Sri Lanka 14-Day Itinerary (14 – 22β€―Augustβ€―2025)

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Day 1: Arrival – Habarana

Morning: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your English‑speaking chauffeur for a comfortable transfer to Cinnamon Lodge Habarana. En‑route, enjoy an optional visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, where ancient Buddhist paintings await.

Afternoon: After checking in, relax in the hotel garden or unwind by the pool. If time permits, explore the surrounding countryside before returning to the lodge.

Evening: Enjoy an evening at leisure, perhaps savoring a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine.

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Day 2: Sigiriya – Kandy

Morning: Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, taking in spectacular views from the famed Lion’s Rock.

Afternoon: Stop at the Matale Spice Garden for a fragrant tour of Sri Lanka’s spices before continuing to Kandy.

Evening: Arrive at Kandy Mist By Cinnamon and settle in for a relaxing evening.

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Day 3: Kandy Exploration

Morning: Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to witness a revered Buddhist relic.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

Evening: Explore the expansive Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya and optionally enjoy a traditional cultural dance performance.

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Day 4: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

Morning: Embark on a scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, often called β€œLittle England.”

Afternoon: Tour a historic Tea Factory & plantation with a tasting of fresh tea.

Evening: Wander around Gregory Lake and explore colonial-era sites before checking in at Araliya Green City.

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Day 5: Nuwara Eliya – Ella

Morning: Board the famed scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella, traversing tea‑covered hills (subject to train availability).

Afternoon: Visit the picturesque Nine Arches Bridge and hike up Little Adam’s Peak for impressive vistas.

Evening: Arrive at Moi Ella, unwind in the hotel, and enjoy a quiet evening.

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Day 6: Ella Exploration

Morning: Optional visit to the spectacular Ravana Falls or simply enjoy free time to explore the town.

Afternoon: Wander the streets of Ella, sampling local cafΓ©s and shops.

Evening: Relax at the hotel, perhaps enjoying a spa or sunset view.

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Day 7: Ella – Yala

Morning: Drive to Yala National Park, enjoying the changing landscape.

Afternoon: Arrive at Cinnamon Wild Yala, settle into your jungle lodge.

Evening: Embark on a thrilling evening jeep safari in Yala National Park to spot leopards and elephants.

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Day 8: Yala – Bentota

Morning: Depart for Bentota, stopping at the historic Galle Fort for a brief stroll through the citadel.

Afternoon: Visit a Turtle Hatchery to learn about conservation efforts.

Evening: Check in to EKHO Surf Bentota; enjoy the beach or a sunset walk.

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Day 9: Bentota – Colombo – Departure

Morning: Optional water‑sports or relaxing beach time in Bentota.

Afternoon: Drive to Colombo for a short city tour covering Galle Face Green, Independence Square, and the Gangaramaya Temple.

Evening: Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure, or optional overnight at Amari Colombo if your flight is next day.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Dambulla Cave Temple – 2β€―h – $15
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress – 2β€―h – $30
  • Matale Spice Garden – 1β€―h – $10
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – 1β€―h – $10
  • Kandy Lake – 1β€―h – $0
  • Royal Botanical Gardens – 2β€―h – $15
  • Tea Factory & Plantation – 2β€―h – $20
  • Gregory Lake – 1β€―h – $0
  • Scenic train Nanu Oya β†’ Ella – 3β€―h – $25
  • Nine Arches Bridge – 0.5β€―h – $0
  • Little Adam’s Peak – 2β€―h – $0
  • Ravana Falls (optional) – 1β€―h – $5
  • Yala National Park jeep safari – 3β€―h – $60
  • Galle Fort – 2β€―h – $10
  • Turtle Hatchery – 1β€―h – $5
  • Colombo city tour (Galle Face, Independence Square, Gangaramaya) – 2β€―h – $0
  • Total estimated cost: USDβ€―1,267

Tips

If you have extra days, consider extending your stay in Nuwara Eliya for additional tea‑plantation tours or adding a day in Colombo for shopping and nightlife. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the optional turtle hatchery and the optional overnight in Colombo, opting for a direct airport transfer on Dayβ€―9.

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