5-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Sri Lanka

Day 1: Cultural Introduction

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Kumbuk

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast with organic, local ingredients in a sustainable café known for friendly vibes and delicious Sri Lankan fare.
LKR1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore one of Colombo's most important Buddhist temples, rich with statues and artifacts reflecting Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage.
LKR200, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Viharamahadevi Park

Relax and enjoy the greenery at Colombo’s largest park, ideal for a short stroll and photo opportunities near the large statue of Queen Viharamahadevi.
Free, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Savour high-quality Sri Lankan seafood, especially their famous crab dishes in a stylish setting in Colombo’s Dutch Hospital precinct.
LKR3500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Colombo National Museum

Discover Sri Lanka’s history, culture and arts with extensive exhibits showcasing relics from ancient kingdoms.
LKR1500, 2h

6:00pm

Sunset at Galle Face Green

Enjoy a walk along the oceanfront promenade, kite flying, and local street foods as you watch the sunset.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Gallery Café

Dine in an elegant colonial building offering a fusion menu of international and Sri Lankan dishes with artistic flair.
LKR2800, 1h30m

Day 2: Hill Country Charm

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Colombo

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before departure, with local fruits and Sri Lankan specialties.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Kandy (approx 3 hours)

Drive northeast to the cultural capital set amid hills, offering scenic views and cultural richness.
Transport approx LKR6000 by taxi, 3h

11:30am

Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic

Explore this sacred Buddhist site believed to house a tooth relic of the Buddha; a key pilgrimage site.
LKR1500, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Taste authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes, especially their famous dosas, appealing for a quick, flavorful lunch.
LKR800, 1h

2:30pm

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Stroll through one of Asia’s finest botanic gardens with an amazing collection of orchids, palm trees, and tropical plants.
LKR1500, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Kandy Lake and Market

Leisurely walk around the lake and browse colorful stalls selling local crafts and spices.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Empire Café

Enjoy a laid-back dinner with great cocktails and a blend of local and international dishes.
LKR2200, 1h30m

Day 3: Tea Country

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Kandy

Start with a filling breakfast including tropical fruits and traditional Sri Lankan hoppers.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Nuwara Eliya by train

Take the scenic train journey through tea plantations and misty mountains, one of the most beautiful rail routes in the world.
LKR4000, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Grand Hotel

Dine in a colonial style setting, enjoy English teas, and classic hill station cuisine.
LKR2500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Pedro Tea Estate

Tour the tea factory and plantations to understand Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea production process.
LKR1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Victoria Park

Relax in this manicured garden with beautiful flower beds and bird watching opportunities.
LKR350, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Club

Enjoy a classic colonial atmosphere with hearty international and Sri Lankan dishes.
LKR3000, 1h30m

Day 4: Scenic Hikes & Views

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Start your day with a fresh, energy-packed breakfast suitable for hiking.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ella by taxi (approx 2 hours)

Drive south to Ella, a beautiful village surrounded by hills and tea plantations.
LKR4000, 2h

10:30am

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak

An easy 1.5-hour hike offering spectacular panoramic views over the valleys and tea fields.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Chill

Relax with fresh smoothies and a fusion menu featuring Sri Lankan and western dishes.
LKR1300, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Take a short walk to see the famous colonial-era railway bridge surrounded by jungle and tea plantations.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Ella Rock trek (optional, 3 hours)

For the adventurous, a longer, moderate hike that rewards with stunning vistas of the surrounding hills.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Matey Hut

Enjoy home-cooked Sri Lankan meals at affordable prices in a friendly setting.
LKR900, 1h

Day 5: Coastal Heritage

Galle, Sri Lanka on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Ella

Have a wholesome breakfast before your journey to the southern coast.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Galle (approx 4 hours by car)

Head to the southern coast to visit the historic fort city of Galle.
LKR6000 taxi, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Poonie's Kitchen

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Sri Lankan fare in a cozy riverside location inside Galle Fort.
LKR1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Galle Fort

Walk the ramparts of this UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing colonial Dutch architecture and sea views.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Dutch Reformed Church and museums

Explore this 18th-century church and nearby museums highlighting Galle’s history and maritime heritage.
LKR300, 1h

6:00pm

Sunset at Lighthouse Beach

Relax and watch the sunset on this quiet beach near the Galle lighthouse.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Tuna & The Crab

Finish the trip with creative seafood dishes blending local and international influences in Galle Fort.
LKR3500, 1h30m