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8-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour Across Sri Lanka: Colombo to Trincomalee

Viewed by 93 travelers

Day 1: City & Coastal Start

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Upali's by Nawaloka

Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan breakfast dishes like hoppers and string hoppers in a cozy setting providing a great start to your day.
LKR1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Gangaramaya Temple

Visit this iconic Buddhist temple known for its eclectic mix of modern architecture and cultural artifacts, open from 6:00am to 8:00pm.
LKR200, 1h0m

11:00am

Travel to Bentota

Drive south along the coast taking roughly 2 hours, enjoying the scenic coastal route.
Included in transport, 2h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Malli's Seafood Restaurant

Dine by the beach and delight in fresh seafood preparations highlighting local flavours.
LKR1800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Bentota Beach

Relax or take part in water sports at this pristine beach, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Bentota Beach Hotel

Enjoy an elegant dinner with a variety of Sri Lankan and international dishes, overlooking the ocean.
LKR2500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Colombo

Day 2: Historic and Coastal Charm

Galle, Sri Lanka on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast featuring local fruits and teas to prepare you for the day ahead.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Galle

A quick 1-hour journey southwest to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort.
Included in transport, 1h0m

10:00am

Tour Galle Fort

Stroll the cobblestone streets of this historic Dutch fort, visit the lighthouse and the maritime museum; the fort is open throughout daylight hours.
Entry to museum LKR300, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Poonie's Kitchen

Sample fresh salads and Sri Lankan fusion dishes in this charming café inside Galle Fort.
LKR1500, 1h0m

2:45pm

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Spend the afternoon by the beautiful Unawatuna beach just 10 minutes from Galle with options for snorkeling.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Lucky Fort Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan curries and international dishes with a rooftop view over Galle Fort.
LKR2000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Galle

Day 3: Scenic Train Journey

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 20, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

A wholesome breakfast to energize before the rail journey to Ella.
Included in stay, 0h45m

7:30am

Travel to Ella by Train

Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train rides from Kandy area to Ella, passing tea plantations and mountains, approx. 6 hours.
LKR1500, 6h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Chill

Relax with fresh juices and hearty meals in this popular spot in Ella town.
LKR1200, 1h0m

2:45pm

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Walk to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a must-see engineering marvel amidst lush greenery, accessible all day.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Hike Little Adam's Peak

Enjoy an easy hike providing spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys, open all day.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Matey Hut

Savor traditional Sri Lankan dishes with warm hospitality in a relaxed environment.
LKR1400, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Ella

Day 4: Hill Country Beauty

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with views of the cool hill country climate.
Included in stay, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive to Nuwara Eliya

A 2-hour picturesque drive through tea plantations and waterfalls into the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Included in transport, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Explore beautiful gardens with a variety of flowers and plants, open 8:00am to 6:00pm daily.
LKR1000, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Grand Indian

Sample popular Indian and Sri Lankan dishes in the heart of Nuwara Eliya.
LKR1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Gregory Lake

Relax by the scenic lake or rent a paddle boat, open during daylight hours.
Boat rental LKR400, 2h0m

5:00pm

Nuwara Eliya Market Walk

Stroll the local market for fresh fruits, souvenirs and experience town life.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Club

Dine in a colonial-era setting featuring fine Sri Lankan and Western cuisine.
LKR3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nuwara Eliya

Day 5: Cultural Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast in the cool mountain air before departure.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Kandy

Drive around 2.5 hours north to Sri Lanka’s cultural capital surrounded by hills and lakes.
Included in transport, 2h30m

11:15am

Visit Temple of the Tooth

Explore this sacred Buddhist temple, open 5:30am to 8:00pm, famous for housing the relic of the tooth of Buddha.
LKR1500, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar

Enjoy fusion dishes and refreshing drinks by Kandy Lake.
LKR1600, 1h0m

2:45pm

Kandy Lake Walk and Royal Botanical Gardens Visit

Spend the afternoon strolling the lake and then visiting the impressive Peradeniya Gardens, open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
LKR1500, 3h0m

6:30pm

Cultural Dance Show at Kandyan Art Association

Watch traditional Kandyan dancing and drumming performances, show starts at 7pm.
LKR1200, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Relish South Indian vegetarian specialities popular in Kandy for a hearty meal.
LKR900, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Kandy

Day 6: Ancient History

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before setting off to explore historical sites.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Sigiriya

Drive around 2.5 hours to the legendary rock fortress town of Sigiriya.
Included in transport, 2h30m

11:00am

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Explore the stunning UNESCO site featuring royal ruins, frescoes and panoramic views, open from 7:00am to 5:30pm.
LKR4500, 3h0m

2:15pm

Lunch at The Sigiriya Village Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan cuisine in a comfortable setting near Sigiriya.
LKR1300, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Pidurangala Rock

Short hike up Pidurangala Rock for extraordinary views of Sigiriya Rock, open all day.
LKR1000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Maga Restaurant

Taste local home-style dishes in Sigiriya town, perfect for winding down.
LKR1100, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Sigiriya

Day 7: East Coast Relax

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before a scenic drive to the northeast coast.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Trincomalee

Drive approximately 3.5 hours to this beautiful coastal city on the east coast, known for its beaches and harbour.
Included in transport, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Pradeep Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood delicacies and Sri Lankan favorites in Trincomalee.
LKR1400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Koneswaram Temple

Explore the historic Hindu temple overlooking the bay, open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h30m

3:15pm

Relax at Nilaveli Beach

Spend the afternoon on this pristine white sand beach, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

Dine in style with a mix of local and international cuisines overlooking the ocean.
LKR2500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Trincomalee

Day 8: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 25, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before departure for the airport.
Included in stay, 0h30m

6:30am

Drive to Colombo Airport

Approximately 6-hour drive or arrange a domestic flight, depending on schedule, for onward travel.
Included in transport, 6h0m
Find Hotels in Colombo
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