Serene Sri Lanka: A 7-Day Nature Retreat on a Budget

Day 1: City Exploration

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Gangaramaya Temple, known for its mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.
Take a tuk-tuk from your accommodation to the temple. It's a short ride that should take around 15 minutes.
Free, 1-2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Galle Face Green

Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade of Galle Face Green, a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy the sea breeze and street food.
Galle Face Green is within walking distance from Gangaramaya Temple.
Free, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Indulge in delicious Sri Lankan seafood at Ministry of Crab, a renowned restaurant in Colombo.
Take a short taxi ride to Ministry of Crab from Galle Face Green.
20 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at Pettah Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of Pettah Market, where you can find everything from spices to electronics at bargain prices.
Pettah Market is a short tuk-tuk ride away from Ministry of Crab.
Variable (depending on purchases), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Upali's by Nawaloka

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner at Upali's by Nawaloka, known for its authentic flavors and cozy ambiance.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the restaurant from Pettah Market.
15 USD, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Historical Sites and Beaches

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Visit Independence Square

Explore the historical Independence Square, a symbol of Sri Lanka's freedom from colonial rule, surrounded by lush greenery and unique architecture.
Independence Square is a short drive from your accommodation.
Free, 1-2 hours

11:00AM

Relax at Mount Lavinia Beach

Spend the morning relaxing on the golden sands of Mount Lavinia Beach, soaking in the sun and refreshing sea breeze.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Mount Lavinia Beach from Independence Square.
Free, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Rambla

Enjoy a Spanish-inspired lunch at La Rambla, a beachfront restaurant offering scenic views and delicious cuisine.
La Rambla is a short walk from Mount Lavinia Beach.
15 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

Shop for souvenirs and unique gifts at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, a historic building turned into a modern shopping and dining destination.
Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct from La Rambla.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

End your day with another delightful meal at Ministry of Crab, savoring their signature crab dishes and seafood specialties.
Return to Ministry of Crab for dinner, either by taxi or tuk-tuk.
25 USD, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Scenic Train Ride and Waterfall Trek

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Scenic Train Ride to Ella

Embark on a picturesque train journey from Colombo to Ella, passing through lush green tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages.
Take a train from Colombo to Ella. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours, but the views are worth it.
10 USD, 6-7 hours

3:00PM

Visit Ravana Falls

Explore the stunning Ravana Falls, a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation and a perfect spot for a refreshing dip.
Take a tuk-tuk from Ella town to Ravana Falls. The ride should take around 30 minutes.
5 USD, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Chill

Relax and unwind at Cafe Chill, a cozy restaurant in Ella serving a variety of local and international dishes amidst a tranquil setting.
Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to Cafe Chill from Ravana Falls.
10 USD, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Hiking and Tea Plantations

Ella, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Hike to Little Adam's Peak

Start your day with a scenic hike to Little Adam's Peak, offering panoramic views of Ella's lush landscapes and tea plantations.
Begin the hike from Ella town. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit.
Free, 2-3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Nine Arch Bridge

Explore the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of colonial-era engineering surrounded by verdant scenery, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Walk from Ella town to Nine Arch Bridge. It's a leisurely 30-minute stroll.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Matey Hut

Enjoy a simple and delicious Sri Lankan meal at Matey Hut, a local eatery known for its authentic flavors and budget-friendly prices.
Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to Matey Hut from Nine Arch Bridge.
5 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tea Factory Visit

Learn about the art of tea production with a visit to a local tea factory, where you can see the process from leaf to cup and sample different brews.
Take a tuk-tuk from Ella town to the tea factory. The journey should take around 20 minutes.
5 USD, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cafe C Ella

Indulge in a hearty dinner at Cafe C Ella, a cozy restaurant offering a range of international and Sri Lankan dishes in a relaxed setting.
Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to Cafe C Ella from the tea factory.
15 USD, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Beach Relaxation

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Relax at Mirissa Beach

Spend the day unwinding on the golden sands of Mirissa Beach, soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and maybe even trying your hand at surfing.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk from Ella to Mirissa. The journey should take around 2-3 hours.
Free, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Zephyr Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at Zephyr Restaurant, a beachfront eatery known for its fresh catches and laid-back atmosphere.
Zephyr Restaurant is a short walk from Mirissa Beach.
20 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Embark on an exciting whale watching tour from Mirissa Harbor, where you can spot majestic whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Book a whale watching tour at Mirissa Harbor. Tours usually last around 3-4 hours.
30 USD, 3-4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Dewmini Roti Shop

Savor the flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine at Dewmini Roti Shop, a local favorite known for its delicious rotis and curries.
Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to Dewmini Roti Shop from Mirissa Beach.
10 USD, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Wildlife Safari and Nature Exploration

Udawalawe, Sri Lanka

6:00AM

Morning Safari at Udawalawe National Park

Embark on an early morning safari at Udawalawe National Park, home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, leopards, and exotic birds.
Take a safari jeep from your accommodation to the park entrance. The safari usually lasts around 3-4 hours.
30 USD, Half day

11:00AM

Visit Elephant Transit Home

Learn about elephant conservation efforts at the Elephant Transit Home, where you can observe and support the rehabilitation of orphaned elephants.
Take a short drive from Udawalawe National Park to Elephant Transit Home.
10 USD, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kottawatta Village Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at Kottawatta Village Restaurant, set amidst lush greenery and offering a taste of authentic local cuisine.
Kottawatta Village Restaurant is a short drive from Elephant Transit Home.
15 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Nature Walk at Udawalawe

Take a leisurely nature walk around Udawalawe, exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the region and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Walk or take a short drive to the starting point of the nature walk.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Wild Zone

End your day with a hearty dinner at Wild Zone, a restaurant known for its delicious Sri Lankan and international dishes, perfect for a relaxing evening.
Take a short drive or walk to Wild Zone from your accommodation.
20 USD, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Tea Plantations and Waterfalls

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Explore Pedro Tea Estate

Begin your day with a visit to Pedro Tea Estate, where you can learn about the process of tea production, stroll through lush tea fields, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Pedro Tea Estate from your accommodation.
5 USD, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Lover's Leap Waterfall

Discover the enchanting Lover's Leap Waterfall, a picturesque cascade surrounded by verdant forests and a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Take a short drive or tuk-tuk ride from Pedro Tea Estate to Lover's Leap Waterfall.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Indian

Enjoy a flavorful Indian lunch at Grand Indian restaurant, offering a diverse menu of authentic dishes in a cozy setting.
Grand Indian is a short walk or drive from Lover's Leap Waterfall.
10 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Victoria Park

Stroll through the picturesque Victoria Park, a lush oasis in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, known for its vibrant flower beds, towering trees, and serene atmosphere.
Victoria Park is within walking distance from Grand Indian.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Fonte

Indulge in a delicious dinner at La Fonte, a cozy restaurant in Nuwara Eliya serving a mix of Sri Lankan and international cuisine, perfect for a relaxing evening.
Take a short walk or tuk-tuk ride to La Fonte from Victoria Park.
15 USD, 1-2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Beach Farewell

Negombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Relax at Negombo Beach

Spend your last day in Sri Lanka relaxing on the sandy shores of Negombo Beach, watching the fishermen at work and enjoying the coastal breeze.
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk from Nuwara Eliya to Negombo. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours.
Free, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Lords Restaurant Complex

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Lords Restaurant Complex, offering a variety of fresh catches and Sri Lankan specialties in a casual beachfront setting.
Lords Restaurant Complex is a short walk from Negombo Beach.
20 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Negombo Fish Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Negombo Fish Market, where you can see a variety of seafood being traded and get a glimpse of local life.
Walk to Negombo Fish Market from Lords Restaurant Complex.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Rodeo Pub & Restaurant

End your Sri Lankan adventure with a farewell dinner at Rodeo Pub & Restaurant, a lively spot known for its delicious food, refreshing drinks, and warm hospitality.
Take a short walk or tuk-tuk ride to Rodeo Pub & Restaurant from Negombo Fish Market.
25 USD, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability