Whether you are looking to spend 1 week, 10 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks or more in Sri Lanka, this Sri Lanka itinerary can be easily adjusted so you don’t miss out on any of the best stuff!

We have travelled to Sri Lanka 6 times and can’t get enough of this beautiful country. From the food, to the beaches, nature, safari, hiking, tea plantations, train rides down to the friendly people. We are obsessed!

Here are all our favourite things to do in Sri Lanka, turned into this….your ULTIMATE Sri Lanka Itinerary….

What is the best way to get around Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a small island, only around the size of our home country, Wales. The length of Sri Lanka from north to south is only actually around 432km or 268miles, so it is possible to see a lot in a short time. However, you do need to be prepared to travel around.

It is possible to drive yourself and simply rent a car in Colombo Airport on arrival. We always use Rental Cars for the best prices, you can check here.

Another fun way to get around Sri Lanka is to hire a tuk tuk and self drive. Something we haven’t done YET but I am definitely going to book for our next trip. You can book directly here with Get your Guide, it looks so fun!!

Alternatively, the most common way to get around Sri Lanka is with a driver. We used Ehalagala Travels for our driver who was brilliant. We combined the driver with some trains and just booked him for the journeys we needed. Ehalagala Travels offer full packages and can organise everything from transport, train tickets, hotels and attractions – if that is what you’re looking for.

You can also find alternative driver options here on Get you Guide for hiring a driver around Sri Lanka.

Make sure you include some train journeys on your Sri Lanka itinerary, they really are a special, comfortable and convenient way to see the country. We have travelled from Colombo to Kandy, Kandy to Ella and Nuwara Eliya to Ella all by train. More about this further down.

You can book Sri Lanka train travel by clicking this link here.

What is Sri Lanka best known for?

Sri Lanka is one of the most diverse countries we have ever visited. Quite simply, you can be at the beach for breakfast, visiting a temple in the morning, hiking in the afternoon, safari for sunset and back to the beach at night. Amazing!

Although small, it is a country that has A LOT to offer. We have visited multiple times, have still not seen it all and still want to go back for more. Which says a lot!

Unmissables, in our honest opinion are:

• Sigiriya – hiking Sigirya rock
• Ella – train ride, mountains, waterfalls and greenery
• Yala – sunset safari spotting leopards
• Mirissa – stunning south coast beach and whale watching
• Galle – walled historical fort and port city

Day 1-2 – Sigiriya

1 Night in Sigiriya

The start of your Sri Lanka itinerary. A travel day, arrive in Colombo airport and head straight to Sigiriya. The easiest way to get to Sigiriya is with a driver, have one waiting for you in arrivals. It is then around a 2hour drive to Sigiriya.

Where to stay in Sigiriya

• Ehalagala Lake Resort in Sigiriya – for a total escape. Waking up here seeing Sigiriya rock in the distance, being completely surrounded by mountains and listening to the wildlife on the balcony was a delight. It is only a 5 minute drive to Sigiriya rock from the hotel. A budget friendly hotel with many different room types to choose from to fit the whole family. You can see our Instagram Reel here of this beautiful hotel.
• Heritance Kandalama – if you are looking for a more luxurious stay, you can’t get better than the Heritance Hotel. A stunning property on a hill overlooking Sigiriya rock.
• Aliya Resort and Spa – another luxurious property with an infinity pool overlooking the expanse of Sigiriya nature.
• Sigiriya’s King Resort – A beautiful resort next to a lake with huge grounds, immersed in nature

What to do in Sigiriya

• Climb Sigiriya Rock – UNESCO heritage site built in the fifth century that was rediscovered in the 19th century. King Kashyapa built this ancient fortress on top of Sigirya rock to protect himself from his brother. A truly unique place that you should definitely include on your Sri Lanka itinerary. Check out our Instagram Reel here for videos and details of climbing Sigiriya Rock.
• Explore Pidurangala Rock – an alternative, or addition, to Sigiriya Rock that is popular for sunrise or sunset climbs
• Dambulla Cave Temple – a short drive away (can also be done on the way to the next stop!)
• Village Tour & Bullock Cart Ride – Experience traditional Sri Lankan rural life with a village walk, catamaran boat ride, and authentic local meal
• Jeep Safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park – an elephant safari that is popular close to Sigiriya

Days 2-4 – Nuwara Eliya (stopping at Kandy)

2 Nights in Nuwara Eliya

After leaving Sigiriya we would suggest heading to Nuwara Eliya for a night or 2 before moving on to Ella. The drive from Sigiriya to Nuwara Eliya takes around 4 hours. We would recommend breaking up the journey with a stop in Kandy. Sigiriya to Kandy takes around 2.5 hours by car.

A misty hillside town that was once thriving with English tea plantation owners. Also known as Little England, this town is full of traditional British charm. From the tudor style houses to the golf club, misty weather and clock tower it is like stepping into England for an afternoon.

Coming from Dubai, and calling the UK home, this was a welcome escape for us. We relished in the occasional downpours, chilly weather and quintessential British scenes.

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya

• Yara Hotel – a personal recoomendation, where we stayed – a modern, stylish hotel where we stayed in a family suite. With a cosy 2 bedroom apartment, bathrooms and a small living space. The food at Yara Hotel in Nuwara Eliya was incredible, from the Sri Lankan breakfast through to the steak, pasta and traditional Sri Lankan curries at dinner.
• The Grand Hotel – a colonial, opulent hotel which as its name suggests is very grand. Even if you don’t stay here, make sure you pop in for a cocktail or a cup of Sri Lankan tea.
• The Westbury Palace – another luxurious, traditional Sri Lankan hotel that has great reviews

Check out our Instagram Reel here on the Yara Hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Stop at Dambulla Caves and Temple near Sigiriya

As you leave Sigiriya make sure to stop at Dambulla Golden Temple. There is also Dambulla Temple Caves that are worth a visit if you have time. The huge golden buddha statue at Dambulla Golden Temple is worth checking out. Look out for the monkeys rushing around everywhere and make sure you climb up to the golden buddha statue to see it up close.

Stop in Kandy on the way to Nuwara Eliya

We have spent a lot of time in Kandy which is an interesting UNESCO city with a beautiful lake. We would just spend a few hours here and move onto Nuwara Eliya. There isn’t a huge amount to see in Kandy city centre, however the area is stunning. If you have ample time then it is a gorgeous hillside area for some rest and relaxation. If Kandy doesn’t tickle your fancy, you could leave it out entirely and continue onto Nuwara Eliya.

What to do in Kandy

• Walk around Kandy Lake
• Visit the Temple of the Tooth
• National Museum of Kandy
• Visit the Royal Palace of Kandy
• Tuk Tuk City Tour

Where to stay in Kandy

If you decide that you would like to stay in Kandy overnight to see more of the UNESCO city then there are some incredible hotels to choose from. Surrounded by trees, mountains and nature it is certainly a peaceful place to spend some time. We would recommend staying outside of the busy city centre.Iit is always easy to get tuk tuks around or if you have hired a driver they will stay locally and take you around during the day.

• The Flame Tree Estate & Hotel – beautiful, peaceful retreat outside of Kandy
• Kandy House Hotel – secluded, luxurious, traditional house with a pool
• Aarunya Nature Resort – stunning, quiet and luxurious retreat amongst nature
• The Grand Kandyan Hotel – grand, central hotel with a rooftop pool
• Radisson Hotel Kandy – hotel on a hill with amazing views and rooftop pool

Stopping at Ramboda Falls near Nuwara Eliya

Before arriving at Nuwara Eliya, make sure sure to stop off at the stunning Ramboda Falls. Only around 30minutes outside of Nuwara Eliya this waterfall is a sight to see and should be included on your Sri Lanka itinerary.

To access Ramboda Falls you need to walk through Ramboda Falls Hotel, which looks like a pretty cool place to stay! We stopped for lunch here, buffet style. It was busy but we had been on the road for a long time and the kids were hungry! It takes about 10mins to walk down to the waterfall and is so worth it!

What to do in Nuwara Eliya

• Wander around town checking out the tudor buildings like Nuwara Eliya Post Office
• Visit Victoria Gardens and take a stroll around the manicured gardens
• Have afternoon tea or cocktail in Nuwara Eliya Grand Hotel
• Play a round of golf at Nuwara Eliya golf club – one of the oldest in the world!
• Have a drink and the best hot cashew nuts at Nuwara Eliya golf club
• Visit Pedro Tea Plantation and see the process of how tea is grown and made
• Take the train to Ella

Check out our Instagram Reel of what we got up to in Nuwara Eliya here.

We didn’t get the time to do it, but there is also great hiking in and around Horton Plains and you can go on a trip with a guide who will take you to all the best spots. We always use Get Your Guide when booking these trips.

Days 4-7 Ella

Nuwara Eliya to Ella Train

From Nuwara Eliya take the train to Ella it is the best way to travel. This train journey is renowned as one of the best train journies in the world.

The train departs from Nanuonya train station, a 10 minute tuk tuk ride outside of Nuwara Eliya. Make sure to pre-book your train, it gets busy. We booked the Odyssey train and a first class ticket which was definitely affordable. You can check it out and book the Odyssey Sri Lanka train here.

However, as long as you have a seat the train is comfortable, fast and the views are UNBELIEVABLE. We opted for the First Class train to Ella as it was affordable and had a/c. We have previously travelled in the Second Class train to Ella as well which was also absolutely fine. Look here for alternative tickets.

3 Nights in Ella

Ella is one of my all-time favourite places in Sri Lanka. I adore the quiet, relaxed vibe that Ella town brings to visitors. Here is where you can find small, independent coffee shops, cafes, restaurants and shops bringing all the Sri Lankan vibes to this town. As well as Ella town, Ella has a lot to offer and it is worth spending a few days here to fit everything in. Ella is also the perfect place to slow down, admire the views and take some time to be still. Drink tea, read a book, play cards, go bird watching and relax.

Where to stay in Ella

Ella is full of traditional, small home stays that we love. You get treated to proper Sri Lankan hospitality and home cooked food. Also, the accommodation here is very affordable. Here are 3 we have personally stayed in and would recommend:

Ella Guesthouses

• Ella Deck – a very affordable hotel located on the outskirts of Ella town, only a short tuk tuk ride away. The beauty of this property is the wonderful swimming pool which not many smaller hotels have. You can see both Ella Rock and Little Adams Peak and it is surrounded by mountains making it a beautiful spot.
• Ella Waterfall View – a traditional homestay run by a lovely Sri Lankan family. The rooms are very comfortable, breakfast is amazing and they have a dining room for evening meals. The main attraction is the waterfall in the distance and the nature surrounding the property.
• The Pinnacle – located not far from Ella Waterfall View. We stayed here a few years ago when it was called Mountain Heavens. Also, before the addition of the gorgeous infinity swimming pool. The rooms are comfortable, breakfast is amazing and the views are heavenly.

If you are looking for something more luxurious there are also some wonderful, newer resorts that are worth splashing out for. With views to die for, beautiful grounds and swimming pools. There are some bucket list properties in Ella worth considering:

Ella Resorts

• Arawe Retreat – a hidden retreat in Ella with stunningly beautiful cabins on sprawling grounds.
• Tip Top Boutique Hotel – another hidden retreat with spectacular views over Ella. An infinity pool with amazing rooms.
• 98 Acres Resort and Spa – a truly wonderful resort on a tea plantation with incredible views, pool, restaurant and a spa. Located at the foot of Little Adam’s Peak.

What to do in Ella

If you don’t have a driver, the best way to get around Ella is to get a tuk tuk. If you chat with one of the drivers they will usually arrange a price for you to take you to the places you want to go to.

• Climb Little Adams Peak – a short hike up some stairs and a winding path to the top of Little Adams Peak. The views are spectacular from the top and it is worth going up here for sunrise.
• Ella Rock – if you are looking for a more challenging hike then Ella Rock is the one. It takes around 2-3 hours with more spectacular views.
• Nine Arches Bridge – the iconic picture of Ella. It is best to go here when a train is passing to get the full experience. You can walk across the bridge but please be careful of the trains!
• Flying Ravana Mega Zipline – one of Asia’s longest ziplines. It is located near to Little Adams Peak and 98 Acres Resort. Ideal to combine them altogether.
• Diyaluma Falls – located a little further out of Ella but worth the trip. Sri Lanka’s second largest waterfall with many natural infinity pools to enjoy. One of the highlights of our trip.
• Sri Lankan Cooking Class – Sri Lankan cuisine is wonderful and unique to any other country. Ella is a fantastic place to learn more about Sri Lankan food and do a cookery class.

Days 7-9 Yala National Park

2 Nights in Yala National Park

Did you know that Yala National Park has the highest density of leopards in the planet making Sri Lanka the best place to spot leopards. As well as leopards, Yala is home to over 200 species of birds. We were fascinated with the paradise fly catcher, bee eater, hawk eagle, serpent eagle, stalks, brown fish owl and kingfishers to name but a few. The safari in Yala National Park has a diverse landscape with rocks, lagoons, forests and even the sea. Yala is such a unique and wonderful safari experience.

Which is the best safari in Sri Lanka?

There are many safaris around making it difficult to know who to book with and where to stay. We absolutely loved everything about Ceylon Wild Safari which is an all inclusive camp. A luxurious, boutique camp in the buffer zone of Yala National Safari also meant that the safaris were quieter as fewer resorts are in the area. The main plus point of Ceylon Wild Safari is the knowledgable, passionate guides. They truly love observing animals and getting close to nature, they respect the animals and ensure they are protected and not ambushed with multiple guides. They will do their best to show you the Sri Lankan Big 5 and more.

For all the information and a full review on Ceylon Wild Safari check out this post – this is the best safari in Sri Lanka for the whole family.

Days 9-14 Tangalle

This is where you will hit the beaches of Sri Lanka. It is important to note the time of year that you are travelling to Sri Lanka. The South and South West Coast of Sri Lanka is best enjoyed from October to April. If you are looking to travel to Sri Lanka during the summer months, it is still possible to enjoy the incredible Sri Lanka beaches. However, you would want to visit the East Coast beaches from May to September for the optimal beach weather. You can read our post Summer in Sri Lanka for more information about visiting Sri Lanka during the ‘rainy season.’ For all the reasons why we believe summer is a perfect time to visit Sri Lanka.

2 nights in Tangalle on the South Coast

After spending time in the hills and safari it is now time to hit the famous Sri Lankan beaches. Tangalle is renowned for its pristine, uncrowded beaches, offering a tranquil escape from the busier areas. The town’s coastline is dotted with palm-fringed shores and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect spot for relaxation.

Where to stay in Tangalle

• Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort – Anantara properties are always a winner with us. This beachfront resort has villas, a spa, multiple restaurants and beachfront location. As well as the renowned Anantara service.
• Lankavatara Ocean Retreat and Spa – A little outside of Tangalle but on a secluded private beach with wonderful facilities
• Taru Villas Mawella – Stunning beachfront property with 3 swimming pools and a highly rated restaurant, luxurious rooms and views
• Goyambokka Guesthouse – Guesthouse villa only 200m from the beach with a pool, affordable yet comfortable option
• Little Sunshine Guest House & Restaurant – A wonderful homestay, guesthouse option with a private beach

What to do in Tangalle

• Beaches – relax on the main Tangalle Beach. As well as Silent Beach and Goyambokka Beach for peaceful escapes
• Rekawa Beach & Turtle Watching – a turtle conservation project where you can see how the turtles are protected in Sri Lanka and maybe watch them hatch at night – season dependent.
• Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary – for bird watching, mangroves and even crocodiles!
• Mulkirigala Rock Temple – a Buddhist temple complex on a rock offering amazing panoramic views
• Tangalle Local Tour – an organised tour to see all the main sights in and around Tangalle

Days 11-13 Mirissa

2 nights in Mirissa on the South Coast

Further down the South West coast you will come to the vibrant coastal town of Mirissa. Famous for its Coconut Tree Hill where many people crowd to get a picture amongst the trees. Mirissa has beautiful golden sands, bright blue sea and a beach lined with restaurants and bars. The area comes alive for sunset where bonfires line the sand and people settle back to witness the stunning Sri Lankan sunset.

Where to stay in Mirissa

Resort hotels are growing in Sri Lanka and Mirissa is home to many gorgeous boutique and spa hotels. As well as smaller guesthouses for a more budget friendly, homestay experience.

• Three Gables Boutique Villa – Slightly out of Mirissa but only a short tuk tuk away, a peaceful and private beachfront hotel with a pool, and restaurant
• The Nine Mirissa – 500m from the beach with a pool, many rooms with balconies, luxurious boutique rooms
• Lantern Boutique Hotel – Beachfront hotel with incredible rooms, balcony and outside space, pool and beachfront restaurant
• Lavendra Villa Mirissa – slightly out of the centre in a quiet location, budget friendly with a great pool and view
• Fresh Wave Mirissa – on the main beach in a prime location, a small hotel with basic facilities but everything you need for an affordable stay

What to do in Mirissa

• Beach – the crescent shaped Mirissa beach is ideal for relaxing, surfing, paddleboarding and snorkelling at Turtle Reef
• Coconut Tree Hill – beautiful viewpoint with tall trees and stunning views of the coastline
• Whale watching – one of the best experiences we have ever had was a whale watching trip from Mirissa many years ago. We saw so many whales in the wild and got up close. Make sure you opt for this during your time in Mirissa.
• Sunset – again, one of the best sunsets we have ever seen was on Mirissa beach in Sri Lanka. Settle into a beach bar and enjoy a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Days 13-14 Galle

1 night in Galle on the South West Coast

If you prefer to stay longer on the beach and not directly in Galle you can do a day/evening trip from Mirissa to Galle. At its heart lies the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a stunning colonial-era fortress built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later taken over and rebuilt by the Dutch. Walking through its cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time, with beautiful architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and cool cafés creating a welcoming atmosphere. In addition, you will notice the iconic Galle lighthouse standing against the waves. Wander the fort walls at sunset, stop for a cup of Ceylon tea, discover some rooftop restaurants and shop for souviniers. Galle cricket stadium is directly opposite which is home to international test matches, famous for spectators climbing the fort walls to watch the matches. Galle is definitely an area that should be included in your Sri Lanka itinerary.

Where to stay in Galle

Galle is home to some gorgeous historic, boutique hotels that are fascinating to experience for a night and be in the fort walls.

• Galle Fort Hotel – a renowned hotel in Galle. An 18th century villa that was also RAF barraks, a Post Office to a bakery. It has an award for ‘Leading Boutique Hotel in Sri Lanka’, swimming pool, restaurant, bar and decor and architcture seeped in history
• Fort Bazaar – A restored Merchant Home, now a boutique hotel in the heart of the Galle fort, with a courtyard, pool and spa. This hotel is something special.
• Prince of Galle – another hotel inside the fort, 600 year old building with stunning decor full of charm and history
• Mango House – a quaint, boutique hotel inside the fort walls. Basic with everything you need and an affordable price tag

Wander Galle and take in everything around you. Then, here are a few things to do during your time in Galle Sri Lanka.

What to do in Galle

• Walking Tour – get a detailed tour of Galle, learning all about the history and main points of interest
• Sunset – watch sunset from the Galle fort walls
• Cooking Class – at a local home with a market tour to buy the ingredients
• Afternoon tea – visit the iconic Galle Fort Hotel for afternoon tea it’s on daily from 3pm-5pm but should be booked in advance

Days 14-15 Colombo

1 night in Colombo before flying out of Sri Lanka

It it is worth spending some time in the capital city of Colombo before departing for your home country. A busy, noisy city full of traffic and tuk tuks with a mix of colonial and modern architecture. Markets, temples, street food and shops make for an interesting few hours in the city.

An alternative to an overnight stay in Colombo is the resort town of Negombo. A beachside resort town where you can get your final fill of the beaches before getting on the plane. It is an ideal layover town.

Where to stay in Colombo

• Galle Face Hotel – a luxurious, colonial building with stunning views over the Indian ocean.
• Cinnamon Grand – a modern 5* hotel located in the centre of Colombo
• Amari Colombo – a modern, centrally located 5* hotel with infinity pool
• Shangri-La – modern, central 5* hotel with everything you would expect from the renowned Shangri-La chain

Where to stay in Negombo

• Uga River – a sprawling villa-type hotel with stunning grounds and traditional decor in a 5* setting
• Jetwing Beach – there are numerous Jetwing hotels in this area, a Sri Lankan hotel brand with beautiful 5* hotels, lovely pools on the beach, ideal for a final stop before a flight
• Kadupul by Serenity – 250m from the beach, a smaller villa type hotel for an affordable option in Negombo

What to do in Colombo

• Tuk Tuk City tour – the easiest way to see everything all in one go in the Sri Lankan way
• Food tour – a full insight to the wonder of Sri Lankan cuisine
• Dutch Hospital – a former Dutch hospital, beautifully restored now home to stylish cafes, restaurants and shops
• Walk Along Galle Face Green – especially at sunset. You can even go to Galle Face Hotel for a sundowner and admire the view.
• Visit the Lotus Tower – the tallest tower in South Asia offering panoramic views of Colombo
• Cricket Club Café – if you are interested in cricket this is a great pub for a beer, a colonial building with an extensive collection of cricket memorabilia.

Is a trip to Sri Lanka worth it?

100000 times yes! Sri Lanka has everything. There are not many other countries where you can visit so many diverse areas and activities all in one day. Sri Lanka is a small country so it is not too far to get from one side to another. It really does offer everything. After visiting 6 times and already thinking about when we can return, we know it is somewhere special. There are not many places we return to time and time again.

Book that plane ticket and go to Sri Lanka – you won’t regret it!

More information about Sri Lanka and other destinations

• The best safari in Sri Lanka for the whole family
• Sun Siyam Pasikudah – 10 Reasons to stay at this impressive resort on the East Coast Sri Lanka
• Summer in Sri Lanka – why we think it’s the best time to visit
• 3 Weeks in Thailand Itinerary
• 3 Weeks in Vietnam
• The best itinerary for Oman for 7 days
• 10 Day Itinerary in Albania with Kids
• 5 Day Guide to Driving around Kefalonia

Disclaimer: This post A Guide to Sri Lanka: The Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary, has affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.