5-Day Road Trip Itinerary to Ella, Sri Lanka

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Kandy, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Kandy House

Start your day with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast featuring pol roti and sambol amidst charming gardens.
Located in Kandy, a short drive from the city center.
LKR 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic

Explore this sacred Buddhist site housing the relic of the tooth of Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Only 10 minutes away by car.
LKR 1000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Kandy Lake Walk

Enjoy a scenic stroll around Kandy Lake, soaking in the serene views.
A 5-minute walk from the temple.
FREE, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Empire Cafe

Relish a hearty lunch with local dishes like Kottu Roti in a cozy atmosphere.
About 10 minutes drive from Kandy Lake.
LKR 1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Royal Botanical Gardens

Wander through over 60 hectares of lush gardens showcasing a diversity of flora and fauna.
20 minutes from the cafe.
LKR 1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive to Nuwara Eliya

Begin your scenic drive through lush tea plantations and beautiful hills.
Take the A26 road for approximately 1.5 hours.
N/A, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Grand Hotel

Indulge in a classic British-style dinner in one of Nuwara Eliya’s historic hotels.
Located in central Nuwara Eliya.
LKR 3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Highland Escapade

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Firs

Enjoy a hearty English breakfast at this quaint café surrounded by breathtaking hills.
Just a 10-minute walk from your hotel.
LKR 1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Horton Plains National Park

Embrace the beauty of nature while hiking the World's End trail at this spectacular national park.
About an hour’s drive on the A5 road.
LKR 3000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Salmiya Restaurant

Savor delicious biryanis and curries at this local favorite.
Return to Nuwara Eliya in about an hour.
LKR 800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Nuwara Eliya Town

Stroll through the charming streets filled with colonial architecture and quaint shops.
Central Nuwara Eliya, easily walkable.
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Tea Plantations Tour

Visit a nearby tea estate to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a tasting session.
15-minute drive from the town.
LKR 1000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Drive to Ella

Set off on a picturesque drive through the tea-covered hills to your next destination.
Follow the scenic A7 route for 1.5 hours.
N/A, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Chill Cafe

Dine on a mix of Sri Lankan and western dishes while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Located in Ella town.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Natural Wonders

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ella’s Edge

Grab a delicious breakfast featuring fresh fruit and smoothie bowls with stunning mountain views.
Located in the heart of Ella.
LKR 1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike to Ella Rock

Embark on a moderately challenging hike to observe breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Begin the hike from Ella town, approximately 30 mins in.
FREE, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at 98 Acres Resort & Spa

Enjoy a scenic lunch with a view while tasting their famous Sri Lankan rice and curry.
15-minute drive from Ella Rock trailhead.
LKR 2000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Marvel at this iconic railway bridge, an architectural masterpiece enveloped by lush greenery.
15-minute drive from the restaurant.
FREE, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Ravana Falls

Relax by these stunning waterfalls, perfect for photography and a refreshing dip.
20-minute drive from the bridge.
FREE, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Spicy Kitchen

Indulge in a range of curries and rotis at this cozy and vibrant eatery.
Located back in Ella town.
LKR 1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Scenic Thrills

Haputale, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before venturing out into the beautiful landscapes of Haputale.
On-site at your accommodation.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Little Adam's Peak

Take a moderate hike to witness breathtaking panoramic views and capture stunning photos.
Drive 30 minutes to Ella's Little Adam's Peak trailhead.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Lipton’s Seat

Enjoy breathtaking views over the tea plantations, and learn about the tea-growing history here.
Drive to Haputale via A4 for about 1 hour.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dambetenna Tea Factory

Sample local dishes while soaking in the beautiful views overlooking the tea gardens.
Adjacent to the Lipton’s Seat.
LKR 1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Demodara Loop

Witness the stunning engineering marvel of this railway loop with spectacular valley views.
About a 30-minute drive from the tea factory.
FREE, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Ella

Head back to Ella for a cozy evening.
A scenic drive back taking around 1 hour.
N/A, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Little Kitchen

Relax and enjoy a variety of dishes inspired by local Sri Lankan flavors.
Back in Ella town.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Coastal Finale

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ella Jungle Resort

Enjoy a final breakfast in the serene hills of Ella before heading to Colombo.
On-site at the resort.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Colombo

Set off early for the 3.5 hour drive back to Sri Lanka's vibrant capital city.
Drive along the A1 highway.
N/A, 3.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Gallery Café

Savor a gourmet lunch at this iconic café known for its artful decor and delicious fusion dishes.
In Colombo, easily accessible.
LKR 2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Galle Face Green

Enjoy a leisurely walk at this beautiful oceanfront park, perfect for some relaxation.
Just a 10-minute drive from the café.
FREE, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Colombo Fort

Discover the historical areas of the city blending colonial architecture and vibrant markets.
10 minutes away by car.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Drive to the Airport

Complete your road trip with a drive to the airport, reflecting on the beautiful memories created.
Follow the route to Bandaranaike International Airport for about 1 hour.
N/A, 1 hour
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