Sri Lanka is packed with highlights—UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ayurveda, safaris, and scenic tea-train rides.
Travelers with ample time can enjoy all of the above; the basic itinerary is explained below.
That said, some travelers may not be able to take an extended trip. For those travelers, 5- to 7-day model plans have been prepared.
These plans focus on two of Sri Lanka’s greatest draws: touring World Heritage sites and going on safari.
The following plan focuses on exploring the Cultural Triangle—Sri Lanka’s foremost attraction.
Day 1: From the airport, via the Dambulla Cave Temple, to Heritance Kandalama
On the first day, head toward the Sigiriya area.
The first destination, Dambulla Cave Temple, is about a three-hour drive; depending on road conditions, it can take nearly four hours.
Even with a lunch stop en route, a 9:00 a.m. departure puts arrival at Dambulla Cave Temple around 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Recommended lunch spots in the Dambulla area are listed below.
| Restaurant (Property / Location) | Category | Features & Cuisine | From the Temple (Estimate) | Reservations & Hours Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanchana Restaurant (Heritance Kandalama / by Kandalama Lake) | High-end | Glass-walled dining room with lake-and-forest views. Sri Lankan & international cuisine. | ≈9.3 km (distance temple ↔ hotel) = about 15–20 min by car. | Open to non-resident guests; reservations recommended during busy periods.(heritancehotels.com) |
| Lu Lin (inside Jetwing Lake / Dambulla) | High-end | Authentic Chinese cuisine in a calm setting; course and à la carte. | About 10 min’s drive from the Cave Temple. | Generally walk-in friendly (book at peak times).(jetwinghotels.com) |
| Samara Restaurant (Amaya Lake / by Kandalama Lake) | High-end | Sri Lankan & international; indicative hours: Breakfast 07:00–10:00 / Lunch 12:30–15:00 / Dinner 19:00–22:00. | Guidance indicates within 10 min by car. | Non-resident guests welcome; reservations recommended.(amayaresorts.com) |
| CURRY LEAF (inside Tropical Life Resort & Spa / Dambulla) | Upscale (walk-in friendly) | Main restaurant offering Sri Lankan and international dishes. | About 10 min / ≈3.2 km to the temple. | Easy to walk in, but reservations are sensible when busy.(tropicallifedambulla.com) |
| Fika The Outlet (Inamaluwa / Dambulla) | Casual (no reservation needed) | Café & restaurant popular with travelers—coffee, light bites, and fuller plates. | Inamaluwa area—about 15 min by car from the temple. | No reservation needed (walk-in); expect waits at peak times.(wanderlog.com) |
After lunch, visit Dambulla Cave Temple. The stone steps are more numerous than expected and can be strenuous. Allow about one hour for the visit.
After visiting Dambulla Cave Temple, continue to Heritance Kandalama, renowned for Geoffrey Bawa’s architecture.
Stay three 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: After climbing Sigiriya Rock, go on a safari
Climb Sigiriya Rock in the early morning. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Heritance Kandalama.
Reaching the top of Sigiriya Rock requires considerable stamina. Plan on 2.5–3 hours for the round trip.
Under the Platinum Plan, a licensed driver-guide will accompany the climb up Sigiriya Rock and explain the attractions.
In the afternoon, enjoy a safari in Minneriya National Park.From Sigiriya Rock, it’s about a 30-minute drive to Minneriya National Park.
| Site | Example booking page (contents) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GetYourGuide | “Minneriya National Park Private Safari” and other jeep safaris. Japanese UI; many plans offer free cancellation up to the day before. | Departure options from Sigiriya / Dambulla / Habarana, etc.(GetYourGuide) |
| Viator | “Safari Tour at Minneriya National Park” and many more from various operators; instant booking; free-cancellation noted. | You can filter by departure point and duration (about 3–5 hours). (Viator) |
| Klook | “Minneriya National Park Elephant Jeep Safari (Private)” and similar. Plans with hotel pickup available. | Also has related products departing from Anuradhapura.(Klook Travel) |
Head back to the hotel after the jeep tour.
Day 3: Explore the ancient capital of Anuradhapura.
On Day 3, tour the UNESCO World Heritage city of Anuradhapura. Allow 1.5–2 hours from the hotel.
Because Anuradhapura’s sights are spread out, allow about two hours for sightseeing. Under the Platinum Plan, a driver with a certified guiding license will guide visitors to each landmark.
Plan to stop for lunch during sightseeing. Recommended lunch spots are listed below.
| Restaurant (Property / Location) | Category | Features & Cuisine | From Anuradhapura City Center (Estimate) | Reservations & Hours Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tranquil Restaurant (Rajarata Hotel / in town) | High-end | Hotel’s main dining room. Sri Lankan & international; from continental breakfast through dinner. | ≈0.5 km (walkable). | Open to non-residents; reservations recommended. Multiple dining venues on site.(rajaratahotel.lk) |
| Avasta Restaurant & Bar (Avasta Resort & Spa / in town) | High-end | Includes Magala Restaurant; Sri Lankan / Indian / Chinese / Continental. | ≈1.5 km from the railway station (central location). | Indicative hours 10:00–23:00; reservations sensible at busy times.(Facebook) |
| Palm Garden Village – The Restaurant (west side of town / Puttalam Rd.) | High-end | Calm setting with open-air and A/C seating; buffet offered at times. | ≈7.3 km (≲20 min by car). | Hours vary—confirm / reserve.(hotels) |
| Seedevi Family Restaurant (Jayanthi Mawatha / in town) | Casual (walk-in; highly rated) | Popular family restaurant; wide range from breakfast to à la carte. | Central area (easy access). | Example hours 06:30–22:00; buffet & takeaway available; walk-in friendly.(seedevirestaurant.com) |
| Mango Mango (Jayanthi Mawatha / in town) | Casual (walk-in; highly rated) | Well-regarded North & South Indian cuisine. | Central area (Jayanthi Mawatha). | Typically open until ~22:00 (confirm); walk-in accepted, waits possible at peak times. |
After sightseeing, transfer to the hotel and rest. If staying at Heritance Kandalama, consider booking an Ayurveda treatment to relieve accumulated fatigue from consecutive days.
Day 4: Explore the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa
On Day 4, if stamina allows, climb Pidurangala Rock for stunning views of Sigiriya Rock.
In recent years, Pidurangala Rock has become more popular as an Instagrammable spot than climbing Sigiriya Rock itself.
Allow about 1.5 hours for the ascent and descent of Pidurangala Rock.
It takes about 1.5 hours to get from Pidurangala Rock to Polonnaruwa.
Recommended restaurants near Polonnaruwa are listed below.
| Restaurant (Property / Location) | Category | Features & Cuisine | From Polonnaruwa Town Center (Estimate) | Reservations & Hours Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Restaurant (EKHO Lake House / in town, lakeside) | High-end | Lakeside hotel dining serving Sri Lankan & international dishes. Breakfast 07:30–10:00 / Lunch 12:00–15:00 / Dinner 19:30–22:00. | In town (lakeside) — a few minutes by car. | Reservations recommended; confirm exact hours on the official page.(ekhohotels.com) |
| Lake View Restaurant (Hotel Sudu Araliya / in town, lakeside) | High-end | Refined lake-view dining; Sri Lankan & international, vegetarian options available. Example hours: Breakfast 07:30–10:00 / Lunch 12:30–15:00 / Dinner 19:30–22:00. | In town (lakeside) — a few minutes by car. | Reservations recommended; check the latest menu and hours with the hotel.(araliyaresorts.com) |
| Ebony Restaurant (Deer Park Hotel / Giritale) | High-end | Main resort dining; international cuisine, buffet & à la carte. | About 18 min by car (for reference, ~9.2 mi to the museum). | Follow property guidance (e.g., dress code); reservations recommended.(deerparksrilanka.com) |
| Priyamali Gedara (near town) | Casual (walk-in; highly rated) | Countryside homestyle buffet popular with travelers; vegan options. Indicative hours 11:00–20:00. | Near town — typically within 20 min. | Walk-in friendly; expect waits at peak times.(Tripadvisor) |
| Jaga Food (around Bendiwewa) | Casual (walk-in; highly rated) | Traditional Sri Lankan dishes with paddy-field views; ~5 km from the ruins area. | About 10–15 min by car. | Lunch-focused hours (e.g., 10:00–16:30); walk-ins accepted.(Mindtrip) |
After sightseeing, transfer to the hotel and rest.
Day 5: Go to Kandy via a spice garden
After a four-night stay, depart the hotel and head to Kandy. En route, a stop at the spice gardens in Matale is recommended.
By the time you reach Kandy, it will be around lunchtime.Recommended restaurants in Kandy are listed below.
| Restaurant (Property / Location) | Category | Features & Cuisine | From Kandy City Center (Estimate) | Reservations & Hours Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theva Cuisine (Theva Residency / Hantana Hills) | High-end | Award-winning fine dining; hill views; Sri Lankan × fusion. | Approx. 2–2.5 km (2 km from Bogambara Stadium; 2.5 km from KCC) = about 10–15 min by car. | Open to non-resident guests by reservation (external guests need booking).(theva.lk) |
| Uyana Restaurant (Mahaweli Reach Hotel / riverside) | High-end | Buffet & à la carte by the pool and in the gardens. | Approx. 5 km = ~6 min by car. | Indicative hours: Breakfast 06:30–09:30 / Lunch 12:30–14:30 / Dinner 19:30–22:30; à la carte 24 hours.(Mahaweli Reach Hotel Sri Lanka) |
| Panorama (Cinnamon Citadel Kandy / riverside) | High-end | International buffet. | Approx. 4 km (around 10 min by car). | Indicative hours: Breakfast 06:30–09:30 / Lunch 12:30–14:30 / Dinner 19:30–21:30.(Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts) |
| Slightly Chilled Lounge & Sunset Bar (city hillside) | Casual (walk-in; highly rated) | Rooftop with sunset views; Chinese & Sri Lankan; popular for drinks. | Hilltop with easy access (within 20 min); Address: Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha. | Example: 11:00–23:00 (varies by day); walk-in friendly. |
| Cafe Divine Street (Colombo St / central) | Casual (walk-in; highly rated) | Multinational casual fare (burgers, biryani, etc.); popular with travelers. | Central area (139 Colombo St); convenient by foot or car. | Walk-in accepted; hours vary by day—please check ahead.(Tripadvisor) |
After the meal, tour the Geragama Tea Factory near Kandy, where the process from fresh leaves to finished tea is explained.
Afterward, enjoy a tea tasting and purchase teas produced at the factory.
In the evening, return to Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
The daily pūjā (worship/offering) times at Sri Dalada Maligawa (“Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic”) are as follows:
| Session | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning Ceremony | 5:30 AM | 7:00 AM |
| Morning Ceremony | 9:30 AM | 11:00 AM |
| Evening Ceremony | 6:30 PM | 8:00 PM |
Please observe the dress code, remove shoes, and follow etiquette as it is a sacred place.
After sightseeing, relax and rest at the hotel.
| Hotel | Type / Vibe | Approx. Location | Key Strengths (Takeaways) | Official |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kings Pavilion Kandy | Boutique & serene | Green hillside near the city | Small luxury with mountain views; tranquil stay. | Official site |
| Santani Wellness Kandy | Dedicated wellness retreat (Ayurveda, etc.) | Quiet mountain setting outside Kandy | Program-based wellness with minimalist design. | Official site |
| Jetwing Kandy Gallery | Luxury / small-scale | Along the Mahaweli River near Kandy | Refined spaces; 26 rooms for a private feel. | Official site |
| The Radh (Kandy) | City boutique (great for sightseeing) | Central; near the Royal Palace & Temple of the Tooth | Modern facilities (spa, etc.); walkable without sacrificing comfort. | Official site |
| Earl’s Regency | Classic 5-star resort | Hills just outside town | Expansive grounds and views; full-scale facilities. | Official site |
Day 6: After sightseeing in Colombo, unwind at an Ayurvedic hotel and ease travel fatigue
Travel from Kandy to Colombo. The journey takes about three hours.
Upon arrival in Colombo, let’s have lunch.
| Restaurant (Property / Location) | Category | Features & Cuisine | From Central Colombo (Estimate) | Reservations & Hours Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Crab (Old Dutch Hospital / Fort) | High-end | High-end seafood specializing in Sri Lanka’s signature mud crab; set inside the historic Dutch Hospital complex. | Fort (central) — a short drive from major hotels. | See official site; extremely popular—reservations recommended.(ministryofcrab.com) |
| Nihonbashi by Dharshan (Port City / Fort) | High-end | Authentic Japanese (sushi, kaiseki, etc.). Address: Chaithya Rd, Port City. | Fort / Port City (central). | Lunch 12:00–14:30 / Dinner 18:00–22:30; reservations recommended (online booking available).(nihonbashi.lk) |
| Shang Palace (inside Shangri-La Colombo / Galle Face) | High-end | Refined Cantonese, Sichuan, etc.; 1 Galle Face (Level 3). | Galle Face (central). | Lunch 12:00–15:00 / Dinner 18:30–23:00; online booking via hotel.(shangri-la.com) |
| Upali’s by Nawaloka (Colombo 7 / C.W.W. Kannangara Mw.) | Casual (walk-in; highly rated) | Popular Sri Lankan cuisine; spacious dining by the park. | Colombo 7 (central area). | Daily 07:30–22:30; walk-ins welcome (waits possible at peak times). Address: No. 65 C.W.W. Kannangara Mw.(Upalis) |
| Barefoot Garden Café (at Barefoot Gallery) | Casual (walk-in; highly rated) | Leafy courtyard relaxing space with a multinational menu. | Central coastal area (along Galle Road). | Mon–Sat 10:00–19:00 / Sun & Poya 10:00–18:00; walk-ins welcome.(BAREFOOT) |
Colombo’s major attractions are listed below.
| Attraction | Overview | Area/Nearest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangaramaya Temple | One of Colombo’s foremost Buddhist temples, known for its rich collection of statues and artifacts. | Beira Lake area (Colombo 2) | Observe dress code and worship etiquette. |
| National Museum of Colombo | Sri Lanka’s largest museum, covering history, art, and craftsmanship. | Cinnamon Gardens (Colombo 7) | Check official site for current hours. |
| Galle Face Green | A vast seaside promenade popular for sunsets and street food. | City center / Seafront | Can be windy; late afternoon is best. |
| Dutch Hospital Precinct | A restored 17th-century hospital turned dining and shopping precinct. | Fort (Colombo 1) | Cluster of restaurants and shops. |
| Colombo Lotus Tower | Observation tower with panoramic views of the city and ocean. | North of Beira Lake (Colombo 10 / near Fort) | Confirm ticketing and opening hours. |
After sightseeing in Colombo, transfer to an Ayurvedic hotel in Negombo.
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 6: Transfer to the airport and begin the journey home
On the final day, relax at the hotel, then head to the airport. If time allows, add some sightseeing in Negombo.
| Attraction | Overview |
|---|---|
| Negombo Beach | A scenic coastal beach ideal for relaxing, strolling by the sea, and enjoying seafood restaurants along the shoreline. |
| Negombo Fish Market | A lively fishing-village market where you can witness early morning fish auctions, drying fish on the beach, and the local fishing culture in action. |
| Angurukaramulla Temple | A historic Buddhist temple in the heart of Negombo, noted for its striking murals and large statues, providing insight into local religious heritage. |
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