5-Day Ultimate Travel Itinerary for Exploring Sri Lanka's Diverse Highlights

Day 1: Colombo Cultural Discovery

Colombo, Sri Lanka on June 24, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Gallery Café

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at this chic café housed in a former art gallery, serving fresh local and international dishes in a stylish setting.
LKR1500, 1h

9:30AM

National Museum of Colombo

Explore Sri Lanka's largest museum showcasing its rich history, art, and culture with royal regalia and ancient artifacts.
LKR1500, 2h

11:30AM

Gangaramaya Temple

Visit this iconic Buddhist temple combining modern architecture and cultural elements, attracting both worshippers and tourists alike.
Free, 1h

1:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Savor world-class seafood, particularly the famous Sri Lankan crab dishes, in one of Colombo's top restaurants.
LKR4000, 1h30m

3:00PM

Visit Galle Face Green

Enjoy a relaxing stroll along this urban ocean-side park and watch street vendors and locals in a lively setting.
Free, 1h

4:30PM

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your hotel and relax before evening activities.
Varies, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Upali’s by Nawaloka

Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine with dishes rich in flavors typical of the island’s culinary heritage.
LKR2500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic Sigiriya and Dambulla

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka on June 25, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick and energizing breakfast to prepare for a day of exploration.
Included in hotel, 30m

8:00AM

Travel to Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Drive approximately 4 hours northeast to Sigiriya, the UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient rock fortress and frescoes.
LKR4500 for admission, 4h

12:30PM

Lunch at Sigiri Café

Relax with a simple but tasty lunch near Sigiriya village offering local dishes and refreshments.
LKR1200, 1h

2:00PM

Climb Sigiriya Rock

Ascend the fortress for panoramic views and archaeological marvels dating back to the 5th century, open until 5:30PM.
Included in admission, 2h

4:30PM

Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Explore the impressive rock temple complex with intricate Buddhist mural paintings and statues, open until 6:00PM.
LKR1500, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel or Nearby Restaurant

Enjoy local Sri Lankan cuisine or international dishes at your accommodation or a nearby restaurant to unwind.
LKR2000, 1h
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Day 3: Kandy Hill Country

Kandy, Sri Lanka on June 26, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before heading to Kandy.
Included, 30m

8:00AM

Travel to Kandy

Drive south for approximately 2.5 hours through scenic countryside to the hill city of Kandy.
Varies, 2.5h

11:00AM

Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic

Tour this sacred Buddhist site housing the revered tooth relic of the Buddha, attracting pilgrims worldwide, open until 6:00PM.
LKR1500, 1h

12:30PM

Lunch at Cafe Aroma

Enjoy fresh sandwiches, local Sri Lankan dishes, and rich coffee in a cozy setting overlooking Kandy lake.
LKR1200, 1h

2:00PM

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Visit sprawling gardens famous for orchids, giant Javan fig trees, and a wide variety of tropical flora, open until 6:00PM.
LKR1500, 2h

5:00PM

Kandy Cultural Dance Show

Catch an evening traditional Kandyan dance performance featuring elaborate costumes and drumming, performances typically start at 6:30PM.
LKR1200, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Balaji Dosai

Feast on South Indian and Sri Lankan vegetarian specialties such as dosas and thosai, popular among locals and visitors alike.
LKR1500, 1h
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Day 4: Ella Mountain Escape

Ella, Sri Lanka on June 27, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast with stunning views to prepare for an invigorating day in the hills.
Included, 30m

8:00AM

Travel to Ella by Train

Take the scenic 3-hour train ride from Kandy to Ella, renowned as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
LKR500, 3h

11:30AM

Lunch at Chill Cafe Ella

Relax with fresh juices and a variety of international and local dishes in this popular cafe hidden among lush greenery.
LKR1200, 1h

12:30PM

Hike Little Adam’s Peak

Enjoy a moderate 1.5-hour hike offering breathtaking views of tea plantations and valleys around Ella.
Free, 1.5h

3:00PM

Visit Nine Arch Bridge

Walk to this iconic colonial-era railway bridge surrounded by dense jungle, a perfect spot for photography.
Free, 1h

5:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Rest and enjoy the serene mountain atmosphere the remainder of the afternoon.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at 98 Acres Resort & Spa

Dine on organic farm-to-table cuisine with spectacular views of Ella’s tea country.
LKR2500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Galle Coastal Charm

Galle, Sri Lanka on June 28, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel in Ella

Have a peaceful breakfast before departing to the southern coast.
Included, 30m

8:00AM

Drive to Galle

Travel approximately 4 hours southwest to Galle, a historic fortified city famous for Dutch colonial architecture and ocean views.
Varies, 4h

12:30PM

Lunch at Poonie's Kitchen

Enjoy fresh, healthy meals and Sri Lankan fusion dishes in a cozy, welcoming environment within Galle Fort.
LKR1500, 1h

2:00PM

Explore Galle Fort

Walk the old ramparts, visit museums, boutiques, and cafes inside this UNESCO Heritage site, open all day.
Free, 2h

4:30PM

Relax at Unawatuna Beach

Take a short drive to Unawatuna Beach for afternoon relaxation or swimming in the warm Indian Ocean.
Free, 1h30m

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fort Printers

Conclude your trip with an elegant meal blending Sri Lankan and international flavors in a beautifully restored colonial building.
LKR3000, 1h30m
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