Ultimate 8-Day Sri Lanka Adventure from Negombo to Trincomalee: Wildlife, Culture, and Coastal Beauty

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

Negombo, Sri Lanka on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lords Place Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast or continental options with fresh seafood in this popular Negombo restaurant. A great way to start your day after arrival.
LKR1200, 1h

10:00am

Negombo Beach Visit

Relax at Negombo Beach, known for its long sandy shore and laid-back atmosphere. Ideal for unwinding after your flight and getting a feel for the coastal vibe.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at the Globe Sea Food Restaurant

Savor delicious and fresh seafood dishes near the beach. This restaurant is open daily and offers authentic Sri Lankan flavors at reasonable prices.
LKR1500, 1h 30m

3:00pm

Visit Negombo Fish Market

Explore the bustling fish market to see the vibrant daily catch and local fishing culture.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lords Restaurant Complex

Enjoy an elegant dinner featuring a mix of Sri Lankan and international dishes. Open till late, perfect to end your first day.
LKR2000, 2h

Day 2: Elephants and Culture

Pinnawala & Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Depart early to reach Pinnawala by 9:00am to see the elephants during feeding and bathing time. This sanctuary is world-renowned for its elephant care programs.
LKR2000, 2h

9:00am

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Watch elephants bathe in the river and interact closely with these gentle giants. A must-visit for animal lovers.
LKR2000, 2h

11:30am

Continue to Kandy

Travel to Kandy for cultural experience and sightseeing.
LKR1000 (transport), 1h 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Empire Cafe, Kandy

Taste local as well as international dishes in a comfortable setting located near the city lake.
LKR1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the most sacred Buddhist places in Sri Lanka, famous for housing the relic of the Buddha’s tooth.
LKR1500, 1h 30m

4:30pm

Kandy Lake Walk and City Tour

Stroll around Kandy Lake and visit local markets, soaking in the culture and vibrant life.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar & Restaurant

Relax with a variety of local and fusion dishes in a cozy atmosphere in Kandy.
LKR1800, 1h 30m

Day 3: Sigiriya Exploration

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Sigiriya

Early morning departure for Sigiriya, about 2-3 hours from Kandy.
LKR1800, 3h

10:00am

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Explore this ancient rock fortress, a UNESCO Heritage Site famed for its frescoes and incredible views from the summit.
LKR4500, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Sigiriya Restaurant

Dine with views of Sigiriya Rock, serving Sri Lankan and international cuisine in a relaxed environment.
LKR1600, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Pidurangala Rock

For panoramic views of Sigiriya Rock from this lesser-known offering, great for photos especially in late afternoon light.
LKR500, 1h 30m

6:00pm

Relax at Hotel or local spa

Unwind with an Ayurvedic massage or swim at your accommodation after a day of hiking and exploring.
Varies, 1h 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rithu Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with local flavours in a comfortable setting.
LKR1500, 1h 30m

Day 4: Mountain and Tea Country

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Depart for Nuwara Eliya, the “Little England” of Sri Lanka, passing beautiful tea plantations along the way.
LKR2500, 4h

11:00am

Visit a Tea Plantation and Factory

Tour a working tea plantation and see the tea production process with tastings included.
LKR1500, 1h 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Grand Indian Restaurant

Enjoy Indian and Sri Lankan dishes in Nuwara Eliya town center with cozy ambiance.
LKR1400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Gregory Lake

Take a stroll or boat ride around this picturesque lake, perfect for relaxing and enjoying fresh mountain air.
Boat ride approx. LKR1000, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Nuwara Eliya town

Visit local markets and colonial architecture giving a glimpse of British colonial era charm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Club

Dine in a historic colonial club offering a classic dining experience with a mix of Western and local dishes.
LKR2500, 2h

Day 5: Coastal Transition

Nilaveli, Sri Lanka on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Nilaveli Beach

Journey from Nuwara Eliya to Nilaveli on the northeast coast, famous for pristine beaches and clear waters.
LKR3500, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nilaveli Beach Restaurant

Relax and dine on fresh seafood right by the beach, offering simple yet delicious Sri Lankan dishes.
LKR1500, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Nilaveli Beach

Spend the afternoon sunbathing or swimming at this beautiful and peaceful beach.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Sunset Walk and Photography

Enjoy the stunning sunset views and beach walk, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Anil Restaurant

Experience authentic Sri Lankan coastal cuisine with a focus on seafood specialties.
LKR1600, 1h 30m

Day 6: Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka on May 16, 2025

6:00am

Dolphin Watching Tour

Start early with a dolphin watching boat tour from Nilaveli or Trincomalee, known for frequent dolphin sightings.
LKR4000, 3h

10:00am

Breakfast at the Beach Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast after the boat tour with fresh fruits, eggs, and local specialties.
LKR1200, 1h

11:30am

Snorkeling at Pigeon Island National Park

Snorkel around the vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish of this protected marine park, open from 8am to 4pm.
LKR5000 (park & gear), 3h

3:00pm

Lunch at Pigeon Island Restaurant

Light lunch near the snorkeling site, featuring fresh seafood and Sri Lankan dishes.
LKR1300, 1h

5:00pm

Beach Relaxation and Exploration

Explore the nearby beaches or relax before dinner.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Fort Frederick Restaurant

Indulge in rich local flavors and seafood specialties in a historic atmosphere.
LKR1800, 2h

Day 7: Turtle Hatchery and Local Culture

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

Travel to a nearby turtle hatchery to see conservation efforts for endangered turtles. Early morning is best for hatchling activities.
LKR1200, 2h

11:00am

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan breakfast with fresh tropical fruits and hoppers.
LKR1000, 1h

12:00pm

Explore Trincomalee Town

Visit Koneswaram Temple and local markets for cultural immersion.
Temple entry LKR1000, 3h

3:30pm

Visit Fort Frederick and Beach

Explore historic sites and relax near the beach area.
Free, 1h 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Romeo's Restaurant

Dinner in a famous restaurant offering a variety of local and seafood dishes, popular among locals and tourists alike.
LKR1800, 2h

Day 8: Departure

Trincomalee / Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick and nutritious breakfast to prepare for your journey home.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Colombo Airport

Leave Trincomalee for Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. Travel time approximately 5-6 hours, so plan accordingly.
LKR6000, 6h