7-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary — Ratnapura, Sinharaja & South Coast

Trip Highlights

Witness majestic waterfalls: **Bopath Ella, Hathmale Ella.**
Drive the isolated, scenic **Rakwana-Deniyaya Road** (10 Elbow Bends).
Trek through the biodiverse **Sinharaja Rainforest** (Deniyaya Entrance).
Explore ancient shrines: **Maha Saman Devalaya** and **Gatabaru Devalaya.**
Relax and explore the vibrant South Coast beaches: **Mirissa, Unawatuna.**
Wander the historic ramparts of **Galle Fort.**

Day 1: Colombo → Ratnapura / Pelmadulla

**Travel Time:** 3 - 4 hours

**Visit List:**

**Bopath Ella Falls** (Waterfalls)
**Maha Saman Devalaya** (Temple in Ratnapura)
**Rathgaga Punchi Dambadiwa** (Temple)

**Activity:** History, Waterfalls & Culture.

Stay in Ratnapura / Pelmadulla

Guesthouses or mid-range stays in Kuruwita or Ratnapura area.

Day 2: Scenic Drive: Pelmadulla → Deniyaya

**Travel Time:** 3 - 4 hours (due to winding roads)

**Visit List:**

**Rakwana-Deniyaya Road** (via Springwood Estate)
**Punich Dahata Wanguwa** (10 Elbow Bends)
**Suriyakanda** and **Rakwana View Point**
**Hayes** & **Aigburth** Tea Estates
**Bulutota Ella** & **Galdola Ella**

**Activity:** Mountain Scenery & Tea Estates.

Stay in Deniyaya / Suriyakanda

Eco-lodges or scenic guesthouses.

Day 3: Deniyaya Exploration

**Travel Time:** Local day trips

**Visit List:**

**Sinharaja Forest Reserve** (Deniyaya Entrance) - Guided trek.
**Morning Side (Himidiri Pedesa)** - Hiking/Viewpoint (4WD may be required).
**Patna** - Natural Rock Slide area.

**Activity:** Rainforest Trekking & Nature Photography. *Focus on one major hike.*

Stay in Deniyaya

Same accommodation as Day 2.

Day 4: Deniyaya → Matara

**Travel Time:** 2 - 3 hours

**Visit List:**

**Hathmale Ella** (Seven-tier waterfall)
**Gatabaru Devalaya** (Famous Shrine)
**Olu Dola** (Natural pool for bathing)
**Matara Fort** & **Paravi Duwa** (Island)

**Activity:** Waterfalls, Culture, and Coastal Arrival.

Stay in Matara / Mirissa

Budget to luxury stays in the Mirissa or Matara Beach areas.

Day 5: Matara → Weligama / Unawatuna

**Travel Time:** 1 - 2 hours (via coastal road)

**Visit List:**

**Mirissa Beach**, **Parrot Rock**
**Coconut Tree Hills**, **Secret Beach Mirissa**
**Sea Turtle Conservation Centres**
**Weligama Beach** (Stilt Fishermen)

**Activity:** Whale Watching (seasonal), Surfing, and Beach Hopping.

Stay in Weligama / Unawatuna

Resorts or guesthouses near the beach.

Day 6: Galle Fort & Coastal Bliss

**Travel Time:** Local transfers

**Visit List:**

**Jungle Beach** (Unawatuna)
**Mihiripenna Beach** / **Thalpe** (Rope Swing)
**Rumassala** viewpoint
Evening Exploration of **Galle Fort** (ramparts, shops)

**Activity:** Swimming, Sunbathing, and Heritage Sightseeing.

Stay in Galle Fort

Boutique hotels inside the Fort for a colonial experience.

Day 7: Galle → Colombo

**Travel Time:** 2 - 3 hours (via Southern Expressway)

**Visit List:**

Morning walk on the **Galle Fort ramparts.**
Last-minute shopping inside the Fort.

**Activity:** Departure to Colombo (Bandaranaike International Airport - BIA is a 2-3 hour drive).