5-Day Budget-Friendly India to Sri Lanka Itinerary for Two

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Colombo and Negombo, Sri Lanka on May 3, 2025

10:30am

Flight from India to Colombo

Catch an early morning flight from India (e.g., Chennai or Bangalore) to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. Flights with budget airlines like SriLankan Airlines or IndiGo can be found around 10,000 INR per person round trip if booked in advance.
INR20000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Transfer to Negombo

Take a 30-minute taxi or shuttle from Colombo airport to the beach town of Negombo, known for its relaxed vibe and seafood.
INR1000, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Lords Restaurant, Negombo

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at Lords Restaurant, open 11am to 10pm, offering Sri Lankan specialties within budget.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Negombo Beach Walk

Relax and stroll along Negombo Beach, enjoy the sunset and the local fishing community ambiance.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in Budget Hotel

Book a budget hotel like Jetwing Blue or a guesthouse around INR2000 per night.
INR2000, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at The Palms Restaurant

Try some traditional Sri Lankan curry dishes for dinner; the restaurant is open until 10pm.
INR700, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a Sri Lankan style breakfast featuring hoppers and tea.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Kandy

Take a scenic 3-hour train ride or drive from Negombo to Kandy, witnessing lush landscapes.
INR1500, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

Explore this sacred Buddhist temple housing the relic of the tooth of Buddha; open 5:30am-8pm.
LKR1500 (approx INR600), 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Try South Indian vegetarian dishes popular in Kandy, budget-friendly and open till 9pm.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Visit the expansive botanical gardens with tropical flora; open 7:30am-6pm, entry fee applies.
LKR1500 (approx INR600), 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Loving Hut Kandy

Enjoy a variety of vegan and vegetarian foods in a budget-friendly setting open until 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m

8:00pm

Overnight at Guesthouse in Kandy

Stay at a budget guesthouse, around INR1500 per night.
INR1500, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Scenic Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Local Sri Lankan breakfast to fuel your day in the cool hill station.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Nuwara Eliya by Train or Taxi

Take a picturesque 2.5 to 3-hour journey through tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya.
INR1500, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Gregory Lake

Enjoy boating and lakeside walks; entry free, boating approx LKR700 (~INR280).
INR280, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Grand Indian

A popular spot for Indian and Sri Lankan dishes, budget-friendly, open noon to 9pm.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit a Tea Factory and Plantation

Explore tea processing and sample fresh Ceylon tea; available open till 5pm.
Free or small donation, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk in Victoria Park

Relax in this well-maintained park, ideal for an afternoon walk, open 5am to 8pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hill Club

Experience colonial charm with local cuisine; moderate pricing but worth it for atmosphere.
INR1000, 1h30m

9:00pm

Overnight at Budget Guesthouse

Rest in a cozy budget guesthouse, cost approx INR1500 per night.
INR1500, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nature and Views in Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Eat a fresh and simple breakfast to start your day.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel to Ella by Train or Taxi

The scenic 2-hour journey to Ella offers spectacular views of the mountains and tea fields.
INR1000, 2h0m

10:30am

Hike Little Adam's Peak

A relatively easy 1.5-hour hike culminating in stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chill Cafe

Popular cafe offering fusion dishes and coffee, open 8am-9pm, budget-friendly.
INR700, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Walk to this iconic railway bridge, a must-see and great for photos; free access.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Ella town

Explore shops and markets, enjoy tea or snacks at local cafes.
INR300, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Where Else

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with local and international options; moderately priced.
INR800, 1h0m

8:00pm

Overnight at Budget Guesthouse

Stay at an affordable guesthouse, costing around INR1500.
INR1500, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return Home

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy a quick breakfast before departure.
Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Travel Back to Colombo Airport

Take a 5-hour bus or private taxi from Ella to Colombo; start early to catch your flight.
INR2500, 5h0m

1:30pm

Arrive Colombo Airport and Check-in

Prepare for departure back to India; allow time for airport security and boarding.
N/A, 2h0m

3:30pm

Flight to India

Catch your flight home, ending your budget-friendly Sri Lanka adventure.
Included in initial flight cost, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability