sri lanka travel itinerary 3 weeks

Sri Lanka Travel Guide: a 3-week travel itinerary

Sri Lanka has to be one of the greatest travel destinations of all time, a beautiful tropical island in the middle of the warm Indian ocean waters. Three weeks is an ideal length for a Sri Lanka route, as you cross through the jungle, mountains, tea plantations, and paradise coastline. Start in big metropolitan cities and end your time relaxing on beautiful beaches with a coconut in hand. Everything you could possibly dream of is in this beautiful country with the perfect Sri Lanka route. 

Sri Lanka Route Guide

This 3-week itinerary through Sri Lanka is a day-by-day Sri Lanka route. The island is easy to travel through and can be done by bus, tuk-tuk, motorbike, taxi, or private driver. One of the more popular options is to travel by traditional Sri Lankan train , gaining a wonderful insight into Sri Lankan culture as you fly through beautiful landscapes. 

Use this 3-week route to cover the top things to do in Sri Lanka, and if you have more time, we’ve added some additional options. 

Day 1 – 2: Relaxing in Negombo or Colombo

Start your trip in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. Here you’ll discover a unique mixture of modern and traditional, where towering skyscrapers and luxurious rooftop bars sit next to stunning mosques, traditional houses, and bustling street markets.

After a busy day of sightseeing, head to one of the beautiful parks to relax and see unique tropical plants, trees, and flowers. Alternatively, take a wander down to the city beach, where you can watch locals flying their kites in the coastal breeze or cheering as they score points playing cricket. 

However, Colombo is not the closest city to the airport. For more convenience, head to Negombo, a laid-back town that’s right next to the airport.

Where to Stay in Negombo

Negombo is a great place to stay for cheaper accommodation with swimming pools where you can relax and unwind after the flight.

Hotels in Negombo 😴

The beaches are also far more picturesque in this city, so if you’re looking to enjoy coastal relaxation, it’s a better choice to begin your trip.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Kandy

Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second-largest city and one of the most beautiful you’ll find in all of Sri Lanka . Discover the old colonial buildings that line the edges of a vast lake in the center, keeping an eye out for exciting wildlife and unique plants. Plus, the buzzing streets filled with coconut sellers and stalls are just a stone’s throw away from this fantastic nature. 

To get from Colombo or Negombo to Kandy you have three options, the bus, train, or a taxi. Looking for a Sri Lankan driver? Contact our friend Indi on Whatsapp (+94777644144) .

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens, a fantastic tranquil wilderness in the city full of a diverse range of plants, trees, and flowers. As you look around, you’ll notice that the mountains and tropical rainforests are never far away! It’s this proximity that makes Kandy a great jumping-off point for day trips.

Read : 9 Things to do in Kandy

Where to Stay in Kandy

Kandy offers a good selection of affordable hostels and hotels to suit every kind of traveler.

Hostels in Kandy 😴

We recommend staying in the city center to explore everything easily. Alternatively, choose to stay up in the hills for ultimate tranquility.

Day 4: Sigiriya

Lion Rock in Sigiriya is one of the country’s most famous landmarks. The enormous natural formation sticks out of the flat landscape, towering above forests and grasslands filled with elephants. On top of the 200-meter square-shaped rock, you’ll find the remains of an ancient palace and gardens and many rock drawings along the way. Additionally, Lion Rock is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka, which is another reason to add it to your Sri Lanka route!

Alternatively, visit Pidurangula Rock , Lion Rock’s nearby little sibling. This rock may be smaller, but it provides a better view as it looks directly onto Lion Rock. There’s also a cheaper entrance fee too! 

If you have time to stay a few nights in Sigiriya, we recommend relaxing in one of the many beautiful hotels in nature, hiking the rocks, or going on an elephant safari in the flat valley. To get there, hire a driver or look for a shuttle bus (a 3-hour drive from Kandy).

Read: Climb the World-Famous Sigiriya Lion Rock

Where to Stay in Sigiriya

Most of the accommodation in Sigiriya is a bit higher in price. However, it does allow you to enjoy and make the most of the incredible scenery in this area.

Hotels in Sigiriya 😴

Tip: Some hotels even have direct views from the rooms of the rocks themselves!

Day 5: Kandy to Ella Train Ride

Head back to Kandy to catch the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka . This long train ride is one of the top things to do on any Sri Lanka route, taking you through stunning rolling hilltops, rainforest, and luscious green tea plantations. Hang out the door with the wind in your hair and feel the weather get cooler as you move higher up into the mist and the clouds of the Sri Lanka highlands. Get Kandy Train Tickets here .

Read: Kandy to Ella Train

Day 6 – 7: Nuwara Eliya

The train from Kandy goes all the way to Ella , making a few stops on the way. Get off a little earlier and spend a night in the natural beauty of Nuwara Eliya, an area famous for tea plantations.

Here are all your hotel options in Nuwara Eliya.

It’s especially well known as being home to the Lipton plantation, one of the world’s most famous tea growers and exporters! In fact, the history of colonization here by the English has even affected the architecture, with lots of English-style bungalows dotted through the fields, giving Nuwara Eliya the nickname ‘Little England’.

Read: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Day 8 – 10: Ella

Visit one of the most blissful and natural places in Sri Lanka : Ella. The small town has a laid-back hippy vibe, complemented by the great mountains and hills that tower over the town. Stay in a hilltop guesthouse with incredible views, and use it as a base to climb to Adams Peak, Ella Rock, or the mesmerizing Nine Arch Bridge . When you’re done hiking, head for one of the many picturesque waterfall pools for a refreshing dip.

Ella is one of the most beautiful places in the country and an absolute must-do in Sri Lanka !

Read: Best Things To Do in Ella, Sri Lanka

Where to Stay in Ella

Ella is full of fantastic accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts with swimming pools and beautiful views.

Hotels in Ella 😴

It can be fun to stay in the hillside guesthouses outside of town, where you’ll have great views and easy access to hiking trails.

Day 11 – 13: Arugam Bay

Ready to catch some waves? Arugam Bay is the most famous surfing spot in Sri Lanka . It’s so popular that many surfers make this their home between April and October when the days are sunny and warm, and the waves are great. It’s easy to see why people spend so much time here, with the relaxed way of life, living in a wooden beach hut, surfing, and sunbathing by day, and enjoying all the fantastic bars and restaurants by night. This is where you’ll truly find hammock-swinging and coconut-sipping vibes! 

Read: Things To Do in Arugam Bay

Where to Stay in Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is all about the beach! As such, most of the accommodations are located along the coastline. Choose from charming beach huts, mid-range guesthouses, or upscale beach resorts.

Hotels in Arugam Bay 😴

Day 14: Go on Safari in Sri Lanka

From Arugam Bay, it’s super easy to take a day trip to Yala National Park for a safari amongst nature. You might even be lucky enough to spot the elusive leopard!

See availability for a safari tour to Yala

Join a tour, jump in a jeep, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. As you cross over bumpy dirt roads, around lakes, and through bushland, you’ll see vast groups of wild elephants and other animals. There are plenty of national parks to choose from in Sri Lanka , some of the most popular being Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park . 

Read : Best national parks in Sri Lanka

Day 15 – 16: Mirissa

Head south to the paradise beach town of Mirissa. Take off your shoes and say goodbye to regular life as you slow down and feel the sand between your toes and the waves against your feet. Mirissa isn’t just about the beach, though; there are beautiful coconut tree forests to explore, fascinating tidal islands, and endless great restaurants.

Read: Best Things to do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Mirissa is also one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see Whales, which migrate here between November and March. You’ll find the most spectacular sunsets in this part of the country, a winning combination with a sunset whale-watching trip.

Tip: Are you someone always looking for a secret beach? Find your perfect beach on the list of 10 x Best Beaches in Sri Lanka .

Where to Stay in Mirissa

Mirissa is relatively small, so most guesthouses and hotels will be within walking distance of the beach.

Hotels in Mirissa 😴

As with most areas in Sri Lanka , prices are low for accommodation, and you can find beautiful beachside hotels, with views of the ocean, for a lot less than you might expect!

Day 17 – 19: Unawatuna

The Unawatuna area has the most famous beaches in Sri Lanka , known for the white sand, great surfing, lively beach bars, and Instagram-famous palm-tree swings. The town is small, but it has excellent shopping, guesthouses, and trendy restaurants.

It’s also a great jumping-off point to local sights nearby, like Galle Fort , Koggala Lake, or even the bright lights of Colombo! You could quickly lose track of time in this beautiful little beach town, and it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of your Sri Lanka route.

Read: Awesome Things To Do in Unawatuna

Where to Stay in Unawatuna

Unawatuna is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in the country. Because of this, expect to pay slightly higher prices for hotels and guesthouses.

Hotels in Sri Lanka 😴

Tip: Hotel Tri is a beautiful hideaway near Unawatuna around Kogalla Lake. The sunrise and sunsets here are one of a kind overlooking the lake and cinnamon plantations.

Day 20+21: Back to Colombo

Finish your trip and stay close to the airport in Colombo.

Here are all your hotel options in Negombo.

If you have a little extra time before your flight, visit Barefoot Handicraft and its fantastic restaurant or tick off some of the sights you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.

Optional Places

Sri Lanka is an absolute heart-stealer, and the likelihood is that you may want to stay for longer than three weeks. If you’re extending your route, there are many more amazing places to visit, especially in the northern part of Sri Lanka (where you’ll find some real hidden gems!). Some of the most popular places to visit on a Sri Lanka route are:

• Trincomalee
• Polonnaruwa

How to Visit Sri Lanka

International flights arrive at Colombo airport (actually closer to Negombo than Colombo).

From here, it’s straightforward to take public transport to your next destination or arrange for a driver to collect you. 

Getting Around in Sri Lanka

Hiring a driver in Sri Lanka is a very popular choice as it’s so reasonably priced. To do so will usually cost about $50 per day, which allows you a lot more flexibility with your itinerary. It also helps you get to the more remote places, which otherwise might be quite tricky. 

We recommend to rent a car in Sri Lanka through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Contact our friend Indi on Whatsapp (+94777644144) . Make sure to tell him you came via ‘Salt in our Hair’ so you’ll get the best price possible. 

Buses are a very cheap option; it’s just a few dollars for a full day of traveling by bus! Be aware that buses are usually packed full of people, and you will have to stand. Don’t expect air conditioning, but you’ll have the perks of enjoying local TV with Sri Lankan music videos! 

Purchase any transport tickets online here

Taking the train is a must-do in Sri Lanka . The country is home to some of the most beautiful train rides globally and has become renowned worldwide for the experience of hanging out the train door as tea plantations and rolling hills fly by. 

The price for a second-class cabin varies from $1.50 to $4. Sometimes they run out of seats, meaning you have to stand or sit on the floor. But do as the locals do and enjoy this beautiful experience!

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. There isn’t a perfect period to visit because each side of the island has its own “best time to visit.” which means the sun will always be shining somewhere! ☀️

The dry seasons by month and destination are:

• North – May to September
• Center  – January to April
• South  – December – March

If you choose to visit these areas in the rainy season, you can still have a really enjoyable time. Prices will be lower, there will be fewer people, and nature will be particularly luscious. However, be aware that the rains can bring rough waves to the coast, causing the beaches to get pretty dirty and unusable at this time.

Sri Lanka Visa

You need a Sri Lanka visa to be allowed into the country. Luckily, arranging a visa isn’t difficult at all. All you need to do is make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. You can select several options for your visa for Sri Lanka , depending on how long you are planning to stay and for what reason you are visiting the country.

Online Visa, Sri Lanka

The first option is to apply for your Sri Lanka visa online . It’s wise to apply at least a few days before your arrival. Usually, the applications are approved within a few hours, and you will receive your ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). The 30-day tourist visa will cost you $35.

Order online: Get your visa easily here!

Visa on Arrival

Even if you have not applied for ETA can get a Visa on Arrival on arrival for Sri Lanka . There is a counter at the airport in Colombo where you can go. However, you will pay $5 extra, and there are generally long queues. For this reason, we recommend applying for your visa online ahead of time.

How Much Does Sri Lanka Cost?

In Sri Lanka , payment is made in the Sri Lankan Rupee (not the same as the Indian Rupee). Currently, $1 is equal to 2 Sri Lanka Rupees. Generally, Sri Lanka is a cheap place to travel in, especially in the more remote locations like the North or the center.

A variety of accommodations is on offer, from budget guesthouses to the more luxurious beachside hotels. Plus, wherever you go, you can always find cheap and delicious food, either sold on the street or in small restaurants (a bowl of local rice and curry typically costs about $1-3 USD!).

Costs of Traveling in Sri Lanka

Travel on a budget in Sri Lanka, from $190 − $410 USD weekly per person, mid-range $530 − $960 USD, and high-end from $920 − $1250 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $10 − $30 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $10 − $20 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $2 − $50 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $50 − $80 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $10 − $30 USD
• Activities: $2 − $30 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Vaccinations Sri Lanka

Whatever the length of your trip is, it’s recommended to get two vaccines:

• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio)
• Hepatitis A

Staying away for several months? Then you probably should get vaccinations against Hepatitis B and rabies. There is no Malaria risk in Sri Lanka.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Sri Lanka trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Sri Lanka via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

Road Trip along the Untouched East-Coast of Sri Lanka

7 great things to do in trincomalee, where to see elephants in sri lanka (avoid pinnawala).

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

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Ultimate 3 week Sri Lanka Itinerary: 2024 Guide

Planning 3 weeks in Sri Lanka? You’re in the right place! Sri Lanka is an amazing country to explore with beautiful beaches, rich culture, vibrant jungles and the friendliest of people. This is our detailed and easy to follow 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary and beyond!

We share how to get around the country and how much things should cost in Sri Lanka. Let’s find out how to spend the best 3 weeks in Sri Lanka!

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

How to Plan a 3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

This is your ultimate guide on how to plan a 3 week trip to Sri Lanka! We’ll cover the following topics:

• How long to spend in Sri Lanka
• Where to visit in Sri Lanka
• What types of accommodation you can stay in
• How to get around Sri Lanka
• How much do things cost in Sri Lanka

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka ? (Weather in Sri Lanka)

The  best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and April . Although it’s possible to visit Sri Lanka all year round as the country experiences two monsoons at opposite times of the year.

If you’re wondering where to go in Sri Lanka in December, the southwest is a great choice! As the southwest monsoon is from late April to September and the northeast monsoon is from November to March. So if you’re thinking about where to go in Sri Lanka in August, why not explore the north and find some hidden gems!

Our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary is best suited for those visiting between December and April and is considered the best time to go to Sri Lanka to see the main sights.

How to get around Sri Lanka?

Public Buses & Trains – This is one of the best ways to get a local feel of Sri Lanka, buses run everywhere in the country and trains are great to use in the hilly country & the west/southwest of Sri Lanka. They’re very affordable and a fun experience on your backpacking Sri Lanka itinerary!

Hire a driver – This is a very popular option for those travelling in groups or with suitcases. It’s the most comfortable way to get around Sri Lanka and you’ll have more freedom with your own schedule. We found many Sri Lankan drivers through Facebook groups.

Catch local tuk-tuk’s – The distance from each destination isn’t too long in Sri Lanka, so it’s possible to catch local tuk-tuk’s throughout the country! This option is flexible but will cost more than public buses and trains.

Rent your own tuk-tuk – Did you know it’s possible to rent and drive a tuk-tuk for the whole of your Sri Lanka itinerary? What an amazing way to tour the country! You’ll need to pick up an extra license in Colombo before you begin your trip. Find out more here – Tuk-tuk rentals .

Ultimate 3 week Sri Lanka Itinerary

Here we go! The reason you came to this article – What to do in Sri Lanka – In this 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary, we’ll show you the top places to visit in Sri Lanka and how to get to each destination.

Day 1 | Negombo

Negombo is where you’ll want to start your 3 week Sri Lanka trip, you’ll be arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) which is much closer to Negombo than it is Colombo.

How to get to Negombo from the airport? – The best way to get to your Negombo accommodation is to download the app PickMe and catch a local tuk-tuk. From the airport to Negombo beach it should only take 30 minutes and the journey cost around Rs 600.

Things to do in Negombo

Relax and unwind from your journey.

After your long journey to Sri Lanka, you may want to relax, sleep and try out some delicious Sri Lankan food in Negombo. Head out to Negombo Beach to find the main strip of restaurants and shops.

Negombo Beach

This is the main beach in Negombo, lined with beachside restaurants – it’s a good place to take your first dip in Sri Lanka (the Indian Ocean)

Muthurajawela Marsh

You can do a 1-hour boat ride from Diksan Boat Tours and spot wildlife along the marsh. Find out more here – Muthurajawela Marsh Details

Where to stay in Negombo

Serendib Village Guest House ($) – A peaceful jungly spot in Negombo

Find them on Booking.com here – Serendib Village Guest House (Negombo)

How to get from Negombo to Sigiriya

The next place to visit on your Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary is Sigiriya. You can arrange a mini-van with your hotel to get to Sigiriya or you can catch local buses. We opted for local bus rides and have created a detailed guide on How to get from Negombo to Sigiriya . It’s so affordable by bus!

Days 2-4 | Sigiriya

Sigiriya is one of the top places to visit in Sri Lanka and the perfect way to kick off your Sri Lanka backpacking itinerary! There are many amazing activities in Sigiriya that should be at the top of your Sri Lanka bucket list. Here are a few ways you can spend 2-3 days in the small jungle town:

Things to do in Sigiriya

Sunrise at pidurangala rock.

The first thing you’ll want to do in Sigiriya is a sunrise hike at Pidurangala Rock. The views are breathtaking as you get to look out onto the famous Sigiriya Rock. The climb only takes The price is $3 USD which is perfect for those backpacking Sri Lanka.

It takes about 30 minutes to get to the top and some parts are very rocky. Hiking up to the rock for sunrise was honestly one of our favourite things to do in Sri Lanka.

Spend the afternoon in Dambulla

Dambulla is famous for having the best-preserved and largest cave temple in Sri Lanka. You only need to spend an afternoon in Dambulla to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple (Rs 1500). It’s possible to get there by public bus or tuk-tuk.

Sunset at Sigiriya Rock

Another one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka is to climb Sigiriya Rock (also known as Lion Rock). If you’ve seen photos of Sri Lanka, you may have seen this impressive rock in the middle of the jungle. It takes around 30-45 minutes to climb to the top with steps the whole way.

It’s very popular to go for sunset as it opens at 7 am (meaning you miss sunset). The price is USD $30pp which is one of the most pricey activities you will do in Sri Lanka, but we think it’s worth it. Sigiriya Rock is a must on your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary if you have the budget for it.

Day Trip to Polonnaruwa

If you’re wondering whether to visit Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura, we recommend Polonnaruwa ! It’s a great day trip from Sigiriya and the ruins are more preserved here than in Anuradhapura.

The ticket price to visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa is US $25 which is another pricey activity in Sri Lanka, but a very historic place to visit. There are many ruins and temples to visit here such as Kiri Vehera and Satmahal Prasada – you can even spot monkeys in the area!

You can get from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa by tuk-tuk or by public bus starting at Inamaluwa. Ask your accommodation for details on this or you can rent a scooter and drive there yourself (which is what we did)!

One of the best experiences we had in Sri Lanka was spotting wild elephants on the side of the road whilst driving back from Polonnaruwa! They were magical to see and a complete surprise!

More things to do in Sigiriya: Another activity to do near Sigiriya is to visit Minneriya National Park – best to visit during the dry season between May to September . Find out more here – A visit to Minneriya National Park .

Where to stay in Sigiriya

Sigiriya River Side Home Stay ($) – Amazing value & Great Location

This was one of our favourite homestays in our whole 3 weeks in Sri Lanka. A lovely family serving us amazing Sri Lankan breakfasts and dinners each day. The accommodation is surrounded by jungle and very close to the Sigiriya attractions.

Find them on Booking.com here – Sigiriya River Side Home Stay (Sigiriya)

Best Restaurants in Sigiriya

Wijesiri Family Restaurant ($) – Sri Lankan & Western Cuisine

Find the location here – Wijesiri Family Restaurant Location

Eat at a local homestay! ($) We enjoyed our breakfast and dinners at our homestay in Sri Lanka and it was great to try the local cuisine from a family.

How to get from Sigiriya to Kandy

To make this journey by public bus , you have to get a bus from Sigiriya to Dambulla and then from Dambulla to Kandy. However, at the Dambulla bus station after waiting 20 minutes, a small mini-van pulled up and shouted ‘Kandy Kandy get in’, it was full of people and we had the last two seats. We paid Rs 450 each for this journey.

Days 4-6 | Kandy

Kandy is the Cultural centre of Sri Lanka and a great place to spend 1 or 2 nights.

Things to do in Kandy

Tooth relic.

One of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and it’s the reason Kandy is considered the cultural hub of Sri Lanka.

Kandy holds the relic of a tooth of Lord Buddha himself. It’s located inside the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth and is Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic.

When visiting local tour guides may try to offer you a tour by simply following you around, just politely tell them you don’t want a tour if you’re not interested. If you do, they can be really informative and it doesn’t cost too much for the experience you’ll get.

Dress code: Cover your shoulders and knees – and you will be asked to take your shoes off before you enter the temple complex.

Botanical Gardens

The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens are a great way to spend an afternoon in Kandy. A ticket to the gardens costs Rs 2000 per person and you will need to catch a local tuk-tuk to get there. The botanical gardens are huge with over 4,000 different species of plants!

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Uphill from Kandy city centre is the beautiful Buddha statue of Kandy. You can climb upstairs to reach the top next to the Buddha’s head whilst appreciating the views of Kandy city.

Kandy Lake is in the heart of Kandy, you really can’t miss it. You will spot monitor lizards, many types of birds, bats and turtles! It’s a beautiful lake to walk around in the evening after a day of exploring.

Where to stay in Kandy

Kandy Backpackers Hostel ($) – Good value in Kandy!

Slightly uphill in Kandy yet walkable to the city centre is Kandy Backpackers Hostel – they have private double rooms or dorm rooms and they offer free breakfast and dinner daily. It’s a great place to meet people and learn more about Sri Lankan cooking at dinner time. (Plus they have a swimming pool!)

Find them on Booking.com here – Kandy Backpackers Hostel

How to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

The famous train journey is the best way to get to Nuwara Eliya and you’ll have amazing views of tea plantations. At Kandy station, you can book a 2nd or 3rd class unreserved or reserved ticket. We booked our tickets at the station 2 days before and were given 3rd class reserved seats which meant we had a seat on the train.

We recommend booking a 2nd class reserved ticket as it seems the best value with more comfortable seats than 3rd class. If you don’t get a reserved seat, no worries you can try to find a seat or sit in the aisle next to the door for beautiful views.

Days 6-8 | Nuwara Eliya

The climate in Nuwara Eliya will be the coldest place you’ll visit on this 3 week Sri Lanka Itinerary. We recommend bringing a shirt to cover up in the evenings. It’s still 25 degrees Celsius in the daytime but you’ll notice the locals wearing hats and coats.

Things to do in Nuwara Eliya

The train will drop you off at Nanuoya, you can get the local bus or a tuk-tuk up to Nuwara Eliya and your accommodation.

Ramboda Falls

Ramboda Falls was one of our favourite things to do in Sri Lanka, it’s a small hike up to the impressive falls and you can even bathe in the water. It’s only Rs 100 to enter the hike which is totally worth it! We got here by scooter, however, tuk-tuk’s will also take you here for an affordable price.

Lovers Leap Waterfall

The main water source for Nuwara Eliya – Lovers Leap waterfall is about 30 meters high! To visit this waterfall you pass through beautiful tea plantations which are part of the experience itself.

Bluefield Tea Gardens

Learn about the varieties of Ceylon tea here at Bluefield Tea Gardens! When visiting the Tea Estate you can look at the tea manufacturing process whilst trying a hot cup of tea. It’s also very close to Ramboda Falls if you want to create a day trip to both.

The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel offer many types of tea to try and it’s a great spot to relax after your busy Sri Lanka itinerary in 3 weeks! The hotel has very interesting architecture making it a lovely place to visit. They also offer many other services – find out more !

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya

Pedro View Homestay ($) – In the hills of Nuwara Eliya

A lovely homestay near Lovers Leap Waterfall. They offer breakfast and dinner at an extra cost, but it is amazing! Very helpful family and provided blankets for the chilly nights in Nuwara Eliya.

Find them on Booking.com here – Pedro View Homestay (Nuwara Eliya)

Best Restaurants in Nuwara Eliya

Ambaal’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant ($)

Find the location here: Ambaal’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant

How to get from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

The best way to get from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is to continue on the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka. It will take a few hours but you’ll have amazing views! You can book your train tickets online in advance or book them at the train station. Alternatively, you can get a public bus or mini-van .

Days 9-10 | Ella

Ella is another beautiful mountain town in the hilly areas of Sri Lanka. We highly recommend checking out our in-depth 3 Day Ella Itinerary to find out many more tips about Ella including how to get to the following locations.

Things to do in Ella

Sunrise hike at little adams peak.

A sunrise hike at Little Adams Peak was one of our favourite things to do in Sri Lanka. It’s a really easy 15-minute hike to the top and if you wake up early enough to watch the sunrise, it will feel amazing. The colours are breathtaking and you will get views over the mountains and valley. For more info on how to get there – find out here!

Visit the Nine Arch Bridge

The famous Nine Arch Bridge is another popular place to visit in Sri Lanka and it’s become a very Instagrammable spot too! It’s amazing to see the train going across the bridge whilst sipping a fresh King Coconut. For more information on how to get there – find out here!

Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory

A visit to Sri Lanka is completed by tasting fresh Sri Lankan tea. Both Nuwara Eliya and Ella are surrounded by beautiful tea plantations. If you have space on your Sri Lanka 3 week Itinerary, take a visit to Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory to find out how the workers pick and make the tea. The tickets are US $3 per person for an informative tour.

Similar to Little Adams Peak, Ella Rock is a beautiful place to spend sunrise or sunset. It’s definitely a harder hike than Little Adams Peak but the views are just as rewarding. It’s a little tricky to find the way there but it’s definitely possible if you have the correct directions!

Take a Sri Lankan Cooking Class in Ella

A Sri Lankan cooking class is something you should add to your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary! It’s an amazing experience and you get to cook and eat your own local Sri Lankan dishes! We learnt so much from Matey Hut and would 100% recommend this to anyone! Find the location here – Matey Hut Restaurant and Cooking Class .

Other things to do in Ella – Look at our 3 Day Ella Itinerary for more places to visit and in-depth information! For now, here are two other destinations: Liptons Seat location here and Diyaluma Falls Location here .

Where to stay in Ella

New Farmers Paradise ($) – Peaceful Homestay in Ella

This is where we stayed and it was one of our best homestays in Sri Lanka – fresh Sri Lankan breakfast every day and the option of dinner. The host even hiked with us to Ella Rock!

Find them on Booking.com here – New Farmers Paradise (Ella)

Mountain Heavens ($$$) – Luxury stay in Ella

Find them on Booking.com here – Mountain Heavens (Ella)

Best Restaurants in Ella

Rainbow Cafe  – Located right on the main street is Rainbow cafe – a very chill cafe serving a lot of vegan-friendly food! (Very affordable vegan gnocchi, smoothie bowls and Sri Lankan cuisine too. Find the location here:  Rainbow Cafe Location

Matey Hut  – As we recommend their cooking class, we’d love to share their restaurant too! Amazing vegan-friendly Sri Lankan cuisine. Find the location here: Matey Hut Location

How to get from Ella to Udawalawe

To get to Udawalawe by public bus you will need to head to the junction next to Ella town. Catch a bus to Walawaya (Rs 85 per person) which should take just under 1 hour. Then you catch a bus to ‘Colombo’ that passes through Udawalawe. We had to take two buses from Walawaya, one to Thanamalwila (Rs 150) and then another to Udawalawe (Bus 98, Rs 107). You can also take a local tuk-tuk or minivan.

Day 11-12 | Udawalawe

Udawalawe national park.

The main reason Udawalawe is on our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary is because of Udawalawe National Park. Safaris are one of the reasons people love visiting Sri Lanka. There are many national parks in the country however the most popular one is Yala National Park. We are recommending Udawalawe as the animals are less crowded and there will be fewer people.

You will need to hire a diver and a jeep to do a safari at Udawalawe National Park – your accommodation is the best place to book these tours. It’s good to have a full jeep (up to 6 people) when entering the park to minimize the number of jeeps and it will also be cheaper for you!

It cost us about US $20 per person to share a 5-person jeep and that included our National Park entrance fee. Before you start the safari ride make sure to ask your driver not to go too close to any animals.

Where to stay in Udawalawe

Kottawatta River Bank Resort ($$) – Amazing value in Udawalawe

Here you can stay in luxury wooden tents for only (US $30) a night! After your safari ride, you can take a dip in Kottawatta’s luxury looking swimming pool!

Find them on Booking.com here –  Kottawatta River Bank Resort

How to get from Udawalawe to Tangalle

Tuk-Tuk : There will be many tuk-tuk drivers in Udawalawe asking if you need a ride to the South Coast or you can arrange one with your hotel.

By Bus: There is currently one direct bus a day at 12:30pm that goes straight to Tangalle (Bus Number 61). It will take about 2 hours to get from Udawalawe to Tangalle. If you want to leave earlier than midday, you can get a bus to Embilipitiya and then change to a bus going to Tangalle.

Days 12-13 | Tangalle

Moving onto the South Coast of Sri Lanka – this is now your time to relax on beaches, try out surfing and carefully snorkel with turtles! We have created an even more detailed South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary if you want to check it out too!

Tangalle will be your first stop in the South and you will be greeted with long beaches and a laidback vibe, it’s the quietest beach town on the itinerary but you only need 1 night here before moving on to other spots on this Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary.

Things to do in Tangalle

Kayaking in tangalle lagoon.

Float through Tangalle’s Lagoon by renting a kayak. There are many water birds and wildlife to spot along the way. It’s possible to book these trips at local stands or with your accommodation,  we also found these suggestions online!

Spot the fishermen at Harmony Beach

One of the beaches in Tangalle is Harmony Beach  – a long stretch of sand leading to the Fish Market in Tangalle town centre. It’s a great place to sunbathe and watch the local fishermen.

Goyambokka Beach

A lovely way to spend the evening is to catch a sunset at Goyambokka beach. It’s an area where you’ll find more luxury accommodations in Tangalle. The beach is very cosy and you can watch the sky turn many colours of orange whilst sipping on a fresh king coconut.

Where to stay in Tangalle

Natural Cabanas  – A great budget accommodation in Tangalle ($)

Natural Cabanas is only minutes from the beach and surrounded by nature! They offer breakfast included in the price and can help you book any activities in Tangalle. It’s a lovely area to stay in Tangalle. Find them on Booking.com here – Natural Cabanas (Tangalle)

Best Restaurants in Tangalle

Tangalle Rice & Curry Restaurant  ($$) – Find them on Google Maps here –  Tangalle Rice & Curry Restaurant . This is one of the best restaurants in Tangalle for buffet Sri Lankan food – located near Goyambokka beach.

How to get from Tangalle to Hiriketiya

You can catch most buses heading to Matara as they will pass by Hirketiya on the way. You will want to tell the bus driver you’re going to Dickwella as that’s the nearest town to Hiriketiya which is the beach area. The bus will be Rs 75 per person. You can also catch local tuk-tuks.

Days 13-15 | Hiriketiya

Hiriketiya is a surfers paradise! It’s one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for surfing and the beaches are just as enjoyable for non-surfers too! It’s a beautiful area on the south coast and definitely made it on our list when planning what to do in Sri Lanka.

Things to do in Hiriketiya

Surfing at hiriketiya beach.

Surfing at Hiriketiya beach is one of the reasons people add this to their 3 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary. It’s great for any level of surfers and you can rent surfboards here for Rs250 – Rs500.

Blue Beach Island

A quieter beach to check out whilst in Hiriketiya is Blue Beach – at low tide, it’s possible to walk on the sand over to the island and it looks like you’re walking on water. This photo will do more justice than our words!

Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya

A 30-minute drive from Hiriketiya is Mulkirigala / Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya  – a Buddhist temple complex with fascinating cave shrines engraved from rock. This temple is actually more ancient than Sigiriya Rock by a couple of centuries!

Where to stay in Hiriketiya

Indunil Place (Hiriketiya ) – The most comfortable homestay in Hiriketiya ($)

Just up the road from Hiriketiya Beach is Indunil Place. It’s a lovely homestay with real Sri Lankan breakfasts served each morning. It’s a great value here and the family are very helpful with anything you need.

Find them on Booking.com here – Indunil Place (Hiriketiya)

Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya

Dots Bay House ($$) – Just next to Hiriketiya Beach is Dots Bay House, a very relaxed area to take your break from the beach. We indulged in our first vegan pizza in Sri Lanka. Find them on Google Maps here –  Dots Bay House

Garlic Cafe ($) – Garlic Cafe is the place to go for amazing Sri Lankan food. Separate from their menu, they even have a rice and curry buffet for only Rs500, which is a great value! Find them on Google Maps here –  Garlic Cafe

How to get from Hiriketiya to Mirissa

Tuk-Tuk or Car: It’s really easy to book a ride with your accommodation or flag a tuk-tuk down on the street to take you to Mirissa. Stop by  Hummanaya Blow Hole  on the way to see one of the largest blowholes in the world!

Bus: We caught the 334/1 bus heading to Matara for Rs 75 each . Find a local bus stop next to traffic heading west and look out for buses heading to Matara or Galle. When a bus turns up, ask to go to Dickwella as that’s the closest town to Hiriketiya.

Days 15-18 | Mirissa

Things to do in mirissa, beaches in mirissa.

There are many beaches in Mirissa and Mirissa Beach is the most popular! Take the morning to sunbathe and relax or try to find Secret Beach . How to get to Secret Beach?  Head through Harbor Road and follow the way to the beach.

Coconut Tree Hill

The best and most popular spot for sunset in Mirissa is Coconut Tree Hill. The photos speak for themselves! It can get very busy here in the evenings and you may prefer to visit during the day if you want an iconic picture of you on Coconut Tree Hill.

Weligama (Surfers Paradise)

Another great surfer spot in Sri Lanka is Weligama Beach – one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka to catch some waves or take a surfing lesson. It also ended up being one of our favourite spots out of our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary.

The beach is long which means there’s lots of room for everyone to visit. The strip is full of beachside restaurants and you can even find vegan ice cream (Location here: Cruising Smoothly ).

See turtles at Madiha Beach

A short journey away from Mirissa is Madiha Beach – one of the best places to see turtles in Sri Lanka. You can rent snorkels nearby or simply watch the turtles pop their heads up from the shore. Make sure to not touch the turtles as it can harm their bodies!

Shop at The Doctors House

Right next to Madiha Beach is The Doctors House  – A great place to shop for clothes at the markets in the late afternoon.

Where to stay in Mirissa

Eco Square Resort  – Great location & hotel in Mirissa ($)

Eco Square Resort was a lovely stay in Mirissa – close to the beach and our favourite restaurant! They offer free breakfast and help with anything you may need!

Find them on Booking.com here – Eco Square Resort (Mirissa)

Best Restaurants in Mirissa

Dewmini Roti Shop  ($) – Our favourite restaurant in Mirissa is Dewmini Roti Shop! We ate here every day to try their kottu roti and vegan sweet roti. It’s very affordable and the owners are so lovely. Find them on Google Maps here –  Dewmini Roti Shop

Shady Lane Mirissa  ($$) – Popular for their smoothie bowls and avocado toast is Shady Lane Mirissa. They are one of the vegan-friendly cafes in Mirissa – Find them on Google Maps here –  Shady Lane Mirissa

How to get from Mirissa to Unawatuna

Getting the bus is really easy from Mirissa to Unawatuna as you just hop on most buses that are heading west. If you take a tuk-tuk or car from Mirrisa to Unawatuna, check out Animal SOS Sri Lanka – a sanctuary supporting the animals of Sri Lanka. You can join one of their morning daily tours.

Days 18-20 | Unawatuna

Things to do in unawatuna, unawatuna beach.

Unawatuna Beach is the main beach in Unawatuna, next to the main restaurant strip. You can go diving here, paddleboard and we even saw people on jet-skis! There are also beautiful sunsets.

Visit Galle for an afternoon

Galle definitely makes it onto our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary. Galle Fort is the main reason to visit the city on the south coast. It was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese and is now filled with restaurants and shops inside the fort walls. You can catch a public bus to Galle or a local tuk-tuk.

Things to do in Galle Fort: Galle Fort Lighthouse, Shopping & Dining, Vegan icecream at Cafe 82

Japanese Peace Pagoda & Jungle Beach

The  Japanese Peace Pagoda  is worth a visit in Unawatuna. It’s a unique Buddhist shrine and was made as a symbol to promote peace on the island. You can catch a tuk-tuk up the hill and even visit Jungle Beach at the same time. Once you start seeing signs to descend to the beach, it’s only a short walk down.

The Palm Rope Swing

One of the best spots for sunsets in Unawatuna is the Palm Rope Swing. It’s near Dalawella Beach which is a 30-minute walk from Unawatuna Beach. The palm tree is next to a restaurant and they usually ask for a small fee to use the swing. Here’s the location here:  The Palm Rope Swing .

Where to stay in Unawatuna

Unawatuna Guest  – Good location in Unawatuna ($)

Unawatuna Guest is close to the major sights including near the main strip in Unawatuna centre. You can also catch the bus to Galle very close by.

Find them on Booking.com here – Unawatuna Guest (Unawatuna)

Best Restaurants in Unawatuna

Mahesh Roti Shop ($) – Right on the main strip is Mahesh Roti Shop. They specialize in roti and you can watch them cook at the front of the restaurant. Find them on Google Maps here –  Mahesh Roti Shop

Coconut Style Restaurant ($) – Down the road, you’ll find Coconut Style Restaurant. We’re adding this to our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary because they have a Jackfruit Kottu Roti on their menu, which is so unique in Sri Lanka. Find them on Google Maps here –  Coconut Style Restaurant

How to get from Unawatuna to Colombo

From Unawatuna, you can get one of the local trains or buses to Colombo. The trains are very easy to catch and usually have a lot of room – you may have to transfer at Galle station. Alternatively, book a private tuk-tuk or car with your accommodation.

Day 20-21 | Colombo

Colombo will be the place you end your 3 week Sri Lanka route, so you can experience one day in the capital city whilst also being close to the international airport. There are a few things to do in Colombo whilst you wait for your flight:

Things to do in Colombo

Explore pettah market.

Pettah Market is close to Colombo Fort and is a great way to start your day in Colombo. You’ll see the real hustle of the capital city and watch the locals pick their morning produce. You can also pick up some last-minute gifts or clothes from the markets.

For a more detailed guide on Colombo, check out our 7 Best Places to visit in Colombo !

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red mosque)

Also in Colombo Fort is the Red Mosque, which opened in 1909, and was originally built to accommodate 1,500 worshippers at any one time. Its beautiful colours make it worth a visit when looking for things to do in Sri Lanka.

Visit Gangaramaya Park & Seema Malakaya

On Beira Lake in Colombo, you will find Gangaramaya Park and Seema Malakaya Temple . They’re both very peaceful places to visit in the busy city and you can even rent paddle boats on the water.

Where to stay in Colombo

C1 Colombo Fort ($$) – Great Location in Colombo

Colombo is a little more pricey than the rest of Sri Lanka, but we think C1 Colombo Fort is a great value! It’s a great location and also close to the bus and train station to get to the airport.

Find them on Booking.com here – C1 Colombo Fort (Colombo)

Best Restaurants in Colombo

Golden Cafe ($) – Vegetarian South Indian Cuisine – Find the location here – Golden Cafe Location

How to get from Colombo to Colombo Airport

Option 1 – Go to the bus station and catch the number 187 bus to the airport, it can take up to 2 hours – Rs 150 per person.

Option 2 – Book a tuk-tuk or private driver with your accommodation or PickMe

3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary Breakdown:

Negombo – Sigiriya – (Polonnaruwa) – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Udawalawe – Tangalle – Hiriketiya – Mirissa – Unawatuna – (Galle) – Colombo

• Negombo – 1 night – Airport city with beaches and international restaurants
• Sigiriya – 3 nights – Historic town with the most famous sight in Sri Lanka
• Kandy – 2 nights – Cultural hub of Sri Lanka and a lake filled with wildlife
• Nuwara Eliya – 2 nights – Small mountain town surrounded by tea plantations
• Ella – 3 nights – Mountain town with breathtaking hikes
• Udawalawe – 1 night – Safari in Udawalawe National Park
• Tangalle – 1 night – Long beaches and a chilled quiet vibe
• Hiriketiya – 2 nights – Surf spots and beautiful beaches
• Mirissa – 3 nights – The hub of the South with beaches, nightlife & surfing
• Unawatuna – 2 nights – Day trip to Galle, beaches & culture
• Colombo – 1 night – The busy Capital city of Sri Lanka

Other Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Every 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary may look a little different as so many places to visit in Sri Lanka! Here are a few options for you:

• Jaffna (city)
• Anuradhapura (ruins)
• Trincomalee (beach)
• Adams Peak (hike)
• Arugam Bay (beach)
• Hikkaduwa (beach)
• Bentota (beach)

Do you want to be a more sustainable traveller in Sri Lanka? Check out our 18 Great Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need to Swap in 2024 guide!

Sri Lanka Price Guide

Accommodation Prices :

Budget $ – Around Rs 3300 (£10 a night)

Average Food Prices :

• Homestay Sri Lankan Dinner – Rs 700
• Fresh Smoothie – Rs 150 – 300
• Sri Lankan Meal – Rs 200 – 500
• Western Food – Rs 500 – 1000
• Beer – Rs 500

Transportation :

Buses & Trains – Averagely around Rs 200 per long ride

Tuk-tuk – Can be around Rs 2300 for a 2-hour ride or Rs 600 for a 30-minute ride. Always ask for a better price if you think it’s too much for the distance.

Main Attractions :

• Sigiriya Rock – US $30
• Pidurangala Rock US $3
• Polonnaruwa Ruins – US $25
• Ramboda Falls – Rs 100
• Udawalawe Safari Ride – Rs 5000 each (5 person jeep)
• Surf Board Rental – Rs 250 – 500 per hour
• Tea Factory Tour – US $3

Market Prices :

Most clothes at a market should be around Rs 600 , if there’s no price, the shop owners will usually try to charge you more.

Fruit will also be extremely affordable, especially bananas. People at the market will always try to upsell you, just ask them what the real price is.

We usually ask our homestay or accommodation for the correct Sri Lankan prices so we know before.

Sim Card : Dialog 4G with 35Gb Data for Rs 1600 (£6)

As you can see, Sri Lanka is very affordable, although not as cheap as India. Did you know that Sri Lanka is around 40% cheaper than Thailand ?

What to pack for Sri Lanka? (Sri Lanka Packing Guide)

Sri Lanka is a hot country, with only a few chilly areas which means you want to pack for summer! When entering temples and sacred areas you must cover your shoulders and knees which means shorts become a little inconvenient.

We recommend wearing clothes that cover your knees in most places around Sri Lanka, however, it’s also possible to wear shorts and carry a sarong for when you want to cover up.

Here are a few things you should pack for Sri Lanka on top of your ‘normal summer packing list’ :

• Sarong (can also be used as a blanket on the beach)
• Long pair of trousers
• Shirt or light jumper
• Rain Jacket
• Mosquito repellent
• Sandals / Flip Flops

What food to try in Sri Lanka?

The Sri Lankan Cuisine is one of the reasons we are hoping to visit Sri Lanka again in the future! It’s incredible and mostly plant-based. Here are a few dishes you must try on your Sri Lanka travel itinerary:

• Rice & Curry
• Hoppers (traditionally with egg)
• String Hoppers (rice noodles)
• Coconut Sambol
• Coconut Roti
• Vegetable Roti (Spicy curry triangle pastry)

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka

Hotels , homestays and guesthouses are the most popular accommodations in Sri Lanka. Hostels aren’t as popular in the country, although they are around.

We recommend finding your accommodation on Booking.com ! However many hotels or homestays will make a little extra if you book with them directly.

We usually find our accommodation through Booking.com and then try to find a phone number to WhatsApp them directly. Sometimes we book 1 night online and then book more nights with them in person, so then we can leave a good review on Booking.com for others!

How do I travel Sri Lanka?

Travelling or backpacking Sri Lanka is very easy! There are trains and public buses running throughout the country and the distances are never too far as Sri Lanka is a small country. If you’re not confident about catching public transport there are many drivers or tuk-tuk’s that you can use.

How many days are enough for Sri Lanka?

Although it’s possible to see parts of Sri Lanka with any amount of time – we recommend 3 weeks in Sri Lanka to see a great variety. After reading this 10 day South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary you now know where to go in South Sri Lanka. We also have an  Ella itinerary  for when you visit the impressive mountains!

We recommend spending 1 week in the mountain region and up to 1 week in the cultural triangle (Sigiriya area). It’s also possible to make this a 1 week South Sri Lanka itinerary.

Is 10 days enough in Sri Lanka?

Yes! 10 days is a good amount of time to spend in Sri Lanka and still see the main highlights. If you have 10 days in Sri Lanka we recommend visiting Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe, Mirissa – spending 1-3 days in each.

To save time it may also be best to hire a driver or choose the fastest option (like tuk-tuk’s) to get around the country. You’ll still be able to do the famous Kandy to Ella train.

2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary | Is 2 weeks enough in Sri Lanka?

Yes, 2 weeks is a great amount of time to see Sri Lanka! With 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, you can spend 9 days in Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Then with your other 5 days pick 2 locations on the south coast and pick a National Park to explore for a day.

During a 2 week trip, you can see a lot but it may be more fast-paced than a 3 week trip to Sri Lanka.

1 Month Sri Lanka Itinerary

With 1 month in Sri Lanka, you can complete the 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary and also have extra time to visit places like Anuradhapura near Sigiriya, Trincomalee on the northeast coast, Arugam Bay on the southeast coast.

You can also spend more time in the places we’ve mentioned in this Sri Lanka itinerary as there are many things to do in Sri Lanka!

How to extend a Sri Lanka Visa?

If you want to spend longer than 30 days in Sri Lanka, then it’s possible to extend your Sri Lanka visa. Before or after your 3 week Sri Lanka trip, head to Colombo to discuss visa options at the immigration office. Also, check out the information online on the Immigration.gov.lk webpage.

What to prepare before you visit Sri Lanka

Flights to Sri Lanka – Prices will vary all around the world and at different times of the year. We took a flight from London – Warsaw – Colombo in January and we found the flight via Skyscanner and booked it directly with Polish Airlines.

(We recommend using Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the flight that is best for you and then book it directly with that company. It’s also best to book connecting flights with the same company in case something happens to your first flight, you will not be out of pocket).

Sri Lanka ETA (Visa) – At the time of writing, we had to get our visa before arrival online and it was pretty easy and we had our ETA in minutes. A Sri Lanka ETA costs – $35 USD, however for other countries prices will vary (SAARC $20 USD).

Check prices for your country here – Prices for a Sri Lanka ETA . Here’s the official Sri Lanka ETA Website to apply for your ETA. It may also be possible to get a visa on arrival as the Sri Lanka rules are always being updated in 2023.

Travel Insurance – Travel Insurance is a must when travelling to any country including Sri Lanka. We use a UK travel insurance comparison site to find the insurance that fits us best. However, we have heard extremely good things about World Nomads .

Currency – Sri Lankan Rupee is Sri Lanka’s main currency. (You will find it written in different ways: Rs 200 or 200 LKR) It’s 100% recommended to get the currency once you arrive in Sri Lanka either by using a bank card or money exchange.

Check XE Currency Converter to see the exchange rate for your country’s currency. You can find ATMs and Money Exchange all throughout the country, including the airport. If you can bring US dollars with you, it benefits Sri Lanka so much as it’s a stronger currency for them to receive.

Sim card – We recommend picking up a local sim card as soon as you arrive in Sri Lanka! We both grabbed a local sim card from Dialog 4G with 35Gb Data for Rs1600 (£6) and it was perfect! The wifi isn’t very reliable throughout Sri Lanka.

Apps – PickMe (Tuk-tuk’s in Sri Lanka)

Is Sri Lanka Safe?

Yes! We felt safe throughout our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka. There are many ways you can make yourself feel safer: Don’t leave your valuables unattended. Lock your things away in shared accommodations. Try not to walk alone when it’s dark. Keep your luggage in sight when travelling on buses or trains.

There are experiences that can happen all over the world, but we found that Sri Lanka felt safe for us and the people were always very friendly.

Sri Lanka Travel Posts :

• 20 Tips to Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka
• 3 day Ella Itinerary: What to do in Ella, Sri Lanka
• How to get from Negombo to Sigiriya by bus in 2024
• Incredible 10 Day South Coast Sri Lanka Itinerary
• What to do in Colombo: 7 Amazing Places to Visit

That’s the end of our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary! We hope you found the information you were looking for and if you need any help with planning your Sri Lanka trip, send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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Love the photo of you & Dan at Little Adams Peak. I spy monkeys. So many beautiful memories for you both and great tips and planning advice.

Oh thank you!! The post may be too long, but lots of information haha 🙂

Thank you for this very extensive and informative blog. Your travels are looking so fun and we’ll use your suggestions and info for sure! Looking forward to our trip to Sri Lanka in a few weeks.

Thank you so much for letting us know! Have a lovely trip to Sri Lanka 🙂

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The Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary: 3 Weeks In Sri Lanka

Looking for the perfect 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

I spent a month in Sri Lanka and was lucky enough to experience the best of what it has to offer.

I loved everything about the country, and have compiled this epic 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary to help you plan your perfect getaway!

This includes my favorite places to see and the best things to do in Sri Lanka.

It’s geared toward the adventurous traveler who enjoys hiking, surfing, and eating local cuisine.

If you follow this itinerary for Sri Lanka, you’ll stop at all the bucket list destinations and uncover hidden gems along the way. You’ll explore the cultural triangle and hill country and set your sights on the best beaches.

It’s a busy 3 weeks. But it’s the best itinerary for Sri Lanka out there!

Torn Tackies contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

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3 Week Sri Lanka itinerary: Map

My Sri Lanka itinerary includes a balance of everything – inspiring culture, beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and well-deserved relaxation time!

Day 1: Negombo

Day 2-3: sigiriya, day 4-5: trincomalee, day 6: kandy.

• Day 7-8: Dalhousie

Day 9-10: Nuwara Eliya

• Day 11-13: Ella

Day 14-16: Arugam Bay

• Day 17-18: Hiriketiya
• Day 19-21: Mirissa/Weligama)

The Sri Lanka route is flexible and can be cut to a shorter 2 week itinerary or extended to 4 weeks in Sri Lanka.

2 Week Sri Lanka itinerary route

The above travel route is based on a 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

But not everyone has time on their side!

If you only have 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, I recommend skipping Trincomalee, Aragum Bay, and Kandy.

• Day 4-5: Dalhousie
• Day 6-7: Nuwara Eliya
• Day 8-10: Ella
• Day 11-12: Hiriketiya
• Day 13-14: Mirissa/Weligama

• Time needed: 1 night

Your Sri Lanka trip will start at Colombo International Airport. Its official name is Bandaranaike International Airport .

Colombo airport is actually located in Negombo, which is an hour’s drive from the capital city.

It’s the gateway to the country and the starting point of your 3 weeks in Sri Lanka.

Both Colombo and Negombo don’t have much to offer compared to the rest of the country, so you don’t need to spend much time here.

They’re loud, busy cities with chaotic streets, and your time is better spent exploring the east and south coast.

Depending on what time your international flight arrives in Sri Lanka, you might want to stay in Negombo for the night and catch an early morning train or bus to your next destination.

If you arrive before noon, then head straight to the bus stop and move on to day 2 of this Sri Lanka itinerary.

Where to stay in Negombo

There are scores of places to choose from, but it’s best to book a place close to the airport as you’ll go straight to your guesthouse or hotel after arriving.

Luxury: Located just a 1-minute walk from the beach lies Pledge Scape . If you’re looking for a luxurious place to rest your head after a long flight, this is the place for you.

Mid-range: Enjoy the warm Sri Lanka hospitality at Villa Dominikku . The large rooms come with private bathrooms and included a delicious continental breakfast.

Budget: Lilly Palace Villa Guest House is a family-run guest house owned by two of the kindest, most generous people I’ve ever met. They are both deaf and staying in their home was an experience I’ll never forget!

• Time needed: 2 nights (Stay 3 nights if you want to experience more of the cultural triangle)

Sigiriya is one of my favorite destinations. If it’s not on your Sri Lanka travel itinerary, it needs to be.

It’s a beautiful, relaxed village, unspoiled by tourism and development.

The area surrounding Sigiriya is known as the cultural triangle, so if you’re interested in the history of Sri Lanka, you’ll be in your element here!

Check out this travel guide to Sigiriya for everything you need to know and why you should stay in Sigiriya (not Dambulla).

Things To Do In Sigiriya

Visit Lion (Sigiriya) Rock. Lion Rock is one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. It was once a fortress and home to Sri Lanka’s King. It has a deep historical significance along with beautiful views from the top, but there’s a hefty $30 entrance fee.

Hike Pidurangala Rock. Pidurangala has the most beautiful views overlooking Lion Rock. It’s a scenic hike to the top and more affordable if you’re traveling to Sri Lanka on a budget.

Take a day trip to Anuradhapura. This is a historical site, home to ruins of an ancient city. Anuradhapura is 73 km from Sigiriya and can be done on a day trip if you make use of a private van.

Explore Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the second oldest kingdoms of Sri Lanka. Just 56 km from Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa is best explored by bicycle.

Support Sri Lanka cricket. Cricket is a craze in Sri Lanka, and international tests are often played in Dambulla, which is a short drive from Sigiriya. We watched the Sri Lanka vs. England game, and it was such an awesome vibe!

Where to stay in Sigiriya

Luxury: Treat yourself to an incredible stay at Sigiriya King’s Resort . The secluded location is ideal for a romantic escape surrounded by lush greenery.

Mid-range: Looking to stay in a treehouse? Chena Huts Eco Resort is for you! The rustic yet romantic chalets are located in the middle of a jungle and offer impressive views of Lion Rock from the balcony.

Budget: I stayed at Shen Residence and loved it. It’s a homestay in the countryside of Sigiriya. The hosts make the most delicious food, and you can rent scooters and bicycles to explore the village.

• Time needed: 2 nights. (If you have more time, I suggest spending an extra night in Trincomalee. But if you only have 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, stick to this itinerary)

After a few days of exploring the cultural triangle, it’s time to hit the beaches on the east coast of Sri Lanka!

I loved Trincomalee for its relaxed atmosphere. It’s a small town and considered off the beaten path in Sri Lanka.

Trincomalee is a great stop for travelers who are looking to enjoy the natural beauty without scores of tourists.

Trincomalee is the main town in the area, but when planning your stay, it’s best to choose either Uppuveli or Nilaveli as your base.

Things To Do In Trincomalee

Explore the beaches. The water is incredibly flat, and you can spend hours lazing on the beach, reading a book (or sipping on a Lion Lager). The beaches in Trincomalee aren’t good for surfing, and they’re completely different from those on the south coast.

Head to Fernando’s Bar. The best (albeit only) beach bar to go to! With its great vibes, food, and people, Fernando’s is a must-visit on your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

Pigeon Island and snorkeling/diving: A trip to Pigeon Island is very popular, but the reefs are damaged, and the coral has been destroyed from over-tourism.

Where to stay in Trincomalee

Luxury: Located at the far end of Uppuveli Beach lies Trinco Blu by Cinnamon . This luxury hotel and beach resort offers an amazing pool and restaurant right on the water’s edge.

Mid-range: Anantamma Hotel is a great place to stay in Trincomalee thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and direct beach access.

Budget: Trincomalee offers scores of budget-friendly accommodation options to add to your Sri Lanka itinerary, and Hilton Cottage is one of them. Located near restaurants and cafes, it’s an affordable yet comfortable place to stay.

• Time needed: 1 night. (If you only have 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, I suggest you spend 1 night in Kandy. But if you have more time and you’re able to travel slower, I suggest staying in Kandy for 2 nights.)

After Trincomalee, you’ll head back inland to the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy.

It’s considered one of the most sacred places in the world amongst the Buddhist community. It’s also synonymous with the famous Kandy to Ella train ride, which is another must for your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

I didn’t love Kandy. But it’s worth a stop to check what all the hype is about.

Things To Do In Kandy

Check out Kandy Lake and Big Buddha: Take a stroll around Kandy Lake and walk to the big Buddha on the hill. It overlooks the city of Kandy, offering great viewpoints.

Explore Kandy Forest: Most people skip this and opt for the more popular attractions in Kandy . However, exploring the Kandy Forest was the highlight of my time in Kandy. It’s in the city center with a few great views of Kandy Lake.

Watch the Kandyan Dance: This cultural dance takes place every evening.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: This temple is one of the holiest shrines in Sri Lanka and houses Buddha’s tooth.

Where to stay in Kandy

Luxury: Imagine a villa on the mountains’ edge, overlooking rolling hills and lush forests. That’s what you’ll get if you stay at Villa Rosa . The views alone make it worth every cent.

Mid-range: At e-stay Hanthana , you’ll enjoy a large comfortable room with a private balcony. The local owners make this place extra special. Plus, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast!

Budget: It’s hard to beat the price tag of Kandy City Village Home Stay . The owner is extremely friendly and will accommodate any guest requests. With comfortable rooms, a great breakfast, and a central location, it’s such great value for money!

Day 7-8: Dalhousie (via Hatton)

• Time needed: 2 nights. (If you have 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, I highly recommend you spend 2 nights in Dalhousie so that you have enough time to recover from the hike)

The small village of Dalhousie is home to Adam’s Peak.

Adam’s Peak is a sacred mountain that attracts scores of pilgrims due to its spiritual significance.

It’s a stop along the Kandy to Ella train route, so you won’t miss out on anything!

Climbing Adam’s Peak will be one of the highlights of your Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary. And not because of the incredible scenery or the kind people you’ll meet, but because of the actual journey to get there!

This includes taking a train, tuk-tuk, or bus, and possibly even walking 5 km through tea plantations (and dodging a landslide, like I did).

Safe to say that I was extremely happy when we arrived in Dalhousie with our new friends who endured the journey with us!

Things To Do In Dalhousie

Climb Adams Peak. Don’t confuse Adam’s Peak in Dalhousie with Little Adam’s Peak in Ella.

With a whopping 5,500 steps, Adams Peak (Dalhousie) has made a name for itself as being a sacred mountain and draws scores of pilgrims due to its spiritual significance.

Depending on the time of year you visit, your experiences will be different, and the weather will impact the views from the top.

You’ll need at least 6 hours for the return hike – and then you’re going to want to take the rest of the day off to chill!

Where to stay in Dalhousie

Budget: Hugging Clouds is only 5 minutes walk from the start of the Adams Peak hike. The owner is incredibly friendly, and the rooms are large and spacious.

Budget: I stayed at Subash Hotel , which is located a short drive from the entrance to Adam’s Peak. Coming home to a hot shower, a delicious meal, and a comfortable bed after 8 hours of hiking made this the perfect place to stay!

• Time needed: 2 nights

To ensure your 3 week itinerary for Sri Lanka includes the best that the country has to offer, make sure you visit Nuwara Eliya.

It’s a quaint little village situated between Kandy and Ella and doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of Sri Lanka!

Nuwara Eliya is much colder than the rest of the country. I even had to pull out my winter clothes after we arrived!

It felt like I was in the middle of an old English town. Hence it’s often referred to as Little England.

I read a lot of conflicting reviews on Nuwara Eliya , with most recommending that if you have less than 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, you should give it a skip. But I disagree!

Things To Do In Nuwara Eliya

Tea plantations. No Sri Lankan trip is complete without visiting a tea plantation! Nuwara Eliya is surrounded by lush fields filled with tea plantations that hug the side of the hills. I highly recommend Bluefield Tea Factory.

Hike to Ramboda Waterfall. It’s a great hike to get to these waterfalls with very few other tourists.

Indulge in high tea at The Grand Hotel. There’s nothing better than High Tea on a gloomy day in Sri Lanka. So, if you’re looking for a place to visit in Nuwara Eliya on a cold, rainy day, head straight to The Grand Hotel for high tea.

Have a drink at the Pubs in Nuwara Eliya. The Pub and The 19th Hole are not to be missed. The 19th Hole is a cozy pub with a great atmosphere. And like most of Nuwara Eliya, it resembles that of a pub you’d find in England.

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya

Luxury: The Westbury Palace is luxury at its finest, with beautiful gardens and impeccable furnishings. Just look at those views from the infinity pool!

Mid-range: It’s hard to fault Cottage San Francisco in Nuwara Eliya. The cozy cottages offer impressive views of tea plantations, and the breakfast that’s included is out of this world!

Budget: AGP Home may not be in the center of town, but for this price, it’s a steal. The highlight will be meeting the owners, who are very welcoming and kind hosts who will give insider info on the best attractions to add to your itinerary for Sri Lanka.

Day 11–13: Ella

• Time needed: 3 nights

After nearly 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, we finally made it to Ella. It’s arguably the most famous stop in hill country.

Ella is constantly bustling with tourists and is the go-to destination for those backpacking Sri Lanka.

But it’s worthy of the hype!

Here’s where you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants and cafes, and you can take your pick of rustic cottages with gorgeous views.

No matter how many days you have in Sri Lanka, Ella should definitely be on your bucket list.

Things To Do In Ella

With trendy bars and cafes and gorgeous scenery, there’s no denying that Ella will be one of the most memorable places on your Sri Lanka itinerary.

Watch the sunrise from Little Adam’s Peak. Little Adam’s Peak in Ella gets its name from its famed big brother, Adam’s Peak in Dalhousie, because of their similarity in shape. Sitting at 1 141m, Little Adam’s Peak is a quick, easy hike with stunning views.

Climb Ella Rock. Ella Rock is a longer hike compared to Little Adam’s Peak, but equally as beautiful and unique. If you don’t have 3 weeks in Sri Lanka and want to spend less time in Ella, you’ll need to choose between the Ella Rock hike or Little Adam’s Peak.

Watch the trains cross the Nine Arch Bridge. This iconic bridge is so unbelievably beautiful and is best done after Little Adam’s Peak.

Tea plantations. Ella is surrounded by lush tea fields. If you haven’t visited any yet, now’s your chance.

Where to stay in Ella

Luxury: Nestled in the middle of a rice paddy field lies Arawe Retreat. The charming cottage is packed with character. If you stay here, you’ll be treated to a luxurious visit while experiencing the warm hospitality of the owners.

Mid-range: Watch the sunrise from the rooftop and be treated to a delicious local breakfast at Wood Heart Guesthouse . If you stay here, you’ll enjoy the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere of the Sri Lankan forests.

Budget: I stayed at Broad View Guest House and highly recommend that you add it to your Sri Lanka itinerary as well. This local homestay lies on top of a hill overlooking Ella. The owner is so friendly and welcomed us into his home, where we ate our daily meals with the family.

• Time needed: 3 nights (because it’s quite a journey to get there and back)

Arugam Bay is a popular surfer and backpacker hub on the east coast of Sri Lanka.

It was hit hard by the 2004 Tsunami but has since grown to be one of the most popular destinations in the country.

It’s slightly off the standard route, and so many people skip it if they only have 2 weeks in Sri Lanka.

Note: I traveled to Sri Lanka in October, and Arugam Bay was the one destination on my itinerary that was negatively affected by the weather. Most restaurants and bars were closed during this time, the waves were rough and not great for surfing, and there weren’t any other tourists around. If you’re planning your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary from October to November, skip Arugam Bay (and read my suggestions below of where to go instead).

Things To Do In Arugam Bay

• Surf and relax on the beach.
• Rent a scooter for the day and take a trip to Peanut Farm and other hidden beaches.
• Arugam Bay is known for its beach parties, especially at Whiskey Point.
• Take a run along the coast all the way to Pottuvil.

Where to stay in Arugam Bay

Luxury: Located in Whisky Point and close to Elephant Rock lies Babar Point Resort . It’s an amazing place to stay if you want to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the quieter side of Arugam Bay.

Mid-range: Forcus Cabanas is a locally run guest house found close to all the bars and restaurants of Arugam Bay. The 4 cabanas look onto a beautiful garden, just 100 meters from the beach. Shout out to the manager, who is extremely helpful!

Budget: Bay Dreams Beach Home is a beautiful, rustic property that is just a stone’s throw away from the beach. It’s extremely affordable and comes with a delicious breakfast too.

Day 17 – 18: Hiriketiya Beach

• Time needed: 2 nights (if you have more than 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, spend 3 or 4 nights in Hiriketiya, as I did)

Hiriketiya Beach is a small bay lined with palm trees in the southern part of Sri Lanka.

It was the ultimate destination during my three weeks in Sri Lanka.

Hiriketiya Beach is a favorite amongst travelers thanks to the relaxed atmosphere and fun waves that are well-suited for all levels of surfers.

There’s no doubt that Hiriketiya should be included in your Sri Lanka backpacking itinerary.

But it’s fast becoming the talk of the town, so try to get here before all the other tourists do!

Things To Do In Hiriketiya

Go surfing. If you want to up your surfing game, Hiriketiya is the place to go. There are waves for all grades of surfers, including a more advanced reef break and a gentle, fun wave for beginners.

Visit Tallala Beach. Just a short drive from Hiriketiya is Tallala Beach. It’s a much bigger beach with fewer people and makes for a great day trip.

Sunset drinks on the beach. We took chairs, got some beers, and sat right on the water’s edge.

Where to stay in Hiriketiya

Luxury: Looking for a peaceful escape? Beach views from your private balcony? Monkeys in the trees? That’s what you’ll find at Haven Hiri. It’s the perfect place for a romantic retreat!

Mid-range: Dots Bay House is one of the most popular places to stay in Hiriketiya. There’s always something going on, whether it’s live music or yoga, so if you want to stay where all the action is, this is the place for you.

Budget: If you’re planning your Sri Lanka itinerary, look no further than Peak house . I can vouch for this spot (and the super friendly host) as I stayed here for 4 nights! It might not have beachfront views, but Peak House is great if you’re backpacking Sri Lanka on a budget.

Day 19 – 21: Mirissa/Weligama/Midigama

The southern part of the country is popular with backpackers. It’s closer to the airport than other destinations on my Sri Lanka itinerary.

It’s a great place to spend a few days before your 3 weeks in Sri Lanka come to an end.

There are a few small villages near Mirissa where you can base yourself, all within a 10-minute scooter ride away from each other.

Mirissa: The most popular of the three areas is Mirissa. It’s a busy little village with lots of bars and restaurants as well as tuk-tuks and scooters zooming around. The beach here is great, and you can enjoy a cocktail at one of the many beach bars. Mirissa makes for a better day trip if you prefer to stay in a less crowded area.

Weligama: Weligama is one of the best beginner surfer spots in Sri Lanka. It has a relaxed, backpacker atmosphere with heaps of surf schools along the main road. If you’re backpacking in Sri Lanka, this is where you want to be.

Midigama: Most tourists choose to stay in the above two places rather than Midigama because it’s not one of the hotspots. But I loved Midigama! It’s a laid-back little village, there are great restaurants (Surf View Restaurant is my favorite!) and it’s close to lots of hidden beaches. If you’re looking for good surf breaks, Midigama is best for those who are more experienced.

Here’s my detailed travel guide to Midigama Beach in Sri Lanka!

Things to do near Mirissa

Go Surfing: Midigama (experienced) or Weligama (beginners) are your best choices.

Visit Coconut Hill: This picturesque hill covered in palm trees is a short drive from Mirissa. But it has become an Instagram hotspot, so expect big crowds.

Indulge in seafood: The beaches in Mirissa are lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood.

The Doctors House and sunset at Chill Cafe: The Doctors House is a vibey spot near Mirissa. Right in front of it, on the beach, is Chill Café. Make sure you go here for sunset!

Where To Stay

Luxury: If you’re on your honeymoon or prefer a quiet place to stay, you will love Three Gables Boutique Villa. It’s not exactly in Mirissa, but the beachfront property is a hidden gem and boasts stylish rooms and an infinity pool. If you want something closer to Weligama, check out the stunning Weligama Bay Marriot Resort and Spa .

Mid-range: Pelli Riverine is a comfortable and relaxing guest house just 200m from Weligama Beach. The kind and generous owner will go out of his way to ensure you have a memorable time.

Budget: Dreams Garden Surf Lodge is found in the quieter area of Midigama. The family who owns Dreams Garden are incredibly kind and friendly. They made sure that our last few days in Sri Lanka were some of the best.

Day 21: Negombo

After exploring Sri Lanka in 3 weeks, it’s time to head home!

Depending on the time of your flight, I suggest you check into a homestay near the airport so that you can freshen up before your departure.

Itinerary for more than 3 weeks in Sri Lanka

4 weeks is the ideal time to explore the country.

Here’s what you can add to your itinerary for Sri Lanka if you’re lucky enough to have a few extra days.

Where to spend more time

If you have more time on your Sri Lanka itinerary, I recommend spending more time at these destinations: Trincomalee (3 nights), Kandy (2 nights), and Hiriketiya Beach (4 nights).

Explore the National Parks

Most people choose to include a trip to a Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park as part of their Sri Lanka itinerary.

The reason I didn’t is that these parks get so busy, and your sightings are often overcrowded with other tourists.

You also need to arrange a proper safari which will eat into your Sri Lanka budget.

My thoughts? Rather enjoy the beaches of Sri Lanka and save your cash for an African safari where you’ll see elephants, lions, leopards, and so many other wild animals with very few people around.

Visit Jaffna

If you have the time, it’s worth heading north to experience authentic life in Jaffna .

Known for its raw city charm and friendly locals, it’s far off the tourist track and is a great spot if you want to experience more of the Sri Lankan culture.

Itinerary for less than 3 weeks in Sri Lanka

If you have less than 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, or if you prefer to travel slowly, then I suggest the following.

Must-visit places in Sri Lanka

Regardless of how much time you have, Sigiriya, Ella, and Hiriketiya Beach are must-see destinations in your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

Spend Less time here

If you only have 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, spend 1 night in Kandy, or pass by if you arrive early enough to catch the Kandy to Ella train in time.

Skip Adam’s Peak in Dalhousie

It’s with a heavy heart that I say this, as I loved traveling to Dalhousie.

But rather see Nuwara Eliya if you’re planning a Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary.

Skip Weligama/Mirissa/Midigama

Hiriketiya Beach and Trincomalee are two of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, so ensure they are part of your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

Travel by private van

The buses and trains in Sri Lanka are a slower means of transport. If you’re short on time, then rather travel by private van.

However, if you’re backpacking Sri Lanka and on a budget (as I was), this won’t be an option.

3 Week Sri Lanka itinerary Budget

If you’re backpacking Sri Lanka on a budget, you’ll need between $25-$40 per person per day.

This will cover food, transport, accommodation, and a few activities.

As soon as you start adding tourist attractions to your Sri Lanka itinerary (such as national parks, whale watching, and historical sites), your budget will increase.

To keep prices down, avoid too many paid experiences, don’t travel by private van, stick to local food, and stay in local homestays.

If you do want to travel more comfortably and you’re on a mid-range budget, you can expect to spend $50-$80 per day, which gets you far in terms of value for money.

Here’s a breakdown of costs to expect (Prices in USD)

• Private room in a homestay: $7-$18 per night
• Shared bunk in a hostel: $15-$25 per night
• Street food: $1-$3 per meal
• Food at a restaurant: $3-$8 per meal
• Local beer: $2-$4
• Train/buses between cities: $2

How to travel for 3 weeks in Sri Lanka

There is an extensive transportation network throughout Sri Lanka. Getting around the country is easy and affordable.

It can also be uncomfortable and highly frustrating, especially if you’re trying to stick to a 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

Top tip: Driving in Sri Lanka is pretty hectic! The roads are hectic, narrow, windy, and busy with hordes of trucks and buses. The drivers go extremely fast, hooting most of the time. Keep this in mind when walking along the streets or driving long distances with a tuk-tuk or scooter.

It’s best to travel by train in hill country and the southwest coast of Sri Lanka.

The trains are extremely slow and can sometimes be delayed, but the cheap price makes up for it!

Vendors walk up and down the isles selling local treats, refreshments, and snacks.

You can book 1st, 2nd, or 3rd class tickets. In my opinion, traveling 3rd class with the locals is the only way to do it!

If you’re looking for a more comfortable ride, you’ll need to book 1st or 2nd class tickets in advance.

Check out the train prices and schedule here .

Throughout my 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, I traveled mostly with public buses. This is because the trains don’t cover all areas.

The buses are easily identifiable by their red or blue color.

Expect no aircon, lots of stops, school children hopping on and off (every 5 minutes), and a tiring journey. But it’s the cheapest way to travel through the country.

The buses run frequently (every 15-45 minutes). Whilst there are time schedules, they aren’t followed.

The buses leave when they’re full, and if they’re not, you’ll have to wait!

When trying to find a bus, just go to the station and tell everyone where you want to go to. The Sri Lankan people are so helpful, and whilst they may not be able to speak English, they’ll make sure you get on the right bus.

Sometimes you’re charged extra for luggage (if your bag takes up a seat on the bus).

Tuk-tuks are the best way to travel for short distances.

They’re more expensive than public buses and require some bargaining skills, or else you will get ripped off.

You can also rent a tuk-tuk and drive yourself. But it’s easier to just hop on with a driver, especially since driving in Sri Lanka can be intense!

Private van

It’s not quite the authentic Sri Lankan experience but if you have less than 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, it’s worth it to travel by private van.

You can either hire a car and driver who will take you to all the destinations on your Sri Lanka Itinerary.

Alternatively, you can find a driver at each destination if you’d prefer to make use of other means of transport.

There are a few Facebook groups for travelers who are looking to share vans, so check those out. One of them is “Sri Lanka Taxi Share”. Or you can book a private transfer here.

Because of my warning about Sri Lanka roads and drivers, I don’t recommend that you hire a scooter and travel throughout the country this way.

Rather use a scooter to explore the area you’re staying in.

I rented one in Arugam Bay, Ella, Hiriketiya, and Trincomalee and went exploring the nearby beaches and villages. Limit your scooter rides to these short distances.

You’ll need your passport and driver’s license to rent a scooter in Sri Lanka.

Tips for planning your Sri Lanka Itinerary

You’ll need a visa. Sri Lanka visas operate on an electronic system, and you need to apply online a few days before your arrival. This costs $35 and is valid for 30 days. Apply for your visa here .

Purchase a Dialog sim card at the airport. If you’re spending 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, you’ll need a local sim. After landing, go straight to the Dialog stand at the airport, where you’ll pay 1300 LKR ($7) for a sim card that includes 9 gigs of data.

Have a bit of flexibility to your Sri Lanka itinerary. If you prefer to have everything booked and confirmed before you arrive, that’s all good. But, if you’re spending 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, I recommend that you allow for some flexibility. You may visit a place and want to stay longer!

Dress appropriately: You’ll need to consider what you pack for Sri Lanka. Be respectful of their cultural norms and dress appropriately when entering sacred areas. You’ll also need to pack for all seasons, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Keep local currency on you: The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). ATMs and credit card facilities are available in the country, but if you stay at homestays, use public transport, or eat at local restaurants, ensure you have cash on you. It’s best to draw money at the ATMs as you arrive at the airport.

I recommend using the PickMe app (which is like Uber) to find a driver. If you arrive late at night, I suggest you do the same as the taxi prices can be quite expensive at the airport.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an all-year travel destination.

You can spend hours researching the best time to visit, but the weather can still be unpredictable.

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, it’s good to know that December to March is peak season. Expect lots of tourists and crowded beaches. Try to avoid traveling to Sri Lanka during this time.

• April–August is the south-west monsoon, so it’s best to visit the north or east coast during this time.
• October–January is the north-east monsoon season so it’s best to visit the central and southwest coast.
• October and November are synonymous with erratic weather and it can rain anywhere at any time.

Sri Lanka Weather In October

If you follow my 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary and you visit in October, you can expect the below weather conditions. (This is my personal account of traveling during October)

• Sigiriya, Hiriketiya Beach, and Midigama had perfect weather.
• Ella, Dalhousie, and Nuwara Eliya were overcast at times, but it didn’t affect my experience in these areas.
• Trincomalee had its daily afternoon rain shower, but the vibe was still great.
• Arugam Bay was quiet with no tourists and constant rain so I don’t recommend that you visit during October.

Sri Lanka food

I didn’t know much about Sri Lanka cuisine before I arrived. And I was pleasantly surprised by just how delicious it is.

Below are a few of my favorites that I ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during my one month in Sri Lanka.

• Rice and Curry: The name speaks for itself!
• Kottu Roti: Shredded pieces of roti bread, chopped up and stir-fried (my favorite!)
• Devilled Chicken: Marinated chicken pieces with vegetables

To save costs, eat local, and make sure your accommodation includes breakfast. Curry and rice costs $1-$3 per meal, which is super affordable and delicious.

Alcohol is more expensive, and a beer will cost around $2-$4, depending on where you buy from.

Is Sri Lanka safe?

Sri Lanka is a safe country for all travelers, from backpackers, to solo travelers , honeymooners, and families.

I never felt uneasy or nervous using public transport or staying in homestays.

The people are incredibly friendly, and they’re proud of their country.

But – as with all travel, you need to know that anything can happen, no matter where it is you travel to.

Don’t let this fear stop you from exploring countries as unique as Sri Lanka. It’s an amazing country; the people are so generous, and they rely heavily on tourism.

Sri Lanka itinerary FAQS

How many days are enough for sri lanka.

You should spend at least 10 days in Sri Lanka. But this is only enough time to explore Hill country and the beaches along the southern coast. It’s better to spend 2 to 3 weeks in Sri Lanka if you have the time.

Is Sri Lanka expensive to visit?

No, Sri Lanka is not expensive. You can easily get by on less than $50 per day if you eat local food, use public transport, and stay in budget accommodation.

Is 3 weeks too long in Sri Lanka?

No, three weeks is the perfect amount of time to visit Sri Lanka. You’ll get to explore the tea plantations in hill country, the cultural triangle as well and the diverse coastlines without being rushed.

3 Weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary

I spent 3 weeks backpacking Sri Lanka, and it was everything I imagined it to be – and more.

From the people to the food, the scenery to the experiences, Sri Lanka is one of the best countries to explore.

Have you been to Sri Lanka? What was the highlight of your Sri Lanka itinerary? Let me know in the comments section below!

Looking for more Sri Lanka travel information? Check out my other posts!

• The Ultimate Sri Lanka Packing List
• Hiriketiya Beach: All You Need to Know About Sri Lanka’s Paradise

Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here .

A Day At Bears Town Ski Resort In Korea (베어스타운 스키 리조트)

Midigama beach: why you should stay & surf here (not mirissa), 4 thoughts on “the ultimate sri lanka itinerary: 3 weeks in sri lanka”.

Excellent post and so informative on what to do in Sri Lanka! Besides the amazing beaches, I’d love to see Sigiriya and Ella! Definitely saving this for when I get the chance to go!

Hi Vanessa, Sigiriya and Ella were two of my favorite spots in Sri Lanka! Enjoy planning your trip

What a beautiful looking country and the food looks amazing

Hi Emma! The food was delicious… I’d go back just for the curry

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Sri Lanka Itinerary | How To Spend The Perfect 3 Weeks

Welcome to the enchanting tropical paradise of Sri Lanka, a country that truly has it all! For us, it’s a destination that ticks off every box , offering pristine beaches, wildlife-filled safari plains, charming train rides through tea plantations, and a rich cultural heritage. Nestled in the Indian Ocean, this coconut island has something to suit every traveler. What’s great about Sri Lanka is its compact size, making it easy to explore all the highlights in just three weeks . Our Sri Lanka itinerary is your guide to discovering bucket-list destinations and hidden gems along the way. Immerse yourself in the cultural triangle, soak in the scenic beauty of the hill country, and relax on the best beaches the island has to offer. Meet some of the friendliest locals you could ever encounter and indulge in delicious food and fruits at every turn.

Our detailed 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary provides essential information on the best places to visit, tips for navigating the country, and a list of must-do activities in each location. We’ve also included our recommendations for accommodations and dining experiences, adding a local touch to your journey. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Explore alternative itineraries for a 2-week getaway or a 10-day whirlwind tour. For those captivated by Sri Lanka’s charm, discover enticing options to extend your stay. Let this Sri Lanka itinerary be your companion, unlocking the treasures of this remarkable island.

*  Disclosure:  This 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary post contains affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you book through our links. This is at no extra cost to you. This way you’re helping us write awesome travel guides and keep providing you with free content. We only recommend products we like and trust ourselves.

Sri Lanka Itinerary Planning Essentials

VISA | Apply for a tourist visa online , which allows a 30-day stay. Submit your application at least a week before departure to secure your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) confirmation promptly.

TRAVEL INSURANCE | Safeguard your backpacking journey through Sri Lanka with comprehensive coverage from Heymondo for trustworthy travel insurance. ( Get 5% OFF through our link )

STAY CONNECTED | Get a local SIM card from SLT Mobitel upon arrival at the airport or opt for an E-sim in advance through Airalo . 

CURRENCY | The local currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR) , and the exchange rate is around 1 USD = 325 LKR. Check XE Currency Converter for updated exchange rates. 

DAILY BUDGET | Traveling to Sri Lanka is pretty affordable, we suggest a daily budget of around $25-40 per person which includes accommodation, food, transport, and minor activities. Note that visits to national parks and historical sites may increase your budget.

HOW TO GET THERE | Explore the best flight deals to Colombo, Sri Lanka, using Skyscanner . 

GET AROUND | For the ultimate convenience and hassle-free travel in cities, we highly recommend the PickMe App . 

ACCOMMODATION | Discover budget-friendly hostels and hotels through Booking.com .

TOURS & ATTRACTIONS | For the best and most cost-effective tours and day trip excursions, check out GetYourGuide or Viator .

TRANSFERS | Ready to travel to your next destination in Sri Lanka? Book your onward bus or train tickets via 12go.asia .

WHEN TO GO | Plan your visit between December and April to experience the country’s highlights while avoiding the main monsoon season.

DRINKING WATER | It is recommended to drink bottled water or use filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Consider bringing a GRAYL water purifier bottle for safe drinking water.

3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary Overview  + MAPS

Embark on a fantastic 3-week journey across Sri Lanka, taking you from the North to the South or vice versa. This well-thought-out Sri Lanka itinerary offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and beach time .

Kick off your adventure with a night in a safari camp at Wilpattu National Park for some incredible wildlife encounters. Dive into history as you explore the ancient royal city of Anuradhapura and the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka at Mihintale .

Don’t miss the chance to marvel at the iconic Lion’s Rock in Sigiriya , explore the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple , and take a day trip to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa . The cultural capital of Kandy sets the stage for a scenic train ride to Ella , passing through the charming colonial town of Nuwara Eliya , famous for its tea plantations. In Ella, enjoy some hiking before heading south.

Your well-deserved beach time awaits in Hiriketiya , a laid-back beach town perfect for surf enthusiasts. Make a pitstop in Mirissa to catch the famous Coconut Hill, and wrap up your Sri Lanka itinerary in Unawatuna . Here, soak in the beach vibes and explore the historic Galle colonial town . This Sri Lanka itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure, blending wildlife, history, mountain landscapes, and beach relaxation.

Day-by-day Sri Lanka Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 – Negombo : Arriving in Negombo
• Day 2 – Wilpattu: Leave for Wilpattu National Park and spend the night in a safari camp
• Day 3 – Anuradhapura: Leave for Anuradhapura, and visit the Mihintale temple site for sunset
• Day 4  – Anuradhapura: Explore Anuradhapura the ancient city of Sri Lanka
• Day 5 – Sigiriya: Leave for Sigiriya from where you can visit Dambulla Cave Temple in the afternoon
• Day 6 – Sigiriya: Visit the famous Lion Rock in the morning and hike Pidurangala Rock for sunset
• Day 7 –  Sigiriya: Day trip to Polonnaruwa Ancient city
• Day 8 – Kandy: Travel to Kandy and explore the cultural capital
• Day 9 – Kandy: Botanic Royal Garden, Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandy Dance Show
• Day 10 – Nuwara Eliya: Take the famous train ride from Kandy to Ella, with a stop-over in Nuwara Eliya, a small mountain town
• Day 11 – Nuwara Eliya: Explore the tea plantations & waterfalls of Nuwara Eliya
• Day 12 – Ella: Early morning for the Horton Plains, take the afternoon train to Ella
• Day 13 – Ella: Visit the Nine Arch Bridge & hike to Lil Adams Peak
• Day 14 – Ella: Hike to Ella Rock, explore the waterfalls, and join a cooking class in the evening
• Day 15 – Hiriketiya: Travel to the south of Sri Lanka to Hiriketiya
• Day 16 – Hiriketiya: Enjoy some beach time & surfing at Hiriketiya
• Day 17 – Mirissa: Travel to Mirissa for the famous Coconut Hill
• Day 18 – Unawatuna: Stay in Unawatuna for some beach time
• Day 19 – Unawatuna: Relax and explore the surroundings of Unawatuna
• Day 20 – Unawatuna: Visit Galle, a charming old colonial town
• Day 21 – Negombo: Get back to Negombo and fly home.

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

Good news – you can visit this tropical paradise any time of the year! The sweet spot, though, is from December to March , especially if you’re eyeing our 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary. During this period, the weather is fantastic along the west and south coasts, making it prime time to explore central and south Sri Lanka , hitting up cool places like Sigiriya’s Lion Rock and Mirissa’s Coconut Hill.

Now, Sri Lanka’s weather can be a bit tricky. There are two main monsoon seasons to wrap your head around:

• Yala Monsoon (May to August): This one brings rain to the south, west coast, and Central Hill Country. If you’re around in these months, consider heading to the north and east coasts for some sunny and dry vibes. Bonus: It’s low season, so you might snag sweet hotel deals along the west and south coasts.
• Maha Monsoon (October to January): This monsoon takes over, bringing rain to the east coast, north, and Ancient Cities. November and December are the wettest, so pack accordingly.

Toss in the Inter-Monsoon period in October and November, where surprise rain and thunderstorms can pop up anywhere.

How to get around Sri Lanka?

Getting around Sri Lanka is pretty straightforward, considering its small size and diverse transport options. However, be ready for some adventure – it might take a bit of time, and comfort isn’t always guaranteed.

Buses and tuk-tuks are the main modes of transport, reaching even the most remote corners. Tuk-tuks are perfect for short distances , giving you the freedom to move around easily. On the other hand, buses are your budget-friendly choice for longer trips , and you’ll find minivans covering many bus routes with the bonus of air conditioning for not much extra cost.

For a travel experience straight out of a postcard, hop aboard Sri Lanka’s scenic train network. It’s not the speediest or most punctual, but it’s a fantastic way to experience local life, especially in the hilly areas and the west/southwest. Trains are both budget-friendly and add a bit of fun to your backpacking Sri Lanka itinerary.

If public transport isn’t your thing or time is tight, consider a private transfer – it’s a bit more luxurious and gives you the flexibility to set your own schedule, great for group travel, or if you’ve got suitcases in tow.

For booking transport, grab your tickets online in advance at 12go. Asia . Make sure to book online in advance the popular train rides such as the one from Kandy to Ella!

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day 1 – Arriving in Negombo

Your Sri Lanka adventure kicks off near the Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo), and Negombo becomes your ideal starting point. This choice is strategic because the airport is much closer to Negombo than it is to Colombo. While the distance to Colombo may seem small, the journey takes at least an hour and a half due to notorious city traffic. Given that both Colombo and Negombo offer relatively less compared to the rest of the country, it makes sense to save time and energy for the more captivating destinations on your itinerary.

Negombo, just a 15-minute drive from the airport, becomes your haven for the first night. This coastal town not only provides a convenient location but also offers budget-friendly accommodations with inviting swimming pools—perfect for unwinding and shaking off the fatigue from your flight. Take a stroll to Negombo Beach, where you’ll discover a vibrant strip of restaurants and shops. This area not only serves as the main beach hub but also provides a perfect setting to relish your first sunset or take that initial dip into the ocean.

How to get to Negombo from the Airport?

The best way to get from the airport to your Negombo accommodation is by using the PickMe app —an excellent alternative to Uber in Sri Lanka. This app ensures you get the best rates for your ride . The trip from the airport to Negombo Beach typically takes around 30 minutes, and you can expect the cost to be approximately Rs 700.

TIP | Buy a SIM CARD from SLT Mobitel at the airport the moment you arrive so you can book a ride through the PickMe app. Or even better, opt for an E-sim of Airalo to secure reliable internet access in advance.

Where to stay in Negombo

HIGH-END | Belmont Boutique Hotel

Belmont Boutique Hotel is just a 10-minute stroll from the beach. This boutique hotel offers an outdoor pool, lush garden, and shared lounge. Enjoy a restaurant, free shuttle service, and bike rentals. Rooms feature essential amenities, some with a patio and sea views.

MID-RANGE | Villa Dominikku

Experience Sri Lankan hospitality at Villa Dominikku , a charming B&B with a lovely garden. Comfortable, clean rooms boast en-suite bathrooms. Delight in authentic Sri Lankan breakfasts featuring hoppers and wood apple juice.

BUDGET | Funwhales Rest House

Choose Funwhales Res t House for a budget-friendly, family-run guesthouse. Enjoy a shared lounge, terrace, and private rooms with bathrooms. Start your day with a hearty breakfast, and savor seafood at the on-site restaurant. Conveniently located 15 minutes walk from the beach, bike rentals are available.

Where to eat in Negombo

Jude Restaurant – For fantastic local eats, check out Jude Restaurant. They serve up amazing rice and curry, plus ice-cold drinks with a side of super-friendly service. Whether you’re kicking off or wrapping up your holiday, it’s a solid choice with very reasonable prices for a touristy spot.

Ocean 14 restaurant – Located right on the beach, Ocean 14 is a small, no-nonsense family-owned joint offering tasty and fresh seafood with decent-sized portions. Want something specific, like lobster or a special fish? No problem – just book in advance for a customized dining experience.

How to get to Wilpattu National Park from Negombo?

For the most budget-friendly option to reach Wilpattu National Park from Negombo, hop on either the train or bus headed to Puttalam . The journey takes about 3 hours, with Puttalam being the closest city south of the National Park. Upon reaching Puttalam, you’ll still need to catch a tuk-tuk for the final leg to the Safari Camp , which takes approximately an hour. If time is of the essence and you have some flexibility in your budget, consider a private car arranged through the PickMe app or your accommodation . This alternative takes around 3 hours in total and will cost you approximately 10,000 LKR (around $30-$40).

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day 2 – Wilpattu National Park

Safaris are a highlight of any Sri Lanka journey, drawing travelers to the wilderness in search of unique wildlife encounters. While Yala National Park is the most famous, we opted for a different adventure due to concerns about overcrowding and unethical practices reported there. Our research led us to Wilpattu National Park, a hidden gem in the north , less traversed than its counterparts in the central region.

Wilpattu’s allure lies not only in its serene location but also in its high probability of leopard sightings . This national park, often overshadowed by more central destinations, provided a perfect stop en route to Anuradhapura in our Sri Lanka itinerary.

Choosing an overnight safari allowed us to escape the crowds that can startle the elusive leopards. While we didn’t spot one on our journey, we encountered a variety of captivating animals, as the park is home to many mammals such as elephants, water buffalos, the sloth bear, monkeys, and many exotic birds and reptiles.

Spending the night at Wilpattu Safari Camp

The safari camp we selected, Big Game – Wilpattu by Eco Team , exceeded our expectations. The place surprised us with unexpectedly luxurious tents, existing not only out of a bedroom with an attached bathroom but also a cozy sitting area near the entrance, making our overnight stay a comfy and memorable one.

Nestled within the less-traveled Wilpattu, the camp provided a tranquil experience with pathways leading to entertainment areas equipped with hammocks and torch-lit spots. The evening took a magical turn with dinner under the stars near a crackling fireplace.

To embark on a safari in Wilpattu National Park, securing a driver and a jeep is essential, and your accommodation is the go-to place for booking these tours. While our leopard quest remained unfulfilled, the overall adventure was extraordinary. Riding through the park on a jeep, exploring diverse landscapes, and absorbing wildlife wisdom from our guide created a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime experience.

For those with leopard sightings on their bucket list, we recommend trying both the afternoon for sunset and the morning safari for the best chances. Afterward, we heard that the people who went in the morning spotted multiple leopards, so we just got a bit unlucky I guess! Despite missing out on leopards, our wonderful experience in Wilpattu National Park left us with cherished memories of diverse wildlife and captivating landscapes.

How to get to Anuradhapura from Wilpattu National Park

The easiest way to get to Anuradhapura from Wilpattu National Park is by taking a tuk-tuk. You can have the safari camp arrange a tuk-tuk for you after you discuss and agree on a price. The drive takes a little less than an hour by tuk-tuk and should cost you around 3000 LKR . Alternatively, you can get to the Wilpattu Junction where you can find the local bus stop, normally there is a bus every 20 minutes and the ride takes around an hour to Anuradhapura Bus Station.

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day 3 & 4 – Anuradhapura

After our safari camp adventure, we’re off to Anuradhapura, a significant city in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle . This place is a goldmine of culture and history, offering a genuine taste of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. Anuradhapura isn’t just about history; it’s also a great spot to experience everyday Sinhalese life . Compared to bustling places like Ella and Sigiriya, Anuradhapura is less crowded, giving a more serene experience.

During our stay, we enjoyed the tranquility of biking through ancient ruins, surrounded by rice fields, and often without encountering many other tourists. We recommend spending two nights here, taking in the historical wonders at a relaxed pace.

Upon reaching your accommodation, catch a beautiful sunset at the Mihintale temple complex . The next day, kick things off early for a full day exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura . You can end the afternoon by the city’s lake where there is an array of juice bars to be found. If your guesthouse offers dinner, don’t miss it. It’s a fantastic chance to savor authentic Sri Lankan food and learn more about their culinary traditions.

Best things to do in Anuradhapura

Visit mihintale the birthplace of buddhism in sri lanka.

Mihintale holds a special place in Sri Lankan history as the birthplace of Buddhism in the country, making it a revered pilgrimage site . This spot sees more locals than tourists, creating an authentic atmosphere. Regardless of your beliefs, there’s a certain magic about this temple complex. Perched on a small mountain, you’ll ascend via a lengthy stair path to reach the sacred area. The main temple site boasts a central white stupa surrounded by three elevated platforms. The sight of scattered white stupas against green hills, the wafting fragrance of burning incense, the echoes of Buddhist chants, and the overall ambiance make this a truly unique and captivating experience. We can truely say this place was one of our favorite stops on our Sri Lanka Itinerary.

READ MORE | Mihintale: A Beautiful Buddhist Temple in Sri Lanka

Visit the Ancient City of Anuradhapura

Step into the historic marvel that is the old royal city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with stupas and temples . Nestled within the cultural triangle, Anuradhapura stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s profound historical significance. Beyond its archaeological allure, this destination holds deep religious importance, drawing pilgrims seeking spiritual connection.

Spread across approximately 40 square kilometers, the city unveils remnants of colossal dagobas and ruins of former royal palaces scattered throughout. You can easily spend a day here exploring the many temples and ruins! Opt to rent a bike or a tuk-tuk to get around as the grounds are huge. Check out our full guide on Anuradhapura where we take you along the must-see temples and all practical information for visiting.

READ MORE | The Ultimate Travel Guide to Anuradhapura: All you need to know about the Sacred City of Sri Lanka

Where to stay in Anuradhapura?

For our stay in Anuradhapura, we went for the cozy vibe of a local guesthouse— something we loved throughout our whole Sri Lanka journey and can really recommend. It’s not just easier on the wallet but also lets you soak up a more genuine local experience.

GUESTHOUSE | Water Front Home Stay

Our pick, Water Front Home Stay , was the epitome of a heartwarming homestay. Wasantha, the owner, was the friendliest host we could’ve asked for in Sri Lanka. The room was spotless, and quiet, and had all the essentials like air conditioning, a fan, great WiFi, and a spacious, clean bathroom. Not only the breakfast was amazing, but we also took the opportunity to have dinner at the homestay, which turned out to be one of our best dinners of the trip!

BUDGET | Heaven Upon Rice Fields

Tucked among rice fields, Heaven Upon Rice Fields is a delightful guesthouse with roomy, clean spaces and glowing reviews. It’s a tad north, a bit away from the bustling center and its restaurants, but the unique location offers fantastic views of the surroundings.

MID-RANGE | Aryana Boutique Hotel

Right in the heart of Anuradhapura, Aryana Boutique Hotel stands out with an outdoor pool, a garden, and a shared lounge. The rooms, some with terraces, feature private bathrooms with showers. The hotel’s restaurant serves up Chinese, French, and Indian cuisine. Plus, they’re bike-friendly, offering rentals for guests keen on exploring the ancient city on two wheels.

Where to eat in Anuradhapura

Little Paradise Restaurant Anuradhapura – Tucked away in a peaceful neighborhood, Little Paradise Restaurant exudes a homey vibe with a lovely green garden. It feels like enjoying a meal at someone’s home. The curry, especially the Dahl, stands out, and the staff is exceptionally kind. This cute and small spot offers a delightful selection, whether you’re opting for a veggie or chicken curry.

Palhena Restaurant – We had an amazing chicken coconut curry and a vegetable curry with sides of pumpkin and potato—absolutely delicious! The service was top-notch, making it one of the standout food spots in the city. The curries, among other offerings, are delightful, and the staff’s warmth adds to the experience. It’s worth noting that all their fruits and vegetables are organically grown.

Bro Restaurant – For a modern twist on traditional dishes, Bro Restaurant delivers a culinary adventure. We tried the chicken Kothu and devilish chicken, both Sri Lankan favorites, and they were outstanding (a word of caution—the devilish chicken is super spicy!). 

How to get to Sigiriya from Anuradhapura

There is no train service for this particular route, so the only way to get to Sigiriya from Anuradhapura is by private car or taking the bus. We find the bus to be the perfect option, not only is it fast and comfortable but also way cheap! There are two bus lines, 42 or 43 (line Vavuniya – Kandy), shuttling between Anuradhapura and Dambulla , the closest city to Sigiriya. If you fancy a bit more comfort, go for bus line 43, which comes with AC. These buses run every 30 minutes, taking about 1.5 hours, and the fare is around 400 LKR per person (less than €2), keeping it wallet-friendly. Once you reach Dambulla, grab a local bus or hop on a tuk-tuk to wrap up the journey to Sigiriya.

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day 5 to 7 – Sigiriya

Let’s dive into Sigiriya, right at the heart of Sri Lanka, where the iconic Lion Rock stands tall as one of the coconut island’s most recognized landmarks. Locals often dub it the Eighth Wonder of the World, making the climb up this majestic rock a must-do on many travel itineraries. And don’t forget its neighboring Pidurangala Rock, offering a jaw-dropping panoramic view that’s a must-add to your Sri Lanka bucket list. Yet, there’s more to explore here beyond the rocks, making it worthwhile to spend two days or more. Take a trip to the historic city of Polonnaruwa , marvel at the Royal Cave Temples in Dambulla , and perhaps sneak in a safari to Minneriya & Kaudulla National Park for an elephant encounter.

To visit all these attractions, we suggest picking one home base. While Habarana or Dambulla are popular choices, we suggest making Sigiriya itself your hub for a laidback and relaxing environment with a good variety of restaurants. Most accommodations in this area are conveniently close to Sigiriya Lion Rock, and the same goes for the restaurants, ensuring all amenities are easily within reach.

Best things to do in Sigiriya

Visit dambulla cave temple.

Dambulla takes pride in being home to Sri Lanka’s best-preserved and largest cave temple —an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as the Golden Rock Temple. This remarkable site, perched atop a 160m rock, comprises five separate caves with over 150 Buddhist statues and paintings, some tracing their origins back over 2,000 years. The cave walls showcase intricate colorful murals depicting Buddha’s life. The panoramic views from the rock’s summit are nothing short of incredible, you can admire the surrounding valley with Sigiriya in the distance. 

READ MORE | The Ultimate Guide to Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka

Visit the famous Lion’s Rock of Sigiriya

Don’t miss out on the incredible Lion Rock in Sigiriya—it’s a must-see on your Sri Lanka itinerary. This 200-meter-high rock features a palace-fortress at the top , creating a stunning sight against the jungle backdrop. Once a vibrant palace-fortress surrounded by beautiful gardens, colorful frescoes, and water pools, Lion Rock holds a special place in Sri Lanka’s history. Although only palace ruins remain, exploring them offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past. Priced at $30 per person, it’s a bit on the pricey side for Sri Lanka activities, but the experience is well worth it. Plan for about half a day to fully soak in the fortress vibes, and consider pairing it with a visit to the nearby Pidurangala rock on a day trip.

READ MORE | Complete guide to climbing the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock

Hike Pidurangala Rock for the best views of the lion’s rock

Once you’ve explored Lion Rock, don’t miss the chance to climb to the summit of Pidurangala Rock for a mesmerizing sunset and panoramic views. Positioned directly across from Sigiriya Rock, Pidurangala Rock offers the perfect vantage point to witness the sun dip below the horizon. The ascent can be a bit challenging, so be sure to lace up your sneakers. Depending on your fitness level, the climb typically takes around 20 minutes to reach the top. Reaching the summit rewards you with an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Lion Rock and the picturesque surrounding jungle.  With an affordable price tag of 500 LKR (just $1.5), it’s an ideal option for budget-conscious backpackers exploring Sri Lanka.

READ MORE  |  How to climb Pidurangala Rock: Discover Sigiriya’s best viewpoint

Take a day trip to Polonnaruwa the ancient city

For an enriching day trip from Sigiriya, venture to the historic city of Polonnaruwa . This former capital stands as a treasure trove for those eager to delve into Sri Lanka’s vibrant history and cultural heritage. Once home to Sinhalese kings and a revered resting place for the holy tooth relic of Buddha, Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting well-preserved ruins and Buddha statues . As you meander through the ancient palaces, picturesque shrines, and awe-inspiring temples dating back to the 11th century AD, you’ll be transported to a bygone era.

READ MORE | 13 Amazing places to explore in Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Take a safari trip to Minneriya National Park

You can easily combine a visit to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa with a safari trip in the afternoon. Polonnaruwa is a great starting point for a jeep safari in nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks . You will mostly encounter big groups of wild elephants, which is an experience of a lifetime. Other wildlife that you might spot are Leopards, Sloth bears, Spotted Deer, Grey Langers, and Mongoose.

Where to stay in Sigiriya?

BUDGET | Sigiri Rock Side Home stay

Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, this charming guesthouse stay is nestled in the lush green surroundings of Sigiriya, near Lion Rock. The picturesque porch provides a perfect retreat to unwind after a day of adventure.

MID-RANGE | The Cattleya Guest House

Experience comfort in this beautiful guesthouse, which offers modern, spacious, and clean rooms. Family rooms feature private terraces for a relaxing retreat. With a cozy patio and garden, you can enjoy views of Lion Rock. Conveniently located near restaurants, but you also have the option to savor a traditional Sri Lankan meal right at the guesthouse.

LUXURY | Water Garden Sigiriya

Indulge in luxury at this stunning hotel with an unbeatable location. Relax by the pool, which boasts a direct view of Lion Rock. Picture yourself surrounded by rice fields, occasionally spotting an elephant in the distance. Renowned for top-quality service, this resort offers everything from a spa and pool to a bar and restaurant at your disposal.

Where to eat in Sigiriya

Tharumila Restaurant – Enjoy a tasty meal with a perfect view of Lion Rock at Tharumila Restaurant. The friendly hostess created a welcoming vibe, and we savored an incredible Sri Lankan curry. Don’t forget to try their delicious fruit juices! Great value spot for a relaxing and tasty meal!

Pradeep restaurant – A popular choice for trying roti, a traditional Sri Lankan dish that’s a must-try. 

Rasta Rant – Whether you’re in the mood for a little party or a fantastic atmosphere to wrap up the day, Rasta Rant has you covered. Known for their barbecue dishes and cocktails, the real highlight is the good vibes, outdoor setting, and music.

How to get to Kandy from Sigiriya

To travel to Kandy from Sigiriya, start by taking a bus or tuk-tuk to reach Dambulla bus station. From there, catch either bus line 42 or 43 (Vavuniya-Kandy route) . The journey typically lasts slightly over 2 hours, with buses departing every half an hour. Bus 42, priced at around 180 rupees, offers an economical option without air conditioning. For a more comfortable ride with air conditioning, opt for bus 43 at 450 rupees.

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day 8 & 9 – Kandy

As Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, Kandy boasts a rich history and cultural heritage . The renowned Temple of the Tooth relic considered Buddhism’s most important shrine, is a must-visit, believed to enshrine a piece of Buddha’s tooth.

Take a leisurely stroll around the city lake, surrounded by colonial buildings that exude historical charm . Explore the charming streets, alleys, and vibrant markets of the old town to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to walk to the Big Buddha on the hill, providing breathtaking views of the city.

Discover the Royal Botanical Gardens , a serene oasis in the heart of the city, featuring exotic plants and flowers. Home to the stunning avenue of royal palms, these gardens are among the best in the world. Admission is Rs 2000 per person, and you can easily spend a full morning exploring the vast variety of over 4,000 plant species. Catch a local tuk-tuk to reach the botanical gardens.

Kandy is also renowned for the scenic Kandy to Ella train ride , a highlight of your 3-week Sri Lanka journey. While the city is walkable, you can use services like Pick Me or Uber for attractions a bit farther away.

Wrap up your day with a traditional Kandyan cultural dance show . Performers dazzle with cultural displays, including a captivating fire show. It’s a perfect way to conclude your time in this vibrant city.

READ MORE | The Best Things to Do in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Where to stay in Kandy?

LUXURY | Villa Rosa

Perched on the hillside with a mesmerizing view of the river, Villa Rosa offers its guests an infinity pool and a garden, creating a serene ambiance. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, some even offering captivating mountain views. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful, ensuring a delightful stay. With a lounge area, television, library, and home comforts, Villa Rosa provides a touch of luxury away from the bustling center of Kandy.

MID RANGE | E-Stay Hanthana

At E-Stay Hanthana , indulge in a generously sized and comfortable room featuring a private balcony. What makes this place truly special is the hospitality of the local owners. To top it off, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast, adding to the overall delightful experience.

BUDGET | Kandy City Village

With an extremely friendly owner ready to accommodate any guest requests, Kandy City Village offers comfortable rooms, a hearty breakfast, and a central location with a short walk up into the hills. It’s fantastic value for money, ensuring a pleasant stay without breaking the bank.

Where to eat in Kandy

Balaji Dosai – Situated near the Temple of the Tooth, Balaji Dosai is a vegetarian-only restaurant with a delightful menu. Personal favorites include the Kara Dosa and Mango Lassi. The dosas are generously sized, and the interior is impeccably clean and inviting. The service is prompt, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the servers are friendly. 

CAFE 1886 by Salgado Bakers – Nestled in the heart of Kandy overlooking Kotugodella Street, CAFE 1886 offers a pleasant dining experience. The cozy interior and soothing music create a relaxing ambiance. The staff is exceptionally friendly and attentive to your needs, making your visit highly enjoyable. With a diverse menu, you can choose from various dishes, but the Kothu comes highly recommended.

Soul Food – A vegan restaurant with a touch of Westernized food options, Soul Food offers healthy bowls, burgers, wraps, and pasta, all freshly made on the spot. The food is excellent, featuring a good variety of dishes, and a great atmosphere.

How to get to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy

The famous train journey from Kandy to Ella is an incredible way to reach Nuwara Eliya, offering breathtaking views of tea plantations. Recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful train rides, this 6-hour journey winds through the scenic landscapes of Sri Lanka. At Kandy station,  you can secure either a 2nd or 3rd class unreserved or reserved ticket. If reserved seats are unavailable, fret not – you can still enjoy the views by finding an open seat or sitting in the aisle near the door. During peak seasons (December to March), especially for first or second-class tickets, advance booking is advisable. Secure your spot by booking tickets on 12go . We recommend opting for a 2nd class reserved ticket for the best value and more comfortable seats compared to 3rd class. Additionally, only the windows in 2nd class can be opened, allowing for those coveted Instagram-worthy pictures.

The train journey from Kandy to Ella includes several stops along the way. Consider disembarking a bit earlier to spend a night in the natural beauty of Nuwara Eliya , renowned for its tea plantations. The train will drop you off at Nanuoya, from where you can take a local bus or a tuk-tuk up to Nuwara Eliya and your accommodation.

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day 10 & 11 – Nuwara Eliya

Ever wondered where your favorite teas come from? Well, Sri Lanka is a tea paradise, and even the famous Lipton has a stake in its mountainous landscapes . As you explore the heart of the country, you’ll find tea-covered hills offering not only a delightful beverage but also stunning views. In your Sri Lanka journey, be sure to check out tea fields in popular spots like Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and Haputale. These charming towns provide the perfect setting, letting you soak in breathtaking tea field panoramas right from your hotel room. Take casual strolls through the green plantations, tour tea factories, and discover the fascinating journey of tea-making from leaf to cup.

Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England,” sits atop Sri Lanka as its highest town. With a cooler climate and colonial allure, it’s a unique stop on your 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary. Don’t forget to pack a sweater for the cool evenings in this picturesque town.

Things to do in Nuwara Eliya

The best way to explore the surroundings of Nuwara Eliya and its many tea plantations is by hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day:

• Damro Tea Plantation: Enjoy stunning views and a complimentary tour of the tea-making process. Wrap up your visit with a cup of Ceylon tea and a slice of cake at their cozy lounge, offering scenic views of green tea fields.
• Ramboda Falls: A breathtaking waterfall invites you to cool off or savor snacks on the rocks. It’s a favorite spot for locals, and you can reach a viewpoint with a 20-minute hike for an entry fee of Rs 100.
• Blue Field Tea Gardens: Expand your tea knowledge at Blue Field Tea Gardens. Witness the tea manufacturing process and savor a hot cup after your visit.

Here are some other things to do in Nuwara Eliya:

• Gregory Lake: Take a leisurely stroll around Gregory Lake.
• The Grand Hotel: Treat yourself to afternoon tea in the charming colonial-style setting of The Grand Hotel.
• Nuwara Eliya Post Office: Visit the quaint post office to send postcards to friends and family.
• Single Tree Hill Hike: Hike to Single Tree Hill for a panoramic view of the town nestled amid the tea fields.

Visit Horton Plains World’s End

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Nuwara Eliya by visiting Horton Plains National Park, famously known as ‘World’s End’. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning landscapes.

Opting for the Horton Plains tour is an excellent choice if you lack your own transportation. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, embark on a hike through the park, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds, lizards, bears, monkeys, and sambar deer as you trek a distance of 6 miles (9.5 kilometers) to iconic locations like World’s End, Baker’s Falls, and back to the base. It’s a memorable journey into nature’s wonders.

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya?

LUXURY | Langdale Boutique Hotel by Amaya

Perched in the picturesque Hills, this luxury hotel offers opulent rooms with breathtaking hillside views. Guests can unwind in the outdoor pool or indulge in the sauna, steam room, and Ayurvedic Spa for a rejuvenating experience. The rooms feature dark wooden flooring and timeless furniture. In the intimate dining room, the hotel’s restaurant serves a range of international cuisine. The bar, nestled beneath the trees, offers cocktails and other refreshing beverages.

MID-RANGE | Cottage San Francisco

Discover the beauty of Nuwara Eliya while staying in the cozy wooden rooms of Cottage San Francisco . Perfectly situated within the mountains, the rooms provide impressive views of tea plantations. The included breakfast is a delightful addition, making it an ideal base for exploration.

BUDGET | Zion

Nestled in the hills of Nuwara Eliya, Zion offers a delightful homestay experience. The spacious and comfortable rooms provide a perfect retreat, and the optional breakfast and dinner, at an extra cost, are truly amazing. The accommodating family ensures a helpful stay and provides blankets for the chilly nights in Nuwara Eliya.

Where to eat in Nuwara Eliya

Dushan’s Home Kitchen – This local spot is a must-visit for some of the best Sri Lankan food at reasonable prices. Run by a charming family, they prepare each dish with care. We tried the chicken curry rice, and it was amazing!

Ambaal’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant – Enjoy affordable and delicious authentic Indian cuisine at Ambaal’s. From masala Dosa to parata with various curries and chutneys, the food is hot, fresh, and the portions are generous. The service is top-notch, making it a great dining choice!

How to get to Ella from Nuwara Eliya

To continue your journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, the most scenic option is to hop again on the enchanting train ride that showcases Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes. The journey takes a few hours, treating you to unparalleled views along the way. Secure your seats by booking train tickets online through 12Go for a hassle-free experience or purchase them at the train station. For a comfortable yet immersive ride with the freedom to enjoy the scenery, opt for 2nd class seats. While 3rd class can be crowded, it offers an authentic and engaging train experience. The first class provides air conditioning but limits window openings. Alternatively, you can choose the public bus or a mini-van for your journey.

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day 12 to 14 – Ella

While mapping out your Sri Lanka itinerary, make sure to include the charming destination of Ella—a peaceful retreat surrounded by stunning natural beauty. This small mountain town has a relaxed, hippy vibe and is famous for its lush landscapes and incredible views. Choosing a hilltop guesthouse enhances your experience, providing panoramic views and serving as a convenient base for exploring attractions like Adams Peak, Ella Rock, and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. Witness the spectacle of trains passing through tunnels and over the scenic bridge nestled amidst tea fields.

Ella is also a haven for food lovers, boasting some of the best cafes and restaurants in Sri Lanka . Indulge in the local cuisine amid this picturesque backdrop. Our love for Ella led us to extend our stay, captivated by its unique charm and the enriching experience it adds to our Sri Lanka adventure.

READ MORE | The Best Things to Do in Ella, Sri Lanka

Things to do in Ella 

• Take the scenic Kandy to Ella train ride and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes along the way.
• Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge to witness trains passing through the picturesque setting.
• Trek to Little Adams Peak for a fantastic panoramic view of the charming Ella surroundings.
• Hike to Ella Rock: Enjoy a guided sunrise hike to Ella Rock , ensuring a hassle-free experience with a knowledgeable guide. This hike takes a little longer than Little Adams Peak and is slightly more challenging.
• Safari Adventure to Udawalawe National Park: Opt for an unforgettable Udawalawe National Park safari day trip , covering park fees and transportation logistics.
• Discover the scenic Lipton’s Seat , offering a stunning viewpoint and a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s tea legacy.
• Head to Diyaluma Falls and be mesmerized by the breathtaking waterfall surrounded by nature.
• Explore the nearby Ravana Falls , adding to the allure of Ella’s natural wonders.
• Take a Sri Lankan cooking class ! Ever wondered how to make coconut milk yourself? You’ll learn how to cook an assortment of curries, including potato, okra, beetroot, pumpkin, and jackfruit curries in no time at all – and they were pretty amazing if we do say so ourselves! We went to Priya’s Cooking school and we had an amazing time, and learned so much! Back home we already made several of her dishes and she sent you all the recipes afterwards.

JOIN A ELLA DAY TOUR

Opt for an Ella day tour covering the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, and Little Adams Peak. This tour, complete with hotel pick-up, tuk-tuk transport, and lunch, ensures a seamless and enriching experience.

Where to stay in Ella?

LUXURY | CHILL VILLE, VIEW POINT HOTEL

At Chill Ville, View Point Hotel , guests can’t stop raving about the charming staff, delightful breakfast, and cozy bungalow rooms. Dive into the inviting outdoor pool or soak up the sun on the terrace. The restaurant and bar offer tasty meals and drinks, and some rooms come with a relaxing seating area. Sip tea while enjoying stunning mountain or garden views—it’s a picturesque location!

MID-RANGE | Shining Green View

For a sustainable and comfortable stay, check out Shining Green View . This guest house in Ella boasts a beautiful garden, sun terrace, and shared lounge. Mountain views, cozy seating areas, and private bathrooms come with every unit. Take in the scenery from your balcony, and enjoy meals at the family-friendly restaurant serving dinner, lunch, and brunch. Bike rental and car rental services make exploring the area a breeze.

BUDGET | Blue Ribbon Homestay

Experience budget-friendly comfort at Blue Ribbon Homestay , perched on a hill with views of Ella Rock and Little Adams Peak. Surrounded by lush jungle, enjoy a tasty Sri Lankan breakfast on the balcony with playful monkeys in the distance. The spacious, clean rooms make for the perfect home base for all your Ella adventures.

Where to eat in Ella

Cafe Samsara –  A little gem tucked away on a side street. The cozy decor and diverse menu make it a great spot. They’re famous for their Lump Rice dish, a delicious blend of rice, egg, spices, and veggies wrapped in a banana leaf. Plus, a variety of sambols to try.

Ella Village Restaurant – We loved it so much on the first night that we had to come back! Their vegetarian rice and curry with five different curries, Coconut Sambol, Salad, Chutney, Chilli, and Papadam is a must-try. Served in a banana leaf, and you can even get seconds. Don’t miss their creamy Mango Lassi. The atmosphere is cozy, and the people are friendly.

Ice Cube Bar & Restaurant – A cozy spot with a great vibe. Perfect if you’re in the mood for a cocktail and some tasty club sandwiches!

Matey Hut – Famous for cooking classes and serving incredible vegan-friendly Sri Lankan cuisine. Just be ready for a bit of a wait; it’s a popular spot!

How to get to Hiriketiya from Ella

The easiest way to get from Ella to Hiriketiya is definitely by car. A car ride can easily be arranged while in Ella as minivans are lined up on the main street and will cost you around 14,000 LKR for a 3-hour drive. The best is to find some other travelers to share the minivan to split the cost of the drive. If you want to catch the public bus, this is also a possibility, however will take you almost the whole day as you will have to transfer 3 times.

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day 15 & 16 – Hiriketiya

For the final leg of our 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary, we’re heading to the sunny South Coast for some well-deserved beach time after weeks of exploring! Hiriketiya, a surfers’ paradise, offers one of the best experiences in Sri Lanka for catching waves. Even if you’re not a surfer, the pristine beaches are perfect for relaxation, complemented by cozy beach bars and cafes . This beautiful area exudes a laid-back vibe, making it an ideal spot to unwind—a must-visit on our Sri Lanka journey.

Beyond surfing, there’s live music you can enjoy at Dots Bay House for sunset while sipping on a cocktail, delicious local cuisine in nearby Dikwella, and a plethora of yoga classes to enrich your beach experience. Don’t miss the chance to explore Tangalle, a nearby town that opens up the opportunity for a day trip to Goyambokka Beach, a tranquil escape from the more popular Hiriketiya. For another breathtaking beach experience, venture to Blue Beach Island near Nilwella Beach . At low tide, you can even walk over the sand towards the island.

READ MORE | Hiriketiya Beach | A Complete Guide to Sri Lanka’s Best Beach

Where to stay in Hiriketiya?

Hiriketiya is relatively small, so most guesthouses and hotels will be within walking distance of the beach.

LUXURY | Haven Beach Hiriketiya

Indulge in a peaceful retreat with captivating beach views right from your balcony. Nestled in Dickwella, a stone’s throw away from Hiriketiya Beach, Haven Beach promises a romantic escape amidst lush gardens—a perfect haven to unwind.

MID-RANGE | House on the Bend

Discover the charm of House on the Bend , a delightful retreat just a five-minute walk from the beach. Tucked away in a peaceful locale, yet close to cozy restaurants, this hotel presents spacious, clean rooms equipped with all the essentials. With a friendly and attentive staff and a delectable breakfast, they ensure your stay is nothing short of perfect.

BUDGET | Wilson’s Place

Experience spacious, clean, and newly furnished rooms at Wilson’s Place , just a 5-minute stroll from the beach. The helpful staff provides services like motorbike rentals and local points of interest. Overall, it’s excellent value for money, ensuring a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Where to eat in Hiriketiya

Garlic Cafe – A fantastic family-run restaurant with a nice atmosphere in a backyard with lots of plants and friendly staff. If you’re craving delicious Sri Lankan food, head over to Garlic Cafe. They’ve got a rice and curry buffet for just Rs1000, which is a steal! And if you’re a seafood lover, their fish dishes are a must-try.

Esco bar – Being close to the beach, you will find a variety of restaurants with fresh seafood. We had a fantastic experience at Esco Bar with their Fish Kottu and prawns – highly recommended.

Duni‘s Hoppers – For a nice breakfast and coffee spot, check out Duni’s Hoppers by the roadside. They’ve got sweet and savory hoppers, and their smoothie bowls are delicious, a bit on the pricier side, but the hoppers are reasonably priced and tasty.

How to get to Mirissa from Hiriketiya 

Getting to Mirissa from Hiriketiya is a breeze. You can arrange a ride through your accommodation or simply flag down a tuk-tuk on the street . The journey typically takes about an hour, and the fare should be around 3000 LKR. Alternatively, there’s a direct bus from Dikwella to Mirissa, but it doesn’t run frequently. A more convenient option is to catch a bus to Matara first (approximately 45 minutes) and then transfer to another bus heading to Galle, getting off in Mirissa (an additional 25 minutes).

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day 17 – Mirissa

We’ve made our way to the enchanting beach town of Mirissa . Now, you’ve got a few options: visit Mirissa for a day on your way to Unawatuna, or spend one night in Mirissa. Obviously, you can also decide to make Mirissa your home base for the remaining time and visit Unawatuna and Galle on a day trip. Our choice was to use Unawatuna as a home base and venture out on day trips from there.

Mirissa is the epitome of relaxation with its sandy shores and, of course, the iconic Coconut Tree Hill . The village is buzzing with life—tuk-tuks whizzing around, numerous bars, and restaurants lining the streets. The beach here is fantastic, offering a perfect spot to savor a cocktail at one of the beach bars.

This coastal gem is also renowned for whale watching , especially between November and March when these magnificent creatures migrate here. Don’t miss the breathtaking sunsets, a magical backdrop for a sunset whale-watching excursion.

Things to do in Mirissa

• Coconut Tree Hill: A quick drive from Mirissa, this hill adorned with palm trees has become an Instagram hotspot, though be prepared for crowds.
• Snorkel with Turtles at Madiha Beach: Just a short journey away, Madiha Beach is a turtle haven. Rent snorkeling gear or watch these majestic creatures from the shore—remember, no touching!
• Relax on Mirissa Beach: Embrace the laid-back vibes and soak up the sun on Mirissa’s pristine beach.
• Parrot Rock: Take a stroll to Parrot Rock and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
• Secret Beach: Discover the hidden beauty of Secret Beach, which is not so much a secret anymore.
• Day Trip to Weligama: A surfer’s paradise, Weligama is perfect for beginners looking to catch some waves.
• Indulge in Seafood: Mirissa’s beachfront is dotted with restaurants offering fresh seafood. 

Where to stay in Mirissa

LUXURY | Kiss Blossom

Kiss Blossom offers a serene retreat, perfect for honeymooners. This tranquil property features spacious rooms, a lovely pool, and attentive staff, providing great value despite its quieter location away from Mirissa’s bustling area.

MID-RANGE | Casa Mira Boutique Villa

Casa Mira Boutique Villa ensures a laid-back stay with an outdoor pool, garden, and cozy lounge spaces. The clean and comfortable rooms, with pool views and a patio, are hosted by exceptionally kind hosts. An on-site coffee shop adds to the convenience. Nestled in a quiet area surrounded by locals, it’s a safe haven away from the bustling center.

BUDGET | Dilara Resort Mirissa

Dilara Resort Mirissa is a budget-friendly gem just minutes from the beach and main road. With friendly owners, clean rooms, and a pleasant balcony, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking affordability without compromising comfort.

Where to eat in Mirissa

Dewmini Roti Shop – Be sure to check out Dewmini Roti Shop for their tasty kottu roti and sweet vegan roti. It’s budget-friendly, and the owners are super-friendly.

Shady Lane Mirissa – If you’re into trendy eats, swing by Shady Lane Mirissa. They’re famous for their delicious smoothie bowls, chia seed yogurts, and mouth-watering avocado toast. 

How to get from Mirissa to Unawatuna

Getting from Mirissa to Unawatuna is a breeze with the public bus. Just board any bus heading west, and for a cost of 70 LKR ($0.25) per person, you’ll be on your way in about an hour. Opting for a tuk-tuk or car ride shortens the travel time to approximately 45 minutes.

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day 18 to 21 – Unawatuna

We’ve reached the final destination on our 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary – Unawatuna. Nestled along the coast, Unawatuna boasts some of the country’s most stunning beaches, renowned for their white sands, turquoise waters, vibrant beach bars, and those iconic palm-tree swings that have graced many Instagram feeds. Although a small town, Unawatuna offers excellent shopping, cozy guesthouses, and a plethora of fantastic eateries lining its beautiful shores. Serving as a convenient base, Unawatuna allows easy exploration of nearby attractions like Galle Fort and Koggala Lake . As you conclude your Sri Lanka journey, this coastal haven provides the perfect setting to relax and unwind, offering epic sunsets that shouldn’t be missed. Take a moment to soak in the beauty of the surroundings during your evenings in Unawatuna!

READ MORE | 12 Amazing Things To Do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Things to do in Unawatuna

• Dive or paddleboard at Unawatuna Beach
• Swing on the famous rope swing at Dalawella Beach
• Enjoy fruit shakes near Frog Rock while watching turtles
• Take a Sri Lankan cooking class in a family restaurant
• Hike to the Japanese Peace Pagoda & Jungle Beach
• Visit Unawatuna Observation Point for adventurous views
• Boat ride on tranquil Koggala Lake
• Explore the underwater world with snorkeling or scuba diving
• Day trip to Galle for its historic fort and charming streets
• Learn to surf with a private two-hour lesson from an experienced instructor

Where to stay in Unawatuna?

Unawatuna is emerging as a top destination, leading to slightly higher accommodation prices. Despite this, there are numerous highly-rated options offering a great balance of quality and affordability.

LUXURY | Sergeant House Boutique Villa

Experience colonial charm at Sergeant House Boutique Villa , a historical gem with ponds and lush greenery. Just a three-minute walk from Unawatuna Beach, it offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving diverse cuisines. Enjoy a serene retreat with polite and accommodating staff.

MID-RANGE | Green Escape Unawatuna 

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and nature at Green Escape Unawatuna , a stylish jungle retreat. With stunning views, comfortable rooms, and an outdoor pool, this hotel provides a welcoming escape. The ponds, garden, and shared spaces create a serene atmosphere, allowing guests to truly connect with nature.

BUDGET | The Dream House

Enjoy a budget-friendly stay at The Dream House , offering comfortable rooms, a pleasant terrace, and garden views. The on-site bar adds convenience, and the family-run establishment ensures a peaceful retreat. Conveniently located near the town center and beach, it provides a quiet haven with a sweet and welcoming atmosphere.

Where to eat in Unawatuna

Unawatuna boasts an array of charming restaurants and cozy bars along its main street. Consider making reservations a day in advance during peak seasons to secure your spot.

Wasantha’s Sri Lanka Cuisine – Indulge in delightful and fresh Sri Lankan cuisine at this family-run gem slightly off the main strip. Though not conspicuous while strolling Unawatuna’s streets, it’s a must-visit. The warm hospitality and made-to-order, from-scratch dishes, like rice and flavorful curries, make the wait worthwhile. If time permits, join one of their engaging cooking classes.

Sea Waves Restaurant & Cooking Classes – Just across you can find another cooking school, this is the cooking class we mentioned above. The place has an open atmosphere surrounded by trees, offering a warm family vibe. The restaurant serves delectable dishes like devilled chicken and rice with four curries. The inviting ambiance and delicious Mango Lassi contribute to a memorable experience.

Steam Yard Unawatuna – Step into this charming café for a delightful array of fresh, vegan-friendly options, including smoothie bowls, chia pudding, and peanut butter and banana toast. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make your visit even more memorable.

Mahesh Roti Shop – Situated on the main strip, Mahesh Roti Shop is a must-visit for roti enthusiasts. Watch the skilled chefs prepare roti at the front of the restaurant, perfect for a late-night craving!

How do you get back to Negombo / Colombo from Unawatuna?

To reach Colombo from Unawatuna, you can opt for local trains or buses. Departures are from Galle, so initially, you’ll need to take a local bus or tuk-tuk from your Unawatuna accommodation. When using the train, it’s recommended to secure your tickets a day in advance either at the train station or online . For buses, there are both air-conditioned minivans, priced at around $7 per person, and local bus options available. Both trains and buses arrive in Colombo, from where you still need to take a bus or tuk-tuk or car (use the Pickme app!) to get to the airport which is near Negombo (around an hour drive).

Is 3 weeks in Sri Lanka enough?

Exploring Sri Lanka within any timeframe is feasible, but for a comprehensive experience, we highly recommend dedicating 3 weeks to your Sri Lanka itinerary. This duration allows you to savor the diverse offerings of this beautiful country, encompassing cultural gems, scenic mountains, and tranquil beaches. Our suggestion is to allocate approximately 1 week each for the mountainous region, the cultural triangle, and the southern coastal areas , ensuring a well-rounded and enriching exploration of Sri Lanka.

Is 2 weeks enough for Sri Lanka?

2 weeks is also a great amount of time to see Sri Lanka! Embarking on a two-week journey through Sri Lanka offers the opportunity to experience the country’s highlights while leaving room for relaxation and spontaneous day trips . Although the pace may be more fast-paced compared to a 3-week itinerary, you can still cover a significant amount. To tailor our 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary for a 2-week adventure, we recommend starting your journey directly in Sigiriya. Unfortunately, this means skipping Wilpattu National Park and the Anuradhapura region. Instead, we propose incorporating a safari experience either from Sigiriya or as a day trip in the southern part of the country.

2-weeks itinerary proposal

• Day 1 – Negombo: Arriving in Negombo
• Day 2 – Sigiriya: Leave for Sigiriya from where you can visit Dambulla cave temple in the afternoon
• Day 3 – Sigiriya: Visit the famous Lion Rock in the morning and hike Pidurangula Rock for sunset
• Day 4 –  Sigiriya: Day trip to Polonnaruwa Ancient city
• Day 5 – Sigiriya: Early morning for a safari trip to Kaudulla Park, in the afternoon travel to Kandy
• Day 6 – Kandy: Botanic Royal Garden, Sacred Tooth Relic & Kandy Dance Show
• Day 7 -Train Ride:  Take the famous train ride from Kandy to Ella
• Day 8 – Ella: Visit the Nine Arch Bridge & hike to Lil Adams Peak in the afternoon
• Day 9 – Ella: Hike to Ella Rock, explore the waterfalls, and join a cooking class in the evening
• Day 10 – Hiriketiya: Travel to the south of Sri Lanka to Hiriketiya
• Day 11 – Hiriketiya: Enjoy some beach time at Hiriketiya
• Day 12 – Travel to Unawatuna or Mirissa for more beach time
• Day 13 – Enjoy the beach and visit Galle in the afternoon
• Day 14 – Negombo: Get back to Negombo and fly home.

Alternatives for safari trip: Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park, you can both visit in between Ella and Hiriketiya

Is 10 days enough in Sri Lanka?

With 10 days you have enough time to explore the country’s main attractions . For a well-rounded experience, we recommend including visits to Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, and a preferred beach destination in the southern region, allocating 1-3 days for each location. To optimize time, consider hiring a driver or opting for swift modes of transport , such as tuk-tuks, if your budget allows it. While Sri Lanka’s distances aren’t huge, buses and trains tend to be slower means of transportation.

Options for extending or altering your Sri Lanka Itinerary

Consider extending or modifying your Sri Lanka itinerary to explore additional captivating destinations. The northern part of Sri Lanka, brimming with hidden gems, offers a unique experience worth exploring for those looking to prolong their stay. Depending on your preferences, you might want to tweak your destinations. Here are some other popular options:

• Jaffna (city): Nestled on the northern tip, Jaffna boasts notable attractions such as a Hindu temple, an archaeological museum, and a fort.
• Trincomalee (beach): Situated on the northeast coast, this beach town features pristine white beaches like Nilaveli Beach, making it a favorite among divers and snorkelers. Don’t miss the chance to visit Pigeon Island with its crystal-clear waters. Trincomalee is renowned for whale watching, and the season runs from March to August.
• Adams Peak (hike): Embark on the most epic mountain climb in Sri Lanka at Adam’s Peak, standing at 2243 meters above sea level. As a pilgrim site, plan your hike on weekdays to avoid the weekend and public holiday crowds tackling the 5500 steps.
• Arugam Bay (beach): Known as the surfer’s paradise on the southeast coast, Arugam Bay boasts stunning white beaches. Its proximity to Yala National Park makes it easy to combine a visit to Arugam Bay with a safari at Yala.
• Hikkaduwa (beach): A beach destination southwest of the country, home to coral sanctuaries and marine turtles, and exotic fish.
• Bentota (beach): Resort town not too far from Colombo.

Practical Trip Planning Essentials

TRANSPORTATION |  For hassle-free bus, minivan, and train bookings across Sri Lanka, we recommend using the user-friendly platform  12go . Skip the queues and reserve your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.

ACCOMMODATION |  Booking affordable accommodations in Sri Lanka is effortless with  Booking.com . This platform is perfect for discovering budget-friendly hostels, guesthouses, and hotels tailored to your preferences.

FLIGHTS |  Find the best flight deals to Sri Lanka on  Skyscanner . Benefit from their feature highlighting the cheapest days to fly and the flexibility to search by month or region. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE |  Ensure comprehensive and reliable coverage for your backpacking journey in Sri Lanka with Heymondo . Prioritize peace of mind with their trustworthy travel insurance options. ( Get 5% OFF through our link )

STAY CONNECTED |  Guarantee reliable internet access throughout your Sri Lanka trip by using  Airalo . Install it on your eSIM-compatible smartphone before your journey for convenient connectivity.

TOURS & ATTRACTIONS |  Explore the best city tours, day excursions, safari trips, and cooking classes in Sri Lanka with GetYourGuide or Viator .

VISA ORGANIZATION |  Check visa requirements for your passport nationality before your Sri Lanka trip with  iVisa.com .

We hope this 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary guide helps you when planning for your exciting upcoming trip. You can show some ❤ and support for the blog and help us share more adventures! Our travels are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows us to keep writing helpful travel guides and gather information to make it easier for people to discover the world.

Mihintale: A Beautiful Buddhist Temple in Sri Lanka

How to climb Pidurangala Rock | Discover Sigiriya’s best viewpoint

Complete guide to climbing the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock

Hiriketiya Beach | A Complete Guide to Sri Lanka’s Best Beach

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Where Jess Travels

3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary: Day-by-Day Route (2024)

Make the most of your time in Sri Lanka with this in-depth guide to the island. My 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary will help you plan the perfect trip.

Sri Lanka is a country that has it all. With paradise beaches, rolling hills, ancient temples, friendly locals and a huge variety of wildlife, it’s no surprise it’s often referred to as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”.

I recently returned from 3 weeks in Sri Lanka – the perfect amount of time to experience the diversity of this incredible island.

In this guide, I’ll give you my day-by-day Sri Lanka itinerary, including the best things to do in each place, and my top tips to help your trip run smoothly.

You’ll start your trip at an ancient rock fortress, travel through tea plantations, jungle, national parks, mountains and coastline, before finishing your trip staying inside a historic fort.

My 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary will show you the very best of this beautiful country, and take all the stress out of planning your trip.

Some links in this post are affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  It won’t make a difference to what you pay, but I earn a small commission if you purchase something I’ve recommended. I’m really grateful for your trust in my advice, and if I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, I won’t recommend it to you.

3 week sri lanka itinerary

#1 Climb the ancient rock in Sigiriya #2 Explore the sacred city of Kandy #3 Take the iconic train from Kandy to Ella #4 Explore the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya #5 Chill out in the hilltop of Ella #6 Search for wildlife in Yala #7 Take it slow in Hiriketiya #8 Whale watching in Mirissa #9 Discover the historic Galle Fort

3 WEEK SRI LANKA ITINERARY

Day 1 -2 | sigiriya.

You’ll most likely be arriving into Sri Lanka at Bandaranaike International Airport, and most guides will recommend you spend the night in Colombo.

But the airport isn’t located that close to Colombo – it’s an hours drive to the city (in good traffic).

So after a lot of research into the city, I decided to give Colombo a miss, and head straight for Sigiriya.

It might be unfair of me to tell you to skip a place I’ve not actually been, but your time is precious, and 3 weeks isn’t actually a lot of time to discover everything Sri Lanka has to offer.

In the hour spent travelling to Colombo, you could be well on your way to Sigiriya, which is a 3 hour drive away from the airport.

The plan is to arrive in Sigiriya in the evening so you can be up early to climb Lion’s Rock . Most likely jet lag will have you up at 5am regardless, which is ideal for being at the top for sunrise.

Getting to Sigiriya

TAXI | A taxi to Sigiriya through Pick Me (Sri Lanka’s version of Uber) will cost around £45/18,350 LKR and take 3 hours.

FLY | On select days (I’m talking 3 a month) you can actually fly from Colombo to Sigiriya.

The flight only takes 30 minutes and costs £32/13,000 LKR. I’d assume it’s quite unlikely that your international flight will align with the schedule, but if it does, happy days.

BUS | You’ll need to take a bus or taxi into the centre of Colombo, followed by another bus to Dambulla, and a local bus or Tuk-Tuk for the remaining 30 minutes to Sigiriya.

LION’s ROCK

Sigiriya, meaning Lion’s Rock, is an ancient rock fortress built during the reign of King King Kasyapa I, over 1,500 years ago.

A grand palace once stood on top of the rock and visitors can climb the 1,200 steps to visit the remaining ruins.

Whilst ticket prices are steep at $36 for an adult, and $18 for children (this was one of the most expensive things we did in Sri Lanka), it’s a must see on your Sri Lanka itinerary.

Top tip: If you have a fear of heights (like me), the last section before reaching the top can be a bit scary. The stairs are quite narrow, but there’s barriers either side. It doesn’t last long so my best advice is to keep looking forward (not down)- it’s worth it once you get to the top.

Pidurangala Rock

After climbing Lion’s Rock, you could also hike up the less visited Pidurangala Rock. We didn’t do this hike so I can’t comment on the cost or it’s difficulty, but it benefits from impressive views over Sigiriya, and apparently less crowds.

After a morning of hiking, I’d recommend a visit to a Hurulu Eco Park.

It’s located 25 minutes from Sigiriya, and having experienced both Hurulu and Y ala National Park during our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, Hurulu was a much more enjoyable experience.

We booked our safari with Minneriya Jeep Safari and Tours , who run tours across the three national parks in the area – Hurulu, Minneriya and Kaudulla.

They’ll suggest the best park for you depending on the time of year, what animals you want to see, and the weather.

Although you’re much less likely to spot a leopard here, these 3 parks are especially famous for the opportunity to see large elephant herds.

Our visit to Hurulu was my favourite afternoon of our whole 3 weeks in Sri Lanka – we paid £20 each for our a half day safari (including the park entrance fee), and we saw over 30 elephants, including a baby tusker (which are very rare in Sri Lanka), bull elephants and a herd .

Day 3, 4 & 5 | Kandy

Kandy is the country’s second largest city, known for its cultural and religious significance.

I didn’t immediately warm to Kandy when I arrived – a mixture of overhanging jet lag and the business of the city compared to laid back Sigiriya.

But after digging a little deeper, I found lots to love. Make sure you head out of the city to explore the surrounding countryside, it’s some of the most beautiful scenery we saw on our 3 week s in Sri Lanka.

Don’t miss the three temple loop; Embekke, Lankatilaka and Galadeniya are sacred temples that showcase Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage.

They’re best discovered through a Tuk-Tuk tour where you’ll pass by lush rice fields and local villages.

*Be mindful that Tuk-Tuk drivers are paid a commission to take you to different attractions, usually free to enter, in the hope that you’ll spend money once you’re there. The prices are usually very inflated for the quality of the products. I’d recommend researching the places you’d like to visit before hand, and if you don’t want to stop somewhere, be firm in saying no, as they can be quite persistent.

A 15 minute drive from Kandy in nearby Peradeniya, you’ll find the Botanical Gardens. Originally designed for the Royal Family’s exclusive use, they’re home to incredible native and exotic plants, including a very photogenic row of royal palms.

I’d recommend visiting at opening time (7:30am) to enjoy it without the crowds.

And no trip to Kandy is complete without visiting the Temple of the Tooth. It’s one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, said to house the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.

Getting to Kandy

TAXI | A taxi to Kandy from Sigiriya costs around £30/11,874 LKR and takes 2 and a half hours.

BUS | Take a bus to Dambulla, and then on to Kandy. The total journey can be done in as little as 3 hours (depending on which bus you get).

Day 6 | Train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (not Ella)

Sometimes, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. And the train ride from Kandy to Ella, often dubbed one of the most beautiful in the world, is the perfect example of that.

The trip from Kandy to Ella takes around 6 hours (although i’t’s usually a lot longer), so I’d recommend breaking up the journey and stopping in Nuwara Eliya for the night, which will only take 3-4 hours.

The train ride from Kandy to Ella is VERY popular, so if you’re visiting in peak season, expect tickets to sell out in advance.

I’d recommend booking your tickets at least a month in advance if you want a reserved seat on the train (more on the different train carriages below).

UNDERSTANDING the carriages

There’s three classes on the train from Kandy to Ella , and the one you choose is very important:

FIRST CLASS | an air conditioned carriage with more comfortable seats, but the windows and doors don’t open, so you don’t get the full experience of hanging out of the train and watching the countryside whizz by.

SECOND CLASS | individual seats, and fans that keep you cool (ish).

THIRD CLASS | bench style seats with no fans.

Reserved + unreserved Tickets

In the second and third class carriages, tickets come in two types, reserved and unreserved.

Reserved means you have a guaranteed seat, and unreserved means you don’t, so you’ll either have to get on first and find a seat, or stand.

I can’t speak for the type of traveller you are, but second class reserved suited us perfectly.

Day 7- Nuwara Eliya

Known as “Little England” due to its colonial-era architecture, Nuwara Eliya sits about 1,800 metres above sea level, so prepare for a much cooler climate here (bring a raincoat).

Most famous for its tea plantations, the scenery here is incredible and it’s a great place for hiking, visiting waterfalls, and relaxing amongst nature.

1 day in Nuwara Eliya is enough time to see the main sights. Take a Tuk-Tuk tour, but go as early as possible to escape the cloud cover that rolls in by the afternoon.

Day 8 – 10 | Ella

From Nuwara Eliya, get back on the train to Ella. The journey takes around 3 hours, and if you go early, you’ll avoid the clouds and hopefully have beautiful weather for admiring the scenery.

Ella is a small town located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, known for its stunning natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and laid-back atmosphere.

It was the most touristy place we visited, but that didn’t take away from its charm – it’s not to be missed on your 3 weeks in Sri Lanka.

NINE ARCH BRIDGE

Undoubtedly Ella’s most famous attraction, the Nine Arch Bridge was built during the British colonial period and sits amongst dense forest and tea plantations.

Head to Cafe Soul for some of the best views of the bridge, grab a coffee and wait for the trains to pass over to capture that iconic shot.

Ella Rock offers breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside, and the hike to the summit takes around 2-3 hours.

Whilst a lot of people do this hike for sunrise, I’m not a fan of hiking in the dark, but I’d still suggest going as early as possible to avoid the midday sun.

LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK

The trek to Little Adam’s Peak is a relatively easy one, taking around 45 minutes from Ella town to the top.

The hike takes you through the lush tea plantations, with viewpoints along the way over Ella Rock and Ella Gap.

Due to its popularity, Little Adam’s Peak is quite commercialised. There’s a swimming pool half way up where you can rent daybeds, as well as a Zipline and a swing.

This didn’t bother me as the majority of the hike is untouched, including the peak where the best views are, but it’s worth noting incase this is something you like to avoid.

COOKING CLASS

Our cooking class in Ella was one of my favourite activities from our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka. We booked a class with Ella Spice Garden, run by Theeka at his family home.

The class starts with a tour of the families spice garden, where we learnt more about the ingredients we’d be using in the class.

Each person gets to prepare a dish from the menu. Theeka was enthusiastic and passionate about the food he was creating, and took the time to explain everything to us so we could recreate the dishes at home.

We learned how to cook coconut sambal, roti, garlic curry, papadam, daal, and perfectly cooked rice. It was my favourite meal from our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, so I’d really recommend booking this class whilst you’re in Ella.

Day 11 – 12 | Yala National Park

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most popular safari park, and a place I imagine is on most people’s list for a 3 week trip.

It’s one of the best places for leopard sightings, and is also home to elephants, water buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles and an array of bird species.

Unfortunately my time at Yala was somewhat disappointing – due to a mixture of bad weather and overcrowding. You can read more about my experience at Yala here if you’d like to know the details.

I’m hopeful that you’d have a better experience if you visited at a different time of year though – your best chance of spotting wildlife is towards the end of the dry season, which runs February – July .

Getting to Yala

TAXI | A taxi to Ella to Yala costs £31/12,309 LKR and takes around 2 hours.

BUS | Take a bus from Ella to Tissamaharama, which is the nearest town to Yala National Park. From Tissamaharama, you can take a Tuk-Tuk or taxi to take you to the park entrance. The journey takes around 3-4 hours.

Where to stay in Yala

If you can, I’d recommend staying within the park. It’s an incredible experience to wake up in the middle of a National Park, knowing wildlife is only a short distance away.

We checked into the newly opened  Hilton Yala Resort , which has 42 rooms, suites and villas, some with their own pools and hot tubs.

There’s no gates between the resort and the park, and elephants are often spotted strolling past the bedrooms, so regularly in fact, that guests are advised to always call for one of the hotel 24 hour buggy’s if they need to go anywhere.

Day 13 – 15 | Hiriketiya & Dikwella

From Yala, it’s a 2 hour taxi to Hiriketiya, a small horseshoe bay on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka .

It’s a popular spot amongst surfers, and cool cafes, boutique hotels and yoga retreats lining the shore.

Its laidback vibe makes it the perfect place to start your week on the Sri Lankan coast.

Hiriketiya and Dikwella are only a short drive from each other (or a 30 minute walk if you prefer) and I’d recommend spending time in both.

We actually preferred Dikwella as there’s a much a bigger beach with fewer crowds, and you’re less hassled by surf schools trying to get you to take a surf lesson.

Whichever beach you prefer, make sure you’re at Dikwella beach for sunset – they’re not to be missed.

Dedicate a morning of your time here to Blue Beach island – a private island accessible by a sandbar when the tide is out. It’s a great snorkelling spot and surprisingly quiet for how beautiful it is.

Day 16 – 18 | Mirissa

With beautiful beaches, a great selection of restaurants, and the opportunity to spot blue whales off its shores, Mirissa is a must visit on your 3 weeks in Sri Lanka.

Make sure you visit Coconut Tree Hill, grab Mexican food at South Coast (some of the best food we had on our trip), and spend a day at Secret Beach.

It’s also a brilliant base for a visit to nearby Weligama, one of the best places on the South coast for surf lessons.

WHALE WATCHING IN MIRISSA

Mirissa is one of the best places in the world for whale watching, and it’s especially popular for the chance to see blue whales.

The whale watching season runs from November to April, and there are a LOT of companies offering whale watching tours in the town.

Please please do your research before booking a whale watching trip.

There are laws in Sri Lanka about how close boats are allowed to get to the whales, but many companies will ignore these rules and drive right next to the whales, which can impact their ability to feed and communicate with each other.

We booked with Whale Watching Club , who take the laws very seriously (our captain was constantly shouting at other boats for getting too close).

Their knowledge of whale behaviour is incredible, and the team were able to accurately predict where the whales would appear and at what time. Each time the whales surfaced, our boat had the best view.

Day 19 – 21 | Galle Fort

We’re finishing your 3 weeks in Sri Lanka with 3 days in one of my favourite places – Galle Fort.

Built by the Portugese in the 16th century, and subsequently conquered by the Dutch and the British before Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, Galle Fort is a wonderful blend of culture, architecture and community.

Galle Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988, and it’s one of the best-preserved colonial-era fortifications in Asia .

Pay a visit to the Galle Fort lighthouse, browse the shops on Pedlar Street, and grab rooftop drinks at The Charleston.

DAY TRIP TO UNAWATUNA

Whilst you’re in Galle, make sure you spend a morning in nearby Unawatuna.

Arguably Unawatuna’s biggest draw is the rope swing at Dream Cabana. You’ll need to pay a small fee (500 LKR/£1.30) to use it, but you get unlimited swings for that price.

I expected this insta-famous spot to be swarming with people, but we had it all to ourselves when we visited. It’s a beautiful beach and a great place for spotting turtles in the water.

Head into Unawatuna for lunch at Skinny Tom’s Deli (the chicken burger is delicious) or The Hideout – a Mexican fusion & rooftop bar.

Where to stay in GALLE FORT

We checked into The Charleston , a converted merchant villa with just 9 bedrooms, each neutrally decorated, and every one with a freestanding bath tub.

There’s also a restaurant, a rooftop bar overlooking the fort walls and the Indian Ocean, and a swimming pool opening soon.

Located right in the heart of the fort, The Charleston hotel is the perfect base for discovering Galle Fort.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO SRI LANKA

Get this: Download the PickMe app to easily order taxi’s and Tuk-Tuks Don’t miss: The chance to see wild elephants herds on a safari in Hurulu Eco Park Bucket list experience: Book your whale watching tour in Mirissa with Whale Watching Club Flights | Find the cheapest flights to Sri Lanka with  Skyscanner   Stay | Find the best places to stay in Sri Lanka on  Booking.com

Where should you stay in Sri Lanka?

You’ll find good accommodation across Sri Lanka no matter what your budget is, ranging from luxury 5* resorts to affordable hostels.

Guesthouses and home stays are very popular across Sri Lanka , especially in smaller towns and rural areas. They’re often run from the family home and you’ll receive a more personal experience here, where you’ll have the chance to try home-cooked food and get to know the local people.

Hiring a car in Sri Lanka

You definitely don’t need to hire a car in Sri Lanka as the public transport system is reliable and affordable.

Driving styles in Sri Lanka and road conditions in more rural areas mean I’d only recommend it if you’re a very confident driver.

If you do want to hire a car, I’d recommend booking with  Discover Cars . They compare costs across loads of different companies, show you all the costs upfront (including the fees & the extras), and provide free cancellation.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR TRIP

Travel insurance.

Whilst I always felt safe in Sri Lanka, you can never predict what might happen during your trip, so having travel insurance is essential.

I use SafetyWing for my travel insurance – they have an easy to use dashboard which keeps your documents in one place so they’re easy to find if you need them, you can add extras such as technology cover, children under 10 are free of charge and you can even start the policy when you’re already on a trip.

IF YOU ARE RENTING A CAR, SAVE MONEY BY DOING THIS

My biggest tip for renting a car abroad is to never take the insurance offered by the rental company .

Some car rental companies will lure you in with cheap prices and then mandate that you take their insurance policy, which often costs more than the car hire. Make sure you read the small print because it’s a rubbish start to a holiday when it happens.

I always use insurance4carhire to purchase insurance and I’ve saved myself a LOT of money doing it this way.

DON’T TRAVEL WITHOUT

Liquids bag for the airport | I NEVER travel without  this bag  and I’ve recommended it to all my friends, and so now they all have one too. It’s a game-changer. No more scrambling around before security shoving your liquids into a sandwich bag. It’s the correct size for the amount you can take on board, so just pack it beforehand and breeze through security.

Extension cable | One of my favourite travel hacks and also something I’d never travel without is an extension cable. This way, you only need one travel adapter. The one I have and swear by is  this one  –  there’s 3 plugs and 6 USB slots, which is more than enough room for both mine and Conor’s devices.

Travel adapter | With an extension cable, you’ll just need one travel adapter, but I always like to buy them before my trip so I’m not frantically searching for a shop when I arrive. Plus, it’s usually a lot cheaper. I’d really recommend getting a  worldwide adapter  – it can be moved to work with any plug across the world.

Hi, I'm Jess, the founder of Where Jess Travels. After studying Psychology at University, I pursued a career in Marketing for 7 years, whilst taking as many trips as my annual leave would allow. I now work full time on my blog, sharing destination guides and hotel reviews.

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3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary: Climb Sacred Mountains and Spot Wild Leopards

Sri Lanka is one of the most diverse and stunning destinations in Asia. And with so many things to discover and experience, it’s hard to know where to start. 

That's why we've put together this comprehensive 3 week in Sri Lanka itinerary to ensure that you see the very best of Sri Lanka in 21 days. 

In this travel guide, we have listed everything you need to know, including the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, top things to do, where to stay, and many insider tips! 

Here is the ultimate Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary.

We are an informative and unfiltered blog focused on providing helpful tips, inspiring stories and travel itineraries. Join us in this Colourful Journey of discovering the world.

Travel Route For 

• Tissamaharama

Don’t have time to read now? No worries! Save this post to your Pinterest board for later. And follow Colorful Journeys board for the latest post!

Before You Travel

It is important to do research before visiting a foreign country, and Sri Lanka is no exception. Visiting a new country can be both exciting and intimidating, so read our top Sri Lanka travel tips before booking your trip to prepare for your trip and have the best experience possible. It covers visa requirements, the best time to visit, and other important details to be aware of before traveling to Sri Lanka.

Read: Sri Lanka Travel Tips

Sri Lanka 3 Week Itinerary

This is a three-week itinerary in Sri Lanka that starts in Negombo and works its way clockwise. This itinerary is designed to help you better appreciate the diverse landscapes and cultures this beautiful country has to offer.

You can also do it the other way around, moving counterclockwise, whichever works best for you. We've included our suggested number of nights in each location, which you can change to stay longer or shorter. To help you make the most of your trip, it is important to remember to have flexibility with your itinerary.

Sri Lanka Travel Resources

Accommodation : Find hotels on Agoda and Booking.com

Activities : Find tours and attractions on Viator and GetYourGuide

Insurance : Get travel insurance with HeyMondo

Transportation : Find bus, train, or car transfer on 12go.asia

Day 1 & 2: Negombo

Recommended Length of Stay: 2 Nights

Best Time to Visit: December to March

How to Get Around: Foot, Tuk-tuk

You will arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (CMD). Head straight to Negombo from the airport. Negombo is known for its golden-sand beaches, stunning sunsets and lively marketplaces, making it a great place to start your trip in Sri Lanka.

Most of the places to stay in Negombo are on or near Negombo Beach. Along Porutota Road, there are a lot of restaurants, cafes, and bars that are all within walking distance. While you can find hotels that are bigger and more luxurious along the beach strip. If you want a quieter place to stay, choose a place that is farther from the main road. Find all Negombo accommodations here

How to Get to Negombo from the Airport

Car : The best and most practical way to travel to Negombo is by ordering an Uber or Pickme from Bandaranaike Airport. Most accommodations are within a 30 minute drive and cost about 10 USD to reach. 

Book this airport private transfer for a hassle-free arrival.  

Tuk-tuk : You could also take a tuk-tuk. First, you have to leave the airport because they can't stop inside but they are not hard to find. Once you land, just walk to the left from the driveway until you get to the gate where cars leave the terminal. Tuk-tuks are available once you exit the building. You can expect to pay around 5 USD.

Remember: Agree on the price before you get into the tuk-tuk. This is important, because you may be charged higher fares than locals, and it is much more difficult to negotiate a fair price if you are already inside the vehicle.

Spend your first day relaxing before exploring the town. If you book your accommodations close to the beach strip, you will find many restaurants and cafes you can enjoy.

The Negombo lagoon is one of the things you can do in Negombo. You can sail along the canal by booking a boat tour. Alternatively, you can stroll around and admire the hundreds of colorful wooden boats. Don't forget to bring your camera!

Head to Negombo Beach for sunset, where there are also restaurants and bars you can choose from. Spend the evening strolling along the beach strip, watching the sun set over the horizon and getting a taste of what Negombo has to offer.

For your second day, take a walk in the fishing village and get an insight into the local fishing community in Negombo, also known as the Lellama by the locals. 

‍ Tip : Head out early in the morning then visit a few local eateries in the village to get a feel for their traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.

Exploring Negombo on your own is fairly simple. Consider taking a guided tour to gain a better understanding of the town. Here are the most highly rated tours in Negombo available.

Day 3 to 6: Sigiriya 

Recommended Length of Stay: 3 Nights

Best Time to Visit: January to March

How to Get Around: Tuk-tuk, Motorbike

In the morning, drive from Negombo to Sigiriya and explore this incredible archaeological site. We recommend that you take your time to appreciate everything that Sigiriya has to offer while also relaxing and enjoying the small town.

How to Get to Sigiriya from Negombo

Car: Going by car is one of the more expensive travel options, but it offers the convenience of leaving on your own time and arriving at your destination quickly. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs around 45 USD.

Book your car to Sigiriya

Bus : Taking the bus is the cheapest option for budget travelers. Though there are no direct buses from Negombo to Sigiriya, getting there is straightforward. All in all, it takes at least 4 hours by local bus. 

Here’s how:

1. Head to Negombo Bus Terminal and catch bus No.34 to Kurunagela. The bus ride takes about 2 hours and costs about 2 USD.

2. From Kurunagela, take a bus heading to either Kandy or Trincomalee and exit at Dambulla . It’ll take another hour for 1 USD.

3. From Dambulla, take another local bus heading to Sigiriya. A ticket should cost less than 1 USD and take about 45 minutes.

There are numerous places to stay near Sigiriya Rock, particularly in the southern section. While the majority of restaurants are located along Sigiriya Road, near the entrance to Lion's Rock, most homestays and hotels in the area also provide free breakfast, and other eateries are within walking distance. Find all accommodations in Sigiriya here .

One of the main things to do in Sigiriya is to visit the ancient rock fortress, also known as Lion's Rock. The fortress, which stands over 200 meters high, provides breathtaking views of the lush jungles and villages. The entrance fee is 30 USD, which includes admission to the Lion Rock Museum, and the site is open daily from 6:30am to 5:30pm.

Read: 5 Most Popular Hikes in Sri Lanka

‍ Tip : We recommend visiting Lion’s rock in the afternoon towards sunset.

Another place you have to visit when in Sigiriya is Pidurangala Rock. This massive rock formation offers panoramic views of Lion's Rock and a beautiful view of the lush town below. We also recommend visiting at sunrise to avoid the scorching heat, and the beautiful change of color in the scenery is worth waking up early for. There’s a temple right by the entrance where you’ll need to pay around 3 USD, which acts as a donation rather than a fee. 

‍ Tip : Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees when you pass the temple. Though the ticket office opens at 5am and closes at 6pm, these hours are not strictly enforced.

Sigiriya is also an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding areas. If you're interested in history, head to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which is about an hour away. 

Read: Complete Guide to Visiting Polonnaruwa

Or, you can take a jeep safari through Minneriya National Park. Here you can observe elephants in their natural habitat as well as witness other incredible wildlife and plants. 

Read: Elephant Gathering in Minneriya National Park

Tip : Visit between June and September to witness the largest gathering of Asian elephants worldwide!

There is no shortage of things to do in Sigiriya. Here are the most highly rated tours available for you to book. 

Day 7 & 8: Kandy

Recommended Length of Stay: 1 Night

Best Time to Visit: December to April

How to Get Around: Foot, Tuk-tuk, Bus

From Sigiriya, head to Kandy in the morning so you have time to explore the city in the afternoon. Kandy is a starting point for many travelers taking the famous train ride to Ella. Though few people choose to explore the city, we recommend at least a day if you have the time.

How to Get to Kandy from Sigiriya

Car : The most convenient way to get to Kandy is by car, which takes around 3 hours. You can book online on the Uber app or ask your accommodation to organize it to avoid getting scammed. Prices can be cheaper or more expensive depending on availability, but expect to pay at least 40 USD.

Book your car to Kandy

Bus : For a less expensive option, you can take the bus, which is slower and more crowded but offers an authentic Sri Lankan experience. There's no direct bus from Sigiriya to Kandy. All in all, traveling to Kandy by bus will take you around 4 hours. 

First, take a 45-minute bus from Sigiriya to Dambulla for about 1 USD. Then take another bus from Dambulla to Kandy. During the day, buses run every 20 minutes, and the trip takes about 3 hours for 2 USD.

Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's larger cities, so there are many lodging options, ranging from resorts to hotels and guesthouses. If you're only staying for the night, stay closer to the center or near the lake. This is for your convenience so you can easily transfer to the train or bus station and save time. Find all Kandy accommodations here .

Kandy has a lot to offer, like the famous Temple of the Tooth , which is set in a beautiful cityscape surrounded by hills. This Buddhist temple is one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka and as the name suggests, it houses the relic of the sacred tooth of The Buddha. An entrance fee to the temple costs around 8 USD and opens from 5:30am to 8:30pm every day.

If you have the time, we also recommend watching the cultural dance show at Kandy Lake Club . Take a glimpse at the Sri Lankan cultural heritage through their arts and dance in this one-hour show. It starts at 5:30pm and a ticket costs around 4 USD. 

‍ Tip : You can book your tickets online through the Kandy Lake Club website or buy them at the door.

Looking for more things to do in Kandy? Book a tour and explore more of the city beyond the center. Here are some of the most highly-rated tours available in Kandy.

Day 9 & 10: Adam’s Peak, Delhousie 

Recommended Length of Stay : 1 Night

Best Time to Visit: December to May

From Kandy, take the early morning train to Delhousie. This is a great way to break the long train journey to Ella. As well as, a great opportunity to climb and experience the famous and noteworthy Adam’s Peak.

How To Get To Delhousie From Kandy

By Train: The best way to get to Delhousie is to take the morning train from Kandy train station to Hatton . Then from Hatton, take a bus or a tuk-tuk to Delhousie town. The train ride takes around 4 hours and a ticket costs less than 1 USD. 

Once you reach Hatton, there will be plenty of tuk-tuks available outside the train station, but we recommend taking the bus. The bus is less expensive and more comfortable than taking a tuk-tuk. 

The drive to Delhousie takes about an hour and costs 1 USD for the bus and around 12 USD for the tuk-tuk. Whether it be the bus ride or a tuk-tuk, the journey from Hatton to Delhousie is beautiful and is worth the long journey.

Tip : Book your train ticket to Hatton in advance, especially during peak season.  

Most accommodations close to Adam’s Peak offer basic but comfortable facilities for tourists. Here are the top three places that we found that have the highest reviews and offer the best value. All are within walking distance to the main entrance of Adam’s Peak. Find all accommodations in Delhousie here .

Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada , is the 5th tallest and the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka. With its daunting 5,500 steps, it is one of the most frequented climbs by tourists visiting the country. Brave the hike and enjoy the magical views at sunrise as it illuminates the valleys.

During the pilgrimage season, you’ll witness hundreds of pilgrims climbing. Try to avoid going on weekends and holidays, as it can get crowded at the top. Go there for the views and witness the pilgrims perform their religious ceremonies during sunrise.

Besides climbing Adam’s Peak, there's not much to do in Delhousie so it is possible to only spend a night. You can hike the next morning then leave for Ella in the afternoon after your climb. 

If you have extra time, we recommend spending two nights in Delhousie so you can take a rest then leave for Ella the next morning

Day 11 to 14: Ella

Best Time to Visit: January to April

Ella is the ideal place to unwind and take in the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. This hill town is best known for its scenic train rides, but there is so much more to do. From the tea plantation to the world-famous Nine Arches Bridge, Ella is truly a sight to behold.

Read: 11 Best Things to do in Ella

How to Get to Ella from Adam’s Peak (Delhousie)

By Bus & Train : From Delhousie, hop on the bus back to Hatton train station and then take the train to Ella. The bus takes about an hour and the train ride takes around 4 hours. 

This part of the journey is one of the most beautiful rides in the world. Get ready to capture the beautiful scenery of the rolling lush hills and tea plantations. You can pay for your ticket on the bus and then buy a train ticket at Hatton Station. 

The bus costs less than 1 USD while the train ticket is around 1 USD for a second and third class. You can check the updated train schedules and pricing at the government railway site .

Ella Town has excellent lodging options with breathtaking views. If you want to be close to the majority of restaurants, stay near the town center or the railway station. We also recommend staying along the Ella - Passara road, which has the advantage of being away from the hustle and bustle of the town center while still being close to popular tourist attractions such as the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak. Find all Ella accommodations here . 

The most accessible viewpoint in Ella is Little Adam’s Peak . This hike is easier compared to Adam’s Peak, as the hike only takes about 40 minutes. We recommend hiking at sunrise or early in the morning to avoid the heat. 

If you’re looking for something more challenging, we suggest hiking Ella Rock. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the town and its surrounding mountains. Depending on your fitness level, the hike ranges from moderate to difficult. 

If you're a confident driver, you can also rent a motorbike and explore the surrounding areas, such as Ravana Falls or Diyaluma Falls. You can also head up to Lipton Seat and take in the beautiful panoramic views of rolling tea fields. 

If you're looking to explore the area with ease and comfort, hiring a tuk-tuk to take you around is another option. Here are some of the most popular tours available in Ella.

Day 15: Tissamaharama (Tissa)

Best Time to Visit: February to June

How to Get Around: Foot, Tuk-tuk, Jeep 

Leave Ella early on day 14 and try to arrive in Tissa before dusk. This is an excellent base for exploring Yala National Park , Sri Lanka's second largest and most visited national park.

How To Get To Tissa From Ella

By Car : The fastest way to reach Tissa from Ella is to book a taxi. Arrange a taxi from your accommodation and prices start at 35 USD. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the traffic. 

By Bus: For a cheaper alternative, take a bus to Kataragama. Then transfer to another bus heading to Tissa. 

The bus times from Ella are 11:15am, 12:45am, 2:45pm, and 3:30pm. The drive is about 2.5 to 3 hours and a ticket costs no more than 1 USD per person. 

From Kataragama, buses to Tissamaharama go every 15 minutes. The drive is around 30 minutes and a ticket costs less than 1 USD.

Only wish to visit Yala on a half-day safari?

Spend a night in Tissa and ask for a late check-out. Most tours end at 12 noon, so you can take your time to refresh before hopping on another bus or car to the next location. Find all Tissa accommodations here .

On day 15, visit Yala National Park to see wild elephants, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. You might even be able to spot the most elusive leopards if you're lucky. However, be prepared to wake up at 3am, as most safari tours begin at that time. Most tours also end at around noon, so you can move on to the next destination if you wish and if you don't have much time. Otherwise, spend another night and relax in the quiet town of Tissa.

You can arrange your safari tour at your accommodation, or you can book a tour online. A jeep safari in Yala National Park typically costs around 70 USD per person. 

Day 16 to 19: Tangalle 

Best Time to Visit: April to July

How to Get Around: Foot, Tuk-tuk, Motorbike

Tangalle is an ideal place for a relaxing vacation, with its deserted beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Tangalle is also home to some of Sri Lanka's best beaches. So you can spend your day relaxing on the beach or riding your bike around the nearby towns.

How to Get to Tangalle from Tissa

By Bus : The cheapest way is to take the bus from Tissa to Tangalle. 

You can buy your tickets at the bus station counter and ask for a bus heading to Matara. Buses go every 20 minutes and you can easily get off in Tangalle . The drive takes around 3 hours depending on the traffic and you can expect to pay at least 1 USD. 

‍ By Car : You can also book a car or a taxi, which starts at 50 USD and takes approximately 2 hours to drive.

Book your car to Tangalle

The accommodation options in Tangalle range from hostels to five-star luxury resorts. You can also find plenty of restaurants nearby. There are also many places to stay along Tangalle Road in the southern area, close to the coast. We stayed on Vijaya Road, which has a laid-back vibe with many accommodations and restaurants lined up along the beach. Find all accommodations in Tangalle here .

In the evening, visit the local restaurants and street vendors. One of the restaurants we enjoyed in Tangalle was Dream Family Restaurant . This restaurant is run by a family and serves delicious home-cooked meals. The portions are generous, and the fresh seafood is reasonably priced.

You can also visit Rekawa Beach , which is home to one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in Sri Lanka. Visit during the day to enjoy this clean beach, or late in the afternoon to catch the sunset. The beach is not only lined with sand but also full of seashells. The best part is that this beach barely gets any tourists, so you can have a whole area to yourself. 

Book this Tangalle sightseeing tour to explore more of the town beyond the beaches.

Day 20 & 21: Galle

How to Get Around: Foot, Tuk-tuk 

Head to Galle in the morning and spend your last days wandering around Sri Lanka’s most famous old Dutch fort. The main thing to do in Galle is to walk around and discover the Unesco World Heritage Site.

How to Get to Galle from Tangalle

By Car : For convenience, take a taxi from Tangalle for around 40 USD. Depending on the traffic, the drive takes around an hour and 30 minutes. 

Book you car to Galle

Bus : Head to the Tangalle bus stop and catch bus no.32 heading to Galle. The drive takes around 3 hours and costs 1 USD.

The best place to stay in Galle is inside the fort. There are numerous hotels in the area that cater to all types of travelers. Staying inside the fort also provides you with a wide variety of restaurant and food options. Find all Galle accommodations here .

Galle Fort, located in a beautiful setting, is one of those places where you can get lost and not want to leave. Not only is the setting beautiful, but the architecture of many of the buildings is reminiscent of a different era. You can enjoy your last days in Sri Lanka discovering Galle and its adjoining streets with cafes, ice cream parlors, and colorful buildings.

Tip : You can visit the fort any time of the day, but the best time to walk is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the fort and explore the many hidden gems it has to offer. We recommend stopping at the Isle of Gelato . Here, you can enjoy homemade artisanal gelato and sorbet. They also offer many different flavors to choose from, but our personal favorites are the passionfruit and mango flavors. 

Want to learn more about Galle through guided tours? Here are some of the most well-reviewed tours available in Galle.

Back to Colombo Airport

You can either go to the airport from Galle to catch your flight or stay another night in Negombo. If your flight departs early in the morning, we recommend returning to Negombo the day before. This ensures that you will not miss your flight and allows you to see some of the sights Negombo has to offer one more time.

How to Get to the Airport from Galle

By Car : The fastest way is to take a taxi directly to the Colombo airport. The drive takes around 2 hours, and you can expect to pay at least 60 USD.

Book your car to Colombo airport

By Bus : There are two direct buses to the airport, leaving at 6:30am and 4:30pm. Take the bus with the "airport" sign to the bus stop in front of the Fort entrance. The bus has air conditioning and costs about 4 USD which takes about three hours. 

‍ Tip : If the direct buses are full, you can take another bus to Kadawatha and then transfer to a bus to the airport.

By Train : Trains operate from Galle Railway Station to Colombo Fort Station  on a daily basis, and the schedule can be found on the Sri Lanka Railway website . It takes about 3 hours and costs around 2 USD.

From Colombo Fort Station, walk 600m to the Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal and take Bus No. 187 heading to the airport. It takes around 45 minutes, and a ticket costs less than 1 USD.

And that’s it!

The perfect 3 week Sri Lanka travel itinerary. 

We hope this travel guide provides you with all the things you need to know to help you plan your three weeks in Sri Lanka. You can always change it to something else that works for you. With three weeks in Sri Lanka, there are an endless number of possibilities for you to explore.

If you're still pondering how long to stay in Sri Lanka, take a look at our 1-week and 4-week Sri Lanka itineraries.

Some links in this Sri Lanka Itinerary may be affiliate links.

This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by doing so, you are supporting Colorful Journeys in continuing to provide free high quality content to help you in your travels!

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The ultimate 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary | The best of Sri Lanka

Uncover the absolute best of Sri Lanka with this detailed 3-week itinerary. This itinerary covers all the best things to see and do – including the best beaches & surf breaks, must-see attractions, and impressive ancient World Heritage Sites.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find an island that amazes travellers as much as Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s natural beauty is unrivalled – from the beloved gold-sanded beaches on the southern coast to mysterious mountain towns in the idyllic hill country to the dense, wildlife-rich jungles of Yala National Park .

There is simply a myriad of reasons to travel to Sri Lanka, and the world’s most scenic train ride is absolutely one of them. Not to mention that Sri Lanka occupies some of the most vibrant cultural heritage sites, including a colonial seaside fortress , lush tea plantations, and multiple ancient cities which include Kandy , Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya .

You could easily say that Sri Lanka’s unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes go hand in hand, and it’s my intention to help you plan, and make the most out of your journey. I’ve put together the best possible itinerary to spend 3 weeks in Sri Lanka.

My 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary is a detailed introduction and covers all the best things to see and do – plus additional guides that help you throughout your trip. Now the only thing left for you to do, is soaking up beautiful Sri Lanka and its magical experiences.

3-WEEK SRI LANKA ITINERARY | WHAT TO DO IN SRI LANKA

Day 1 | colombo, sri lanka’s somewhat chaotic capital.

Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital makes an excellent first destination in your Sri Lanka itinerary, especially if you look at the fact that it is located just 45 minutes from the Bandaranaike International Airport.

With nearly 620,000 inhabitants, Colombo is considered Sri Lanka’s biggest city. Unfortunately, this comes with the side note that the city is rather intoxicating, and often too overwhelming to fully enjoy.

Although Colombo isn’t the most captivating city in terms of must-see attractions, I think you shouldn’t just skip over it. I would recommend spending at least one day here to experience the hustle and bustle of Sri Lankan everyday life.

COLOMBO | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

The Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque) | Located in the narrow streets of Pettah, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is one of the few must-see attractions in Colombo. The mesmerising mosque is charmed by a distinct colour pattern, towering minarets, and ornate domes that can be seen from quite a distance. It’s utterly breathtaking to see the towering mosque appear while strolling through the lively streets of Pettah.

Barefoot | Barefoot is an iconic shop, gallery, bookshop, and courtyard café in the heart of Colombo’s spirited fort area. The vibrant café is tucked away in a garden of calm and serves a wide variety of delicious dishes, while the shop sells traditional artisan crafts like fabrics, linen, clothes and gifts. Barefoot also houses a unique bookstore that offers a great selection of books on art, architecture, photography and spirituality.

The streets of Pettah | Pettah is considered one of the oldest districts in Colombo and a stroll through its narrow streets is quite the experience. The Pettah market is an excellent area to get a feel for the country and its people. While you’re there, make sure to grab a bite at one of the many street food stalls. Bear in mind that these streets are very chaotic and overwhelming, therefore it is best to give in, and go with the flow.

COLOMBO | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Colombo

Where to stay in Colombo | I recommend Lavonca Boutique Hotel , a small, comfortable hotel in the heart of Colombo. Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Colombo.

How to get around Colombo | Colombo is quite an extensive city and somewhat challenging to navigate by foot. The easiest way to get around is by making use of the famous tuk tuks, which are found at about every corner. To avoid unnecessary costs, use the PickMe app, or arrange a price with your tuk tuk driver in advance.

DAY 2 – 3 | GALLE FORT, A COLONIAL SEASIDE FORTRESS

After experiencing the hustle and bustle in Colombo, its time to embark on a scenic train journey in the direction of Sri Lanka’s spirited south coast.

During this 3-hour journey from Colombo Fort to Galle, you’ll get spoiled by views of vivid sceneries, as well as authentic local villages and the island’s golden-sanded coastline.

Once you arrive in Galle, you’ll quickly come to realize why it is such a beloved destination. The seaside town was once of significant importance and is still largely visited for its historical Galle Fort , a UNESCO World Heritage site that continues to amaze travellers.

The Dutch Colonial fort in Galle has a rich and captivating character. With lively, narrow streets, decaying colonial buildings, trendy contemporary cafés, and an appealing, tropical ambience, Galle Fort is, in my opinion, a must-see in any Sri Lanka itinerary.

GALLE FORT | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Galle Fort Lighthouse | The Galle Fort Lighthouse is framed by tropical palm trees and is one of the many picture-perfect scenes in Sri Lanka. For that reason alone, it’s one of the things that shouldn’t be missed within the ramparts of the historical Galle Fort.

The Galle Markets | Just outside Galle Fort, you’ll notice several authentic markets that sell a wide variety of fruit, fish and spices. By visiting these local markets you have an excellent chance to taste delicious tropical fruits, stock up on high-quality spices – plus you become familiar with Sri Lankan culture.

Galle Fort interior | Taking a stroll through the narrow, colonial streets of the fort was by far one of the best things I did during my time in the Galle Fort. By doing so, you come along a collection of decaying colonial buildings, which makes it seem as if you’re living during the VOC era.

GALLE FORT | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Galle Fort, Galle

Where to stay in Galle Fort | Galle has no shortage of good accommodations, both in and outside the fort. I would highly recommend Yoho White House Apartment and The Bungalow – Galle Fort . Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Galle.

How to get from Colombo to Galle Fort | The easiest and most scenic travel option is from Colombo Fort to Galle by train. The direct train operates frequently (about 10 times a day) and takes around 2.5 – 3 hours.

How to get around Galle Fort | Galle Fort is easily explored by foot. If your accommodation is slightly remote, make usage of the accessible tuk-tuks.

DAY 4 – 5 | UNAWATUNA, SRI LANKA’S BACKPACKER BEACH TOWN

Situated at only a 10-minute drive from Galle lies Unawatuna , one of Sri Lanka’s most popular coastal towns and the first proper beach destination in this itinerary.

Unawatuna has rapidly become a fixture for travellers that visit Sri Lanka, and trust me, that’s for a good reason. The trendy beach town is home to a laidback backpacker vibe and has no shortage of palm-fringed beaches, contemporary cafés, and irresistible beachfront restaurants.

Accordingly, I would recommend spending a few nights here, it has some of the island’s most beautiful beaches after all.

UNAWATUNA | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Dalawella Beach | Dalawella Beach is an extremely picturesque stretch of beach and without doubt one of my favourite beaches in Sri Lanka. The charm that defines Dalawella Beach is realized by a scenic rock formation, exciting beach swings and plenty of low bending palm trees. Make sure you visit early morning or during sunset.

Skinny Tom’s Deli | Only head over to Skinny Tom’s Deli, if you’re keen on tasting the best brunch in town. This European-style café has a great reputation on the southern coast and serves life-changing bacon, dhal & egg hoppers, fresh eggs benedict toast, and delicious artisanal cakes and desserts.

Jungle Beach | Although its located slightly off the beaten path, Jungle beach is an exceptional place for an afternoon of relaxing, swimming and tanning. Make sure you take a look at the Japanese Peace Pagoda, which is situated in the lush jungle right above the secluded beach.

UNAWATUNA | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Unawatuna

Where to stay in Unawatuna | Unawatuna has great accommodations in every price range and I would highly recommend Bedspace Beach and Cantaloupe Levels . Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Unawatuna.

How to get from Galle Fort to Unawatuna | Take a 10-minute drive by local bus from Galle Fort to Unawatuna. Alternatively, take a tuk-tuk.

How to get around Unawatuna | Unawatuna is easily navigated by foot. If you’re keen to explore the surrounding towns, make use of the affordable tuk-tuks, or rent a scooter.

DAY 6 – 7 | MIRISSA, A TRANQUIL BEACHSIDE PARADISE

After unwinding at one of the tropical beaches in Unawatuna, it is time to continue your journey along the island’s beloved south coast.

Mirissa is an energetic beach town that has not gone unnoticed to backpackers and travellers alike. It has, in fact, become quite an unmissable destination in Sri Lanka itineraries.

The beach town is all about riding waves, paradisiac stretches of beach, trendy cafés and the tranquil ambience that characterizes it. But what really highlights Mirissa is that it’s deemed to be one of Sri Lanka’s best places to get up close and personal with Blue Whales.

MIRISSA | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Coconut Tree Hill | Coconut Tree Hill is without a doubt among the most iconic things to see in Sri Lanka. The tangerine-coloured cliff is extremely popular and well-known for its sea of swaying palms and views over the shimmering Indian Ocean. I’d recommend stopping by earlier in the day or during a glorious sunset.

Parrot Rock | Only just of Mirissa’s main beach is Parrot Rock, a small secluded rock-island that provides the most stunning views over the town’s golden-sanded shoreline. Make sure you climb to the summit, it’s one of Mirissa’s best spots to sit and watch the world go by.

Surfing in Weligama | With decent waves rolling in year-round, Mirissa is one of the leading surf destinations on Sri Lanka’s south coast. The vibrant town is home to excellent surf schools that provide lessons and board rental. The waves in Mirissa are perfect for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers.

MIRISSA | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Mirissa

Where to stay in Mirissa | Mirissa has many excellent accommodations and I would highly recommend Satori Beach Hostel , Triple O Six and Mirissa Heights . Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Mirissa.

How to get from Unawatuna to Mirissa | Jump aboard a direct train from Unawatuna to Mirissa that operates frequently (about 5 times a day). Expect the journey to take around 0.5 – 1 hour.

How to get around Mirissa | Walking around town is your best option as the distances are quite short. For surfing in Weligama, I would recommend taking a tuk-tuk.

DAY 8 | YALA NATIONAL PARK, SRI LANKA’S BEST SAFARI DESTINATION

From the moment I booked my flight to Colombo, I was excited about one specific thing, travelling to the wildlife-rich jungles of the Yala National Park to experience my first ever safari.

The incredible Yala National Park , situated on the island’s south-eastern coastline, is famed as Sri Lanka’s most popular national park and is unquestionably a must-see on any Sri Lanka itinerary.

The park is home to dense jungles, sandy dunes, wide stretched grasslands and several lakes and lagoons. This distinct landscape is the perfect habitat for a great variety and density of wildlife, which results in the potential sighting of leopards, elephants, Black Sloth bears, Fishing cats, Red Slender loris and crocodiles.

In totality, the national park is home to 44 species of mammals, 215 species of birds and 46 species of reptiles, which makes an excellent reason to jump aboard a jeep and roam around the jungles of the park. Believe me, it’s one of the most fulfilling adventures in Sri Lanka.

It’s easy to book your Yala National Park safari through your accommodation in Tissamaharama. I would recommend joining a morning safari, this increases the potential of leopard sightings.

YALA NATIONAL PARK | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Yala National Park

Where to stay in Yala National Park | Tissamaharama has great accommodations (both in and outside the park) and I would highly recommend Hotel River Front , Thaulle Resort and Cinnamon Wild Yala . Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Yala National Park or Tissamaharama .

How to get from Mirissa to Yala National Park | For this journey, the local bus is the easiest and cheapest option. Head to Matara, here change to a direct bus to Tissamaharama. The journey can be quite intense and takes around 3.5 hours.

Entrance fee | 4.000 LKR ($21.50).

Half-day jeep safari costs | 5.000 – 6.000 LKR ($24,00 – 32,25) per jeep, with a maxi of 6 people.

DAY 9 – 10 | ARUGAM BAY, A LAIDBACK SURFER TOWN

Travelling to Arugam Bay requires quite a long and exhausting journey, as it is pretty off the beaten path compared to other destinations on this Sri Lanka itinerary. That being said, I truly believe that the detour is worth every minute of it.

Slightly hidden on Sri Lanka’s untouched east coast, with Yala National Park as its neighbour, lies Arugam Bay: one of the island’s leading surf destinations . With great bays, excellent surf breaks, stunning natural sceneries, and trendy cafés, there’s enough to see and do in Arugam Bay, therefore, I would recommend staying at least two days.

ARUGAM BAY | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Kudumbigala Monastery | Just 45 minutes of Arugam Bay’s spirited main street is the Kudumbigala monastery, a sacred place where locals come to practise deep meditation techniques. In addition to those mysterious, spiritual vibrations, you’ll find a viewpoint that provides the most stunning panoramic views of the entire region.

Muhudu Maha Viharaya | Known as the temple of the ocean, Muhudu Maha Viharaya is a charming white Buddhist stupa, overlooking Pottuvil’s sandy dunes and shimmering ocean. Fortunately, the temple is out of range of the regular tourist area, so it gives an authentic glimpse of Sri Lanka’s daily life. As always, follow religious customs and visit in a respectful manner.

Elephant Rock  |  Acknowledged as one of the best surfing breaks in the area, and a great place to sit and watch the world go by, especially during the golden hour. Elephant Rock gives a marvellous view over the bay and its wave riding surfers, certainly a must-see in Arugam Bay.

ARUGAM BAY | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Arugam Bay

Where to stay in Arugam Bay | Arugam Bay has no shortage of great accommodations. For surfing, I’d highly recommend Upali Beach Surf Resort – other excellent options are The Spice Trail and Arugam Bay Roccos . Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Arugam Bay.

How to get from Yala National Park to Arugam Bay | Local bus is the cheapest option. Do keep in mind that this is one of the most exhausting bus journeys in Sri Lanka – plus it requires changing bus up to three times. Alternatively, hire a tuk-tuk or arrange a taxi with the PickMe app. The journey can take up to 6.5 hours.

How to get around Arugam Bay | If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area, I would highly recommend renting a scooter. Alternatively, walk or make use of tuk-tuks.

DAY 11 – 13 | ELLA, SRI LANKA’S EXTRAORDINARY HILL COUNTRY

After learning to ride the waves in Arugam Bay, it’s time to head for Sri Lanka’s mysterious mountains and one of my favourite places in the country, the sleepy town of Ella .

Around 1,041 metres above sea level and hidden in Sri Lanka’s peaceful hill country is Ella: a small town that is encircled by charming tea plantations, towering mountains and rushing waterfalls.

If you’re a nature & adventure enthusiast like me, Ella’s incredible sceneries will surely blow your mind. I enjoyed this town so much, that I’ve ended up staying slightly longer than initially planned. Therefore I’d always recommend adding some flexibility to your Sri Lanka itinerary.

ELLA | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Ella Rock | It is no surprise that Ella Rock is one of the must-see attractions in Ella as it provides breathtaking views of Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Gap and the mysterious hill country of Ella. If you’re a seasoned hiker, you certainly feel hyped for the somewhat challenging Ella Rock hike. Do bear in mind that the best time to hike up Ella Rock is around sunrise.

Nine Arch Bridge | The now-famous Nine Arch Bridge is single-handedly responsible for the largest part of travellers that come and visit Ella. Tucked away between the dense jungle and tea plantations; this stunning piece of architecture impresses both travellers and locals on a daily basis. The scene becomes even more remarkable when the famous blue train slowly navigates its way across the bridge.

Little Adam’s Peak | As the name implies, Little Adam’s Peak is named after its taller and better-known brother, Adam’s Peak. The hike to the summit of Little Adam’s Peak guarantees the most excellent overview of both Ella Rock and the infinite-looking Ella Gap. It’s therefore little wonder that it’s such a popular attraction in Ella.

ELLA | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Ella

Where to stay in Ella | Ella has some of Sri Lanka’s finest accommodations and I would recommend Rawana Den , 98 Acres & Spa and Mountain Heavens . Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Ella.

How to get from Arugam Bay to Ella | Take a bus to Monoragala, before changing to the bus that heads for Wellawaya. Here take the bus to Ella. If you’re fortunate, you may catch a direct bus between Arugam Bay and Wellawaya. Since the journey is quite chaotic, alternatively hire a tuk-tuk or arrange a taxi with PickMe . The journey can take up to 4.5 hours.

How to get around Ella | Ella is an easy town to navigate by foot. Alternatively, jump aboard one of the many tuk-tuks.

ELLA TO KANDY, THE MOST SCENIC TRAIN RIDE IN THE WORLD

Ask anyone that jumped aboard the famous Ella to Kandy train and they all answer the same – this scenic train journey is one of the absolute highlights in any Sri Lanka itinerary.

Secure yourself a window seat and witness the train meandering through mysterious woodlands, authentic local towns and leafy tea plantations. This seven-hour journey is one of the most spectacular train rides in the world, so make sure you enjoy every moment of it.

ELLA TO KANDY TRAIN JOURNEY | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Ella Railway Station

Costs | 2nd class: 270 LKR ($1.50), 3rd class: 180 LKR ($1). If you prefer to book your ticket in advance, visit 12go.asia .

Train times from Kandy to Ella | 06:40, 09:24, 10:57 and 12:48. For up to date timetables, visit the Seat61 website .

DAY 14 – 15 | KANDY, THE CITY OF KINGS

Following the breathtaking train journey, you’ll arrive in Kandy , a vibrant city that is of major significance to Sri Lanka’s rich, captivating culture and history. It is, therefore, more than rightly so named, the city of kings by its locals.

Sri Lanka’s second-largest city is famed for its most important spiritual site, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic; which according to Sri Lankan legends houses a tooth of the Buddha.

Although many travellers tend to visit Kandy in a hurry, I think there are quite a few fascinating places to see and appreciate in Kandy. I would highly recommend spending at least two days exploring the lively city and surrounds.

KANDY | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic | Right at the heart Kandy and next to the Kandy Lake is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist shrine. The best time to visit is during a Buddha Puja ceremony, when pilgrims from all over the world reflect, sing and bring offerings to deepen the appreciation of the Buddha and his teachings.

Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya | For me, it’s always impressive to see a large urban city park in the midst of a lively city, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya are exactly that. The verdant gardens are home to over 4,000 species of plants, including palm trees, medicinal plants, orchids and spices. A peaceful morning walk is a perfect activity to escape the sizzling heat and chaos of Kandy.

Bahirawakanda Temple | Located atop of the Bahirawa Kanda hill and to be seen from the whole of Kandy lies the majestic Bahirawakanda Temple. The towering Buddha reaches a height of 27 metres and is considered one of the largest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. Make sure you snap some shots of the panoramic views of Kandy.

KANDY | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Kandy

Where to stay in Kandy | I stayed at Range Hotel Kandy and Cafe Aroma Inn . Additionally, I would recommend Dumbara Peak Residence . Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Kandy.

How to get from Ella to Kandy | Jump aboard the famous Ella to Kandy train. It’s cheap and considered the most scenic train ride in the world – 2nd class: 270 LKR ($1.50), 3rd class: 180 LKR ($1). If you prefer to book your ticket in advance, visit the 12go.asia website .

How to get around Kandy | Kandy is easily explored by foot. I’d recommend grabbing a tuk-tuk for attractions that are situated just outside the town.

DAY 16 – 17 | SIGIRYA, SRI LANKA’S EIGHT WONDER OF THE WORLD

It’s time to head further North to the Ancient City of Sigiriya , one of my all-time favourite places in Sri Lanka, and an unmissable destination on this itinerary.

It is little surprise that Sigiriya is loved by so many, it has essentially everything a traveller yearns for. The town is surrounded by nature, has no shortage of breathtaking sceneries and houses the authentic ambience of a local village.

The real draw though is the Ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the country’s most famous landmarks, and often stated as the eighth wonder of the world.

It is safe to say that being surrounded by Sigiriya’s idyllic nature has a therapeutic effect on both body and mind. Therefore, I’d recommend spending a few days to explore and unwind in this magnificent area.

SIGIRIYA | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Sigiriya Rock Fortress | Sigiriya’s natural beauty is unrivalled – and that is largely by means of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Witnessing this unique, ancient fortress, should be on every Sri Lanka bucket list, whether viewed from Pidurangala Rock or up close and personal.

Pidurangala Rock | The Sigiriya Rock Fortress might be the number one attraction in Sigiriya, it’s the incredible view from Pidurangala Rock that stole my heart. Hiking the summit of Pidurangala Rock has rapidly become a must-do activity for travellers and locals alike. To experience the mesmerizing view in full potential, make sure to visit with sunrise or sunset.

SIGIRIYA | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Sigiriya

Where to stay in Sigiriya | I stayed at Wali Kukula Nest multiple times and I felt at home every single time. If you’re a creative like me, this is an inspiring place where you surely want to stay. Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Sigiriya.

How to get from Kandy to Sigiriya |  Take a bus to Dambulla, where you change for the bus that heads to Sigiriya. Alternatively, hire a tuk-tuk from Dambulla to Sigiriya (1,000 LKR – $5.50). The journey takes around 2.5 hours.

How to get around Sigiriya | Walking around town is your best options as the distances are quite short. Do be aware that elephants often roam around the jungles. Alternatively, hire a bicycle to explore the stunning surrounds.

DAY TRIP | KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK, THE GATHERING OF ELEPHANTS

Sigiriya is conveniently located and makes the perfect base for an exciting day trip: a jeep safari in Kaudulla National Park.

Poised between Sigiriya and Trincomalee, Kaudulla National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s best national parks, and home to over 200 wild elephants, including a newborn. The extensive wildlife park is often referred to as; The Gathering, world’s largest gathering of Asian elephants.

It’s easy to book your Kaudulla National Park safari through your accommodation in Sigiriya. I would recommend joining an afternoon safari, right after you spend the morning to visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Pidurangala Rock.

KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Kaudulla National Park

How to get from Sigiriya to Kaudulla National Park | By safari jeep. A safari tour is always including pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.

Entrance fee | 4,090 LKR ($22).

Half-day jeep safari costs | 6,000 – 7,000 LKR ($32.50 – 37.50) per jeep, with a max of 6 people.

DAY 18 | POLONNARUWA, SRI LANKA’S ANCIENT CAPITAL CITY

Part of Sri Lanka’s glorious cultural triangle and only an hour away from Sigiriya is the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage site that was once a thriving kingdom.

Present-day, this ancient city has no shortage of grandeur, whether it’s the remainings of temples and religious buildings, impressive shrines, or elegant Buddha statues. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa features some of the most impressive ruins in Sri Lanka – which is a true pleasure to seasoned travellers.

I’ve heard many backpackers that experienced difficulties when choosing between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. When I followed my intuition and chose Polonnaruwa, it felt like the right decision, and up until this day, I’m still delighted with it – even after visiting the Angkor temples in Cambodia.

POLONNARUWA | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Polonnaruwa

Entrance fee | Adult 4,550 LKR ($25), children 2,275 LKR ($12.50).

Opening hours | 07:00 – 18:30 daily.

Where to stay in Polonnaruwa | I stayed at Singha Guest House and would additionally recommend Pharo Lake and Mahanuge Hotel Polonnaruwa . Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Polonnaruwa.

How to get from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa | Take the local bus to Inamaluwa, before changing to a direct bus that heads for Polonnaruwa. The journey should take no longer than 1.5 hours.

How to get around Polonnaruwa | The most fun way to explore Polonnaruwa is by bicycle. Alternatively, hire a tuk-tuk that guides you around the complex.

DAY 19 – 20 | TRINCOMALEE, SRI LANKA’S UNDISCOVERED EAST COAST

After soaking up all that Polonnaruwa has to offer, venture further east to the pristine, undiscovered beaches of Trincomalee and surrounds .

Trincomalee, often called Trinco by the locals, is a relaxed coastal town that is less frequently visited by travellers and backpackers alike. Even so, I sincerely feel that its beaches aren’t inferior to most of the must-see beaches on Sri Lanka’s beloved south coast.

But what really distinguishes Trincomalee is the fact that it’s deeply influenced by Tamil culture, resulting in a completely different atmosphere than elsewhere on the island. Trinco is thus, no stranger to vivid, breathtaking Hindu temples, and I would highly recommend attending at least one of them.

TRINCOMALEE | MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

Koneswaram Temple | The colourful Koneswaram Temple holds the upper area of Fort Frederick and is a must-see in Trincomalee. The fascinating temple is dictated by its main shrine, a large vivid statue of the Hindu god Shiva, and faces one of the world’s largest natural harbours. If you plan to visit, remember to respect religious customs.

Nilaveli Beach | Just 20 minutes north of Trincomalee you’ll find Nilaveli Beach, a secluded beach that is said to be among the best beaches in Sri Lanka. The sleepy town and its eponymous beach are still largely undiscovered to backpackers and houses an authentic local atmosphere. Nilaveli may be a little off the beaten path, but it is worth visiting, and a great place to grab a coconut while watching the world go by.

Sri Pathirakali Amman Kovil | Trinco may be renowned for its pristine beaches, it is the incredibly ornamented Hindu temples that amazed me the most. Established adjacent to the Trinco bus station is one of them, the Sri Pathirakali Amman Kovil, a work of art that is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhadrakali. To fully experience the temples, I’d recommend taking a peaceful walk in and around the buildings.

TRINCOMALEE | THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Trincomalee

Where to stay in Trincomalee | Trincomalee has excellent accommodations and I would highly recommend Surf Reef Dive Beach Palace and OYO 310 Sea Lagoon Beach Hotel . Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Trincomalee.

How to get from Polonnaruwa to Trincomalee | From Polonnaruwa’s main station, take the local bus to Habarana, before changing to a direct bus that heads for Trincomalee. The journey takes around 3.5 hours.

How to get around Trincomalee | If you’re looking to explore the surrounding area, I would highly recommend renting a scooter. Alternatively, go walking or hire one of the many tuk-tuks.

DAY 21 | NEGOMBO, TIME TO LEAVE SRI LANKA

It’s time to leave Trinco and board the train that brings you from Trincomalee to Negombo (departs once a day at 06:50).

This scenic train journey is the last glimpse you’ll have of this unique, captivating country. It’s a great moment to reflect and appreciate the fascinating adventures you’ve had during your 3 weeks in Sri Lanka.

To avoid unnecessary problems, make sure you arrive in Negombo one day prior to your return flight. By doing so, you ensure yourself a stress-free journey to the airport.

NEGOMBO | THE ESSENTIALS

Where to stay in Negombo | The last night before a flight, I always try to pick the most comfortable, budget-friendly accommodation possible. For Negombo, I would highly recommend Waves by Tranquil . Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Negombo.

How to get from Trincomalee to Negombo | Take the direct train from Trincomalee station to Gampaha station. From there, hire a tuk-tuk or arrange a taxi with the PickMe app to bring you to your accommodation in Negombo. The journey can take up to 9 hours.

Train times from Trincomalee to Negombo | Train departs once daily, 06:50. To avoid unnecessary problems, make sure you arrive in Negombo one day prior to your return flight.

SRI LANKA ITINERARY | TRAVEL ESSENTIALS AND TIPS

Weather in sri lanka | best time to visit sri lanka.

Although Sri Lanka is just a small island, it is quite a challenge to figure out the best time to visit.

Sri Lanka’s weather is somewhat confusing and dictated by two individual monsoon seasons, and since they alternate, it’s important to plan where you want to go. Due to this distinct climate, there’s always a part with good weather, making Sri Lanka a year-round travel destination.

May to September | The absolute best time to go and visit Sri Lanka’s undiscovered northern and eastern areas.

December to March | Sri Lanka’s popular south and central areas have excellent weather this time of year.

I’d followed this itinerary in September and was fortunate to have the best of both worlds. That said, do be aware that travelling during the shoulder season does not always guarantee good weather.

MONEY ESSENTIALS | CURRENCY IN SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka’s official currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee, a currency that is indicated by LKR and Rs. The notes that are currently in circulation include Rs10, Rs20, Rs50, Rs100, Rs500, Rs1000, Rs2000 and Rs5000. Make sure you have enough notes in lower denominations, especially if you plan to stroll the markets and hire tuk-tuks.

Exchanging currency in Sri Lanka | I would sincerely recommend you to avoid buying Sri Lankan Rupees either ahead of time or at the airport. I made the mistake to buy upfront, and since the Rupee isn’t rated as a major currency, I ended up getting a bad exchange rate.

The exchange rate at the time of writing | $1 equals 189 LKR, and €1 equals 209 LKR.

For up to date exchange rates, visit the XE website .

ATM’s in Sri Lanka | ATM services are found throughout most popular tourist areas and work well. To avoid unnecessary costs, I’d highly recommend choosing the local currency when withdrawing money.

Fee-free ATM | I used The People’s Bank on many occasions, and had no commission or whatsoever.

STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA | TRAVEL INSURANCE

Though Sri Lanka is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here .

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

PLAN YOUR SRI LANKA ITINERARY WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES

A guide to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s best safari destination (Update 2023)

7 Incredible things to do in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka’s colonial fortress

46 Stunning photos that will inspire you to visit Sri Lanka

10 Awesome things to do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka’s backpacker beach town

8 Marvelous things to do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka’s vibrant beach town

A travellers guide to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka

8 Wonderful things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s city of kings

8 Impressive things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka’s lush mountain village

9 Incredible things to do in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka’s unexplored east coast

7 Awesome things to do in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka’s surfer paradise (2022 update)

Wow your photography is so beautiful! We were hoping to go to Sri Lanka this year (fingers crossed) so will definitely be using this guide!

Thanks for those lovely words, I will hope for you to, its such a lovely country.

If you need any extra information, feel free to ask me!

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Sri Lanka in 3 Weeks

Itinerary - 20 nights / 21 days.

There are no arguments, Sri Lanka is nothing short of a paradise. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the diversity of experiences that you can have in Sri Lanka. That is why we wanted to put together an itinerary that enables you to enjoy the best of Sri Lanka within a 3-week holiday.

Note - Travellers Isle specializes in arranging tailor-made tours in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Please drop us a message for an itinerary that reflects your interests, budget, tour duration and the weather conditions of the month that you travel.

Day 1 & 2 – Airport / Negombo

Your 3-week holiday in Sri Lanka starts with a relaxing two days in Negombo. Your driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your beach front hotel in Negombo. Enjoy a tender coconut while lying on a sunbed. It is the perfect remedy for the jetlag.

If you wish to start exploring right away, you may visit the Negombo fish market and enjoy a bird watching safari in Muturajawela lagoon, during your stay in Negombo.

Travel time from airport to Negombo - About 30 minutes

Day 3 – Negombo / Anuradhapura

The real adventure begins on day three. Once you are ready, your driver will take you to your next destination, Anuradhapura. On your way to Anuradhapura, you may visit a small pottery factory run by a local family to observe our pottery industry.

In the late afternoon, you may tour the Anuradhapura ancient city, which is the first kingdom of Sri Lankan kings. Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanweliseya, the Samadhi statue, and the Brazen Palace are just a few of the locations that you will see during this tour.

Travel time from Negombo to Anuradhapura - About 4 hours

Day 4 – Anuradhapura / Wilpattu / Anuradhapura

In the morning of day 4, your driver will take you to Wilpattu national park for a half day safari. The picturesque national park is packed with wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled.  Deer, wild boars, sloth bears, and leopards are masters of illusion.

The evening remains unscheduled. You may simply spend your time relaxing by the hotel pool or touring rural Anuradhapura by bicycle.

Travel time from Anuradhapura to Wilpattu - About 2 hours

Day 5 – Anuradhapura / Jaffna

Due to the thirty years long civil war in the north, Jaffna had little exposure to the rest of the world. The grim days are long behind us and the people in Jaffna are looking forward to welcoming you.

On the fifth day of the tour, your driver will take you to Jaffna. While there, you may visit the visit the Nallur Hindu Kovil, Nagadeepa temple and the Jaffna Fort. You will also be able to enjoy some traditional Tamil food, which will probably become a highlight of your tour.

Travel time from Anuradhapura to Jaffna - about 4 hours

Day 7, 8, 9 & 10 – Jaffna / Nilaveli

Once you are ready, your driver will take you to Nilaveli for the second ocean side stay of your 3-week Sri Lanka tour. Relax at your beach front hotel or swim in the calm Nilaveli sea. If you are interested in snorkeling, we can arrange a snorkeling trip to the nearby Pigeon Island.

Travel time from Jaffna to Nilaveli - about 4 hours

Day 11 – Nilaveli / Sigiriya

Spend the morning at the beach. Around 12.00 pm your driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you to your next destination, Sigiriya.

On your way to Sigiriya you may stop for a jeep safari in Minneriya national park, which is the best national park for elephant watching in Sri Lanka. During the dry season, it is not unusual to see hundreds of elephants gathering around Minneriya lake for fresh water and tender grass.

Travel time from Nilaveli to Sigiriya - About 2.5 hours

Day 12 – Around Sigiriya

On the morning of day 12, is planned a visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the heart of ancient King Kashyapa’s kingdom (477 – 495 CE). The fortress is nothing short of a miracle. It includes a palace (built on top of Sigiriya rock), landscaped gardens, and still functioning water fountains.

In the late afternoon you may experience the rural life of Sri Lanka. For this village tour we will travel by bullock cart and catamaran. At the end of the tour, you will be invited to enjoy some delicious Sri Lankan food in the home of a villager.

Day 13 & 14 – Sigiriya / Kandy

On day 13 the adventure continues to Kandy. Before leaving Sigiriya, you may visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. En route to Kandy, you may also visit a spice garden to learn about the secrets of our traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.

The rest of the day may be spent simply relaxing, but there are so many things to do in Kandy. You have time to visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya Botanical garden or enjoy a performance of traditional Kandyan dancers.

Travel time from Sigiriya to Kandy - about 2.5 hours

Day 15 – Kandy / Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a small town in the hill country, Sri Lanka. Due to its high altitude, Nuwara Eliya has a lot cooler weather conditions compared to the rest of the country. So, put on some warm clothes on before heading to this picturesque small town.

On the way to Nuwara Eliya, you may stop by the gorgeous Ramboda waterfall to admire its beauty. You may also tour a tea plantation and a factory to learn about the production process of our well renowned Ceylon Tea.

Travel time from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya - about 2.5 hours

Day 16 – Around Nuwara Eliya

A refreshing start for the day would be a hike to the World’s End. It is a viewpoint located in the Horton Plains national park. Unlike other national parks in Sri Lanka, visitors are allowed to explore it by foot. The breathtaking views of the endless plains and the picturesque waterfalls will make the time fly. When you reach the World’s End, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the valley beyond you. Do not get too close to the edge though. It is a sharp drop of 870 m (2,854 ft).

Day 17, 18, 19 & 20 – Nuwara Eliya / Tangalle

When you are ready, your driver will take you to Tangalle for the last beach stay of your holiday. On the way to Tangalle, you may stop in Ella for few excursions and lunch. Some of the popular attractions in Ella are Little Adam’s Peak, 9 Arch Bridge and Ravana waterfall.

After the lunch, the trip continues to amazing Tangalle beach, which would be the perfect ending for your amazing 3 week holiday in Sri Lanka.

Travel time from Nuwara Eliya to Tangalle - about 4.5 hours

Day 21 – Tangalle / Airport

It is your last day in Sri Lanka. Time permitting, you may spend the morning enjoying the sea. Your driver will take you to the airport on time to catch your return flight. As all good things must come to an end, he will give his farewells and drive back to Colombo.

Travel time from Tangalle to airport - About 4 hours

End of the tour

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Request a Free Quotation

Would you like to get our assistance to organize your sri lanka holiday drop us a message to get a tailor-made sri lanka holiday package that reflects your interests, budget, tour duration and the weather conditions of the month that you visit sri lanka., frequently asked questions, 1. how much does it cost.

The tour cost depends on the month you travel, number of adults and children participating the tour and the quality of the accommodation that you choose. Please drop us a message specifying your requirements, so we can send you the exact cost for this tour.

2. Will you be able to customize this itinerary according to my needs?

Absolutely. Travellers Isle specialize in tailor-made holidays. We are more than happy to customize this itinerary according to your needs.

3. For which months is this itinerary most suitable?

March, April, June, July, August and September are the best months for this itinerary.

Please note the weather in the east coast is not ideal in March and April months. Similarly, the weather in the southwest coast is not ideal from June to September.

4. Is it possible to replace the beach stay of this tour with the Maldives?

Yes, we can easily plan the beach stay of this tour in the Maldives. Please check our Sri Lanka and Maldives holidays section for more information.

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Our 3 week sri lanka itinerary [best places to visit in 2024].

In September to October, we spent just over three weeks in Sri Lanka exploring everything the country has to offer.

It’s a FANTASTIC country that provides you with cultural delights, beautiful beaches and glorious mountain ranges and waterfalls.

It truly has it all .

The great thing about Sri Lanka is that due to its relatively small size, it’s easy to see all the best things in Sri Lanka in three weeks.

Below we go through our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary to make sure you don’t miss out.

I promise that after you leave this country, you’ll want to return ASAP and please invite me with you.

Check out our Youtube Video showcasing our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary!

Interactive map of our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary

Travellerspoint

Getting into the country: Visa requirements in Sri Lanka

Let’s start with the basics, getting a visa to Sri Lanka. It’s a requirement for most citizens and it’s a fairly fuss-free and easy process that you can sort prior to your stay.

The Sri Lanka visa works on an ETA basis (electronic) and you make the application online here .

It takes a few minutes and it grants you 30 days into the country which can be extended in Colombo for up to six months.

There are a few people who are exempt from the ETA visa. This includes nationals from

The Sri Lankan Visa costs $35 dollars for 30 days and you pay online.

You don’t need to print anything off as it’s all linked up to your passport. (I know this because I printed stuff off and didn’t need it).

The SAARC countries are $20.

There is currently free entry into Sri Lanka for up to 50 countries, so make the most and visit soon!

If you don't wish to handle the stresses of the visa application service yourself, you can use an online service such as Natvisa . You fill out their auto-generated forms, upload the necessary documents, pay their service fee and then they handle the rest.

*Covid update** Some people can now enter Sri Lanka under their Safe and Secure program, which involves PCR tests, quarantine within a hotel (but you're able to use the facilities) and the ability to visit Covid secure tourist sights. You can find out all the information on this here .

Read Also: Things To Pack For Sri Lanka

Extending your Sri Lanka Visa

If you love the country as much as we did (we wanted to stay longer but time was a constraint) then you can, of course, extend your visa.

You can do this in Colombo and it takes a couple of hours.

The fees for different countries are as follows.

Our 3 week Sri Lanka Itinerary

Okay, so now that we’ve got you into the country, we can get started on your amazing route.

Below I’ve included a picture of our specific route for your convenience.

The best and most obvious place to start any Sri Lanka itinerary is from Colombo.

This is because you will fly into Negombo.

So whether you are heading north or south or even east, you can check out the capital city first.

Please note that we rented out our own Tuk Tuk with a fantastic, reputable company (the reviews speak for themselves) to fulfil our three week itinerary in Sri Lanka.

We found this was the best way to see the country, engage with the locals and get off the beaten track.

An amazing experience that we go into detail here.

This route goes north first, and if you’re wondering why, it’s due to the time of year.

The monsoon is split between two in Sri Lanka, so follow our Sri Lanka itinerary then you’ll get the best weather in all the best destinations and avoid most of the monsoon.

Psst: You can get 5% off your TukTuk booking with the code DreamBigTravelFar

Stop 1: Colombo - 1 night

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and there is some debate on whether it’s worth stopping. I think yes.

It gives you a chance to gather any information about the country, it also gives you the chance to extend your visa, apply for a driving license (if you’re driving a tuk-tuk).

Plus there are some things to do in Colombo.

There is a little “European street” that offers a variety of modern restaurants from around the world, such as Spanish tapas, French, Indonesian and much more.

It’s a nice place to celebrate your first night Sri Lanka.

There are also shopping opportunities in Colombo and a TGI Fridays.

Yes, go ahead, judge me. :P

• Where we stayed: My Little Island Hostel

TOUR: Take a half day city tour of Colombo here.

Stop 2: Wilpattu National Park - 1 night

Our next stop was a safari experience .

I researched many safaris in Sri Lanka and this was my favourite because of the high chance to see leopards.

In the end, we didn’t see any, but we saw lots of other great animals (including my favourite- elephants!) and the safari camp we stayed in was amazing.

You got to dine underneath the stars.

You only need one night to do the safari experience.

• ‍ Where we stayed: Big Game Camp

Check out my guide for booking a safari in Sri Lanka.

Stop 3: Anuradhapura - 2 nights

The next stop on this Sri Lanka itinerary is the cultural capital of Anuradhapura.

It’s filled with lots of temples, stupas and historical sights, so you could easily spend a couple of days discovering this city.

• Where we stayed: Umaya holiday home

Stop 4: Trincomalee - 2 nights

Trincomalee is your first taste of the coast and it’s beautiful. It's a great spot for whale watching.

A 2-night stay is definitely a good idea, and we would head early from Anuradhapura (it’s only 2 hours away) to get a full day of sun.

You could easily spend longer, but in the interest of a three week itinerary for Sri Lanka, 2 nights in enough.

• ‍ Where we stayed: Pleasant park holiday inn

Stop 5: Sigiriya - 1 night

Sigiriya is famous for its Lion Rock, the world heritage site and it’s one of my favourite places in Sri Lanka.

1 night is definitely enough here as there’s not that much to do. You can do both rocks climbs in one day.

You can also pop to Dambulla and visit the Rock Cave Temple their too!

Where we stayed: Cassandra Culture Resort and Spa

Stop 6: Kandy - 1 night

Now we are heading towards the hill country of Sri Lanka.

1 night in Kandy is enough to see the royal botanical gardens, temples etc.

Just head out early and you’ll get it all!

• ‍ Where we stayed: Nelenisa Kandy

Stop 7: Nuwara Eliya - 2 nights

The drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya was great, as you can stop at so many amazing tea plantations for super cheap but delicious tea.

You can also get the “famous” train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.

There are lots to do in Nuwara Eliya, including fabulous waterfalls .

But you also need a day to go Trek Little worlds end at Hortons National Park.

It’s colder up here, which is one of the reasons why it's known so affectionately as little England!

Don't forget to book your Kandy to Ella train ride in advance .

• ‍ Where we stayed: VIlla Mount Royal

Stop 8: Ella - 3 nights

Ella is amazing and without a doubt one of the best place in Sri Lanka.

Regardless of your final Sri Lanka itinerary, you should include Ella on it. Amazing hills and mountains to climb, beautiful scenery and a great atmosphere of bars and clubs.

• ‍ Where we stayed: Chamara Homestay

Stop 9: Arugam Bay - 3 nights

We are heading back to the beach!

Arugam Bay is famous for its atmosphere and it’s surfing.

It’s a perfect place to meet other travellers, party and learn to surf.

You could spend ages here getting into the laid-back lifestyle, but three to four nights is a good amount. (Especially if you don’t surf). Three nights also gives you a chance to visit nearby Yala national park.

• ‍ Where we stayed:   Lazy Bay

Stop 10: Mirissa - 2 nights

Mirissa is the south of Sri Lanka and a perfect place to surf, relax and even party if you wish.

It’s got beautiful beaches and cheap cocktails and a great place to just take some time off.

You can learn to surf here too , excellent beginner waves.

Mirissa is close to Udawalawe national park which you can visit too if you haven't done a safari yet.

• ‍ Where we stayed: I & I rest

Stop 11: Unawatuna - 2 nights

Unawatuna is another popular tourist area because it has some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, a surfers paradise, and filled with amazing shops and cafes. It’s also 20 minutes from Galle which is another great place to visit, but not worth staying overnight.

You could do more nights in Unawatuna too if you had time.

• ‍ Where we stayed: TYD location

You can stop at the turtle sanctuaries and the beautiful beaches there on your way back up. (This is why having your own transport is good!)

Stop 12: Colombo/Negombo - 1 night

The end of your journey is here. Stay in either Colombo or Negombo to gain easy access to the airport before your flight.

• ‍ Where we stayed:   Palms Villa (Just a 10 minute Uber ride from the airport)

TOTAL: 21 days = Three Weeks!

I will be totally honest and say that Brad and I were in Sri Lanka for almost four weeks, but, that’s because we were in Arugam Bay longer (waiting on the arrival of a new laptop being delivered to us) and we went to Mullaitivu in the North, which was so bad and pointless that I did not bother including it on this list.

We were hoping to find out about the war, that’s why we went, but it’s truly not worth it (at least not at the time)

Getting from each place doesn’t take too long, so it’s easy to stick to this 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

This Sri Lanka itinerary allows you to see what I believe is the best of Sri Lanka in a relatively short period of time.

You could easily stay longer, but if you have only 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, then it’s best to stick to just one region, such as the South East, don’t try and squeeze everything in.

There are of course other places to stop, but this 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary takes you through the best.

Getting around Sri Lanka

Now that you’ve discovered a great backpacking Sri Lanka route , you’ll need to know how to get from place to place.

You can easily navigate Sri Lanka via bus, train and taxi. Train travel is regarded as the most beautiful way to travel through the hill country, and it’s one of the cheapest forms of travels.

You can book train travel in Sri Lanka online with ease thanks to 12Go Asia. Search and book here.

Taxis aren’t overpriced for the distance you are going, so they’re good for people who prefer the convenience and air conditioning!

You can also take a private car with a private driver, but of course, this will be costly, it just all depends on your overall Sri Lanka budget.

But, I personally think the best way to travel is via your own tuk-tuk. It’s an experience like no other, and how many people can say the drove through a country in a tuk-tuk. It was super safe, I felt safer in my tuk-tuk than a taxi!

The company we went with is the only official one, and they offer insurance, driving lesson and so much more, and you can easily see from the reviews that not a single person has had an issue.

If you want to explore more of a country, more than every other tourist sees, then this is the way to do it, plus you get to drive through national parks where you can see elephants on the road!

READ: Our guide on everything you need to know about getting around Sri Lanka

What was our budget for Sri Lanka?

If you're wondering about your 3 weeks in Sri Lanka budget, then you'll be happy to hear it's not expensive.

If you stick to buses, trains, or tuk-tuk rental, your transport will be cheap.

Hotels, guest house, hostels are all cheap and good value and there is something to suit everyone.

Food is also crazy cheap, and in places in Mirissa, alcohol is great value.

The most expensive things will be your entrance to world heritage sites or safari days, but these costs are all worth it for the experience.

Our Sri Lanka itinerary takes you through all of the countries.

It doesn’t focus on one area, such as the hill country, or just the beaches.

It gives you a chance to see the whole country and the wonderful contrasts between the different areas.

When I go to a place, I want to experience it all and I feel like I didn’t miss out on anything with my travel route.

On average, we spent between $20 and $25 a day, excluding the cost of our tuk-tuk rental , which was $18 a day.

Final thoughts

In case you're wondering what cameras we used for these photos.

• ‍ Canon G7x Mark II : Brilliant little point and shoot, video recording for creating travel videos and vlogging camera. Good for quality photos and keeping your equipment light. ‍
• Tripod:  We carry a travel tripod to take some pictures together or get unique shots.
• Memory cards: I use 64G sandisk, and carry about 6 in a box. Always back stuff up to a harddrive! ‍
• Mavic Pro Drone:  Our baby mavic is high quality, worth a lot of money and worth it for the beauty it captures. There are more new drones out, but this is honestly perfect.

So there you have it, my 3 week Sri Lanka travel itinerary. I hope you’ve enjoyed it and I hope it gives you a rough idea of a route to travel when planning your trip to Sri Lanka.

I hope you have an amazing trip and comment below with any more suggestions!

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

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3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary: The Perfect Travel Guide

We know first-hand that with so much to think about, planning a trip to Sri Lanka can seem pretty daunting, especially with kids! We’ve put together a 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary as the ultimate guide for your adventure so that you can stop stressing and make the most of every moment.

Three weeks is enough time for you to explore Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes , take a wildlife safari , experience the vibrant culture and enjoy its iconic attractions.

Sri Lanka has a perfect blend of beaches , hills , and remarkable wildlife and is a captivating destination for both families and solo travellers looking for adventure . We visited in March, just before the monsoon season hit the south coast, and fell head over heels for this friendly country. With its distinctive culture , great food and kind people, we are confident that you will love Sri Lanka too!

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🌟 Sri Lanka Route:  Colombo, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Udawalawe, Ella, Kandy, Sigiriya, Negombo 🌟 Best Wildlife Safari:  Udawalawe Safari 🌟 Best Surf Beach:  Mirissa Beach 🌟 Best Hike:  Ella Rock and Pidurangala Rock

3-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary: Overview

Most Sri Lanka itineraries will start at the Colombo International Airport, where most travellers arrive before travelling south or east .

The most popular route is Colombo to Sigiriya , taking in the Golden Triangle, before heading off to the coast. We were visiting Sri Lanka with family, so the beaches had to come first for us!

Our plan took us south from Colombo to Mirissa, starting with beautiful beaches and wildlife. We then immersed ourselves in Sri Lankan culture in Ella, Kandy, and Sigiriya. Our final leg took us back to the coast at Negombo, which has luxury beachfront hotels and a great choice of restaurants.

This day-by-day Sri Lanka itinerary works just as well in reverse, and with a huge range of things to do in Sri Lanka , you can adapt it for your own unique adventure.

➡️Day 1-2: Colombo Explore the colonial architecture & colourful markets

➡️Day 3-5: Hikkaduwa Beaches, snorkelling, surfing & turtles

➡️Day 6-9: Mirissa Beaches, surfing, whale watching and picturesque views

➡️Day 10: Udawalawe See wild elephants on an Udawalawe Safari 

➡️Day 11-14: Ella Discover Ella’s stunning views, hikes and waterfalls

➡️Day 15-16: Kandy Take the iconic Ella to Kandy Train

➡️Day 17-19: Sigiriya Hike Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock for Sunrise or Sunset

➡️Day 20-21: Negombo Return to the beach for relaxation

Week 1: Coastal And Southern Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is perhaps best known for its pristine beaches and wildlife. There is certainly no shortage of things to do. You can immerse yourself in history by exploring gems such as Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 16th century, swim with turtles in Hikkaduwa or take a surf lesson off the coast of Mirissa!

We really enjoyed the mix of culture, relaxation and family friendly activities. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, take your pick from water sports, hiking and whale watching, or if you have the time and the budget, perhaps try them all!

Sri Lanka Itinerary Days One – Two: Colombo

Colombo offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s dynamic culture with its mix of colonial architecture and traditional buildings. This vibrant, bustling city is always on the go but is well worth a whistle-stop tour.

How To Get From Bandaranaike International Airport To Colombo

The airport is 30km from Colombo city. A private transfer can take 40+ minutes, depending on traffic. There are other cheaper but slower options to get into the city; these include taking a taxi for around $10 US (LKR 3500) via the PickMe app or boarding the Colombo Express bus for $1.60 US.

Things To Do In Colombo

• Discover Colombo’s colonial architecture
• Stroll through Viharamahadevi Park and Independence Square
• Visit the National Museum, Jami UI-Alfar Mosque and Gangaramaya Temple
• Experience a traditional Sri Lankan markets in Pettah

Whatever else you plan to do in Sri Lanka, Colombo should be on your itinerary. Although it differs greatly from the rest of the country, you will learn a lot about Sri Lanka’s colonial history and gain an appreciation of the mixed cultures that make it truly unique.

➡️ Click Here To Book Your City Tour of Colombo!

Where To Eat In Colombo

🌟 Fire and Ice – A western style pizzeria. Great tasting pizza and pasta with fair prices and good service.

🌟 Ranbath – Traditional Sri Lankan food. A huge range of organic, vegetarian and vegan dishes and super tasty!

Where To Stay In Colombo

📍 Hotel MaRadha Colombo – A well located, family friendly hotel with a pool and a great breakfast!

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Stay in Colombo

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Three – Five: Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a coastal town with good beaches, turtles, and popular surf breaks! This makes it a favourite destination for water enthusiasts and sunseekers alike.

How To Get From Colombo To Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is 100 kms (60 miles) from Colombo. You have the option of Bus, train, private transfer or taxi.

Things To Do In Hikkaduwa

• Relax on the beach
• Snorkel or surf
• Find out about Turtle conservation efforts in Sri Lanka
• Indulge in traditional Sri Lankan food – Roti, hoppers, Wadiya, curry, kottu & Pittu

Hikkaduwa is a very popular holiday destination with a long stretch of beach. It is, therefore, significantly busier than some of the other less visited towns.

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Hikkaduwa Tour!

Where To Eat In Hikkaduwa

🌟 Canal View – Traditional Homemade Sri Lankan Food. A huge selection of dishes, all at reasonable prices. A great family choice.

Where To Stay In Hikkaduwa

📍 Virage Beach House – A comfortable, reasonably priced hotel with a good breakfast, and, as the name suggests, it’s right on the beach!

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Stay in Hikkaduwa

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Six – Nine: Mirissa

Mirissa is renowned for its stunning palm-fringed beaches , vibrant nightlife, surfing and whale spotting , offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on the south coast of Sri Lanka.

How To Get From Hikkaduwa To Mirissa

Mirissa is 55 km (34 miles) from Hikkaduwa. You can take the Bus, train (not advised due to overcrowding), private transfer or taxi. We requested a stop in the historic city of Galle on the way to Mirissa to explore the fort and a spice garden tour.

Things To Do In Mirissa

• Visit the historic Galle Fort en route to Mirissa
• Beach time by day and night with perfect viewpoints for sunset
• Whale-watching tour
• Surfing & snorkelling
• Turtle conservation on the beach
• Visit Parrot Rock, Coconut Tree Hill and Secret Beach for picturesque views
• Explore the nearby town of Weligama

Mirissa is our favourite beach town to explore, surf and snorkel with turtles . We could have stayed longer. Mirissa also works as a base to make day trips to other beaches along the south coast of Sri Lanka.

➡️ Click Here To Book Tours In Mirissa!

Where To Eat In Mirissa

🌟 Various restaurants and cafes are available within walking distance of Mirissa Beach. The Slow restaurant on the beach was one of our favourites; the setting was perfect, and meals were freshly prepared.

Where to Stay in Mirissa

📍 Wood Lodge – Traditional Sri Lankan accommodation with good sized room, decent breakfast and a short walk to the beach. Not too far out of town for restaurants and shops.

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Stay in Mirissa!

Week 2: Hill Country and Tea Plantations Sri Lanka

Distinguished by lush tea plantations , mist-shrouded mountains , and cascading waterfalls , this scenic area includes towns such as Nuwara Eliya and Ella . Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the landscape, venture into verdant surroundings, and visit renowned Sri Lankan tea estates to observe the craftsmanship behind Ceylon tea production.

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Ten: Udawalawe Safari

Udawalawe, located in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned for its elephant population congregating at Udawalawe National Park, which is a must-do safari for kids.

How To Get From Mirissa To Udawalawe

Mirissa to Udawalawe is 100 km (60 miles). You can take the Bus, private transfer or taxi.

Things To Do In Udawalawe

• Travel to Udawalawe for an extra special safari in Udawalawe National Park.
• Witness elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, deer and various bird species in their natural habitat.
• Take a Sri Lankan cooking class
• Chill by the pool

Taking an Udawalawe Safari virtually guarantees an elephant encounter and it did not disappoint. We saw many elephants and other amazing wildlife on our three hour tour including several menacingly named ‘Mugger’ Crocodiles. These had recently ambushed a water buffalo and had started to tuck-in, grim but incredible to see!

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Udawalawe Safari

We took a daytime safari to allow us to complete our journey from Mirissa to Ella in a single day. You may, however, see more active wildlife on an early morning safari before the sun has fully risen. Staying in Udawalawe for a night before would be advisable to avoid an early departure.

Where To Eat In Udawalawe

🌟 Common Rose Restaurant – Good Asian and Sri Lankan food. There is not a huge choice in Udawalawe. This was a little more expensive than some restaurants but we enjoyed our meal here.

Where to Stay in Udawalawe

📍 Nature Hous e – Good, clean traditional accommodation. Described as rustic, it is a comfortable setting and serves breakfast. Well located for a next day safari in the National Park.

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Stay in Udawalawe!

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Eleven – Fourteen: Ella

Ella is a picturesque hill town surrounded by tea fields. Expect a cooler but humid climate and tropical rainfall, giving lush greenery. Ella is popular with hikers and those seeking one of the most famous places in Sri Lanka, Nine Arch Bridge.

How To Get From Udawalwe To Ella

Ella is 100 km (60 miles) from Udawalwe. You can take the Bus, private transfer or taxi.

Things To Do In Ella

• Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge
• Hike to Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak for stunning views
• View local waterfalls like Ravana
• Relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Ella
• Take the Ella to Kandy scenic train through lush tea plantations
• Take a day trip to Diyaluma Falls

The scenery, atmosphere and activity options make Ella a special place to visit, but expect lots of tourists. We also enjoyed seeing families of wild monkeys.

Embark on a 7-hour picturesque train journey through the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations in the hill country, offering awe-inspiring scenery.

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Ella Tour!

Where To Eat In Ella

🌟 There is no shortage of cafes and restaurants in Ella. Our favourite was the Rainbow Cafe , but, having eaten in several, you can’t really go wrong here.

Where To Stay In Ella

📍 Ella Country House is ideally located close to the main street in Ella and the train station. You will be close to restaurants without having to tackle steep hills. We paid around $50 US per night for a four bed room with breakfast included.

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Room In Ella

Week 3: Cultural Triangle Sri Lanka

Central Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle includes historic cities like Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya . Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Dambulla Cave Temple and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, highlighting the nation’s rich cultural and architectural legacy.

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Fifteen – Sixteen: Kandy

Surrounded by lush landscapes, Kandy offers a blend of rich history , vibrant festivals , and scenic beauty in the heart of the island. Although some only spend one day in Kandy, Sri Lanka, we recommend two days to fit in the top things to do.

How To Get From Ella To Kandy

Kandy is 140 km (87 miles) from Ella. You have the option of Bus, train, private transfer or taxi. The most popular option is the scenic Ella to Kandy train, which takes you through stunning green scenery, although it’s not too dissimilar to what you see around Ella if you’d rather take a quicker route by road.

Things To Do In Kandy

• Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic
• Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
• Enjoy a cultural dance performance
• Indulge in the tea-making process on a factory tour
• Take a walk around Kandy Lake

There are many things to do in Kandy, our favourite being a tour of the New Giragama Tea Factory. Understanding the history of Ceylon Tea was fascinating.

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Kandy Tour!

Where To Eat In Kandy

🌟 We enjoyed a good family meal at the Hideout L ounge . The menu options were good, with decent prices and friendly staff (and a dog).

Where To Stay In Kandy

📍There is no shortage of choice when it comes to accommodation options. We stayed for two nights in the Radisson Hotel Kandy which was comfortable, clean and had an excellent breakfast.

Centrally located, it was a short walk around the lake into the city centre. While exploring, we saw many exotic birds and enormous water monitors ; don’t get too close, their bite is extremely toxic!

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Room In Kandy

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Seventeen – Nineteen: Sigiriya

Sigiriya is much more than the site of the ancient rock fortress that rises dramatically from the surrounding plains. It is the perfect spot for sunrise hikes and for relaxing in tranquillity. It also provides a gateway to other ancient wonders.

How To Get From Kandy To Sigiriya

Kandy to Sigiriya is 90 km (56 miles) by road. You can take the Bus, private transfer or taxi.

Things To Do In Sigiriya

• Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) and its ancient rock paintings
• Hike Pidurangala Rock for perfect sunrise views of Sigiriya
• Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple
• Hot Air Balloon over the Golden Triangle
• Take a safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park
• Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
• Family Sri Lankan cooking class

Our time in Sigiriya was for soaking up natural wonders and relaxing. We highly recommend doing the Pidurangala Rock hike for sunrise. The panoramic views of Lion Rock are worth the early start. Alternatively, you can climb the 1,200 steps for the views from the fortress or do both and climb it for sunset.

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Sigiriya Tour

Where To Eat In Sigiriya

🌟 We felt our choice was slightly limited in Sigiriya although this was perhaps in keeping with the less touristy vibe. Traditional Sri Lankan food was the main option in our hotel and in the few cafes we looked in. We did however have the best Sri Lankan vegetable curry of our whole stay at the S.L.Kafé, while we were in Sigiriya!

Where To Stay In Sigiriya

📍 Palitha Homestay – Superb location and great value for money with included breakfast. Bikes are available for hire and are a great option for getting around.

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Stay in Sigiriya

Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Twenty – Twenty One: Negombo

Negombo, is a coastal city known for its vibrant fish markets , beaches , and Dutch-influenced architecture . The city is a gateway for travellers arriving or departing from Sri Lanka and, in our opinion, worth visiting for a day or two.

How To Get From Sigiriya To Negombo & Colombo Airport

Negombo is 145 km (90 miles) from Sigiriya by road. You can travel by bus, private transfer or taxi. This was the least scenic journey of our 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary and one of the longest completed in one stretch.

Note: When it comes to flying home, Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo Airport!) is actually closer to Negombo than Colombo. Taxis to the airport cost around 2000 LKR ($6 US). Book transport in advance.

Things To Do In Negombo

• Travel to Negombo for some relaxation by the beach
• Explore the Negombo Fish Market and Dutch Canal
• Indulge in some souvenir shopping

Negombo is a popular holiday destination with plenty of resort accommodation. We liked that many tourist shops and restaurants lined the beach. Seeing 1000’s of fish being sun-dried at the market is worth seeing. We got a nice sunset for our final night in Sri Lanka

Where To Eat In Negombo

🌟 We don’t have a specific recommendation here but there are plenty of restaurants situated on the street parallel to the beach to suit all tastes. Booking might be necessary at peak times.

Where To Stay In Negombo

📍 Holiday Fashion Inn – Not a big brand but something much more cosy and personal! Friendly hotel with a small pool in a good location. Walking distance to several shops and restaurants

➡️ Click Here To Book Your Room In Negombo

Is 3 Weeks In Sri Lanka Enough?

We recommend at least 3-weeks in Sri Lanka for your first visit to cover the main attractions on the island and get a real feel for the country. It’s certainly a good amount of time to start with, but don’t worry if you have less time, there’s still plenty to do.

7-10 Days In Sri Lanka

A 7 to 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary will still give you a taste of the country. We suggest focussing on one or two destinations in either the cultural triangle or the South Coast. Depending on your interests, you may want to limit your travel further and make the most of what Colombo or Negombo has to offer and do day trips.

One Month Or More In Sri Lanka

With more than a month in Sri Lanka, you can cover much more of the country.

As well as spending more time in places on this three-week itinerary, you could venture to other destinations, such as the stunning beaches of Arugam Bay and Trincomalee on the East Coast. You can also add additional day trips, such as exploring more of the cultural triangle; there was plenty more we’d have done with more time!

Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka

The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on the region you plan to visit and what you want to experience. The country experiences two monsoon seasons that affect different parts of the island at different times of the year.

The southwest, which is influenced by the Yala Monsoon (May to September), and the northeast, affected by the Maha Monsoon (October to March). The peak tourist season (December to March) is when the weather is generally dry and pleasant across the most popular regions on this day by day itinerary of Sri Lanka.

Keep in mind that Sri Lanka’s weather can be unpredictable. The inter-monsoon periods (April to June and September to November) may bring some rain to various parts of the island. Be prepared with waterproofs.

Getting Around Sri Lanka

Knowing how to travel in Sri Lanka can save you time and money. The country may appear small, but be prepared for longer travel times than you may expect due to traffic and poor road conditions. There are many options to get around Sri Lanka, with public transport being the most budget friendly .

A popular and common sight in Sri Lanka is the ubiquitous tuk-tuk. You can hire them for the day or for the full duration of your trip. Alternatively, you can flag down a driver for a one-off trip; just be ready to negotiate the price!

A word of caution : although tuk-tuks look fun, they are uncomfortable for long distances and may not be suitable if you have young children or lots of luggage.

Regular public buses cover most areas of the country and are the most cost-effective way to travel. Unfortunately, whilst they may be cheap, they are often very crowded and lack air conditioning. If you are backpacking Sri Lanka, this is definitely your budget friendly option.

By Rental Car

Driving In Sri Lanka is not for the faint-hearted, but if you are used to Asian driving, hiring a rental car may be a suitable option.

Rental cars can be collected from the airport and we were approached by many agents offering us ‘cheap’ deals. While undoubtedly cheap, we recommend avoiding these and booking online before arrival to avoid potential insurance issues. As we were visiting Sri Lanka with family we opted for private transfers that could comfortably accommodate us for long distances.

Travelling by train in Sri Lanka is cheap and reliable but can often be overcrowded and hot. The train network covers the main tourist sites but not the whole country, so the journey may need to be completed by alternative transport.

The Kandy to Ella train is popular for its picturesque journey through lush green tea plantations. We travelled by second class, which was only half full and was perfectly comfortable.

By Taxi/Rideshare ( Uber or PickMe)

Ride-sharing services like Uber and PickMe are available at the airport but are prohibited in places like Ella.

Taxis are widely available across Sri Lanka, and while they are more expensive, they are still reasonable. Drivers are often willing to drive long distances and may offer to cover your entire itinerary for a negotiated price.

This can be a great option but don’t be talked into giving the full amount up-front unless you are booking through an official agent. We staged payments to our driver, covering fuel and food costs until the journey was complete.

➡️ Book Your Rental Car Here!

What You Need To Know Before Visiting Sri Lanka

1 | sri lanka visa – 30 days.

While you can get a Visa on arrival for $60 US, there are often long waits at the airport. The cheapest ($50 US) and easiest way is to apply for a Sri Lanka Visa a few days before arrival by visiting the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization website . Double-entry visas last for 30 days, and children under 12 years old enter free.

2 | Plan Your Trip To Avoid Monsoon Season

With two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka, you may wish to ensure your visit does not coincide with one! The South Coast is mostly dry between December and March, while the East Coast is wet then and dryer from April to September.

3 | Respect Areas Of Worship – Cover Knees And Shoulders

Cover up and dress appropriately when in public by covering your knees and shoulders, especially in places of worship. Having your back facing Buddha can cause offence; be mindful of this when taking photographs.

4 | Tap Water Is Not Drinkable

Tap water in Sri Lanka doesn’t always meet the standards required for drinking. However, bottled water is readily available throughout the country. To avoid illness, teeth should be brushed in bottled water.

5 | Don’t Ride Elephants

Sri Lanka has a high concentration of domestic and wild elephants. Unfortunately, it is still common for elephant rides to be offered to tourists and, whatever else you may be told, this is not good for them! Please do not ride the elephants instead, take a trip to one of the National Parks where you can see wild elephants roaming free.

Visiting Sri Lanka: FAQ

How many days in sri lanka is enough.

Depending on your preferences, the ideal itinerary in Sri Lanka can range between 10 days to over a month. We found a 3-week itinerary allowed us to cover Colombo, Kandy, Ella and the cultural triangle without feeling rushed. We had plenty of time to explore the landscape, experience the culture and relax between travel days.

Is Sri Lanka Easy To Get Around?

Sri Lanka is easily navigated around on a budget by bus, train and tuk-tuk. It may, however, take you much longer to reach your destination than you have planned. Private transfers may also be more convenient, comfortable and reliable, but they do come at a price!

Can I drink Tap Water In Sri Lanka?

Tap water in Sri Lanka is best avoided as it can cause some people to become ill. Bottled water is easily available and is recommended for drinking and brushing teeth.

Is Sri Lanka Tourist Friendly?

Sri Lanka is a friendly nation, especially towards tourists. Their warm hospitality is given freely, but please respect their culture and nature.

Final Thoughts: 3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary

If you’re planning an itinerary for Sri Lanka, three weeks is a great amount of time to allow you to get the most from your trip. The island has many activities suitable for all ages, from exploring the beaches and mountain tracks to experiencing the wildlife and culture .

We thoroughly enjoyed our Sri Lanka family trip. All three generations, from kids to grandparents, took home lifelong memories. Mirissa, Ella and Sigiriya were our favourite destinations, with surfing, safari, and hiking being our top activities.

Tom and Katie are the owners and co-authors of Trekking The Dream, a family travel blog that helps families create their own world travel adventures. As parents, they are on a mission to inspire families to explore the world through travel adventures and make lasting memories along the way. With over 16 years of family travel experience, they've learned the ins and outs of family-friendly destinations, tips for travelling with kids and teens, and how to turn ordinary trips into extraordinary adventures.

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Sri Lanka Route

The ultimate travel itinerary for Sri Lanka in 4 weeks, 3 weeks or even in 2 weeks! In this article, we share our favorite destination in three different itineraries to discover this beautiful island. From the cozy suffers atmosphere in Hikkaduwa to spending the night among the elephants at The Kingdom Ecolodge . Read on quickly for our ultimate Sri Lanka itinerary!

What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka

The best travel time to visit Sri Lanka is from February to April. During these two months you have the least chance of rain in all regions. Sri Lanka has a combination of different climates and two monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon is called the Yala and lasts from mid-May to late September. During this period it is dry in the east and north. From October to mid-April is the northeast monsoon, called the Maha. Then more rain falls in the northeast and east. The bottom line is that there is always a shower somewhere in Sri Lanka. The worst months to visit Sri Lanka are from October through December. That’s when a lot of rain falls all over the island.

How many weeks do you need for your Sri Lanka trip

Sri Lanka is relatively small about 1.5 times the Netherlands, making it a perfect destination if you have a little less time. Moreover, the travel distances are short so fortunately you don’t lose days traveling which really makes Sri Lanka a top destination to see a lot in a short period of time.

3 weeks or more is perfect for exploring Sri Lanka. In 3 weeks you can perfectly combine nature, history, wildlife and beach. 2 weeks for Sri Lanka is also possible, but that is the minimum number of days to make a nice tour of the island. We had a total of 4 weeks, which was perfect for us! We were able to see a lot and travel slowly.

From north to south? Or the other way around!

We decided to start in the south and end in the north. This is because we were already in Sri Lanka in mid-February and the climate in the north can still be quite unpredictable then. In retrospect, we regretted this a bit. Indeed, the south is quite hip, crowded and lots of beach. But when we just arrived in Sri Lanka, I just needed to see a lot, eat local food and couldn’t really find the peace to sit with my bottom in the sand or appreciate the hip hot spots on the south coast yet.

The beach and hip eateries as a finale might have been a little better, because after 2 weeks of curry for breakfast, lunch and dinner and miles in the legs, I was so hungry for hip smoothies and relaxing on the beach.

Sri Lanka itinerary 4 weeks

• Negombo (or Colombo) – 2 nights
• Anuradhapura & Wilpattu – 2 nights
• Trincomalee – 2 nights
• Sigiriya – 2 nights
• Kandy – 2 nights
• Nuwara Eliya – 1 night
• Ella – 3 nights
• Arugam Bay – 3 nights
• The Kingdom Ecolodge of Yala National Park – 1 night
• Tangalle – 2 nights
• Mirissa or Dickwella – 2 nights
• Galle -1 night
• Hikkaduwa – 2 nights
• Negombo – 1 night

Sri Lanka route 3 weeks

• Sigiriya – 1 night

Sri Lanka itinerary 2 weeks

• Negombo (or Colombo) – 1 night
• Kandy – 1 night
• Ella – 2 nights
• The Kingdom Ecolodge of Yala National Park / Yala National park – 1 night

Which destinations should definitely not be missed in Sri Lanka

We like some quiet places, lots of nature but also the occasional trendy smoothie bowl is not wrong either. We would NEVER skip the following destinations:

• The Kingdom Ecolodge: sleeping among the elephants. We found this to be one of our highlights during our trip through Sri Lanka
• Hikkaduwa: relaxed surfer vibe. Be sure to book accommodation near Narigama Beach.
• Dickwella: super cozy charming surfers place
• Tangla Lé: if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the south coast
• Ella: the green heart of Sri Lanka

Extra mention for Arugam Bay, which we unfortunately had to skip but was high on the list. We hear only positive stories about this. It is a hip surfer town with a laid-back vibe and hip hotspots.

The ultimate backpacking itinerary through Sri Lanka

Although you land in Sri Lanka’s capital, we found Negombo to be a better starting point for our trip. In terms of distance from the airport, it makes almost no difference from Colombo. Why Negombo? The city is a lot cozier, quieter and cleaner than Sri Lanka’s capital and is just as conveniently located from the airport (20 -30 minute drive). We booked 2 nights here because we didn’t arrive until late in the evening and could take it easy on our first real day in Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura & Wilpattu -.

Travel time from Negombo to Anuradhapura: 2 hours by cab or 4 hours by bus

Anuradhapura is the city in Sri Lanka for visiting various temples. The city itself is not very beautiful, but it is the place where you have a chance to learn more about Sri Lankan culture and history. Moreover, you can perfectly combine Anuradhapura with Wilpattu National Park. However, during our search for a nice safari in Sri Lanka, we read varying stories about Yala and Udawalawe. It would be very crowded and some people would also have their questions about animal welfare. Therefore, we decided to skip these 2 parks and end our trip in Sri Lanka with a safari in Wilpattu.

Trincomalee

Travel time from Anuradhapura to Trincomalee 2 hours by cab or 4 hours by bus

If you want to start or end your trip with some days at the beach, Trincomalee is the perfect stop. Is it an absolute must-visit? It might not. If you don’t have that much time to explore Sri Lanka, you could skip Trincomalee. Because we had a little longer and wanted to finish with a few days on the beach, we still found Trincomalee to be a fine destination.

Travel time from Trincomalee to Sigiriya 2 hours by cab or 4 hours by bus

Sigiriya is where you can admire the famous Lion Rock. But even beyond this world-famous attraction, Sigiriya has much more to offer, including the ancient botanical gardens, the palace and the beautiful surroundings. We found this to be a very nice destination.

Travel time from Trincomalee to Sigiriya 2 hours by cab, 3 hours by bus or book a day trip from Kandy to Sigiriya by tuktuk making several stops along the way

If we are completely honest we did not find Kandy fantastic, but for a night it is a fine stopover. It is for most people the start or end point of the famous train journey. We decided to book a food tour in Kandy which still made this a very nice destination during our trip.

Nuwara Eliya

Travel time from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya 4 hours by train

To break the 8-hour train ride from Kandy to Ella, we decided to book a night in Nuwara Eliya. Do leave early by train so that your day is still really meaningful. After all, the surroundings are beautiful. We rented a tuktuk for an afternoon to visit various tea plantations and waterfalls.

Travel time from Nuwara Eliya to Ella 4 hours by train

Ella should definitely not be missed during your Sri Lanka trip. It is the green heart of Sri Lanka. The surroundings are beautiful and you can spend a few days here just fine. From viewpoint hikes, jungle, giant waterfalls to scooter rides through the tea plantations. It’s all possible here.

The Kingdom Ecolodge of Yala National Park

Travel time from Ella to The Kingdom Ecolodge 4 hours by bus

Want to spot elephants without other tourists? With the assurance that the elephants have a fine and free existence? Where you wake up in the middle of nature? Then The Kingdom Ecolodge in Sri Lanka is a big fat tip!

Travel time from The Kingdom Ecolodge to Tangalle 4 hours by cab (very difficult to reach by ov)

After busy Mirissa and Unawatuna , we decided to spend a few days in Tangalle. Just what we needed. No trendy hotspots, busy roads or crammed beaches. Tangalle is a lovely quiet beach destination.

Mirissa or Dickwella

Travel time from Tangalle to Mirissa 2 hours by bus

Mirissa is one of the most popular beach destinations on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. From trendy hot spots to beach parties. Don’t expect an undiscovered gem. Mirissa is visited en masse throughout the year, and for good reason. Then again, we found Dickwella a little more relaxed, calm and still poopy hip though. You can surf perfectly here, so definitely recommended.

Tip! Mirissa, Unawatuna and Unawatuna are all close to each other. Choose one and visit the other places by scooter and/or tuktuk.

Travel time from Mirissa to Gallé 1 hour by bus

Absolutely a gem! Bit touristy, but that doesn’t make this old fort less beautiful. You can book a beautiful accommodation here, but it is not necessary. In fact, you can also visit Gallé just fine in a day from HIkkaduwa or Mirissa.

Travel time from Galle to Hikkaduwa 1 hour by bus

This small surfing town can be found about 100 kilometers from Colombo just north of Galle. Hikkaduwa is hip, cozy and just incredibly nice! It is the place to work on your surf skills and hang out at hip hot spots. Book an overnight stay near Narigama Beach. At this beach no big resorts but a nice quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

Curious about our favorite accommodations in Sri Lanka?

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3 WEEK SRI LANKA ITINERARY | Ultimate Guide

Planning your trip around Sri Lanka? We’ve got you covered. Our Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary is the ultimate guide for your trip. There is so much to see and do here and you are able to squeeze in an incredible amount of exploring in just 3 weeks in Sri Lanka. Follow our route guide to ensure you get the absolute most out of your time.

The beautiful island of Sri Lanka has it all. Beaches , mountains and amazing wildlife. We fell in love with this awesome country and its unique culture so easily, and we’re sure you will too.

Unlike most route guides for Sri Lanka we recommend going south first from Colombo towards Unawatuna , as opposed to heading east towards Kandy. The main reason for this was to beat the crowds for the Ella to Kandy scenic train journey, and it worked out perfectly for us.

Follow our Sri Lanka 3-week itinerary and you will see the very best that this island has to offer.

Disclaimer – This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a small commission if you make a purchase at NO extra cost to you. This will never impact our reviews and we only recommend products and services we firmly believe in. Thanks for your support!

Jump ahead to:

Sri Lanka 3 Week Itinerary

Day 1: negombo, day 2 – 4: unawatuna, day 5 – 7: mirissa, day 8 – 10: dikwella and hiriketiya, day 11 – 12: yala national park, day 13 – 16: ella, day 17: ella to kandy train, day 18: kandy, day 19 – 20: sigiriya, day 21: travel back to negombo.

Fly into the airport at Negombo. The airport is located near the capital city of Colombo. From the research we did and what we saw for ourselves, there really isn’t much to do around here. Head to your accommodation and recover from the day’s travel and get ready for a crazy 3-week adventure.

How to Get to Negombo:

From the airport, a cheap and safe option to your accommodation is Uber or the PickMe app .

Start your trip with a train journey to remember from Colombo Fort to Unawatuna. This quaint little coastal town is an awesome first stop on your trip. It is famous for its palm tree rope swings on the beach, has loads of turtles to swim with and lots of cool beaches to visit, including the amazing Dalawella Beach . Add in some great local food and fruit stalls and we are off to a winning start.

How to Get to Unawatuna

From Negombo, hop on the bus heading into Colombo city centre which costs 60LKR ($0.34USD) and takes 1 – 1.5 hours depending on traffic. From Colombo, the train goes every couple of hours from the main railway station, Colombo Fort, all the to Unawatuna and cost 240LKR ($1.40USD) per person. The train takes approximately 2.5 – 3 hours to reach Unawatuna.

Top Things to Do in Unawatuna

Visit dalawella beach.

Dalawella Beach is the main attraction in and around Unawatuna. This small stretch of coastline is packed full of awesome things to do and you could easily spend several days here (just like we did). The palm tree rope swing here is one of the most iconic spots on the South Coast and it’s hard to beat swinging underneath the giant palm tree at sunset.

Further down the beach you will find Wijaya Rock which is a giant boulder protruding from the beach that you can climb up to get a cool view of the surfers from above. Watch out for turtles as this particular part of the beach has loads of them.

The lagoon next to Wijaya Rock is an awesome place to spend the day and is ideal for floating around in to cool down. The local turtles often swim into this lagoon and if you’re lucky you may see one swim passed you in just a couple of feet of water. And if all this wasn’t enough to keep you entertained you can also surf here as well.

Jungle Beach

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Unawatuna town centre is Jungle Beach. Walk through the dense jungle and emerge onto a stunning beach completely enclosed by nature. Even though this beach is quite popular, it still feels far removed due to the epic jungle backdrop. Be careful not to leave any valuables around as the monkeys here don’t need much of a chance to come and steal your things.

Read our full blog on Unawatuna to find out more: The Ultimate Guide to Unawatuna

Where to Stay in Unawatuna

We stayed in Mr Funk’s Hostel which cost 2600LKR ($15USD) per night for a private double room with a fan. It is on the outskirts of Unawatuna so it’s a little bit of a trek from town, but we reckon it is worth the effort. They do amazing family meals most nights which helps create a really social atmosphere. The staff were always super helpful and we loved the overall vibe of the place.

Find more great places to stay in Unawatuna .

Our personal favourite place on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is a great place to surf, with a wide range of surf spots ranging from beginner to advanced. Be sure to include the unique Coconut Tree Hill , a peninsula of red soil filled with palm trees. More beaches, including Secret Beach Mirissa , some talented local artists, and a ridiculous amount of sweet places to watch sunset all make Mirissa absolutely incredible.

How to Get to Mirissa

From Unawatuna, take the public bus (a great way to travel on a budget), which costs 70 LKR ($0.40 USD) per person and takes 45 mins – 1 hour . It’s a pretty bus journey along the coast and buses leave every 5 minutes from the main road.

Top Things to Do in Mirissa

Coconut tree hill.

This place looks like it should be on Mars rather than on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Palm trees sprout up from the raw, red earth and have made for a completely unique landscape in the far corner of Mirissa. This is such an amazing landscape and was a brilliant place to watch the sunset with surfers catching waves and turtles swimming by in the waters below. It was very busy at sunset so head there for sunrise to try and beat the crowds.

Secret Beach

While this isn’t much of a secret anymore, it is still one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka . It is a short tuk tuk ride from the town centre and few people tend to make the effort to come out here. The day that we visited there were only a handful of other people on the beach.

There is a small lagoon with a rocky outcrop which offers a protected swimming area even on days when the water is rough. On more peaceful days you can snorkel around the outside of these rocks and look for turtles swimming in the water.

Read our full guide on Mirissa to find out more: Top 7 Things to Do in Mirissa

Where to Stay in Mirissa

If you want the most insane breakfast ever, we recommend staying at  Kavindi Guest House which costs 2400LKR ($14 USD) per night for a double room with a fan. This price also includes the breakfast which was a three course affair. A traditional Sri Lankan breakfast, eggs on toast and a fruit platter to top it all off.

Find other great places to stay in Mirissa .

Hiriketiya is one of the less talked about places on the south coast and is often overlooked by tourists. Make sure you don’t make the same mistake. The bay at Hiriketiya offers consistent surf for all levels and a really chilled out vibe. We loved surfing and hanging out at the beach here. It is also great having Dikwella only a 10 minute walk away, as it offers amazing local food – well worth the visit.

How to Get to Dikwella & Hiriketiya

There is a direct public bus between Mirissa and Dikwella but it doesn’t seem to come very often. The easiest way is to first get a bus from Mirissa to Matara, which is 30 LKR ($0.17 USD), and takes 25 minutes . Then jump on a second bus from Matara to Dikwella for 50LKR ($0.29 USD), which will take around 45 minutes on a local bus.

Top Things to Do in Hiriketiya

If you are visiting Hiri Beach then the main thing to do is catch some waves. Surfing is what has made this part of the south coast so popular in recent years. There are waves for all abilities, from beginners surfing for the first time, all the way to the more advanced surfers.

Even if you don’t surf, the stunning crescent shaped bay is a beautiful place to hang out and you can still enjoy the chilled out vibes here. The bay is surrounded on all sides by palm trees and is a short walk from Dikwella town centre which means it offers a nice and peaceful atmosphere

Chill out at Verse Collective

Verse Collective offers accommodation, a co-working space, cafe, skate ramp and some late night parties as well. It’s a great place to spend some time getting some work done, planning the next leg of your trip or simply just to chill out and relax. It was one of our favourite places to hang out at in the area and they do a mean grilled cheese sandwich.

Read our full blog on Dikwella and Hiriketiya to find out more: Hiriketiya Beach | 8 Awesome Things to Do

Where to Stay in Dikwella

We recommend staying at Chandra Holiday Home which cost 1800 LKR ($10 USD) a night here for a double room with a fan. It was right in between Hiri Beach and Dikwella, making it easy for us to get to both. It is also one of the few places that had a kitchen so you could cook your own meals.

Find other great places to stay in Dikwella and Hiriketiya .

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without going on a safari. Yala National Park offers the chance to see leopards, elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo and so much more all in their natural habitat. Take a jeep from the nearby town of Tissamaharama and enjoy your day on safari.

Read our full blog on Yala National Park: Everything You Need to Know About Yala National Park

How to Get to Yala National Park:

Public buses leave frequently from Dikwella heading towards Tissamaharama (the nearest town to the national park) and travel via Tangalle. They take around 2.5 hours and will cost 160LKR ($0.90 USD).

Where to Stay near Yala National Park

We stayed in the nearby town of Tissamaharama at Viveka Guesthouse which cost 1200LKR ($7.00 USD) for a double room with a fan. The main reason we recommend staying here is that we booked our jeep safari through the guesthouse and we were the first jeep through the gates on the morning of our safari.

Find many other great places to stay in Tissamaharama .

Ella is an amazing town nestled in amongst the mountains in the Sri Lankan countryside. It is about as scenic and beautiful a town as you could ever hope to see and is home to one of the most famous places in Sri Lanka, Nine Arch Bridge. It has some great hikes, scenic lookouts and is surrounded by lush tea fields. Ella is also a great base to do a day trip to Diyaluma Falls.

How to Get to Ella

You will have to get out of bed early to catch a direct bus to Ella from Tissamaharama. The last direct bus leaves the main bus station in Tissa at 8:20 am. There are no direct busses after this and we have heard it can make the journey much more difficult to leave in the afternoon. The journey on a local bus should cost around 180 LKR ($1 USD) and takes just over two hours.

Top Things to Do in Ella

9 arch bridge.

Hidden deep in the hills of Ella and surrounded by lush green tea fields is Nine Arch Bridge. This old stone bridge is absolutely spectacular and watching the classic blue train cross the tracks is a special moment on any trip around Sri Lanka.

There are many different vantage points to watch the trains go by and our favourite was a rickety wooden bench that had been built into one of the tea fields above the bridge. We also made sure to walk along the bridge and explore some of the tea fields directly below the bridge as well. This was the highlight of our time in Ella and we loved it so much we visited several times.

Climb Little Adam’s Peak

This is the easiest and best way to get a 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside. It is an easy 30-minute walk from town to the base of Little Adam’s Peak and this walk takes you right through some of the beautiful tea plantations. A short but tough 15-minute climb will take you to the summit where uninterrupted views of the mountains, including Ella Rock, are on offer. To get to the base, take the same road out towards Nine Arch Bridge but continue on until you reach Ella Flower Garden Resort and take the path upwards.

Diyaluma Falls

Venture to the top of Diyaluma Falls, the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and take a swim in the natural infinity pools at the top. This is one of the top attractions in the whole country and is a beautiful place far out in the rural Sri Lankan countryside.

Read our full blog on Ella for more: 11 Amazing Things to Do in Ella

Where to Stay in Ella

In Ella we highly recommend  Pub Ceylon Hoste l which cost 2300 LKR ($13.20 USD) per night for a double room with a fan. One of the nicest rooms we stayed in on our Sri Lanka trip. It is in the middle of town, which is super important in Ella as it is a very hilly place. Staying right in the centre may save you a lot of walking up and down hills.

Find other great places to stay in Ella .

This will probably be the highlight of your entire trip. This scenic train winds through the heart of the Sri Lankan hill country and provides 7 hours of breathtaking views. Hang out the open doorways of this iconic blue train and watch this stunning country drift by.

We found many people were disappointed by how busy the train was and didn’t have the experience they were expecting. We managed to have the perfect train ride and you should too if you follow our guidelines.

Read the full blog on the Ella to Kandy train ride here: 10 Things You Should Know About the Ella to Kandy Train

We are not huge city people so we only recommend spending the one day in Kandy, Sri Lanka . It is a lively and vibrant city with loads of shops, restaurants and street markets to explore. While you could spend an extra day or two here, we feel that your time will be much better spent elsewhere as the rest of the country has so much more to offer.

Sigiriya Rock (Lion Rock), an ancient fortress, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. People come to see this crazy 660-foot rock that juts out of the ground and dominates the skyline. Our trip here taught us that it is actually the neighbouring Pidurangala Rock hike that is the real treasure of Sigiriya.

A 4:30 am alarm will get you up in time to climb Pidurangala Rock for sunrise. The 360° views are jaw dropping, and watching the sun come up over the horizon and light up Sigiriya Rock in golden light was amazing. If you are looking to visit both Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock while you are here, then we recommend Pidurangala Rock at sunrise and Sigiriya Rock at sunset.

To find out more about Pidurangala Rock and Sigiriya, read our full blog post: Pidurangala Rock Hike, The Best Way to See Sigiriya Rock

How to Get to Sigiriya

It is really easy to take the public bus from Kandy to Sigiriya. Grab a bus to Dambulla from the main bus station, which is located just behind the train station in Kandy’s city centre. The bus costs approximately 200LKR ($1.14 USD) and took around 2 hours 15 minutes . Busses leave for Dambulla every half an hour from Kandy. From Dambulla take the bus to Sigiriya for 40LKR ($0.23 USD) which took us 30 minutes .

Where to Stay in Sigiriya

In Sigiriya we recommend staying at Kalana Homestay which cost 1740LKR ($9.90 USD) per night for a large double fan room. It was just a few minutes walk from Sigiriya Rock and right next to the handful of restaurants in town.

Find other great places to stay in Sigiriya .

After an action packed 3 weeks it’s time to head back to the airport at Negombo.

Similar to arriving in Sigiriya, the return route requires you to catch a bus from Sirigiya to Dambulla for 40LKR ($0.23 USD) which takes 30 minutes . From Dambulla, continue on to Kandy via public bus – costing approximately 200LKR ($1.14 USD) and taking around 2 hours 15 minutes . The last leg from Kandy to Negombo has a direct bus that drops you off outside the airport, costs 160LKR ($0.90 USD) and can take between 3 – 4 hours depending on traffic.

Other Destinations to Consider

Do you have more than just 3 weeks in Sri Lanka? If you do then there are a couple of other destinations you should add to your travel plans.

On Sri Lanka’s east coast is the surfing paradise of Arugam Bay. People travel from all over the world to come here and surf. The nearby Kumana National Park also provides another great safari option in Sri Lanka. Take a couple of days and discover all the awesome things to do in Arugam Bay.

Trincomalee

Another cool town on the East Coast of Sri Lanka is Trincomalee, which has some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole country. Spend a few days hanging out at all the epic places in Trincomalee .

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

The best time to visit the south coast and hill country is between December and March as this is the dry season here. Monsoon season in this region runs from May until September.

For the east coast the best time to visit is from the end of April until September , while the monsoon season runs from October until January.

Shoulder season is also a great time to visit as there is a high chance of getting good weather and prices for accommodation tend to be much cheaper!

Sri Lanka Visa

In order to visit Sri Lanka, most travellers need to obtain a tourist visa. This allows you double entry to Sri Lanka for 30 days. While you can get this visa on arrival there are usually long waits at the airport. The easiest way is to apply before you travel. To apply for a Sri Lanka visa, visit the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization website .

Budget for Sri Lanka 3 Week Itinerary

Sri Lanka is one of the cheapest countries that we have ever visited. In 3 weeks here we spent 61,875LKR ($350 USD) each. That’s crazy cheap.  It is the perfect country to backpack around when you are on a tight budget.

Check out our full Sri Lanka Budget Guide .

Here are some general guidelines for what you can expect to pay:

• Accommodation –  1200LKR – 2600LKR ($7 – $15 USD) per night for a double room. This will get you a budget double room with a fan and often a shared bathroom. Expect to pay around double this if you would like an air-conditioned room.
• Food – 110LKR – 500LKR ($0.62 – $2.83 USD) for rice and curry. The portion sizes are huge in Sri Lanka. Order a side of roti and this will easily feed two people which is a great way to reduce your costs.
• Water – 70LKR ($0.40 USD) per litre. The tap water here is undrinkable and unfortunately there are very few places to refill your reusable water bottle.
• Beer – 200LKR – 400LKR ($1.13 – $2.26 USD) per large bottle
• Local Bus – 30LKR – 300LKR ($0.17 – $1.70 USD). The local busses are easily the cheapest way to travel around the country. If you are backpacking on a budget this is the best way to get around. They have no air conditioning and are often very busy, but it’s all part of the experience.
• Safari – 6500LKR ($36.74 USD) for a full day jeep safari in Yala
• Surf Rental – 250LKR – 500LKR ($1.41 – $2.82 USD) per hour
• SIM Card – 650LKR ($3.67 USD) for 9GB of data
• Laundry – 350LKR – 400LKR ($1.98 – $2.26 USD) per kilo

Things to know before you go

• The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the local currency. At the time of writing this, $1 USD is equal to around 176LKR.
• Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka, however English was widely spoken and we didn’t have an issue communicating.
• Travel insurance is one of the most important things you can purchase for your trip. We use and highly recommend World Nomads .
• Public transport such as trains and busses are a cheap, readily available and an easy way to travel around the country.
• Despite how small the country looks, it can be extremely time consuming to travel around – budget enough travel time.
• The plug sockets are quite unique and not included in many universal adaptors. Most hostels will provide adaptors to fit North American style plugs and if not, they are cheap and easy to pick up in most towns. We bought ours for 300LKR ($1.70 USD).
• It is polite to exchange money and hand over goods with your right hand.

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka is an amazing country that should definitely be on your bucket list. We recommend at least 3 weeks here so you can explore the majority of the island and take in all the incredible sights on offer. This Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary is the perfect guide for your trip. It won’t take you long to fall in love with this awesome country and its friendly people!

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Check out more of our travel guides here:

• 6 BEST BEACHES IN SRI LANKA
• 8 FOODS YOU MUST EAT IN SRI LANKA
• 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE ELLA TO KANDY TRAIN
• 7 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN ARUGAM BAY

*Please note, prices are a reflection of our experiences while traveling Sri Lanka in March 2019 and are subject to change. Prices quoted in LKR were the exact prices we paid and USD conversions are listed for your convenience.

20 Comments

It looks absolutely beautiful there! Thanks for such a detailed itinerary! Definitely going to use this to help plan my own trip!

You’re going to love the country! I hope our guide comes in handy and if you have any more questions about budget, trip planning or anything just let us know 🙂

This is such a useful guide! I can’t believe how cheap Sri Lanka is. I want to visit even more now.

We are still in shock by how affordable the country was! Having travelled around Asia quite a lot, it seems like the main difference is that it is super easy to travel locally without doing tours or private vehicles. And there are no big expenses for trips unlike other asian countries. Prior to arriving I thought a safari trip was going to cost $100+ so I was pleasantly surprised that it was only $35!

I would absolutely love to visit Sri Lanka! It looks so beautiful. Will definitely bookmark this useful itinerary for when I do, thanks for sharing!

I love this post! Sri Lanka has been on my wish list for such a long time! I hope to do three weeks there next year (as I get an extra 5 days hol at work by then) so I’m definitely saving this for reference 😊 it’s good that you’ve included some accommodation recommendations within my kinda budget, so I’ll definitely be bookmarking a few of those too!

Thanks for the feedback! All the places we stayed in were really nice even though they were budget. And we never found the heat to be unbearable so fan rooms were perfect for us. You’re going to love Sri Lanka! And the whole country is so photogenic!

Thanks for the comment! It was an incredible country in so many ways. It has hikes, surfing, coastal towns, safaris, loads of culture, history AND the best food. You should definitely put it on your list 🙂

Oh wow, such amazing photos! I visited Sri Lanka 3 years ago and these pictures take me right back – what an amazing country! You guys did AMAZING on your budget though, super impressive! Definitely need to take my boyfriend there sometime, especially seeing how cheap you guys did this trip for 🙂

We were shocked at how budget friendly it was. We weren’t even trying to do it that cheap! Which was awesome as it didn’t feel like we sacrificed anything or missed out. Apart from our safari there weren’t really any big expenses and the local food was so good we were never tempted to eat western food. If you get a chance to go back let us know how you go on your budget!

Such beautiful pics! I went to Colombo on a work trip a while ago, and didn’t get to do any of these things. I’ve been dying to go back ever since, especially to ride the train to Ella and Kandy.

Thanks so much! Very cool that you got to travel to Sri Lanka for work. But you’ll definitely have to go back and check out some of the amazing sights. The train ride was incredible and so is Nine Arch Bridge if you get the chance to go!

Thank you so much guys. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’m doing a solo male 61 year old trip and I’m thinking I’ll follow this itinerary for my entire 19 days. I’ll just drop a day here and there to be inline with your trip. I like the idea of doing it all in reverse than most people. I hope the weather is ok for my trip. I don’t mind a little rain here and there. Do you think early Sept is ok for this route?. I arrive on the 3rd Sept late at night and have only booked a few nights in Negombo, I’ll change that to one night and follow the same route as you. I’m a bit overweight so I’ll only do a little trekking. Thank you so much. This is awesome. John

Yes we found doing it in reverse worked out really well for us! Glad you liked our itinerary. You will have to tell us how your trip goes afterwards and if there is anything you would change. We traveled in March but from what I read September is also a pretty great time to travel as its in between seasons so you can travel most of the island without too much rain. We didn’t do too much trekking either but if you wanted to cut out a day you could probably lose a day from Ella especially if you’re not looking for too much trekking. Safe trip and enjoy your travels!

Your the best. Thanks so much. I will let you know how I go. Much appreciated.

Great information – thanks a lot. When we go to Sri Lanka we want to start in the south as well. What time of the year was your trip?

We went from mid-March until mid-April. What time of year are you planning on going? It worked well for us as it was in between seasons so we could go to both coasts and missed monsoon weather.

We can only go in July/August. I know it’s off season in the south. My plan was to start in Sinharaja, go from there to the center, then east and maybe the north (if there is time left). We have 4 weeks time.

The east coast is great too. No matter where you will go you love the country, I promise!

Thanks for the great itinery recommendations!

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Hi, we're Luke and Roxy, a travel couple from Ireland and Canada. We are all about finding awesome, off the beaten path adventures and love to find the cheapest way of doing things. Thanks for visiting our blog!

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Sri Lanka Itinerary – How To Spend 1 – 3 Weeks In Sri Lanka

Posted on Last updated: 23 April 2024

Categories Itineraries , Sri Lanka

Located off the southern coast of India, Sri Lanka is a tear-drop shaped island country, stretching approximately 435 km long and 240 km wide.

The island has a population of over 22 million and is home to a variety of cultures, languages and ethnicities.

Sri Lanka is full of beautiful palm-fringed beaches, gorgeous green landscapes, dramatic mountains, ancient temples and several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

It is famous for producing fine tea, coconut, rubber and exotic spices, as well as its friendly locals and delicious food.

An absolute dream to travel, here’s our easy to follow 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary of the top places to visit.

Table of Contents

How Get To Around Sri Lanka

The island of Sri Lanka is not massive and the transport system is easy to use, making it a great country to explore.

Buses are frequent throughout Sri Lanka, however be prepared to experience what it’s like to be a sardine in a can.

The on and off procedure is about as quick as they come, and the journeys can be a little bit sweaty.

The best way to find out which bus to take is just to ask people at the nearest stop.

Fares vary from Rs 10 to 50, depending on distance.

There is usually a sign on the front of the bus with the destination in English.

Sri Lanka’s towns and cities are really well connected by train.

Moreover, you can enjoy some beautiful, scenic railway journeys across this country.

In fact, the famous Kandy to Ella train ride is one of the top things to do when visiting Sri Lanka.

Taxi/Tuk Tuk

Depending on distance, taxis and tuk tuks are an option and start from 60 Rupees.

Most taxis should operate on a meter, so if you’re unsure of a fair price always ask for the metered option.

Haggling is always a starting point of conversation with both taxis and tuk tuks, so have your wits about you and be sure to agree a price before you get in the vehicle.

Uber is also available for a fixed price option.

Some of the best days out we’ve had in Sri Lanka have been on private tours.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

From food tours, to safaris and village tours, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Sri Lanka.

Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tropical country and therefore the weather can be unpredictable. It also varies across the different areas of the island.

There are two monsoon seasons, a North East monsoon (between October and January) as well as a South West monsoon, (between May and July).

The best times to visit for calmer oceans and stable weather is between January to April and Mid July to September, this applies for the whole country.

However, these months are considered peak season, especially January to April, and therefore it will be busier with tourists and prices can go up as well.

Remember, this is just a guide, so you may want to mix it up and add/subtract different attractions.

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Reusable Water Bottle

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Sri Lanka Itinerary

The Capital, and the only international airport in and out of Sri Lanka. Making it a natural first stop on your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

Most people say to avoid it, we absolutely loved it.

As for Colombo itself, the city is by far the cleanest we’ve seen on our trip! For a place that homes the largest percentage of Sri Lanka it was surprisingly spacious.

It had an easy to use bus system, and the tuk tuks were all on meters.

The people seemed genuinely interested and friendly, going out of their way to make sure you got on the right bus without expecting anything in return.

There are also some great tours available to get you used to the Sri Lankan culture on Get Your Guide .

So if you’re on a shorter holiday, say , you may want to rush down south and get to some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka as soon as possible.

On the other hand, if you have time during your 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, then don’t rush out as quickly as everyone says.

A few hours inland on the bus, and the most natural step to take from Colombo is to head to the centre.

One of the most beautiful attractions of Sri Lanka is Sigiriya Rock, and its surrounding areas are a MUST if you’re looking for scenic photos.

Although we decided to visit it’s little brother Pidarangala Rock for an epic hike with rewarding views!

For those on a short schedule, there is the highly rated Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip from Colombo tour.

This tour allows you to visit the historic rock fortress of Sigiriya, and explore the large cave temple complex of Dambulla on a full-day trip from Colombo with a private driver.

If you do have time, we certainly recommend spending a day or two in Dambulla to explore to your hearts content.

Trincomalee

From the centre, we decided to head North East to the popular beach town of Trincomalee .

The area surrounding Trincomalee is actually broken into 3 nearby towns: Trincomalee, Uppuveli and Nilaveli.

All of which have crystal clear beaches, and plenty of calm spots to throw a towel town and relax.

Nilaveli is probably the most known with tourists, as it’s home to Pigeon Island. One of the two marine national parks of Sri Lanka.

Pigeon Island is located 1km off the coast of Nilaveli, and a snorkelling trip here is certainly worth a spot on your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary for the underwater life.

Another of the popular marine activities in Trincomalee, is whale watching. Either here, or down in Mirissa, are the two spots in Sri Lanka to head out on a whale watching tour.

Aside from the water activities, there are also the colourful temples of Koneswaram or Pathrakali Amman worth visiting.

And, for those on a short schedule, there is the highly rated From Dambulla: Trincomalee Sightseeing Tour .

From Trincomalee, we headed back down towards Kandy.

If you haven’t heard of Kandy before your trip, you certainly will have within your first few days in Sri Lanka.

It’s labelled as one of the most scenic train journeys on the planet. So a Kandy to Ella train ride whilst hanging out of the open doors can not be missed if you’re a fan of landscapes.

There are 3 trains that depart from Kandy towards Ella everyday.

Departure Times from Kandy Railway Station: 3.30am, 8.47am or 11.10am.

The journey takes roughly 7 hours and it’s one of the most popular things to do in the country. A must on your Sri Lanka bucket list !

For those that have a little time to spare, it’s certainly worth spending a couple of days in Kandy to unwind and enjoy the calmness of the town.

Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic are all worthy of a visit.

You may even take a Kandy: Temples, Gardens & Cultural Show City Highlights Tour , with a local english speaking guide. An easy way to see the highlights whilst being transported around in an air-conditioned vehicle.

As for the transport out of Kandy though, the train to Ella is an absolute must on your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary!

After disembarking from your train journey, we recommend staying a couple of nights in the mountain town that is Ella.

With incredible viewpoints, treks and just a refreshing vibe around it, Ella is well worth a few days of your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

Prepare your hiking boots as Ella Rock , The Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak will tire your legs but fill your memory bank forever.

If you prefer to explore as part of a group there’s the popular 2-Day Tour of 3 Iconic Ella Sites available. This includes Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, and the Nine Arch Bridge.

For those on a quicker schedule there are a couple of options available with reputable company Ella Day Tours :

Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge (Half Day Tour)

Ella Rock & 9 Arch Bridge, Little Adams Peak with Transfer (Full Day Tour)

All of the treks in Ella are achievable for beginners though. We spent 3 days discovering all the best things to do in Ella.

Udawalawe National Park

One of the most epic experiences of our travels. An absolute must on your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary, is to head out on safari!

There are a few options available in terms of Sri Lanka safaris. The most popular being: Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park or Udawalawe National Park. And after a lot research, we opted for the latter.

Udawalawe is a small town located in the southern part of the Ratnapura District in Sri Lanka.

It’s not only extremely habitant of elephants, but apparently not as crowded as Yala National Park. A more popular destination for those on the hunt to find leopards.

The best places to visit Udawalawe from are either Ella or Mirissa.

We booked onto the Udawalawe National Park: Private Safari Half Day (3 hours) .

It cost just £15 per person and started at 6:30am.

However, if you just wish to visit on a day trip safari from other areas of Sri Lanka, there are plenty of options on Get Your Guide .

All of these 1 day tours will all include hotel pickup and drop-off, national park fees, and a private Udawalawe jeep safari.

The surf capital of Sri Lanka and a place many tourists end up extending their stay because of the chilled vibes, beautiful beaches and late night antics.

Arugam Bay is one place you CANNOT miss out of your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

With pros flocking from Australia and Bali to hit the waves on the East coast, Arugam Bay is the most popular surf spot in Sri Lanka .

So whether you’re a beginner or an international veteran, this is the place to get out on a board and ride with the big boys.

There are plenty of places to hire boards from in town. We paid 500 rupees for a half day which gave us 4 hours of Arugam Bay surfing.

Aside from catching waves, or attempting to, the town itself is very cute and has plenty of shopping and eating options.

If you have some downtime one evening, Hideaway is a great place to grab a cocktail and hang out.

From out East we took the longest trip of our whole 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary to the South of the island.

Mirissa is located in the centre of the South coast, and is popular for its palm tree covered beaches. We ended up falling in love and extending our stay in Mirissa for a full month.

It’s a great place to us as a hub and explore the South coast on scooters from.

If you wander up and down Mirissa Beach, you’ll be able to find Parrot Rock . A giant rock formation with views over Mirissa from the summit.

As well as Coconut Tree Hill , a large dome covered in palm trees and a great spot for sunset.

Another thing that Mirissa prides itself on is its marine life!

With blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins known to hover around the coastline from November until the end of April, whale watching is certainly one of the top things to do in Mirissa .

There are so many companies to choose from, however Island Breeze Mirissa is one of the highest rated in the area.

In high season it can get busy, so we recommend booking your Morning Whale Watching Tour in advance.

Also if you fancy exploring a little further East up the coast, Hiriketiya Beach is a beautiful spot.

Just up the road from Mirissa, only 15 minutes in fact, is the second most popular surf spot in the country after Arugam Bay.

More popular for beginners, this is the place to get stuck in and give it a go on the waves.

The main company we noticed everyone to be using was Freedom Surf School .

They offer both beginner and intermediate lessons for roughly £10 per hour, and you can book a Weligama: 1-Hour Green Water Intermediate Surf Lesson in advance.

It’s definitely worth a trip to Weligama, even if you just chill on the beach for the day and watch the pros.

Aside from surfing there’s not a lot to do in Weligama. However, if you do venture down, be sure to pop in and say hi to the guys at Ceylon Sliders.

They serve up the most delicious healthy breakfasts and shakes at very affordable prices!

Another awesome beach location, a little more touristy than Mirissa, Unawatuna is definitely worth renting a moped and exploring too.

From the shops, to the beach front restaurants and releasing baby turtles into the ocean, this is one of our top recommendations to add to your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

We spent a few nights in Unawatuna and the huge bay of white sand curves round, making it easy to walk all the way around.

Also, just a short trip up the coast from Unawatuna, you’ll find the famous Dalawella Beach Rope Swing .

Or if you want to venture further up the coast you could explore the famous Turtle Beach .

Be sure to head up early in the day to avoid the crowds, and keep your eye out for the Stilt Fisherman from the road along the way.

Just like Mirissa & Weligama, Unawatuna & Galle come hand in hand.

A 15 minute tuk tuk up the road drops you directly in the middle of the famous Galle Fort. A historic Dutch landmark that has been transformed into a beautiful European like town.

Galle Fort is full of chic shops, and beautiful cafes, and is definitely worth a day of our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary.

Most famous for photographers, is the Galle Lighthouse, built by the British just before WWII.

The Lighthouse is a must capture postcard shot, which you will have to take home and remember Galle Fort by.

There is a also a small bathing spot beside the lighthouse, almost like a natural safe swimming pool.

For those wishing take visit on a day trip from Colombo, we can recommend the Galle and Bentota Day-Tour From Colombo .

Our final stop in the South, whilst working our way back up towards Colombo, was Hikkaduwa.

A little less populated than the other beaches on the itinerary, and with beautiful resorts available, Hikkaduwa is rising up the list of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.

The sole reason we headed to Hikkaduwa though, was for Lauren’s obsession with turtles!

We’d heard through the grapevine of a spot where wild turtle swam freely around the bays of Hikkaduwa. So we went out in search of Turtle Beach .

It turned out to be one of the best days of our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary, as Lauren got to live her childhood dream of swimming with wild turtles, and they were HUGE!

If you have a bit of extra time on your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary, be sure to add Hikkaduwa as a stopping point, because you can’t miss the beautiful animals that live by the coastline.

Plus the sunsets in Hikkaduwa make for the perfect place to end a magical time in Sri Lanka!

Where To Stay In Sri Lanka

For pre-booking accommodation when travelling, we always recommend Booking.com !

From 5 star hotels, to budget backpacker hostels, it’s got everything and the site is super easy to use.

So to compare deals, and pre-book all of your Sri Lanka accommodation, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.

Planning Your Trip

Book your flight.

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight.

They search websites and airlines around the globe to find you the best possible routes and prices.

Book Your Accommodation

Use Booking.com to find the best accommodation deals.

They consistently return the cheapest rates on everything from guesthouses to hotels for all of your budget needs.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Use SafetyWing to find the best travel insurance for you.

They provide travel and medical incident insurance built specifically for digital nomads.

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

Book Your Tours & Activities

Use GetYourGuide to book your activities in advance.

They sell the best tours, excursions and activities to attractions around the world.

Conveniently book, download and access your tickets on the move all from your mobile.

Book Your Rental Car

Use RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars in the area.

They compare all major car rental companies and allow you to easily book the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Buy Those Last Minute Bits

Use Amazon to buy everything you need for your adventure.

They offer next day delivery and you can use my travel packing checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

Pin It For Later

Tuesday 22nd of March 2022

hey guys, thanks for this awesome blog! we are planning on going to sri lanka with almost the same itinirery as yours. would you mind telling us roughly how long you spent in each location? wer'e having trouble to squeeze all of this into 3 weeks (we tried looking online for how long it's recommened to spend at each place and it adds up to a lot more). thanks!

Charlie Pauly

Hey guys, thanks glad you found the blog helpful. Honestly we kind of crammed this itinerary because we didn't want people to miss anything but you could do 2-3 days in each. Otherwise drop a couple off and do 4-5 days in each.

Tuesday 5th of March 2019

Hey, what type of transport did you use to join Trinco to Kandy ? Because I saw that the train is very very long Thank you

Monday 11th of March 2019

Hey we genuinely can't remember but it definitely would have been public transport, either bus or train.

Thursday 18th of October 2018

Heyy, I'm looking to go Sri Lanka early next year i am just looking at your route for an idea. How did you travel from the East to the South?

Saturday 20th of October 2018

Hey, we just got a local bus from Arugam Bay round to Matara near Mirissa.

Sunday 14th of October 2018

No doubt, your given information is genuine. You actually can discover lot of wonders to see in Sri Lanka in addition to the places you roamed. Exciting beaches, Misty hills, adventures safaris, old monuments etc. If you are returning next time to this marvelous island please make me aware. I may be able to present to you some invisible wonders of this tiny island

Monday 20th of August 2018

It's one of my dream destinations.

Thursday 30th of August 2018

Go!!! It's incredible

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Itinerary Sri Lanka 2 & 3 weeks: the ultimate itineraries for backpacking in Sri Lanka!

The ultimate itinerary for sri lanka.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful and versatile country. It is not big and the distances between destinations are short. You can visit Sri Lanka with a fixed itinerary, but this is not necessary. Booking a hotel last minute is easy and transport is often available without a reservation. Due to the many highlights, it can be difficult to make choices: there is so much to do, even in two or three weeks you will not be able to see everything.

Don’t worry, whatever your itinerary for Sri Lanka is, you’re going to have a fantastic time anyway. To get you started, we have put together three different itineraries for Sri Lanka that will let you experience culture, nature and beautiful beaches. Then you will find a short description of what to expect here a little further in the article per destination in Sri Lanka. This way you can judge for yourself whether you add the destination to your tour through Sri Lanka!

Our trip through Sri Lanka:

Looking for inspiration for nice hotels and unique places to sleep? Then read our hotel guide for Sri Lanka!

Sri Lanka itinerary 2 weeks

Do you want to visit the most authentic destinations of Sri Lanka in just a short time? Then consider the following 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary. With this tour you visit the old capital of Sri Lanka; you can see different beaches and experience the special train journey from Kandy to Ella . You will also visit the beautiful Sigiriya with its characteristic temple on top of the rock and you can enjoy hiking in the beautiful surroundings of Ella . Want to take it slower, then scrap the beach town of Mirissa and use the extra days for Ella or Arugam Bay.

This 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary is as follows:

Negombo – Anuradhapura – Sigiriya – Kandy – Ella – Arugam bay – Dickwella – Mirissa – Colombo

Day planning itinerary Sri Lanka 2 weeks:

Day 1: Negombo – Anuradhapura (4-6 hours drive) Day 2: Anuradhapura Day 3: Anuradhapura – Sigiriya (2 hours drive) Day 4: Sigiriya Day 5: Sigiriya- Kandy (2 hours drive) Day 6: Kandy – Ella (7 hours train) Day 7: Ella

Day 8: Ella – Arugam Bay (3 hours drive) Day 9: Arugam Bay Day 10: Arugam Bay – Dickwella (2 hours drive) Day 11: Dickwella Day 12: Dickwella – Mirissa (1.5 hours drive) Day 13: Mirissa Day 14: Mirissa – Colombo (3 hours drive)

Do you want to know how we spent our time in Sri Lanka? Then read my diary blogs about Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka itinerary 3 weeks

This 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary takes you past the ancient royal city of Anuradhapura , the spectacular Lion’s Rock, Ella and beautiful beaches. You will also stop here in the old colonial village of Nuwara Eliya where you can visit the traditional tea plantations. Challenge yourself while climbing the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka: Adam’s Peak . For spotting wildlife, you have to go to Yala National Park . Here you will find herds of Asian elephants and with luck a leopard. You will spend the last days of your trip at the beach and if you haven’t seen enough culture yet, you can always consider a visit to Fort Galle .

This 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary is as follows:

Negombo – Anuradhapura – Trincomalee – Sigiriya – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Adam’s Peak – Ella – Yala National Park – Dickwella – Mirissa (Galle) – Colombo

Day planning itinerary Sri Lanka 3 weeks

Day 1 : Negombo – Anuradhapura (4-6 hours drive) Day 2: Anuradhapura Day 3: Anuradhapura – Trincomalee (2 hours drive) Day 4: Trincomalee Day 5: Trincomalee Day 6: Trincomalee – Sigiriya (2 hours drive) Day 7: Sigiriya Day 8: Sigiriya- Kandy (2 hours drive) Day 9: Kandy Day 10: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (3 hours train) Day 11: Nuwara Eliya & Adam’s Peak

Day 12: Nuwara Eliya – Ella (4 hours train) Day 13: Ella Day 14: Ella Day 15: Ella – Yala National Park (2 hours drive) Day 16: Yala National Park – Dickwella (safari + 2 hours drive) Day 17: Dickwella Day 18: Dickwella Day 19: Dickwella – Mirissa (1 hour drive) Day 20: Mirissa (Galle Fort) Day 21: Mirissa – Colombo (3 hours drive)

Visiting the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka? Then climb Adam’s Peak early in the morning!

Combined trip India, Sri Lanka & the Maldives

A tour through Sri Lanka can also be combined well with the Maldives. From Colombo you can fly to Male in no time and from this travel, if the budget allows it, to a beautiful overwater bungalow. Allow at least 4 days for the Maldives. For backpackers who have more time to spend, India is a nice destination that is easy to combine with Sri Lanka. From Kochi you fly directly to Colombo. Traveling through the Maldives is considerably more expensive than backpacking through India or Sri Lanka. A possible itinerary from which you can further explore each country is:

Kochi – Colombo – Male

Highlights of Sri Lanka: all destinations at a glance!

Although Sri Lanka is a relatively small country, it has many highlights! For your convenience, we have made a map with all the highlights of Sri Lanka. 

Map with the highlights of Sri Lanka

The destinations in Sri Lanka are quite diverse. Below we have briefly described what you can expect at each Sri Lankan highlight.

Colombo: International airport

In Colombo you will find Sri Lanka’s international airport. Chances are that you will start your journey through Sri Lanka here. Do not stay here too long, Colombo is mainly a large and busy city. Consider spending your first night in nearby Negombo to acclimate to Sri Lanka.

Negombo: Beach place

Negombo is not a huge highlight, but a beach place where you can relax perfectly before your trip through Sri Lanka starts.

Anuradhapura: Spiritual place of prayer

Jaffna: culture & island hopping.

Jaffna is located in the quiet north of Sri Lanka. If you really want to get off the beaten track, consider discovering this area. You will meet considerably less backpackers here and the city has only been open to tourists since 2009. Enjoy the beautiful temples or go on an island hop tour in Jaffna!

Trincomalee: beaches

Sigiriya: lion’s rock, a beautiful rock formation, kandy: busy city + start of the famous train journey kandy to ella.

Kandy is a typical Asian city: busy and chaotic! But if you have the time, immerse yourself in this bustle and enjoy the scents, colors and sounds that belong to Sri Lanka! Plus Kandy is the starting point for one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world: the train ride from Kandy to Ella! You can read everything about Kandy in Sri Lanka  here.

Nuwara Eliya: Tea Plantations & Adam’s Peak

On the way from Kandy to Ella, the train also stops in the village of Nuwara Eliya. This green hilly area is known as little England. It is a lot colder here in comparison to the rest of Sri Lanka and very green. Visit one of the tea plantations or depart from Nuwara Eliya to the top of the sacred mountain Adam’s Peak ! Read all about Nuwara Eliya in this blog .

Ella: nature and fun!

Ella is known for its many beautiful walks and delicious food. Read here about the seven activities that you should not miss in Ella, Sri Lanka!

Arugam Bay: surfing!

Yala national park: safari in sri lanka.

In Sri Lanka you also have several safari parks with elephants and other wild animals. One of these is Yala National Park. A cool park perfect for a safari! Consider this day safari in Yala National Park and  Udawalawe National Park.

Dickwella: surfing

Dickwella is the hip and slightly undiscovered sister of Mirissa! Just 1.5 hours away you will find this relaxed village with Hiriketiya Bay as its highlight. The ultimate place to learn to surf as a beginner. Read all about our favorite beach town Dickwella in this travel guide!

Mirissa: Beaches and whales

Mirissa is known as a relaxed beach spot. You will find cute bays, wide sandy beaches and many beach bars here. Mirissa has now become a real hotspot that attracts many tourists every year. Don’t fancy that? Then consider choosing Dickwella instead of Mirissa. It is possible to spot whales in Mirissa, but read carefully about the animal welfare of such a whale safari! Read all about Mirissa here.

Galle: beach resorts & old Dutch fort!

Sri lanka tips: good to know before traveling to sri lanka.

Finally, some useful tips and facts about traveling through Sri Lanka.

1. Sri Lanka is not an expensive country!

Sri Lanka is by no means an expensive country! For example, you can eat delicious curries at local restaurants for just a few euros. Accommodation is also not expensive and for a few euros you can travel all over the country by public transport. An average daily budget for a backpacker in Sri Lanka is between 30-40 euros.

Curious how expensive a trip through Sri Lanka can be? Read all about traveling on a budget in Sri Lanka here in this blog.

2. Good English is spoken in Sri Lanka

Do not worry whether you can make yourself understood: people speak good English in Sri Lanka. In addition, the population is often very helpful and nice.

3. Traveling around Sri Lanka is simple!

Transport options in Sri Lanka

You can travel in Sri Lanka by public transport or by private transport:

• Public transport in Sri Lanka: If you are traveling on a budget, you have to rely on colourful buses or the train. The buses in Sri Lanka connect all over the country and run several times a day. A ticket for the bus is cheap (1-2 euros for a distance of 100-300 km). A ride on the train in Sri Lanka is a special experience (especially between Kandy and Ella!). Keep in mind that the trains are sometimes full and that they do not run throughout Sri Lanka.
• Private transport in Sri Lanka: If you are in a hurry or need more comfort, you can opt for the tuk-tuk, taxi or pick-up service from the hotel. This is more expensive, but faster than public transport.
• Independent driving in Sri Lanka: Would you rather be in control yourself? You can rent a tuk-tuk to drive all over Sri Lanka yourself. It is also possible to rent a scooter on location for a day to see the nearby area.

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Sri Lanka Itinerary 3 Weeks

Looking for Sri Lanka itinerary for 3 weeks? 3 weeks holiday plan has a lot to offer you the best of the paradise island Sri Lanka.

Let’s check what are the options that you can add to your itinerary to make your day more unforgettable one.

Sri Lanka Itinerary 3 Weeks Summary

Day 1 – negombo.

• Day 2 & 3 – Sigiriya/Dambulla
• Day 4 – Anuradhapura
• Day 5 & 6 – Trincomalee
• Day 7 – Polonnaruwa
• Day 8 & 9 – Kandy
• Day 10, 11 & 12 – Nuwara Eliya
• Day 13 & 14 – Ella
• Day 15 & 16 – Arugam Bay
• Day 17 – Yala
• Day 18 – Galle
• Day 19 & 20 – Bentota
• Day 21 – Colombo

The first night of your 3 weeks holiday at Sri Lanka is going to be a very exciting one, because we are going to take you to “little Rome” that is just 20 minutes’ drive away from Colombo international airport.

You might be curious to know why this stylish town got the name of “Little Rome”.

That is of course wherever you look around the scenes are full of beautiful and fascinating churches and you may find the city more festive always especially during the time of Christmas and also when they celebrating the annual feasts of churches. And that will surely bring more joys and life to your stay.

Negombo is not just about churches, you will find this beautiful city as a colorful cultural capital due to the various believes and practices that shaping the city that includes Buddhist temples, Hindu shines and also mosques.

The most tempting point about Negombo is, it is a beach town. We are so sure you would love to take a good relax after the long flight hours and also to get a god refresh to start your exciting journey.

You will be more than happy to find your favorite sea food dishes that are freshly cooked and seasoned by the authentic culinary recipes, and when you walk around the city you will find many more inviting cafes, fancy shops, historical places, dainty streets, pubs and many more.

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Itinerary 1 Week

Day 2 & 3 – Sigiriya/ Dambulla

The next day you will be heading to the most iconic cultural capital in Sri Lanka and that is none other than Sigiriya. Sigiriya and Dambulla are close to each other that are connected by just 20 minutes of drive.

So you have the opportunity to cover two of the significant tourist destinations in Sri Lanka at once.

The climate of these two merged destination offer you a little bit of dry land set up, yet the wind that embraces city all the time will keep your thoughts and vibes cool all the time.

You will find Sigiriya and Dambulla as tranquil retreats. The atmosphere is full of greenly views and the frequent waterways that you will observe from here and there will make you feel more relaxing and you will get to experience a great variety of hotels at once.

Sigiriya and Dambulla has a lot of tourist’s sites. Among that Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla cave temple, Minneriya elephant safari, village tour are few of the exciting activities that you can add to your tour plan.

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Itinerary 4 Weeks

Day 4 – Anuradhapura

On the 4th day of the 3 weeks tour plan you will be moving to a destination that is full of historical and cultural significances. Anuradhapura is situated just one hour and 30 minutes’ drive away from Sigiriya.

This is the city that nourished this island nation with many of spiritual, cultural, technology, art values. That is where the basement of a great civilization with more than 2500 of years is invented.

The setup of the city is a very much pensive, and everywhere you look around has something to please you.

You may find a series of historical, cultural, and archeological sites. And apart from that the great technology that processed back in 2500 years ago is right there proven with mesmeric reservoirs, monuments, ruins of dilapidated citadels and many more.

Take a walk around the city in evening to witness the beautiful sunset that fades away above the ancient glory that project by the city.

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In October: 5 Best Places To Visit

Day 5 & 6 – Trincomalee

Next our 3 weeks Ceylon trails will take you to your favorite beach holiday. 5 th and 6 th days of your stay will keep your thoughts and vibes warm and peaceful. Trincomalee is the beach capital of the east coastal region.

The beaches that you find here are very relaxing as they are not so congested with crowded areas.

The weather is a little bit hot compared to the remaining areas in the island, so you may bring some light and comfy clothes along with your swim suites to enjoy in warm water. And it produces crystal sandy shores that make the place a picture perfect location.

Apart from the fascinating beaches Trincomalee also offers many cultural and historical highlights that you can add to your stay.

From the list Koneshwaram temple, Fedrick fort, Pigeon island are some of the fascinating tourists locations. And if you are lucky to arrive here on right season you will also spot whales and dolphins too.

Trincomalee is just two hours’ drive away from the cultural capital Anuradhapura.

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Tour Packages From Qatar

Day 7 – Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa portrays a great showcase to those who love to explore beautiful historical and cultural sites. Polonnaruwa is just 2 hours’ drive away from Trincomalee.

The set up wise Polonnaruwa is a little bit similar to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, but you will find it more vacant and relaxing as it is not so crowded as in Anuradhapura.

Apparently you have come back to North central province of the island, but this time it’s a little bit different to the previous experiences. Most architectural, interior values that you find here are a little bit different to heritage site you find in Anuradhapura.

Polonnaruwa is also a city known as one of the leading cultural heritage in Sri Lanka and so as in the world. Here you will find a finest blend of art, religion, imagination, creativity in finest blend.

There are a series of ruins and monuments where there is a lot to admire even the little detail carving in each and every craft and construction.

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In June: 5 Best Places To Visit

Day 8 & 9 – Kandy

The 8 th and the 9 th days of your Sri Lanka 3 week’s journal ready to offer you a complete different experience to what you already explore in the island for past 7 days.

Kandy is known as the heart of Sri Lanka for several reasons. First it still reigns as the capital of the central highland Sri Lanka in a regal formation.

Second Kandy is where sheltering the Sri Lanka’s most revered tooth relic of Lord Buddha at the temple of Tooth. Sri Lankans firmly believes that the blesses of this holly tooth relic sanctifies the country and the nation.

Beside Kandy is known as one of leading local and foreign tourist hub. The geographical formation of the city, the historical values and the series of cultural sites keep attracting the tourist all the time to the city.

If you are at the right season you will also be lucky explore most colorful festival and parade happening annually by centralizing the city name “Perahera” to venerate the holly tooth relic.

2 days at this beautiful city will give some space for you to cover temple of tooth, royal botanical garden, Embekke temple, Hantana tea museum, Ambuluwawa tower, Bahirawa Kanda, Udawatte forest reserve etc.

Day 10, 11 & 12 – Nuwara Eliya

Here you have arrived to one of the most tempting destinations in Sri Lanka. it will give you some relax to packing and moving schedules for a while and will give you some relaxing time to base on a one location and enjoy  a lot of activities and sites.

NuwaraEliya is a fine reflect of pictures that you will find in fairy tales. Your eyes will be delighted by the frequent luminous colors that adore the destination.

Everywhere you look around you will find highest mount ranges, dancing waterfalls, lush tea plantations and many more.

NuwaraEliya is one of the major cities who producing the most favorite black tea to the world, and you will be lucky to taste the freshly made tea cup right from the tea plantations.

There are plenty of spectacular waterfalls that you can visit from NuwaraEliya. Apart from the tea plantation visit, waterfall visit, you can do some adventurous activity by visiting Horton Plains too.

Day 13 & 14 – Ella

13th and 14th days of the 3 weeks Ceylon trails are escorting you to the most fascinating Ella. Ella is such a breathtaking destination that is full of mesmeric scenes.

Gushing waterfalls, sky kissing mount tops, extensive tea plantations, foggy mount summits, misty paths are such a common sight that you will find in Ella.

Ella has a rich natural diversity. Most tourist who arrive here prefer to enjoy some times here rather than staying in any other destination in Sri Lanka.

Everything you find here are so mesmeric and will offer fascinating shots to your cameras too.

Ella would be more than happy to host you holiday, and it will keep you away from the hectic city life for a while and comfort you by connecting with nature.

Apart from the natural sites that you find here Ella is ready to offer you more thrilling and adventurous activities as well.

Day 15 & 16 – Arugam Bay

Let have some sunshine back to your travel diaries by the crystal sandy shores. A 3 hours’ drive from Ella will take you to one of the world famous surfing sites in Sri Lanka.

Here you have arrived to the fascinating Arugam Bay that will offer sun, sand, sea moment for your next 2 days.

You will be happy to reveal in endless sunshine right by the sea. Arugam Bay will bring you so much along with a good beach holidays.

Mostly you will be also find some wildlife experience also when you are heading your way to Kumana. Especially if you love birds you have arrived to the right place doubtfully.

Day 17 – Yala

The 17th day of your 3 weeks Sri Lanka stay is scheduled to spend by connecting yourself with nature.

Yala is the best place to explore the best of wildlife in the tear drop island, as it stands as one of the largest national parks in Sri Lanka.

Yala is in 5 hours’ drive from Arugam Bay. The drive is a pretty long one but don’t worry Yala is kind of a place that will make you feel that you are blessed to be here.

You can spot many wild animals right next to you here including leopards, elephants, sloth bear, deer, and many more bird species.

On you preference you can enjoy morning, evening, half day and full day safaris. Also if you like you can experience a night camping session s well at the borders of the national park and it will surely create so much of lifetime memories.

Day 18 – Galle

Next we are heading to one of the most celebrated stylish beach town in Sri Lanka and that is Galle. It has a timeless beauty that keep attracting the tourists arriving from every corner in the world to witness this magical city.

The city is such a picturesque location that offers you so many open studious to get mesmeric pictures. The mouthwatering sea food restaurants, coffee shops, souvenir shops and many tourist attractions are filled each and every corner in the city.

You can also enjoy thrilling watersports here along with good snorkeling sessions to get some fun in the beaches. If you are a sunset fan visit the Galle fort in a fine evening or you can also visit the famous Pagoda temple closer by that is overlooking the sea to get the best glimpse of sunset.

Day 19 & 20 – Bentota

In 20 to 30 minutes of drive via southern expressway you are arriving to one of the most celebrated beach destination that adores the southern coastal line of Sri Lanka with golden glitzing beaches.

It is good to spend your final days by a fascinating beach site by relaxing your day, enjoy good food, tasting a wine and enjoying water sports.

Apart from the beaches Bentota also offer some more tourist attractions as well. Madhu river safari, turtle hatchery, fish foot therapy are some of the activities that you can try out at Bentota.

Day 21 – Colombo

Sadly we are going to conclude the 3 weeks holiday journal at the paradise island Sri Lanka.  On 21 st you will be heading to the commercial capital Colombo to get a good relax while enjoying local and international dishes and also some shopping session.

Colombo also offer few cultural and historical tourist attractions as well. Staying at Colombo right before your flight will give a good time for at Colombo.

Want to learn about some more exciting tour plan to get the best for your holiday at the tear drop island Sri Lanka? T2 Travels Sri Lanka has a good collection of tour plan that we exclusively designed for you and if you looking for some customized tour plans T2 Travels Sri Lanka is ready to arrange the best.

Contact us to get the best Sri Lanka itinerary for 3 weeks.

About the Author: Editorial Staff

still adventuring with kids

Sri lanka 3 week itinerary (july/august).

This Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary is based on travel to Sri Lanka during July and August .

You may see other Sri Lanka itineraries for other months are quite different. This is because Sri Lanka is an all year round destination – meaning when it’s monsoon on the West coast, you can bathe in glorious sunshine on the East and vice versa. So – the first thing you need to decide when visiting Sri Lanka is what months you’ll be heading there. This will then dictate which areas of the country you will travel to and what itinerary to plan.

We wanted our Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary to combine culture, wildlife and surf  so it made sense geographically to hit up the culture spots in the centre of the island, followed by safaris and then make our way over to the East Coast to surf. This way we avoided the  Yala monsoon which hits the West & South coast from May to September.

• Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary & map

Why Sri Lanka?

• Day 1 arriving in Sri Lanka
• Day 2 – 4 Kandy
• Day 4 – 6 Sigiriya
• Minneriya & Dambulla National Park
• Day 7 – Sigiriya back to Kandy
• Getting a sari made up – perfect for little girls!
• Day 8 – Kandy to Ella
• Day 9-10 Ella
• Day 11 – Ella to Kataragama

Yala National Park

• Day 12 – Kataragama to Arugam Bay (6 nights)
• Day 18 – 20 Arugam Bay to Lighthouse Point
• Day 21 – travel back to Colombo for night flight

Arriving in Sri Lanka

Getting around in sri lanka.

• Private Drivers in Sri Lanka
• Private Driver costs

Tuk tuks in Sri Lanka

Trains in sri lanka.

• Colombo to Kandy train

Kandy to Ella train

• Sri Lanka costs

Accommodation in Sri Lanka

Sri lanka 3 week itinerary.

Briefly our Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary heads immediately inland to explore ancient temples and culture in Kandy and Sigiriya, followed by a safari to witness ‘the gathering’ – the largest natural meeting of elephants in the world at Minneriya National Park (a short drive from Sigiriya).

Heading back to Kandy we catch the train to Ella and take what is argued to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world (we weren’t disappointed). Ella, in the heart of the hill country is the perfect place to visit the surrounding tea plantations, and do some stunning hikes before heading to the south west to Katagarama, for another safari in Yala National Park – this time to attempt to glimpse the elusive leopard.

To finish this Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary head to East coast to famous Arugam Bay for sun, surf and chillaxing.

Our Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary is based on travelling as a family, so we’re travelling a bit slower than maybe a couple or solo traveller.

We’ve worked in our golden 3 night rule as often as possible to allow the kids to settle in and us all to relax, rather than being on the go all the time. However, couples or solo travellers might want to speed up some of our 3 week itinerary, so I’ve added suggestions here and there for those travelling without kids.

Further below our Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary we’ve included information on transport and getting around and a section on costs in Sri Lanka and what you can expect to pay for accommodation, transport and basics whilst travelling Sri Lanka.

Read our post – 7 things to know before going to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the perfect place to explore if you’re looking for more than just sun and sand on your holidays. Tropical, incredibly diverse and super friendly this little country is perfect for adventuring families.

Just a stone’s throw from the tip of southern India, here in Sri Lanka you can see incredible wildlife (on affordable safaris), surf world class waves and get a serious culture fix. The food is mouth watering so foodies, get ready or indulge in one of the many excellent holistic Ayurveda retreats.

Adventure family travel is easy in Sri Lanka – the Sri Lankan’s absolutely adore kids and the country feels very safe to travel around.

We wanted our Sri Lanka three week itinerary to combine culture, wildlife and surf …

Day 1 – Arriving in Sri Lanka – your first night

If you’re not fussed about seeing the capital, Colombo , head straight to the coastal city of Negombo from Bandaranaike airport.

It’s nearer the airport than Colombo and being on the coast is a much more relaxing place to recover from the long haul.

We stayed just one night here at the basic, but perfectly adequate Marine Tourist Guest House  in Negombo and paid $46/£36 in an air-con room with two double beds. The guest house is only one road back from the beach and is a 2 minute walk to the amazing Seajoy restaurant which we would fully recommend for your first night of delicious Sri Lankan food (Rs3600/£18 for four of us).

We didn’t stay in Colombo but if we had done, I think we would push the boat out and spend the night at the famous colonial hotel Galle Face Grand . What I would pre-book is the train from Columbo to Kandy for your second day, although it means an early start with a departure at 7.00am. If you arrive on a late plane and you want to catch the early 7am train, I’d suggest spending 2 nights in Colombo or just 1 night and catching a later train. I talk more about booking this train and other transport options at the end of this itinerary.

Q – Should you book your accommodation ahead of arrival? I’d advise you to definitely book your first night of accommodation before arriving in Sri Lanka. After a long haul flight with exhausted kids, the last thing you want to be doing is dragging them around to find accommodation.

During peak season of Christmas/NY and July/Aug it’s advisable to book ahead if you have your eye on a specific accommodation and don’t want to be disappointed. A lot of the good places do book up far in advance for these periods. If you want to be more flexible with your itinerary then be sure to book at least a few days ahead of schedule.

3 Week Sri Lanka itinerary – Day 2 – 4

Day 2 is a travel day from Negombo (or Colombo) to Kandy.

Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and location wise is slap bang in the middle of the island. It’s perfectly situated as a stepping stone to the East coast and is brimming with temples and culture. We decided to visit the culture spots first as they all seem to be either in or just north of Kandy.

Getting to Kandy

From Negombo to Kandy we booked a private taxi with our accommodation the night before. It cost us Rs8,750 (£43) and takes approximately 3.5 hours (although always allow longer in Sri Lanka when driving by car).

If we had stayed in Colombo I would recommend taking the train (Rajhadani Express) from Colombo to Kandy. You can pre-book it up to two weeks in advance (even if you are not in the country) with www.seat61.com or 12GoAsia . There are details of how to book this train at the end of this itinerary in the Getting Around Sri Lanka section.

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Spend 2 nights in Kandy to really recover from the flight and soak up true Sri Lankan culture. You can easily cut this down to 1 night if you’re not travelling with kids. You can read our post here Things to do in Kandy .

I’ve heard that many travellers choose to omit Kandy from their itinerary, labelling Kandy as polluted, busy and noisy. Yes, Kandy is a large city but we enjoyed it – we stayed in a homestay style hotel so it was great for our girls’ first experience of Sri Lankan food, hospitality and of getting a sari made up from a tailor (highly recommended).

In Kandy, visit the lake and the botanical gardens. We always love visiting botanical gardens as a family when we’re on our travels. The kids can run and play and it’s always a gentle intro to a country. 

Here in Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered temples – the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (UNESCO site). We didn’t visit but just saw the outside whilst walking along the lakeside. We chose not to go in the temple as we’d actually seen the sacred tooth relic being paraded along the streets of Kandy on the night we arrived. We’d unsuspectingly arrived on the finale of the 10 day Buddhist festival Esala Perahera (and paid quite a lot of money for seats to watch it!). 

We stayed with the gracious Kumari from Madugalle Family Friendly Guest House (or sometimes it’s referred to it’s old name, Kandy Inn). This large colonial house is slap bang in the middle of Kandy so very near to the key sights, namely the lake and the Temple of the Tooth. 

Black and white portraits of seven generations of Kumari’s family stare down the walls whilst we took delicious breakfasts of toast and pineapple jam with fresh mango. We were fascinated by the family’s history and by Kumari and her family’s hospitality and charm. Nothing was too much – she insisted on booking us tuk tuks from the accommodation so we would get the right fare and not be ripped off and was delighted to organise our tailor visit, even forwarding the finished saris to our Arugam Bay accommodation. Basic accommodation (no aircon) so a very affordable price, but lovely welcoming family vibe.

If you’re happy to splash out I’d really recommend The Elephant Stables , a 5 star hotel in an old colonial bungalow set in the hills above Kandy. With amazing views, this hotel is only a 10 minute tuk tuk ride into the centre of Kandy. Tortoise roam the gardens and you can stay in gorgeous suites or incredibly a huge tent with beautiful furniture inside! This is top of my list next time we visit Sri Lanka!

Alternatively if you’re looking to stay on a Tea Plantation, Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge , 30km from Kandy, is glamping at it’s finest. A five star set up, these tents are like nothing you’re ever seen! Complete with en-suite (some with baths!) these tents are next level, set in a stunning location. Activities here include cooking lessons and hiking.

Getting a sari made up

One of the best things we did in Sri Lanka was choosing material and going to a tailor in Kandy to have saris made for the girls. We paid Rs2100 for the material and another Rs2000 to the tailor. Our tailor’s name was Mahashi. If you’re interested in contacting her, DM me and I’ll pass on her phone number. Ask your guesthouse to call Mahashi and then take a tuk tuk to meet her to get your girls measured. Then she will send one of her helpers to go to the material shop with you to choose from the rolls of beautiful fabric. It was easy and everyone was so helpful and lovely – particularly in the material shop where we were quite the novelty. 

3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary – Day 4 – 6

Day 4 is a travel day from Kandy to Sigiriya with a visit to Dambulla Caves which is directly en-route, one hour before Sigirya. It’s a 3 hour drive (without stops) with a private driver, so estimate around 5 hours in total taking in Dambulla Caves as well. Your driver will stop and wait for you while you climb the steps and see the caves. 

Yo will also have the opportunity on the Kandy – Sigiriya road to stop off at some of the spice gardens en-route, which is an interesting but not a vital stop. The spice gardens are free to enter but there’s a hard sell at the end for overpriced products.

Spend 3 nights in Sigiriya to climb either the famous UNESCO Lions Rock or the alternative (and more adventurous climb – Pidurangala Rock. You can also use Sigiriya as a base to do a safari in the nearby (1 hour away) Minneriya and Dambulla National Parks.

We chose to climb Pidurangala Rock, over the more touristy Lions Rock for many reasons. It’s a much easier climb than Sigiriya, much more adventurous (you’re climbing in-between and over huge rocks just before the summit) and it’s much much cheaper (Rs500 each instead of $35 each). I think it’s a much easier climb for young kids. I’ll take mine back to climb Lions Rock when they’re a bit older. I think it would have been a real slog for them at 6 and 9 years old, plus it’s absolutely rammed with tourists, has no shade and is home to some mean hornets nests ……

Day 5 – Get up at 4am to climb Pidurangala Rock to summit at sunrise. Head torches are necessary!  You can read our post here on our Pidurangala Rock climb.

If you wanted to cut down your time in Sigiriya, it’s possible to climb Pidurangala at dawn, visit Lions Rock in the afternoon and do an evening safari! We don’t recommend this with kids though and even the thought of that is exhausting! We could have easily spent only 2 nights here climbing Pidurangala at dawn, departing at noon for an afternoon safari and been off the following day but with 3 nights in a place, you get two full days. We wanted to take it easy and it was a great place to chill, play cards with the kids and get to know our hosts. It was here we learnt how to make hoppers, ate water lily buds (who knew they were edible?) and danced carefree in the monsoon rain. 

Minneriya and Dambulla National Park

Our safari to witness ‘The Gathering’ – the unique spectacle of hundreds of elephants gathering in one place – the largest in the world – was arranged by  Darnshi Lodge  where we stayed. We had a private jeep for our family and took an afternoon safari, leaving at 12 noon. (Evening safaris were also possible). It cost us Rs12,200 (£61) + 3,000 tip for the four of us, plus we had to pay the National Park fees upon entering. It was around an hour’s drive from Sigiriya to the park entrance.

Minneriya and Dambulla National Parks are right next to each other, joined by an elephant bridge allowing the elephants to cross at any time into the other park. Minneriya is the park which has the reservoir, where the elephants congregate in August, the driest month, to drink and socialise. The safari will take you to whichever park the elephants have been spotted in recently.

We were amazed to see a matriarch and her baby almost immediately on arriving into the park. It was a true delight for my girls to see wild elephants for the first time in their lives, although the number of jeeps surrounding the elephants made me uncomfortable. We asked our driver & guide if we could leave the gaggle of tourists behind and take off on our own. We were rewarded by an encounter with a solo male who we followed from a discreet distance for over 15 minutes. Seeing elephants in the wild is an experience second to none.

Talking of elephants – we were privileged to see wild pygmy elephants in Borneo during our family wildlife volunteering holiday – read about it and watch our video footage here  – scroll to day 5 video diary.

If you’re off on safari with little ones, Jenny from Travelynn Family gives excellent tips on going on safari with kids under the age of 5 .

We stayed 3 nights at  Darnshi Lodge , which is slightly out of Sigiriya. Darnshi Lodge was our cheapest accommodation in Sri Lanka (£27 per night for an air con ensuite room) but was easily the best value for money we had in the whole of Sri Lanka. It’s family run business and it was lovely to get to know the family for a few days before moving on. We stuck to our trusty 3 day in one place rule here and didn’t regret it. One of the brothers who live here has a tuk tuk, so we could give him a shout whenever we wanted to get out and about.

3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary – Day 7

Sigiriya back to kandy.

Unfortunately unless you want to carry on North to see further temples in the golden triangle (in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa) or head to the coast either to Trincomalee or to Batticaloa (with a view to then travelling south down to Arugam Bay), you now need to re-trace your steps to Kandy to take one of the most beautiful train rides in the world.

So day 7 is a travel day back to Kandy. The train leaves early morning so it requires another night in Kandy (tonight). There’s no real way around this unless you choose to go straight to Sigiriya (instead of Kandy) on your 2nd day. This would have been too much for us with the kids in tow but it’s an option to avoid doubling back to Kandy.

Arrange to pick up your saris now, if you visited the tailor on your first visit to Kandy. If not, get measured up this afternoon and have your guest house forward you the made up saris when they’re finished. This is what we did and it was a wonderful interlude, rather than feeling like we’d wasted a day in Kandy waiting for the train.  It was one of the simplest and most authentic things we did in Sri Lanka and the saris will make wonderful souvenirs for my girls once they grow out of them.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon going to the train station to try to book tickets for the Ella train the following morning. We were sent packing as all the reserved seats had been sold. We were told to return one hour before the train departure time the following morning to buy an unreserved ticket.

The train journey is LONG but a must – even with kids. Many travellers break the journey by stopping in Nuwara Eliya , nicknamed ‘little England’ for it’s quaint cottages and tea rooms. We didn’t bother with this – we have enough of that in the UK, and did the long 7 hours to Ella in one stretch.

A word of warning – the train will be completely full, particularly so in peak season. We felt sorry for others that had to stand the entire way – it would have been a nightmare with the kids, so we do have some tips to pass on about how to bag seats. First and second class tickets (both ‘reserved’ seating) can be hard to acquire in peak season. It’s possible to book online before arriving in Sri Lanka but you will pay a premium.  Our trick was to board a station earlier than Kandy to avoid fighting the throng of tourists and locals boarding in Kandy. We had a tuk tuk take us to Peradeniya, which is 5.5km west of Kandy (which is where the Botanical Gardens are). We boarded the train fine and although the train was full, managed to quickly slide into seats as the crowds got off in Kandy and before the throng boarded.

3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary –  Day 8

Kandy to ella.

Day 8 is a travel day from Kandy to Ella. This train, famously bright blue, climbs up to the atmospheric hill country through incredible scenes of misty rolling verdant hills where tea plantations roll undulating as far as the eye can see.

This train journey is a tourist attraction in itself and instead of seeing the 7 hour journey as laborious and a bore, soak up the atmosphere and watch the locals. We travelled in 2nd class unreserved so we were crammed in like sardines (we were extremely thankful to have seats) but it was a wonderful opportunity to meet the locals, who ended up squeezing onto our seat, playing lego with our girls and we even had a crowd gathered round watching a kids film on the iPad towards the end of the journey. Not me, of course, I was looking out of the window the entire time – but hey when you got kids on a 7 hour journey – occasionally needs must! It’s worth noting that it’s unlikely you’ll be able to snap any of those amazing photos on Instagram (of yourself or a pretty girl hanging out of the train) in 2nd class unreserved – simply because these carriages are rammed. It’s difficult to get anywhere and I had to push and shove to get to the doorway to take a quick snap. What is great about the 2nd class unreserved is that you’re hanging out with the locals. You will need to book the 1st class reserved (where everyone is allocated a seat and no-one is standing) if you want to take the instagram famous shots!

3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary –  Day 9-10

Spend 3 nights in Ella enjoying the cooler climes of the hill country. Ella is a fantastic spot to kick back, relax, hike some of the famous trails. Little Adam’s Peak is an easy option for families with young children, plus on the first section you walk through tea plantations and can often see the tea pickers at work. Ella’s Rock could be managed with older kids whilst Adam’s Peak is a much longer hike.

We enjoyed walking the rails and exploring the nine arch bridge. You can read our post of the best things to do in Ella here,  including  the best place in Sri Lanka to eat chocolate roti (and learn how to make it!).

Ella enjoys a relaxed, backpacker vibe and it’s a good place to do a cooking class if you want to learn about Sri Lankan cuisine. We pushed out our accommodation budget in Ella, as so many of the activities were free. We stayed at the amazing Zion View  which has jaw dropping views of Ellas Rock and a fabulous play area for kids next to their restaurant.

3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary –  Day 11

Ella to kataragama.

Day 11 is another travel day from Ella to Kataragama in the south east – the gateway to Yala National Park. Again we took a private driver, paying Rs6500 (£35) for the two and a half hour journey.

Our goal – to glimpse a leopard. Of all the National Parks in Sri Lanka, Yala National Park has the highest density of leopards, so chances here are as high as you’ll get to try sneak a peek at this incredible creature.

We booked into Cadjan Wild  for one night, which lies right on the border of the National Park. We’d been given a tip to stay here by friends as with it’s location, your jeep can enter a smaller, less busy gate into the national park which meant we didn’t have to get up as early and less queueing! Cadjan Wild semi-luxury bungalows are the perfect place to bed down before a safari. The bungalows are contemporary, have air-con and have impressive ensuite outdoor marble showers. The gardens are beautifully lit with candles come dusk, where you can swim in the salt pool and watch troops of monkeys jumping in over the fence from the national park, to scoff fruit from the trees or even drink from the pool!

Choose from an evening safari or a morning safari. It’s very hit and miss if you see a leopard or not and it doesn’t seem to make any difference whether you opt for a morning or evening safari. We stayed only one night here at Cadjan Wild, so we decided to take the morning safari the following day and then head on to Arugam Bay the same afternoon. Others we met decided to do both an evening and morning safari to increase their odds of spotting a leopard. It’s definitely something to consider if you’ve got older kids, and something we might do next time as unfortunately, whilst we saw tons of other wildlife, and our guide was incredible, we didn’t manage to spot the elusive creature – so it would be have been great to have tried another time. With our kids being quite young, and already having done a safari with them, we felt only doing one in Yala was the right decision. Whilst safaris are very exciting, they are also rather rough.  The jeeps can be particularly uncomfortable negotiating huge ruts in the trails and ragging it around quite fast. Equip all members of the family with sunglasses and something to put over the mouth and nose – it’s vital to stop the dust getting in.

3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary – Day 12

Kataragama to arugam bay (6 nights).

Day 12 – after the morning safari, take a private driver to Arugam Bay. Here you can relax for a whole week of relaxing by the beach and explore the secret surf spots along the coast. 

(The journey from Kataragama to A Bay will take approximately 3.5 hours and we paid Rs10,000 (£50).

Arugam Bay is a stunning crescent bay of golden sand with the best surf in Sri Lanka.

This laid back, one street town is the perfect place to kick back and chill for a week. A Bay, as it’s affectionately known is full of yoga classes, cool cafés, and world class breaks. Catch tuk tuks out to Arugam Bay’s surrounding surf spots with wonderful names such as Peanut Farm, Elephant Rock or Whiskey Point.  

We stayed in the wonderful beach side Aloha Villas in Arugam Bay. Literally wake up and fall out of bed onto the beach and the thundering surf. Cabanas are basic with fans, but great for location and your wallet. The friendly staff will pop down a mattress for you free of charge for the kids. We spent a good week here before we moved literally 100 metres up the beach to Roccos for the relief of aircon and pool for the kids, although this comes with a price. We also stayed at the luxurious Spice Trail on our way back which was heaven! The best place to stay if budget isn’t your concern is Hideaway Villas – these are cool vibes slash boutique bungalows at their best. Unfortunately Hideaway  was fully booked during our visit but we still took the opportunity to visit their pool for a small fee and their uber cool cafe bar. If budget is no issue, stay here.

It’s around 4 hours to drive from Kataragama to Arugam Bay.

3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary –  Day 18 – 20

Arugam bay to lighthouse point.

I actually arranged our whole trip around staying at this incredible place – Hilltop Cabanas at Lighthouse Point, Komari (about 30 minutes north of Arugam Bay). It’s one of the few places I pre-booked from the UK. You’ll see why if you read our  full review on Hilltop Cabanas here . It’s quite simply a slice of paradise! Their rustic cabanas are perched on stilts and are open air with nothing but mozzie nets between you, the moon and the ocean!

Do absolutely nothing here but surf, collect shells, swing in a hammock, read a book or play chess. Take in the breathtaking remote location and enjoy the isolation. If you don’t surf then maybe only stay one or two nights, just for the experience. 

If you have longer on your itinerary or if you’ve spent less time in any of the spots above, I’d recommend travelling up the East coast and exploring further all the way to Trincomalee. From there you can catch a train back to Colombo (7 hrs, although don’t take the night train without a male chaperon) so can complete a loop rather returning to Arugam Bay to get a transfer back to the airport.  Alternatively catch a private cab for around Rs20,000.

3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary –  Day 21

Travel back to colombo for night flight.

Return to Arugam Bay via tuk tuk to pick up a private cab directly to the airport. We ordered one for 4pm which got us there in time for our late night flight back to Heathrow.

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We always use a trusty Lonely Planet guidebook when we’re on our travels. I’m a big fan of Lonely Planet and have been using them for years. The latest Sri Lanka Lonely Planet guidebook is still the 2018 guidebook below which will be invaluable to you on your trip. If you’re planning to travel after October 2021 then you’ll be pleased to hear you can order the 2021 updated Sri Lanka Lonely Planet guidebook .

T his is our Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary – choose to use this exact one or cut and paste into your own schedule as you wish. One option is to spend less time in Arugam Bay and then spend 3-4 days travelling up the East Coast to Trincomalee. From here you can catch a train back to Colombo. Whilst researching this route it became clear that the sleeper train is no longer running, although the night train still does. I’ve heard it’s not safe to travel without a male chaperon so if you’re ladies travelling solo, catch a private cab or get the day train. 

There are supposedly two international airports in Sri Lanka – Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) 35km from Colombo and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport on the South coast. I researched into flying into Mattala Rajapaksa as geographically, it would have been easier for our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary, but it was way more expensive and so as most people do, we flew to Bandaranaike.

From the airport , if you’re after an immediate authentic experience, walk onto the road outside the airport to catch a tuk tuk to Negombo – yes a family of four can squeeze into one (note tuk tuks are not allowed into the airport so you will have to walk outside onto the road where they queue on the opposite side).  Expect to barter hard. I’d read reports of fares being as low as 800 for a tuk tuk to Negombo but we only managed to get down to 1200 and that was hard work. But don’t worry Sri Lanka is not like India or Indo – the Sri Lankans are generally very fair, but nevertheless still bargain.

If you’d prefer to check out the capital, Colombo , a taxi should cost around Rs 2500 (17 USD) from one of the taxi counters inside the airport (no need to book ahead). Alternatively the airport bus only takes 40 minutes, costs peanuts at 110 rupees each and is easy to find. Turn left coming out of the airport, keep walking to the end, then turn right and you’ll see the buses up over to your left.

Once in Colombo, expect to pay around 150 rupees for most tuk tuk or taxi journeys around Colombo

Private drivers

We predominantly used private drivers to get around Sri Lanka – something that I’ve never done in any other country or even really come across whist travelling.

As Sri Lanka is a compact little country, most distances take between 3-4 hours by car, much longer on public transport.

We found using private drivers to be the easiest way as a family to get around, especially as we had limited time on our during our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary, but it did take a chunk out of our budget. We also loved the fact we could stop whenever we wanted – if the girls needed a wee for example (as opposes to being on a bus without a toilet) and we could pull over if we fancied buying some fruit from a roadside stall, if we saw wild elephants on the road or if simply wanted to take a photo.

Read our post – A complete guide to private drivers in Sri Lanka

If we had been travelling Sri Lanka for a longer period, we would definitely have prioritised taking cheaper public transport, the bus or the train.

Note: if you are not a family travelling, but a couple or travelling solo, then getting a private driver would not work out as economical for you as it was for us, unless you found some buddies to share.

Most hotels and guest-houses can easily arrange a private driver.

One word of warning – there are rarely seatbelts in the back of private cabs, which was a slight concern for us travelling with kids. Driving on Sri Lanka roads is quite chaotic, so if you feel unsafe with your driver, ask them to slow down – most of them respect your wishes. We can highly recommend our driver Pradeep who can be contacted on facebook to pre-organise transport. DM me on our facebook page @thefamilyfreestylers if you’d like his contact. He is also able to organise private drivers around almost all of the island and his prices are always cheaper than arranging direct with a hotel or guest house. Many of our friends have used Pradeep – he is trustworthy and reliable.

Tipping your driver

If you wish to tip your driver Rs500 is the suggested normal rate.

Private driver costs

We paid the following for our routes with a private driver during our 3 week Sri Lankan itinerary.

Rs9000 (£45) one way from Negombo to Kandy.

Rs6500 (£32.50)from Kandy to Sigiriya one way with a stop off at Dambulla Caves

Rs7150 (£36) from Sigiriya to Kandy one way

Rs6500 (£35) Ella to Katagarama

Rs10,000 (£50) Katagarama to Arugam Bay

The current exchange rate (April 2021) is Rs200 = $102/£0.72/€0.85

We love tuk tuks and use them for all short distance journeys. It is also possible to rent tuk tuks and this is something we will definitely consider on our next trip to Sri Lanka.

Our tuk tuk costs were:

Airport to Negombo 1200

Kandy centre to botanical gardens 500 each way

Ella to tea plantation 1000

Ella – round trip to Ravana Falls & 9 arch bridge 1700

Arugam Bay to Peanut Farm (driver to wait and return) 900

Arugam Bay to Whiskey Point (one way) 700

Arugam Bay to Elephant Rock 900

 Arugam Bay to Lighthouse Point 1700

Rail travel is limited somewhat across Sri Lanka with lines mainly from Colombo to Kandy, Colombo down the West coast to Galle, Kandy to Ella, Trincomalee to Colombo and Colombo to Jaffna. The railways were primarily built for trade, transporting tea from the hill country to ports for export.

Word of warning; Do not take night trains or buses without a male chaperon. Even local women do not do this and it’s taking an unnecessary risk.

Children under 12 pay half fare with Sri Lanka Railways, children under 3 travel free.

Carriages are either reserved or unreserved. Seats in the reserved carriages can be booked up to 30 days in advance through an agent (Sri Lankan railways do not have any option to book direct online).  

If you buy a ticket for a reserved carriage you are guaranteed a seat and a specific seat number will be printed on your ticket. The reserved carriages have a guard on who will stop anyone from entering who does not have a specific ticket for that carriage. No-body is allowed to stand, so reserved carriages are not crowded.

Tickets for first class reserved and first class observation carriages, and sometimes even second class reserved sell out quite quickly after tickets are released on sale, so it’s a good idea to book tickets from outside Sri Lanka before you arrive with Visit Sri Lanka Tours .  

First class observation carriages have larger glass windows, but they don’t open so don’t book this carriage if you want to take photos out of the windows.

If you are told at a railway station that a train is fully booked, they are talking about the ‘reserved’ carriages. A train is never fully booked so you can always turn up on the day and buy a ticket for an unreserved carriage.

Colombo – Kandy train

The Rajhadani Express runs twice a day from Colombo to Kandy. You can pre-book it up to two weeks in advance (and from outside of the country) with Visit Sri Lanka Tours.   I’ve also heard you are now able to book via  12GoAsia  (since Summer 18) although when I went on, I couldn’t seem to book for either the Rajhadani Express or the Kandy to Ella train!

The first train departs at 7.00am arriving at 09.35am and the other departs at 15.35 arriving 18.05pm (these were the times when I visited so do check the schedule on  www.seat61.com If you want to take in the wonderful Sri Lankan countryside on the way be sure to catch the morning train as you’ll arrive in darkness with the afternoon train. For the best views sit on the left hand side of the carriage with your back to the engine. Tickets are £1 for 2nd class or £3 for first class reserved if you book in Sri Lanka, or approximately £10 for second class & £11 for first class pre-booked before arriving in Sri Lanka with  Visit Sri Lanka Tours .  We worked out it was approximately the same cost to take the train from Colombo to Kandy as a private taxi from Negombo to Kandy for our family of four (if we pre-booked our tickets from the UK).

Kandy – Galle direct train

On our last trip to Sri Lanka (Feb 2020) we discovered the direct train from Kandy to Galle and onto Weligama on the south coast. This train leaves daily from Kandy at 5.00am and stops for only 15 minutes in Colombo Fort, which means you get to Galle super fast (arriving around 11.30am). Our tip is to travel on a Sunday when this normally rammed commuter train is dead quiet. You cannot pre-book this train. It does not have 1st class or observation class, so you need to rock up at the station at 04.30 to buy your tickets. The HUGE plus to catching this red eye train is that it avoids having to stop in Colombo over night or a lengthy wait in Colombo for a connecting train (which turns the journey into a full day slog).

Read our full post on taking the Kandy to Galle train . We would highly recommend taking this train! It’s easy, dirt cheap and the scenery is stunning.

The cost for four tickets for 2 adults and 2 kids, unreserved 2nd class one way was Rs610 (that’s an incredible £3.00!).

I was really worried about getting seats because the journey was so long (7hrs) and we really wanted the kids to be able to have a seat. I’d stupidly thought that by rocking up the day before, I might still be able to get some. No way! This train is now fully on the tourist map, so during peak season forget about it.  If you definitely want a seat with your family, I’d highly recommend booking before arriving in Sri Lanka (see how to above). I did meet a few travellers who had managed to buy reserved tickets off touts around the station, but I never was offered any so it’s a risk to leave it to chance.

However, don’t fear if you can only get unreserved tickets. We followed a cunning tip that I’d read about that worked a treat. Our trick was to board a station earlier than Kandy to avoid fighting the throng of tourists and locals boarding in Kandy. We had a tuk tuk take us to Peradeniya, which is 5.5km west of Kandy (where the Botanical Gardens are) where we bought our tickets and waited slightly nervous as to how this would play out. We boarded the train with no bother and although the train was full, we stood until the train started slowing into Kandy station where most people started to get out of their seats. We nabbed four seats quickly and sat there extremely smug staring out of the window at the throng – a 6 person deep crowd trying to pour onto our unreserved carriage. However, after a few hours we ended up squishing up on our seats and letting kids sit with us – 7 hours is a long time to stand (!) and it was good to get to know some little locals a little better.

Costs in Sri Lanka

Below are some of the real costs that we paid whilst in Sri Lanka (Aug 17). The rate at the time was Rs200 = £1. It will help you get an idea of how much you will need on a daily basis to budget. We actually spent far more than we expected to in Sri Lanka travelling as a family of four. Our highest expenditure was private drivers (see fares above) and tourist attractions. Prices in Sri Lanka are mostly in Sri Lankan rupees although many tours & accommodations quote in US dollars.

Your next biggest cost will be accommodation. You can obviously choose to go budget, mid range or luxury, so your costs will vary here. Generally on average we spent around $50 a night for a non air-con room that we all shared (often the kids would top and tail a single bed). This of course was certainly not luxurious but was adequate, clean and cheap. 

The exception to this was in Ella where for once we weren’t paying out each day for tours or private drivers and so we chose to pay more and stay in the beautiful Zion View . The only other place we splashed out on accommodation was in Aruguam Bay, when the temperature rose to over 40 degrees and we were forced to leave our perfect (but non air-con) beach side cabana ( Aloha Cababas $48) to move into more the more palatial surroundings of The Spice Trail ($180 a night) and Roccos ($93), where we had a the luxury of a pool and air con to keep us sane! 

You can see links to all of our accommodation in our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary above. Our favourite was Hilltop Cabanas on the east coast – basic open sided cabanas on stilts facing the ocean ……

Sri Lanka Attractions

Kandy Botanical gardens Rs4500 for a family of four (1500 adult/750 kids)

Dambulla Caves Rs1500 per adult/ kids (free lotus offering Rs100)

Sigirya – Pindurangala rock Rs500 mandatory donation each, 15 min tuk tuk to get there & back Rs300 

Sigiriya – Lions Rock US$30 or the equivalent in rupee – you can only pay in cash. Previously payment was ONLY in rupees but recent travellers say they’ve paid in US dollars.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Rs1000 for foreigners

Ella – Hapulate tea plantation Rs450 per adult child free

Minnieyia National Park safari Rs12,200 (£60) + 3,000 tip – (under 5s free ). This was for a private jeep for our family. We also had to pay national park entry fee on top on the above costs on arrival. Departures from Sigirya – 13.30 for afternoon safari or 18.30 for evening safari.

Yala National Park safari – private jeep for family of four – I’m just finding this information out again as I can’t find it 🙂

Arugam Bay (Pottuvil) Lagoon trip Rs6500 for family of four including tuk tuk from & to our accommodation 

Doctors visits in Sri Lanka

We can highly recommend the doctor in Ella at Care Well Medical Centre (details below). I had some grit or dust, possibly from the safari, in my eye, which was causing me pain. The doctor was excellent and was very pleased that I’d been to see her rather than wait until Arugam Bay (who she didn’t see to have a very high opinion of!)

Dr M.G.S Gamage or Dr Mrs D V V K Ganga, Care Well Medical Centre, Ella

[email protected]

Doctors fee Rs3000

Antibiotic eye drops Rs2500

However we did have to visit the doctors again in Arugam Bay …. to get some iodine for a cut and have it looked at as it looked yakky.  The surgery did look dirty, especially the bed to lie on (which we did not!). In fact, we could have easily picked up some iodine at the local supermarket for Rs150 …..rather than the Rs1000 we paid!

Doctors visit in Arugam Bay $49 bottle of iodine 1000

Basics costs in Sri Lanka

bottle of water 80-120

chocolate roti 450

packet of polos 120

bag of nuts 175

Pringles 420

crackers 100

mens haircut 500

fresh coconut 100

lion beer 160 each from shop or 500 in restaurant or bar

bakery 600 (jam roll, sweet buns, veg bun, fruit)

Arugam Bay surf board hire 800 per day

washing 1000 per load

yoga class 1000

massage 2000

bottle of rum 3150

tampons 200 each or 650 for 10 (not readily available generally in Sri Lanka but spotted in supermarket in Arugam Bay)

bottle of iodine in Arugam Bay supermarket 150

ear & eye antibiotic drops in Arugam Bay supermarket 150

milk for babies and smaller nappies were also available in the Arugam Bay supermarket

Read more of our Sri Lanka posts

3 week Sri Lanka itinerary in July/Aug

Climbing Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya

  Hilltop Cabanas – the most epic place to stay on the east coast

6 Places to Visit in Ella

  What to do in Kandy  

First Impressions to Backpacking Sri Lanka

How to Stay Safe at Elephant Rock

7 things to know. before going to Sri Lanka

Private drivers in Sri Lanka – everything you need to know

The Kandy – Galle Train – the ultimate guide

Volunteering in Sri Lanka on an elephant conservation project

The Best Family Hotel on the South Coast of Sri Lanka – Review

Looking to book a room in Sri Lanka? Check out these great options!

•  – Top Pick for Adventurous Families
•  – Where We Stayed
• –  Luxury 5 star stay

Looking to book your next trip? Check out the following services we use!

• Kayak to find a cheap plane ticket or AirTreks for RTW tickets.
• Booking.com to find a hotel deal.
• World Nomads to insure your trip.
• Viator for a good quality day tours.
• G Adventures for a multi-day guided tour.

Disclosure: This post also contains affiliate links. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I get a small commission that goes towards the running of this blog. This is no way affects the  authenticity of this site – we only recommend services and products that we use and love.

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This is great and by far the best info and useful tips I have found on visiting Sri Lanka yet!! Looking at the photos makes me wish I was there now!! I am planning on going next year and will definitely contact the accommodation recommended and follow the other useful tips. Thank you so much, I have already forwarded this on to friends and will be following your blogs in the future.

Hi Sue. Thanks, I’m glad you found us. If you have any questions on Sri Lanka closer to booking your trip, give me a shout 🙂

I am avid reader of your adventures. Just wanted to shoot a quick question if that’s OK.

I am considering travelling with my family to Arugam Bay area in August 2019. I was wondering if the ocean is safe for kids (ours will be 8 and 10 y.o.)? Let us know.

Wishing you a great skiing season,

Hi Mehdi. Thanks for getting in touch. Great question! There’s a big swell on the East coast of Sri Lanka during the summer months which is why it’s such a famous surf spot. However the swell means safe swimming is limited to only a few places. We saw adults swimming no problem outside our cabanas (Aloha Cabanas) on the main beach, however I wouldn’t let my girls swim there at all. Arugam Bay is a crescent shaped bay and has a really safe spot right in the crux of the bay called Baby Bay (there’s a photo of Baby Bay on my post on Day 12). It is one of the most central places in A bay and only took us 5 – 10 mins to walk to each day. This is really safe as it’s quite shallow and it’s the only place we let our girls swim whilst we were at Arugam Bay. It’s also a great place for them to learn to surf. We got round this negative by making sure we booked some accommodation with a swimming pool for some of the time were were at A-Bay. Sri Lanka really is a fantastic destination – I wouldn’t let this put you off going – just book somewhere with a pool. We can highly recommend The Spice Trail, Hideaway or Roccos (links are in our post).

Waow… Great thanks for the detailed answer… We are definitely going !

One last question if I may… Would you say that there is a beach walking distance from Hilltop Cabanas where you really inspired us to stay are suitable for children to swim? Many many thanks.

No. The beach at Lighthouse Point is still quite rough. Our girls paddled there but we didn’t let them swim. We didn’t walk too far each way up the beach as the temperature was soooo hot – over 40 degrees, and there’s no shade at all on the beach. My advice is to only book for two nights at Hilltop Cabanas – it’s a great place to relax and chill (and surf) but as there’s no shade on the beach, the kids can only paddle before 08.00 or after 16.00 – 16.30 (when the sun becomes bearable) so there’s a lot of chilling in hammocks, playing chess and adventuring in the stilt cabanas. Sleeping in the outdoor open air cabanas is definitely the draw here.

ps If you book Hilltop Cabana through my link in the post above, it doesn’t cost you anything more, but I make a small profit to keep the blog running 🙂

Hi Mags, so happy I found your post about a three week itinerary for Sri Lanka in August! It’s exactly what I was looking for (and most other people seem to travel another month). And it’s great you added suggestions in case of travelling without kids!

There’re two questions I would like to ask: 1. Is Sri Lanka very crowded/touristy in August (even though it’s an all year round destination) regarding the places you visited? 2. May I ask how much you paid for your flights from the UK? Because flights from Germany (which shouldn’t make a big difference) seem to be very expensive in the month of August 800 Euros. Looking forward to hearing from you!

I’m so pleased that our post has been helpful to you.

We didn’t find it too touristy in August. Of course yes there are tourists, especially at the popular attractions but it wasn’t ridiculously so.

I searched long and hard for our flights and even travelled up to Glasgow to fly out of the UK as the Scottish schools had gone back to school on our return dates. We managed to get them for £1800 for 2 adults and 2 children which was exceptional although it took me days of repeated searching to find them 🙂

I think flights are always cheaper from the UK though for some reason.

[…] If you more time here is a 3 week itinerary for Sri Lanka. […]

Thank you so much for this. We are going to sri lanka july 2020 for 3 weeks and this is just what we needed. One question, would you avoid the south and south west in july? I’m getting mixed reports that the weather is hit and miss and it is possible to travel to this part on july. Thanks

Hi Daniel. Oh fabulous! You will have a brilliant time. We didn’t go down south as we were worried about the monsoon down there during August but in actual fact when we were there, we met a lot of tourists that had visited down south during their trip and they said the weather was okay – maybe not as sunny as the west, cloudy or overcast but not torrential rain. I think next time we would visit during this time. Obviously each summer is different so it’s your choice. I think having a flexible schedule would be best in case the weather isn’t so good so you could move on easily without being tied into accommodation. If you have any other questions, just shout 🙂

Hi, great great article BTW. We are looking at a couple of weeks in July 2020 and have pretty much settled on the same route, maybe less time in one or two places but essentially the same. Can you let me know how long it took from A Bay to Colombo in order for you to catch your flight? We explored the option of leaving A Bay for Galle and then getting the train to Colombo, but it just means another couple of days travel plus another overnight stop at the expense of a night in A Bay. Also, can you remember the cost of the private taxi from AB to Colombo? Thanks

Hi Griff, great to hear from you. The taxi ride from Arugam Bay to Columbo was long! 8-9 hours. We were quoted 7000 from our guy but in the end we couldn’t organise a taxi through him and paid 10,000 with the local cab company in Arugam Bay. Our flight left at 1am so we were trying to weigh up going the day before and staying in a hotel and getting up early. In the end we left A Bay at 2pm and drove direct to the airport so had more time in A Bay and saved on the hotel accommodation that night – we got to the airport around 10-11pm to check in. In fact, we left our iPad in the taxi by mistake (it was charging in the front) and we only noticed as we were about to go through security. Amazingly, we called the taxi office back in Arugam Bay who called the driver who came back to meet my husband at the airport entrance! We love Sri Lanka!! Any other questions – ask. We have the name of a very good driver who organises private taxis all over SL at about 20-30% off accommodation providers charge. Just a word of caution – most taxis don’t have seat belts – so if you are extremely cautious, especially with kids, you might have a heart attack! We did ask every time for a taxi with seat belts but generally they didn’t have them or they were broken ………

Hi We are currently planning our itinerary for our July/August 2020 trip to Sri Lanka. Your blog is really helpful. Thank you. We are petty much using it as our base itinerary. Although we may not be able to get into the Hilltop Cabanas as they are already fully booked. We are 2 couples, no kids with us ( all grown up), coming from New Zealand. We have been debating whether to book a driver for the whole trip, before we go, through our NZ travel agent who uses a local Sri Lankan travel agency? That would mean we have a driver available even on the days we are staying put. Which seems a bit of an unnecessary expense. But has some advantages. Or are we better just to book drivers locally as we need to go longer distances? With the risk that we don’t really know how much it will cost. Interested to hear your thoughts on these options. Thanks Christine Dean

Hi Christine. Thanks for your message. Shame about Hilltop Cabanas – it’s SUCH a good spot. They only had the last few dates of our holiday when I found them and so I ended up basing our entire holiday around them! 🙂

I have heard of other tourists in Sri Lanka booking a private driver for their entire stay. To me, also, it seems a bit overkill. For one, I would never want a driver hanging around, I don’t think I would fully relax! 🙂 I’d also be interested in what they were going to charge you for that! I bet it is a lot of money.

If I were you I would just order drivers as and when you need them. They are VERY easy to organise from each accommodation and even collectively I don’t think they would be as much as using a driver for the entire trip. We used the same driver for a lot of our trip. He has contacts everywhere so even if he personally could not drive us, he would organise a local driver and was always cheaper than arranging through our local accommodation. If you ping me an email, I will give you his details and you can have a chat to him on Facebook and ask him about fares from point A to point B.

Have a fab time! We are going again to SL in 4 weeks to review an Elephant Conservation Project in one of the National Parks. We are soooo excited!!

Hi Christine I have now written an in-depth guide on private drivers in Sri Lanka. Here’s the link if you are interested, however you may have cancelled your trip now due to Covid-19. I have heard that Sri Lanka are opening up to international flights on 1 August 2020.

https://thefamilyfreestylers.com/private-drivers-in-sri-lanka/

Best wishes

Thanks. Will store that info for future. Yes have gad to cancel our trip for now. 😞

So disappointing 🙁 You will love Sri Lanka once you get there – I guarantee it!

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3 Weeks Sri Lanka Itinerary

• By Editorial Staff

Looking for 3 weeks Sri Lanka itinerary? This stunning island is home to some of the best beaches in the world and is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. More than 400 different bird species can be found in Sri Lanka’s national parks, and tourists can go on safaris to see elephants and leopards.

Sri Lanka offers a wide range of vacation experiences, from sun-kissed beach vacations to marathon wildlife watching, heart-pounding adventure sports, and pilgrimages to some of the world’s oldest cities.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Negombo

Negombo sometimes referred to as “little Rome,” is a town with a long history and a significant Catholic presence. When you get there, check-in at your lodging before leaving to explore the area. The lobsters, crabs, and prawns in this lagoon are renowned.

On the beach, fish auctions frequently take place. (and are worth experiencing). Old Dutch and Portuguese Colonial structures may appeal to architecture enthusiasts. Additionally, it’s fun to stroll along the area’s numerous canals.

Day  2 & 3 – Sigiriya/Dambulla

Today we will visit the city of Dambulla , which is well-known for its 157 statues, including a 47-foot-long statue of the recumbent Buddha, stunning mural paintings, and a Cave Temple. This cave monastery, which is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, is both a revered sacred pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

King Valagambahu took refuge there in the first century BCE, leaving behind more than 150 images of the Buddha. This is when the five caves first became known. Then, continue on to Sigiriya , where a welcoming lodge is waiting.

The imposing, historic rock fortress at Sigiriya , is a top ecotourism destination in Sri Lanka and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the fortress after breakfast. In order to reach the top, visitors once had to climb through a stone lion’s open mouth and throat. Unfortunately, most of the lion carving has faded, but you can still make out its paw prints in the rock.

Day  4 – Polonnaruwa

The next stop is Polonnaruwa . After Anuradhapura collapsed in 993, Polonnaruwa served as the country of Sri Lanka’s second capital. Along with the Chola-built Brahmanic monuments, it also contains the magnificent ruins of Parakramabahu I a magnificent garden city, which was built in the 12th century.

The cultural triangle of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura includes Polonnaruwa, which is 2 hours from Sigiriya and 4 hours from Kandy .

Day  5 & 6 – Kandy

The cultural significance can be found in Kandy, the capital of the Central Province, for its Temple of the Tooth Relic. One of the most revered places of worship in the Buddhist tradition is this World Heritage site. The city was originally the location of a natural fortress due to its geographical advantage.

In contrast to the coastal forts on the island, it was a fort that was difficult to attack because it was cradled by three mountain ranges. Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations today and is regarded as the entry point to the hill country.

Day  7 & 8 – Nuwara eliya

We next take the route to Nuwara Eliya . Sri Lankan tea is primarily produced in the Sri Lankan town of Nuwara Eliya. In addition to the tea plantations, some of the town’s most well-known attractions include Gregory Lake , Sita Temple, and Horton Plains National Park.

Day  9 & 10 – Ella

One of Sri Lanka’s renowned old trains will take you from Nuwera Eliya to Ella over the course of the majority of the day. The British invented this particular train journey in the 19th century. Its primary use was for the transportation of goods, primarily tea from the local plantations.

You’ll reach the sleepy mountain village of Ella after taking in a day’s worth of breathtaking scenery. The town has a delightfully cool climate because it is situated in the central highlands. You can see all the way to Sri Lanka’s southern coast on a clear day.

There are many wonderful walks in Ella that take visitors through tea plantations to temples and waterfalls, making it the ideal base for relaxation.

Day  11 & 12 – Yala

Yala is a must-see in Sri Lanka because of its diverse flora and fauna and offers a singular experience. Though it is worthwhile to visit the park all year round, try to time your trip for when it is busiest.

Yala was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and it was one of Sri Lanka’s first two national parks, along with Wilpattu, when it was established in 1938. The variety of wild animals in the park is its best-known feature. It is crucial for the preservation of aquatic birds, leopards, and elephants in Sri Lanka.

Day  13 – Mirissa

The long whale-watching season in Mirissa, which is surrounded by rubber and coconut plantations, historic temples, and spice gardens, is well-known. The stunning crescent beach is a true paradise for anyone who loves the sun and the sea, and it still has the allure of a quaint fishing village.

Go surfing—you can take lessons if this is your first time—or unwind on Secret Beach’s serene sands. You can take a ride in a vibrant tuk-tuk or rent a motorcycle to explore the coastline.

One of the best places in the world to see blue whales is off the south coast of Sri Lanka.

Whales can be easily spotted in the waters near Mirissa from November to April when they are traveling along their yearly migration route from the Horn of Africa up to the Arabian Sea.

On your whale-watching boat ride off the coast, you might also see sperm whales and different species of dolphins. Enjoy the sunset and a seafood dinner on your final night in Sri Lanka after the excursion of the day.

Day  14, 15 & 16 – Galle

For the next three days, the tour will take on in Galle , a filled provincial capital and the administrative hub of the south, served as Sri Lanka’s first hub for global trade and commerce. Unawatuna Bay, a lovely cove shielded by a reef, is the ancient port city’s claim to fame.

A 36-hectare fortress that was originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1587 and then rebuilt by the Dutch is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ocean encircles it on three sides. Galle’s remarkable collection of historic buildings transports customers to a different era even as the town modernizes.

Sri Lanka’s first hub of international trade was the historic port city of Galle. These days, this town serves as the southern region’s administrative hub and provincial capital. Galle still has a stunning collection of historic sites that go back hundreds of years despite the presence of modern structures and public conveniences.

While visiting Galle, you can also learn about the legendary Unawatuna Bay, which is surrounded by a reef, and the location of the fort bearing the same name. The 36-hectare fort was constructed by the Portuguese in 1587, and UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site. The ocean encircles the fort on three sides.

Day 17 & 18 – Bentota

Bentota , our next tour destination is rich with a beautiful beach. The production of toddy, an alcoholic beverage made from coconut nectar, is renowned in Bentota. On Induruwa beach, there is a turtle hatchery. On Bentota Beach, Aturuwella, and Bentota River, one can take exhilarating river cruises, go diving, snorkeling, water skiing, speed boating, kitesurfing, windsurfing, banana boating, and tubing.

Bentota is dispersed along Sri Lanka’s west coast, starting in the north with a collection of hotels that gradually gets smaller as you move south. Long stretches of golden sand are only occasionally shaded by granite outcrops and corkscrew palms.

Richy Skylark Helipad rides are available. Visit the Galapatha Raja Maha Vihare Buddhist temple, which is located in Bentota and contains stone inscriptions, stone carvings, pillars, ponds, and troughs from the medieval era, from this helipad that Skylark Aviation Helicopter uses close to the estuary.

Day 19, 20 & 21 – Colombo

The capital of Sri Lanka’s executive and judicial branches and its most populous city is Colombo . Spend some time exploring Colombo, a bustling city full of historical sites and Buddhist temples.

Drive through the city’s business district to see grand structures from the colonial era coexist with contemporary hotels and office buildings. Visit Pettah’s bustling markets and bazaars to pick up some last-minute offerings.

On your last day in Sri Lanka, go on a city tour of Colombo to meet the welcoming locals and learn more about the country’s rich history and culture.

The political, economic, and cultural hub of Sri Lanka is Colombo, which is also home to a wide range of tourist attractions and is renowned for its diverse culture. From Arab traders to the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonists who ruled the city, Colombo’s history can be described as a melting pot of foreign influences.

Contact Ceylon Empire Travels the best travel agents in Sri Lanka  to get 3 weeks Sri Lanka itinerary.

Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.

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Home » Asia » Sri Lanka » Sri Lanka Itinerary Trip Planner | Travel Routes for 2024!

Sri Lanka Itinerary Trip Planner | Travel Routes for 2024!

So you’re planning an itinerary for Sri Lanka? That almost feels self-defeating. Both a part of South Asia and an island paradise, time has a certain way of taking its own flow here—locals lovingly refer to it as  ‘Sri Lanka Time’.

But perhaps you’re visiting Sri Lanka for a quick-blast holiday? Or maybe you just want to explore it fully before you kick off to the next grand destination? Either way, it’s good to know exactly where to go in Sri Lanka before you arrive.

Though not as big or as difficult to travel as its bigger brothers further up the subcontinent, you’re still looking at slow transit times and unpredictable occurrences of deeply-structured chaos. That’s why it’s important to be clued in on the ins-and-outs of executing a Sri Lanka itinerary seamlessly.

And that’s exactly why I present to thee a seamless itinerary for Sri Lanka… Two in fact!

Using these travel routes for Sri Lanka (as marked by the varying monsoon seasons), you’re going to see  a lot  of the country! All the best parts in fact, plus some sneaky bonus stops you’re probably not going to find out about anywhere else. I’ll be covering the coolest destinations in Sri Lanka, what to do there, and, of course, the best and brightest places to stay.

In one seamless guide.

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The Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka is an all-year-round destination… in that it’s always raining and always sunny simultaneously somewhere on the island. The pesky alternating monsoon seasons make planning a trip to Sri Lanka a wee bit more complicated. In that sense, Sri Lanka is also a year-round monsoon destination!

• Northeast “Maha” Monsoon (December to February): Over the Christmas holiday period, the north and east take a refreshing shower, Arugam Bay all but shuts down, and the south coast of Sri Lanka is in full tourist swing.
• Inter-Season “Dryboi” Monsoon #1 (March-April): You’ll catch some rains in the southwest quadrant of the island during this period while everywhere else stays mostly dry.
• Southwest “Yala” Monsoon (May-September): This is when Sri Lanka’s south and west coast highlights really start to get soaked. The Yala monsoon period is easily when to go to Sri Lanka’s east coast—spending a surf season “stuck” in Arugam Bay in particular.
• Inter-Season “Sadboi” Monsoon #2 (October-November): It kinda just rains everywhere during this period… a lot. Have fun with that!

Right, so that may look way too complicated, but it’s not so bad. Except for when it really pours, the rains in Sri Lanka are pretty typical Asian-style monsoons: they rarely hang around for more than a couple of hours max. You can still expect frequent catchups with Mr Blue Sky even during the rains.

Realistically, the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on where you want to go . Keep in mind the rough timing of seasons (and my even rougher attempt to break them down), and you’ll find that crafting a primarily dry itinerary for touring Sri Lanka will be easy. Just avoid the ‘Sadboi’ season; that shit sucks.

Weather in Sri Lanka

Monsoons aside, the climate in Sri Lanka is a much more straightforward ordeal. Expect serious thigh chafing conditions—hot and humid. Sometimes it may be just hot, and sometimes it may just be humid, but it’s probably always going to be at least one of the two.

The exception is in the hill country (central highlands). Up here, things cool off considerably and even get properly cold in the right places. I’d actually go so far as to say it’s my sweet spot; blissful sunny mornings cooled off by drizzles of afternoon mist leading into a full night’s rest snuggled betwixt the blankets.

Check out the table below for some average temperatures in Sri Lanka. I’ve chosen Colombo (Sri Lanka’s west coast capital) and Nuwara Eliya (the balmy capital of the mountainous tea country) to contrast the two distinct climates.

So, before we start the 14-day Sri Lanka itinerary extravaganza, I wanna talk about arrival and Day 0. For any and all backpacking routes in Sri Lanka, you’ll be landing at Sri Lanka’s international airport— Bandaranaike —which is near Colombo but not in Colombo. This is a blessing in disguise.

Colombo is beautiful on the inside… probably. It’s hard to tell because it’s so ugly on the outside. I spent a week here: the only redeemable thing I found was UberEats so I could just stay in my hostel in Colombo .

Instead, I present to you… Negombo!

Negombo is a fine alternative to staying in Colombo’s gridlocked mayhem. It even sounds similar!

Negombo is a whole lot more chill, the beaches are nicer, and it’s closer to the airport. Maybe I sound like a vacuum salesman pitching the newest model, but suck it up, princess! Any and all times you can skip Colombo, do it.

Colombo is yesterday’s soggy street roti disappointing my mouth.

Where to Stay in Negombo:  YoYo Beach Hostel

There are actually two YoYo sister hostels in Negombo—this one and the airport hostel. The YoYo Beach Hostel is aimed more at a party vibe; you can expect to crack open the arrack by night and sleep off the migraine on the beach by day.

The  YoYo Airport Hostel  (which is closer to the airport than the beach) is more setup for one-night stayovers when flying in and out of Sri Lanka. You’ll get quiet vibes and a soundproof room with the option to transfer to the Beach Hostel if you wanna partake in family dinner. Truth be told, they’re both pretty mint places to stay, and you can’t really go wrong with either!

Sri Lanka in Two Weeks: The Breakdown

1. Bandaranaike International Airport 2. Negombo 3. Sigiriya 4. Kandy 5. Ella 6. Yala National Park 7. Mirissa (South Coast Beaches) 8. Galle Fort

December to January is the peak; March and April is a comfortable shoulder season.

1. Looking at Sigiriya Rock 2. The train ride to Ella 3. The hill country

Stop 1: Sigiriya (Days 1-3)

Next up is Sigiriya. You’d be hard-pressed to find a single suggested itinerary for Sri Lanka that didn’t include the majestic wonder of Sigiriya: the ancient rock fortress.

Set in the central, dry, and hot lowlands region, Sigiriya sits inside the Cultural Triangle area (which I’ll cover more in the ‘3-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary’ ). Beneath the hulking behemoth of Lion’s Rock  (AKA Sigiriya), is a relatively sleepy and tourist-lite village (comparatively to Sri Lanka’s other famous places to visit). I actually really dig the town; tourists float in, but it’s not overdone. Plus there are some endearing strange ones kicking around town.

The rock fortress of Sigiriya is the main draw to this area (not to mention one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sri Lanka).  If you’re only in Sri Lanka for 14 days, it’s a must-see thing. Powerful yet humbling, the supposed tomb of the God-King Ravana himself, it’s also mega-touristic and a tough price to swallow for those travelling Sri Lanka on a budget.

There are, however, other options…

You can potentially find a direct bus, but the train runs from either of the  ‘-ombos’  to nearby  Habarana . It’s an easy bus ride or tuk-tuk to Sigiriya from there.

The choice is as follows:

• Pay  $25 , climb Lion’s Rock with a horde of tourists and locals (it’s a very sacred site), and experience the admittedly very impressive ancient fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Or… climb the nearby Pidurangala rock for about  $3  with a smaller swarm of tourists and locals, and watch the sunset (or sunrise) set the hues of Sigiriya ablaze.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, however, I do recommend the latter. And at sunset. Alternatively, just do both!

• Shenadi Restaurant –  Yummy local food at cheap prices—it’s just that simple.
• Rastarant Sigiriya –  The juices are bangin’ and the slackline’s a’ hangin’!

Where to Stay in Sigiriya:  Jungle Vista

The family who runs the hostel are also mega-lovely, can easily organise safaris and tours, and cook up a mean Sri Lankan feed every night. It’s a bit out of Sigiriya town (about 10 km) but absolutely worth the tuk-tuk fare (the family can organise you transport anyway).

Stop 2: Kandy (Days 3-5)

Ok, ok, Kandy… most tourists I meet travelling Sri Lanka are pretty unenthused by Kandy. I can’t necessarily blame them. It’s, admittedly, a bit like chewing bubble gum—fun for a brief period, but the magic quickly wears off.

Yet, still, I like Blandy. It’s a normal but pretty city where normal people do normal boring things. There’s a mall with an ice-cream parlour, a lake for moonlit romantic strolls, and heaps of cheap food around.

If you’re a backpacker, Kandy is similar to Colombo (albeit way more chill and lacking in a proper nightlife); there’s not much reason to go there except to start the unbelievable train journey to Ella. If you’re visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, or on a whirlwind 5 to 7-day itinerary, you can just book a hostel in Kandy , stay a night, rest up, and catch the train right on out the following morning.

Unless you’re lucky enough to score a direct bus, chances are it will be one bus to  Dambulla  (30 mins approx.) followed by another bus to Kandy (hopefully < 3 hours).

Honestly, I scoped a few attractions out, and it really is the kind of city where you’re better off just wandering and seeing what secrets you find. That said…

• Temple of the Tooth –  Easily the most famous thing to see in Kandy, this temple holds a very sacred artefact: the alleged tooth of Lord Buddha himself. Personally, I’d say it’s not really worth the price of entry since you don’t even get to see the tooth, but it’s a mention for the temple-nutters.
• To the Batcave –  This is something special. I’m not sure if it’s seasonal (I visited Kandy in September) but at twilight, the sky fills with a myriad of bats—truly innumerable. Find a high spot in the hills, roll up, and enjoy the show.
• Licenced to Grill –  Delicious puns aside, you get wraps and burgers at mean prices with chips that are really more like wedges (which makes them better).

Where to Stay in Kandy:  Hipsters Hideout Lounge

You know when something is not particularly special, but it just kinda appeals to you. That’s how I feel about Hipster’s Hideout Lounge.

It’s cheap and the walls have got some cool art going on, but it was also pretty quiet every time I visited Kandy. The dorms are basic too—no lockers. That said, I like the vibes, and it’s always my go-to place every time I stay in Kandy.

Inter-Stops: The Kandy to Ella Train

This is why you have to at least pass through Kandy: the train to Ella. The Kandy to Ella train is a must-do thing on any and all Sri Lanka itineraries. It’s not a journey to be missed.

Chances are you’ve already heard of the train ride from Kandy to Ella. If not, you’ve at least seen pictures, even if you don’t know it. Winding train tracks elegantly slice paths through the jungles, tea plantations, and misty slopes of the hill country. It’s one of those types of train journeys where you get to do this:

You don’t have to actually board the train at Kandy. There are stops before and after, and you can even board the train at Colombo. That is a bloody long ride though.

Kandy is about the right distance to Ella (roughly an 8-hour train ride plus the margin-of-error for the Asia effect), and there are a few extra spots you can stop along the way in Sri Lanka’s hill country if you can smush it all into your travel itinerary route. Since we’re already smushing a lot in, I’ll cover the extra places to go in the 3-week itinerary: check the hill country section .

Stop 3: Ella (Days 5-8)

Man, cutting only 4-days from your Sri Lanka itinerary for Ella hardly even seems like enough! Ella is easily my favourite place to go in Sri Lanka: I collectively spent around 2 months there staying it what used to be one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka (R.I.P. and bless).

I wouldn’t suggest staying in Ella town itself. There’s some good food in town, and some souvenir/Goa-lite shopping, but, otherwise, it’s an over-capacity tourist bubble. The real draw of Ella is everything around the bubble.

Smack-bang right in the middle of the emerald sea of the hill country, Ella is surrounded by gorgeous tea plantations, stunning valley panoramas, and plenty of aimless wandering opportunities. If you’re not staying outside town in the fairytale fields of cloud forests and shifting mists, you’re missing out.

From Kandy, I’m only going to tell you to catch the train every time.

• Little Adam’s Peak –  An easy walk with a grand payoff. For people that like eating the cake but don’t wanna bake it.
• Ella Rock –  A more challenging and dynamic hike with, arguably, less viewing payoff. There are heaps of backtracks here making it a fave for anyone that likes exploring. For those that like baking the cake but don’t want to eat it because the calories will ruin their trim walking figure.
• Nine Arches Bridge –  It’s a pretty bridge that the trains runs across with people selling drinking coconuts nearby. I don’t really get it, but it’s mega-touristy and a super popular attraction in Sri Lanka, so I thought I’d be remiss not to mention it.

In Ella itself:

• Matey Hut –  There are some blessed dank eateries in town (shoutout to the nameless roti shop on the south edge of town), however,  Matey Hut serves up high-quality Sri Lankan cuisine in a tourist restaurant setting.
• Cafe Chill –  It’s not really my jam—a proper tourist joint through and through. The prices are high, the food top-notch, and the music is usually on-point too! Along with  Cafe One Love , it’s one of the two main watering holes in town.
• MozarElla –  No matter where you go in the world, you will always find three things: pigeons, pizza, and Australians.

Where to Stay in Ella:  Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic

As I said, it’s better to stay  outside  of Ella, and this is a sweet spot. Getting into town itself will take some forethought, however, in the surrounding area of the property, there is heaps to explore.

You’ve also got free breakfast here saving you the trek into town (although walking the train tracks into town is always a blast). Ella Rock is also super close and easy to access. Once you get to Ella town itself and feel how touristy and packed it is, you’ll be glad you booked this peaceful place outta town in the mountains.

Stop 4: Yala National Park (Days 8-10)

We’re heading south towards the beach, but first, stop 4 and a disclaimer! Listen, there are three things nearly all backpackers travelling Sri Lanka will do:

• Go on a safari
• Get an elephant tattoo (probably shortly after the safari)

On point two, Yala is arguably the best place to visit in Sri Lanka in your 14 days of adventuring for a safari; it’s Sri Lanka’s biggest national park . Personally, though, I wouldn’t recommend it.

The animal tourism in Sri Lanka has a less than sterling reputation . Even on my own personal backpacking trip to Sri Lanka, I saw multiple instances of animal abuse both inside and outside the tourism industry.

Many safaris in Sri Lanka are not at all in line with responsible and ethical wildlife tourism , and nearly all are contributing to the greater issue. In Yala alone, safaris are overbooked, traffic is frequent, drivers are reckless and endanger the wildlife, and wild animals are (and have been) killed as a result.

Chances are, if you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you’re already considering booking a safari. Ultimately, you do you. Just consider this the counter-perspective.

Unles you want to organise a driver or shared tourist taxi (which is easy from Ella), you’ll need to catch the bus. There are a few options for where you can go close to the national park, but Ella to Kataragama is a standard route and base for exploration.

A safari or not—s’up to you. Fair warning though, you’re not really permitted to explore the national park at your own duress like other places in the world. I’d really just suggest outright skipping Yala and the moral bankruptcy to go just soak up the beach for longer.

Where to Stay in Yala:  Leopard Trails

When I say luxury, I do really mean luxury: it’s an expensive, high-end tent accommodation with all the trimmings of a modern-day resort. And, of course, they’ll set you up for all your safari shenanigans.

An Ethically-Sound Alternative to a Sri Lankan Safari: Millennium Elephant Foundation

That’s right – you can get up-close-and-personal with some of the most majestic beasts in Sri Lanka and not even feel a drop of moral anxiety about it!  Millennium Elephant Foundation  is  ethical elephant tourism.

These guys don’t even let you ride the elephants. They used to let you ride them bareback, but now they’ve exchanged that program for their much more whimsical and respectable  Elephant Walk Experience . It’s kinda like a first date: you get to hang out, go for a romantic stroll with your partner elephant, and even help them bathe at the end if you’re lucky. ?

Was the first date divine? Then it’s time to commit because the  Elephant Foundation accepts volunteers too!  Not only will you get to hang out, care for, and bathe with the lovelies, but you’ll help out around the property too with farming, veterinary work, and teaching!

Honestly, there’s zero reason not to drop the cash you were going to spend on booking a safari on this instead. It’s  1000 times more  of an authentic experience,  1000 times less  morally reprehensible, and  100,000 times better  than sitting in a jeep staring slackjawed at wild animals that really just wish you’d piss off…

Stop 5: South Beaches (Days 10-13)

And it’s time for the beach! We’ve spent nearly 14 days in Sri Lanka already, and we still haven’t hit the beach—shameful.

Instead of sending you along Sri Lanka’s south coast, however, I’m going to lay out the beach destinations here for you (southeast to southwest direction) and who they’re good for:

You’ll find a bus from Kataragama no sweat. Once you’re on the south coast, the train runs from Colombo as far east as  Matara  (between Mirissa and Tangalle), and the buses run straight along the coast from town to town. Getting around Sri Lanka’s south coast is super easy!

Pretty much anything associated with beaches and tourists:

• Diving/Snorkelling
• Drugs, backpackers, and parties

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka’s South (Mirissa):  Colours Hostels

A good atmosphere and a pumping little piece of backpacker accommodation in Sri Lanka’s south. To be fair, there are heaps of cool areas stay (just see above), but Mirissa is pretty central, close to lots of good beaches, and has a neato tourist-friendly scene going on.

Good people generally float in, the family feeling is high, and breakfast is a killer. Expect good vibes.

Galle and the Fort (Days 13-14)

Galle Fort—so pretty yet so strange. It is the perfect spot, however, to round off your southern Sri Lanka tour. Inside the fort proper—Galle’s main tourist hub—there’s an almost timeless bubble quality (even if the tuk-tuk bois are too thirsty); it’s easy to decompress here before heading back towards the madness of Colombo (or, ideally, straight to the airport).

Galle is an oddball. Outside the fort in Galle city things make sense in that they make no sense: the typical South Asia craziness ensues. It’s a Sri Lankan city through and through.

Once you step inside the fort though, the game changes—rice and curry goes out the bathroom window and barista coffee and cake come right on in. It’s like a little slice of Europe in Sri Lanka (right down to the narrow alleyways lined with Volkswagens and Portuguese/Dutch-era colonial architecture).

Personally, I’m not a big fan of staying in Galle Fort. The lack of street food and vendors peddling single cigarettes feels too inauthentic. But if you’re wondering where to stay in Sri Lanka for 2-3 days after a whirlwind highlight itinerary route, it’s a very beautiful place to tie it all up with some fine-dining and a romantic moonlit stroll.

Both the main bus station and the train station are situated right out front of the fort—easy peasy!

Depending on your style of travel, you’ll either find heaps to do or not much:

• Shopping –  And heaps of it! Tea, spices, souvenirs, art, gems (watch for scams) are all on ample display.
• Dining –  Much like shopping, there are heaps of restaurants functioning more on a Western schema.
• Early morning/late night strolls –  Galle is easily prettiest when the tuk-tuk mafioso and touts are sleeping off a hard day’s harassing. And, honestly, it’s kinda charmingly quaint.
• Galle Lighthouse –  I just think it’s super pretty.
• Abacate –  I simply CANNOT recommend this place enough. Genuinely authentic food inside the fort coming in at a fair price (which is also unheard of in the fort). I know the cook and his family personally, and there isn’t a single person in Sri Lanka I would rather send me into a blissful kottu-induced food coma on the whole damn island.
• Street eats –  For street food and hole-in-the-walls, you’ll have to leave the fort. Once you cross the big intersection back to the city main, you’ll find the good stuff again.

Where to Stay in Galle Fort:  Fort Sky House

Well, Galle Fort is  super  upper-class and when in Rome… rent a swanky apartment with an open-air kitchenette/lounge bar terrace! The whole apartment is most definitely continuing that whole Sri Lanka meets European village neighbourhood feel.

It’s in a sweet location in the fort—conveniently located but still in a private spot—with a very gracious host. Honestly, you’re about to leave Sri Lanka, so why not pimp out and just treat yo’self for the remaining nights!

Getting Home:  After Galle, getting to the airport is pretty simple. One option is to ride the train to Colombo and make your way from there, however, you’ll also find buses that go direct from Galle’s main bus station to the airport. Just ask around, and you’ll be fine.

Okely-dokely, you’ve got an extra week, and the rains are pissing down in the south. There are a few crossovers between this suggested Sri Lanka itinerary and the last, however, I’ll elaborate further on a few areas. Besides, Sigiriya, Ella, and the train are absolutely necessary things to do in Sri Lanka even in just seven days.

I’ve given you a few extra bonus stops too, but mostly I’ve bumped this up to a 3-week itinerary for Sri Lanka to give you extra time to spend in Arugam Bay. Arugam Bay is one of those places that people get stuck.

Sri Lanka in 3 Weeks: The Breakdown

1. Bandaranaike International Airport 2. Negombo 3. Sigiriya 4. Polonnaruwa 5. Anuradhapura 6. Wilpattu National Park 7. Jaffna 8. Trincomalee 9. Arugam Bay 10. Ella 11. Nuwara Eliya 12. Adam’s Peak  (Sri Pada) 13. Kandy 14. Meemure Village

March through to September with the summer months being the busiest.

1. Mad munchies in Arugam Bay 2. Still the hill country 3. An adventure to Meemure

Stop 1: Sigiriya and the Cultural Highlights (Days 1-4)

Well, we already talked about Sigiriya, so instead, I’m mentioning a few other notable places to travel to in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. I still recommend staying in Sigiriya and soaking that yumminess up though (potentially with some side-adventures to explore the local landscapes).

But, since you’re spending a few more days touring Sri Lanka, there are a few extra bonus day trips from Sigiriya you could consider:

• Polonnaruwa – The ancient city of kings. It’s a $25 entrance fee, but, honestly, if you were considering dropping that on Sigiriya Fortress, just visit Polonnaruwa instead. Think of Polonnaruwa as a historical theme park. Once, 800 years ago, it was a thriving city, a hub of culture and commerce, and the seat of power for one of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms . Now it’s a playground for lovers of archaeology, history, and ruins. It’s a large space—you’ll need to hire a tuk-tuk driver or a bike to explore it—but if you’re a sucker for old-world goodness, it’s worth the trip.
• Dambulla cave temple – It could be worth the trip if you’re really into temples. Dambulla town itself is a waste, but the cave interior temple (another extremely sacred site in Sri Lanka) is very impressive. It’s also extremely commercialised and carries that whole “God is dead” feeling… so… up to you!
• Jathika Namal Uyana (Rose Quartz Mountain) – Dude, I missed checking this out, and I hate myself so much for that. It’s exactly what it purports to be: five bucks and you’ll be standing on a mountain of pink rose quartz. Don’t be like me— go .

Where to Stay in Sigirya (again):  Nethmini Leege Cottage

It’s another place to stay in Sigiriya and a damn cool bit of accommodation in Sri Lanka—a treehouse! Nestled in the jungle, you’ll be surrounded by the gorgeous nature of Sri Lanka’s lowlands.

It’s very close to Sigiriya town and walking to Lion’s Rock is even an option. It’s still a homestay, however (treehouse or not), so expect some damn good home cooking! A mum-cooked meal when you’re so far away from home is always a blessing.

Stop 2: Anuradhapura (Days 4-6)

If you’re feeling the temple/history burnout, you can leave Anuradhapura off your itinerary in Sri Lanka. There’s not much else to see there except more of Sri Lanka’s historical attractions.

Well, that’s a lie—there is one thing that’s pretty dope: Sri Maha Bohdi . Thought to be the oldest-living human-planted tree in the world, the tree started as a cutting from the original tree that Lord Buddha gained enlightenment beneath. Planted as a sapling by one of the kings of old, now it’s an incredibly revered place to visit in Sri Lanka.

Past that, you’re looking at a similar concept to exploring Polonnaruwa, albeit slightly different in the execution. Another archaeological park with a $25 entrance fee and another archaic kingdom, however, this time it’s the cradle of Buddhism in ancient (Sinhala) Sri Lankan civilisation.

Enormous towering dagobas (brick stupas) and sprawling monastic complexes fill the area. Much like Polonnaruwa, it’ll be a matter of renting a bike or tuk-tuk driver to explore Anuradhapura to its fullest.

From Sigiriya, your options are:

• To travel to Dambulla and catch the direct bus from there.
• Or you should, theoretically, be able to catch a train from  Habarana  (or any other station) to Anuradhapura (since the train runs through it). I can’t properly confirm this through my sources, however.
• Abhayagiri Vihara –  One of the major monasteries in Anuradhapura and the biggest in Sri Lanka for a long while. Topped by a towering dagoba, there is some complex architecture on display here including the pools and intricately carved Moonstone.
• Isurumuniya Vihara –  Another monastic complex except this time, it’s carved out of rock!
• More of the same –  Yah, seriously, throw a rock in Anuradhapura and you’ll hit a ridiculously impressive dagoba or stupa (and probably a one-way ticket to Sri Lankan jail). A couple of other key players in Anuradhapura’s stupa scene include  Jetavanaramaya  and  Ruwanwelisaya .

Check out  Mango Mango  for some cheap local cuisine in a restaurant setting. Failing that, the shopping centre has some other snackeries.

Where to Stay in Anuradhapura:  Heaven Upon Rice Fields

Well, to start, there’s aircon, and in the mugginess of Sri Lanka’s central region, that really is a little slice of heaven (upon rice fields). Honestly, it’s just a nice place to stay in Anuradhapura.

A cute little Sri Lankan bed and breakfast with a darling outlook of—yup, you guessed it—rice fields! Yummy brekky, yummy dinner, bike rental (which is perfect for exploring Anuradhapura), and a damn nice room.

Booking a Tour in Sri Lanka

Usually, I’m not much of a tour guy, however, for some of these major historical sites in Sri Lanka— Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura in particular —you can see why booking a tour is smart. With such a complex and deep history locked behind such an esoteric culture and language, booking a tour is really the only way to fully comprehend these ancient wonders of Sri Lanka.

Organising a tour once your there is always easy; there’s always a bare minimum of 36 touts lurking in the bushes at any given time. However, if you want to pre-book, or want to ensure that you get a legitimately insightful and professional guide, I’d advise booking a less off-the-cuff tour through the links below.

Safari Stop-or-Not: Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is northwest Sri Lanka’s answer to Yala. The largest national park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is also potentially an even better choice than Yala for seeing leopards (they’re still mighty rare, however).

Pretty much everything I said about Yala National Park still holds true here. It’s not so much a matter of the park-to-park context as it is the wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka as a whole.

That said, with two different Sri Lanka itineraries, two different monsoon seasons, and two different routes, this your alternative place to go if your heart is really just that set on a safari.

Where to Stay in Wilpattu National Park:  Base Camp Wilpattu

More ethically questionable luxury glamping— woo!  This one is allegedly reported, however, to abide by a strict set of environmental policies and be run by some upstanding peeps. Whether that’s true or not I can’t say, but I can say that you’ll be comfortable!

Fancy beds, fancy meals, fancy trimmings, and they’ll probably even deck you out with you own emblazoned fancy pants. Jokes aside, the reports are in that this is a dope place to stay and start your safari from. Apparently the staff really do care.

One Last Note on the Ethics of Wildlife Tourism in Sri Lanka

You can find reasonable or even positive forms of animal tourism in Sri Lanka (and low-impact safaris too). This is more a callout to be  shrewd . Extremely shrewd.

You’re travelling in a region of the world with a historically poor (and earned) reputation for the mistreatment of animals. A lot of backpackers and tourists kinda just roll in and assume that because a man in khakis told them it’s ok, that’s it’s ok. That’s usually not the case.

So be critical; taking the hypothesis that it’s a case of unethical tourism until given proof to the contrary is a good method. It’s better to be safe than sorry on this topic.

Oh, and for the love of God, please,  do not ride the elephant s .

Bonus Stop: Jaffna (Days 6-8)

Now, this is certainly an uncommon place to visit off the standard Sri Lanka backpacking itinerary. I’m saying it’s a bonus stop because:

• It is going to add some distance to your travel route.
• It’s a bit more challenging to travel.
• You honestly may just be busting to hit the beach after spending a week in the hot, humid, booze-less cultural epicentre of the island.

It’s impossible to really understand Jaffna without knowledge of the history of Sri Lanka. The tl;dr is that there are actually two subgroups of Sri Lankan people—the Sinhala and the Tamils. In modern times, there was an ungodly civil war that ripped these two peoples lives apart for more than two decades, and in the primarily Tamil northern area of Sri Lanka, you’ll still see traces of the horrors that occurred.

It’s not all doom and gloom though… Jaffna is also super pretty! It’s a change in architecture to a more South Indian style and, if your spice palette has refined enough to notice the subtle differences, it’s a change in cuisine too.

You don’t need to spend too many days in Jaffna. Mostly, you’ll be concerned with checking out some (more) temples and finding a soulful spot in the ocean to cool off during the midday heat. The remaining eleven days on this Sri Lanka itinerary is going to leave the historical stuff alone mostly in exchange for the blissful beach days. But if you’re interested in rounding off your experience by meeting the other half of Sri Lanka’s people before getting lost the bikini-booty-bods, travel to Jaffna.

There’ll be a bus—there’s always a bus in Sri Lanka—but the train also runs all the way north to the Jaffna peninsula.

• Island tour –  From the tip of the Jaffna peninsula, there are a couple of choice islands to visit: there’s  Nainativu Island  with its gorgeous Tamil-Hindu temple while  Delft Island  has both colonial and natural delights.
• Off-beat travel –  There are plenty of official homages to the civil war in Jaffna, however, look hard enough and you’ll start to see darker examples of what transpired. Crumbling ruins, forts, and even old bullet holes are there for those willing to look.
• Malayan Cafe –  Cheap and proper local grub where they won’t even bother giving the whiteys cutlery. An absolute gem.
• Jaffna mangos –  Not to be confused with the restaurant in Jaffna  called  ‘Mangos’ (who serve killer dosa). The mangos in Sri Lanka’s north are rumoured to be the best on the island, and you’ll find plenty of street food ops to eat them with a seasoning of chilli, sugar, and salt.

Where to Stay in Jaffna:  Sky Park View Guesthouse

First up, I like the location; it’s right across from a park! There aren’t any dorms here, but the private rooms are cheap (the same prices as a dorm in a lot of other hostels around Sri Lanka).

You’ve got scooter rental, super friendly and helpful staff, and plenty of local food around. It’s not ultra-flash, but it is home and a good bit of budget accommodation in Jaffna.

Stop 3: Trincomalee (Days 9-12)

The warm-up to the inevitable time-sink of Arugam Bay. There’s no good swell in Trincomalee if you’re chasing the ultimate surfing holiday in Sri Lanka , however, everything else is on point!

You’ll find long sandy beaches lined with deckchairs and drinking holes. A Lion Strong, a round of beach volleyball, and an escape from the insane midday heat in the sparkling water is a guarantee. It’s also considerably quieter than Arugam Bay—like everybody left their mutual chaos behind along with their binge alcoholism.

That’s what Trinco feels like: Arugam Bay all grown up. Arugam Bay in its 30s when it started showering regularly and stopped sleeping with everything with a pulse. It’s cleaner, a bit more refined, a bit more expensive, and also a bit more boring. It’s either the warm-up to Arugam Bay or the place to come down afterwards.

From either Anuradhapura or Jaffna you can catch the train, but it will require a backtrack to the  Maho Junction . There are also direct buses from both cities which would be your better option.

The train actually alights closer to the centre of town where you almost definitely won’t want to stay considering all those beautiful Sri Lankan beaches hanging around.

• Uppuveli  is the main tourist hub ( Sarvodaya Road  specifically). It’s one long street filled with restaurants, shops, and various bits of accommodation with  plenty  of beach access.
• Nilaveli  to the north of Trinco is a much quieter area. There are still plenty of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beach hotels and resorts, but the actual area (and beach) is way more local.

As I said though, Trincomalee is noticeably more expensive than a lot of other places in Sri Lanka that I visited. If you’re budget travelling in Sri Lanka, the best way to keep the costs down is to step outside the tourist bubble. One foot off of Sarvodaya Road back into the real Trinco and everything gets  a lot  cheaper.

Where to Stay in Trincomalee:  Wanderers Hostel

And it’s back to the hostel life! Dorms with aircon (boom, Buddha),  plenty of travellers to chill with, private rooms for sex after the beach! (Na, Trinco is  wayyy  too hot for banging.)

It’s a chill hostel although I do wish they would actually fill that plunge pool up. There’s free tea and coffee but no food served, and the WiFi is inexplicably good. Like, really damn good—I don’t get it either.

Stop 4: Arugam Bay (Days 12-?)

We maaaade it. Here’s a season in Arugam Bay in a nutshell:

• Sweet wonderful vacuous meaningless backpacker sex

Personally, it’s not my vibe (except the doobies-munchies). But any way you swing it,  this is undeniably a backpacker haven—anywhere the Israelis congregate en masse usually is. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, and particularly a first-time visit, plan to lose track of your holiday itinerary for an indeterminate amount of time. Arugam Bay is the surf mecca of Sri Lanka as well as the backpacking mecca. Arugam Bay is one of those places.

It’s a sticky place.

You may want to consider a taxi if you’re not a fan of long stints on the bumpy bus. Otherwise, from Trincomalee, it’s a bus to Batticaloa and a change for Arugam Bay.

Wednesdays are also a party night, but it’s a dumb party and no one goes:

• Blue Wave Hotel Pool Party (Thursdays) –  An Israeli pool party (legitimately) featuring Tel Avivian Ibiza vibes and next-level trash music. It’s easily the best place to get laid in Arugam Bay.
• Whiskey Point (Fridays) –  The traveller-fave of Arugam’s throwdowns. A beach bar a bit out of town featuring house and techno.
• Mambo’s (Saturdays) –  It’s another beach bar featuring techno and house except that this one is in town and there’s a slackline—yay!

My happy place:

• Mama’s Restaurant –  Welcome to Sri Lanka at it’s finest! All-you-can-eat rice and curry buffet, 6 types of curry, full-power papas, and no end or regrets in sight until you puke.
• Blue Vans/Trucks –  On the south side of town, there’s a row of them all serving up street eats, and they all kick ass!
• Bites –  Go here, get yourself a brookie It’s a brownie-cookie—eugenics done right.

Where to Stay in Arugam Bay:  The Long Hostel

The amenities are tight, and the dorms get the job done, but you’re more staying here for the vibe. It’s backpackery, young, 100% party-surf focused, and, honestly, kinda cliquey. Like I said, love it or hate it, it’s Arugam Bay to a tee.

Oh, and the iced coffees will blow your mind wide open.

A Final Note on Backpacking Arugam Bay

Jokes aside, Arugam Bay really is backpacker central and a place people “get stuck”. It’s like a little slice of Thailand backpacking with a South Asian twist. Whether you love that or not is ultimately up to you.

If you’re not so much on a backpacking Sri Lanka tour as vacationing there, it may not be your vibe. Despite the copious amounts of joints being rolled, it definitely doesn’t feel chill. With such a high concentration of travellers, there’s the level of madness that you’d expect from other similar bubbles in the world like Pai, Pokhara, or Goa (though nothing competes with Goa).

Even if you’re a backpacker through-and-through but, perhaps (for example), one who’s grown into quiet living and out of many elements of the Southeast Asia backpacking scene, it still may not be your vibe. Unless you’re like me and will go anywhere there’s cheap food and doobs. Then it’s kickass for a week.

…Or if you’re a surfer. Then you’ll definitely be fine.

Stops 5-6: Ella, Kandy, and the Hill Country (Days 16-21)

Yup, the same as the 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary except in reverse! I really cannot stress enough how much this part of the country and the train journey are a must-see in Sri Lanka in any itinerary.

Ella really is the ultimate detox to skip the bends leaving Arugam Bay. There is a tranquil majesty to Sri Lanka’s hill country ( outside of Ella town) that will make even the most crushing wipeout a gentle ride to shore. If you can take a few extra days to hike, explore the valleys, or even just smoke and watch the sky, definitely do it.

When you do catch the train to Kandy, there are a few extra stops you can consider to break up the trip, provided you have the time:

• Nuwara Eliya – One of several points of interest in Sri Lanka that still  heavily carries the colonial remnants. The racecourse, the architecture, the tea, and definitely the post office all feel like cracking open a city-sized time capsule the British colonialists left behind. You’re up high in the hills here though, so expect it to get cold and rainy.
• Haputale –  Speaking of tea, at Haputale you’ll find Lipton’s Seat (yes, of  that Lipton) which is really more like an imperialist’s throne overseeing the incredible sweeps of plantations, hills and even right down to the south coast on a clear day!
• Hatton –  I’m not so much suggesting that you stick Hatton on your Sri Lanka itinerary as what’s near it: the mighty and majestic Adam’s Peak (AKA Sri Pada AKA  Samanalakanda AKA  Bob’s Your Uncle AKA a million other things). One of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka, Adam’s Peak is an absolutely exquisite climb to venture above the sea of clouds. The climbing season for both pilgrims and tourists runs from December to May, however, it’s a much nicer climb in the shoulder season before it gets crazy.

When you do arrive in Kandy, and since you’ll be departing shortly, forget the dorms! Take a nice accommodation in Kandy out of the city or up in the hills, and soak up the last few days spent with Sri Lanka.

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

Idyll Homestay

The view is incredible, the bed is incredible, the visits from the local critter-cuties are incredible… the breakfast is  super  incredible! What ties it all together though is the host: he really goes above and beyond for his guests. Short of languishing within a hippy mountain palace, it’s undoubtedly one of the nicest places to stay in Ella.

Laughing Leopard Hostel

Truthfully though, the staff who run this place are warm and friendly to a fault; they really do create a space for people to relax in whatever capacity. If they also happen to enjoy some late night drinks and techno bangers, can you really blame them for that?

The Cliff Lodge

High up in the hills above Haputale is The Cliff Lodge: a place to retreat to, ditch the WiFi for a few days, and reset. Calling it a  “lodge”  is generous—you’re given a tent set up in an old tea picker’s hut, but that’s part of the charm. For nighttime fires, unreal starscapes, and a complete digital detox, this is where to stay in Sri Lanka.

Private Rooftop Villa with a Plunge Pool

Stop! You had me at skinny dipping!

I didn’t say skinny dipping…

Well… now you did!

It’s a private top floor villa outside of Kandy surrounded by lush greens and splatterings of colonial architectural charm. Breakfast is complimentary, the hosts are mega-chill, and, again, there’s a private plunge pool. Finish Sri Lanka with a bang…?

The Ultimate Boss: Meemure and the Knuckles Mountain Range

Mmm, yum. Mountains—my happy place (other than joints and buffets). This is about as off the beaten path in Sri Lanka as you can probably get. The unquenchable, untameable, and unabashed Knuckles Mountain Range hiding Sri Lanka’s most remote village—Meemure.

You’ll need to dedicate at least 3 days in Sri Lanka from your itinerary for the trip: one day there, one day to explore, and one day to return. If you can spare more time, then that’s even better.

Travelling to Meemure is one of those things where it’s about the journey. It may not be as hardcore as some other South Asian adventures (*cough* backpacking Pakistan *cough*) , but it’s still the most hardcore thing and hidden place I could unearth on my trip to Sri Lanka.

I really can’t break that down concisely here; you’ll have to read my  Meemure Village Cheeky Adventure Guide  for the deetz!

Again, check the guide. Even reaching and experiencing Meemure (and laying eyes on that absolutely magnificent Lakegala) is a feat and reward together. Outside of that, the Knuckles Mountain Range is so, so yummy and missing out on hiking them would be a damn shame. If you happen to see a leopard too, congrats! You’re a real traveller: stuff the safari up the industry’s left nostril.

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Holy mother of box-ticking, Batman! Those are some blessed Sri Lanka travel itineraries.

Now, you’re probably going to have a cracker of a time no matter where you go; there are heaps of beautiful places in Sri Lanka . There are also heaps of beautiful feeds to feast upon in Sri Lanka! (I’ve failed to mention it thus far, but get yourself a kottu—Sri Lanka’s answer to greasy hangover food.)

However, before commencing on that ultimate holiday vacation to Sri Lanka, get yourself keyed on the insider knowledge. I didn’t live there for three months just so I could not share this stuff!

How many days should I spend in Sri Lanka?

Truthfully, I’d say anything less than a month just really isn’t doing it justice. There are just soooo many places to see in Sri Lanka . You could, however, potentially smush it all into a 3-week trip to Sri Lanka. My initial route backpacking around Sri Lanka was similar to the above-listed 3-week itinerary and weighed in somewhere between 3 and 4 weeks in execution.

If you’re not really the smoke, surf, and turf kinda human, the beaches may not slow you down as much as they would a typical backpacker. For everyone else though, Sri Lanka’s beautiful beach destinations—Arugam Bay in particular—will more than likely initiate “Actually, I’ll leave tomorrow,” syndrome.

When you’re planning your trip to Sri Lanka, ease up on the allotted time in your itinerary for the historical and cultural sites, and free up more for the ‘fun’  stuff. The historical sites in Sri Lanka are dope, no doubt, but every traveller I met at the beach or in Ella expressed regret over not having gotten there sooner.

Besides, for the same cost as entry to Sigiriya Fortress or Polonnaruwa, you could rent a surfboard for 7-8 days. You do the math.

…Wait, nevermind, I just did it for you.

What kind of travel budget do I need for touring Sri Lanka on an itinerary?

Obviously, that’s a highly variable question dependent on the length of your itinerary and travel style. I was able to live pretty comfortably on a daily budget of $20 a day in Sri Lanka, however, this is The Broke Backpacker and so that should give you an idea of how cheaply I travel .

If you travel like a backpacker, but it’s more of a holiday itinerary for Sri Lanka (as opposed to that sweet, sweet slow travel life), upwards of $40 a day should be plenty. That’s an extra $20 of wiggle room a day on top of the necessities (sleeping, eating, smoking) for activities, partying, and whatever else.

BUT, if you’re more the quick vacation type, say a budget for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, $60 a day is a cool max. You can set yourself up in a few top hotels around Sri Lanka and leave the dorms behind.

Finally, if you want to scoot around the island quickly, maybe a whirlwind 5 or 7-day itinerary through Sri Lanka’s highlights, you’ll be relying on taxi services or even a private driver. Honestly, that could run you up to $100 a day or even more depending on how you eat and sleep.

Folks, slow travel is cheaper.

How to Get Around Sri Lanka

Right, so I’ve mentioned a lot of buses and trains , and the truth is that they’re simply the cheapest way of getting around Sri Lanka. But they’re also slow. And uncomfortable. And prone to the South Asia effect (it once took me 11ish hours, 6 bus changes, and one after-dark breakdown to go the 200 km from Unawatuna to Ella).

That said, I still love the public transport in Sri Lanka! It’s chaotic and an adventure every time. And… it’s super cheap:

• Bus from Trincomalee to Arugam Bay (via Batticaloa): < $7
• Versus a private taxi: $85-$90 (contingent on you haggling ability)

Taxis are, otherwise, going to be the main form of tourist transport services in Sri Lanka to utilise. You can save money by hooking up with a crew and sharing transport to the next destination; it’s always easy to find peeps in the tourist bubbles. Taxis are faster, but they’re expensive; you’re going to need to haggle like a pro .

You could also consider renting a bike in Sri Lanka. Cost-wise, that’ll run you about $5-$10 a day (though you can definitely get it cheaper if you rent for an extended period), however, Sri Lanka is a phenomenal road trip country! Just make sure you dot your i’s and cross your t’s with licencing and legalities.

And wear a bloody helmet—dem buses will smoke ya!

Tuk-Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka

Aww, yeahhh —and now we’re talking about the best way to travel in Sri Lanka. Cross the whole damn thing in your own mighty three-wheeling steed!

Can you rent your own tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka? Damn, right you can, and it don’t get much better than this. Well… unless you pay the few extra bucks for the optional boombox!

It really isn’t as confronting to learn to drive a tuk-tuk as you may think. I started to get the hang of it within 5 or 10 minutes. Plus, the looks the other tuk-tuk drivers give you when you overtake them are just so damn delicious.

It’s definitely not the cheapest form of transport in Sri Lanka— $25-$30 a day including rental costs, food, etc. —but that’s not really the bloody point! You’re driving a goddamn tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka! No matter what happens, it’s gonna be a journey you remember for the rest of your life, guaranteed.

All I can say is that I did it (well, hitched a ride with some peeps who did it), it was hella fun, I made some blessed life-long friends along the way (love you guys to the moon), and it’s a top recommendation for travelling around Sri Lanka without a shadow of a doubt.

Check out tuktukrental.com for more info. Use the code  brokebackpacker at the checkout when you decide to take the plunge, and let the good times roll out!

What to Pack for Sri Lanka

Packing for Sri Lanka is pretty straightforward; take whatever your usual backpacking setup is. There aren’t too many other nuances speak of.

DEFINITELY DO, HOWEVER, take a high-quality rain jacket . Even if you’re doing your best to avoid the monsoon, chances are that you’ll get rained on at some point during your visit to Sri Lanka.

Oh, and the mosquitoes are assholes. Take something from home or, better yet, just buy some Odomos when you arrive. It’s cheap there, and the best damn mosquito repellent I’ve ever used!

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Still wondering what to take to Sri Lanka? Then check out our full backpacking packing list more more ideas on gears, gadgets, and goodies for the road!

Staying Safe in Sri Lanka

So… Is Sri Lanka safe ? Yup! I mean, it’s not perfectly safe, but you can also choke on your toothbrush if you’re not careful so…

It’s easiest to think of it as India-lite. The same travel rules you’d apply for backpacking in India, apply it here and then just dial it back a notch.

• If someone asks if you’d like to take a photo of them, or they’re behaving like a tourist attraction (eg. a stilt fisherman or tea picker), then they’re almost definitely going to ask for money if you do take that snap. Kids will too!
• Never trust a tuk-tuk driver—GPS out and money is exchanged only after you’ve confirmed you’ve arrived at the correct destination.
• Travellers of the feminine disposition won’t have nearly as hard a time as in India but should still be wary, smart, and be careful where they’re walking alone at night. And get used to being stared at—take it in stride.
• Don’t leave your valuables unguarded on the beach (or anywhere for that matter).
• Your shoulders and knees need to be covered at sacred sites. No iconography of Lord Buddha-san (tattoos, shirt logos, etc.) and no turning your back on the Buddha statues or taking selfies with them.
• Watch out for scams but also don’t spit the dummy every time someone overcharges you 20 rupees. Therein lies the road to insanity.

Honestly, it’s a standard South Asia affair. Sri Lanka is pretty chill, and out of the three major backpacking destinations of the Indian subcontinent (Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka), I’ve found Sri Lankans (the Sinhala people specifically—maybe it’s the Buddhism) to be the most scrupulous and sincere.

Getting Insured for Your Trip to Sri Lanka

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Sri Lanka itinerary.

How many days is enough to visit Sri Lanka?

14 days is a great amount of time to get around the country and take in the highlights.

Is 10 days enough in Sri Lanka?

It’s pushing it but you could see most of the main sights if you prioritise your time.

Is 3 weeks too long in Sri Lanka?

3 weeks is the perfect amount of time to really take in pretty much everything there is to see and have some down time too.

Is Sri Lanka cheap?

Yeah, Sri Lanka is a super affordable destination, it’s an ideal place to go backpacking!

Concluding Your Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Y’know, when I started writing this itinerary, I was all like “Man, itineraries are lame” .  And now…? Well, I still think itineraries are lame.

But it was also an absolute pleasure to write about travelling Sri Lanka again. I get a little blast of candy-nostalgia every time I return in my mind’s eye to that gorgeous island. Cloud forests rolling through plantations and emerald hills, the chaotic madness of any and all bus rides, dawn on sunkissed beaches watching lone fishermen drag their laden nets in.

Sri Lanka is both the gem of the Indian Ocean and subcontinent itself. Whether it’s one, two, or three weeks in Sri Lanka, every moment is a blessing. If you can give yourself 3 months, that’s even better!

Plan your trip with my perfectly crafted itineraries for Sri Lanka; there is a lot of love and care in them. See all there is to see, but also, remember to stop and smell the kottu. And to meet the peeps.

And to ride the trains, take a big slow breath, and, most of all, to appreciate the sky.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ziggy Samuels

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Hey Ziggy, we are older backpackers planning a 3 month trip to Sri Lanka early next year. I am excited by your information and will refer to it many times, I’m sure. We love travelling slowly, Sri Lanka will suit us well. Thank you!

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MyFunkyTravel

Backpacking | Budget Travel | Living Abroad

Sri Lanka Backpacking Route

Sri Lanka has been one of the fastest growing travel destinations in the world over the past decade or so. Visitors are waking up to the island’s charms with everything from stunning beaches, mountain scenery and ancient culture to be discovered. Our Sri Lanka backpacking route packs in a little bit of each but it could easily be tailored according to your preferences.

Table of Contents

How long does it take to backpack sri lanka, sri lanka backpacking budget, backpacker jobs in sri lanka, travel insurance for backpacking sri lanka, backpacking sri lanka – a 3 week itinerary, 2. hikkaduwa, 4. weligama/mirissa, 6. nuwara eliya, 8. dambulla & sigiriya, 9. anuradhapura, 10. kalpitiya, 11. negombo, visa requirements for sri lanka, travelling to sri lanka from india, how does sri lanka compare to india, is sri lanka good for backpacking, extending your trip & getting off the beaten track, shortening the route – 1 & 2 week backpacking itineraries for sri lanka, when to visit sri lanka, sri lanka itinerary overview.

We suggest allowing about 3 weeks for the Sri Lanka backpacking itinerary outlined below. There are some suggestions for shortening or extending the route at the bottom of this page.

Possible Shoestring Budget for this Itinerary: £350 €400 $450

This is based on three weeks of travel and opting for genuine budget/backpacker accommodation and transport throughout. It will require some discipline to stick to it but overall Sri Lanka is a very affordable destination and it shouldn’t be impossible if you have some experience of shoestring travel. For a more relaxed trip that will enable you to stay in slightly better accommodation and do more activities, consider upping your budget to $600-700.

March 2020 prices & exchange rates are used for these figures and they don’t include the cost of flights in or out of the country which can be a lot. There may be slight variations depending on when you visit – particularly in the more touristy beach areas where prices can rise during peak season.

Read our article on the cost of travel in Sri Lanka for more info and sample prices.

Use Worldpackers to search for short-term work placements in Sri Lanka (there are lots of hostel and hotel placements as well as some English teaching roles). As well as the experience, it’s a nice way to save money and extend your trip as at the very least you should get free accommodation and free meals.

The cost of travel insurance isn’t included in the budget figures above. You can get a quote in less than a minute from Heymondo who provide well reviewed travel insurance for backpacking Sri Lanka and other countries.

Our Sri Lanka backpacking route is basically one big loop with the start and end points both located close to the country’s main international airport. Therefore it probably makes sense to just book a return flight to Colombo if your trip solely revolves around visiting Sri Lanka.

Note that you could easily do this trip in reverse should you prefer and first head north from Colombo to Negombo before cutting back round through the Cultural Triangle and Central Highlands before finishing your trip on the South Coast.

Fly in to the Capital

Bandaranaike International Airport, located 30 km north of the capital, is the main entry port into not just Colombo but the island of Sri Lanka. With 5.5 million people living in its metropolitan area, Colombo is by far the biggest city in the country. It isn’t really one of Sri Lanka’s main travel highlights though and most backpackers tend to limit their time here or merely pass through it to find a transport connection to their first destination.

If you do decide to hang around for a day or so, the The National Museum of Colombo and the Vihara Buddhist Temple are among the best options for things to do.

Backpacking Southern Sri Lanka (One Week)

Hikkaduwa , CC BY 2.0

Just over 100 km south of Colombo, you start to hit the gorgeous beaches of southern Sri Lanka with Hikkaduwa one of the first and liveliest you will find. It has been a popular destination with surfers since the 1970’s and it has an international vibe with lots of options for daytime activities including snorkelling, surfing and lagoon safaris. There is also a turtle farm which protects, feeds and hatches turtles.

It has been described as the party capital of Sri Lanka or the country’s equivalent of Goa in India. However it’s worth adding the large caveat that this is not really a party island so anyone expecting the kind of wild scene that you find in Southeast Asia may be disappointed.

The historic city of Galle is a must visit destination for anyone travelling in Sri Lanka. This quirky town offers a much more relaxed and enjoyable urban experience than you get in Colombo. The mix of Portuguese and Dutch architecture gives it a really unique feel while its 16th Century fortress is the main attraction. You can also cycle or take a bus to the nearby beach hamlet of Unawatuna which is known for its delicious seafood.

Mirissa is another popular coastal stop on the Sri Lanka backpacking trail with colourful streets and plenty of hostels. From there you can rent out a scooter or bike which will help you get out to the more secluded beaches where you can enjoy a little piece of paradise all to yourself.

You could also opt to base yourself in Weligama, a slightly larger town 7 km along the coast in the direction of Galle. Historically a fishing village, it attracts plenty of travellers who come for surfing, scuba-diving and whale watching. The blue whale – the largest mammal on Earth – can sometimes be seen in its waters.

The Highlands & The Cultural Triangle (10 Days)

Nine Arches Bridge , CC BY 2.0

Heading inland and uphill, the next week or so will be spent exploring the Sri Lankan highlands starting in the backpacker hub of Ella. It’s a great base for going on hikes in the surrounding countryside and trips to sights such as the spectacular Rawana Ella or Diyaluma Falls and the British-era Demodara Bridge AKA the Nine Arches bridge. You can also take a day-trip to the mountain retreat of Haputale, famous for its tea fields and estates.

50 km west of Ella lies the town of Nuwara Eliya, right in the heart of Sri Lanka’s ‘Hill Country’. Its temperate climate comes as a real contrast to the heat and humidity of the coastal regions with more great hikes, temples and tea plantations to be discovered in the surrounding areas.

Continuing north through Central Province, you will eventually reach Kandy which is largely viewed as Sri Lanka’s cultural capital. While it is the country’s second largest city, the centre is quite compact and easily explored on foot with the cooler mountain air helping matters.

It has more attractions and things to see and do than any other destination on this Sri Lanka backpacking itinerary. Highlights include the Temple of the Tooth , a holy Buddhist Shrine, home of what is said to be the tooth of Lord Buddha. The city is also home to numerous lush parks and gardens while the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a popular stop with travellers.

North Central Province is the location of the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka with over 2000 years of history packed into a small area. Both Dambulla & Sigiriya lie within the so-called Cultural Triangle which includes 5 of Sri Lanka’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Dambulla is best known for its golden cave temple. Nearby Sigiriya has slightly more to see and do and is probably a better base for travellers with the imposing Sigiriya Rock fortress its main attraction. If you’re after more in the way of wildlife, then head further out to Kaudulla National Park. Habarana and Polonnaruwa are also possible day or half-day trips from here.

Anuradhapura forms the northern tip of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and is a worthwhile final stop before heading back to the coast. This ancient city was Sri Lankas’s first kingdom. For the best views of it, head to the nearby mountain peak Mihintale which can be reached by tuk-tuk or bike.

Western Coast (3/4 days)

Kalpitiya wildlife , CC BY 2.0

Back on the coast for a few more beach days before ending our Sri Lanka travel itinerary. The Kalpitiya peninsula has a slightly more undiscovered feel than the more touristy southern beaches. The saltwater lagoons attract kitesurfers and kayakers while nature enthusiasts may want to head out to the Wilpattu National Park – one of the best locations for spotting the Sri Lankan leopard.

Negombo has a wide beach to relax on if you want a peaceful end to your trip but it’s also a relatively lively city. Head to the fish market or check out the boats lining up in the lagoon for an idea of what makes this city tick.

Located even closer to Bandaranaike International Airport than Colombo is, it’s a natural ending point for the trip with plenty of onward flight connections.

Check out our other Asia backpacking routes!

southeast asia | thailand |  myanmar | vietnam | laos |  indonesia | philippines | cambodia | india | taiwan | sri lanka | japan | malaysia

Sri Lanka Backpacking Tips & FAQs

Visitors to Sri Lanka must obtain a 30-day Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) either online or on arrival. The former is the recommended method to avoid queues at check-in. At the time of writing (March 2020), Sri Lanka is currently trialling a new system where residents of a large number of countries (includes all EU members, UK, USA, Australia, Canada & New Zealand) can get the ETA free of charge.

There is more info on how to apply here .

Many and perhaps most backpackers in Sri Lanka have either come from or are later going to India. At the closest point, it’s only around 20 km between the west coast of Sri Lanka and the Indian mainland but it’s frustratingly difficult to get between the two countries without flying. There used to be a ferry service from the Indian city of Tuticorin but as of March 2020, there are no passenger services between the two countries and cargo ships are not allowed to carry passengers.

In short, you will basically have to fly between the two countries unless the situation changes. Colombo-Bandaranayake International Airport is the main entry point to Sri Lanka and we’ve planned the above route around entering and departing the country by flying in and out of it. There are direct connections to a host of Indian cities including Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kochi and Delhi. Prices are on the steep side though in contrast to the very affordable cost of domestic travel in each country.

Overall, Sri Lanka is a far more relaxed and less frenetic place than India. Its population of just over 20 million is the equivalent of only 1.5% of India’s and outside Colombo at least, there is rarely that sense of chaos and not being able to escape the huge crowds. Around 70% of Sri Lankans are Buddhists which is another major difference from predominantly Hindu India.

However there are many similarities between the two as well. Sri Lanka gained independence from Britain in 1948, a year after its large northern neighbour. Like in India, that British heritage is most clearly demonstrated today by the nation’s love of cricket as well as an extensive rail network which makes it easy although not always quick to get around with the hilly central areas particularly tough to navigate.

Despite its peaceful nature, Sri Lanka’s recent history has at times been a violent one with a 26 year civil war only ending as recently as 2009 with the government defeating the Tamil Tiger rebels. More recently still, the 2019 Easter Bombings by Islamic extremists targeted the country’s tourism industry and killed 259 people. It has predictably had a knock on visitor numbers.

Sri Lanka is great value on the whole and there’s loads to see and do making it a really appealing destination for budget travellers. The relatively small size of the country coupled with cheap transport costs by road and rail makes getting around very affordable and besides the flights in and out, you shouldn’t be spending much at all on getting from A to B.

Sri Lanka is though still behind India and certainly SE Asia in terms of overall infrastructure for backpackers. Independent travellers were previously put off the country by the long civil war so it has only really been in the last decade that a backpacking scene has started to develop.

In the most popular destinations you shouldn’t struggle to find budget hostel-style accommodation but there are relatively few dorm options in comparison to other countries and if you step off the beaten track, you may find yourself having to fork out for a private room which can lead to travel here being marginally more expensive than in India.

Things are changing though with more typical backpacker-style accommodation and facilities opening up each year.

The above Sri Lanka backpacking route aims to cover the main travel highlights of the country but there are plenty of options for extending it and getting off the beaten track.

While there are a few beach resorts dotted around, the East Coast doesn’t get anywhere the same number of visitors and makes for more of an adventure, particularly if you have your own form of transport – it’s possible to rent and drive your own tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka. The Arugam Bay area is one area that some travellers and particularly surfers head for.

Meanwhile on the northern tip of the island, Jaffna is a decent target for anyone keen to explore the whole island. It is the cultural home of the Tamil people with numerous temples and ancient forts as well as plenty more sandy beaches although there isn’t much in the way of backpacker accommodation or facilities.

The most obvious way to extend your trip is to hop over to India and continue travelling there. Our India backpacking route outlines a two month itinerary that covers large chunks of the country.

Sri Lanka is small enough that you could do the above route in one or two weeks and just skip the destinations that don’t appeal as much.

If you only have one week, it may be sensible though to just choose between either exploring the western and southern coastal regions or going for an inland adventure through the Central highlands. The beach route could simply follow the above itinerary but turn around at Weligama/Mirissa and head back to Colombo for the flight out. The inland route could see you do a Colombo-Anuradhapura-Ella triangle but it may feel a bit rushed so 10 days would be better in this case to make sure you have enough time to really see the best of the likes of Nuwara Eliya and Kandy.

A two week backpacking itinerary for Sri Lanka could more easily follow the same path outlined above. At a push you could squeeze in all the destinations but it’s probably better to skip the last two and end your itinerary at Anuradhapura or perhaps even Dambulla/Sigiriya for a quicker connection back to Colombo.

We have a separate article on when to visit Sri Lanka and the answer will depend on which areas you want to visit and what kind of trip you are looking for. Although it is only a small island, there are some significant climatic differences between different regions. Overall, January to March might be seen as the optimum time to do the route above although you may find accommodation prices rise due to it being peak season.

This Sri Lanka backpacking itinerary was published in April 2020.

Please use the comments section below for questions.

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Itinerary with rain forest, snorkellig, wild life and train - Sri Lanka Forum

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Itinerary with rain forest, snorkellig, wild life and train

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Dear super community, is it possible to create a 2-3 weeks relaxed itinerary with 2 small kids that includes the rain forest, the scenic train trip, safari and of course snorkeling?

It will be sometime in July- August 2024.

6 replies to this topic

If the snorkelling and beaches matter a lot, I would tag on a few days in the Maldives.

Now for safari. Again, this is from my own experience, I do not rate SL as a top safari destination. I would not pay for a Yala safari, for example and I am not convinced that you will either see much of interest or have an ethical experience. Yes, some elephants but there are many places to see those.

With 2-3 weeks and small children, I would aim for a comfortable hotel or two with things to do around the Cultural Triangle area. Maybe one proper jungle lodge with treehouse rooms etc and another more luxurious place a couple of hours away from that. Look at Banyan Camp, Rainforest ecolodge Sinharaja and there are many more. I would focus on what they will offer your kids. Then if budget allowed, I would go to the Maldives for the beach.

waw, what an honest and poignant opinion. As much as it is difficult to digest, your answer makes a lot of sense and gives lots of food for thought. Thanks.

If you do opt for the east coast, have a look at Uga Jungle Beach. There seem to be several reviews from families with kids who did snorkelling there and had a good time in June-August.

I always check people's expectations however so that they know what to expect and especially so in the main monsoon months. If your kids would be excited to see and hear the nocturnal animals or watch elephants bathe or learn about birds.. Sri Lanka is second to none. But that type of safari that you get in places in Africa, not so much.

If you want snorkeling in July-August, East coast is the place to be. Generally, seas there are calm at that time and rain is very rare. As for going to Maldives, unless you are a snorkeling or diving enthusiast, there is nothing else to do and in two days you will be dead bored. It is also very expensive if you want to go to a resort.

Sri Lanka is one of the few countries that you have such a diverse range of activities to select from, ancient ruins, mountain hikes to waterfalls, scenic train rides, massive elephant herds, blue whales in the seas around the island, culture, good dining, and now, more and more adventure activities getting popular. It is a safe and friendly place and definitely i snot a one-trick pony like most other vacation destinations.

Hello laviniam,

Good post #5. It looks like some here like you have got a better grasp of the country's tourism scene more than its official promoters who do not seem to have done much take full advantage of what the country could offer as a tourist destination eventhough tourism is one of the major forex earners to the country. It looks like there's much to be developed if one were to take full advantage of tourism industry.

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