15-Day Cultural and Nature Exploration in Sri Lanka: A Journey from Colombo to Jaffna

Day 1: Arrival and Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 2, 2025

2:00PM

Check-in and Refresh

Arrive at Colombo and check into your hotel to relax and freshen up after your journey.
Free, 1h

3:00PM

Gangaramaya Temple Visit

Explore the iconic Buddhist temple with its eclectic architecture and rich cultural heritage.
LKR300, 1h30m

5:00PM

Walk along Galle Face Green

Enjoy a leisurely stroll at this popular oceanfront urban park, great for sunset views and local street food.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Dine at one of the top seafood restaurants in Colombo known for fresh crab dishes, open till 10 PM.
LKR4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kandy Sightseeing

Kandy, Sri Lanka on June 3, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast with hoppers and fresh tropical fruits.
Included in stay, 1h

9:00AM

Travel to Kandy

Drive from Colombo to Kandy (approx. 3.5 hours) through scenic routes.
Transport cost approx. LKR3000, 3h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at The Empire Cafe

Savor light and fresh meals in a charming cafe setting in Kandy.
LKR1200, 1h

2:30PM

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Visit the sacred Buddhist site that houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha; cultural dress code applies.
LKR1500, 1h30m

4:30PM

Kandy Lake Walk

Take a tranquil walk around the lake offering picturesque views and a serene atmosphere.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at The Kandy Garden Restaurant

Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with local spices and flavors in a garden setting.
LKR1500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on June 4, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Hearty breakfast before mountain travel; try king coconut juice for refreshment.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Train Ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (via Nanu Oya)

Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train journeys through tea plantations and misty hills; approx. 4 hours.
LKR1000, 4h

12:45PM

Check-in and Relax

Rest at hotel in Nuwara Eliya and acclimatize to the cool climate.
Free, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Gregory Lake

Explore this beautiful lake with options for boating and relaxing walks.
Boating LKR1000, 1h30m

5:00PM

Explore Nuwara Eliya Town Centre

Walk around the colonial style town, visit the market and local cafes.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Grand Indian

Enjoy traditional Indian cuisine with local spices, popular among locals and travelers.
LKR1200, 1h
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Day 4: Nature in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on June 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast with fresh fruits and Sri Lankan tea to start your day.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Horton Plains National Park

Explore the stunning national park famed for the ‘World’s End’ cliff and lush trails; open 6 AM – 6 PM.
LKR1700, 4h

2:00PM

Lunch at Tea Factory Restaurant

Dine overlooking tea plantations, sampling fresh local tea blends and Sri Lankan dishes.
LKR1400, 1h

3:30PM

Visit a Tea Plantation and Factory

Learn about tea production in Sri Lanka with guided tours available; closes by 5 PM.
LKR700, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Comfortable in-house dining with local and western choices for a cozy evening.
LKR1000, 1h
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Day 5: Journey to Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka on June 6, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for a scenic drive via train or car to Ella.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Travel to Ella by Train or Car

A short 2-3 hour journey offering spectacular mountain views en route.
Train approx. LKR800, Car approx. LKR3500, 3h

12:30PM

Check-in and Lunch

Relax and have lunch at a cafe such as Cafe Chill known for continental dishes.
LKR900, 1h

2:00PM

Hike Little Adam’s Peak

A moderate hike offering panoramic views; ideal in afternoon before dusk.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at Matey Hut

Tasty Sri Lankan and Western food in a relaxed atmosphere, open until 9 PM.
LKR1000, 1h
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Day 6: Ella Exploration

Ella, Sri Lanka on June 7, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy early breakfast to start your day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Walk to the iconic railway bridge surrounded by tea plantations; best visited early to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h

10:00AM

Visit Ravana Falls

Short trip to see one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, a beautiful natural site.
Free, 1h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at AK Ristoro

Fine dining with stunning valley views, serving Italian and local fusion dishes.
LKR1200, 1h

2:00PM

Relaxation or Spa

Enjoy an afternoon spa treatment in one of Ella's wellness centers to unwind.
LKR2000+, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at 360 Ella

Restaurant featuring panoramic views and tasty local and international cuisine.
LKR1500, 1h
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Day 7: Travel to Yala National Park

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka on June 8, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before traveling to Yala National Park area.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Yala National Park

Approximately 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Ella to Yala, with scenic countryside views.
Transport cost approx. LKR4000, 4h

1:00PM

Check-in and Lunch

Arrive and relax at accommodation near Yala with lunch provided.
Included or LKR1000, 1h

3:30PM

Afternoon Safari in Yala National Park

Explore the park in the afternoon safari (4 PM - 6 PM safari times), home to leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife.
LKR5000 approx., 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Lodge

Enjoy dinner at your lodge with local specialties after an exciting day.
Included or LKR1500, 1h
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Day 8: Morning Safari and Tangalle

Tangalle, Sri Lanka on June 9, 2025

6:00AM

Early Morning Safari

Depart early for a morning safari (6 AM - 9 AM) to spot wildlife in cooler hours.
LKR5000 approx., 3h

9:30AM

Breakfast at Lodge

Breakfast after safari to refresh and energize for travels ahead.
Included, 1h

11:00AM

Travel to Tangalle

A 2-hour drive to the pristine beaches of Tangalle on the south coast.
Transport approx. LKR2500, 2h

1:00PM

Check-in and Lunch

Relax at your beachside hotel and enjoy fresh seafood lunch.
LKR1200, 1h

3:00PM

Relax at Tangalle Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon on the beautiful Tangalle sandy beaches with coconut palms and turquoise waters.
Free, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Stella’s Seafood Restaurant

Local favorite for fresh seafood, casual atmosphere, open until 9:30 PM.
LKR1200, 1h
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Day 9: Tangalle and Nearby

Tangalle, Sri Lanka on June 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with ocean views before a day of exploration.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project

See sea turtles nesting at Rekawa beach; best visits during nesting season in the evening but check with guides for day tours.
Donation based, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Chill Cafe Tangalle

Fresh salads, smoothies and healthy options in a beach-side serene cafe.
LKR900, 1h

2:00PM

Explore Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara

Visit the ancient rock temple complex featuring Buddhist murals and spectacular views.
LKR500, 1h30m

5:00PM

Beach Walk

Evening walk along Tangalle’s quiet beach to enjoy sunset and calm atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Moonstone Cafe

Relaxing vibe dining with international and Sri Lankan dishes, open till 10 PM.
LKR1200, 1h
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Day 10: Travel to Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka on June 11, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your morning meal before travel to Galle.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Travel to Galle

Drive approx. 2 hours to the historic city of Galle on the southwest coast.
Transport approx. LKR2500, 2h

11:00AM

Check-in and Lunch

Settle in and enjoy lunch at Poonie's Kitchen, known for organic and vegetarian options.
LKR1000, 1h

12:30PM

Explore Galle Fort

Walk through UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortified city with colonial architecture, museums, shops and cafes; open all day.
Free, 3h

4:00PM

Visit National Maritime Museum

Learn the seafaring history of Sri Lanka; open till 5 PM.
LKR300, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at The Fort Printers

Enjoy fine dining with fusion cuisine in a heritage setting, open till 10 PM.
LKR2000, 1h30m
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Day 11: Galle to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 12, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast before heading back to Colombo.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Travel to Colombo

Approximately 2-hour drive back to Colombo with time to explore or shop in the afternoon.
Transport approx. LKR2500, 2h

11:00AM

Shopping at Odel and Laksala

Visit Sri Lanka’s premier shopping centers for souvenirs, clothing, and local handicrafts.
Varies, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Upali's by Nawaloka

Taste authentic Sri Lankan rice & curry dishes in a respected local restaurant.
LKR1200, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Colombo National Museum

Discover Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural artifacts; open till 5 PM.
LKR1500, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Nuga Gama

Dine in a traditional village setting within Colombo, offering authentic home-style Sri Lankan food.
LKR1500, 1h30m
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Day 12: Fly to Jaffna

Jaffna, Sri Lanka on June 13, 2025

6:00AM

Early breakfast at Hotel

Early meal before airport transfer to catch morning flight to Jaffna.
Included, 1h

7:00AM

Transfer to Colombo Airport

Approximately 45 minutes drive to airport for check-in.
LKR1500 transport, 45m

9:00AM

Flight to Jaffna

Short 1-hour domestic flight to Jaffna, the northern cultural hub.
LKR5500 approx., 1h

10:30AM

Check-in and Rest

Relax at hotel and refresh after arrival in Jaffna.
Free, 1h

12:00PM

Lunch at Jaffna Cultural Center Cafe

Sample local Tamil and Sri Lankan fusion dishes in a cultural setting.
LKR800, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Jaffna Fort

Explore the 17th-century Dutch fort opening daily until 6 PM; rich in history and architecture.
LKR200, 1h30m

3:30PM

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Visit one of the most significant Hindu temples in northern Sri Lanka, open to visitors until early evening.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Ari Jaffna

Enjoy authentic Jaffna Tamil cuisine with seafood specialties.
LKR1200, 1h
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Day 13: Jaffna Heritage Tour

Jaffna, Sri Lanka on June 14, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a traditional Sri Lankan Tamil breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Visit Naguleswaram Temple

Journey to one of the oldest Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, located in Keerimalai; open from early morning.
Free, 2h

11:00AM

Keerimalai Springs

Relax in natural mineral springs believed to have therapeutic properties.
Free, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Moonlight Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood and northern Sri Lankan specialties in a casual setting.
LKR1100, 1h

2:00PM

Jaffna Public Library

Visit the historic and architecturally impressive public library, an important cultural landmark.
Free, 1h

3:30PM

Casuarina Beach

Enjoy a peaceful beach afternoon at one of Jaffna’s most popular beaches.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Jullee Restaurant

Experience traditional Tamil food with freshly prepared curries and breads.
LKR1200, 1h
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Day 14: Jaffna Exploration and Return

Jaffna to Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 15, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast to fuel your last day in Jaffna.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Visit Delft Island

Take an early ferry to Delft Island (check ferry schedule in advance) to explore wild horses and colonial ruins.
Ferry LKR500, 4h

1:00PM

Lunch on Delft Island

Simple lunch at local eateries on the island.
LKR800, 1h

2:00PM

Return to Jaffna

Ferry back to Jaffna and prepare for onward travel.
Included above, 1.5h

4:00PM

Flight to Colombo

Evening flight back to Colombo for final night stay or departure.
LKR5500 approx., 1h

6:00PM

Check-in and Dinner in Colombo

Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Gallery Café serving elegant international cuisine.
LKR2000, 1h30m
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Day 15: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast in Sri Lanka with local and international options.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Airport Transfer

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure flight home.
LKR1500, 1h
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