6-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary: Cultural Treasures and Coastal Relaxation

Day 1: Cultural Highlights

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Explore the astonishing Sigiriya Lion Rock, an ancient rock fortress famous for its frescoes and panoramic views. Climb early to avoid midday crowds and heat.
LKR5000, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Sigiriya Village Hotel

Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with local flavors in a serene garden setting right near Sigiriya.
LKR1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Dambulla Cave Temples

Visit the spectacular Dambulla Rock Temples featuring stunning Buddha statues and colorful cave paintings dating back to the 1st century BC.
LKR1500, 2h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Kandy

A scenic 2-hour drive to Kandy through lush countryside, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing.
Included in transport, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Empire Cafe, Kandy

Dine on delicious international and Sri Lankan dishes in a cozy, artistic atmosphere in the heart of Kandy.
LKR2000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Kandy City Tour

Kandy, Sri Lanka on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar

Start your day with a hearty breakfast offering local and Western options with views over the Kandy Lake.
LKR1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Temple of the Tooth

Visit the sacred Buddhist temple housing the relic of the tooth of the Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spiritual hub.
LKR1500, 1h30m

11:00am

Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya

Stroll through beautiful botanical gardens famous for orchids, giant Javan fig trees, and palm avenues.
LKR1500, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Balaji Dosai Kandy

Taste authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine, especially their famous dosas.
LKR1000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cultural Dance Performance

Enjoy traditional Kandyan dance and drumming at Kandy Lake Club or nearby venues, usually starting around 3:30pm.
LKR600, 1h0m

5:00pm

Free time or explore Kandy Market

Wander through the colorful local market for shopping and experiencing local life.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Kandy House

Dine in a charming boutique hotel offering a fusion of Sri Lankan and international cuisine in an elegant setting.
LKR2500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Tea Country & Scenic Stops

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka on July 8, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab an early breakfast to prepare for the scenic drive towards Nuwara Eliya with stops near Ella.
Included with hotel, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive towards Nuwara Eliya via Ella scenic stops

Enjoy stops at Ella’s viewpoints including Ella Gap, Nine Arches Bridge, and nearby waterfalls. Great photo opportunities and fresh mountain air.
Included in transport, 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Secret Alley, Ella

Taste fresh, organic food with stunning views in a laid-back cafe to refresh before continuing the journey.
LKR1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Continue drive to Nuwara Eliya

Drive through winding tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya, known as 'Little England' for its colonial charm and cooler climate.
Included in transport, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Gregory Lake

Relax at the scenic Gregory Lake with boating options, ideal for unwinding after the drive.
LKR1000 (boat ride optional), 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Nuwara Eliya Town

Visit the town center, post office, and the local markets to soak up the charming colonial atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Grand Indian Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty dinner of Indian and Sri Lankan dishes popular in the cool hill country.
LKR1800, 1h0m
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Day 4: Travel to Coast

Travel to Unawatuna, Sri Lanka on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Fuel up with a filling breakfast before setting off for the coast.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Unawatuna Beach

A roughly 5-hour drive descending from tea country to tropical southern coast with potential stops for refreshment and photo ops.
Included in transport, 5h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kingfisher Restaurant, Unawatuna

Relish fresh seafood with ocean views right on the beachside in Unawatuna.
LKR2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling in calm turquoise waters. Beach day at one of Sri Lanka’s most famous coastal spots.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Visit Japanese Peace Pagoda

A scenic sunset walk to this tranquil pagoda overlooking the ocean provides breathtaking views.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Happy Banana, Unawatuna

Casual dining with a variety of Sri Lankan and Western dishes, perfect after a day at the beach.
LKR1800, 1h0m
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Day 5: Galle & Unawatuna

Unawatuna & Galle, Sri Lanka on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel

Start the morning with a relaxed breakfast overlooking the beach.
Included, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Galle Fort

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring colonial architecture, museums, quaint cafes, and shops within the old fort walls.
LKR1000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pedlar’s Inn Cafe, Galle

Enjoy a mix of Sri Lankan and Western dishes in a cozy historic setting inside Galle Fort.
LKR1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Unawatuna Beach

Relax with some more beach time or try water activities such as kayaking or diving (optional).
Depends on activity, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at King Coconut Restaurant

Casual dining spot popular for fresh seafood and Sri Lankan specialties, great to wind down your trip.
LKR1800, 1h0m
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Day 6: Departure

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 11, 2025

3:30am

Early Transfer to Colombo Bandaranaike Airport

Depart from Unawatuna well before dawn to reach airport on time for your 5 AM international flight.
Included in transport, 2h0m
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