Sri Lanka Itinerary: 4 Nights / 5 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo → Transfer to Kandy
- Arrive at Colombo Airport and meet your driver/guide.
- En route, stop at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – watch elephants being fed and bathed.
- Continue to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka (around 3.5 hours’ drive)
- Evening: Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (UNESCO site).
- Overnight stay in Kandy
Day 2: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (Hill Country)
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden – known for orchids and tropical plants.
- Scenic drive through tea plantations towards Nuwara Eliya (approx. 3 hrs).
- Stop at a Tea Factory & Plantation for a tour and tasting.
- Explore Gregory Lake and the quaint town often called “Little England.”
- Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 3: Nuwara Eliya → Bentota (Beach Stay)
- Early morning: Take a short walk in the misty hills or optional visit to Hakgala Gardens.
- Drive to Bentota (approx. 5- 6 hours)
- Evening: Relax on Bentota Beach
- Optional: Go for Ayurvedic Spa/Massage
- Overnight stay in Bentota
Day 4: Bentota → Galle → Colombo
- After breakfast, head towards Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Explore the colonial fort, lighthouse, and ocean views.
- Optional activities:
- Madu River Safari (mangroves & bird watching)
- Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery Visit
- Continue to Colombo in the evening.
- Explore Colombo city tour: Galle Face Green, Independence Square, Gangaramaya Temple, and shopping.
- Overnight stay in Colombo
Day 5: Departure from Colombo
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Free time for shopping (ODEL, Pettah Market, or malls).
- Transfer to airport for return flight to India.
Highlights Covered:
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Kandy & Temple of Tooth Relic
- Tea Plantations in Nuwara Eliya
- Hill country scenic train/drive
- Bentota Beach & water activities
- Galle Dutch Fort
- Colombo sightseeing
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka:
The weather in Sri Lanka varies by region due to two different monsoon patterns.
Peak Season
December to April — Ideal for the west and south coasts (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa) and hill country (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya).
- This is the busy and expansive weather period.
Shoulder Season
- April & September – October — Great nationwide weather, fewer tourists, ideal for exploring varied landscapes and cultural sites.
- This is a pleasant weather period too, with better prices and lesser crowds.
Wildlife Highlights
- February to October — Excellent for safari spotting in parks like Yala and Udawalawe.
Local Food Options You Must Try
Sri Lanka is a culinary delight, with dishes rich in flavor and tradition. Here are some must-try favorites:
- Hoppers (Appa) – Thin, bowl-shaped pancakes, crispy on the edges, soft in the middle—available in plain, egg, milk, or jaggery variants. Perfect with a spicy onion relish or curries.
- Koththu Roti – A chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and spices on a hot griddle – savory, hearty, and ubiquitous in local eateries.
- Kiri Hodi – A fragrant coconut milk curry typically eaten hot with string hoppers or rice; versions include egg, vegetable, or fish variations.
- Kiribath – A coconut milk used cooked rice, often served in a diamond shape with ‘seeni sambol’ – which is consumed as a traditional breakfast staple and ceremonial dish.
- Hot Butter Cuttlefish – A popular Sri Lankan appetizer – crispy fried cuttlefish stir-fried with butter, chili flakes, capsicum, and spring onions.
Estimated Flight Costs (Round Trip)
- For each individual traveler, expect to pay roughly INR 18,800 – 21,000 for economy return tickets, based on doubling one-way fares.
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Tip: Booking at least 6–8 weeks in advance and choosing mid-week departures can help you save 10–15% on the flight tickets.
The local currency of Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan Rupee (SLR), which is about 0.29 INR for 1 rupee. The conversion rate is subject to change continuously, so kindly calculate the exact conversion rate using any preferred currency calculator available online.
