Exploring Sri Lanka in 7 Days

Day 1: City Exploration

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Gangaramaya Temple, known for its stunning architecture and serene ambiance.
Take a tuk-tuk from your hotel to the temple, approximately 20 minutes
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Shop at Pettah Market

Explore the bustling Pettah Market, where you can find everything from spices to clothing. Don't forget to bargain!
Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride from the temple, around 15 minutes
Variable, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Indulge in delicious seafood at the renowned Ministry of Crab, a must-visit for food lovers.
Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the restaurant, approximately 10 minutes
Moderate, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Independence Square

Spend the afternoon at Independence Square, a historic landmark with beautiful architecture and gardens.
Drive or take a tuk-tuk from the restaurant, around 15 minutes
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Galle Face Green

Wind down your day at Galle Face Green, a popular ocean-side urban park where locals gather to watch the sunset.
Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride from Independence Square, approximately 10 minutes
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Historical Sites

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Explore Colombo National Museum

Start your day with a visit to the Colombo National Museum, showcasing Sri Lanka's rich history and cultural heritage.
Take a tuk-tuk or taxi from your hotel, approximately 30 minutes
Moderate, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk around Viharamahadevi Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll in Viharamahadevi Park, the oldest and largest park in Colombo, perfect for some relaxation.
Walk from the museum, around 10 minutes
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Nuga Gama

Have a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at Nuga Gama, set in a charming village-style ambience.
Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the restaurant, approximately 15 minutes
Moderate, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Old Parliament Building

Explore the iconic Old Parliament Building, a colonial-era structure with significant historical importance.
Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride from the restaurant, around 10 minutes
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Shopping at Odel

Shop for souvenirs and designer items at Odel, one of Colombo's premier shopping destinations.
Take a tuk-tuk or taxi from the Old Parliament Building, approximately 15 minutes
Variable, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Delights

Kandy, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic

Begin your day with a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, home to the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
Travel by hired car or train from Colombo to Kandy, approximately 3-4 hours
Moderate, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Head to the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue for panoramic views of Kandy and the surrounding mountains.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride from the temple, around 10 minutes
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Empire Cafe

Enjoy a delicious meal at The Empire Cafe, known for its fusion of Sri Lankan and international cuisine.
Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the restaurant, approximately 15 minutes
Moderate, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Kandy Lake

Take a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake, a picturesque spot in the heart of the city surrounded by lush greenery.
Walk from the restaurant, around 15 minutes
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Cultural Show at Kandy Lake Club

End your day with a traditional cultural show at Kandy Lake Club, featuring music, dance, and fire performances.
Take a tuk-tuk from Kandy Lake, approximately 10 minutes
Moderate, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nature and Scenic Beauty

Kandy, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Visit Royal Botanic Gardens

Spend the morning exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, home to a vast collection of plant species.
Travel by hired car or train from your hotel, approximately 1 hour
Moderate, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Hanthana Mountain Range

Embark on a trek in the Hanthana Mountain Range for stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Drive or take a tuk-tuk to the mountain range, around 30 minutes
Free, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Oak Ray Regency

Enjoy a hearty meal at Oak Ray Regency with a view of the mountains, offering a peaceful dining experience.
Drive or take a tuk-tuk back to Kandy for lunch, around 30 minutes
Moderate, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Explore the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, a lush forest reserve with diverse flora and fauna, perfect for nature lovers.
Drive or take a tuk-tuk from the restaurant, around 20 minutes
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Kandy House

Enjoy a fine dining experience at The Kandy House, a boutique hotel offering exquisite cuisine in a colonial setting.
Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the restaurant, approximately 15 minutes
High, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Scenic Train Journey

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Scenic Train Ride from Kandy to Ella

Embark on a breathtaking train journey from Kandy to Ella, passing through lush tea plantations and picturesque landscapes.
Take the train from Kandy to Ella, approximately 6-7 hours
Low, Full Day

3:00PM

Visit Nine Arch Bridge

Explore the iconic Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, a marvel of colonial-era railway construction surrounded by scenic beauty.
Walk from the Ella train station to the bridge, around 20 minutes
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Hike to Little Adam's Peak

Hike up to Little Adam's Peak for panoramic views of the Ella Gap and the surrounding tea plantations.
Walk from the Nine Arch Bridge, approximately 40 minutes
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Matey Hut

Enjoy a casual dinner at Matey Hut, a cozy spot known for its local cuisine and laid-back atmosphere.
Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride from Little Adam's Peak, around 10 minutes
Moderate, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Beach Relaxation

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Relax at Mirissa Beach

Spend your morning relaxing at the pristine Mirissa Beach, known for its golden sands and clear blue waters.
Travel by hired car or train from Ella to Mirissa, approximately 2-3 hours
Free, Half Day

1:00PM

Seafood Lunch at Zephyr Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood for lunch at Zephyr Restaurant, offering a beachfront dining experience with ocean views.
Walk along the beach to the restaurant, around 5 minutes
Moderate, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Embark on an exciting whale watching tour from Mirissa Harbor, where you can spot majestic whales in their natural habitat.
Walk to Mirissa Harbor for the tour, around 10 minutes
High, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Nuwan Seafoods

Enjoy a seafood dinner at Nuwan Seafoods, a popular spot among locals and tourists for its fresh and flavorful dishes.
Walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride from the harbor, around 10 minutes
Moderate, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Historical Exploration

Galle, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Explore Galle Fort

Discover the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a historic Dutch colonial fortress with charming streets, boutiques, and cafes.
Travel by hired car or train from Mirissa to Galle, approximately 1-2 hours
Moderate, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit National Maritime Museum

Explore the National Maritime Museum within Galle Fort, showcasing maritime history and artifacts of Sri Lanka.
Walk from Galle Fort entrance to the museum, around 5 minutes
Low, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Fortaleza Restaurant

Enjoy a fusion meal at Fortaleza Restaurant, offering a mix of international and Sri Lankan cuisine with a view of the ocean.
Walk from the museum to the restaurant, around 10 minutes
Moderate, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping at Pedlar's Street

Explore the quaint boutiques and galleries on Pedlar's Street, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs and gifts.
Walk from the restaurant, around 15 minutes
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Wind down your day at the nearby Unawatuna Beach, known for its relaxed vibe and stunning sunsets.
Take a tuk-tuk from Galle Fort to Unawatuna Beach, approximately 15 minutes
Free, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability