Discover Sri Lanka in 7 days

1. Day 1: Colombo
   Bandaranaike International Airport to Colombo (33 km, 1 hour drive)

   Explore the Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple, and enjoy Sri Lankan cuisine at the Pettah Market.

2. Day 2: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
   From Colombo to Sigiriya (169 km, 4 hours drive)

   Hike up the Lion's Rock, visit the ancient ruins of Sigiriya and Pidurangala monasteries.

3. Day 3: Kandy
   From Sigiriya to Kandy (90 km, 2.5 hours drive)

   Visit the Temple of the Tooth and nearby tea plantations, and explore the Royal Botanical Garden.

4. Day 4: Nuwara Eliya
   From Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (78 km, 3.5 hours drive)

   Visit the Bluefield Tea Gardens, the breathtaking Hakgala Botanical Garden, and go on a scenic train ride to Ella.

5. Day 5: Yala National Park
   From Nuwara Eliya to Yala National Park (165 km, 5.5 hours drive)

   Take a safari tour into the park to spot elephants, leopards, and other unique wildlife, and enjoy a beachside barbecue dinner.

6. Day 6: Galle
   From Yala National Park to Galle (147 km, 3.5 hours drive)

   Explore the historic Galle Fort, walk along the Unawatuna Beach, and visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda.

7. Day 7: Finale in Negombo
   From Galle to Negombo (154 km, 3.5 hours drive)

   Enjoy a relaxing day on Negombo's beautiful beaches, try fresh seafood and visit the Negombo Fish Market before returning to Colombo.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Independence Memorial Hall (1 hour, free)
• Gangaramaya Temple (2 hours, free)
• Pettah Market (2 hours, varies)
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress (2-3 hours, $30 entrance fee)
• Sigiriya and Pidurangala monasteries (2 hours, $15)
• Temple of the Tooth (2 hours, $20 entrance fee)
• Royal Botanical Garden (2-3 hours, $10 entrance fee)
• Bluefield Tea Gardens (2 hours, varies)
• Hakgala Botanical Garden (2-3 hours, $10 entrance fee)
• Yala National Park Safari (4-5 hours, $30 entrance fee)
• Galle Fort (2-3 hours, free)
• Unawatuna Beach (2 hours, free)
• Japanese Peace Pagoda (1 hour, free)
• Negombo Beach (2 hours, free)
• Negombo Fish Market (1 hour, varies)
• Total Estimated Costs ($$$ varies based on market prices and transportation choice)

Useful tips

If you have more time, visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura or spend an extra night in Ella to visit the Nine Arch Bridge. If you have less time, consider skipping Nuwara Eliya and head straight to Yala National Park. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and dress conservatively for temple visits. Always carry small change for tips and choose local restaurants for the best Sri Lankan cuisine.