5-Day Cultural and Scenic Exploration of Sri Lanka

Day 1: Colombo City Introduction

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Gallery Café

Enjoy a fresh, delicious breakfast in a charming setting located in a former art gallery building; they offer great coffee and local dishes.
LKR1500, 1h

9:30am

National Museum of Colombo

Visit the National Museum to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture, featuring ancient artifacts and royal regalia. Open 9:00am–5:00pm.
LKR1500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Upali's by Nawaloka

Sample authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with a variety of traditional rice and curry dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
LKR1200, 1h

2:00pm

Gangaramaya Temple

Explore this beautiful Buddhist temple with eclectic architecture and a serene atmosphere; open until 7:00pm.
LKR300, 1h

4:00pm

Galle Face Green

Relax at this popular ocean-side urban park, perfect for an afternoon stroll and watching the sunset.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Dine at one of Sri Lanka’s top seafood restaurants, famous for its fresh crab dishes and elegant setting.
LKR4000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Cultural Highlights of Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Early Train to Kandy

Take the scenic train ride from Colombo to Kandy through lush landscapes; approximately 3 hours.
LKR500, 3h

10:30am

Breakfast at the Kandy City Centre

Grab a light breakfast in the shopping mall area to energize before exploring the city.
LKR800, 1h

11:30am

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Visit the sacred Buddhist temple that houses the revered tooth relic of the Buddha; open 5:30am–8:00pm.
LKR1500, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Empire Café

Enjoy a variety of both Sri Lankan and western dishes in a cosy garden setting.
LKR1200, 1h

2:30pm

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Explore this expansive garden famous for its orchids and palm trees, open 7:30am–6:00pm.
LKR1500, 2h

6:00pm

Cultural Dance Show

Attend an authentic Kandyan dance performance, showcasing traditional Sri Lankan music and costumes.
LKR800, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Sample delicious South Indian vegetarian meals with a focus on dosas and sambar.
LKR600, 1h
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Day 3: Hill Country and Tea Plantations

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Bus to Nuwara Eliya

Scenic 2.5-hour bus journey through hill country to the cooler climes of Nuwara Eliya.
LKR250, 2.5h

10:30am

Breakfast at Devon Restaurant

Classic English-style breakfast in this colonial-era café known for scones and tea.
LKR1000, 1h

11:30am

Visit Gregory Lake

Take a relaxing walk or boat ride at Gregory Lake, open every day from 8:00am–6:00pm.
Boat ride LKR600, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Hill Club

Enjoy a refined lunch at this historic colonial club offering international cuisine; reservations recommended.
LKR2500, 1.5h

3:30pm

Tea Plantation Tour

Take a guided tour of a nearby tea plantation and factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea production.
LKR1500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Grand Indian

Enjoy authentic Indian dishes popular with locals and visitors alike, perfect after a day of sightseeing.
LKR1200, 1h
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Day 4: Ella Nature and Views

Ella, Sri Lanka on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Bus to Ella

Morning 3-hour journey by bus through scenic mountainous terrain to Ella.
LKR300, 3h

11:30am

Breakfast at Café Chill

Casual café offering a range of international and local meals with great coffee and a relaxed vibe.
LKR900, 1h

12:30pm

Hike Little Adam’s Peak

Enjoy an easy and picturesque hike to Little Adam’s Peak with panoramic views of the valley; allow 1.5–2 hours.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Take a short walk to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a magnificent feat of colonial-era railway engineering.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Relax at your accommodation or explore Ella town

Enjoy local shops and cafes or rest to prepare for the next day’s travel.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Matey Hut

Try hearty Sri Lankan and Western dishes in a friendly, casual setting beloved by backpackers.
LKR700, 1h
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Day 5: Coastal Charm in Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Galle

Early morning bus to Galle, about 4 hours along the southern coast featuring beautiful scenery.
LKR450, 4h

11:30am

Breakfast at Poonie’s Kitchen

Enjoy wholesome, organic breakfast options in the heart of Galle Fort.
LKR900, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Galle Fort

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture, museums, shops and cafes; open all day.
Free, 3h

3:30pm

Lunch at The Tuna & The Crab

Specialist seafood dining featuring fresh local tuna and crab dishes in a stylish setting.
LKR3500, 1.5h

5:30pm

Relax at Jungle Beach

Spend your late afternoon swimming or relaxing at Jungle Beach, a quieter nearby beach to Galle Fort.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Fortaleza

Elegant dining offering contemporary cuisine with a focus on seafood and steaks inside the fort walls.
LKR3000, 1.5h
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