Discovering Sri Lanka by Rail - 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 14, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pettah Market

Start your day with a flavorful local breakfast at Pettah Market, immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of this vibrant market.
Pettah Market is a short 10-minute walk from Colombo Fort Railway Station.
500 LKR, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore the cultural richness of Gangaramaya Temple, admiring its architecture and serene ambiance.
Take a tuk-tuk from Pettah Market to Gangaramaya Temple, which takes around 15 minutes.
Free entry, donations appreciated, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Indulge in a mouth-watering seafood lunch at the renowned Ministry of Crab, known for its delicious crab dishes.
Ministry of Crab is a 20-minute drive from Gangaramaya Temple.
3000 LKR, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Galle Face Green

Take a leisurely stroll at Galle Face Green, enjoying the sea breeze and scenic views as locals gather for evening activities.
Galle Face Green is a short 10-minute walk from Ministry of Crab.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Nuga Gama

Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at Nuga Gama, set in a traditional village ambience with live cultural performances.
Nuga Gama is a 15-minute drive from Galle Face Green.
2500 LKR, 2 hours
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Day 2: More of Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 15, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Paradise Road Cafe

Enjoy a cozy breakfast at Paradise Road Cafe, known for its charming ambiance and delicious food.
Paradise Road Cafe is a 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
1000 LKR, 1 hour

11:00AM

National Museum of Colombo

Delve into Sri Lanka's history at the National Museum of Colombo, housing fascinating artifacts and exhibits.
The museum is a short 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Paradise Road Cafe.
600 LKR, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Upali's

Savor traditional Sri Lankan cuisine for lunch at Upali's, offering authentic local flavors.
Upali's is a 5-minute walk from the museum.
1500 LKR, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Odel

Indulge in some retail therapy at Odel, a popular department store known for its variety of products.
Odel is a 15-minute walk from Upali's.
Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Head back to Ministry of Crab for a delightful dinner, trying out more of their signature dishes.
Ministry of Crab is a 10-minute drive from Odel.
3000 LKR, 2 hours
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Day 3: Kandy Cultural Delights

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 16, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kandy Muslim Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Kandy Muslim Hotel, known for its delicious local dishes.
Kandy Muslim Hotel is a 10-minute walk from Kandy Railway Station.
700 LKR, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Temple of the Tooth

Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, home to Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic, the tooth of the Buddha.
From Kandy Muslim Hotel, it's a 20-minute walk to the temple.
1500 LKR, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Have a traditional South Indian lunch at Balaji Dosai, offering a variety of dosa and other Indian delights.
Balaji Dosai is a 15-minute walk from the temple.
1000 LKR, 1 hour

3:00PM

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, home to a vast collection of orchids and tropical flora.
Take a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from Balaji Dosai to the gardens.
1500 LKR, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Empire Cafe

Dine at Empire Cafe, known for its colonial charm and fusion cuisine, offering a unique dining experience.
Empire Cafe is a 10-minute walk from the botanical gardens.
2000 LKR, 2 hours
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Day 4: Scenic Journey to Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 17, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Matey Hut

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at Matey Hut, known for its relaxed vibe and delicious food.
Matey Hut is a 5-minute walk from your accommodation in Ella town.
800 LKR, 1 hour

10:00AM

Train Ride to Ella

Embark on a scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella, considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.
Head to Kandy Railway Station and catch the train to Ella. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours.
1500 LKR, Full day

5:00PM

Check-in at 98 Acres Resort

Arrive in Ella and check-in at the luxurious 98 Acres Resort, surrounded by stunning landscapes and tea plantations.
The resort provides a shuttle service from Ella Railway Station.
5000 LKR, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Chill

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Cafe Chill, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious fusion cuisine.
Cafe Chill is a 10-minute drive from 98 Acres Resort.
2500 LKR, 2 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka on May 18, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Poonie's Kitchen

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Poonie's Kitchen, known for its organic and healthy food options.
Poonie's Kitchen is a 10-minute walk from your accommodation in Galle.
1200 LKR, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Galle Fort

Explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its charming streets, boutiques, and cafes.
Galle Fort is a short walk from Poonie's Kitchen.
500 LKR (entrance fee), 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at A Minute by Tuk Tuk

Enjoy a fusion lunch at A Minute by Tuk Tuk, offering a mix of Sri Lankan and international flavors.
A Minute by Tuk Tuk is located within Galle Fort.
2000 LKR, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping at Pedlar's Street

Browse through the unique shops and boutiques along Pedlar's Street, perfect for souvenirs and gifts.
Pedlar's Street is a short walk from the restaurant.
Variable, 1 hour

6:00PM

Sunset at Unawatuna Beach

Relax and unwind at Unawatuna Beach, watching the beautiful sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Take a 30-minute tuk-tuk ride from Galle Fort to Unawatuna Beach.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Lucky Fort Restaurant

End your day with a seafood dinner at Lucky Fort Restaurant, known for its fresh and delicious seafood dishes.
Lucky Fort Restaurant is a short walk from Unawatuna Beach.
2500 LKR, 2 hours
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