4-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of Sri Lanka: Colombo to Kandy, Nuwara Eliya & Ella

Day 1: Colombo to Kandy

Colombo, Sri Lanka to Kandy, Sri Lanka on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Commons Coffee House in Colombo

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at The Commons Coffee House, known for its fresh local produce and great coffee, open from 7:00 AM.
LKR1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel from Colombo to Kandy by car or bus

A scenic 3-hour drive or bus ride through the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, arriving by early afternoon for your sightseeing.
LKR2000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Balaji Dosai in Kandy

Enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine at Balaji Dosai, a local favourite, perfect after your journey.
LKR800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses a sacred relic of the Buddha; open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
LKR1500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Walk around Kandy Lake and local markets

Leisurely stroll around the scenic lake and vibrant local markets offers a taste of local life and crafts.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Kandy House Restaurant

Dine in style at this boutique hotel restaurant offering a fusion of Sri Lankan and Western flavours, open until 10 PM.
LKR2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Train to Nuwara Eliya

Kandy, Sri Lanka to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on April 17, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel in Kandy

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast at your hotel before departing.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train via Nanu Oya station

Board the famous scenic train from Kandy to Nanu Oya station, then transfer by a short taxi to Nuwara Eliya; the train journey offers lush green landscapes and tea plantations, duration around 4-5 hours.
LKR900, 5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Grand Hotel’s The Pub, Nuwara Eliya

Historic hotel offering classic British-style meals in a colonial setting, open from 12 PM.
LKR2000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Enjoy beautiful gardens known for their roses and orchids, open between 8 AM and 6 PM.
LKR1200, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Hill Club Restaurant

Dinner in a colonial-era club with elegant atmosphere; reservations recommended, open until 9 PM.
LKR2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nuwara Eliya to Ella

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

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Start with a hearty breakfast enjoying views of the surrounding hills.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel by car from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

This 2-3 hour scenic drive takes you through tea plantations and beautiful mountain landscapes.
LKR3000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cafe Chill, Ella

A popular spot for travellers with a relaxed atmosphere and local dishes, open from 10 AM.
LKR1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike Little Adam’s Peak

An easy 1.5-2 hour hike offering panoramic views of Ella and the surrounding valleys, great mid-afternoon activity.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Walk to this iconic railway bridge especially beautiful in late afternoon with good light for photos.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Matey Hut, Ella

Enjoy Sri Lankan and western cuisine in a friendly setting, open until 9 PM.
LKR1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Ella to Colombo

Ella, Sri Lanka to Colombo, Sri Lanka on April 19, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at hotel in Ella

Enjoy a quick breakfast in preparation for the travel ahead.
Included, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Travel from Ella to Colombo by car or bus

A 6-7 hour drive back to Colombo along scenic routes through rural Sri Lanka; advisable to start early for a timely arrival.
LKR3500, 7 hours

2:30PM

Lunch stop en route (possible town: Ratnapura)

Stop for a short lunch break at a local restaurant offering Sri Lankan cuisine to recharge during the journey.
LKR1000, 1 hour

5:30PM

Arrive Colombo and check-in

Relax and unwind back in Colombo; consider spending the evening in one of the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods.
Variable, Flexible

7:30PM

Dinner at Ministry of Crab, Colombo

Celebrate your trip with a seafood feast at one of Sri Lanka’s top restaurants specialising in fresh crab dishes; booking ahead is essential.
LKR5000, 2 hours
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