6-Day Sri Lanka Adventure: Cultural Heritage and Scenic Wonders

Day 1: Ancient City Exploration

Colombo to Dambulla to Sigiriya, Sri Lanka on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Upali's by Nawaloka, Colombo

Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan breakfast dishes like string hoppers and coconut sambol, a great way to start the day before your journey north.
LKR1500, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Dambulla

Approximately 4-hour drive (145km) from Colombo to Dambulla with scenic views along the way.
N/A, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Temple Tree Resort, Dambulla

Enjoy a refreshing lunch featuring local flavors with a relaxing ambiance near Dambulla.
LKR2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage rock temple complex with ancient Buddhist mural paintings and statues. Open 7:00am to 7:00pm.
LKR1500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Sigiriya

Short 30-minute drive to Sigiriya to prepare for the late afternoon climb.
N/A, 30m

3:30pm

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Explore this iconic ancient rock fortress famous for frescoes and panoramic views. Open until 5:30pm.
LKR4500, 2h

5:30pm

Check-in and Relax

Check into a nearby guesthouse or hotel in Sigiriya and unwind after your adventures.
Varies, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Sigiriya Village Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with fresh ingredients near your accommodation.
LKR1800, 1h

Day 2: Heritage & Nature

Sigiriya to Kandy, Sri Lanka on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring tropical fruits and eggs.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kandy

3-hour scenic drive (90 km) from Sigiriya to Kandy passing lush landscapes.
N/A, 3h

11:30am

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Explore the sacred Buddhist temple housing a relic of Buddha’s tooth. Open 5:30am to 8:00pm.
LKR1500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Theva Cuisine, Kandy

Enjoy fusion Sri Lankan dishes with spectacular views of the hills.
LKR2500, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll in Kandy Lake & Royal Botanical Gardens

Walk around the scenic lake and visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens (open 7:30am–5:30pm).
LKR2000, 2h

3:30pm

Drive to Nuwara Eliya

Start a 2.5-hour drive (76 km) to Nuwara Eliya with stops for scenic tea plantation views.
N/A, 2.5h

6:00pm

Check-in hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Relax in the cool climate of the hill station, known as 'Little England'.
Varies, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Grand Indian, Nuwara Eliya

Sample authentic Indian and Sri Lankan dishes in a cozy setting.
LKR1800, 1h

Day 3: Tea Country & Scenic Views

Nuwara Eliya with Ella en route, Sri Lanka on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with views of the cool highland landscape.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive towards Colombo via Ella scenic stops

Depart Nuwara Eliya and travel towards Colombo incorporating scenic stops in Ella (approx. 3.5-hour drive from Nuwara Eliya to Ella area, then onward).
N/A, 3.5h

10:30am

Stop at Diyaluma Falls Viewpoint

Brief stop to enjoy the stunning view of Sri Lanka’s second highest waterfall.
Free, 30m

11:00am

Stop at Ella Rock (view only)

View Ella Rock from a convenient viewpoint without a lengthy hike, perfect for photo opportunities.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at 98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella

Enjoy fresh, farm-to-table meals surrounded by tea plantations.
LKR2200, 1h

1:00pm

Continue drive to Colombo

Approximately 4.5-hour drive (200 km) back to Colombo.
N/A, 4.5h

5:30pm

Check-in and Relax in Colombo

Rest at your hotel and prepare for the upcoming beach day.
Varies, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Ministry of Crab, Colombo

Savor one of Sri Lanka's finest seafood dishes focusing on fresh crab specialties.
LKR4000, 1.5h

Day 4: Beach Relaxation

Unawatuna, Sri Lanka on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast in Colombo

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
Included or LKR1000, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Unawatuna

Approximately 2.5-3-hour drive (150 km) to the popular beach town of Unawatuna.
N/A, 3h

11:00am

Beach Day at Unawatuna

Relax and soak up the sun on the golden beaches. Optionally, enjoy snorkeling or beachside cafes.
Free or optional activity costs, 4h

3:00pm

Lunch at King Coconut Restaurant

Eat fresh seafood and tropical dishes right on the beach.
LKR1500, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Jungle Beach

Walk or take a tuk-tuk to this quieter, hidden beach for a peaceful vibe and beautiful sunset.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Return to Hotel and Relax

Freshen up and enjoy downtime.
N/A, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Crab Shack, Unawatuna

Dine on fresh crabs and Sri Lankan curries in a casual beach setting.
LKR1800, 1h

Day 5: More Beach & Colombo

Unawatuna to Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking the beach.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Morning at Leisure or Optional Galle Fort Visit

Optional 30-minute drive to explore historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO site with shops and cafes (open 8am-6pm).
Free, 2h

11:30am

Drive back to Colombo

Travel back to Colombo (2.5-3 hours) to prepare for departure.
N/A, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

Enjoy a variety of dining options in this historic colonial building.
LKR2000, 1h

3:30pm

Last-minute Shopping or City Walk

Explore Pettah Market or stroll along Galle Face Green seaside promenade.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Nuga Gama, Cinnamon Grand Colombo

Experience authentic village-style Sri Lankan cuisine in a unique setting.
LKR3000, 1.5h

7:30pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Pack and rest ahead of early departure.
N/A, N/A

Day 6: Departure Day

Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 11, 2025

3:00am

Early Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

Leave hotel early to reach airport by 4:00 - 4:30am for 5:00am flight.
Varies, 45m