Traveling has always been my passion, a love that began in my childhood. This year, I chose to explore Sri Lanka on a budget, a tropical paradise with stunning coastlines and preserved natural landscapes. With a customized package from Connecting Traveller, I set off on a journey that promised to be unforgettable.
- Trip Duration: 7 nights/ 7 days
- Destination: Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Ella, Bentota, Negombo
- Inclusions: Transfers, accommodation, sightseeing tours, 2 meal/day, government taxes & service charges, guide
- Month of Travel: January
- Temperature: 23°C to 31 °C
My Customised Itinerary For 7N/7D Sri Lanka
Here is my budget-friendly customised itinerary for Sri Lanka that I created for my couple vacation with Connecting Traveller:
Day 1: Airport to Dambulla
- Attractions & Activities: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (en route), Pidurangala Royal Cave Temple, Spice Garden
- Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama (4/5)
Day 2: Dambulla
- Attractions & Activities: Sigiriya Rock, Sigiriya Archaeological Museum, Sigiriya Art Gallery
- Accommodation: Heritance Kandalama (4/5)
Day 3: Dambulla to Kandy
- Attractions & Activities: Royal Botanical Garden, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy View Point
- Accommodation: Topaz (4/5)
Day 4: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
- Attractions & Activities: Ramboda Waterfalls (en route), Gregory Lake, Racecourse, Tea Factory & Plantation, City Tour
- Accommodation: Oakray Summer Hills (4/5)
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Ella
- Attractions & Activities: Strawberry Garden, Hanuman Temple visit, Ella train ride, Nine Arch Bridge
- Accommodation: Oakray Ella Gap (4/5)
Day 6: Ella to Bentota
- Attractions & Activities: Direct check-in to the hotel, Sea Turtle Hatchery, Madu River Boat Safari (optional), Galle Fort excursion, Unawatuna Beach
- Accommodation: Habitat (5/5)
Day 7: Bentota to Negombo
- Attractions & Activities: Whale watching, Negombo Dutch Fort, Negombo Lagoon
- Accommodation: Grace Beach (4/5)
Day 8: Negombo to Airport
- Activities: Drop off at the airport for departure
My Delightful Sri Lanka Experience On Budget
Our adventure began on January 26th, when we arrived in Sri Lanka. Our first destination was Dambulla, where we visited the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to observe these magnificent creatures firsthand. Then, we explored the Pidurangala Royal Cave Temple and wandered through a Spice Garden, taking in the aromatic scents. We ended the day at a hotel named Heritance Kandalama, which was a perfect combination of luxury and nature.
The following day, we dedicated ourselves to the wonders of Sigiriya. We climbed the iconic Sigiriya Rock that is an ancient fortress with breathtaking views. Moreover, the Sigiriya Archaeological Museum and the Sigiriya Art Gallery there offered deeper insights into the history and culture of the place.
Our journey continued to Kandy on the third day. The Royal Botanical Garden was a feast for the eyes, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic was a profound spiritual experience. From the Kandy View Point, we enjoyed panoramic views of the city before retiring to the comfort of the Topaz Hotel.
Moving forward, our journey continued to Nuwara Eliya. We stopped at Ramboda Waterfalls, which was a breathtaking sight, and then visited Gregory Lake. Later that day, the tea factory and plantation tour was a highlight, and we witnessed the detailed process behind our daily cup of tea. On our fourth day, we stayed at the Oakray Summer Hills hotel that was our cozy retreat for the night.
Ella was our next destination. On the fifth day, we visited a Strawberry Garden and the Hanuman Temple, which added a spiritual touch to our trip. The Ella train ride was scenic, and we enjoyed the picturesque views and the Nine Arch Bridge, which was an architectural marvel. Our fifth-day stay was arranged at Oakray Ella Gap, which had peaceful surroundings.
On the sixth day, we visited Bentota. We checked into our hotel early in the afternoon and then visited a Sea Turtle Hatchery, where we learned about marine conservation. This day, we took an optional Madu River Boat Safari, along with a visit to Galle Fort, which added excitement to the vacation so far. Later, we spent our leisure time at Unawatuna Beach. It was the perfect way to relax before returning to our hotel, Habitat.
Our final full day was spent in Negombo. We went whale watching, which was an exhilarating experience. The Negombo Dutch Fort and the lagoon were peaceful spots to explore. Moreover, we got the chance to witness the local wedding ceremony, it was a beautiful experience. On our last day, we stayed at Grace Beach, which gave the perfect end to a wonderful trip.
On February 3rd, we headed back to the airport, and our journey to Sri Lanka, filled with diverse experiences and beautiful memories, came to an end. Thanks to Connecting Traveller, I was able to fully immerse myself in the beauty and culture of this amazing island, and the arrangement of accommodation, guide, and transportation throughout the journey was commendable. I highly recommend travellers out there to book their vacation with Connecting Traveller.
Most Asked Questions
1. How much will it cost for a Sri Lanka tour?
The cost of your Sri Lanka trip can vary depending on your travel style. Budget travelers can find adventures for around ₹1,650-₹2,450 per day, excluding flights. Packaged tours typically range from ₹33,000-₹66,000+ for a week, depending on inclusions like accommodation and activities. Luxury experiences can reach several lakh rupees (hundreds of thousands).
2. Is 7 days enough for Sri Lanka?
Seven days in Sri Lanka allows you to hit the highlights, but ideally not much more. You could explore cultural gems like Kandy and Anuradhapura, relax on beaches in the south, and even fit in a wildlife safari. For a more in-depth exploration you can get in touch with Connecting Traveller and create a longer itinerary.
3. Which is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, so the best time to visit depends on your preferences. The dry season from December to April offers sunshine along the west and south coasts. The east coast shines from May to September. If you can handle some rain, shoulder seasons (April-May and October-November) offer pleasant temperatures and lower crowds.
10 0
