Settle into a centrally located hotel (Colombo 01 or 03 areas recommended) and tell the hotel kitchen on arrival that you follow strict Jain restrictions — no onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots, radish or other root vegetables — and request Jain-only meals; many higher-end hotels will accommodate with advance notice.
A peaceful and photogenic temple complex on Beira Lake; visit for cultural context and a gentle introduction to Sri Lankan Buddhism. Typical opening: 6:00am–8:00pm; check closer to the date for special puja times.
Order plain dosas or idlis with coconut chutney (request chutney without onion/garlic) and sambar made without onion/garlic and without root vegetables; string hoppers (idiyappam) with coconut milk and steamed greens are also safe options. Many vegetarian restaurants and hotel kitchens can prepare this on request.
Walk the colonial Fort area and/or pop into the National Museum (typically 9:00am–5:00pm) to see Sri Lankan history; open times can vary, so confirm. This is an easy afternoon activity to stretch after your flight.
An iconic seaside promenade for sunset; bring water and avoid street food with onions/garlic unless you verify preparation. Open 24/7 as a public space.
Ask your hotel chef to prepare a Jain thali: steamed rice, dhal cooked without onion/garlic, pumpkin curry, okra or green-bean curry, lentil-based sambol made without onion, and a fresh fruit dessert. Confirm ingredient list with the chef before eating.
Check into a guesthouse/hotel; request lunch prepared Jain-style: plain rice, a spiced dhal (no onion/garlic), and a coconut-based vegetable curry using non-root vegetables (pumpkin, string beans, eggplant).
Explore the UNESCO ruins and stupas (open typically 7:00am–5:00pm). Highlights: Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, and the sacred Bodhi tree; these sites present ancient Buddhist architecture and are a calm flat area suitable for walking.
Have your guesthouse prepare a hearty Jain dinner: coconut-lentil curry, green bean and ash-gourd curries, plain rice and fresh fruit for dessert. Reconfirm 'no onions/garlic/root veg' with the cook.
Short morning drive (~1–1.5 hours) to Dambulla; plan to see the cave temple first when the light is best and crowds are lighter. Dambulla Cave Temple open typically 7:00am–6:00pm.
If you plan to climb later, have a light Jain-friendly packed lunch (rice with dhal cooked without onion, roasted pumpkin, fruits) or a hotel meal; avoid street vendors because of hidden ingredients.
Transfer to Sigiriya area; check into accommodation near Sigiriya and rest. Note: climbing Sigiriya is best early morning to avoid heat — plan to climb on Day 4 at sunrise (Sigiriya open ~7:00am–5:30pm, but sunrise climbs often begin at opening).
Short village walk or a brief tuk-tuk ride to see rural life; arrange with your hotel for a short guided walk to understand local produce and confirm what vegetables are used (so you can avoid root veg).
Have the hotel prepare a balanced Jain dinner: plain rice, mung dhal or masoor dhal prepared without onion/garlic, pumpkin curry, jackfruit curry (if available) and steamed greens. Reiterate restrictions before service.
Climb Sigiriya early to beat the heat and crowds; the 5th-century rock fortress and frescoes are a highlight. Opening is typically 7:00am to 5:30pm — aim to be there right at opening for sunrise light; wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Enjoy a substantial Jain breakfast: idiyappam or plain rice with coconut milk, dhal, and mango or banana. Hotels near Sigiriya regularly offer early breakfasts for climbers if requested.
Visit Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth). The temple complex typically permits visitors 5:30am–8:30pm with scheduled pujas; the evening puja is atmospheric — dress respectfully and verify opening times for tourists as they can vary.
Request a thali-style dinner with plain rice, multiple lentil preparations, pumpkin and eggplant curries, greens, and fresh fruit. Hotels in Kandy experienced with vegetarian pilgrims can usually accommodate Jain requests with advance notice.
Visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (approx. 7:30am–5:00pm typical hours) for a morning walk among orchids and giant trees; it’s a calm way to begin the hill-country leg.
Board the scenic hill-country train from Kandy toward Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) or continue to Ella if you prefer a longer, famed route. Book seats in advance. Trains vary but early departures are ideal; scenic views of tea estates and waterfalls make this leg memorable.
Arrive and check into a hill station hotel; have a warm Jain-style meal: plain rice, dhal, steamed greens, and mild pumpkin or bottle-gourd curry — many places in the hill country are used to dietary requests but confirm the no-root-veg requirement.
Tour a tea estate and factory to learn about Ceylon tea production and sample teas; most factories run visits from 9:00am–4:00pm but smaller estates may offer private tours by arrangement — check opening times and book ahead.
Ask for a warm potato alternative if potatoes are avoided — recommend rice, millet or vegetable stews using non-root vegetables and lentils. Confirm the ingredients and ask the chef to avoid ghee/garlic if you require strict vegetarian practices.
Take a short scenic train ride or drive to Ella (1–2 hours from Nuwara Eliya area); the stretch includes famous vistas like Nine Arch Bridge. Trains run frequently but seats should be reserved in advance in high season.
A gentle 1–2 hour hike with panoramic views that is less strenuous than Adam's Peak and very popular — best done in the morning to avoid heat. Public access typically from dawn until dusk.
Have a safe lunch at a café that can prepare Jain requests: rice bowls with dhal, roasted okra, eggplant curry and fresh fruit. Avoid mixed platters unless ingredients are confirmed.
Walk to the Nine Arch Bridge for classic photos and a relaxed afternoon in the village; best outside of heavy train times and accessible all day as a public sight.
Enjoy a gentle spa or relax at your guesthouse after a day of walking; request oil or treatments that align with your dietary/ethnic preferences if you are strict about topical products.
Request a home-style rice, dal, and a selection of vegetable curries prepared without root vegetables; discuss salt/spice levels with the cook as hill-country cooking can be strong.
Early scenic drive down to the south coast and Galle Fort (approx. 4–5 hours by car). Stop en route at viewpoints and small towns; plan for a mid-afternoon arrival in Galle.
Check into a boutique hotel inside the Galle Fort or nearby and enjoy a careful Jain-friendly lunch: rice, dal, pumpkin curry, steamed greens and fresh tropical fruit. Confirm with the chef that no root veggies are used.
Walk the ramparts of this UNESCO site, visit Dutch colonial buildings, and browse artisanal shops. Fort area open all day; many shops close around 6–7pm.
Have your hotel prepare Jain-friendly coastal vegetarian dishes — coconut-lentil stews, vegetable curries using pumpkin, jackfruit, or leafy greens; avoid coconut sambols that may contain onions unless made without them.
Optional early morning beach walk or a final stroll through Galle Fort to buy any last-minute souvenirs; shops often open from 9:00am and many close by early evening.
Travel back to Colombo (approx. 2–3 hours) in time for your onward flight or extra night in Colombo; coordinate departure time with your airline and factor in traffic into Colombo.
Enjoy a final Jain-style lunch in Colombo: multi-dish thali prepared without onion/garlic/root vegetables. If flying later, request a packed Jain meal for the airport.
Arrive at Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (or Ratmalana if using domestic connections) allowing 2–3 hours for international departures; confirm your flight status and have any packed food prepared by your hotel.