30-Day Ultimate Sri Lanka Adventure with Friends: From Cultural Heritage to Tropical Beaches

Day 1: Colombo City Exploration

Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Commons Coffee House

Start your day with artisanal coffee and freshly baked pastries at this popular Colombo café known for its relaxed vibe and quality produce.
LKR1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Gangaramaya Temple and Beira Lake

Explore one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist temples, famous for its eclectic architecture and vast collection of artifacts, followed by a peaceful stroll around Beira Lake.
LKR300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Enjoy fresh Sri Lankan crab dishes at this acclaimed seafood restaurant located in a colonial-era building within the Old Dutch Hospital precinct.
LKR4500, 1.5h

2:00pm

National Museum of Colombo

Discover Sri Lanka’s rich history and cultural heritage through fascinating exhibits in the largest museum of the country, open until 5 pm.
LKR1000, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at Galle Face Green

Relax on this ocean-side urban park, enjoy street food stalls, and watch locals flying kites as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Upali’s by Nawaloka

Indulge in authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with rice and curry and traditional hoppers in a welcoming setting.
LKR1200, 1.5h
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Day 2: Cultural Triangle Marvels

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka on June 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Colombo

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for the day’s travel and exploration ahead.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Sigiriya

Drive approximately 4 hours north-east to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
LKR0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sigiriya Village Restaurant

Try local dishes in a rustic setting near the Sigiriya rock fortress.
LKR800, 1h

2:00pm

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Explore the famous ancient rock fortress with frescoes, water gardens, and panoramic views from the summit, open until 5 pm.
USD30, 3h

5:30pm

Visit nearby Pidurangala Rock

For a quieter but rewarding hike, climb Pidurangala Rock to watch the sunset with fantastic views of Sigiriya rock.
LKR500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel or local eatery

Relax with a casual dinner sampling Sri Lankan favourites after a day of adventure.
LKR1000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Dambulla & Trincomalee Beaches

Dambulla & Trincomalee, Sri Lanka on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel, Sigiriya

Refuel for the morning with a filling local breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore extensive caves filled with Buddha statues and murals; an important cultural and religious site, open from 7 am to 7 pm.
LKR1500, 2h

11:00am

Travel to Trincomalee

A scenic 2.5-hour drive east to the beach city of Trincomalee on the east coast.
LKR0, 2.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Trinco Blu by the Beach

Enjoy fresh seafood and tropical views at this popular beachfront restaurant.
LKR1200, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Uppuveli Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming and sunbathing on one of Sri Lanka’s best-kept east coast beaches.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Golden Spoon

Savour Sri Lankan and western dishes with sea views at this well-reviewed local favourite.
LKR1000, 1.5h
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Day 4: Marine Adventures & Temple Visits

Trincomalee & Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Prepare for an active day by having a quick breakfast at the hotel or nearby café.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Snorkelling or Diving at Pigeon Island National Park

Discover vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish in this small marine national park, accessible by boat, open 8 am to 5 pm.
LKR2000 plus boat fee, 3h

11:00am

Travel to Polonnaruwa

Around 1.5-hour drive south-west to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa for cultural exploration.
LKR0, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at a local eatery in Polonnaruwa

Try traditional rice and curry at affordable prices near the archaeological park.
LKR700, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ruins of palaces, temples, and statues, open until 6 pm.
LKR2500, 3h

5:30pm

Travel to Kandy

Head to Kandy, approximately 2.5 hours south, a cultural capital nestled in the hills.
LKR0, 2.5h

8:15pm

Dinner in Kandy - Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar & Grill

Enjoy a laid-back dining experience with international dishes near the lake.
LKR1500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Kandy Cultural Highlights

Kandy, Sri Lanka on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Empire Café

A trendy spot with healthy breakfast options and excellent coffee to start your day.
LKR1200, 1h

9:00am

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit the sacred Buddhist temple that houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha; open from 5:30 am to 8 pm.
LKR1500, 1.5h

11:00am

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Explore vast gardens with diverse tropical plants, orchids, and giant Javan fig trees, open until 6 pm.
LKR1500, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Balaji Dosai

Enjoy South Indian vegetarian cuisine, particularly their crispy dosas and thali meals.
LKR800, 1h

3:00pm

Kandy Lake Walk and Shopping

Leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake followed by exploring local shops and markets for souvenirs.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Cultural Dance Show

Watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance to experience Sri Lankan culture vibrantly; usually starts around 7 pm.
LKR1000, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Theva Cuisine

Upscale dining with excellent views over Kandy offering fusion and Sri Lankan gourmet dishes.
LKR2500, 1.5h
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Day 6: Hill Country Journey

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on June 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Kandy

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via Nanu Oya

Take one of the world's most scenic train journeys through tea plantations and mountain landscapes, taking approximately 4 hours.
LKR600, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Grand Indian

A popular spot in Nuwara Eliya for Indian cuisine with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
LKR800, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Wander the beautiful gardens filled with temperate plants and stunning vistas, open until 5 pm.
LKR600, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Gregory Lake

Relax by the lake, boat on its waters or simply enjoy the cool climate.
LKR200 for boat, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Hill Club

Experience colonial-era dining with classic recipes in an atmospheric setting.
LKR2200, 1.5h
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Day 7: Tea Plantations & Waterfalls

Ella, Sri Lanka on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel, Nuwara Eliya

Start the day with a local breakfast spread.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ella by train or car

Enjoy a short 2-hour scenic journey south to Ella through mountain scenery and tea country.
LKR600 by train, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast or brunch at Café Chill

Trendy laidback café offering fresh and international fare to recharge after travel.
LKR1200, 1h

12:00pm

Hike Little Adam’s Peak

Take a moderate 1.5-2 hour hike for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and tea estates.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Visit Nine Arches Bridge

Walk to the iconic colonial bridge and enjoy photography and surrounding jungle walks.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Tea tasting session at a local plantation

Discover the art of tea blending and tasting at one of Ella’s boutique tea estates.
LKR1500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Matey Hut

Popular with travellers for authentic Sri Lankan curry dishes and relaxed vibe.
LKR1000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Safari Adventure

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka on June 27, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel, Ella

Have an early breakfast to prepare for the safari day ahead.
Included, 30m

6:30am

Travel to Yala National Park

Drive approximately 3 hours to Yala, one of Sri Lanka’s premier national parks.
LKR0, 3h

10:00am

Guided Safari Tour

Enjoy a thrilling jeep safari where you have a good chance to see elephants, leopards, and a variety of wildlife. Safari duration is about 4-5 hours.
LKR8000 (jeep & guide), 5h

3:30pm

Check-in and relax at Yala nearby hotel

Rest and refresh after an exciting safari experience.
LKR0, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy your dinner onsite with options ranging from Sri Lankan to international cuisine.
LKR1500, 1.5h
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Day 9: Beach Relaxation

Mirissa, Sri Lanka on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel, Yala

Start with a leisurely breakfast before travel to the coast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Mirissa Beach

About a 2-hour drive to the southern coastline resort town famous for whale watching and beaches.
LKR0, 2h

11:00am

Brunch at Zephyr Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy fresh seafood and tropical cocktails steps from the beach.
LKR1500, 1.5h

1:00pm

Relax on Mirissa Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or renting a surfboard on this beautiful beach.
Free, 3h

4:30pm

Whale Watching Tour (seasonal, 6 am to 1 pm typical, optional)

If interested, schedule early morning trips for whale watching; otherwise, enjoy beachside cafes or a spa treatment.
LKR7000 if done, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Zephyr Restaurant or local seafood stalls

Sample freshly caught fish grilled or cooked in Sri Lankan style with ocean views.
LKR1200, 1.5h
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