A Relaxing 7-Day Tour of Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, and Mirissa
Wednesday, October 18, 2023: Arrival in Colombo
Welcome to Colombo, the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka! Start your trip by visiting the beautiful Viharamahadevi Park in the morning, a serene oasis in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, explore the National Museum of Colombo to learn about the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka. For a relaxing evening, take a leisurely stroll along Galle Face Green, a waterfront promenade where you can enjoy the sunset.
National Museum of Colombo: Entrance fee - Rs 600, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Galle Face Green: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Coffee Club: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Coffee Club. They offer a variety of options including freshly brewed coffee, tasty pastries, and hearty breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Ministry of Crab: For lunch, head to Ministry of Crab, a renowned seafood restaurant in Colombo. Indulge in their mouthwatering crab dishes and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
The Lagoon: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at The Lagoon, located at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. This restaurant specializes in seafood and offers a wide selection of fresh catches. The average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Thursday, October 19, 2023: Nuwara Eliya
Leave Colombo early in the morning and head to Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque hill station known for its cool climate and tea plantations. Start your day with a visit to the Pedro Tea Estate, where you can take a guided tour of the tea factory and enjoy a cup of fresh Ceylon tea. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Garden, known for its stunning collection of roses. End your day with a visit to Gregory Lake, where you can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Pedro Tea Estate: Entrance fee - Rs 200, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Continue your exploration of Nuwara Eliya with a visit to Horton Plains National Park in the morning. Embark on a scenic hike to World's End, a stunning cliff offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town of Ella and take a leisurely walk along the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Enjoy the peaceful ambience and capture some incredible photos. In the evening, return to Nuwara Eliya and unwind at one of the cozy tea lounges in the town.
Horton Plains National Park: Entrance fee - Rs 3500, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Nine Arch Bridge: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Tea Lounge in Nuwara Eliya: Cost varies, Time spent - Relax as per your preference
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Grand Indian Restaurant, located near Nuwara Eliya town center. They serve delicious South Indian cuisine with options like dosa, idli, and vada. The average cost for a meal here is about $5 per person.
For lunch, try TheFlavours Restaurant, situated in the heart of Nuwara Eliya. They offer a diverse menu with a mix of Sri Lankan and international dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options. The average cost for a meal here is about $10 per person.
For dinner, visit The Old Post Office, a charming restaurant housed in a historic building in Nuwara Eliya. They specialize in Sri Lankan cuisine, serving authentic dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, and seafood delicacies. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
Saturday, October 21, 2023: Mirissa
Leave Nuwara Eliya and head towards the coastal town of Mirissa. In the morning, enjoy a relaxing beach day at Mirissa Beach. Lounge on the golden sands, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or try your hand at surfing. In the afternoon, embark on a whale watching tour from Mirissa Harbor, where you can spot magnificent blue whales and dolphins. End your day by indulging in some fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants.
Mirissa Beach: Free, Time spent - Relax as per your preference
Whale Watching Tour: Cost varies, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Beachside Restaurant: Cost varies, Time spent - Relax as per your preference
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Shack. This cozy beachfront cafe offers a variety of options including fresh fruit bowls, pancakes, and eggs benedict. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, head to Zephyr Restaurant for a taste of Asian fusion cuisine. With stunning ocean views, this restaurant serves up mouthwatering dishes like sushi rolls, pad thai, and Vietnamese spring rolls. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Palm Paradise Cabanas. This beachside restaurant specializes in seafood and offers a range of delectable dishes such as grilled lobster, jumbo prawn curry, and seafood platters. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Sunday, October 22, 2023: Mirissa
Start your day with a visit to the peaceful Secret Beach, a hidden gem away from the crowds. Relax on the secluded beach, soak up the sun, and enjoy the tranquility. In the afternoon, take a leisurely boat ride to Coconut Tree Hill, a scenic viewpoint known for its picturesque palm tree-lined landscape. Capture some breathtaking photos of the stunning surroundings. Spend the rest of the day at your own pace, exploring the local markets or simply enjoying the beach.
Secret Beach: Free, Time spent - Relax as per your preference
Boat ride to Coconut Tree Hill: Cost varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Explore Local Markets or Relax on the Beach: Cost varies, Time spent - Relax as per your preference
Restaurants
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Hangover Cafe, located just a few minutes away from Secret Beach. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, from fluffy pancakes to tasty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For a scrumptious lunch, head to Zephyr Restaurant and Bar, known for its fresh seafood and stunning ocean views. Indulge in their mouthwatering grilled fish or savory prawn curry. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at The Shack, a charming beachfront restaurant in Mirissa. Enjoy their delectable seafood platters or try their flavorsome Sri Lankan rice and curry. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Monday, October 23, 2023: Mirissa
Indulge in a day of relaxation and wellness. Start your morning with a yoga session or a spa treatment at one of the wellness centers in Mirissa. Afterward, visit the serene Parrot Rock, a small rocky outcrop offering panoramic views of the coastline. Spend the rest of the day unwinding on the beach, reading a book, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. In the evening, savor a delicious seafood dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Yoga or Spa Session: Cost varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Parrot Rock: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Relax on the Beach and Enjoy Dinner: Cost varies, Time spent - Relax as per your preference
Restaurants
Start your morning with a healthy breakfast at The Shack, a cozy café known for its delicious smoothie bowls and freshly baked pastries. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Zephyr Restaurant for a delightful dining experience. This restaurant offers a range of international cuisines with a Sri Lankan twist. Indulge in their flavorful curries and seafood dishes. The average cost for a lunch meal is about $15 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a culinary journey at Seafood Cove, a renowned beachfront restaurant specializing in seafood delicacies. Enjoy the freshest catch of the day prepared in various styles, from grilled to curried. The average cost for a dinner meal is about $25 per person.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023: Departure
Say goodbye to the beautiful coastal town of Mirissa. Spend your morning relaxing on the beach, taking in the last moments of tranquility. In the afternoon, depart from Mirissa and head back to Colombo to catch your flight back home. Remember to take some souvenirs and memories of your relaxing Sri Lankan getaway!
Relax on the Beach: Free, Time spent - Relax as per your preference
Travel from Mirissa to Colombo: Cost varies, Time spent - Approximately 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your morning off with a delicious Sri Lankan breakfast at Upali's by Nawaloka. This popular restaurant offers a variety of traditional breakfast dishes such as hoppers, string hoppers, and roti with dhal curry. The average cost for a meal here is about $8 per person.
For a tasty lunch option, head to The Veggie Kitchen. This vegetarian restaurant in Colombo serves up a range of healthy and flavorful dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy their signature thali or opt for one of their delicious wraps. The average cost for a meal here is about $10 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at The Grand Indian Restaurant. Located in Colombo, this elegant restaurant offers an extensive menu of authentic Indian dishes prepared by skilled chefs. From flavorful curries to tandoori specialties, the restaurant guarantees a delightful culinary journey. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a truly off the beaten path experience, visit the peaceful Kanneliya Forest Reserve near Galle. This pristine rainforest is perfect for nature lovers and offers various trekking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Another local favorite is the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct in Colombo, a beautifully restored colonial building complex that houses boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to relax, enjoy some local cuisine, and shop for unique souvenirs.