Sri Lanka 8-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey Including Elephant Orphanage from Colombo to Bentota

Day 1: Arrival, Elephant Orphanage, Kandy Transfer

Colombo to Pinnawala and Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 11, 2025

12:00PM

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo

Arrive from Hyderabad and complete customs and immigration procedures.
LKR0, 1h0m

1:00PM

Transfer to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Drive about 1.5 to 2 hours northeast of Colombo to visit the famous Elephant Orphanage, where rescued elephants are cared for and fed.
LKR2500, 2h0m

3:00PM

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Observe baby and adult elephants bathing in the river and feeding sessions. Orphanage is open 8:30AM - 6:00PM.
LKR1500, 1h30m

4:30PM

Transfer Pinnawala to Kandy

Short 45-minute drive south-west to Kandy for check-in and overnight stay.
LKR2000, 45m

5:15PM

Check-in at the hotel in Kandy

Settle into comfortable accommodation centrally located for ease of exploration.
LKR0, 45m

6:00PM

Evening walk around Kandy Lake

Enjoy a peaceful walk by the lake to unwind and take in the serene atmosphere at sunset.
LKR0, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Kandy Garden Restaurant

Experience flavorful Sri Lankan dishes in a garden setting near 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 the day with a wholesome breakfast at the hotel.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Visit this iconic Buddhist temple housing the sacred tooth relic of Buddha with beautiful architecture and serene ambiance. Open from 6:00AM to 8:30PM.
LKR1500, 1h30m

11:00AM

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens

Explore the expansive gardens with orchids, palms, and giant trees. Open 7:30AM to 5:30PM.
LKR1500, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian meals such as dosas and idlis near Kandy center.
LKR800, 1h0m

3:00PM

Udawattakele Forest Reserve walk

A short and refreshing nature walk inside this protected forest reserve to spot wildlife and native plants.
LKR0, 2h0m

5:30PM

Cultural Dance Show at Kandyan Art Association

Experience traditional Kandyan dance performances and drumming from 5:30PM - 6:30PM.
LKR1500, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at The Empire Cafe

Relax with a fusion of local and western dishes in a vibrant yet cozy setting.
LKR2000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a morning meal before the mountain journey.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Transfer Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Drive through picturesque tea plantations and cool climate hills taking around 2.5 to 3 hours.
LKR7000, 3h0m

12:00PM

Check-in and Lunch at The Grand Hotel

Settle into the elegant colonial-style hotel and enjoy a classic lunch with Sri Lankan and British influences.
LKR2500, 1h30m

2:00PM

Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens with a huge variety of tropical and temperate plants. Open 8:30AM - 5:00PM.
LKR1000, 1h30m

4:00PM

Rowing Boat on Gregory Lake

Relax with a peaceful boating experience on the serene lake surrounded by hills.
LKR500, 1h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hill Club Restaurant

Experience historic charm and elegant dining with a mix of local dishes and colonial specialties.
LKR3000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Scenic Train to Ella

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

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day refreshed with a hearty breakfast.
Included with stay, 1h0m

8:00AM

Taxi to Nanu Oya Station

Quick 20-minute transfer to the railway station for your train to Ella.
LKR1500, 20m

9:00AM

Train from Nanu Oya to Ella

Enjoy a breathtaking 6-hour train journey through tea estates, waterfalls, and misty mountains.
LKR700, 6h0m

3:00PM

Arrival in Ella and check-in

Rest at a scenic accommodation like 98 Acres Resort or Mountain Heavens with spectacular valley views.
LKR0, 30m

4:00PM

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak

A moderately easy 1-1.5 hour hike offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations.
LKR0, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Matey Hut

Enjoy casual dining with a mix of Sri Lankan and Western dishes, perfect for a relaxed evening.
LKR1200, 1h30m
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Day 5: Ella to Bentota Transfer

Ella to Bentota, Sri Lanka on May 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast and hotel checkout

Have a leisurely breakfast before heading towards the coast.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Transfer Ella to Bentota

Private car drive approximately 5-6 hours to Bentota beach town, passing Colombo en route.
LKR11000, 6h0m

3:00PM

Check-in at Bentota resort

Stay at comfortable beachfront resorts such as Avani Bentota Resort or Centara Ceysands.
LKR0, 30m

4:00PM

Relax on Bentota Beach

Unwind on golden sands with calm sea and tropical breeze.
LKR0, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Malli’s Seafood Restaurant

Fresh seafood served authentic Sri Lankan style in a laid-back open-air environment.
LKR1800, 1h30m
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Day 6: Bentota Leisure Day

Bentota, Sri Lanka on May 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at resort

Start the day with a relaxing breakfast including tropical fruits and juices.
Included with stay, 1h0m

10:00AM

Bentota River Safari

Take a 2-hour boat safari exploring mangroves, spotting wildlife such as birds and crocodiles in the peaceful Bentota River estuary.
LKR3500, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Sea View Cafe

Enjoy fresh seafood or Sri Lankan specialties with ocean views in a casual setting.
LKR1500, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit Brief Garden

Wander the artistic landscaped garden created by Bevis Bawa, featuring tropical plants and sculptures, just 10 minutes from Bentota.
LKR1500, 1h30m

5:00PM

Evening relaxation

Return to resort for leisure, beach time, or spa treatments.
LKR0, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Lighthouse Cafe

Savor fresh seafood in a vibrant and picturesque waterfront setting.
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

Enjoy your morning meal before heading back to Colombo.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Private transfer Bentota to Colombo

Drive approximately 2-2.5 hours to Colombo city for your final night.
LKR5000, 2h30m

12:00PM

Check-in at Colombo hotel

Choose a convenient location such as Cinnamon Red or Galle Face Hotel.
LKR0, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Dine at Sri Lanka’s acclaimed seafood restaurant, specializing in fresh crab dishes. Open 11:30AM - 3:00PM, 6:30PM - 10:00PM.
LKR4000, 1h30m

3:00PM

Walk along Galle Face Green

Enjoy fresh sea breeze and watch locals fly kites at this ocean-side urban park.
LKR0, 1h30m

5:00PM

Shopping at Pettah Market

Browse lively open-air markets in Colombo for spices, textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
LKR0, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Upali’s by Nawaloka

Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with specialties like kottu and seafood curries in a warm setting.
LKR2000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 18, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before checking out and your departure transfer.
Included with stay, 1h0m

8:00AM

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

Leave for the airport allowing ample time for arrival and check-in for your international flight back to Hyderabad.
LKR2500, 1h0m

11:00AM

Departure flight to Hyderabad

Fly home after a restful and scenic Sri Lankan adventure.
Varies, N/A
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