5-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary: Cultural, Coastal & Scenic Wonders

Day 1: Colombo City Tour

Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Gallery Café

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at The Gallery Café, known for its serene ambiance and delicious Sri Lankan and continental dishes. It opens at 8:00am.
LKR1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore Gangaramaya Temple, a historic Buddhist temple blending modern architecture with cultural artifacts. It opens from 7:00am to 7:00pm daily.
LKR300, 1h30m

11:15am

National Museum of Colombo

Discover Sri Lanka’s rich history and heritage at the National Museum, open 9:00am to 5:00pm, except on Tuesdays.
LKR1500, 1h45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Savour fresh seafood specialties at the famous Ministry of Crab, open noon to 10:30pm, ideal for lunch.
LKR3500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk along Galle Face Green

Enjoy a leisurely stroll at Galle Face Green, a popular ocean-side urban park with beautiful sunset views; open all time.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Nuga Gama

Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine under a traditional village setting, open from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
LKR1800, 1h30m
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Day 2: Sigiriya and Dambulla

Sigiriya and Dambulla, Sri Lanka on June 2, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early hearty breakfast to prepare for a day filled with ancient wonders.
Included in stay, 1h

7:30am

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its frescoes, water gardens, and astounding views from the summit. Open from 7:00am to 5:30pm.
USD30, 3h

11:00am

Visit Dambulla Cave Temples

Visit the impressive cave complex with over 150 Buddha statues and vibrant murals, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
USD10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Green View Restaurant, Dambulla

Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry dishes with scenic views of the surrounding jungle. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
LKR1500, 1h

2:30pm

Travel to Kandy

Drive to the cultural city of Kandy, approximately 2 hours from Dambulla.
Transport cost varies, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Temple of the Tooth

Visit this sacred Buddhist temple housing the revered tooth relic of the Buddha, open 5:30am to 8:00pm.
LKR1500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Empire Café

Dine at this cozy spot offering a mix of Sri Lankan and international dishes, open from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.
LKR1200, 1h30m
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Day 3: Kandy and Hill Country

Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Kandy

Enjoy a buffet breakfast to start your day refreshed before a scenic hill country drive.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens

Explore the vast botanical gardens featuring orchids, palms, and a giant Javan fig tree, open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
LKR400, 2h

11:00am

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Drive to the picturesque hill town known as 'Little England,' about 2.5 hours journey.
Transport cost varies, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at the Tea Factory Hotel

Experience authentic Ceylon tea and hearty local meals in a charming tea plantation setting.
LKR1700, 1h

3:00pm

Gregory Lake Leisure

Relax by Gregory Lake with options for boating and walking along the promenade, open all day.
LKR400 for boat ride, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Club

Enjoy an elegant colonial-style dinner in this heritage hotel’s dining room, open from 6:30pm.
LKR2500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Galle Coastal Day

Galle, Sri Lanka on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast before setting out to explore the southern coast.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Galle

Depart from Nuwara Eliya to Galle on the coast, approximately a 4-hour drive. Consider leaving early for optimum time in Galle.
Transport cost varies, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Peddler’s Inn Café

Taste fresh seafood and Sri Lankan staples in the heart of Galle Fort, open from 11:30am.
LKR1600, 1h

2:00pm

Galle Fort Walk

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed fort area featuring Dutch colonial architecture, museums, boutiques, and ocean views; open all day.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Lighthouse and Ramparts

Visit Galle Lighthouse and climb the fort's ramparts to capture sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Fort Printers

Enjoy fine dining with a blend of Sri Lankan and western cuisine in a colonial setting, open from 6:30pm.
LKR2800, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Galle Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading back to the capital.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel back to Colombo

Drive 2-3 hours back to Colombo for departure preparations.
Transport cost varies, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Upali’s by Nawaloka

Enjoy one last authentic Sri Lankan meal in Colombo, open 11:00am to 9:30pm.
LKR1300, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping or Relaxation in Colombo

Spend the afternoon shopping at Odel or relaxing at your hotel before your onward journey.
Varies, 2h
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