Sri Lanka is one of our favorite 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 itinerary, as you cross through the jungle, mountains, tea plantations, and paradise coastline. We’ve included a mixture of metropolitan cities, natural gems, and paradise beaches. Plus, we’ve added all our top recommendations for hotels, cafes, and transport, so you can get the most out of this epic Sri Lanka itinerary!
Our Top Tips for Your Sri Lanka Itinerary
This 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary is a day-by-day Sri Lanka route. We found the island super easy to travel through, using a mix of transport like bus, tuk-tuk, motorbike, taxi, or private driver. However, the most popular option is to travel by traditional Sri Lankan train, which gives you a wonderful insight into the culture as you fly through beautiful landscapes.
Use this 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary 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: Colombo
Start your trip in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. Here you’ll discover a unique blend of modern and traditional, where towering skyscrapers and luxurious rooftop bars sit alongside stunning mosques, traditional houses, and bustling street markets.
After a busy day of sightseeing, we loved relaxing in the city’s beautiful parks; it’s the perfect place to 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.
Visit all of Colombo’s top sites on this popular tuk-tuk tour (including the famous Red Mosque)
Note: Colombo is about 50 minutes from the international airport in Negombo. We recommend researching taxi rates beforehand, as you’ll have a lot of drivers trying to take advantage. You can book a private driver (reasonably priced in Sri Lanka) or use ride apps like PickMe or Uber.
Where to Stay in Colombo
We stayed at the Clock Inn Colombo on our first visit to Colombo. The second time, we chose ITC Ratnadipa Colombo. Both were great options!
Relaxing Option: Negombo
If you’d prefer to spend your initial days relaxing at the beach, we recommend skipping Colombo and choosing Negombo instead. The beaches are far more picturesque here!
It’s also more convenient, as this laid-back town is right next to the airport. The accommodation here is cheaper, and most hotels have swimming pools, where you can relax and unwind after the flight.
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. Explore the old colonial buildings lining the edges of a vast lake in the center, where you can spot 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.
My favorite thing to do was to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kandy, 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 on your Sri Lanka itinerary.
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.
We stayed in the city center, which was ideal for exploring everything on foot. However, we also saw plenty of accommodation options up in the hills nearby, which looked so peaceful and relaxing!
Day 4: Sigiriya
Lion Rock in Sigiriya is one of the country’s most famous landmarks and one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. The enormous natural formation sticks out of the flat landscape, towering above forests and grasslands filled with elephants. We were blown away when we discovered that on top of the 200-meter square-shaped rock are the remains of an ancient palace, with pools and gardens!
Alternatively, visit Pidurangula Rock, Lion Rock’s nearby little sibling. This rock may be smaller, but I preferred the view from here, as it looks directly onto Lion Rock. There’s also a cheaper entrance fee!
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).
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.
Tip: We stayed at Hotel Sigiryiya, which had a fantastic view of Lion Rock from the pool. Waking up there every morning was breathtaking!
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 itinerary, taking you through stunning rolling hilltops, rainforest, and luscious green tea plantations.
We recommend booking second class, as you can open the windows and hang out the door with the wind in your hair. This gave us such a buzz, and was the most incredible view of the trip! Please be careful, though, as you arrive at the stations; it’s dangerous to be close to the doors at this time, and the local station workers don’t like it. Get Kandy Train Tickets here.
Read: Kandy to Ella Train
Day 6 – 7 of Your Sri Lanka Itinerary: 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.
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’.
We arranged a full-day trip to the tea plantations, tea factories, viewpoints, and the Ramboda waterfall. This was such a great way to see the area, plus we got to try freshly-brewed tea at the factories. You can arrange this type of tour in town or book a tour online in advance.
Read: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Day 8 – 10: Ella
Visit one of the most blissful and natural places in Sri Lanka: Ella. This is one of my favorite towns; I love its laid-back hippy vibe, complemented by the great mountains and hills that tower over the town.
We recommend staying 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. If you want to see all of the area’s highlights, we recommend booking a tour of Ella’s top sights.
Ella is one of the most beautiful places on your 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary and an absolute must-do in 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.
We chose to stay in the hillside guesthouses outside of town, which were beautiful! Although you’re a little bit further from town, you’ll have the best 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.
We could have easily spent weeks here, soaking up the relaxed way of life, living in a wooden beach hut, and enjoying all the fantastic bars and restaurants by night. We also learnt to surf here! See availability for a beginner surf lesson in Arugam.
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.
Day 14: Join a Jeep Safari on Your Sri Lanka Itinerary
From Arugam Bay, it’s super easy to take a day trip to Yala National Park for a safari amongst nature. We were lucky enough to spot the elusive leopard!
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.
We visited quite a few national parks in Sri Lanka, and Kumana is another great option that’s really close to Arugam Bay. The best way to visit is to book a half-day jeep safari like this one.
Day 15 – 16: Mirissa
Next up on your 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary, 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. We recommend joining a whale-watching tour (just make sure to check it’s ethical!).
Tip: Are you someone always looking for a secret beach? Find your perfect beach on our list of Best Beaches in Sri Lanka.
Where to Stay in Mirissa
I loved that Mirissa is small, so most guesthouses and hotels we stayed in were within walking distance of the beach.
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.
Our recommendation: Check out our favorite place to eat: Lemongrass Cafe. It’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset!
We found Unawatuna a great jumping-off point to explore 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.
Where to Stay in Unawatuna
Unawatuna is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations on any Sri Lanka itinerary. Because of this, expect to pay slightly higher prices for hotels and guesthouses.
Tip: We stayed at Hotel Tri, a beautiful hideaway near Unawatuna, around Kogalla Lake. The sunrise and sunsets here are one of a kind, overlooking the lake and cinnamon plantations. I think this might have been my favorite sunset spot of the trip!
Day 20+21: Back to Colombo
Finish your Sri Lanka itinerary in a city close to the airport. We recommend booking a hotel in Colombo or Negombo for the most convenience.
If you have a little extra time before your flight, visit Barefoot Handicraft and its fantastic restaurant. You can message them to make a reservation here. While you’re in Colombo, tick off some of the sights you may have missed at the beginning of your trip. For example, the stunning views from the top of the Lotus Tower (book your tickets here).
Optional Places
Sri Lanka is an absolute heart-stealer, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to stay for longer than three weeks. If you’re extending your Sri Lanka itinerary, there are many more amazing places to visit, especially in the northern part of Sri Lanka. We loved how untouched this part of the island still is; you can find some real hidden gems in places like Jaffna (I also had the best food on the trip there!). Some of the most popular places to visit on a Sri Lanka itinerary are:
- Trincomalee
- Jaffna
- Dambulla
- 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
By Car
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 Sri Lanka itinerary. We booked this option because it allowed us to reach more remote places, which might otherwise be quite tricky.
By Bus
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 (Nick’s favorite!).
By Train
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. There were a few times when we jumped on the train only to find out there were no seats available. It didn’t matter, though; we just copied the locals and sat on the floor, eating spicy snacks sold by local vendors to pass the time. I’m still dreaming of these!
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’. This 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.
We explain the whole process in more detail here.
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 an ETA, you can get a Visa 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 a 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 300 Sri Lankan rupees. Generally, Sri Lanka is a cheap place to travel, especially in the more remote locations like the North or the center.
A variety of accommodations is on offer on your Sri Lanka itinerary, 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. When we visited, a bowl of local rice and curry typically cost about $1-3 USD!
Vaccinations Sri Lanka
Whatever the length of your Sri Lanka itinerary 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. Luckily, there is no Malaria risk in Sri Lanka.
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Wow, what a fantastic resource for planning my upcoming trip to Sri Lanka! Your detailed route guide is exactly what I needed to map out my itinerary and make the most of my time on this beautiful island.