7-Day Fun-Filled Sri Lanka Itinerary: Adventure & Culture on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Upali's

Start your day with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast featuring string hoppers and coconut sambol.
Located in the heart of Colombo.
LKR 1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Galle Face Green

Stroll along the promenade and enjoy the ocean breeze, perfect for families with ample space for kids to play.
Short walk from Upali's.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Colombo National Museum

Explore the extensive collection of artifacts showcasing Sri Lanka’s history and culture.
Take a tuk-tuk for a quick ride.
LKR 2000, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at The Pavilion

Indulge in a buffet lunch with a delightful mix of local and international dishes.
Located inside the Colombo City Centre.
LKR 2500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Viharamahadevi Park

Relax in this large, beautiful park, which is perfect for a family outing with playgrounds.
Easily reachable by tuk-tuk.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Ministry of Crab

Taste some of the best seafood in Colombo, specializing in crab dishes.
Located near the Dutch hospital precinct.
LKR 4000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Sigiriya

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before hitting the road.
Ensure to check out early.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Sigiriya

Depart for Sigiriya (Approx. 4 hours journey).
Take a rented motorcycle or bus.
LKR 800 (fuel/bus fare), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ranga Hotel

Savor delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry with an amazing view of Sigiriya Rock.
Close to the entrance of the rock fortress.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb this ancient rock fortress and enjoy breathtaking views from the top.
Follow the well-marked trail.
LKR 4500, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a local eatery

Enjoy local delicacies like kottu roti at a nearby diner.
Walk to one of the eateries in Sigiriya.
LKR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Kandy Culture

Kandy, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a good breakfast.
Check out of your hotel in Sigiriya.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kandy

Travel to Kandy (Approximately 2.5 hours).
Ride the motorcycle or take a bus.
LKR 500 (fuel/bus fare), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Kandy House

Enjoy a delicious local meal in a beautiful setting.
Located in the center of Kandy.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Explore this sacred site rich in Buddhism and Sri Lankan history.
Just a short walk from the restaurant.
LKR 1500, 2 hours

4:30PM

Royal Botanical Gardens

Take a leisurely walk in the stunning gardens known for their diverse plant species.
10-minute drive or 15-minute bus ride.
LKR 1500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar

Dine on fine local cuisine with stunning views of Kandy Lake.
Take a tuk-tuk from the gardens.
LKR 2500, 2 hours
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Day 4: Nuwara Eliya Relaxation

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your morning meal at the hotel.
Check out of your Kandy hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Ride through scenic tea country to Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 2.5 hours).
Take the motorbike or bus.
LKR 600 (fuel/bus fare), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Grand Hotel

Indulge in a classic British afternoon tea experience in this vintage hotel.
Located in the center of Nuwara Eliya.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Gregory Lake

Enjoy boating on beautiful Gregory Lake surrounded by mountains.
A short drive from the restaurant.
LKR 2000 for boat rental, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Tea Plantations

Take a guided tour of a tea plantation and learn about Sri Lankan tea production.
Most plantations are within a 10-minute drive.
LKR 1000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Hill Club

Savor delightful local fare in a historic setting.
A short ride from tea plantations.
LKR 2500, 2 hours
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Day 5: Ella Adventures

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your Nuwara Eliya hotel.
Check out and prepare for the road.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Ella

Take a scenic ride to Ella (Approx. 1.5 hours).
Follow the well-marked roads.
LKR 400 (fuel), 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Explore this iconic railway bridge, perfect for stunning photographs.
Located a short ride away.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Chill Cafe

Enjoy healthy and vibrant dishes with panoramic views of Ella.
Just a few minutes ride from the bridge.
LKR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hike to Ella Rock

Challenge yourself with an amazing hike offering breathtaking views.
Start from the Ella bus station.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Spicy One

Indulge in spicy Sri Lankan dishes and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Located in the Ella town area.
LKR 1000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Mirissa Beach Day

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to the coast.
Check out of your accommodation in Ella.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Mirissa

Travel to Mirissa (Approx. 2.5 hours).
Scenic drive down to the coast.
LKR 800 (fuel), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Beachside Lunch at the Hangover Cafe

Enjoy a casual lunch right on the beach, with fresh seafood options.
Located on the beachfront.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Whale Watching Tour

Embark on an unforgettable whale watching tour, the best way to experience Sri Lanka's marine wildlife.
Tour departure is typically from the Mirissa harbor.
LKR 6500, 3 hours

6:00PM

Sunset at Mirissa Beach

Relax and unwind by the beach, witnessing the stunning sunset.
Step out from the boat and head to the beach.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Pasta Factory

Enjoy fresh and delicious homemade pasta while listening to the waves.
Steps away from the beach.
LKR 2000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Historical Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast before heading out to Galle.
Check out of your hotel in Mirissa.
Included, 1 hour

10:30AM

Travel to Galle

A short drive to Galle (Approx. 30 minutes).
Ride your motorcycle or take a tuk-tuk.
LKR 200 (fuel/tuk-tuk fare), 30 minutes

11:30AM

Visit Galle Fort

Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site full of colonial-era architecture.
On foot, just walk around the fort area.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Heritage Cafe

Sample delectable local dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Located within the fort premises.
LKR 1800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Galle Lighthouse

Enjoy scenic views of the coastline and visit the iconic lighthouse.
Just a short walk from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Spend your evening unwinding at one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.
A short ride from Galle Fort.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kingfisher Restaurant

Wrap up your journey with a delightful meal and listen to the sounds of the ocean.
Close to Unawatuna Beach.
LKR 2500, 2 hours
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