Sri Lanka Adventure: September 27 – October 5, 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Colombo Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Colombo. After checking in, enjoy a brief rest before heading out.

Afternoon: Explore the historic **Galle Face Green** and the bustling **Colombo Fort**, stopping at the **National Museum** for a quick cultural immersion.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant in the **Old Town**, sampling Sri Lankan seafood, then stroll along the lively **Colombo Harbour** promenade.

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Day 2: Cultural Triangle – Sigiriya & Dambulla

Morning: Depart early for **Sigiriya Rock Fortress**, where you’ll ascend the iconic lion‑rock for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Visit the **Dambulla Cave Temple**, admiring its ancient Buddhist murals and statues.

Evening: Check into a boutique lodge near **Hiriwadunna Village**, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner and optional cultural dance show.

Find Hotels **Day 3: Ancient Cities – Polonnaruwa & Minneriya** **Morning:** Travel to **Polonnaruwa**, cycling among the UNESCO‑listed ruins, including the **Gal Vihara** stone shrine. **Afternoon:** Embark on a thrilling **Minneriya Safari** to spot elephants and wildlife in the national park. **Evening:** Return to your lodge, relax with a sunset view over the **Ramboda Valley**, and enjoy a group dinner.

Day 4: Kandy – Cultural Capital

Morning: Travel to **Kandy**, stopping at the **Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya** to stroll among orchids and giant trees.

Afternoon: Explore the **Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic**, a pilgrimage site, and watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance.

Evening: Walk along **Kandy Lake**, enjoy a tea‑house dinner with local music, then rest at a city‑center hotel.

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Day 5: Hill Country – Nuwara Eliya

Morning: Scenic train ride from Kandy to **Nuwara Eliya**, passing tea plantations and waterfalls.

Afternoon: Visit a **tea plantation** for a guided tour and tasting session at a historic tea estate.

Evening: Stroll through **Victoria Park**, then dine on fresh mountain produce at a local restaurant.

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Day 6: Ella – Scenic Highlands

Morning: Drive to **Ella**, stopping at the iconic **Nine‑Arch Bridge** for photos.

Afternoon: Hike to **Ella Rock** for breathtaking valley vistas, with a picnic lunch along the trail.

Evening: Relax at the boutique guesthouse, enjoy a sunset view over the **Ravana Falls**, and dine with local music.

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Day 7: Safari – Yala National Park

Morning: Travel to **Yala National Park** and embark on a morning game drive, seeking leopards and elephants.

Afternoon: Enjoy a safari lunch at a lodge near the park, followed by a leisurely afternoon by the pool.

Evening: Sunset walk in the nearby **Ruhuna Beach** before returning to the lodge for dinner.

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Day 8: South Coast – Galle & Beach

Morning: Drive to **Galle**, explore the **Galle Fort**, and wander the colonial streets and ramparts.

Afternoon: Relax at **Unawatuna Beach**, swim and soak up the sun, with optional snorkeling.

Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner on the beachfront, then stroll through the night market for souvenirs.

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Day 9: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, and optional **coconut beach walk** if time allows.

Afternoon: Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight home, concluding the adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

• Galle Face Green – 1 hr – $0 (public area)
• Colombo Fort & National Museum – 2 hrs – $10
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress – 3 hrs – $30
• Dambulla Cave Temple – 2 hrs – $15
• Polonnaruwa Ancient City – 3 hrs – $25
• Minneriya Safari – 4 hrs – $45
• Royal Botanical Gardens – 2 hrs – $12
• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – 2 hrs – $10
• Kandy Lake – 1 hr – $0
• Tea plantation tour – 3 hrs – $20
• Train to Nuwara Eliya – 3 hrs – $20
• Victoria Park – 1 hr – $0
• Nine‑Arch Bridge – 1 hr – $0
• Ella Rock hike – 4 hrs – $0 (self‑guided)
• Ravana Falls – 1 hr – $0
• Yala Safari – 5 hrs – $70
• Ruhuna Beach – 2 hr – $0
• Galle Fort – 2 hr – $10
• Unawatuna Beach – 3 hr – $0
• Beach dinner – 2 hr – $35
• Departure Transfer – 1.5 hr – $30
• Total estimated cost per person: $447

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, combine Day 2 and Day 3 by exploring Sigiriya and Dambulla in a single day, and replace the Yala Safari with a half‑day wildlife experience in Kumana National Park. To extend the adventure, add an extra day in the South Coast for a full‑day surf session at **Mirissa** and a whale‑watching tour, or spend an extra night in **Hikkaduwa** for more beach time and snorkeling.