Sri Lanka has been a crossroads of trade and ideas for over two millennia, from Anuradhapura’s ancient capitals to the spice routes that perfumed colonial ports. In one compact island you get time-polished temples, emerald tea gardens, wildlife-rich parks, and an Indian Ocean coast that glows at sunset.

This 7-day itinerary is crafted for couples who want romance without fuss: a graceful arc from Kandy’s lakeside heritage to Ella’s hiking trails and tea estates, ending with toes-in-sand downtime in Mirissa—plus options to fold in a Yala National Park safari. You’ll ride the country’s most photogenic train, share a cooking class, and savor curries, hoppers, and fresh seafood.

Plan to arrive in the afternoon on Day 1 and depart in the afternoon on Day 7. Trains are scenic but slow; private drivers are efficient. Carry small cash for temples and tips, dress modestly for religious sites, and note that whale watching runs best Nov–Apr on the south coast. Sri Lankan cuisine is gloriously spiced; ask for “less spicy” if needed and always hydrate.

Kandy

Kandy is Sri Lanka’s last royal capital, cradled by forested hills and a serene lake. Devotees stream to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic at dawn and dusk, while nearby Peradeniya Gardens unfurl with palms and orchids. Cafés, craft boutiques, and colonial architecture make easy strolling for two.

• Top sights: Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake loop walk, Royal Botanic Gardens (Peradeniya), Bahirawakanda Buddha viewpoint.
• Why it’s great for couples: sundown processions at the Temple, calm lakeside walks, breezy hill views, spice gardens and tea tastings nearby.
• Where to stay (mid-range focus):
  • The Kandy House – boutique and intimate, a historic walawwa turned retreat.
  • Amaya Hills Kandy – hillside views, good pool and spa.
  • Kandy City Hotel by Earl's – value stays near the action.
  • Browse more stays: VRBO Kandy | Hotels.com Kandy
• Getting in: Land at CMB (Colombo). For flights search Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. CMB to Kandy is ~3–4 hours by road (private car ~$80–120) or ~3–3.5 hours by train (2nd/1st class ~$3–10) via Trip.com Trains. Prefer a chauffeur for the week? Consider:

Viator: Sri Lanka Multi Day Car Hire with English Speaking Driver-Guide

Day 1: Arrival to Kandy (afternoon arrival)

Afternoon: Transfer to Kandy and check in. Shake off travel with a gentle loop around Kandy Lake (2.1 km), watching kingfishers and temple reflections. Coffee stop: Natural Coffee (beans roasted in-house) or Buono for iced lattes and cakes.

Evening: Attend the Temple of the Tooth Relic (dress shoulders/knees covered); the evening puja feels intimate and historic. Dinner at Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar (good curries, cool breezes) or the 1848 Royal Bar & Hotel Bistro for lamprais and old-world ambiance.

Day 2: Kandy to Ella by the iconic scenic train

Morning: Early visit to Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya—grand avenues of royal palms and a superb orchid house. Grab takeaway rotis from Café 1886, then head to Kandy Station for the legendary hill-country train to Ella.

Viator: Kandy to Ella Train Tickets – Reserved Seats (the most scenic ride in Sri Lanka; secure seats in advance).

Afternoon: The 6–7 hour ride unfurls tea estates, waterfalls, and cloud forests—lean into the window for misty frames. Arrive in Ella and check in.

Evening: Sunset amble to the Nine Arch Bridge viewpoint if time permits; dinner at Café Chill (Sri Lankan and western menu; great juices) or Matey Hut for homestyle rice & curry served on banana leaf.

Ella

Ella is a highland hideaway where tea-cloaked ridges tumble into valleys. Trails start from town: Little Adam’s Peak for sunrise, Ella Rock for a longer trek, and railway paths to the graceful Nine Arch Bridge. Between hikes, sample tea at a working factory and chase waterfalls.

• Why couples love it: sunrise viewpoints with no crowds, spa time after hikes, cliffside cafés for golden-hour cocktails.
• Where to stay:
  • 98 Acres Resort & Spa – ultra-romantic chalets set within a tea plantation.
  • Ella Rock House – friendly, good value near trails.
  • Hangover Hostels Ella – budget beds steps from the station.
  • Ella Jungle Resort – back-to-nature riverside escape.
  • Browse more stays: VRBO Ella | Hotels.com Ella

Day 3: Little Adam’s Peak, tea tastings, and bridge views

Morning: Sunrise hike up Little Adam’s Peak (45–60 min; moderate). Panoramas over Ella Gap make it a romantic photo spot. Reward yourselves with breakfast at 98 Acres Resort’s terrace—string hoppers, sambols, and tea with a view.

Afternoon: Tour a nearby tea factory (e.g., Uva Halpewatte): learn plucking grades and taste bright Ceylon brews. Walk the railway track to Nine Arch Bridge; time it for a passing train for the classic shot.

Evening: Couples spa hour back in town, then dinner at AK Ristoro (Italian-Asian fusion; try the tuna steak or pumpkin ravioli) or Ceylon Tea Factory Restaurant for biryanis and kottu with a modern twist.

Day 4: Ella Rock hike and Rawana Falls

Morning: Early start for the Ella Rock trail (3–4 hours round-trip; hire a local guide if unsure of turn-offs). Pack water and a light shawl; the summit breeze is cool.

Afternoon: Cool off at Rawana Falls. Stop for a late lunch at Café C (smoothies, wraps) or The Barn by Starbeans for espresso and cakes.

Evening: Sunset drinks at Chill Café rooftop or the 98 Acres bar. Keep dinner light: Kuda Ratwatte for clay-pot curries or The Garden View for smoky kottu.

Prefer an all-in-one guided day?

Viator: Ella Private Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory – All Inclusive (wraps Nine Arches, Little Adam’s Peak, Rawana Falls, and a tea experience into one curated day).

Mirissa

Mirissa is your soft-landing at the end: a crescent of golden sand, coconut groves, and easy day trips to Galle Fort’s cobbled lanes. Think sunrise swims, late breakfasts, a cooking class for two, and candlelit seafood dinners with your toes in the sand.

• Why it’s great for couples: beachy lie-ins, Secret Beach coves, sunset at Coconut Tree Hill, romantic seafood grills.
• Where to stay:
  • Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa – sleek beachfront suites ideal for couples.
  • Cape Weligama – a splurge-worthy clifftop resort with sweeping views.
  • Paradise Beach Club – mid-range classic right on the sand.
  • Hangover Hostels Mirissa – budget-friendly near the beach.
  • Browse more stays: VRBO Mirissa | Hotels.com Mirissa

Day 5: Transfer to the coast, with an optional Yala safari

Morning: Depart Ella by road for Mirissa (approx. 4.5–5.5 hours by private car; ~$90–140). Make it an unforgettable travel day by detouring for a Yala National Park game drive en route.

Viator: Ella: Transfer to Mirissa & Yala/Udawalawe Safari (efficient transfer plus a guided 4x4 safari; look for elephants, crocs, and if lucky, leopard).

Afternoon: Arrive and unwind on Mirissa Beach. Smoothie stop at Shady Lane (excellent açaí bowls) or Zest for iced coffee.

Evening: Sunset at Coconut Tree Hill (bring a sarong and flashlight for the path). Dinner right on the sand at Zephyr (grilled fish, prawns, good cocktails) or Salt for sashimi-grade tuna and reef fish.

Day 6: Cooking class and Galle Fort

Morning: Sri Lankan cooking class for two—learn pol sambol, dhal, pumpkin curry, and crispy hoppers. Look for intimate classes in Mirissa or Weligama (small-group kitchens hosted by local families are best for hands-on learning).

Afternoon: Tuk-tuk or taxi 45 minutes to Galle Fort. Walk the ramparts, visit the lighthouse, and browse tiny boutiques for handlooms and spices. Coffee at Church Street Social (Fort Bazaar) or Isle of Gelato between shop-hopping.

Evening: Stay for golden hour on the ramparts, then dinner at A Minute by Tuk Tuk (Dutch Hospital; crab and curries) or The Tuna & The Crab (Japanese-Sri Lankan seafood). Return to Mirissa.

Day 7: Beachy send-off and departure

Morning: From Nov–Apr, optional whale-watching cruise (early start) to spot blue whales and spinner dolphins; otherwise, stroll to Secret Beach for a last swim. Brunch at No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop (stuffed rotis, sweet coconut pancakes) or Aura Café for shakshuka and espresso.

Afternoon: Drive to Colombo Airport (CMB) for your flight (about 2.5–3 hours by expressway from Mirissa; pad extra time for traffic). If you arrive in Colombo city with a few hours to spare, a quick tuk-tuk tour is a fun finale:

Viator: Colombo Private Tuk-Tuk City Tour (All Entry Fees Included)

Practical Notes and Alternatives

• Budget tips (50/100): Mix mid-range hotels with hearty local meals (kottu, hoppers) and economical trains. Save on transfers by combining them with tours (e.g., Ella→Yala→Mirissa).
• Transport choices:
  • Long-distance train seats book early—secure via Viator (Kandy→Ella) or browse schedules on Trip.com Trains.
  • Drivers are flexible and time-efficient; consider the multi-day car hire noted above.
• Add-ons: If safari is your priority, you may swap Mirissa Day 6 for a full Yala day from the coast:

  

  Viator: Yala Safari Private Day Trip (All Inclusive)

Where to Stay, Summarized

• Kandy: The Kandy House | Amaya Hills Kandy | Kandy City Hotel by Earl's
• Ella: 98 Acres Resort & Spa | Ella Rock House | Hangover Hostels Ella | Ella Jungle Resort
• Mirissa: Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa | Paradise Beach Club | Cape Weligama | Hangover Hostels Mirissa

Getting Between Cities (Estimates)

• Colombo (CMB) → Kandy: 3–4 hours by car (~$80–120); 3–3.5 hours by train (~$3–10).
• Kandy → Ella (train): 6–7 hours; reserve via Viator reserved seats.
• Ella → Mirissa: 4.5–5.5 hours by car (~$90–140), or combine with safari via Viator transfer + Yala.

For flights in and out of Sri Lanka, compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Café and dining cheatsheet: Kandy – Natural Coffee, Buono, Slightly Chilled, Royal Bar & Hotel Bistro. Ella – Café Chill, Matey Hut, AK Ristoro, Café C. Mirissa/Galle – Shady Lane, Zephyr, Salt, Church Street Social, A Minute by Tuk Tuk, The Tuna & The Crab.

This route threads culture, scenery, and sea into one romance-ready week: sacred Kandy evenings, misty tea-country hikes, and languid Mirissa sunsets. With a cooking class to take flavors home and the option of a Yala safari, you’ll leave with stories—and photographs—you’ll revisit for years.