10-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Sri Lanka

Day 1: Exploring Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Asha's Street Food

Start your day with a delicious breakfast of string hoppers and coconut sambol at this local gem.
Take a tuk-tuk to Colombo Fort.
LKR 400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Viharamahadevi Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk in the largest park in Colombo, where you can see the impressive Buddha statue and beautiful flowers.
Walk 15 minutes from breakfast spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

National Museum of Colombo

Explore the rich history of Sri Lanka within the well-curated halls of the National Museum.
Walk 15 minutes.
LKR 1000, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Pilawoos

Indulge in some local street food like kottu roti at this popular eatery, loved by locals.
Take a bus to the Fort area.
LKR 500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Galle Face Green

Stroll along the coastline at Galle Face Green, where you can enjoy street snacks and watch the sunset.
Walk 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Upali's by Nawaloka

Experience traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with a family dinner vibe, featuring rice and curry.
Tuk-tuk back to the hotel.
LKR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast of hoppers paired with sweet coconut milk.
Tuk-tuk to bus station.
LKR 300, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kandy

Catch a bus to Kandy, the cultural capital known for the Temple of the Tooth.
Bus ride from Colombo to Kandy.
LKR 500, 3 hours

12:00PM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Explore the sacred temple that houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha.
Walk to the temple from bus station.
LKR 1500, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Kandy House

Dine on traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry in a beautiful heritage setting.
Take a tuk-tuk to the restaurant.
LKR 800, 1 hour

3:30PM

Kandy Lake

Enjoy a scenic walk around Kandy Lake and take in the stunning views.
Walk 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Palace View

Savor some fried seafood platter before calling it a day.
Walk back towards the city center.
LKR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Historic Dambulla

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel your day with a simple breakfast buffet at your hotel.
Walk to local bus station.
LKR 200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Dambulla

Take a bus to Dambulla, known for its cave temples.
Bus ride from Kandy to Dambulla.
LKR 300, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Dambulla Cave Temples

Explore the series of cave temples filled with ancient murals and statues.
Walk from bus station.
LKR 1500, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Kitchen Dambulla

Enjoy some comforting Sri Lankan rice and curry in this casual dining spot.
Walk 10 minutes.
LKR 600, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Golden Temple

Visit the adjacent Golden Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an eye-catching golden statue.
Walk back to the caves.
LKR 200, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Café Dambulla

Wrap up your day with some fried rice and local dishes in a relaxed setting.
Walk back to town.
LKR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Sigiriya Adventures

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your hike at your accommodation.
Prep for hike.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Hike Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the famous Lion's Rock for breathtaking views and ancient frescoes.
Take a short tuk-tuk ride to the entrance.
LKR 4500, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pradeep Hotel

Recharge with a value-for-money set meal featuring varied local dishes.
Tuk-tuk back to town.
LKR 700, 1 hour

1:30PM

Take a bike ride around local village

Discover traditional Sri Lankan village life on two wheels.
Rent bikes locally.
LKR 400, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at the Water Gardens

End the day at this exquisite setting with a variety of seafood options.
Tuk-tuk to the restaurant.
LKR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya Highlands

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your day with some freshly brewed tea and toast at your hotel.
Check out for travel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy a scenic bus ride through tea plantations to this charming hill station.
Bus from Sigiriya to Nuwara Eliya.
LKR 600, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Grand Hotel

Dine in colonial-style at the Grand Hotel, famous for their pies.
Walking distance from the bus station.
LKR 1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Explore the stunning gardens that showcase the rich plant life of Sri Lanka.
Take a bus or walk to the gardens.
LKR 350, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Avanhala Restaurant

Enjoy local dishes with a twist, including veggie curry options.
Take a bus back to town.
LKR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Scenic Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
Check out and prepare for travel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Ella

Enjoy one of Sri Lanka's most picturesque train rides to Ella.
Take the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.
LKR 300, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Ella Spice Garden

Dig into a flavorful meal featuring local spices and ingredients.
Walk to the restaurant near the station.
LKR 700, 1 hour

1:00PM

Mini Adam's Peak Trek

Hike to Mini Adam’s Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Walk to the trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax at Ella Rock

Continue your adventure with a trek to Ella Rock, rewarding you with stunning vistas.
Hiking from Mini Adam’s Peak.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Galle Face Hotel

Unwind with a lavish Indian meal before resting for the evening.
Walk back to Ella town.
LKR 900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Safari at Tissamaharama

Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a breakfast that includes eggs and seasonal fruits.
Prep for travel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Tissamaharama

Take a bus to Tissamaharama, the gateway to Yala National Park.
Bus journey from Ella to Tissamaharama.
LKR 600, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Ceylon Chef

Refuel with local tasty curry dishes at this restaurant.
Walk from the bus station.
LKR 700, 1 hour

1:00PM

Yala National Park Safari

Go on an exhilarating safari to spot elephants, leopards, and incredible wildlife.
Arrange a tour through your hotel.
LKR 5000, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Chillout Cafe

Savor local grilled fish or a delicious veggie burger to end your adventure.
Return to Tissamaharama town.
LKR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Beach Bliss in Mirissa

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a chilled breakfast with fruits and pastries.
Prep for the day.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Mirissa

Take a bus ride to the beautiful coastal village of Mirissa.
Bus journey from Tissamaharama to Mirissa.
LKR 400, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Whale Watching Tour

Set off on a thrilling boat ride to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Acquaint with your tour operator at the beach.
LKR 4500, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a beach shack

Choose from a variety of fresh seafood dishes, cooked right in front of you.
Walk back to the beach area.
LKR 700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax on Mirissa Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores or go for a swim in the warm ocean.
Stroll to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at One Love Restaurant

Dig into some delicious curry served with rice and famous roti.
Walk back to the restaurant.
LKR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Historical Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy some fresh fruit and toasted bread included in your stay.
Prepare for departure.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Galle

A short bus ride brings you to the historic city of Galle.
Bus from Mirissa to Galle.
LKR 200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Galle Fort

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and stroll along the ramparts with stunning ocean views.
Walk around the fort.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Heritage Cafe

Enjoy a light meal with some of the best coffee in town.
Walk to the cafe.
LKR 600, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore local art galleries

Discover contemporary Sri Lankan art in various galleries around Galle Fort.
Walking distance.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at the Fort Printers

Treat yourself to delicious gelato and enjoy local Srilankan desserts for a sweet end.
Walk to the restaurant.
LKR 600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast with a bright plate of fruit and toast.
Prepare for checkout.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel back to Colombo

Catch a bus back to Colombo to finalize your trip.
Bus from Galle to Colombo.
LKR 300, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Colombo Markets

Spend your last day shopping at the vibrant markets and picking up souvenirs.
Catch a tuk-tuk from the bus station.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Nuga Gama

Experience traditional Sri Lankan cuisine along with a cultural dance performance.
Tuk-tuk to the restaurant.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit a Spa for Relaxation

Indulge in a relaxing massage to soothe your travel-weary body.
Travel to the spa via tuk-tuk.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Enjoy your final Sri Lankan meal with a vibrant curry dish.
Tuk-tuk back to the hotel.
LKR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability