1 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary
1 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary
Delve into local Sri Lankan culture, explore ancient temples filled with history, shop around vibrant markets, walk in lush tea plantations, and experience unforgettable scenic landscapes. This is a budget-friendly adventure that will leave your family with mesmerizing memories of Sri Lanka's beauty and cultural heritage.
Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatisation
Arrive at Colombo airport where your local guide will warmly welcome you. Check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to relax and acclimatize to the local environment. Enjoy an evening stroll and a traditional Sri Lankan dinner.
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Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatisation |
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- Arrival at Colombo airport |
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- Check into hotel |
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- Relax and acclimatize |
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- Evening stroll and Sri Lankan dinner |
Day 2: Colombo: City and Market Visit
Spend the day exploring Colombo. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple and the bustling Pettah Market. Get a glimpse of city life, charming architecture, and local shopping.
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Day 2: Colombo: City and Market Visit |
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- Visit Gangaramaya Temple |
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- Explore Pettah Market |
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- Discover city life and architecture |
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- Shop for local goods |
Day 3: Kandy: Temple of the Tooth and Royal Botanical Garden
Travel to Kandy. After checking into the hotel, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, whose golden-roof houses an important Buddhist artifact. End your day by wandering in the aromatic Royal Botanical Garden.
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Day 3: Kandy: Temple and Garden |
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- Visit Temple of the Tooth |
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- Explore Royal Botanical Garden |
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- Learn about Buddhist artifacts |
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- Enjoy aromatic garden walks |
Day 4: Nuwara Eliya: Tea Plantation Experience
Set off for the cooler mountain climate of Nuwara Eliya. Famous for tea production, you’ll visit a tea plantation, learn about the process and taste the local produce. Explore the local market and enjoy the scenic landscape of this unique city.
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Day 4: Nuwara Eliya: Tea Plantation |
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- Tour tea plantation and factory |
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- Learn tea production process |
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- Taste local tea varieties |
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- Explore Nuwara Eliya market |
Day 5: Ella: Scenic Train Journey and Local Village Visit
Experience one of the world's most scenic train journeys to Ella. Explore local villages and get to interact with the locals, learning about their customs and traditions.
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Day 5: Ella: Scenic Train and Village |
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- Experience scenic train journey to Ella |
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- Explore local villages |
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- Interact with villagers |
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- Learn about local customs and traditions |
Day 6: Udawalawe: Elephant Safari
Safari time at Udawalawe National Park. This park is famed for its elephant population. In the late afternoon, proceed to Mirissa and check into your hotel.
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Day 6: Udawalawe: Elephant Safari |
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- Safari at Udawalawe National Park |
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- Spot elephants in their natural habitat |
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- Explore park's diverse wildlife |
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- Enjoy nature walks and birdwatching |
Day 7: Departure
Enjoy your last day at your leisure in Mirissa. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your departure home, enriched with memories of a marvelous time in Sri Lanka.
Cultural Guidelines for Sri Lanka Travel
Respect for Sites:
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Cover shoulders and knees at temples.
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Remove shoes before entering sacred places.
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Avoid pointing feet at religious statues.
Interacting with Locals:
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Greet with a smile and "Ayubowan" (hello).
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Bargain politely in markets.
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Ask permission before taking photos.
Public Etiquette:
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Avoid public displays of affection.
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Use respectful language and gestures.
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Be mindful of local customs in villages.
Dining:
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Eat with right hand, left hand is unclean.
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Respect tea as a valued tradition.
Safari:
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Follow guide instructions on safaris.
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Maintain distance from wildlife.
Tips:
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Dress comfortably for the tropics.
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Learn basic Sinhala/Tamil phrases.
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Embrace cultural differences for richer experiences.
Safe travels,
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