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.