Sri Lanka 8-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey with Elephant Orphanage Visit

Day 1: Arrival, Elephant Orphanage & Kandy

Colombo to Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 11, 2025

12:00PM

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo

Arrive from Hyderabad and complete customs formalities, then depart for Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

LKR0, 1h0m

1:00PM

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Explore the famous sanctuary caring for orphaned and injured elephants. Visit during feeding time (9:00AM or 2:00PM) or afternoon river bath at 2:30PM - ideal to see elephants bathing.

LKR2000, 2h0m

3:00PM

Transfer Pinnawala to Kandy

A scenic 1-hour drive from Pinnawala to Kandy, minimizing additional travel.

LKR2000, 1h0m

4:00PM

Check-in at hotel in Kandy

Accommodation options include The Kandy House or Cinnamon Citadel offering comfortable stays in the heart of the city.

LKR0, 1h0m

5:00PM

Evening walk around Kandy Lake

Enjoy a calming walk around the lake with a picturesque view, perfect for unwinding after travel.

LKR0, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at The Kandy Garden Restaurant

Experience traditional Sri Lankan dishes in a cozy ambiance close to the lake.

LKR1500, 1h30m

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Day 2: Kandy Cultural Tour

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast including tropical fruits and Ceylon tea.

Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Visit one of Sri Lanka’s holiest Buddhist sites, best seen in the morning to avoid crowds. Open from 6:00AM.

LKR1500, 1h30m

11:00AM

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Take a short drive to this expansive garden with orchids, giant trees, and shady avenues. Open 7:30AM - 5:30PM.

LKR1500, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Savor delicious South Indian vegetarian specialties near the city center, perfect for a quick, tasty meal.

LKR800, 1h0m

3:00PM

Uda Walawe Forest Reserve hike

Enjoy a nature walk through this peaceful reserve with opportunities to spot monkeys and birds.

LKR0, 2h0m

5:30PM

Kandyan Cultural Dance Show

Witness traditional Kandyan dances and drumming in an entertaining 1-hour show beginning at 5:30PM.

LKR1500, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Empire Cafe

Enjoy a fusion of Sri Lankan and international dishes in a cozy and stylish setting.

LKR2000, 1h30m

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Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast before departure to the hill country.

Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Travel Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Drive through scenic tea plantations and lush hills, with approximate travel time of 3 hours.

LKR7000, 3h0m

12:00PM

Check-in and lunch at The Grand Hotel

Colonial-style accommodation with dining at the Hill Club restaurant featuring Sri Lankan and British cuisine.

LKR2500, 1h30m

2:00PM

Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Explore this stunning garden with sub-tropical flora, open from 8:30AM to 5:00PM.

LKR1000, 1h30m

4:00PM

Gregory Lake Pedal Boat Ride

Relax on the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery with a pedal boat experience.

LKR500, 1h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hill Club Restaurant

Colonial atmosphere dining featuring local and British flavors to end your day.

LKR3000, 1h30m

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Day 4: Train to Ella

Nuwara Eliya to Ella, Sri Lanka on May 14, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final morning meal in Nuwara Eliya.

Included with stay, 1h0m

8:00AM

Transfer to Nanu Oya Station

Short taxi ride to the train station to board scenic train to Ella.

LKR1500, 20m

9:00AM

Train ride Nanu Oya to Ella

Embark on the iconic 6-hour train journey through misty hills, tea plantations, and waterfalls.

LKR700, 6h0m

3:00PM

Check-in at guesthouse in Ella

Choose a place with beautiful valley views like 98 Acres or Mountain Heavens.

LKR0, 30m

4:00PM

Hike Little Adam’s Peak

A moderately easy 1-1.5 hour hike with panoramic views, perfect for afternoon exploration.

LKR0, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Matey Hut

Enjoy casual dining featuring Sri Lankan and Western dishes in a friendly setting.

LKR1200, 1h30m

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Day 5: Ella to Bentota

Ella to Bentota, Sri Lanka on May 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transfer to Bentota on the coast.

Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Transfer Ella to Bentota

Approximately 6-hour scenic private car ride southwest towards the beach town of Bentota.

LKR11000, 6h0m

3:00PM

Check-in at Bentota beach resort

Stay at beachfront resorts such as Avani Bentota or Centara Ceysands for optimal relaxation.

LKR0, 30m

4:00PM

Relax on Bentota Beach

Unwind on the sand and enjoy the coastal views and ocean breeze.

LKR0, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Malli’s Seafood Restaurant

Fresh local seafood served in a casual outdoor setting close to the beach.

LKR1800, 1h30m

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Day 6: Bentota Leisure

Bentota, Sri Lanka on May 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at resort

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of tropical fruit and local specialties.

Included with stay, 1h0m

10:00AM

Bentota River Safari

Enjoy a 2-hour boat safari in the mangroves with wildlife sightings including birds and crocodiles.

LKR3500, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Sea View Cafe

Beachside casual dining with seafood specialties and Sri Lankan dishes.

LKR1500, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit Brief Garden

A short drive to a beautifully curated garden estate by artist Bevis Bawa, ideal for an afternoon stroll.

LKR1500, 1h30m

5:00PM

Relax at resort or beach

Unwind and enjoy sunset views back at your hotel or on the beach.

LKR0, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Lighthouse Cafe

Relaxed dining featuring fresh seafood and fusion dishes near the water’s edge.

LKR1800, 1h30m

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Day 7: Return to Colombo

Bentota to Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Final breakfast in Bentota before transfer to Colombo.

Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Transfer to Colombo

A 2-2.5 hour drive to Colombo for your last night in Sri Lanka.

LKR5000, 2h30m

12:00PM

Hotel Check-in in Colombo

Stay at convenient city hotels such as Cinnamon Red for modern amenities and airport proximity.

LKR0, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Savor world-famous Sri Lankan crab dishes in one of Colombo’s gourmet dining hotspots. Opens 11:30AM to 3PM, and 6:30PM to 10PM.

LKR4000, 1h30m

3:00PM

Galle Face Green

Enjoy a scenic ocean-side stroll and relax in this urban park, perfect for late afternoon.

LKR0, 1h30m

5:00PM

Pettah Market

Experience bustling local markets ideal for last-minute souvenir shopping. Open until evening.

LKR0, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Upali’s by Nawaloka

Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan flavors in a welcoming atmosphere with dishes like kottu and seafood curry.

LKR2000, 1h30m

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Day 8: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before your airport transfer.

Included with stay, 1h0m

8:00AM

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

Allow time for 1-hour drive to the airport and international departure procedures.

LKR2500, 1h0m

11:00AM

Flight back to Hyderabad

Departure from Colombo concluding your memorable Sri Lanka trip.

Varies, N/A

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