Start your adventure in Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Begin your morning with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where you can experience the rich religious traditions and marvel at the intricate architecture. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Kandy Lake and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by watching a traditional Kandyan dance performance.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Entrance fee of approximately LKR 1500 ($8 USD), 2-3 hours
A popular breakfast spot in Kandy is Cafe Secret Alley, offering a wide range of Sri Lankan and international breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 600 LKR per person.
For lunch, head to Devon Restaurant known for its authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and stunning views of the city. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 LKR per person.
In the evening, dine at Rooftop Restaurant located in Hotel Suisse for a romantic dinner with breathtaking views of Kandy. Average cost for a meal is about 2500 LKR per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Embark on a heartwarming experience at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Spend your morning observing these gentle giants as they bathe and play in the river. In the afternoon, visit the spice gardens in Matale and learn about the various spices that make Sri Lankan cuisine so flavorful. End your day with a visit to the beautiful Aluvihare Rock Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple nestled amidst lush greenery.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Entrance fee of approximately LKR 2500 ($13 USD), 3-4 hours
Spice Gardens in Matale: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Aluvihare Rock Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 7: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Rise early and make your way to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Begin your ascent to the top of this ancient rock formation, marveling at the stunning frescoes and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After descending, visit the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses intricate cave murals and statues of Buddha. In the evening, relax at your hotel and enjoy the amenities.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Entrance fee of approximately LKR 5500 ($29 USD), 3-4 hours
Dambulla Cave Temple: Entrance fee of approximately LKR 1500 ($8 USD), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Spice Cafe: Located just a short distance from Sigiriya Rock Fortress, The Spice Cafe offers a delicious breakfast menu with a mix of local and international options. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Nuwaragala Village Restaurant: For lunch, head to Nuwaragala Village Restaurant, known for its authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Enjoy flavorful curries, rice, and fresh seafood. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
The Heritage Restaurant: End your day with a delightful dinner at The Heritage Restaurant, where you can savor a range of Sri Lankan and international dishes, served in a cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Friday, December 8: Nuwara Eliya
Embark on a scenic journey to Nuwara Eliya, also known as "Little England" due to its colonial architecture and tea plantations. Start your day with a visit to a tea factory and learn about the process of tea production. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea while taking in the breathtaking views of the rolling hills. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Gregory Lake and indulge in some boating or leisurely walks around the area.
Tea Factory Visit: Entrance fee of approximately LKR 500 ($3 USD), 1-2 hours
Gregory Lake: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Sips and Bites: A cozy cafe nestled in the heart of Nuwara Eliya serving a variety of delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes and hearty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Epicurean: A popular lunch spot with a stunning view of the tea plantations. Enjoy a fusion of local and international dishes including mouthwatering Sri Lankan curries and fresh salads. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Pimento: A charming restaurant offering a fine dining experience in Nuwara Eliya. Indulge in a delectable dinner comprising of gourmet dishes inspired by local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Saturday, December 9: Horton Plains National Park
Embark on an early morning adventure to Horton Plains National Park. Trek through the misty landscape and reach the famous World's End viewpoint, where you can witness the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Spot unique flora and fauna along the way, including the endemic purple-faced langur. After the hike, visit the picturesque Bakers Falls before returning to your hotel.
Horton Plains National Park: Entrance fee of approximately LKR 800 ($4 USD), 4-5 hours
Bakers Falls: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Kandy Garden Café located near Horton Plains National Park. Enjoy a delicious Sri Lankan breakfast with hoppers, string hoppers, and a variety of sambols. The average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, visit The Terrace Green Restaurant in Kandy, offering a tranquil setting with stunning views of the surrounding hills. Indulge in a variety of Sri Lankan and international dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For dinner, dine at The Empire Café, a charming restaurant in Kandy with a cosy ambiance. Sample their mouthwatering Sri Lankan curries and traditional desserts. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Sunday, December 10: Kandy Botanical Gardens
Spend a relaxing morning exploring the beautiful Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, renowned for its vast collection of exotic plants and flowers. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the well-manicured gardens and admire the stunning orchid collection. In the afternoon, visit the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, a peaceful forest reserve located near Kandy. Explore the nature trails and keep an eye out for various bird species.
Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens: Entrance fee of approximately LKR 1500 ($8 USD), 2-3 hours
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Orchid Cafe is a cozy breakfast spot near the Kandy Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a variety of breakfast items such as omelettes, pancakes, and fresh fruit. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
The Garden Restaurant offers a delightful lunch experience with its outdoor seating and picturesque views of the gardens. Sample their delicious Sri Lankan curry dishes or try their international cuisine options. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, head to The Empire Cafe, a charming restaurant known for its colonial ambiance and delectable fusion cuisine. Indulge in their signature dishes like grilled seafood and creamy pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Monday, December 11: Udawalawe National Park
Embark on an exciting safari adventure in Udawalawe National Park, home to a large population of elephants and diverse wildlife. Hop into a 4x4 jeep and explore the park, trying to spot elephants, leopards, and various bird species. After the safari, visit the Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants. Witness the feeding of baby elephants before bidding farewell to the park.
Udawalawe National Park Safari: Entrance fee of approximately LKR 4500 ($24 USD), 4-5 hours
Elephant Transit Home: Entrance fee of approximately LKR 500 ($3 USD), 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, consider visiting the Spice Garden in Matale, where you can learn about the aromatic spices used in Sri Lankan cuisine. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Kadugannawa Rock Tunnel, an engineering marvel that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Locals also love spending time at the Royal Palace Park in Kandy, which features beautiful gardens, a small lake, and recreational activities for families.