5-Day Scenic and Cultural Journey Through Sri Lanka from Colombo

Day 1: Explore Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Minimalist Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring Sri Lankan and Western options in this trendy café known for great coffee and a relaxing atmosphere.
LKR1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Explore this famous Buddhist temple mixing modern architecture with cultural elements, a spiritual and historical spot that's open from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
LKR300, 1h

11:00am

National Museum of Colombo

Discover Sri Lanka's heritage through artifacts and exhibits spread over three floors, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
LKR500, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Indulge in fresh, locally sourced seafood, especially their signature crab dishes, located in the historic Dutch Hospital complex.
LKR3000, 1.5h

3:00pm

Walk along Galle Face Green

Enjoy a leisurely stroll on this ocean-side urban park, perfect for watching the sunset and experiencing local life.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Upali's by Nawaloka

Savor authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in a stylish setting; try the rice and curry or string hoppers.
LKR1500, 1.5h
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Day 2: Cultural Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Theva Cuisine

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with beautiful views over the Kandy valley; they serve fresh and creative Sri Lankan specialties.
LKR1200, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Kandy from Colombo

A scenic approximately 3-hour drive northeast to the cultural city of Kandy.
LKR5000 (Taxi), 3h

11:30am

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Visit this sacred Buddhist site housing the relic of the tooth of Buddha, open from 5:30am-8:00pm.
LKR1500, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Sample delicious South Indian vegetarian meals, including dosas and idlis, in this popular local eatery.
LKR600, 1h

2:30pm

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Explore one of Asia's largest botanical gardens, home to a rich variety of plants, from orchids to towering palms, open 7:30am to 6:00pm.
LKR1500, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lords Restaurant

Dine in one of Kandy's oldest restaurants offering a wide variety of traditional Sri Lankan and international dishes.
LKR1500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Hill Country Charm

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel or a local café

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast or indulge in a British-style breakfast, reflecting the colonial heritage of Nuwara Eliya.
LKR800, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy

Take a scenic 2.5-hour drive through lush tea plantations and rolling hills.
LKR4000 (Taxi), 2.5h

11:00am

Visit a Tea Plantation and Factory

Tour a working tea factory to learn about tea processing and sample some of the world-famous Ceylon teas.
LKR1000, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Grand Indian Restaurant

Known for its authentic Indian and Sri Lankan dishes, perfect for replenishing after your tea tour.
LKR1200, 1h

2:30pm

Walk around Lake Gregory

Relax with a gentle walk or a boat ride on this picturesque lake in the heart of Nuwara Eliya.
LKR100 (boat rides extra), 1.5h

4:30pm

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Explore this serene garden known for roses and cool climate plants, open until 6:00pm.
LKR600, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Club Restaurant

Experience colonial-style dining in an elegant setting with grilled meats and local cuisines.
LKR1800, 1.5h
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Day 4: Ella Nature Trails

Ella, Sri Lanka on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at a local café

Enjoy fresh fruit, Sri Lankan milk rice, or baked goods to fuel your day in the mountains.
LKR700, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ella from Nuwara Eliya

A scenic 2-hour drive or train ride showcasing stunning mountain landscapes and tea estates.
LKR3500 (Taxi), 2h

10:30am

Hike Little Adam’s Peak

A relatively easy 1.5-hour hike offering expansive views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chill Cafe Ella

Popular with travelers, Chill Cafe offers fresh, healthy meals with vegetarian options.
LKR900, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Walk to this iconic railway bridge surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for photos and a short nature walk.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Ella Spice Garden

Enjoy a spa treatment or cooking class showcasing local spices and traditional remedies.
LKR3000 (spa approx.), 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at 98 Acres Resort

Dine overlooking beautiful tea plantations with a menu of Sri Lankan and international dishes.
LKR2500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel in Ella

Light breakfast with fresh juice and local specialties to start your travel day comfortably.
LKR700, 1h

8:00am

Travel from Ella to Colombo

A longer drive of about 5-6 hours; leave early to reach Colombo with enough time before your flight.
LKR7000 (Taxi), 6h

2:30pm

Lunch at Barefoot Garden Café, Colombo

Relax in this beautiful artsy café with fresh, organic food to revitalize after the journey.
LKR1200, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping at Laksala

Pick authentic Sri Lankan souvenirs and handicrafts at the state-run Laksala outlet, open till 6:00pm.
Varies, 1h

6:00pm

Early Dinner at The Gallery Café

Enjoy dinner at this stylish café offering fusion cuisine, perfect to end your Sri Lankan trip.
LKR1800, 1.5h
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