How do you put together your itinerary for Sri Lanka? This small island has so much to offer. If you go for 2 or 3 weeks you will have to make choices because you cannot visit all the beautiful places in Sri Lanka. We have visited Sri Lanka as many as 3 times in recent years, but still not able to see everything. Nevertheless, we did discover the best places for you, which we share below. Read on in this extensive itinerary Sri Lanka for 2 weeks, 3 weeks or even 4 weeks.
In this itinerary for Sri Lanka we link to extensive blogs of the destinations. Click on the link to instantly see the best activities and attractions for each destination.
Content of this blog:
Very important for travel itinerary Sri Lanka: what is the best travel time for Sri Lanka?
There are 2 monsoons (rainy seasons) in Sri Lanka. So for determining your travel itinerary Sri Lanka, it is very important to first determine what season you will be traveling in Sri Lanka. Is this between April and September, or between October and March? The best travel time in Sri Lanka depends on the area you are going to.
April to September: best travel time northeast coast
Between April and September is the dry season on the northeast coast. During this period it is best to visit Uppuveli / Nilaveli in the north, and Arugam Bay in the east. Skip the south coast, as there are almost no people here (few locals either) and most hotels and restaurants are also closed.
October to March: best travel time southwest coast
Conversely, the best period for the south coast in Sri Lanka is from October to March. From Galle and Unawatuna in the west, through Ahangama, Weligama and Mirissa to the quaint town of Hiriketiya or Tangalle: this is the perfect season for these beach destinations. During this period, ignore Arugam Bay and Nilaveli / Uppuveli, as everything is closed here as well. Read even more information about the best travel time for Sri Lanka’s in our blog.
Ella, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy can be visited all year round. Here you can also expect year-round rains because it is located in the mountains.
Transportation for your travel itinerary Sri Lanka
Traveling around Sri Lanka can be done in several ways. The 3 options for transportation in Sri Lanka are listed below.
1. Rent your own tuktuk in Sri Lanka
The very best part of your travel itinerary Sri Lanka? That is to cruise around the country in your own tuktuk. You see tuktuks everywhere in Sri Lanka, it feels great to drive this three-wheeler like the locals and get to the most beautiful places in the country. Read all our highlights of renting a tuktuk in Sri Lanka here.
We spent 2 months driving our own tuktuk around Sri Lanka and can tell you that it is truly insane. Especially for our readers of The World Trippers, we were able to arrange a 5% discount code at tuktukrental.com. When you rent your tuktuk through this link, you will automatically receive a 5% discount on your booking.
2. Travel by public transportation
Traveling on public transport in Sri Lanka is a special experience. Bollywood music blasts from the speakers, you are stared at for hours by the locals, and the buses are sometimes so full that you stand ass-up. Still, it’s an experience you “must” have once. For about one euro an hour you travel by bus, which also takes priority everywhere, so it goes pretty fast.
Trains also run between Sri Lanka’s major cities. There is, of course, the world-famous train from Kandy to Ella (or vice versa), which travels through the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Along the way you look out on the beautiful nature and mountains, which you can’t get enough of.
3. Traveling by taxi in Sri Lanka
Finally, you can also choose to travel anywhere by taxi. Nowadays, more and more travelers in Sri Lanka are doing this because it is relatively cheap and comfortable. In every place you can hail a taxi, or easily book one using the pick-me app. This is a kind of Uber, where you can choose the means of transportation (car or tuktuk) and determine the route. You see the price immediately in the app, which saves you a lot of haggling.
Start of itinerary Sri Lanka: arrival in Colombo or Negombo (1 day)
Sri Lanka’s airport is officially located in the capital Colombo. However, the small fishing village of Negombo is only a 10-minute drive from the airport. Most travelers choose to spend 1 night in Negombo. Just acclimatize and recover from the long flight so that on day 2 you can travel directly to the first real destination of your travel itinerary Sri Lanka.
Accommodation in Negombo: Sujeewani Villa is a lovely accommodation in Negombo with a swimming pool where you can recover from your long journey. The next day, you will also be served a delicious breakfast right away, allowing you to leave for your next destination with lots of energy. In addition, Kingz Kottage is also a fantastic option, where you can also use the pool all day and where you can sleep from as little as €25 per night!
Tour in Sri Lanka
The route for a round trip in Sri Lanka is actually always a round trip. You start and end in Colombo / Negombo. It does not make much difference whether you travel the round trip clockwise (so as we describe below: first to the north and then through the middle to the south), or vice versa. Only when you are with the transition of the monsoon seasons (so in April or September / October), it is useful to take this into account.
When traveling only in Sri Lanka – that is, not visiting the Maldives afterwards – most travelers like to end in the south (or east) near the coast to spend a few more days relaxing on the beach. That’s why in this itinerary we travel Sri Lanka from north to south.
Tip: Do you do want to combine Sri Lanka with the Maldives? Then we have written a separate itinerary for you. We spent 2 weeks in the Maldives and it was fantastic. Check out the Sri Lanka and Maldives itinerary here or read all our blogs about the Maldives.
Anuradhapura and Wilpattu National Park: 2 days
Anuradhapura is the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. You will find an awful lot of Buddhist temples in both the old city and the new city. Go on a morning tour with a guide to discover the rich history of Anuradhapura. This is really interesting. We went out with guide Siri, who taught us so much about Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture. You can message him at +94 76 606 6976. See more tips for Anuradhapura here.
The next day it is immediately time to go on (your first) safari in Sri Lanka. In Wilpattu National Park you have a great chance of spotting leopards, which is really fantastic. If you are very lucky you will also see the rare sloth bear and many more animals. Sineth is the guide in Wilpattu as far as we are concerned, because even if you don’t see any animals, with him you still had a really cool day. You can send him a message at +94 78 396 6538. Do this well in advance because he is extremely popular and thus quickly fully booked.
Staying overnight in Anuradhapura: the Hotel Heladiv is a super nice accommodation in Anuradhapura because it is one of the few hotels here that has a swimming pool. Ideal to cool off in after a hot morning of temple hopping. In addition, the Lake Wave Hotel is a perfect budget accommodation where the mother of the host cooks delicious local Sri Lankan food. So be sure not to skip dinner here!
Optional: Trincomalee / Uppuveli / Nilaveli on the northeast coast: 2 days
From Anuradhapura, you can travel to the northeast coast where you can enjoy the beach at Uppuveli or Nilaveli. Do this only if you travel between April and September, otherwise the weather is most likely bad and nothing is open during this period. After this, you can resume your Sri Lanka itinerary in Sigiriya.
Staying in Uppuveli / Nilaveli: our favorite accommodation in Uppuveli/Nilaveli/Trincomalee is Blue Wings Beach Hotel. The owner is incredibly nice and from the terrace you look right over the sea. A lovely calm and peaceful spot. Bluewater Beach Resort is also a good option near Trincomalee. It is a 5-minute walk from the beach, with a few tasty restaurants nearby and a huge pool in the hotel’s garden.
Sigiriya: 2 days
Sigiriya is an incredibly cute village just a 2-hour drive from Anuradhapura. It is known for the iconic Lion Rock and nowadays also for the Pidurangala Rock, from where you have a fantastic view of the Lion Rock.
Besides climbing these rocks, you can go on an elephant safari in Minneriya National Park, which is really fantastic. This only takes half a day, so you can combine it well with other activities in Sigiriya. You can also take part in a cooking workshop where you can learn to make the most delicious rice and curry, or bring out your creativity by making your own wooden figurine. Read all our tips for Sigiriya for more detailed information.
Staying overnight in Sigiriya: Isanka Lion Lodge has a swimming pool, which is no luxury after you climb the rocks. It’s a lovely accommodation where you can book a room from as little as €40 per night. Is this one fully booked? Sigiri Shen Residence also has great reviews and also has a blissful breakfast.
Kandy: 1 day
Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and the second largest city after Colombo. There are not a huge number of activities in Kandy for tourists, but a visit to the Temple of Tooth – where Buddha’s tooth is located – should not be missed. In the evening, you can see a show at the Kandy Lake Club where traditional Sri Lankan dance styles are performed, which is very interesting. Read all of our 12 tips for Kandy.
Staying in Kandy: Serene Home in Kandy you choose mainly because of the fantastic host Sri. He is so incredibly kind, prepares a delicious breakfast and wants to take you everywhere. Is Serene Home fully booked? Then choose Kingsman House where you stay in a beautiful old colonial house.
Optional from Kandy: multi-day hike in Knuckles Forest Reserve
From Kandy you can do a (multi-day) hike in Knuckles Forest Reserve. This is still unknown to most tourists and we don’t understand why. The area is really incredibly beautiful and – unlike all the tea fields – you can even see beautiful rice terraces here. Knuckles has really surprised us and we definitely recommend it if you have time for it in your travel itinerary Sri Lanka. Read more information about Knuckles, which guide you can book with and what to keep in mind here.
Train journey from Kandy to Ella (or Nuwara Eliya)
From Kandy travel further south by train. This train journey is known as one of the most beautiful in the world. We have written out all our tips for the train journey from Kandy to Ella so that you know where to book your tickets as well as which side of the train to sit on.
Optional: Nuwara Eliya: 1 day or 2 days
If you have the time, it is definitely recommended to visit Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is at an altitude of 1800 meters, making it nice and cool. You can do beautiful hiking here where the highlight is the Horton Plains National Park. From Nuwara Eliya you drive early in the morning to Horton Plains to hike and continue your Sri Lanka itinerary the same day to the very nicest village in Sri Lanka: Ella.
Staying overnight in Nuwara Eliya: Zion is a super nice hotel with a friendly owner. You’ll immediately enjoy a beautiful view of Nuwara Eliya here. You can also choose the Siril Guesthouse Hotel, which is a kind of hostel and hotel in one. It’s nice and social and you immediately meet fellow travelers.
Ella: 3 days
Ella is our number one favorite village in Sri Lanka. If you like hiking you don’t want to leave here. There are so many beautiful hikes you can do around Ella – there are several stages of the Pekoe Trail – and the atmosphere in the village is really nice.
For example, you can climb the Ella Rock, where you’ll have fantastic views of the surrounding area. Or you might choose to combine Little Adam’s Peak and the famous, iconic Nine Arche Bridge. Also in Ella, you can do a fun cooking workshop where you learn how to make the tastiest curries yourself, or enjoy a chill day at a beach club. Either way, with our 15 tips for what to do in Ella, you won’t have to be bored.
Staying overnight in Ella: Charming View Homestay offers one of the most beautiful views in Ella. You look all over the green valley and you can even see the Ella Rock. It’s great to sit here in front of your room and enjoy nature. Third Eye Ella is also a good option, right in the center of Ella, yet you feel like you are in a quiet area. The good accommodations in Ella fill up quickly so book your hotel soon.
Optional: Arugam Bay: 2 or 3 days on the east coast
Arugam Bay is located on the east coast, so visit between April and September. It is known as the perfect surf spot, even for beginners! You can easily book a surf lesson where you get great tips from the locals. A super fun activity!
In addition, from Arugam Bay you can also go on safari in Kumana National Park. In Kumana many leopards are spotted and because it is not so well known yet, you are sometimes the only jeep here! Book your safari in Kumana National Park here, because it is well worth it. Also read our other 10 tips for Arugam Bay.
Lodging in Arugam Bay: Forcus Cabanas sits in a prime location on the main street of Arugam Bay. If you are looking for a hostel in Arugam Bay we can definitely recommend the social Little Lagoon Hostel. Finally, you can also opt for Maccan’s Village where you can get a room from as little as €17 per night with a pool! The good accommodations fill up quickly in Arugam Bay so don’t wait too long to book.
Kingdom Ecolodge: 3 days
The Kingdom Ecolodge is located below Ella, near Yala National Park. There is one program at the Kingdom Ecolodge, which everyone follows. So you basically always book it for 3 days / 2 nights. Among other things, you go on safari to spot wild elephants, learn more about the nature of Sri Lanka and so you stay in the middle of nowhere in the tree houses, which is really fantastic.
You can book the Kingdom Ecolodge only via WhatsApp with Dim, the owner +94 77948 0480. Also read all the information about the Kingdom Ecolodge.
Optional: Hiriketiya: 3 days on the south coast
From the Kingdom Ecolodge, you can still easily go to Tissamahara to go on safari in Yala National Park. But, if you have followed this itinerary Sri Lanka, you have already done safari 2 or 3 times and we can imagine that it is enough. After all, there’s plenty of other amazing things to see and do. Therefore, we continue our Sri Lanka itinerary to Hiriketiya.
Hiriketiya is on the south coast of Sri Lanka, so again, check that you are traveling in the right season (October through March). We found Hiriketiya to be a really super nice village: it’s small in size, located on a beautiful bay and it feels very cozy. You can surf well here, enjoy delicious coffees or just relax on the beach. Also, Silent Beach is highly recommended, as far as we are concerned this was the most beautiful beach in Sri Lanka. Read our 15 tips for Hiriketiya for the best beaches and extra tips.
Staying in Hiriketiya: Ayubowan means welcome in Sri Lanka and that is exactly what Ayubowan Hiriketiya makes you feel. Incredibly warmly you are welcomed. You immediately build a nice connection with the owners and fellow travelers. Salt House is also a very nice hotel in Hiriketiya.
Optional: Weligama or Mirissa: 2 days on the south coast
Weligama is a lot bigger than Hiriketiya, but still a lot of fun to visit. There are some more activities to do, such as an escape room, miniature golf and, of course, surfing. In addition, it is recommended to go to Kai Beach Club, where you can spend an incredibly nice afternoon relaxing.
Mirissa is next to Weligama, a 10-minute drive away. Mirissa is known for the palm island, where everyone wants to take a nice picture. Furthermore, you can also do good snorkeling at Mirissa and it has very nice beaches. We recommend staying either in Mirissa or Weligama, and going on a day trip to the other town because it is so close together.
Spending the night in Weligama: Manram Glamping is a super nice accommodation – with pool – where you spend the night in a beautiful tent and it immediately feels very luxurious. Yet you book this from as little as €50 a night! Is the glamping fully booked? Then the boutique hotel Naomi Beach Resort – also with pool – is also a very good choice in Weligama.
Galle: 1 day
Located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is known as an old Dutch fortress. The streets (with street names like Zeeberg Street and Vanderspaar) are cozy, pleasant and breathe Dutch history.
Galle is not necessarily known for its many activities, but it is a perfect place to take a stroll around (over the fort!), shop for souvenirs and eat some good food. Half a day is more than enough to see Galle, after which you can spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool.
Staying overnight in Galle: if you want to stay in the fort of Galle and want a reasonably good accommodation you have to pull out your wallet. One of the few cheap gems is 50 CHURCH STREET – GALLE FORT where you can stay from €60 per night in a beautiful building in the heart of Fort Galle. There is also another insanely beautiful, small-scale accommodation that we must mention: Deltora Villa. It really is a beautiful accommodation, just a 15-minute walk from the fort. They also offer a free tuktuk service to the fort, so there’s nothing stopping you from sleeping here!
End of itinerary Sri Lanka
After 2, 3 or 4 weeks, your Sri Lanka itinerary is over. You can look back on a fantastic time in this beautiful country. You can choose to end in the capital Colombo, where there are a few more activities, or relax one last day in small-town Negombo, near the airport.
In this travel itinerary Sri Lanka we have already provided you with numerous tips, but of course there is much more to tell about this beautiful country. We have therefore written extensive blogs about each destination and activity. Check out all our Sri Lanka blogs for detailed information so that you are optimally prepared for your Sri Lanka travel itinerary.
Do you still have questions about the Sri Lanka itinerary? Then ask them via the comment form below, send us a message on Instagram or an email at [email protected], and we’ll try to advise you as best we can. Have fun in this beautiful country!
Backpacking in Sri Lanka
Going backpacking in Sri Lanka as a solo traveler? Then check out Noëlle’s tips for safety as a woman alone in Sri Lanka and use our overview of the nicest hostels in Sri Lanka right away. These are carefully chosen so you can meet other solo travelers and have a great time with them.
Sri Lanka itinerary summarized:
| Day(s) | Destination | Activities |
| Day 1 | Negombo | Acclimatize after long flight, relax at beach |
| Day 2-3-4 | Anuradhapura & Wilpattu National Park | Day 2: guided temple tour; Day 3: safari in Wilpattu National Park |
| Optional | Uppuveli / Nilaveli (northeast coast) | Beach & relax (April-September only; few tourists, local atmosphere) |
| Day 5-6-7 | Sigiriya | Climb Lion Rock & Pidurangala Rock; half-day elephant safari in Minneriya National Park; cooking workshop |
| Day 8 | Kandy | Visit Temple of the Tooth; traditional dance show at Kandy Lake Club |
| Optional | Knuckles Forest Reserve (multi-day hike). | Multi-day hike through mountains and rice terraces |
| Day 9 | Train journey Kandy → Ella | Iconic train ride through highlands |
| Optional | Nuwara Eliya (1-2 days) | Visiting waterfalls, Pekoe Trail stage 22, hiking in Horton Plains National Park |
| Day 10-13 | Ella | Climb Ella Rock & Little Adam’s Peak, visit Nine Arch Bridge, cooking workshop; chill at beach club |
| Optional | Arugam Bay (2-3 days, east coast) | Surf lesson, safari in Kumana National Park, beach & relax |
| Day 14-16 | Kingdom Ecolodge | 3-day program: elephant safari, treehouse stay, nature and culture experience |
| Optional | Hiriketiya (3 days, south coast) | Surfing, coffee shops, day trip Silent Beach and relaxing |
| Optional | Weligama or Mirissa (2 days, south coast) | Surfing, escape room, palm island, snorkeling |
| Day 17 | Galle | Walk the Dutch fort, shop & eat, relax by pool |
| Day 18 | Colombo / Negombo (end of trip) | Last city activity in Colombo or relax at airport |
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