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8-Day Cultural and Nature Adventure from Chennai to Sri Lanka: Colombo, Ella, Yala, Mirissa and Galle

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Day 1: Arrival & Travel

Colombo to Ella, Sri Lanka on May 17, 2025

9:55AM

Flight Chennai to Colombo

Flight departs from Chennai at 9:55 AM and lands in Colombo at 11:20 AM, followed by migration formalities finishing around 12 PM.
Included in airfare, 1h 25m

12:30PM

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Visit this famous orphanage to see and interact with rescued elephants. It's a fantastic opportunity to observe these majestic animals in a protected environment.
LKR 2000, 2h

3:00PM

Drive to Ella

Enjoy a scenic drive (approx 4-5 hours) from Pinnawala to Ella, a picturesque hill town known for its breathtaking views and cooler climate.
Private transfer approx LKR 10000, 4h 30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Chill Cafe, Ella

Dine at Chill Cafe known for its vibrant atmosphere and a mix of local and international dishes, perfect for your first night in Ella.
LKR 1500, 1h
Find Hotels in Colombo to Ella

Day 2: Ella Sightseeing

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe One Love

Start your day with a healthy breakfast at Cafe One Love, featuring fresh juices, coffees, and Sri Lankan breakfasts.
LKR 800, 1h

9:30AM

Nine Arch Bridge

Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a magnificent colonial era bridge nestled in the jungle. Best experienced via the scenic train route or a short hike.
Free, 1h

11:00AM

Little Adam's Peak

Take a gentle hike to Little Adam's Peak. The trek offers panoramic views of tea plantations and valleys.
Free, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Matey Hut

Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan home-cooked style food, popular for its spicy rice and curry dishes.
LKR 1200, 1h

3:00PM

Ravana Falls

Visit Ravana Falls, a stunning multi-tiered waterfall perfect for photos and a short refreshing break.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at AK Ristoro

Enjoy Italian and Sri Lankan fusion dishes with great ambience and views in Ella.
LKR 1800, 1h
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Day 3: Nature & Relaxation

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at 360 Ella

Light breakfast at this rooftop cafe with panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
LKR 800, 1h

9:30AM

Hidden Waterfalls & Caves Exploration

Take a guided tour or hike to discover hidden waterfalls and caves around Ella, immersing in untouched nature.
LKR 3000 (guide fee), 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at Dream Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Dream Cafe, known for vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
LKR 1100, 1h

2:30PM

Afternoon Chill

Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring local shops, cafes or relaxing at your accommodation.
Free, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Chill

Return to Cafe Chill to savour local delicacies in a lively evening atmosphere.
LKR 1500, 1h
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Day 4: Travel & Wildlife

Ella to Mirissa via Yala National Park, Sri Lanka on May 20, 2025

7:00AM

Check out Ella

Early morning check-out to maximise time at Yala National Park.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Yala National Park

Journey towards Yala National Park, famous for its wildlife including elephants and leopards. Drive is approx 3h 30m.
Private transfer approx LKR 9000, 3h 30m

12:00PM

Yala National Park Safari

Afternoon jeep safari inside the park; explore diverse fauna and beautiful landscapes. Safari lasts approx 3 hours.
LKR 7000 (park + jeep), 3h

4:30PM

Drive to Mirissa

After safari, transfer to the beach town of Mirissa, about 2 hours away for overnight stay.
Private transfer approx LKR 6000, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Zephyr Restaurant

Savour fresh seafood and Sri Lankan cuisine right by the beach in Mirissa.
LKR 1800, 1h
Find Hotels in Ella to Mirissa via Yala National Park

Day 5: Beach & Adventure

Mirissa, Sri Lanka on May 21, 2025

6:00AM

Whale Watching Tour

Early morning boat tour to watch blue whales and dolphins off Mirissa coast. Tours run from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
LKR 12000, 4h

10:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe W

Relax after the tour with a wholesome breakfast, featuring fresh fruit and coffee.
LKR 900, 1h

12:00PM

Turtle Snorkeling at Kosgoda

Head towards Kosgoda beach for turtle snorkeling, a chance to swim near sea turtles in natural surroundings.
LKR 4000, 2h

3:00PM

Surfing at Mirissa Beach

Spend the afternoon trying surfing with board rentals and lessons available for beginners and intermediates.
LKR 3000, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Salt Restaurant

End your day with beachside dining offering a choice of international and Sri Lankan dishes.
LKR 2000, 1h
Find Hotels in Mirissa

Day 6: History & Culture

Galle day trip from Mirissa, Sri Lanka on May 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation before travelling to Galle.
Included in stay, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Galle Fort

Travel approx 1 hour to the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site blending colonial and local architecture.
LKR 1500 transfer, 1h

10:00AM

Explore Galle Fort

Walk along the ramparts, visit the lighthouse, museums and boutiques within the fort precinct.
Free, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at The Fort Printers

Dine at this chic restaurant inside the fort offering modern Sri Lankan and Western dishes.
LKR 1800, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Dutch Reformed Church & Maritime Museum

Explore two key sites that showcase the history of the forts and Sri Lanka’s maritime heritage.
Free, 1h 30m

4:30PM

Return to Mirissa

Drive back to Mirissa for a relaxed evening.
LKR 1500, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Mandara

Sample fresh seafood and local dishes in this intimate Mirissa restaurant.
LKR 1500, 1h
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Day 7: Relax & Shop

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 23, 2025

7:00AM

Check out Mirissa

Early morning check-out and travel to Colombo by car, approx 2.5-3 hour drive.
Private transfer LKR 9000, 3h

10:00AM

Breakfast at Barefoot Garden Cafe, Colombo

Enjoy breakfast in a relaxed garden setting with excellent coffee and fresh local fare.
LKR 1100, 1h

11:30AM

Shopping at Odel & Arcade Independence Square

Visit Odel, a popular fashion and souvenir store, and walk Arcade Independence Square for crafts and boutique shopping.
Free entry, 3h

2:30PM

Lunch at Upali's by Nawaloka

Taste authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in this well-regarded Colombo restaurant.
LKR 1200, 1h

4:00PM

City Chilling and Walk at Galle Face Green

Relax with a sunset walk along the oceanfront promenade, popular with locals and tourists alike.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Celebrate your last dinner in Sri Lanka with fresh crab dishes at one of Colombo’s top restaurants.
LKR 4000, 1h 30m
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Day 8: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation before the airport transfer.
Included in stay, 1h

10:30AM

Check out and transfer to Colombo Airport

Leave for Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.
LKR 3000, 1h

1:30PM

Return Flight from Colombo

Board your flight departing from Colombo at 1:30 PM to return home.
Included in airfare, -
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