6-Day Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Gallery Café

Start your Sri Lankan adventure with a delicious breakfast in this charming colonial café offering a variety of options including local favorites like string hoppers.
Located in the heart of Colombo.
LKR2500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore this iconic Buddhist temple that showcases Colombo's rich heritage and offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.
Driving 10 minutes from the café.
LKR500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Indulge in some of the best seafood Sri Lanka has to offer, focusing mainly on fresh crab dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
A short 10 minute drive from the temple.
LKR6000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Stroll at Galle Face Green

Walk along the scenic coastal promenade while enjoying fresh coconut water or local snacks from the vendors.
Located along the coast and a 10-minute drive.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Colombo National Museum

Dive into Sri Lanka's history and cultural heritage through a vast collection of artifacts from ancient times.
15-minute drive from Galle Face.
LKR2000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in to accommodation

Settle into your hotel for relaxation and freshen up before dinner.
Multiple options available in Colombo.
Varies, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Rice & Carry

Enjoy exemplary Sri Lankan food with a modern twist in a chic setting before concluding your first day.
Drive approximately 10 minutes.
LKR4000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Travel to Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the drive to Kandy.
On-Site
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Kandy

Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive through lush hills and tea plantations towards the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.
Head northeast on A1.
LKR1000 (for fuel), 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Experience the spiritual center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka by visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site, which houses the relic of Buddha’s tooth.
Walk from your parked vehicle, about 5 minutes.
LKR1500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar

Dine on a fusion of international and Sri Lankan flavors while enjoying great views over Kandy Lake.
15-minute walk from the temple.
LKR3500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Royal Botanical Gardens

Stroll through this vast garden, which is home to an enormous collection of orchids and tropical flora.
Drive 15 minutes from the restaurant.
LKR1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Evening Cultural Show

Experience the vibrant traditional dance performances that showcase the rich cultural history of Sri Lanka.
Return to Kandy city center, around 20 minutes drive.
LKR1000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Kandy House

Savor the exquisite taste of Sri Lankan cuisine in this elegant setting that reflects the heritage of the region.
20 minutes drive from the cultural show venue.
LKR5000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nuwara Eliya Adventures

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fill up with breakfast at your hotel before heading to Nuwara Eliya.
On-Site
Included, 1 hour

7:30AM

Drive to Nuwara Eliya

Take a picturesque 2.5-hour drive through tea plantations and scenic landscapes to reach the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka.
Follow the A5 road.
LKR700 (for fuel), 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Tea Plantation Tour

Discover the tea-making process while enjoying breathtaking views of lush tea gardens.
Visit a plantation near Nuwara Eliya.
LKR2000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Hill Club

Experience Colonial charm dining with delectable local and international cuisine.
5-minute drive from the plantation.
LKR4000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Nuwara Eliya City

Walk around the quaint town, exploring local shops and taking pictures of its unique British architecture.
On foot, easy access.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Gregory Lake

Engage in some water activities or simply relax by the lake shores, surrounded by breathtaking mountains.
10-minute drive from city center.
LKR1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in to hotel

Freshen up before proceeding for dinner.
Choose a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Varies, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Grand Indian

Relish traditional North Indian cuisine with a rich variety of dishes in a lovely setting.
20 minutes drive from your accommodation.
LKR3500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Explore Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delightful breakfast with stunning views over Ella.
On-Site
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Ella

Drive to Ella, known for breathtaking landscapes, which will take approximately 2 hours through winding roads.
Follow the A7 road to Ella.
LKR500 (for fuel), 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Marvel at this architectural masterpiece surrounded by lush greenery and a picturesque railway view.
15-minute drive from town.
Free, 1 hour

11:15AM

Hike to Ella Rock

Embrace stunning views and fresh air on this spectacular trek that's suitable for all levels.
Heading back towards town, entry point around 15 minutes drive.
Free, 3 hours

2:15PM

Lunch at The 98 Acres Resort

Unwind with a great meal while enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding hills.
5-minute drive from the hike's end.
LKR4000, 1.5 hours

3:45PM

Visit Little Adam's Peak

Another great hike offering breathtaking panoramic views of the region, ideal for those who want to continue exploring the outdoors.
Drive about 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Check-in and Relax

Relax at your hotel, soak in the serene atmosphere and freshen up for dinner.
Choose a lodging in Ella.
Varies, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Chill Cafe

Dine in a peaceful setting with a mix of local and Western dishes, enjoying the laid-back ambiance of Ella.
Short drive or easy walk from your accommodation.
LKR3500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Yala Safari Adventure

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast to start your exciting day at Yala National Park.
On-Site
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Drive to Yala National Park

Drive to Yala, which takes about 2.5 hours, offering glimpses of diverse wildlife along the way.
Follow A2 highway to Yala Park entrance.
LKR1000 (for fuel), 2.5 hours

9:30AM

Morning Safari

Embark on a thrilling safari experience to spot leopards, elephants, and many other wildlife.
Join a guided tour at the park entrance.
LKR7000 (for safari fees), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Park Restaurant

Enjoy delicious local cuisine right inside Yala National Park, amidst nature.
On-site restaurant.
LKR3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Afternoon Safari

Continue exploring the park as you search for more wildlife and capture the stunning landscapes.
Return to your safari vehicle.
Included in safari fees, 3 hours

5:00PM

Check-in to Accommodation Nearby

Refresh and relax after an exhilarating day of safaris.
Multiple options around Yala.
Varies, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Chena Huts

Wind down with a unique dining experience in beautiful surroundings, focusing on local dishes.
Easily accessible from your accommodation.
LKR6000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Coastal Beauty in Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relax with a leisurely breakfast at your lodge before heading to Galle.
On-Site
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Galle

Travel along the coast for about 1.5 hours to reach the historic city of Galle, famous for its colonial architecture.
Follow A2 towards Galle.
LKR500 (for fuel), 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Galle Fort

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site filled with historical significance, narrow streets, and charming boutiques.
Simple walk from where you park.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at The Fort Printers

Enjoy a delicious blend of Sri Lankan and international cuisine in an elegant setting in Galle Fort.
Walk back to the restaurant, around 10 minutes.
LKR4000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon on the sandy shores of Unawatuna, just a short drive from Galle Fort.
Drive about 15 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

4:00PM

Visit Japanese Peace Pagoda

Climb to this serene Buddhist pagoda for panoramic views of the ocean and coast.
Another short drive from the beach.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Head back to Colombo

Begin your journey back to Colombo as your road trip comes to an end.
Drive approximately 2 hours.
LKR800 (for fuel), 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Ocean Grill

Wrap up your unforgettable road trip with a delightful beachfront dinner featuring seafood and local cuisine.
20-minute drive from your hotel in Colombo.
LKR5000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability