5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Sri Lanka

  1. Day 1: Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic
    3 hours (75 km) from the Bandaranaike International Airport

    Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the most sacred temple in Sri Lanka which houses Buddha's tooth. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.

  2. Day 2: Explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress
    3 hours and 30 minutes (170 km) from Kandy

    Explore the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 5th century AD. The fortress is situated on a 200-meter-high rock, it boasts views of stunning natural landscapes and exemplary ancient architecture.

  3. Day 3: Experience Udawalawe National Park
    4 hours 25 minutes (187 km) from Sigiriya Rock Fortress

    Experience the wildlife at the Udawalawe National Park. The park is home to exotic flora, fauna including elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, water buffaloes amongst others.

  4. Day 4: Discover Galle Fort
    2 hours 30 minutes (126 km) from Udawalawe National Park

    Discover the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Portuguese in the 16th century. Galle Fort is one of the best-preserved colonial-era forts in South Asia with many charming cafes, boutiques, and art galleries in the vicinity.

  5. Day 5: Relax at Mirissa Beach
    1 hour 30 minutes (43 km) from Galle Fort

    Relax at Mirissa Beach, a serene haven for the beach lovers with its fine sand and turquoise waters. Guests can also go dolphin watching, surfing or enjoy fresh seafood at nearby eateries.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Transportation (5 Days): RS 20,000
  • Temple of the Tooth Relic (3 hours): RS 1,500
  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress (3 hours and 30 minutes): RS 3,000
  • Udawalawe National Park (4 hours 25 minutes): RS 3,500
  • Galle Fort (2 hours 30 minutes): Free
  • Mirissa Beach (1 hour 30 minutes): Free
  • Total Estimated Costs: RS 31,500

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding Adam's Peak or Anuradhapura to your itinerary. Alternatively, for those with less time, it is recommended to skip the Udawalawe National Park or Sigiriya Rock Fortress if time is an issue since they have longer travel durations. Remember to carry appropriate clothing for visiting religious sites such as Temple of the Tooth Relic and to keep hydrated throughout the excursion.

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