Day 1: Arrival in Dambulla (1 Night)

Morning to Afternoon: Arrival in Dambulla. Check-in at your accommodation and rest.

Late Afternoon: Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see ancient Buddha statues and murals.

Evening: Enjoy a local dinner and explore the town.

Located just 14 miles from the Matara city, this small town has a stretch of a long sandy beach, which is protected by shoals, headlands, and reefs, making it perfect to go swimming. One of the popular sites to explore here is the giant Buddha statue of 50 meters (160 feet) tall. Since the town is relatively small, all the attractions are reachable within a 20-minute walk.  he centre piece of Dambulla is the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Dambulla Cave Temple, also referred to as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This complex consists of five caves carved into the rock face of a massive granite outcrop, each adorned with exquisite Buddhist murals and over 150 stunning statues of Buddha in various poses. It is Sri Lanka's best-preserved Buddhist shrine within ancient caves.

Day 2: Dambulla to Kandy (2 Nights)

Morning: Check out and head to Kandy (about a 2.5-hour drive).

Afternoon: In Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a significant site believed to house a tooth of the Buddha.

Evening: Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, just outside Kandy, and enjoy dinner in the city.

The cultural capital of Sri Lanka, surrounded by hills and known for the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred Buddha relic. The city hosts the Esala Perahera festival, a spectacular annual event. The nearby Royal Botanical Gardens offer a tranquil escape with exotic plants and orchids.

Day 3: Exploring Kandy

Morning: Visit the Udawattekele Sanctuary for a nature walk.

Afternoon: Enjoy some leisure time shopping for local handicrafts and exploring the city.

Evening: Attend a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dances and music.

Day 4: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (1 Night)

Morning: Depart for Nuwara Eliya (about a 3-hour drive), enjoying the scenic tea plantations and waterfalls en route.

Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and then visit a tea factory to learn about tea production and enjoy a tasting.

Evening: Explore the colonial architecture of Nuwara Eliya and dine at a local restaurant.

Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka's hill station famed for its tea production. With a multitude of gorgeous attractions ranging from waterfalls and tea plantations to gardens and lakes, Nuwara Eliya is the epitome of scenic beauty. Add to that the colonial-style buildings dotting the area, a golf course and the cold climate— and you'll feel like you have entered a world unlike Sri Lanka's iconic landscape; no wonder it is also called Little England! The town's colonial legacy is evident in its well-preserved architecture, with charming buildings, manicured gardens, and a golf course that transports visitors back in time. Nuwara Eliya's Victorian-style homes, quaint churches, and the iconic red post office evoke a sense of nostalgia, contributing to its unique and tranquil ambiance. The cool climate of Nuwara Eliya makes it an ideal location for cultivating tea, and the surrounding hills are dotted with expansive tea estates. Visitors can explore the tea-making process through guided tours of tea factories, where they can witness the journey from plucking the leaves to savouring a freshly brewed cup. In addition to its colonial charm and tea-related activities, Nuwara Eliya offers natural attractions such as Gregory Lake, a man-made reservoir that provides opportunities for boating and picnics. Hak gala Botanical Gardens, nestled beneath the shadow of Hak gala Rock, showcases a diverse collection of flora, including orchids, roses, and ferns, making it a delightful spot for nature enthusiasts. The town is also a gateway to Sri Lanka's highest peak, Pidurutalagala, and Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its scenic beauty and unique ecosystems. With its blend of colonial heritage, scenic beauty, and proximity to nature reserves, Nuwara Eliya offers a distinctive experience for travellers seeking a tranquil retreat in the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Bentota (1 Night)

Morning: Depart early for Bentota (about a 5-hour drive), a coastal town known for its stunning beaches.

Afternoon: Relax on the beach or take part in water sports activities.

Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner.

A coastal town in Sri Lanka, renowned for its golden beaches, water sports, and the serene Bentota River. It offers a perfect blend of sun, sea, and sand, along with luxury resorts and Ayurvedic wellness spas. Known for its broad golden beach and calm waters, making it suitable for water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing. The Bentota River offers boat safaris where visitors can explore mangrove forests and local wildlife.

Day 6: Bentota to Colombo (1 Night)

Morning: After some morning leisure time in Bentota, head to Colombo (about a 2-hour drive).

Afternoon: Upon arrival, explore Colombo's attractions, such as the Galle Face Green, Old Parliament Building, and Gangaramaya Temple.

Evening: Discover Colombo's vibrant nightlife or enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of its many restaurants.

Mostly a deserted island of its own, the name translates as rock bay in Tamil. The town features one of the most scenic beaches in Sri Lanka with its endless golden sands and the pristine turquoise waters. The northern edge of the cape boasts a curve-shaped Passekudah Beach with splendid white sands lined with luxury accommodations. Back in the days before the tsunami hit the Kalkudah Beach, the beach was dotted with plenty of tourist hotels and resorts. Since the tsunami, the beach has been deserted, mostly occupied by cows, dogs, and occasional fishers and boats. If visitors are looking for a more secluded beach encompassed by natural beauty, Kalkudah Beach should make it to the checklist. Things to do in Kalkudah Beach1. Coconut Cultural Park: Nestled behind the resorts, Coconut Cultural Park is dedicated to nothing but coconut trees that is solely linked to the country. This attraction is perfect for taking a stroll amid the trees and learning the uses of the coconut palm, including oil for cooking, coir rope and rugs, and much more. Along with coconut trees, the park also features papaya trees. 2. Passekudah Beach: Featuring super shallow water that warms up during the sunny days, Passekudah Beach is perfect for a nice swim. But beware, as there are sharp corals nestled in the waters and the sand. The vast stretch of the beach also lines many resorts offering blissful views.

Day 7: Departure

Morning to Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, explore any last-minute shopping in Colombo or visit the National Museum. Then, proceed to the airport for your departure.

This itinerary offers a blend of cultural, historical, natural, and leisure experiences, showcasing the diversity of Sri Lanka. Make sure to adjust the activities based on your interests and the travel time between destinations. Enjoy your trip!