Sri Lanka is one of our favorite travel destinations of all time, a beautiful tropical island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Our 3-week Sri Lanka trip took us through the jungle, mountains, tea plantations, and beaches (with a mixture of hidden gems, must-see spots, and great places to eat). We found it super easy to travel here, whether by private driver or traditional Sri Lankan train. Here are all our top tips to get the most out of your trip!
Our Top Tips for Your Sri Lanka Itinerary
Day 1 – 2: Colombo
We started our trip in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. Here you’ll discover a unique blend of modern and traditional; towering skyscrapers sit alongside ancient mosques and local markets.
We only visited for 24 hours, but that was plenty of time to see the beautiful Red Mosque (above), climb the Lotus Tower, and explore some of the city’s beautiful parks.
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 Negombo International Airport. We booked a private driver (reasonably priced in Sri Lanka), or you can 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!
Relaxing Option: Negombo
If you’d prefer to spend your initial days relaxing at the beach, we recommend skipping Colombo and staying in a hotel in Negombo instead. It’s also more convenient, as it’s right next to the airport.
Day 3: Sightseeing in Kandy
Kandy is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka and one of our favorites! Old colonial buildings line the edges of a huge lake, and there are lots of great markets. (Book your tickets from Colombo to Kandy here)
We visited the Royal Botanical Gardens of Kandy, a tranquil wilderness in the city, surrounded by tropical rainforest. While we visited on our own, you can also join a guided tour; this tuk-tuk tour looks fun!
Read: 9 Things to do in Kandy
Where to Stay in Kandy
We stayed in the city center, which was ideal for exploring everything on foot. However, we also saw hotels in the nearby hills that looked very relaxing!
Day 4: Sigiriya
Visiting Lion Rock in Sigiriya was definitely one of the highlights of our itinerary. We were blown away when we discovered that, on top of the 200-meter-square rock, are the remains of an ancient palace with pools and gardens!
However, we actually preferred the view from Pidurangula Rock. This rock may be smaller, but it looks directly onto Lion Rock, and has a cheaper entrance fee! We paid around 3 USD each.
Where to Stay in Sigiriya
We were surprised by the higher accommodation prices here, but it’s worth it! We stayed at Hotel Sigiryiya, which had a fantastic view of Lion Rock from the pool.
Day 5: Kandy to Ella Train Ride
On day 5, we traveled back to Kandy to catch the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka. This long train ride takes you through rolling hills, rainforest, and luscious green tea plantations.
- We booked second class, so we could open the windows and hang out the doors.
- Be careful as you arrive at the stations; it’s dangerous to stand too close, and the 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. We got off earlier and spent a night in Nuwara Eliya, a region famous for its tea plantations. (Book your tickets from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya here)
It’s home to the Lipton plantation, an English tea grower and exporter!
- English-style bungalows are dotted across the fields.
- Nuwara Eliya has the nickname ‘Little England’.
- We arranged a full-day trip to the tea plantations and factories (including a stop at Ramboda waterfall).
- You can book a tour online in advance (we arranged ours in town).
Read: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Day 8 – 10: Ella
Ella is one of the most unique towns we visited because of its bohemian vibe and mountainous surroundings (book your tickets to Ella here). We stayed in this hilltop guesthouse with incredible views, and used it as a base to climb to:
- Adams Peak
- Ella Rock
- Nine Arch Bridge
- There’s also plenty of nearby waterfalls for a dip!
Where to Stay in Ella
We chose to stay in the Royal Mount, a hillside guesthouse outside of town, which was beautiful (reserve your room here)! If you want something higher-end, there are plenty of luxury resorts with swimming pools, too.
Day 11 – 13: Arugam Bay
We learnt to surf in Arugam Bay — Sri Lanka’s most famous surfing spot (book a lesson here). Here’s what to expect.
- Simple wooden accommodations on the beach
- Buzzing bars and restaurants
- We visited in March (which was mostly dry!), but between April and October is the best time for good weather and waves.
Where to Stay in Arugam Bay
We stayed in a cute beach hut, but there are also mid-range guesthouses or upscale beach resorts.
Day 14: Join a Jeep Safari
From Arugam Bay, we took a day trip to Yala National Park for a safari. We were lucky enough to see plenty of elephants and spot the elusive leopard!
Tip: 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.
Read about the best national parks in Sri Lanka
Day 15 – 16: Mirissa
Mirissa isn’t your ordinary beach town; it also has beautiful coconut-tree forests, fascinating tidal islands, and great restaurants. We had some of the best food of our trip here!
Read: Best Things to do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Mirissa is also one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see Whales (November – March). We didn’t have time, but it’s very popular to join a whale-watching tour. Please just do your research before to make sure to check it’s ethical.
Where to Stay in Mirissa
We love that most guesthouses and hotels are within walking distance of the beach. Plus, they’re reasonably priced!
Day 17 – 19: Unawatuna
In our final days in Sri Lanka, we explore the famous beaches of Unawatuna, home to:
- White sand
- Great waves
- Lively beach bars
- Instagram-famous palm-tree swings
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 for exploring nearby sights, like Galle Fort, and Koggala Lake. You could even do a day trip to Colombo if you haven’t managed to see it yet.
Where to Stay in Unawatuna
Unawatuna is one of the most popular destinations on any Sri Lanka itinerary, so we did find the prices for hotels and guesthouses to be a bit higher.
We stayed at Hotel Tri, a beautiful hideaway near Unawatuna, on the shores of Kogalla Lake. It overlooks the lake and cinnamon plantations (our favorite sunset spot of the trip!).
Day 20+21: Back to Colombo
Finish your trip in a city close to the airport. We recommend booking a hotel in Colombo or Negombo for the most convenience.
Tip: Before our flight, we visited Barefoot Handicraft in Colombo and its fantastic restaurant. You can message them to make a reservation here.
Optional Places
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 found so many hidden gems in more remote places like Jaffna (we also had the best food on the trip there!).
- 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
We hired a private driver in Sri Lanka, as it’s so reasonably priced! It cost us about $50 per day, and gave us much more flexibility to create our Sri Lanka itinerary and reach more remote spots.
By Bus
We didn’t travel by bus on our trip, but they’re the cheapest option! Be aware that buses are very full, and you usually have to stand.
By Train
Taking the train is our favorite way to travel in Sri Lanka!
- Price: We paid between $1.50 to $4 for a second-class cabin (depending on the route).
- Availability: There were a few times when we jumped on the train to find there were no seats available. It didn’t matter, though; we just copied the locals and sat on the floor.
- Food: Make sure to try the delicious spicy snacks sold by local vendors onboard.
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’. We always found the sun shining somewhere.
The dry seasons by month and destination are:
- North – May to September
- Center – January to April
- South – December to March
Rainy season: Prices are lower, there are fewer people, and nature will be particularly luscious. But rain can bring rough waves to the coast, causing the beaches to get pretty dirty.
Sri Lanka Visa
You need a Sri Lanka visa to enter the country. We found the whole process really easy! Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months, and select the right visa for your stay. We explain the whole process in more detail here.
How Much Does Sri Lanka Cost?
In Sri Lanka, payment is made in the Sri Lankan Rupee. Currently, $1 is equal to 309 Sri Lankan rupees. We found it a very cheap place to travel, especially in remote locations like the North or the center. We usually paid around $1-3 USD for a delicious bowl of curry.
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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.