Day 1: Kandy - Cultural Exploration
Morning: After landing, pick up your rental car and drive to Kandy. The journey offers a glimpse into the diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka. Kandy: Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, stroll around Kandy Lake, and explore the Royal Botanical Gardens. Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance performance. Stay overnight in Kandy.
Day 2: Nuwara Eliya - Tea Country
Morning: Drive to Nuwara Eliya. This scenic route through the hills reveals tea plantations, waterfalls, and stunning vistas. Nuwara Eliya: Visit a tea plantation, explore the town's colonial charm, and enjoy the cool climate. Consider a visit to Gregory Lake or the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Evening: Relax in the tranquility of Nuwara Eliya. Stay overnight.
Day 3: Hikkaduwa - Beach Vibes
Early Morning: Depart Nuwara Eliya for Hikkaduwa. The drive down to the coast will take several hours, so an early start is recommended to arrive by 6pm. Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Hikkaduwa, check into your accommodation, and unwind on the beach.
Day 4: Galle - Leisure and Shopping
Late Morning: Start your day with some leisure time in Hikkaduwa, enjoying the beach or local cafes. Afternoon: Drive to Galle for an afternoon of exploration and shopping. Visit the Galle Fort, browse local shops for souvenirs, art, and handcrafted goods. Evening: Return to Hikkaduwa for any last-minute beach time or to freshen up before heading to the airport for your late-night flight.
More detailed information:
Accommodation(details for four):
- Lioni Holidays Villa, Colombo: LKR 10,784.02 (INR 3000) - Retreat with scenic views.
- Huluganga Ridge, Kandy: LKR 26,318.00 (INR 7,321.39) - Stay amidst Kandy's cultural charm.
- Shirin1892, Nuwara Eliya: LKR 14,000 (INR 3,894.65) - Classic stay in Nuwara Eliya's highlands.
- Hikka Sandy Pearl Beach Resort, Hikkaduwa: LKR 26,123.89 (INR 7,267.39) - Beachfront luxury in Hikkaduwa.
Eateries(Restaurants & Cafes):
- Rodeo Pub & Restaurant, Colombo: A must-visit for experiencing local pub culture.
- Gami Sisila, Weuda: Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine on the way to Kandy.
- Supermarket Cargills Food City - Getambe: Ideal for stocking up on food items if traveling late to Kandy.
- Rothschild Tea Centre: Treat yourself to countryside tea and teacakes on the Kandy to Nuwara Eliya route.
- The Library Bar, Nuwara Eliya: A cozy spot for drinks and relaxation.
- Ocean Bistro by Starbeans, Galle: Enjoy seaside dining with a range of culinary delights.
- Bastille Fort Galle: Explore this historic street and have a sip of beer.
Places to Explore:
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy: Stroll around Kandy Lake
- Single Tree Hill Viewpoint, Nuwara Eliya: Enjoy panoramic views.
- Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya: Enjoy a nighttime stroll along the lakeside.
- Araliya Green City, Nuwara Eliya: Food + Souvenir Shopping.
- Secret Waterfall, Ella: Find this hidden waterfall, located 64km from Nuwara Eliya, for a peaceful nature escape with beautiful scenery.
- National Museum Galle: Rich history and culture.
- Galle Fort Clock Tower: Iconic colonial architecture.
- Pedlar Street, Galle Fort: Explore charming boutiques, cafes, galleries and historic street.
- Luuma Beach: Relax and unwind at this beautiful beach spot.
Travel Details (Flight & Rental Car):
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Flight Details: SriLankan Airlines from (BLR) Kempegowda International Airport [Bengaluru, India] to (CMB) Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Duration: 1 hr 30 mins. Cost: 25,000 INR (Round-trip) per person.
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Rental Car: It cost us 93,000 LKR (25,871.62 INR) for a Maruti Suzuki Baleno. We made an advance payment of 20,000 LKR and provided a refundable deposit of 75,000 LKR. Additionally, I filled the tank with a total of 30 liters of fuel. The renter provides a temporary driving license, and remember, they have a policy of 100 kilometers per day. After that, they charge for extra kilometers.
Thanks, Rohit, for handling all the itinerary arrangements. Also, Happy Birthday! 🍻🎉 Aishwarya, you are missed.
Curated Food & Drink list by Yashaswinee Raje Singh(yashaswineethepooh)
- Sri Lankan breakfast by the saltwater pool at the most wonderful @55tgboutiquesuitescolombo - new on the agenda is to learn how to make string hoppers! Dilshan - thank you for your gracious hospitality! 🤍
- 5 against 1 pepper 🦀 at @thetunaandthecrab in Galle. Not pictured: chilli oil cuttlefish & spicy tuna maki, both of which were reordered 💯
- Honey rice flakes brekkie at the @lankalivinggallery. 🫠
- 🦞 linguine at @pettipettimirissa
- a welcome passionfruit lolly at @55tgboutiquesuitescolombo 💛
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️ beef noodles at @dumplingscafelk
- the spiciest wasabi margarita accompanied by some⚡️at @abode.bythebeach
- fish curry breakfast at the most inviting @villahillcrest - highlight: kiribath (Sri Lankan 🥥 milk rice)
- one of the most unforgettable iced lattes of 2024 at @abode.bythebeach
- 🥭 prawn curry with coconut sambol at @sugarbistro.galle
- a bounty bar in gelato form at @isleofgelato, Pedlar st.
- not a holiday without fried chicken - hit all the right spots (and then some) - @burningbirdlk, Mirissa
- paid for the views with a side of good ol’ fish & chips at @thecliffweligama
- the coffee was strong, but the vibes were stronger at @pettipettimirissa
- squeezed in a 🌮 tuesday at @abode.bythebeach - so good!
- “midnight snack” but make it a passionfruit cheesecake 🤤 at @villahillcrest
- may as well have inhaled this 🥑 + peanut butter smoothie bowl at @abode.bythebeach
- best, BEST cinnamon iced latte for the road from @blackcatcolombo
[Last edited 7-Jan-2025]