7-Day Cultural and Natural Exploration of Sri Lanka

Day 1: Colombo City Introduction

Colombo, Sri Lanka on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Barefoot Garden Café

Enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast set in a tranquil garden environment; known for fresh local ingredients and great coffee.
LKR1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore one of Colombo’s most important temples which combines modern architecture with cultural heritage, plus a museum with an extensive collection of artifacts.
LKR200, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Colombo National Museum

Discover Sri Lanka’s rich history through its largest museum, with exhibits spanning ancient artifacts to colonial times.
LKR1500, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Savor fresh, world-class seafood, especially their famous crab dishes in a chic setting; a must-do culinary experience in Colombo.
LKR6000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Stroll along Galle Face Green

Relax and take in ocean views at this large urban park, perfect for people watching and watching sunset kites.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Upali’s by Nawaloka

Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with friendly service, featuring traditional dishes such as rice and curry.
LKR2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Ancient Heritage Sites

Sigiriya & Dambulla, Sri Lanka on April 16, 2025

7:00AM

Travel to Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Drive approximately 4 hours from Colombo to Sigiriya to explore the iconic rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
LKR5000 (transport), 4 hours

11:30AM

Climb Sigiriya Rock

Ascend this 5th-century fortress famous for frescoes and panoramic views over the lush surroundings.
LKR4500, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Sigiriya Village Hotel Restaurant

Relax with a buffet lunch offering local Sri Lankan and international dishes following the climb.
LKR2000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore the nearby UNESCO World Heritage cave temple complex adorned with ancient Buddhist mural paintings and statues.
LKR1500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Sigiriya Village

End the day with a dinner of traditional rice and curry and grilled seafood in a cozy and atmospheric setting.
LKR2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Kandy Cultural Experience

Kandy, Sri Lanka on April 17, 2025

7:30AM

Travel to Kandy

Take a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Sigiriya to Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka.
LKR3500 (transport), 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic

Tour this sacred Buddhist temple housing the relic of the tooth of Buddha, important for Sri Lankan culture and religion.
LKR1500, 1 hour

11:30AM

Kandy Lake Walk

Enjoy a gentle walk around the serene Kandy Lake in the heart of the city.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Taste authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes including dosas and idlis in Kandy’s well-loved eatery.
LKR800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Visit these expansive gardens boasting over 4000 species of plants including orchids, spices, and medicinal plants; open until 6 PM.
LKR1500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Attend Kandy Cultural Dance Show

Watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the hill country.
LKR1000, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Empire Café

Dine in a charming café offering a fusion of Sri Lankan and Western dishes in a relaxed setting.
LKR1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Tea Country & Scenic Views

Nuwara Eliya & Ella, Sri Lanka on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Depart Kandy for Nuwara Eliya

Start the day with a 2.5-hour drive to Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England’ for its colonial architecture and cool climate.
LKR3500 (transport), 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit a Tea Plantation and Factory

Tour a working tea plantation to learn about the tea-making process and sample fresh Ceylon tea.
LKR1000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Grand Indian

Enjoy authentic Indian and Sri Lankan curries in the historic town center.
LKR1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Gregory Lake

Relax with a lakeside walk or pedal boat ride; the park area is great for photos and unwinding.
LKR500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Travel to Ella by train

Take the scenic 3-hour train journey from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station) to Ella, renowned for breathtaking views of tea country hills.
LKR500, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Cafe Chill Ella

Relax and enjoy a mix of western and local dishes with a casual, friendly atmosphere.
LKR1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Ella Nature Trekking

Ella, Sri Lanka on April 19, 2025

7:00AM

Morning hike to Ella Rock

Embark on an iconic hiking trail offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys; allow 3-4 hours round trip.
Free, 4 hours

11:30AM

Breakfast at Matey’s Café

Refuel with hearty homemade brunch including pancakes and fresh juices in a cozy setting.
LKR1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Ravana Falls

Short tuk-tuk ride to the spectacular waterfall, a great spot for photos and enjoying nature.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Ella town

Explore local cafes, shops, and markets to experience small town charm.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 98 Acres Resort & Spa Restaurant

Dine with scenic views over lush tea plantations and enjoy Sri Lankan and international cuisine.
LKR3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Coastal Galle Exploration

Galle, Sri Lanka on April 20, 2025

7:30AM

Travel from Ella to Galle

Drive about 5-6 hours along the southern coast, arriving in the historic fortified city of Galle.
LKR6000 (transport), 6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Poonie’s Kitchen

Freshly prepared local organic dishes focusing on vegetarian options within Galle Fort.
LKR1500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Galle Fort

Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage site, visiting historic ramparts, lighthouse, museums, and charming streets.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Sunset at Galle Fort Ramparts

Experience incredible sunset views over the Indian Ocean while relaxing on the fort walls.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Tuna & The Crab

Savor fresh seafood and creative dishes in an atmospheric setting inside Galle Fort.
LKR4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Colombo & Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Galle Fort Bakery

Enjoy fresh baked pastries and locally brewed coffee to start your last day.
LKR800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Colombo

Drive back to Colombo (around 2 hours) allowing time for connections or last minute shopping.
LKR3500 (transport), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nihonbashi Colombo

Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at this highly regarded restaurant, a delightful change from local flavors.
LKR3000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Last Minute Souvenir Shopping at Odel

Browse a popular department store for souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts close to the airport.
Variable, 1 hour

4:00PM

Departure Preparation

Return to your accommodation or proceed to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure.
Transport varies, Varies
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