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Ultimate 8-Day Itinerary for Exploring Sri Lanka

Viewed by 149 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Commons

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Commons, known for its delicious Sri Lankan Rice & Curry.
Located in the heart of Colombo.
LKR 1800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Gangaramaya Temple

After breakfast, visit the stunning Gangaramaya Temple, an architectural marvel combining modern and traditional styles.
10-minute drive from The Commons.
LKR 1000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the National Museum

Discover Sri Lankan history and culture at the National Museum, which houses a vast collection of artefacts.
20-minute drive from Gangaramaya Temple.
LKR 2000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Savour a seafood feast at Ministry of Crab, renowned for its fresh crab dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
20-minute drive from the museum.
LKR 4000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll along Galle Face Green

Enjoy a relaxing walk along Galle Face Green, where you can watch the sunset and feel the sea breeze.
10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Chutneys

Indulge in South Indian delights at Chutneys, offering a variety of dosas and curry dishes.
10-minute drive from Galle Face Green.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Colombo

Day 2: Cultural Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Kandy House

Start your day with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast including hoppers at The Kandy House.
Located in Kandy, a short drive away.
LKR 2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage site housing a relic of Buddha.
10-minute drive from The Kandy House.
LKR 1500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Kandy Lake Walk

Take a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding hills.
5-minute walk from the temple.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Empire Cafe

Savour delicious local dishes while sipping freshly brewed Ceylon tea at The Empire Cafe.
15-minute walk from Kandy Lake.
LKR 2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Royal Botanical Gardens

Visit the expansive Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, known for its diverse plant species and beautiful landscapes.
30-minute drive from the cafe.
LKR 1500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar

Enjoy dinner with a view of Kandy's hills at the relaxing Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar.
30-minute drive back to Kandy.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kandy

Day 3: Scenic Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to Nuwara Eliya.
At your hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Nuwara Eliya

Board the scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by stunning hills and tea plantations.
Depart from Kandy train station.
LKR 1000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Grand Hotel

Savour a classic English lunch in this colonial-style hotel known for its charm.
Located in the centre of Nuwara Eliya.
LKR 3500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Tea Estates

Explore the lush tea estates and learn about the tea production process with a guided tour.
10-minute drive from the hotel.
LKR 2000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Nuwara Eliya Town

Stroll around the quaint town of Nuwara Eliya, known for its colonial architecture and cool climate.
5-minute drive from the tea estates.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Barn

Enjoy a delightful dinner at The Barn, famous for its steaks and local ingredients.
15-minute drive from town.
LKR 4000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nuwara Eliya

Day 4: Adventurous Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at 98 Acres

Start your day with a delicious breakfast whilst enjoying stunning views of Ella Rock.
At 98 Acres hotel.
LKR 2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak

Take a scenic hike up to Little Adam’s Peak, enjoying breathtaking views along the way.
20-minute drive to the trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chill Cafe

Relax and refuel at Chill Cafe, known for its laid-back atmosphere and tasty healthy bowls.
20-minute drive back to Ella.
LKR 1600, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Nine Arches Bridge

Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a picturesque railway bridge surrounded by lush greenery.
15-minute drive from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ella Rock Hike

For a challenge, hike up Ella Rock for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Starting point is in Ella.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The AK Ristoro

Unwind with Italian-inspired dishes at The AK Ristoro, set in a quaint ambiance.
In Ella, easily reachable.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Ella

Day 5: Wildlife in Yala

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel before heading to Yala.
At your hotel in Ella.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Yala National Park

Hit the road early for Yala National Park, known for its diverse wildlife including leopards.
2-hour drive from Ella.
LKR 0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Safari in Yala

Embark on an exciting safari adventure through Yala National Park with a guided tour.
Entrance at Yala National Park.
LKR 5000, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Yala Village Hotel

Recharge with a refreshing lunch at Yala Village Hotel, offering local flavours.
Restaurant in Yala.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Sithulpawwa Ancient Monastery

Take a short detour to witness the mesmerizing ancient rock monastery with stunning views.
About a 30-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Finish the day with dinner at a local restaurant sampling Sri Lankan curries and rice.
20-minute drive from the monastery.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Yala National Park

Day 6: Beach Time in Mirissa

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Yala before departing for Mirissa.
At your hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Mirissa

Travel to Mirissa, a coastal paradise known for its beautiful beaches.
2.5-hour drive from Yala.
LKR 0, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hangover Cafe

Savour delicious seafood at Hangover Cafe while enjoying the beach view.
Restaurant in Mirissa.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Whale Watching Tour

Join a whale watching tour to spot blue whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Tour operator offices by the beach.
LKR 7000, 3 hours

4:30PM

Relax on the Beach

Unwind on the pristine beaches of Mirissa, soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves.
On Mirissa Beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Zephyr Restaurant

Enjoy a beachside dinner at Zephyr Restaurant, famous for its delicious barbecues.
On the beach.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mirissa

Day 7: Exploring Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Mirissa.
At your hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Galle

Take a short journey to Galle, famous for its well-preserved Dutch Fort.
30-minute drive from Mirissa.
LKR 0, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Explore Galle Fort

Wander through the streets of Galle Fort, filled with charming shops and stunning colonial architecture.
Walking around Galle Fort.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the National Maritime Museum

Learn about the maritime history of Sri Lanka at the National Maritime Museum.
Located within Galle Fort.
LKR 500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Fort Printers

Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Fort Printers, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Located in the Fort.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll Along Galle Lighthouse

Take a scenic walk towards Galle Lighthouse and soak in the ocean views.
10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Dutch Reformed Church

Discover the history behind the Dutch Reformed Church dating back to the 18th century.
5-minute walk from Galle Lighthouse.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at the Spicy Beach

Conclude your day with a delicious Sri Lankan dinner at Spicy Beach, known for its warm ambiance.
20-minute drive from the Fort.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Galle

Day 8: Returning to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Galle before returning to Colombo.
At your hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to Colombo

Depart for Colombo, reminiscing about your amazing journey through Sri Lanka.
2-hour drive back.
LKR 0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Independence Square

Upon your return, visit the iconic Independence Square, a symbol of Sri Lanka's freedom.
20-minute drive from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Gallery Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Gallery Cafe, known for its artful food presentation and eclectic menu.
10-minute drive from Independence Square.
LKR 2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Colombo's Shopping Areas

Spend your afternoon shopping in Colombo’s vibrant markets for souvenirs and local crafts.
In the city centre.
Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Gallery Cafe (Repeat Visit)

Conclude your Sri Lankan journey with a farewell dinner at The Gallery Cafe, enjoying a mix of local and international dishes.
10-minute drive from the shopping area.
LKR 2500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to the Airport

Head to the airport in time for your departure flight, taking back unforgettable memories.
30-minute drive from The Gallery Cafe.
LKR 0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Colombo
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