Two-Week Adventure in Sri Lanka: Cultural Gems and Coastal Escapes

Day 1: Arrival and City Introduction

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 2, 2025

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Enjoy fresh seafood at one of Colombo’s most iconic restaurants, focusing on Sri Lanka’s famous crabs. The restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere and quality dishes.
LKR4000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Gangaramaya Temple

Visit the impressive and eclectic Gangaramaya Temple, a mix of modern architecture and cultural elements showcasing Buddhist artifacts and history.
LKR200, 1h

4:00pm

Walk around Galle Face Green

Stroll along the oceanfront park in Colombo, enjoy street food vendors, and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Upali’s by Nawaloka

Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in a refined setting, perfect to try local specialties like hoppers and kottu.
LKR1500, 1h30m

Day 2: Historic and Cultural Sights

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Gallery Café

Enjoy a calm breakfast in a charming colonial-era building offering a blend of Sri Lankan and Western cuisine.
LKR1000, 1h

9:30am

National Museum of Colombo

Explore Sri Lanka’s largest museum, featuring extensive collections of art, history, and cultural artifacts.
LKR1500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Curry Leaf

Savor delicious Sri Lankan dishes with a contemporary twist in this popular eatery.
LKR1200, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Kandy

Travel approximately 3.5 hours northeast to the cultural city of Kandy.
Taxi LKR8000, 3h30m

5:30pm

Check-in and Evening Rest

Settle into accommodation and refresh for an evening outing.
Varies, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Enjoy authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine featuring dosas and other specialties in Kandy.
LKR800, 1h

Day 3: Kandy Cultural Tour

Kandy, Sri Lanka on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast including local fruits and Sri Lankan tea.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Temple of the Tooth Relic

Visit Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist temple housing the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
LKR1500, 1h30m

11:00am

Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya

Explore the beautifully landscaped botanical gardens known for a vast variety of orchids, spices, and tropical plants.
LKR2000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Empire Café

Enjoy relaxed dining offering fresh, simple dishes and great coffee close to the city center.
LKR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Kandy Lake Walk and Market Visit

Take a peaceful walk around Kandy Lake followed by a stroll through the local market for souvenirs and snacks.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Cultural Show at Kandyan Arts

Experience traditional Kandyan dance and drumming, providing insight into local customs and spiritual stories. Performances start at 7pm.
LKR1000, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Another opportunity to enjoy local South Indian food or try nearby restaurant Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar for a diverse menu.
LKR800-1500, 1h

Day 4: Hill Country Journey

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Checkout

Have a quick breakfast and prepare for a scenic train journey to Nuwara Eliya.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (via Nanu Oya)

Board the picturesque train in Kandy departing early morning and enjoy lush tea plantations and misty mountains along the way. The train journey takes approximately 4 hours.
LKR1000, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Grand Indian

Experience a variety of Indian curries and tandoori dishes in Nuwara Eliya’s cozy setting.
LKR1200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Explore one of the world’s highest botanical gardens featuring temperate plants, colorful flowers, and a serene atmosphere.
LKR1500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk around Gregory Lake

Take a relaxing stroll or a boat ride around the tranquil Gregory Lake, surrounded by mountains.
Boat rides LKR600, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Club

Dine at the historic colonial club offering a nostalgic ambiance and classic dishes.
LKR2000, 1h30m

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya Exploration

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fresh, hearty breakfast including local tropical fruits.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Tea Factory & Plantations Tour

Visit a nearby tea factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s famed Ceylon tea production with sampling included.
LKR1500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Milanos

Taste authentic Sri Lankan fusion dishes with a cozy atmosphere.
LKR1200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Seetha Amman Temple and Lover’s Leap Waterfall

Explore this small Hindu temple rich in mythology and then visit a scenic waterfall nearby.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Free time in town

Browse local markets or relax in a café.
Optional, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Salvador's

Enjoy Italian and Sri Lankan dishes in a welcoming setting, perfect to unwind after a day of exploring.
LKR1500, 1h30m

Day 6: Travel to Ella

Nuwara Eliya to Ella, Sri Lanka on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

A light breakfast before heading to Ella by local transport or taxi.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Scenic Drive to Ella

A 2-hour drive through beautiful tea plantations and hills to the laid-back town of Ella.
Taxi LKR4500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Chill

Casual spot popular with travelers, offering healthy and fresh options including vegetarian and vegan.
LKR1000, 1h

2:00pm

Hike to Little Adam’s Peak

An easy 1.5-hour hike to a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding tea country.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Ella Rock Viewpoints

Take in beautiful scenery before heading back to town.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Matey Hut

Enjoy local Sri Lankan dishes in a friendly, rustic atmosphere.
LKR1000, 1h

Day 7: Ella Nature and Culture

Ella, Sri Lanka on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or 98 Acres Resort

Enjoy breakfast with stunning views over the valley.
Included or LKR1500, 1h

9:00am

Nine Arch Bridge Visit

Walk to this iconic colonial-era railway bridge renowned for its unique architecture and scenic views.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Visit Ravana Falls

Explore one of the widest waterfalls in the area, just a short drive from Ella town.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chill Cafe

Modern café with diverse menu including good vegetarian options and fresh juices.
LKR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Free time or optional spa

Relax in town or book a spa treatment at a local wellness center.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dream Café

Healthy dishes, great ambiance, and vegetarian friendly.
LKR1200, 1h30m

Day 8: Wildlife Adventure

Ella to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka on July 9, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Get an early start with breakfast at hotel before traveling to Yala National Park.
Included, 1h

7:00am

Drive from Ella to Yala

Enjoy around 4.5-hour scenic drive south to the famous Yala National Park region.
Taxi LKR9000, 4h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at hotel or nearby restaurant

Relax and refuel before your safari adventure.
Varies, 1h

3:30pm

Afternoon Safari at Yala National Park

Afternoon safari drive to spot elephants, leopards, and a variety of wildlife in one of Sri Lanka’s most famous parks. Safari timings generally 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
LKR9000 approx., 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel lodge

Enjoy a relaxed dinner recounting the day’s wildlife sightings.
Included or LKR2000, 1h30m

Day 9: Morning Safari and Journey to Coast

Yala to Mirissa, Sri Lanka on July 10, 2025

5:30am

Morning Safari Drive

Early morning safari when wildlife activity is at its peak; perfect chance for bird watching and spotting elusive leopards.
LKR9000 approx., 3h

9:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Breakfast at your lodge before preparing for departure to the southern coast.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Travel to Mirissa Beach

A 3.5-hour drive north along picturesque coastal roads to Mirissa, a beautiful beach town.
Taxi LKR7000, 3h30m

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Zephyr Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy freshly made seafood and local dishes right on the beachfront.
LKR1500, 1h

4:00pm

Relax on Mirissa Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy beach or swimming in the calm waters.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Mira

A cozy beachside place serving a mix of Sri Lankan and Western cuisine with fresh seafood specialties.
LKR1500, 1h30m

Day 10: Beach and Marine Life

Mirissa, Sri Lanka on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a fresh fruit and tropical flavored breakfast to start your day.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Whale Watching Tour

Join a morning boat tour from Mirissa to see blue whales, dolphins, and other sea life; tours operate from 6:30 AM to 12 PM.
LKR9000 approx., 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Weligama Bay Roasters

Healthy and fresh dishes with quality coffee and smoothie options near the beach.
LKR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Coconut Tree Hill

Popular scenic spot with stunning views of palm trees and the Indian Ocean, ideal for photos.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at the beach or take a surf lesson

Mirissa is great for beginner surfers and offers lessons with local instructors.
LKR3500 for surf lesson, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Zephyr Restaurant & Bar

Taste the fresh catch of the day and chill by the sea.
LKR1500, 1h30m

Day 11: Galle Day Trip

Mirissa and Galle, Sri Lanka on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a relaxed breakfast featuring local and continental options.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Galle Fort

Approximately 1 hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 17th-century Dutch fort with charming streets.
Taxi LKR2500, 1h

10:00am

Explore Galle Fort

Walk the ramparts, visit museums, boutique shops, and cafés while soaking up the colonial architecture and ocean views.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Poonie’s Kitchen

Enjoy wholesome, organic Sri Lankan-inspired dishes in a cozy setting inside the fort.
LKR1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Galle Lighthouse and Dutch Reformed Church

Explore the lighthouse and the peaceful old church highlighting the fort’s history.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Mirissa

Drive back to the beach town to relax in the evening.
Taxi LKR2500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Holiday Inn Mirissa

Enjoy a fine dining experience with ocean views and diverse menu options for all tastes.
LKR2000, 1h30m

Day 12: Beach Leisure and Travel

Mirissa to Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the sea before your journey back.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Travel from Mirissa to Colombo

Approximate 3.5 - 4-hour drive back to Colombo for final days in the city.
Taxi LKR9000, 4h

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at the Dutch Hospital Complex

A historic complex with a variety of restaurants and bars; enjoy a light meal and explore the shops.
LKR1500, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Colombo Fort and Pettah Market

Explore the bustling Pettah Market area for local shopping experience and street food tasting.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Nuga Gama, Cinnamon Grand

Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan dishes in a village-style setting inside a luxury hotel.
LKR2500, 1h30m

Day 13: Last Day Relax and Shopping

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Commons Coffee House

Casual breakfast spot with quality coffee and pastries.
LKR800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Independence Memorial Hall

Beautiful historic site commemorating Sri Lanka's independence with surrounding gardens perfect for a morning walk.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Shopping at Odel Department Store

Explore this upscale department store for souvenirs, clothing, and local crafts.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Lagoon Restaurant

Renowned for seafood and elegant dining in Colombo.
LKR2000, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Spa

Last chance to unwind with a spa treatment before departure.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Celebrate your Sri Lanka journey with a final dinner at this outstanding seafood restaurant in Colombo.
LKR4000, 1h30m

Day 14: Departure Day

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast before checking out.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

Arrange a timely transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.
Taxi LKR3000, 1h