:00pm

Kandy Lake Walk

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake adjacent to the temple, soaking in local life and nature.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Trees Hotel

Relish the included dinner featuring authentic Sri Lankan dishes at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m
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Day 4: Kandy Landmarks & Markets

Kandy, Sri Lanka on January 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Trees Hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast included at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Royal Botanical Gardens – Peradeniya

Visit one of Asia’s finest botanical gardens, known for its extensive collection of orchids, spices, and palms (open 8:30am–5:30pm).
LKR1500 (approx. USD 7.50), 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Experience South Indian Sri Lankan vegetarian cuisine, especially dosas and thosai, a local favourite (open 10:00am–8:30pm).
Approx. USD 5-8 per person, 1h0m

1:30pm

Kandy Market

Explore this vibrant market for fresh produce, local handicrafts, and textiles, offering an authentic shopping experience.
Free entry, 1h30m

3:30pm

Cultural Show at Kandy Lake Club

Watch traditional Kandyan dance and drumming performances that offer great insight into Sri Lankan heritage (show starts at 6:30pm but arrive early for best seats).
LKR1000 (approx. USD5), 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Trees Hotel

Enjoy your included dinner with local cuisine after the cultural show.
Included, 1h0m
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Day 5: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on January 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Trees Hotel

Have your final hotel breakfast in Kandy before your journey back to Colombo.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel from Kandy to Colombo

Choose between hiring a private car for convenience and flexibility (~3.5 hours, approx. USD 60-80), or take the early train (~4 hours, ticket approx. USD 5-10). Plan to leave early to maximise your time back in Colombo.
USD 5-80 depending on mode, 3h30m-4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Gallery Café, Colombo

Dine in a beautiful colonial building offering a fusion of Sri Lankan and international dishes, a great final meal in Colombo.
Approx. USD 15-20 per person, 1h30m

3:00pm

Shopping at Arcade Independence Square

Spend your final afternoon at this upscale shopping and dining location with local and international brands.
Free entry, 2h0m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at The Lagoon

Celebrate the end of your trip with fresh seafood and authentic Sri Lankan dishes in an elegant setting.
Approx. USD 25-30 per person, 1h30m
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