9-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary: Colombo, Beaches, Ella, Bird Watching, and Kandy on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival and Colombo Exploration

Colombo, Sri Lanka on February 1, 2025

2:00pm

Arrival and Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Colombo and check in to a centrally-located hotel under $300, such as the Galle Face Hotel. Get settled and refresh.
USD 250, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Galle Face Green and Colombo City

Walk along the seaside promenade of Galle Face Green, enjoy street food vendors, and explore Colombo's colonial architecture nearby.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Enjoy fresh and locally sourced seafood specializing in crab at Ministry of Crab, a highly recommended restaurant open until 10pm.
USD 50 pp, 1.5h
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Day 2: Beach Relaxation

Unawatuna Beach, Sri Lanka on February 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Colombo

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel offering Sri Lankan and continental options.
Included with hotel, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Unawatuna Beach

Drive approx 2 hours south to Unawatuna, a popular beach known for golden sands and clear waters, great for swimming and relaxing.
Transport USD 50, 2h

11:30am

Check-in and Beach Time

Check into a beach hotel under $300, such as Thaproban Beach House, then spend the afternoon swimming or snorkeling.
USD 200, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and Sri Lankan curries right on the beach with beautiful ocean views.
USD 25 pp, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Japanese Peace Pagoda

A short tuk tuk ride to a hilltop pagoda offering spectacular views of the beach and coastline. Open until sunset.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Shelter

A cozy beachfront spot with a variety of seafood and vegetarian options, open until 10pm.
USD 30 pp, 1.5h
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Day 3: Beach and Travel to Ella

Unawatuna Beach to Ella, Sri Lanka on February 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast at the hotel with fresh tropical fruit and local specialties.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Morning Relaxation on the Beach

Free time to enjoy the beach ambiance, swim or walk along the sand.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Travel to Ella

Begin your scenic journey by taxi or private transport to Ella (approx 5 hour drive), passing through beautiful landscapes.
Transport USD 90, 5h

5:00pm

Check-in at Hotel in Ella

Check in to a comfortable hotel under $300, such as 98 Acres Resort & Spa, located amidst nature with stunning views.
USD 250, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Matey Hut

Savour casual Sri Lankan and international dishes in a relaxed setting open until 9pm.
USD 20 pp, 1.5h
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Day 4: Ella Hiking and Views

Ella, Sri Lanka on February 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring fresh local produce and pastries.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Hike to Little Adam's Peak

A 1.5-2 hour easy hike offering panoramic views of Ella’s lush valleys and tea plantations.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Walk to this iconic colonial era railway bridge nestled in the jungle, perfect for photos and spotting passing trains.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Chill

Eat at a popular casual cafe known for fresh salads, wraps and Sri Lankan dishes, open until 10pm.
USD 15 pp, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at the Hotel or Explore Ella Town

Spend afternoon walking around the village, shopping local crafts or resting in hotel spa facilities.
Variable, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Chill Restaurant and Bar

Enjoy fresh local dishes and international cuisine in a laid-back setting open until 10pm.
USD 20 pp, 1.5h
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Day 5: Travel and Bird Watching Start

Ella to Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka on February 5, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Early start with breakfast served before departure.
Included, 1h

7:30am

Drive to Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Travel approximately 4 hours to the Sinharaja rainforest, known for endemic birds and biodiversity.
Transport USD 100, 4h

12:00pm

Check-in at Eco Lodge near Sinharaja

Stay at a comfortable eco-lodge within budget that offers access to guided bird watching tours.
USD 150, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at the Lodge

Local Sri Lankan lunch prepared with fresh ingredients, ideal before afternoon trek.
USD 15 pp, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon Bird Watching Tour

Join a guided forest bird watching tour around the reserve to spot endemic species like the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie.
USD 35 pp, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lodge

Dinner with fresh local produce served at the eco-lodge.
USD 20 pp, 1.5h
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Day 6: Full Day Bird Watching

Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka on February 6, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Enjoy a nutritious early breakfast to prepare for a full day outdoors.
Included, 1h

7:00am

Guided Bird Watching Hike

Spend the morning with an expert guide hiking through the forest to see rare birds and wildlife in their natural habitats.
USD 40 pp, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lodge

Return to the lodge for a relaxing lunch featuring local dishes.
USD 15 pp, 1h

2:00pm

Optional Short Evening Walk or Rest

Choose to rest or take a gentle evening walk around the lodge area to spot more birds at dusk.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lodge

Enjoy dinner with other bird watchers sharing their experiences.
USD 20 pp, 1.5h
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Day 7: Travel to Kandy

Sinharaja to Kandy, Sri Lanka on February 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lodge

Breakfast before the scenic drive to cultural city Kandy.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Kandy

Approximately 3.5-hour drive to Kandy passing scenic highland areas.
Transport USD 70, 3.5h

12:00pm

Check-in at Kandy Hotel

Stay at a hotel like The Royal Kandyan under $300 with convenient access to Kandy’s top sights.
USD 200, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Enjoy South Indian vegetarian fare in the heart of Kandy, open until 8pm.
USD 10 pp, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Temple of the Tooth Museum

Explore this sacred Buddhist temple housing a relic of the tooth of the Buddha, open until 8pm with evening puja ceremonies.
USD 15 pp, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Empire Cafe

A trendy spot serving local and international dishes, perfect for winding down.
USD 20 pp, 1.5h
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Day 8: Kandy Sightseeing

Kandy, Sri Lanka on February 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a buffet breakfast featuring tropical fruits and Sri Lankan specialties.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Visit Sri Lanka’s famous botanical gardens, home to 4000 species of plants. Open from 7:30am to 5:45pm.
USD 10 pp, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Madre Italian Kitchen

Enjoy fresh Italian cuisine and cocktails in a charming setting.
USD 25 pp, 1.5h

2:00pm

Kandy Lake Walk and Local Markets

Relax with a walk around the serene Kandy Lake and explore local craft shops and street vendors.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Cultural Dance Performance

Experience traditional Kandyan dance at the Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre, shows start at 5pm and 6pm.
USD 12 pp, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar

Enjoy Sri Lankan and fusion dishes in an elegant atmosphere open until 11pm.
USD 30 pp, 1.5h
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Day 9: Departure

Kandy to Colombo, Sri Lanka on February 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last Sri Lankan breakfast at the hotel before checkout.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Colombo Airport

Travel approx 3.5 hours to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward flight.
Transport USD 80, 3.5h
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