Sri Lanka Shoestring Budget Itinerary for September 2023

1. Day 1: Colombo
   40 minutes (19.6 km) from Bandaranaike International Airport

   Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, stroll through the Galle Face Green, and enjoy the sunset at Mount Lavinia Beach.

2. Day 2: Kandy
   3 hours 10 minutes (133.6 km) from Colombo

   Explore the Temple of the Tooth, walk around the Kandy Lake, and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens.

3. Day 3: Ella
   4 hours 30 minutes (136.9 km) from Kandy

   Hike up to Little Adam's Peak, take a dip in the Ravana Falls, and visit the Nine Arch Bridge.

4. Day 4: Mirissa
   3 hours 20 minutes (129.9 km) from Ella

   Relax on the Mirissa Beach, go whale watching, and visit the Parrot Rock Bridge.

5. Day 5: Unawatuna
   1 hour 45 minutes (53.2 km) from Mirissa

   Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda, snorkel at the Unawatuna Beach, and explore the Jungle Beach.

6. Day 6: Bentota
   2 hours 30 minutes (96.1 km) from Unawatuna

   Spend the day at the Bentota Beach, visit the Brief Garden, and take a boat safari on the Madu River.

7. Day 7: Colombo
   1 hour 40 minutes (63.4 km) from Bentota

   Explore the Colombo National Museum, go shopping at the Pettah Market, and enjoy the nightlife at the Dutch Hospital Precinct.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Yala National Park for a safari experience. You can also take a train ride from Kandy to Ella for breathtaking views of the countryside. For a side trip, head to the historic city of Galle. Try local street food to maximize your fun in Sri Lanka.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Gangaramaya Temple (1 hour, free)
• Mount Lavinia Beach (1 hour, free)
• Temple of the Tooth (2 hours, LKR 1500)
• Royal Botanical Gardens (2 hours, LKR 1500)
• Nine Arch Bridge (1 hour, free)
• Whale Watching (4 hours, LKR 6000)
• Japanese Peace Pagoda (1 hour, free)
• Bentota Beach (4 hours, free)
• Colombo National Museum (2 hours, LKR 1500)
• Pettah Market (2 hours, free)
• Nightlife at Dutch Hospital Precinct (3 hours, LKR 3000)
• Total Estimated Costs: LKR 16500