Sri Lanka 8-Day Journey Including Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage from Colombo to Bentota

Day 1: Arrival, Elephant Orphanage, Kandy

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

12:00PM

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo

Arrive from Hyderabad and clear customs. Prepare for onward travel to Pinnawala.
LKR0, 1h0m

1:00PM

Transfer to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Drive approximately 2 hours northeast to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary for rescued elephants. Watching the elephants bathe and feed is a must-see experience.
LKR2000, 2h0m

3:00PM

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Observe the herd of elephants at feeding and bathing times; orphanage open from 8:30AM to 5:30PM.
LKR2000, 1h30m

4:30PM

Transfer from Pinnawala to Kandy

A scenic 1-hour drive to Kandy where you will stay for the night.
LKR3000, 1h0m

5:30PM

Check-in at a hotel in Kandy

Choose a central hotel such as Cinnamon Citadel for comfort and riverside views.
LKR0, 30m

6:00PM

Evening walk around Kandy Lake

Enjoy a peaceful walk by the lake and see the sunset with city views.
LKR0, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Kandy Garden Restaurant

Savor authentic Sri Lankan dishes with spices and flavors near the lakefront.
LKR1500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kandy Cultural Tour

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy fresh tropical fruits, traditional Sri Lankan breakfast, and tea.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic

One of Sri Lanka’s most significant Buddhist sites, housing relic of the Buddha’s tooth. Open at 6:00AM; morning visit recommended to avoid crowds.
LKR1500, 1h30m

11:00AM

Explore Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens

Beautiful gardens with orchids, palms, and a giant Javan fig tree; open 7:30AM to 5:30PM.
LKR1500, 2h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Delicious South Indian vegetarian meals close to Kandy center, perfect for a quick and tasty lunch.
LKR800, 1h0m

3:00PM

Udawattakele Forest Reserve walk

Take a serene hike through this historic forest reserve just north of Kandy, great for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
LKR0, 2h0m

5:30PM

Attend Kandyan Cultural Dance Show

Enjoy a traditional dance and drumming show lasting about an hour, performed daily at 5:30PM.
LKR1500, 1h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Empire Cafe

A cozy restaurant offering a mix of Sri Lankan and Western dishes with a charming ambiance.
LKR2000, 1h30m
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Day 3: To Nuwara Eliya

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy the hotel breakfast before departing for the scenic hill country drive.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Transfer Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Approximately 3-hour private car drive through beautiful tea plantations and mountainous terrain.
LKR7000, 3h0m

12:00PM

Check-in and lunch at The Grand Hotel

Experience colonial style accommodations and dine at the in-house restaurant with scenic views.
LKR2500, 1h30m

2:00PM

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Explore these extensive and colorful botanical gardens open from 8:30AM to 5:00PM, famous for its orchids and flora.
LKR1000, 1h30m

4:00PM

Boat ride on Gregory Lake

Enjoy a peaceful pedal boat ride on the lake surrounded by hills and greenery.
LKR500, 1h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hill Club Restaurant

Colonial-themed dining offering local and British cuisine in elegant surroundings.
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

Hearty breakfast before heading to Nanu Oya station for your train journey.
Included with stay, 1h0m

8:00AM

Transfer to Nanu Oya Train Station

Short taxi ride (about 20 minutes) from Nuwara Eliya to the station.
LKR1500, 20m

9:00AM

Train from Nanu Oya to Ella

Scenic 6-hour train ride through picturesque tea plantations, waterfalls, and lush greenery.
LKR700, 6h0m

3:00PM

Arrival and check-in at Ella hotel

Settle into a scenic hotel like 98 Acres Resort or Mountain Heavens, both offering fantastic valley views.
LKR0, 30m

4:00PM

Hike Little Adam’s Peak

An easy 1-1.5 hour hike with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and tea estates.
LKR0, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Matey Hut

Cozy eatery offering Sri Lankan and Western dishes, perfect after a day of travel and activity.
LKR1200, 1h30m
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Day 5: Ella to Bentota

Ella to Bentota, Sri Lanka on May 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast and hotel checkout

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your long drive to the southern coast.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Private transfer Ella to Bentota

Approximate 6-hour transfer along coastal and inland roads to Bentota beach resort area.
LKR11000, 6h0m

3:00PM

Check-in at Bentota beachfront resort

Select from resorts such as Avani Bentota Resort or Centara Ceysands Resort with beach access and modern amenities.
LKR0, 30m

4:00PM

Relax on Bentota Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon on the golden sands with gentle waves and beachside atmosphere.
LKR0, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Malli’s Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh Sri Lankan seafood in a casual and vibrant open-air setting.
LKR1800, 1h30m
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Day 6: Bentota Leisure Day

Bentota, Sri Lanka on May 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at resort

Start your day with tropical fruits, fresh juices, and Sri Lankan specialties at your resort.
Included with stay, 1h0m

10:00AM

Bentota River Safari

Guided boat tour through the Bentota mangroves to spot wildlife including birds, turtles, and crocodiles; tours last about 2 hours.
LKR3500, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Sea View Cafe

Casual seaside dining with fresh seafood and Sri Lankan staples.
LKR1500, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit Brief Garden

Explore a beautifully landscaped estate garden created by artist Bevis Bawa, around 10 minutes from Bentota; great for an afternoon stroll.
LKR1500, 1h30m

5:00PM

Evening relaxation at resort or the beach

Enjoy the sunset and amenities of your beachfront resort at a leisurely pace.
LKR0, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Lighthouse Cafe

Serve fresh seafood and local dishes in a relaxed harbor-side atmosphere.
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 final breakfast on the coast before leaving for Colombo.
Included with stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Transfer Bentota to Colombo

Drive approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to Colombo for your last evening.
LKR5000, 2h30m

12:00PM

Check-in at Colombo hotel

Stay near the city center or airport, for example Cinnamon Red, for convenience and comfort.
LKR0, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

World-renowned restaurant in Colombo specializing in exquisite crab dishes. Open 11:30AM-3PM and 6:30PM-10PM.
LKR4000, 1h30m

3:00PM

Visit Galle Face Green

Oceanfront urban park ideal for an afternoon walk and sunset views.
LKR0, 1h30m

5:00PM

Explore Pettah Market

Experience vibrant market stalls selling spices, handicrafts, and textiles, open until early evening.
LKR0, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Upali’s by Nawaloka

Traditional Sri Lankan dishes served in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
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 checkout and transfer to the airport.
Included with stay, 1h0m

8:00AM

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

Allow ample time for travel, check-in, and security at the airport.
LKR2500, 1h0m

11:00AM

Flight to Hyderabad

Depart Colombo after a memorable Sri Lankan journey covering culture, nature, and beach relaxation.
Varies, N/A
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