Ready-made plans
Ready-made plan

5 days in Sri Lanka for couples

Kandy 1 night, Ella 2 nights, Mirissa 1 night

I made this one for couples who want the postcard Sri Lanka in a short trip: temple drums, a slow train through tea hills, and a palm fringed beach at the end. It moves every day or two, but each move is part of the fun.

The Kandy to Ella train rideSunrise on Little Adam's PeakSunset at Coconut Tree Hill, MirissaBest in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
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Hotels, 4 nightsShown for your dates when you make it yours
Prices are checked when you open the plan, a month ahead. They are never saved in it.

Day 1 Land and slip into Kandy

  1. 13:00Land at Bandaranaike International Airport, transfer to KandySit back and watch the paddy fields. Stop for cashews at Kajugama if you're hungry.Katunayake to Kandy · about 3.5 hrs · 20,000 to 28,000 LKR per car
  2. 16:45Check in and freshen upA short rest before the evening at the temple.Kandy · about 45 min · FreeCar, arrive at the hotel
  3. 17:45Walk along Kandy LakeStroll the lake edge toward the temple as the lights come on over the water.Kandy town centre · about 30 min · FreeTuk tuk, 10 min
  4. 18:15Evening puja at the Temple of the ToothDrums, incense and lotus flowers as the shrine opens. Cover shoulders and knees, shoes off at the gate.Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy · about 1 hr · about 2,000 LKR per personWalk, 5 min
  5. 19:30Dinner at The Empire CafeCasual and cosy, a few steps from the temple. Good vegetarian options.Temple Street, Kandy · about 1 hr · 1,500 to 3,000 LKR · Order: Vegetable rice and curry or a devilled dishWalk, 3 min

Tip: Get to bed early, tomorrow's train leaves in the morning.

Day 2 The famous train to Ella

  1. 08:15Scenic train from Kandy to EllaSeven hours of tea estates, waterfalls and misty tunnels. Sit on the right side for the best valley views.Kandy station to Ella · about 7 hrs · 1,500 to 3,500 LKR per person, reserved seat
  2. 12:30Packed rice and curry on the trainAsk your Kandy hotel for a packed lunch, or buy vadai and peanuts from the vendors at stations. Good vegetarian options.Hill country line · about 30 min · 500 to 1,500 LKR · Order: Rice and curry parcel with dhal and potatoOn board
  3. 15:45Check in at EllaMost Ella stays sit on the hillside with big views. Order a tea and just look out.Ella · about 1.5 hrs · FreeTuk tuk from Ella station, 10 min
  4. 17:30Stroll down Ella's main streetA small strip of cafes, tea shops and handicraft stalls. Easy and relaxed.Ella town · about 1 hr · FreeTuk tuk, 10 min
  5. 19:30Dinner at Cafe ChillElla's best known restaurant, open sided with candles and music. Good vegetarian options.Main Street, Ella · about 1.5 hrs · 2,500 to 5,000 LKR · Order: Vegetable kottu or the Sri Lankan curry platterWalk, 2 min

Tip: Keep a light jacket handy, the train is breezy and it's cooler once you climb past Nanu Oya.

Day 3 Sunrise hike and the Nine Arch Bridge

  1. 06:00Sunrise hike up Little Adam's PeakAn easy 45 minute walk through tea bushes to a ridge with views down Ella Gap. Wear trainers.Ella · about 2 hrs · Free
  2. 08:15Breakfast at 98 Acres ResortRight at the bottom of the trail with a terrace over the tea. Good vegetarian options.Passara Road, Ella · about 1 hr · 3,000 to 5,500 LKR · Order: Sri Lankan breakfast with string hoppers and coconut sambolWalk down, 25 min
  3. 10:00Nine Arch BridgeThe stone bridge in the jungle. Wait for a blue train to curve across, it's the photo everyone wants.Demodara, Ella · about 1.5 hrs · FreeTuk tuk and a short walk, 15 min
  4. 12:45Lunch at Cafe ChillBack in town for a slow lunch. Good vegetarian options and fresh juices.Main Street, Ella · about 1 hr · 2,000 to 4,000 LKR · Order: Jackfruit curry with rice, or a fresh roti wrapTuk tuk, 15 min
  5. 14:00Spa and rest at the hotelBook an Ayurvedic massage for two, most Ella hotels have a small spa.Ella · about 3 hrs · 6,000 to 15,000 LKR per person for a massageTuk tuk, 10 min
  6. 19:30Dinner at Matey HutA tiny family run place famous for its spread of small curries. Good vegetarian options, arrive early as tables are few.Ella town · about 1 hr · 1,500 to 3,000 LKR · Order: Rice and curry with ten small vegetable curriesTuk tuk, 10 min

Tip: If you have energy left, Ella Rock is a longer 4 hour hike, but start before 7 and take a local guide.

Day 4 Down to the sea at Mirissa

  1. 08:30Drive from Ella to MirissaThe road drops through Ella Gap to the plains, then joins the expressway toward the coast.Ella to Mirissa · about 4 hrs · 20,000 to 28,000 LKR per car
  2. 08:45Ravana FallsA tall waterfall right beside the road, a quick photo stop on the way down.Ella to Wellawaya road · about 20 min · FreeCar, 15 min
  3. 13:00Lunch at No. 1 Dewmini Roti ShopA much loved little roti shop up the lane from the beach. Good vegetarian options, sweet rotis too.Mirissa · about 1 hr · 800 to 2,000 LKR · Order: Vegetable and cheese roti, then a banana chocolate rotiCar, 3.5 hrs
  4. 14:15Check in and beach timeSwim, nap under a palm and cool off. The sea is calm on this coast from December to April.Mirissa Beach · about 3 hrs · FreeTuk tuk, 5 min
  5. 17:30Sunset at Coconut Tree HillA small headland covered in tall palms over the sea. Climb up early to get a quiet spot.East end of Mirissa Beach · about 1 hr · FreeWalk along the beach, 15 min
  6. 19:30Beach dinner at ZephyrTables on the sand and the catch of the day on ice. Good vegetarian options like grilled vegetables and curries.Mirissa Beach · about 1.5 hrs · 4,000 to 8,000 LKR · Order: Grilled fish of the day, or vegetable curry with riceWalk along the beach, 15 min

Tip: From November to April, Mirissa is the place for blue whale trips. They leave around 06:30 and take 4 to 5 hours, so add a night if you want one.

Day 5 Galle Fort and fly home

  1. 07:00Morning swim and Parrot RockWade out to the little rock at low tide for a view back along the beach.Mirissa Beach · about 1.5 hrs · Free
  2. 10:00Walk the ramparts of Galle FortCheck out first and bring the bags. Walk the walls from the lighthouse to Flag Rock, then wander the old lanes.Galle Fort · about 2.5 hrs · FreeCar, 45 min
  3. 12:45Lunch at Pedlar's Inn CafeColonial cafe with high ceilings and a shady veranda. Good vegetarian options.Pedlar Street, Galle Fort · about 1 hr · 2,500 to 4,500 LKR · Order: Vegetable curry plate or a fresh salad, with iced teaWalk, 5 min
  4. 14:00Browse the boutiques of Church StreetGem shops, linen, spices and art. The Dutch Reformed Church is right there too.Galle Fort · about 45 min · variesWalk, 5 min
  5. 15:00Transfer to Bandaranaike International AirportSouthern Expressway most of the way. Fill up on snacks, there is little to stop for.Galle to Katunayake · about 2.5 hrs · 18,000 to 25,000 LKR per carFrom Galle Fort

Tip: Galle Fort is hot by midday, carry water and a hat for the ramparts.

Where to stay

Kandy, Kandy Lake and the hills around town · nights 1One night close to the temple and the station.
  • The Kandy House luxury · about 60,000 to 90,000 LKR a night A quiet old manor house with only a handful of rooms.
  • Hotel Suisse mid · about 18,000 to 30,000 LKR a night Colonial building on the lake, walk to the temple.
  • Queen's Hotel budget · about 12,000 to 20,000 LKR a night Simple but right at the centre of everything.
Ella, Hillside around Ella town · nights 2 to 3Cool air, views over Ella Gap and the best walks in the hills.
  • 98 Acres Resort and Spa luxury · about 60,000 to 100,000 LKR a night Chalets in a tea estate with a famous infinity pool.
  • Mountain Heavens mid · about 20,000 to 35,000 LKR a night Every room has a balcony looking straight at Ella Rock.
  • Zion View budget · about 15,000 to 25,000 LKR a night Friendly guesthouse with big views and great breakfasts.
Mirissa, Mirissa Beach and nearby Weligama · nights 4Calm sea, beach dinners and close to Galle for the last day.
  • Cape Weligama luxury · about 120,000 to 200,000 LKR a night Clifftop villas with the ocean all around, a real treat.
  • Mandara Resort Mirissa mid · about 30,000 to 50,000 LKR a night Pool, gardens and a short walk to the beach.
  • Paradise Beach Club mid · about 22,000 to 38,000 LKR a night Right on the sand, step out of your room into the sea.

Hotel prices are typical. Make it yours to see today's prices for your dates.

What to eat

  • Rice and curry with many small curries at Matey Hut, Ella The best way to taste a dozen Sri Lankan vegetables in one meal.
  • Kottu roti at Cafe Chill, Main Street, Ella Chopped roti stir fried on a hot plate, the island's favourite night food. Vegetable kottu is easy to get.
  • String hoppers with coconut sambol at 98 Acres Resort, Ella A classic breakfast with a view over the tea.
  • Sweet and savoury roti at No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop, Mirissa Cheap, cheerful and very good, a beach town favourite.
  • Grilled fish of the day at Zephyr, Mirissa Beach Fresh seafood with your feet in the sand.
  • Vegetable curry plate and iced tea at Pedlar's Inn Cafe, Galle Fort A cool, pretty break in the old fort.

Kandy and Ella are quiet after 10, think candlelit dinners and early starts. Mirissa has a few relaxed beach bars with music on the sand.

Why it is planned this way

  • I gave you the full Kandy to Ella train because the best views come after Nanu Oya.
  • I put Little Adam's Peak at sunrise, it's cool and empty then and you can have breakfast at the bottom after.
  • I routed you past Ravana Falls on the way to the coast so you don't need a separate trip.
  • I kept Galle Fort for the last morning since it's already on the road to the airport.

Other plans for Sri Lanka

Opening times and prices change. Tomo checks them again for your dates when you make the plan yours.

Your dates, your hotel, your pace