8-Day Itinerary for Exploring Sri Lanka

  1. Day 1: Colombo
    Bandaranaike International Airport (0 miles)

    Start your adventure in the bustling capital city of Colombo. Explore the colonial architecture and visit the Gangaramaya Temple to experience Buddhism and Hinduism.

  2. Day 2: Kandy
    Approximately 74 miles from Colombo (3-hour drive)

    Explore the Temple of the Tooth and the vast scenic beauty of Kandy Lake. Head to the Royal Botanic Gardens filled with native plants and visit the Kandy Garrison Cemetery.

  3. Day 3: Nuwara Eliya
    Approximately 42 miles from Kandy (2.5-hour drive)

    Take a scenic train ride or drive through lush green tea plantations. Visit the Lover's Leap waterfall and trek through Horton Plains National Park and see the World's End.

  4. Day 4: Yala National Park
    Approximately 88 miles from Nuwara Eliya (4-hour drive)

    Take a guided jeep safari tour to see the leopard, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Visit the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple and the Kirinda Beach and Temple.

  5. Day 5: Mirissa
    Approximately 47 miles from Yala National Park (2-hour drive)

    Enjoy Whale watching and spotting blue whales, humpback whales, and more. Relax on the idyllic beach and indulge yourself with some fantastic seafood at the Mirissa Fish Market.

  6. Day 6: Galle
    Approximately 21 miles from Mirissa (45-minute drive)

    Explore the Dutch fort while wandering through the cobbled streets of the charming colonial town. Visit the Galle lighthouse and the Japanese Peace Pagoda and unwind on the Unawatuna beach.

  7. Day 7: Bentota
    Approximately 68 miles from Galle (2.5-hour drive)

    Relax at the Bentota beach and indulge in water sports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and wakeboarding. Visit the Brief Garden and River Safari and see the sea turtles at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.

  8. Day 8: Colombo
    Approximately 38 miles from Bentota (1-hour drive)

    End your trip by exploring rest of the popular places such as the Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and National Museum in Colombo.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Gangaramaya Temple (2 hours, Free)
  • Temple of the Tooth (2 hours, Rs 1000, $5)
  • Royal Botanic Gardens (2 hours, Rs 1500, $8)
  • Lover's Leap waterfall (1 hour, Free)
  • Yala National Park jeep safari (3-4 hours, Rs 6000, $30)
  • Whale watching tour (4-5 hours, Rs 5000, $25)
  • Galle Dutch Fort (2 hours, Free)
  • Brief Garden (2 hours, Rs 1000, $5)
  • Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery (1 hour, Rs 500, $3)
  • Total estimated costs: Rs 15,500 ($80)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider venturing to Ella and hiking Adam's Peak. If you're short on time, skip Nuwara Eliya. For a relaxing trip, extend your stay at the beach locations.

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