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AI-Livingstone
06 Dec 2025
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Sri Lanka Top Landmarks & Activities

Short Sri Lanka Highlights: Colombo, Kandy & Ella

This compact itinerary combines vibrant Colombo city life, the cultural heart of Kandy and the verdant highlands around Ella. Start in Colombo to experience coastal promenades, colonial landmarks and lively markets. Move on to Kandy to visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, wander Kandy Lake and relax in the Royal Botanical Gardens. Finish in Ella for iconic tea-country landscapes—hike Little Adam's Peak, see the Nine Arch Bridge and enjoy waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints like Lipton's Seat. The trip balances cultural sites, scenic walks and photo opportunities with easy-to-reach attractions suitable for most fitness levels.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), Kandy

    Houses the sacred relic of the tooth of the Buddha, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most important religious and cultural sites; the ornate Kandyan architecture, traditional ceremonies and festivals (especially the Esala Perahera) offer deep insight into local history and Buddhist practice.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya (near Kandy)

    One of Asia’s finest botanical gardens with extensive collections of orchids, palms and giant Javan figs; ideal for leisurely walks, birdwatching and learning about tropical flora in beautifully landscaped grounds near the Mahaweli River.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Kandy Lake (Kandy)

    A peaceful, scenic artificial lake in the heart of Kandy that provides pleasant walking paths, views of the Temple of the Tooth and a tranquil escape from the city; culturally significant and great for photography and observing daily local life.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Nine Arch Bridge (Demodara), Ella

    An iconic colonial-era railway viaduct set amid lush tea-country and jungle — famous for its dramatic architecture and photogenic views when trains pass; a must-see for rail enthusiasts, photographers and hikers exploring the area.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Little Adam's Peak, Ella

    A relatively easy, family-friendly hike offering sweeping panoramas of tea plantations, valleys and nearby mountains; accessible summit and sunrise/sunset viewpoints make it popular for short treks and memorable landscape photography.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Ravana Falls, Ella

    A striking multi-tiered waterfall on the busy Ella–Wellawaya road, celebrated for its scenic beauty and local legends tied to the Ramayana; easily reachable, it’s ideal for short stops, photos and cooling off in the wet season.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Lipton's Seat (near Ella, Haputale area)

    Offers breathtaking panoramic views over rolling tea plantations and misty valleys at sunrise and sunset; historically linked to Sir Thomas Lipton, it’s a pilgrimage for tea lovers and hikers who want to experience Sri Lanka’s highland tea culture and photo-worthy vistas.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Galle Face Green (Colombo)

    A lively oceanfront promenade popular with locals and visitors for evening strolls, kite flying, street food and sunset views over the Indian Ocean; it provides a relaxed urban green space and a window into Colombo’s everyday social life.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo

    A richly decorated Buddhist temple combining modern and traditional architecture with an extensive museum of religious artifacts and offerings; it’s a cultural and spiritual hub where visitors can learn about Sri Lankan Buddhism, view intricate carvings and participate respectfully in temple life.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Independence Memorial Hall, Colombo

    A national monument commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule (1948), set within a peaceful park; its neoclassical colonnaded architecture, statues of national leaders and regular cultural events make it an important historic site for learning about the country’s modern heritage and for photography or relaxed visits.
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Ministry of Crab — Colombo

    4.4
    $$$$

    Ministry of Crab — Colombo

    Renowned for its fresh Sri Lankan crab preparations and celebrity-chef pedigree; a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking high-quality, locally sourced seafood in an iconic setting.
    4.4
    $$$$
    Picture for Ministry of Crab — Colombo
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    Nuga Gama (Cinnamon Grand) — Colombo

    4.6
    $$$$

    Nuga Gama (Cinnamon Grand) — Colombo

    Offers authentic Sri Lankan village-style dining within a resort setting; great for sampling traditional dishes and cultural atmosphere in a convenient city location.
    4.6
    $$$$
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    Theva Cuisine — Kandy (Theva Residency)

    4.3

    Theva Cuisine — Kandy (Theva Residency)

    Fine-dining option in the Kandy hills with creative dishes that highlight local ingredients and elegant presentation, paired with scenic views over the surrounding valley.
    4.3
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    Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar & Restaurant — Ella

    4.5
    $$$$

    Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar & Restaurant — Ella

    Popular with travelers for its relaxed vibe and varied menu including local and international dishes; ideal for casual meals after hiking or exploring Ella’s attractions.
    4.5
    $$$$
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  • Restaurant Icon

    Cafe Chill — Ella

    4.5
    $$$$

    Cafe Chill — Ella

    A well-loved café offering hearty breakfasts, comfort food and a friendly atmosphere; a good spot to refuel before or after walks to Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge.
    4.5
    $$$$
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Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    Shangri-La Colombo

    4.6

    Shangri-La Colombo

    Luxury beachfront hotel with modern rooms, extensive dining options and easy access to Galle Face Green and Colombo sights — ideal for a comfortable city start or end to your trip.
    4.6
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    Cinnamon Grand Colombo

    4.3

    Cinnamon Grand Colombo

    Upscale, centrally located hotel offering multiple restaurants, a spa and large pool; convenient for sightseeing and business travelers who want refined amenities in Colombo.
    4.3
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  • Hotel Icon

    The Grand Kandyan, Kandy

    4.5

    The Grand Kandyan, Kandy

    Elegant hotel overlooking Kandy with views toward the hills, spacious rooms and cultural atmosphere — a good base for visiting the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
    4.5
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  • Hotel Icon

    Earl's Regent Hotel, Kandy

    4.3

    Earl's Regent Hotel, Kandy

    Comfortable, well-appointed hotel near central Kandy that provides easy access to major attractions, helpful tour services and pleasant gardens for a relaxed stay.
    4.3
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  • Hotel Icon

    98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella

    4.6

    98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella

    Boutique luxury resort set within working tea plantations offering panoramic valley views, walking trails and an immersive highlands experience — perfect for relaxing after hikes to Little Adam's Peak and visiting the Nine Arch Bridge.
    4.6
    Picture for 98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Kandy City Tour

    Kandy City Tour

    You will cover the main attractions in Kandy, visiting the Botanical Garden, Gem Museum, Silk Factory, Wood Carving, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Spice Garden, Tooth temple and more.
    Map IconKandy (0 mi)
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  • Event Icon

    Day Tour to Ceylon Tea & Nuwara Eliya

    Day Tour to Ceylon Tea & Nuwara Eliya

    Discover the most incredible places of Sri Lanka, such as Ceylon tea fields, Ramboda Waterfalls, Gregory Lake, Victoria Park and make your vacation unforgettable.
    Map IconKandy (0 mi)
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    Website IconVisit Website
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    This is a [Travel] related thread. Check out the subreddit wiki for travel information, and WikiTravel's Sri Lanka page. Check out the stickied monthly discussion thread for t...

    First time visiting Sri Lanka - itinerary advice

    This is a [Travel] related thread. Check out the subreddit wiki for travel information, and WikiTravel's Sri Lanka page. Check out the stickied monthly discussion thread for t...

    /r/srilanka
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi everyone! Im planning a solo trip to Sri Lanka in May 2025 and would love some feedback on my itinerary. Im particularly interested in nature

    Feedback on 12 days itinerary in Sri Lanka (May 2025)

    Hi everyone! Im planning a solo trip to Sri Lanka in May 2025 and would love some feedback on my itinerary. Im particularly interested in nature

    /r/solotravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Hi all! Just looking for some advice for a 7 day itinerary for Sri Lanka (days 2 - 8, 1 and 9 are travel days). This is our first time, and we're

    Sri Lanka 7 day itinerary question

    Hi all! Just looking for some advice for a 7 day itinerary for Sri Lanka (days 2 - 8, 1 and 9 are travel days). This is our first time, and we're

    /r/travel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    If the weather is good, you could probably be okay with spending 24 hrs in Nuwara Eliya before moving on to your next location We found the restaurant, Dushans Home Kitchen, t...

    Tips for planning your holiday to Sri Lanka (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Mirissa)

    If the weather is good, you could probably be okay with spending 24 hrs in Nuwara Eliya before moving on to your next location We found the restaurant, Dushans Home Kitchen, t...

    /r/srilanka
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    knuckles is amazing if the weather ... night and stay at negombo or mount lavinia for a mellow exit. transport wise, mix trains with private cars. kandy to ella train is sceni...

    Sri Lanka travel tips and suggestions

    knuckles is amazing if the weather ... night and stay at negombo or mount lavinia for a mellow exit. transport wise, mix trains with private cars. kandy to ella train is sceni...

    /r/backpacking
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    I am visiting Sri Lanka end of this month. In addition to staying in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella. I am also staying overnight at Haputale, a hillside town with its train stat...

    Need some advice on Kandy-Nuwara Eliya-Ella itinerary

    I am visiting Sri Lanka end of this month. In addition to staying in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella. I am also staying overnight at Haputale, a hillside town with its train stat...

    /r/srilanka
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Thanks man such a detailed post ... lots of travel and you share the details here for us to follow. Commenting as well to review this later. ... Great details bro thank you. V...

    Part 2 of my solo Trip to Sri Lanka (with itinerary)

    Thanks man such a detailed post ... lots of travel and you share the details here for us to follow. Commenting as well to review this later. ... Great details bro thank you. V...

    /r/SoloTravel_India
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  • Reddit Icon

    Day 01: Colombo City > Dambulla (visit Minneriya safari) Day 02: Dambulla > Sigiriya > Kandy (climb Sigiriya Rock, Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic, Cultural dance) Day 03: Kan...

    Sri Lanka travel tip!

    Day 01: Colombo City > Dambulla (visit Minneriya safari) Day 02: Dambulla > Sigiriya > Kandy (climb Sigiriya Rock, Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic, Cultural dance) Day 03: Kan...

    /r/TravelSriLanka
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  • Reddit Icon

    I agree with this, there is no travel time considered here and thats unreasonable anywhere, but especially Sri Lanka. That being said, I took the train Kandy to Ella buying th...

    seeking advice on my Sri Lanka itinerary

    I agree with this, there is no travel time considered here and thats unreasonable anywhere, but especially Sri Lanka. That being said, I took the train Kandy to Ella buying th...

    /r/solotravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Ok - first time in Sri Lanka, and I'm excited. Tell me if I'm being too ambitious with this 6-day plan. It seems like there will be a ton of transit

    Rate my Sri Lanka Travel Plans (6 days)

    Ok - first time in Sri Lanka, and I'm excited. Tell me if I'm being too ambitious with this 6-day plan. It seems like there will be a ton of transit

    /r/srilanka
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    This is a [Travel] related thread. Check out the subreddit wiki for travel information, and WikiTravel's Sri Lanka page. Check out the stickied monthly discussion thread for t...

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    This is a [Travel] related thread. Check out the subreddit wiki for travel information, and WikiTravel's Sri Lanka page. Check out the stickied monthly discussion thread for t...

    /r/srilanka
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  • Reddit Icon

    101 votes, 36 comments. Hi everyone! Just wanted to share a recap of my recent 12-day solo trip to Sri Lanka from 1 to 12 May. I (29F) visited six

    Trip Report: 12 Days in Sri Lanka

    101 votes, 36 comments. Hi everyone! Just wanted to share a recap of my recent 12-day solo trip to Sri Lanka from 1 to 12 May. I (29F) visited six

    /r/solotravel
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  • Reddit Icon

    Tips for my 2 week itinerary Travel Hello everyone. I will be coming to Sri Lanka for 2 weeks from 27th April. I have come up with a rough itinerary for what I want to do. ......

    Tips for my 2 week itinerary

    Tips for my 2 week itinerary Travel Hello everyone. I will be coming to Sri Lanka for 2 weeks from 27th April. I have come up with a rough itinerary for what I want to do. ......

    /r/srilanka
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  • Reddit Icon

    Looks solid to me - you're hitting a lot of the right highlights. The stretch from Sigiriya --> Kandy --> Ella covers culture, nature, and the famous train ride. Yala for...

    Sri Lanka travel itinerary

    Looks solid to me - you're hitting a lot of the right highlights. The stretch from Sigiriya --> Kandy --> Ella covers culture, nature, and the famous train ride. Yala for...

    /r/SriLankaTravel
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Day 5 - Ella Wens, July 24th 9 Arch bridge (it takes 20 min) - Hike to diff views for the nine arch bridge Little Adams peak (hike takes 20 min Ravana waterfall Ravana pool cl...

    Sri Lanka itinerary

    Day 5 - Ella Wens, July 24th 9 Arch bridge (it takes 20 min) - Hike to diff views for the nine arch bridge Little Adams peak (hike takes 20 min Ravana waterfall Ravana pool cl...

    /r/TravelSriLanka
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    I'm looking for advice on my travel itinerary for Sri Lanka. My girlfriend and I (we're both 29 years old) will be visiting for the first time in

    Itinerary Advice for Couple First time in Sri Lanka

    I'm looking for advice on my travel itinerary for Sri Lanka. My girlfriend and I (we're both 29 years old) will be visiting for the first time in

    /r/srilanka
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    The itinerary route i have used is: Colombo - Galle - Mirissa - Ella - Nuwara Eliya - Kandy - Sigiriya - Trincomalee- - Anurdhapura - Colombo (If possible visit jaffna from An...

    4 Weeks in Sri Lanka (July 24-Aug 24, 2025). Seeking Travel Tips & Recommendations!

    The itinerary route i have used is: Colombo - Galle - Mirissa - Ella - Nuwara Eliya - Kandy - Sigiriya - Trincomalee- - Anurdhapura - Colombo (If possible visit jaffna from An...

    /r/srilanka
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  • Reddit Icon

    Colombo Dambulla/Sigiriya Kandy Nuwara Eliya Ella Tissamaharama (Yala) Mirissa Galle Colombo.

    Solo Trip Advice: Sri Lanka

    Colombo Dambulla/Sigiriya Kandy Nuwara Eliya Ella Tissamaharama (Yala) Mirissa Galle Colombo.

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Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Dada - 3ADI JIDAN

    Dada - 3ADI JIDAN

    Atmospheric, downtempo world lounge track that complements relaxed temple visits and evening strolls in Colombo.
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  • Music Icon

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home - 2019 - Remaster

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home - 2019 - Remaster

    Uplifting, folk-tinged song ideal for driving through tea-country and feeling a sense of carefree travel camaraderie.
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  • Music Icon

    Sigur Rós - Hoppípolla

    Sigur Rós - Hoppípolla

    Soaring, cinematic piano-driven piece that enhances sunrise vistas at Lipton’s Seat or Little Adam’s Peak.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Portishead - Roads

    Portishead - Roads

    Melancholic, reflective track suited to quiet train journeys and contemplative moments watching the landscape roll by.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Gene Kelly - Singin' In The Rain

    Gene Kelly - Singin' In The Rain

    Lighthearted classic that pairs well with spontaneous stops like Ravana Falls or lively seaside moments at Galle Face Green.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Coldplay - Adventure of a Lifetime

    Coldplay - Adventure of a Lifetime

    Energetic, upbeat tune to boost mood on hikes, bridge views and explorations around Ella’s attractions.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Moby - Porcelain

    Moby - Porcelain

    Dreamy electronic track that fits twilight walks around Kandy Lake or peaceful time in botanical gardens.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    A.R. Rahman - Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)

    A.R. Rahman - Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)

    High-energy, celebratory song with South Asian flair—great for festive moments or when visiting vibrant cultural sites like the Temple of the Tooth.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for A.R. Rahman - Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)
  • Music Icon

    Massive Attack - Teardrop

    Massive Attack - Teardrop

    Hypnotic, emotive song that enhances scenic reflection during quieter drives through the highlands.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    System Of A Down - Aerials

    System Of A Down - Aerials

    Epic, atmospheric rock track suitable for dramatic viewpoints such as the Nine Arch Bridge and expansive tea-plantation panoramas.
    Listen on Spotify
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