Sri Lanka overflows with diverse attractions—eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ayurveda, safaris, and beach resorts.
If you’re unsure how to structure the trip, the model itinerary below is designed to let you experience Sri Lanka to the fullest.
If shortening the schedule, you can cut up to four nights by omitting the following:
- Reduce the stay in Sigiriya by one day
- Go directly from Kandy to Ella without stopping in Nuwara Eliya
- Reduce the beach-resort stay in Mirissa by one day
- Travel directly from Mirissa to the airport
If extending the schedule, adjust by lengthening these stays:
- Add more nights in Sigiriya
- Add more nights at a beach resort in Mirissa
- Add more nights at an Ayurveda hotel in Negombo
Day 1: From the airport, via the Dambulla Cave Temple, to Heritance Kandalama
From the airport or a hotel in Negombo, depart for the Cultural Triangle. It takes about 3hours.
For lunch and cafés, please refer to the recommendations below.”
| Restaurant | Location (Venue) | Features / Cuisine | Budget (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apsara @ Vil Uyana | Jetwing Vil Uyana | International, set-course dining (luxury resort); reservation required | Course: approx. £20–£30 |
| Alaka | Aliya Resort & Spa | Authentic Sri Lankan cuisine (panoramic view); reservation required | Course: from approx. £25 |
| Fika The Outlet | No. 54 Trincomali Road, Ederagala, Palwehera, Dambulla | Multinational café & restaurant: curry, kottu, light bites, coffee | Around £10 |
| Cafe De Skylark | No. 80 Kurunegala Rd, Dambulla 21100 | Clean, air-conditioned modern café | Around £5-£10 |
After lunch, tour the Dambulla Cave Temple.
On the first day, head to Heritance Kandalama—a Geoffrey Bawa–designed hotel—to rest.
“Located approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour from the Dambulla Cave Temple.”
Stay two nights in the Sigiriya area. For those who would like Ayurvedic treatments, Ayugiri Ayuruveda wellness resort is also recommended.
It’s possible to book a plan that includes Ayurveda treatments on Booking.com.
Day 2: Sightseeing at Sigiriya Rock and Anuradhapura
In the morning, climb Sigiriya Rock to enjoy the spectacular views.
From Heritance Kandalama, Sigiriya Rock is about 40 minutes to 1 hour away.
Climbing Sigiriya Rock requires exertion comparable to a mountain hike.
Allow approximately three hours for the visit.
Then, transfer to the ancient capital of Anuradhapura.Travel time by car is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Under the Platinum Plan, a licensed driver-guide will accompany the climb up Sigiriya Rock and explain the attractions.
The platina plam also covers other attractions, with explanations provided throughout. Naturally, this includes the previously mentioned Dambulla Cave Temple and Anuradhapura, which is described below.
Recommended lunch restaurants are listed below.
| Restaurant (Location) | Features & Cuisine | Travel Estimate | Reservations & Hours Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liyawela (inside Uga Ulagalla, Thirappane) | Main dining room of a luxury resort. Sri Lankan & international cuisine. Also offers the special “Kamatha” paddy-field dining experience. | About 25–30 min by car (≈23 km) from Anuradhapura city center. | Breakfast 6:30–10:30 / Lunch 12:00–14:30 / Dinner 19:00–22:30. Reservations recommended due to popularity.(ugaresorts.com) |
| Forest Rock Garden Resort (near Andarawewa) | Refined open-air dining at a boutique resort nestled in the forest. Multinational and Sri Lankan dishes in a tranquil setting. | Around 20 min by car from the city center. | Hours vary by day; inquire in advance. Reservations recommended.(Tripadvisor) |
| Tranquil Restaurant (inside Rajarata Hotel, in town) | Main dining room of a central 4-star hotel. Sri Lankan & international cuisine; high tea and alcohol available seasonally. | Prime central location; Address: 77 Rowing Club Rd. | Check with the property for current hours. Reservations advised at busy times.(rajaratahotel.lk) |
| Avasta Restaurant & Bar (inside Avasta Resort & Spa, north side of the city) | Calm, upscale setting within the resort. Sri Lankan and international dishes, with an adjoining bar. Two restaurants and two bars on-site. | Conveniently close—about 1.8 km from the railway station. | Confirm current hours with the property; reservations recommended.(Tripadvisor) |
Allow about two hours for sightseeing in Anuradhapura as well.
After sightseeing, return to the previous night’s hotel and stay for a second night.
Day 3: Travel to Kandy and Sightseeing
On Day 3, travel from Sigiriya to Kandy. Consider stopping at a spice garden in Matale along the way. Allow approximately three hours.
Recommended lunch restaurants are listed below.
| Restaurant (Location) | Features & Cuisine | Travel Estimate | Reservations & Hours Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theva Cuisine (inside Theva Residency / Hantana Hills – south of Kandy) | Award-winning fine dining. Sri Lankan × East-West fusion with sweeping hill views. | Approx. 10–15 min by car from the city center. | Open to non-residents by reservation. Check the property for current hours.(theva.lk) |
| The Kandy House (Gunnepana / southeast of the city) | Refined dining in a 19th-century walauwa (manor house) turned boutique hotel; serene, course-led menus. | About 20–25 min by car from town. | Non-resident dining by advance booking and subject to availability.(Tripadvisor) |
| Royal Bar & Hotel Restaurant (central Kandy) | Historic property founded in 1860. Fine-dining restaurant and bar with a courtyard terrace; ambience-driven. | Prime central location—walkable from the Temple of the Tooth area. | Hours vary; call ahead and reserve.(royalbarandhotel.com) |
| Uyana Restaurant / Gangula Terrace (inside Mahaweli Reach Hotel / riverside) | Riverside dining by the pool and gardens. Sri Lankan and international dishes (buffet & à la carte). | Approx. 10–15 min by car from the city center. | Example hours (Uyana): Breakfast 6:30–9:30 / Lunch 12:30–14:30 / Dinner 19:30–22:30. Reservations recommended.(Mahaweli Reach Hotel Sri Lanka) |
| Cafe C / Panorama (inside Cinnamon Citadel Kandy / riverside) | Multiple hotel dining venues (Cafe C, Panorama, Destination Dining, etc.). Blends tradition and innovation. | Approx. 10–15 min by car from the center. | Hours differ by venue; confirm ahead and reserve. |
| Riverscape (inside Jetwing Kandy Gallery / Gurudeniya) | Main dining room featuring contemporary takes on local cuisine; well-regarded courses and à la carte. | About 20–25 min by car from the city center. | Check the property for current hours; reservations advised due to popularity.(jetwinghotels.com) |
It’s best to inquire via the reservation email link. If no booking has been made, please have the driver contact them on the day to check availability and see if a reservation can be arranged.
In Kandy, visit the Geragama Tea Factory and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Recommended hotel is below.
| Hotel | Type / Vibe | Approx. Location | Key Strengths (Takeaways) | Official |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Pavilion Kandy | Boutique & serene | Hillside greenery above the city | Small luxury with mountain views; consistently strong decor & service reviews. | Official site |
| Santani Wellness Kandy | Dedicated wellness (Ayurveda/Detox) | Kandy outskirts (quiet mountain setting) | Minimalist aesthetics + structured wellness programs; new high-privacy villas added in 2025. | Official site |
| Jetwing Kandy Gallery | Luxury (chain; few rooms) | Riverside near Kandy | 26 rooms with refined interiors and a gallery concept; calm, adult-oriented. | Official site |
| The Radh | City boutique (great for sightseeing) | Central; near the Royal Palace & Temple of the Tooth | Comfort without sacrificing walkability; well-equipped urban amenities (spa, gym, etc.). | Official site |
| Earl’s Regency | Classic 5-star resort | Hills on the edge of town | Expansive grounds, views, and large-scale facilities; the classic pick. | Official site |
| Aarunya Nature Resort (Kandy) | Private pool villas | Hilltop retreat in Kandy District | All-villa concept with sweeping views; ideal for honeymoons and longer stays. | Official site |
Day 4: Travel to the highland area of Nuwara Eliya for a tea-plucking and high tea
On Day 4, travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Spend the day enjoying the scenery from the car. The tea-train experience will be on the following day.
Heritance Tea Factory is recommended in Nuwara Eliya.
It’s a hotel converted from a tea factory, featuring an atmospheric interior.
Tea-plucking experiences and high tea are available at Heritance Tea Factory with advance reservation.
“Please make your reservation from the page below.
→ Heritance Tea Factory – Experience Reservations”
Day 5: Ride the tea train across the Nine Arches Bridge
On Day 5, ride the tea train across the Nine Arches Bridge.
Book the tea train from Nanu Oya Station in Nuwara Eliya to Demodara Station.
Booking sites:
If the tea train can’t be reserved, our driver can arrange third-class tickets at the station counter on the day.
However, the journey from Nanu Oya Station to Demodara Station takes three hours. Since third class may be standing room only, it could be difficult to stand for four hours.
Therefore, we recommend taking a chartered taxi to Haputale Station, which would make the train ride to Demodara about 1 hour 20 minutes. On this section you can enjoy both the tea plantation scenery and the stunning views of the Nine Arch Bridge.
Ella has become a town geared toward foreign visitors, with restaurants around the center where you can eat Western cuisine. If you’re growing tired of Sri Lankan food, it’s a nice place to change things up with some Western dishes.
| Restaurant (Location) | Features & Cuisine | Travel Estimate | Reservations & Hours Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cafe Chill (Wellawaya Rd / center) | Ella’s staple favorite. From Sri Lankan to international; vegetarian & vegan options; open late. | Steps from the station and main street. | Example: Daily 08:30–02:00 (kitchen till 22:00; late menu thereafter). Expect queues at peak times.(Cafe Chill – Ella) |
| AK Ristoro (Passara Rd side) | Traveler-fav fusion of Italian / Japanese / Sri Lankan. | Address often listed as 37 Ella–Passara Rd. | Reservations sensible; confirm current hours.(Facebook) |
| Matey Hut (center, near the tunnel) | Homestyle Sri Lankan curries & roti; vegan options available. | Listed as near the tunnel. | Example: 11:00–22:00 (check daily). Popular—lines are common. |
| Cafe UFO (center) | Handy cafe-restaurant for local & international fare. | Located in central Ella. | Hours vary by day—check ahead.(Tripadvisor) |
| The Barn by Starbeans (center) | Popular casual spot with wood-fired pizza and a bar; from breakfast through dinner. | Easy access on the main street. | Example: 07:00–22:30. Some vegetarian options.(Tripadvisor) |
Day 6: Sightseeing in Ella, then transfer to Yala
Hike Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak in the morning, have lunch, then transfer to Yala for the next day’s visit to Yala National Park.
Recommended accommodations are listed below. As the following day starts with an early-morning safari, arrive at the hotel early and take time to rest.
| Hotel | Type / Vibe | Approx. Location | Key Strengths (Takeaways) | Official |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Yala Resort | High-end resort (suites/villas available) | On the edge of Yala National Park; Indian Ocean views | 42 rooms in total (suites/villas have private pools); spa, main pool, and seamless safari arrangements. | Official site |
| Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Resplendent Ceylon / Relais & Châteaux) | Design-led luxury tented lodge | Between jungle and sea | 28 “Cocoon” tents, expert rangers for game drives, Sanctuary Spa. | Official site |
| Uga Chena Huts | Private-pool cabins (all-inclusive) | Tranquil setting between the park and the ocean | Cabins that blend into nature; spacious interiors with private plunge pools; elevated dining included. | Official site |
| Jetwing Yala | Large beach-and-safari resort | Between the sea and Yala; expansive grounds | Big pool, spa, and comprehensive facilities; convenient base, family-friendly. | Official site |
Day 7: Enjoy a safari in Yala National Park, then head to the beach resort of Mirissa
Join a 5:00 a.m. jeep safari tour in Yala National Park.
The park entry permit (ePermit) can be reserved in advance via the Sri Lankan government’s official website (jeep arrangements are separate).
Websites for booking jeep tours are listed below.
| Site | Booking page (example) | Key features | Entrance fee policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viator | “All Yala National Park Tours & Excursions” | Many listings show Free Cancellation. Options include half-day, full-day, and private tours. | Some products include the entrance fee (stated in the description).(viator.com) |
| Klook | “Yala National Park Safari Day Tour from Ella” | English-speaking guide. Depending on the product, hotel pickup and selectable departure times. | Some listings indicate the entrance fee is purchased separately.(Klook Travel) |
| Booking.com (Attractions) | “Yala National Park Safari Day Tour from Ella” | Book via Booking.com Attractions. Free cancellation up to 72 hours shown; operator listed as Klook. | — (Varies by product; please check the page.)(Booking.com) |
After the safari, transfer to the beach resort of Mirissa.
Recommended beach resorts in Mirissa are listed below.
| Hotel | Type / Vibe | Approx. Location | Key Strengths (Takeaways) | Official |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Weligama (Resplendent Ceylon / Relais & Châteaux) | Cliff-top luxury resort | Near Mirissa, on the Weligama headland | 39 suites & villas, the iconic Moon Pool, view-focused dining. | Official site |
| Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa | 5-star large beach resort | ~15 minutes from Mirissa, Weligama Bay | 198 rooms, all ocean-view; Quan Spa; extensive on-site facilities. | Official site |
| Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa | Oceanfront villas & suites | Mirissa (Kamburugamuwa) | Long infinity pool and direct beach access; tranquil boutique feel. | Official site |
| Lantern Boutique Hotel (by Reveal) | Small luxury / beach-house vibe | South side of Mirissa (Kamburugamuwa) | 6 rooms (4 Deluxe + 2 Suites); sea-view rooms and pool; strong sense of privacy. | Official site |
| Ubuntu Beach Villas (by Reveal) | Private beachfront villas | Mirissa (two villas ~300–400 m apart) | Whole-villa or dual-villa stays; ideal for families and groups. | Official site |
Day 8: Tour the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Galle Fort and relax at the beach resort
Transfer from Mirissa to Galle for sightseeing. The drive from Mirissa takes about one hour.
Galle is a fortified city that preserves European-style streetscapes.
Recommended restaurants in Galle are listed below.
| Restaurant (Location) | Features & Cuisine | Travel Estimate | Reservations & Hours Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amangalla – The Dining Room / Veranda (inside Galle Fort walls) | Historic, classical setting serving Sri Lankan and international cuisine from breakfast through all day. | In the heart of the Fort (walkable). | Reservations recommended for both residents and non-residents; check official info for the latest offerings.(aman.com) |
| AQUA Forte (Fort / Leyn Baan St.) | Authentic Italian fine dining with house-made pasta and a strong wine list. | Inside the Fort (walkable). | Reservations recommended (online table booking available). Confirm current hours.(aquaforterestaurant.com) |
| The Tuna & The Crab (Fort / inside Dutch Hospital) | Modern Japanese-inspired seafood; known for sushi, sashimi, and crab dishes. | Inside the Fort (walkable); located within the Dutch Hospital complex. | Daily 12:00–22:00. Popular—reservations advised.(The Tuna & The Crab) |
| 39 Bistro & Wine Bar (inside The Fort Printers / Fort) | Upscale courtyard dining with local seafood and curated wines. | Inside the Fort (walkable). | Hours vary by date—confirm and reserve.(The Fort Printers) |
| The Cinnamon Room (at Jetwing Lighthouse / seafront NW of town) | Elegant seaside fine dining, seafood-forward. | Short drive from central Galle (outside the Fort). | Hours differ by venue—check ahead and book.(jetwinghotels.com) |
After sightseeing, return to the beach hotel in Mirissa for a second night.
Day 9: Transfer to Negombo and check into an Ayurveda hotel
Leave the beach resort in Mirissa and head to Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions, an Ayurveda hotel in Negombo.
Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions serves excellent meals and offers authentic treatments, making it an ideal hotel for relieving travel fatigue.
You can book a treatment-inclusive plan on Booking.com.
Treatments can be received either on the day of arrival or the following day.
Day 10: Colombo sightseeing, then transfer to the airport
After sightseeing in Colombo, proceed to the airport. From Negombo to Colombo, allow about one hour.”
By the way, it also takes about one hour from Colombo to the airport.
If time permits on Day 9, consider sightseeing in Colombo and then spending Day 10 relaxing at the hotel until your flight.
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