Budget-Friendly 7-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pettah Market

Start your day with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast at Pettah Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and local delicacies.
Pettah Market is a short walk from the city centre or take a tuk-tuk for around 10 minutes.
£3, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore the beautiful Gangaramaya Temple, a blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture, offering a peaceful escape in the bustling city.
A 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from Pettah Market.
£2, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Indulge in delicious seafood at Ministry of Crab, a renowned restaurant in Colombo known for its crab dishes.
A 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Gangaramaya Temple.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Galle Face Green

Take a leisurely stroll along the seaside promenade of Galle Face Green, popular among locals and tourists for its sunset views.
Galle Face Green is within walking distance from Ministry of Crab.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Upali's

Enjoy a budget-friendly Sri Lankan dinner at Upali's, offering authentic local dishes in a casual setting.
A short tuk-tuk ride from Galle Face Green.
£5, 1 hour
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Day 2: City & Nature in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Visit Independence Square

Start your day by exploring Independence Square, a historic landmark with beautifully landscaped gardens, ideal for a morning walk.
Independence Square is a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from the city centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Shop at Odel

Discover local fashion and souvenirs at Odel, a popular shopping destination in Colombo offering a range of products.
Odel is a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Independence Square.
Varies, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Nuga Gama

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at Nuga Gama, set in a charming village-style ambience within the city.
Nuga Gama is a short tuk-tuk ride from Odel.
£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Viharamahadevi Park

Spend the afternoon at Viharamahadevi Park, the largest park in Colombo, perfect for a relaxing break amidst nature.
A 5-minute tuk-tuk ride from Nuga Gama.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Indulge in another meal at Ministry of Crab, known for its exceptional seafood dishes, before leaving Colombo.
Return to Ministry of Crab for dinner.
£12, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Delights in Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Explore Temple of the Tooth

Begin your day by visiting the sacred Temple of the Tooth, home to the relic of the tooth of the Buddha, an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Temple of the Tooth is a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from Kandy city centre.
£4, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk around Kandy Lake

Take a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake, a serene spot in the heart of the city offering scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Kandy Lake is within walking distance from the Temple of the Tooth.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Empire Cafe

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Empire Cafe, a quaint restaurant in Kandy known for its fusion cuisine and charming ambiance.
Empire Cafe is a short walk from Kandy Lake.
£6, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Royal Botanical Gardens

Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, home to a vast collection of plant species and beautiful landscapes.
A 30-minute bus ride from Kandy city centre to Peradeniya.
£3, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Savour authentic South Indian cuisine at Balaji Dosai, a popular eatery in Kandy known for its dosas and curries.
Balaji Dosai is a short tuk-tuk ride from the city centre.
£4, 1 hour
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Day 4: Nature & Adventure in Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Hike to Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Start your day with a hike to the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, offering panoramic views of Kandy and a peaceful setting for meditation.
Bahirawakanda Vihara is a short tuk-tuk ride followed by a 30-minute hike.
£2, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Udawattakele Forest Reserve

Discover the biodiversity of Udawattakele Forest Reserve, a nature reserve near Kandy ideal for birdwatching and hiking.
A 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from Bahirawakanda Vihara.
£3, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Muslim Hotel

Enjoy a simple yet delicious lunch at The Muslim Hotel, a local eatery in Kandy known for its authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
The Muslim Hotel is a 10-minute walk from Udawattakele Forest Reserve.
£5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Ceylon Tea Museum

Explore the history of Ceylon tea at the Tea Museum, learn about the tea production process, and enjoy a tasting session.
A 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from Kandy city centre to the museum.
£4, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Theva Cuisine

End your day with dinner at Theva Cuisine, a rooftop restaurant overlooking Kandy, offering a mix of Sri Lankan and international dishes.
Theva Cuisine is a short tuk-tuk ride from the Tea Museum.
£8, 1 hour
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Day 5: Scenic Train Journey to Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Take the Train to Ella

Embark on a scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella, passing through lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and picturesque landscapes.
Take the train from Kandy Railway Station to Ella Railway Station. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours.
£5, Full day

5:00PM

Check-in at Guesthouse

Arrive in Ella and check-in at a budget-friendly guesthouse to rest and relax after the long train journey.
Guesthouses in Ella are a short walk from the railway station.
£15, Evening

7:00PM

Dinner at Matey Hut

Enjoy a hearty Sri Lankan dinner at Matey Hut, a popular local restaurant in Ella offering authentic dishes at affordable prices.
Matey Hut is within walking distance from your guesthouse.
£6, 1 hour
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Day 6: Explore Ella's Beauty

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Hike to Little Adam's Peak

Start your day with a hike to Little Adam's Peak for stunning panoramic views of Ella's lush green landscapes and tea plantations.
Little Adam's Peak trailhead is a short tuk-tuk ride followed by a 30-minute hike.
£1, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Nine Arch Bridge

Explore the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of colonial-era engineering surrounded by scenic beauty, ideal for photography.
Nine Arch Bridge is a 20-minute walk from Little Adam's Peak.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Chill

Relax and enjoy lunch at Cafe Chill, a laid-back cafe in Ella known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious food.
Cafe Chill is a short walk from Nine Arch Bridge.
£5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Ella Town

Stroll through the charming streets of Ella town, shop for souvenirs, and interact with locals to experience the town's culture.
Ella town is easily explored on foot.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Matey Hut

End your day with another meal at Matey Hut, savoring the flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine in a cosy setting.
Return to Matey Hut for dinner.
£8, 1 hour
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Day 7: Relaxing Beach Time in Mirissa

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Travel to Mirissa

Take a morning bus from Ella to Mirissa, a laid-back coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed vibe.
Board a bus from Ella bus station to Mirissa. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.
£3, Half day

1:00PM

Lunch at Zephyr Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood lunch at Zephyr Restaurant, a beachfront eatery in Mirissa offering fresh catches and stunning ocean views.
Zephyr Restaurant is a short walk from Mirissa main beach.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Mirissa Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the golden sands of Mirissa Beach, swim in the clear waters, and soak up the tropical sun.
Mirissa Beach is easily accessible from Zephyr Restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dewmini Roti Shop

Indulge in delicious rotis at Dewmini Roti Shop, a local favourite known for its variety of sweet and savoury roti options.
Dewmini Roti Shop is a short walk from Mirissa Beach.
£4, 1 hour
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