10-Day Budget-Friendly Sri Lanka Adventure: Culture, Nature, and Cuisine

Day 1: Colombo Arrival

Colombo, Sri Lanka

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hoppers

Start your day with a delightful traditional Sri Lankan breakfast of appa (hoppers) and sambol.
Located in Colombo Fort, easily accessible by walking or tuk-tuk.
LKR 800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore the National Museum

Dive into Sri Lanka's history at the largest museum, featuring ancient artifacts and royal memorabilia.
Take bus number 100 from Fort to Fairleigh Garden; around 30 mins.
LKR 850, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pilawoos

Savor the delicious kottu roti, a local favorite—perfect for a budget-friendly meal!
Located in Colombo; take a short tuk-tuk ride.
LKR 500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Galle Face Green

Enjoy a casual stroll along this coastal promenade, which is perfect for people-watching and relaxation.
A short tuk-tuk ride from Pilawoos.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Coffee at The Commons

Take a break at this vibrant café to enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea or a coffee while watching the sunset.
Located near Galle Face Green; walk or tuk-tuk.
LKR 600, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Ministry of Crab

Indulge in fresh seafood at this popular restaurant, famed for its crabs—foodie heaven!
A short tuk-tuk ride from The Commons.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Beach Day in Negombo

Negombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Grounded

Fuel up with fresh smoothies and locally-sourced breakfast options.
Head to the bus station for a bus to Negombo; around 30 minutes.
LKR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Relax at Negombo Beach

Spend your morning soaking up the sun or taking a dip in the ocean.
Walk to the beach from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Tsunami Restaurant

Enjoy a tasty seafood platter overlooking the beach.
A short walk along the beachfront.
LKR 1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Dutch Fort

Explore the remnants of this historic fort built by the Dutch in the 17th century.
Walk to the fort from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

St. Mary's Church

Admire the stunning architecture and famous ceiling murals in this beautiful church.
Short walk from Dutch Fort.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at the Beach Bar

Relax and enjoy your dinner with a cocktail right on the beach, experiencing the sunset view.
Walk from St. Mary's Church.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Hub of Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day

Have a quick breakfast at this popular chain, known for its sandwiches and coffee.
Bus from Negombo to Kandy; roughly 2.5 hours.
LKR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Explore the sacred temple housing a relic of Buddha; an immensely spiritual experience.
Short walk from Cafe Coffee Day.
LKR 1400, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kandy Lake Walk

Stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake, taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Easily walkable from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Empire Cafe

Taste traditional Sri Lankan curry and rice while enjoying the lake view.
Near Kandy Lake; walk from the lake.
LKR 1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens

Immerse yourself in the stunning variety of flora and fauna in this expansive garden.
Take a tuk-tuk from the café; about 15 minutes.
LKR 1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Kandy House

Savor a fusion of traditional Sri Lankan and international cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
Short tuk-tuk ride back to Kandy; about 15 minutes.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discover Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

6:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast with eggs and toast before heading to Nuwara Eliya.
Take the scenic train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (observing beautiful landscapes); around 3 hours.
LKR 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Tea Plantations

Visit one of the tea estates and learn how tea is produced, followed by a tea-tasting session.
Easily reachable by tuk-tuk from the train station in Nuwara Eliya.
LKR 800, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at India's Restaurant

Savor delicious Indian curries or biryanis in a delightful setting.
Short tuk-tuk ride from the tea plantation.
LKR 900, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Gregory Lake

Relax or rent a pedal boat on the serene waters of this beautiful lake.
Easy tuk-tuk ride; about 10 minutes from the restaurant.
LKR 400 for boat rental, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll in Victoria Park

Enjoy the natural beauty in this well-maintained park featuring native trees and flowers.
Walk from Gregory Lake; about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Hill Club

Experience a colonial-style dining ambiance enjoying local dishes.
Short tuk-tuk ride; about 5 minutes.
LKR 2200, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Scenic Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading to Ella.
Take a bus to Ella; around 2 hours.
LKR 200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Wander to the famous Nine Arches Bridge, a stunning feat of engineering surrounded by lush greenery.
It's a scenic walk from Ella town; about 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hike Little Adam's Peak

Embark on a moderate hike for breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations.
Begin hike from Ella town; about 30 minutes to the peak.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dream Cafe

Enjoy a delicious meal with an emphasis on local ingredients, complete with a cozy ambiance.
Short walk back to Ella town.
LKR 900, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Tea Factory

Learn about the tea production process and explore the factory while enjoying some fresh tea.
Take a tuk-tuk; about 20 minutes from the restaurant.
LKR 500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Chill Cafe

Wrap up your day with a meal on a terrace, enjoying stunning views and laid-back vibes.
Head back to Ella town; about 15 minutes.
LKR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Wildlife at Yala National Park

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

5:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Have a quick breakfast before embarking on your wildlife adventure.
Take a bus to Tissamaharama; approximately 2.5 hours.
LKR 300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Safari at Yala National Park

Experience a thrilling safari to spot leopards, elephants, and many species of birds.
Hire a jeep upon arrival at Tissamaharama.
LKR 6000 for jeep rental (shared), LKR 3000 for entrance fee, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ikewal Estate

Delight in a traditional Sri Lankan meal in a rustic atmosphere post-safari.
Return to Tissamaharama; about 30 minutes.
LKR 1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at Tissamaharama Lake

Take a peaceful walk around the lake, perhaps spot some local birds.
Width of Tissamaharama Lake; short walk.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Sri Lankan Restaurant

Enjoy a local curry and rice dinner to refuel after an exciting day.
Short walk from the lake.
LKR 800, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Cultural Heritage in Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Heritage Cafe

Sample a delightful Sri Lankan breakfast in a charming setting before heading off to Galle.
Ride a bus from Tissamaharama to Galle; around 2 hours.
LKR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Galle Fort

Enjoy a leisurely walk around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with colonial buildings and scenic views.
Within walking distance from the bus station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fortaleza Restaurant

Indulge in delicious local and international cuisine inside the fort’s walls.
Situated within Galle Fort; walk.
LKR 1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Galle Lighthouse

Climb the lighthouse for picturesque views of the coastline.
Walk along the fort walls to the lighthouse.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Art Galleries

Discover local art at various galleries around the fort area, showcasing contemporary and traditional pieces.
Walk from the lighthouse; very close by.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Dinner at The Tuna & The Crab

Taste fresh seafood dishes in this popular dining spot.
Short walk from the galleries.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Beach Time in Unawatuna

Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Unawatuna Beach Cafe

Relax with a beachside breakfast featuring tropical fruit and Sri Lankan dishes.
Travel from Galle to Unawatuna via tuk-tuk; about 30 minutes.
LKR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Beach Relaxation

Spend the morning sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
Located directly by the cafe.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Tastees

Delight your taste buds with fresh seafood and local dishes on the beachfront.
Short walk from the beach.
LKR 1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Snorkeling Adventure

Experience the vibrant underwater world at nearby coral reefs.
Book locally for a snorkeling tour.
LKR 3000, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax with a Beach Massage

Unwind with a soothing massage offered by local beach vendors.
Available along the beach area; book on the spot.
LKR 1500, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Kingfisher

Indulge in a delightful seafood meal while enjoying the sea breeze.
Short walk from where you get your massage.
LKR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Coastal Experience in Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Morning Beach

Enjoy a continental breakfast while soaking in the morning views.
Travel from Unawatuna to Hikkaduwa via bus; about 1 hour.
LKR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Beach Time at Hikkaduwa

Spend the morning lounging on the beach, swimming in the turquoise waters.
Direct beach access; just steps away.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Red Fish

Savor delicious seafood and smoothies at this trendy beachside spot.
Walk a few minutes from the beach.
LKR 1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary

Explore the vibrant coral reef while snorkeling and swimming.
Available tours bookable on the beach.
LKR 2000, 3 hours

4:30PM

Explore Local Shops

Stroll through the lively streets of Hikkaduwa, shopping for souvenirs and local crafts.
Walk from the beach area.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Blue Oyster

Wrap up your day with mouthwatering seafood right on the beachfront, perfect to end your trip.
A short walk from the shops.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Blue Oyster

Enjoy one last breakfast at your latest favorite spot before leaving Hikkaduwa.
Short walk from your accommodation.
LKR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel Back to Colombo

Head back to the capital by bus, reflecting on your unforgettable Sri Lankan experience.
Bus from Hikkaduwa to Colombo; about 2 hours.
LKR 300, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Independence Square

Wander around this historic square featuring elegant architecture and serene gardens.
Walk from the bus station; about 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Barefoot Cafe

Dig into healthy options and scrumptious desserts in a stylish environment.
A short tuk-tuk ride from Independence Square.
LKR 1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Colombo Fort and Old Dutch Hospital

Explore the revitalized fort area and its historical buildings, now home to shops and restaurants.
Ride a tuk-tuk from the cafe; about 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Final Dinner at Nihal's

Indulge in authentic Sri Lankan cuisine one last time in a local favorite spot.
Short tuk-tuk ride from Colombo Fort.
LKR 1200, 1.5 hours
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