10-Day Sri Lankan Adventure: Budget-Friendly Private Tour with Hotels

Day 1: Arrival & Colombo Tour

Colombo, Sri Lanka on April 29, 2025

9:00am

Arrive in Colombo and Hotel Check-in

Settle into an affordable 3-star hotel such as Hotel Tree Of Life located centrally for easy access to city sites.
USD50, 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at The Gallery Café

Enjoy a breakfast of Sri Lankan hoppers and fresh juice in a stylish colonial setting open from 8:00am to 3:00pm.
USD6, 1h0m

11:30am

Colombo City Tour

Visit Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, and Independence Square to experience Colombo's culture and history.
USD15 (private driver & entrance fees), 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Taste Sri Lanka’s famous crab dishes in this highly recommended restaurant, open 12:00pm to 11:00pm.
USD20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or explore downtown Colombo

Rest or take a short stroll around the local markets and cafes downtown.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Upali's by Nawaloka

Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with popular dishes like kottu roti in a casual dining setting, open until 10:00pm.
USD10, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Sigiriya Exploration

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a buffet breakfast at your Colombo hotel before checking out.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Sigiriya

Private driver transport to Sigiriya (approx. 4-hour drive) enjoying scenic countryside views.
USD100 (driver & fuel), 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sigiriya Village Hotel

Have a light Sri Lankan rice and curry meal at the hotel restaurant, open from 11:00am to 3:00pm.
USD8, 1h0m

1:30pm

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site with its ancient frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic views. Open 7:00am to 5:30pm.
USD30, 2h0m

3:30pm

Check-in Hotel in Sigiriya

Stay at a budget-friendly guesthouse such as Sigiriya Village for convenient access to attractions.
USD40, 0h30m

4:00pm

Visit Pidurangala Rock (optional)

For great views of Sigiriya Rock, climb nearby Pidurangala Rock, open till sunset.
USD10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a home-cooked style Sri Lankan dinner at your hotel.
USD8, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Dambulla & Travel to Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin with a traditional breakfast at the hotel before exploring nearby attractions.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore the famous rock temple with stunning Buddhist murals and statues, open 7:00am to 7:00pm.
USD15, 2h0m

10:30am

Travel to Kandy

Private transport to Kandy with a scenic route through Sri Lanka's hill country (approx. 2.5 hours).
USD50, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Empire Cafe

Dine on local Sri Lankan dishes and fresh vegetables in a cozy cafe setting, open 8:00am to 9:00pm.
USD8, 1h0m

2:00pm

Check-in to Kandy Hotel

Book a budget hotel such as Hotel Thilanka, centrally located for sightseeing.
USD40, 0h30m

2:30pm

Kandy Lake and City Walk

Stroll around iconic Kandy Lake then visit the local market and shops for souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic

Experience the sacred Buddhist temple, open until 8:00pm with evening ceremonies at 6:00pm.
USD10, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Enjoy vegetarian South Indian dosas and Sri Lankan sweets at this popular local spot, open till 9:00pm.
USD6, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Kandy Cultural Day

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast to fuel a full day of cultural exploration.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Explore the vast botanical gardens with exotic plants, orchids, and the iconic avenue of palm trees, open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
USD15, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at The Garden Cafe

Enjoy light meals and fresh juices in a garden setting near the botanical gardens, open until 4:00pm.
USD8, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Kandy National Museum

Discover Kandy’s history, art, and culture at this well-curated museum, open 9:00am to 4:00pm.
USD5, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Udawattakele Forest Reserve

Take a tranquil walk through this forest reserve known for wildlife and birdwatching, open till 6:00pm.
USD2, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to hotel and relax

Rest and freshen up before dinner.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar

Savor wood-fired pizzas and tropical cocktails in a casual atmosphere, open till 11:00pm.
USD12, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya & Tea Tours

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing for the hill country.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Private driver takes you through scenic tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya, approx. 2.5-hour drive.
USD70, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in Hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Stay at a charming budget hotel like the Hotel Dream World for easy access to attractions.
USD40, 0h30m

11:30am

Visit a Tea Plantation and Factory Tour

Discover tea processing at a local plantation such as Mackwoods Labookellie, open 8:00am to 4:00pm.
USD10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Grand Indian

Enjoy Indian and Sri Lankan fusion dishes in a cozy restaurant, open 11:00am to 9:00pm.
USD9, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Victoria Park

Relax in this beautifully maintained garden with colorful flowerbeds and a tranquil pond, open till sunset.
USD2, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Gregory Lake

Take a walk or paddle boat ride around the scenic lake, open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
USD5, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hill Club Restaurant

Dine on colonial-style dishes in an old-world ambiance, open 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
USD12, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Horton Plains & Travel to Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 4, 2025

5:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast for the morning hike to Horton Plains.
Included, 0h30m

6:00am

Visit Horton Plains National Park

Hike to World's End and Baker's Falls, open 6:00am to 6:00pm. Entrance fee included.
USD25, 4h0m

11:00am

Travel to Ella

Scenic private transfer to Ella, approx. 2.5-hour drive with stunning mountain views.
USD60, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Chill

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with international and local dishes, open 9:00am to 10:00pm.
USD8, 1h0m

2:30pm

Check-in Hotel in Ella

Stay at budget hotels like Ella Rock House for easy access to hiking trails.
USD35, 0h30m

3:00pm

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Walk to and photograph the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a marvel surrounded by jungle and tea plantations.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax and explore Ella town

Visit local shops and cafés for tea or fresh juice.
Minimal, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Matey Hut

Local Sri Lankan dishes and vegetarian options in a casual setting, open till 9:00pm.
USD7, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Explore Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a light breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Hike Ella Rock

Enjoy a 2-3 hour hike for panoramic views of the valleys and mountains.
Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at AK Ristoro

Taste Italian-inspired dishes and fresh pasta, open 10:00am to 9:00pm.
USD10, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Diyaluma Falls

Take a short trip to see Sri Lanka’s second highest waterfall with impressive scenery.
USD10 (transport), 3h0m

4:30pm

Return to Ella and relax

Rest up for the evening at your hotel or nearby café.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chill Cafe

Casual dining with local and western options, open till 10:00pm.
USD8, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Yala Safari

Yala, Sri Lanka on May 6, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing.
Included, 0h30m

6:30am

Travel to Yala National Park

Private transfer to Yala, about 3.5 hours from Ella with wildlife-rich landscapes en route.
USD80, 3h30m

10:00am

Check-in Hotel near Yala

Stay at a mid-range guesthouse like Cinnamon Wild Yala for comfort near the park.
USD45, 0h30m

11:00am

Lunch at Hotel or Nearby Restaurant

Simple Sri Lankan lunch focusing on fresh ingredients, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
USD8, 1h0m

12:30pm

Afternoon Safari in Yala National Park

Explore the park to spot elephants, leopards, and diverse birds; safari runs approx. 3-4 hours, open 6:00am to 6:00pm.
USD50 (private jeep & park fee), 4h0m

5:00pm

Return to Hotel & Relax

Rest after an exciting safari experience.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy dinner at your hotel with local and international options.
USD10, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Beach Time at Mirissa

Mirissa, Sri Lanka on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with breakfast ready for a day at the beach.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Mirissa Beach

Private transfer to Mirissa, approx. 2.5 hours via southern coast route.
USD60, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in Hotel near Mirissa Beach

Choose budget options like Mirissa Beach Hostel or small guesthouses near the shore.
USD35, 0h30m

11:30am

Relax at Mirissa Beach

Spend time swimming, sunbathing or enjoying water sports options available on the beach.
Free or minimal for rentals, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Zephyr Restaurant & Bar

Casual beachfront dining featuring seafood and international dishes, open till 10:00pm.
USD10, 1h0m

3:30pm

Optional Whale Watching (seasonal)

If in season (Nov-Apr), book an afternoon whale watch tour; check availability and costs locally.
USD35, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Salt Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and Sri Lankan specialties with sunset views, open till 10:00pm.
USD12, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return & Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Mirissa to get ready for the journey back.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel back to Colombo

Private transfer returning to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, approx. 3-hour drive.
USD60, 3h0m

11:00am

Lunch at Colombo Airport

Grab a quick meal before your flight at airport eateries.
USD8, 1h0m

1:00pm

Departure from Colombo

Complete check-in and board your flight home with wonderful Sri Lankan memories.
Included, N/A
View Hotel Availability