6-Day Sri Lanka Journey: Cultural Gems, Wildlife Safari & Scenic Beauty

Day 1: Safari & Rock Fortress

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

7:00am

Breakfast at Upali's by Nawaloka, Colombo

Start with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast to fuel your day before heading to wildlife safari.
LKR1500, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Minneriya National Park

Approximately 4-hour drive from Colombo to Minneriya, known for large elephant herds.
N/A, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at a local restaurant near Minneriya

Enjoy Sri Lankan staples to prepare for your afternoon safari.
LKR1500, 1h

1:00pm

Afternoon Safari at Minneriya National Park

Experience an exciting jeep safari to spot elephants, birds, and wildlife in their natural habitat. Safari runs until late afternoon.
LKR7000, 3h

4:00pm

Drive to Sigiriya

A brief 30-minute drive to your accommodation in Sigiriya.
N/A, 30m

4:30pm

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Explore the historic rock fortress and enjoy breathtaking sunset views. Open until 5:30pm.
LKR4500, 1h

6:00pm

Check-in and Relax

Rest at your hotel in Sigiriya after your adventurous day.
Varies, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Sigiriya Village Restaurant

Delight in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine close to your accommodation.
LKR1800, 1h
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Sigiriya to Dambulla to Kandy, Sri Lanka on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a filling breakfast before heading out to explore more heritage sites.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore the fascinating rock temple complex with its statues and murals. Open 7am to 7pm.
LKR1500, 1h30m

10:00am

Drive to Kandy

Approximately 2.5-hour scenic drive from Dambulla to Kandy.
N/A, 2.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Theva Cuisine, Kandy

Enjoy flavorful Sri Lankan dishes with stunning hill country views.
LKR2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Temple of the Tooth

Tour the revered Buddhist temple that holds a sacred relic. Open 5:30am to 8pm.
LKR1500, 1h

2:30pm

Walk around Kandy Lake and visit Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya

Relax and explore beautiful gardens open daily from 7:30am to 5:30pm.
LKR2000, 2h

4:30pm

Check-in and Rest in Kandy

Unwind at your hotel and prepare for the next day's journey.
Varies, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Balaji Dosai, Kandy

Taste authentic South Indian and Sri Lankan vegetarian specialties.
LKR1200, 1h
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Day 3: Scenic Highlands & Tea Estates

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via Ella scenic stops, Sri Lanka on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty start to the day to fuel your scenic drive.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive towards Nuwara Eliya via Ella with scenic stops

Journey through the hill country with key stops at popular viewpoints and waterfalls over approximately 5 hours.
N/A, 5h

10:30am

Stop at Diyaluma Falls Viewpoint

Short visit to enjoy views of Sri Lanka's second tallest waterfall.
Free, 30m

11:15am

Stop at Ella Rock viewpoint (no hike)

Take photos and enjoy panoramic views of the lush surroundings from a convenient vantage point.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at 98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella

Savor farm-to-table cuisine with stunning tea plantation views.
LKR2200, 1h

1:00pm

Continue to Nuwara Eliya

Complete the 2-hour drive to Nuwara Eliya through beautiful tea-country scenery.
N/A, 2h

3:00pm

Explore Gregory Lake or local markets

Take a relaxing stroll or enjoy a boat ride at scenic Gregory Lake or visit nearby markets.
Boat ride LKR800 or free to stroll, 1.5h

5:00pm

Check-in and Relax in Nuwara Eliya

Cool climate and charming town ambiance awaits you for rest.
Varies, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Grand Indian Restaurant

Delight in authentic Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine in cozy surroundings.
LKR1800, 1h
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Day 4: Return to Colombo

Nuwara Eliya to Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a calm morning breakfast in the cool highland atmosphere.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Colombo

Approximately 5-hour journey (175 km) from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo.
N/A, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Lagoon, Colombo

Come to this renowned seafood restaurant to enjoy fresh catches prepared Sri Lankan style.
LKR3500, 1h

2:00pm

City tour or shopping in Colombo

Visit Pettah market for local experiences or stroll Galle Face Green promenade.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Check-in and rest at Colombo hotel

Relax and prepare for your beach day tomorrow.
Varies, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Ministry of Crab

Enjoy a sumptuous seafood dinner focusing on the renowned crab dishes.
LKR4000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Beach Day

Colombo to Unawatuna, Sri Lanka on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a quick breakfast before heading south.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Unawatuna

Around 2.5-3 hours (150 km) drive to the beautiful beach town of Unawatuna.
N/A, 3h

11:00am

Relax or Swim at Unawatuna Beach

Spend your day enjoying the sun, sand, and optional snorkeling or paddleboarding.
Free or optional rental costs, 4h

3:00pm

Lunch at King Coconut Restaurant

Enjoy freshly prepared seafood and local specialties right on the beach.
LKR1500, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Jungle Beach

Short tuk-tuk ride to this quieter beach for a peaceful late afternoon and sunset views.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Return to Hotel and Freshen Up

Relax before dinner and enjoy the evening atmosphere.
N/A, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Crab Shack

Savor casual dining with fresh crab and traditional curries by the beach.
LKR1800, 1h
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Day 6: Departure Day

Unawatuna to Colombo, Sri Lanka on July 11, 2025

3:00am

Early Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport

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