3-Day Scenic Sri Lanka Adventure: Ella, Yala National Park, and Galle

Day 1: Ella Exploration

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Chill

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring fresh fruit, waffles, and excellent coffee at Café Chill, a popular spot open from 7:00am.
LKR600, 1h0m

8:45am

Ella Rock Trek

Embark on a scenic 2-3 hour hike to Ella Rock offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations, perfect for photography lovers.
Free, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Matey Hut

Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with dishes like rice and curry or hoppers at Matey Hut, known for its affordable and tasty meals. Open until 3:00pm.
LKR700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Take a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, surrounded by tea fields and often frequented by trains passing overhead, a must-see in Ella.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Ravana Falls

Head to Ravana Falls, one of the widest falls in Sri Lanka. Spend time admiring the falls and nearby cave temples. Open all day.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Chill Café

Return to Café Chill for dinner with a mix of Western and Sri Lankan dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Open until 10:00pm.
LKR900, 1h30m
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Day 2: Wildlife Safari

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka on May 17, 2025

5:30am

Early Breakfast at Ella hotel

Have an early breakfast at your hotel or guesthouse to prepare for the long drive and safari. Many accommodations offer early meals upon request.
Included with stay, 1h0m

6:30am

Drive to Yala National Park

Start the scenic 3-hour drive southeast from Ella to Yala National Park, enjoying countryside views along the way.
LKR4500 (taxi/van hire), 3h0m

10:00am

Morning Safari in Yala National Park

Join a guided jeep safari in Yala National Park, famous for its leopard population and diverse wildlife including elephants, sloth bears, and peacocks. Safari lasts around 4 hours. Park open 6:00am–6:00pm.
LKR6000, 4h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Cinnamon Wild Yala

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Cinnamon Wild Yala's restaurant featuring Sri Lankan and international dishes. Open 7:00am–9:00pm.
LKR1500, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax or Optional Visit to Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Spend relaxing time at the lodge or visit the nearby Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple set on a rock plateau offering historical insight and views.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel/rest lodge

Have dinner at your accommodation lodge with a variety of local flavors, perfect after a long day of adventure.
LKR1200, 1h0m
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Day 3: Galle Heritage

Galle, Sri Lanka on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Enjoy a fresh breakfast at your accommodation before departing for Galle.
Included with stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Galle

Travel approximately 3 hours west to the historic city of Galle, famed for its Dutch colonial architecture and coastal views.
LKR4000 (taxi/van hire), 3h0m

11:30am

Explore Galle Fort

Walk the well-preserved Galle Fort with its charming streets, colonial buildings, and sea walls offering stunning views. Open all day, free entry.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Poonie's Kitchen

Savor healthy, organic Sri Lankan and Western dishes at Poonie’s Kitchen, a popular café inside the fort area. Open 10:00am–5:00pm.
LKR800, 1h0m

2:45pm

Visit National Maritime Museum

Discover Sri Lanka’s maritime history and shipwreck artifacts at the National Maritime Museum, located inside the fort. Open 9:30am–5:00pm.
LKR400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Head to nearby Unawatuna Beach for some late afternoon relaxation and swimming in calm waters. Beach access is free.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Tuna & The Crab

Enjoy a delightful seafood dinner at The Tuna & The Crab, renowned for fresh fish and elegant atmosphere. Open until 10:00pm.
LKR2500, 1h30m
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