7-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary

1. Tuesday August 8: Colombo
   35 minutes (20.6 km) from Bandaranaike International Airport

   Explore the bustling capital city of Colombo in the morning, visiting the beautiful Gangaramaya Temple and the lively Pettah Market. In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll along Galle Face Green and enjoy sunset views. In the evening, indulge in authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at a local restaurant.

   • Gangaramaya Temple: $5, 2 hours
   • Pettah Market: Free, 2 hours
2. Wednesday August 9: Kandy
   3 hours 20 minutes (116 km) from Colombo

   Start your day with a visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the beautiful Kandy Lake and stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens in the afternoon. In the evening, attend a traditional Kandyan dance performance.

   • Temple of the Tooth Relic: $10, 2 hours
   • Royal Botanical Gardens: $7, 2 hours
   • Kandyan Dance Performance: $15, 1 hour
3. Thursday August 10: Nuwara Eliya
   2 hours 30 minutes (80 km) from Kandy

   Embark on a scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England" for its charming colonial architecture. Visit a tea plantation and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Explore the picturesque Victoria Park and take a boat ride on Gregory Lake.

   • Tea Plantation Visit: $5, 2 hours
   • Victoria Park: $2, 1 hour
   • Boat Ride on Gregory Lake: $10, 1 hour
4. Friday August 11: Sigiriya
   3 hours 30 minutes (155 km) from Nuwara Eliya

   Marvel at the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the morning. Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in the afternoon, known for its well-preserved archaeological ruins. End the day with a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park to spot wildlife.

   • Sigiriya Rock Fortress: $30, 3 hours
   • Polonnaruwa Ancient City: $25, 3 hours
   • Minneriya National Park Safari: $50, 3 hours
5. Saturday August 12: Dambulla
   1 hour (40 km) from Sigiriya

   Visit the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the morning. Explore the Golden Temple and the Rock Temple in the afternoon. Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.

   • Dambulla Cave Temple: $10, 2 hours
   • Golden Temple and Rock Temple: $5, 2 hours
6. Sunday August 13: Mirissa
   5 hours 30 minutes (200 km) from Dambulla

   Head to the coastal town of Mirissa for a day of relaxation and beach activities. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports on the beautiful Mirissa Beach. Take a boat trip for whale and dolphin watching. End the day with a stunning sunset view.

   • Mirissa Beach: Free, all day
   • Whale and Dolphin Watching: $30, 4 hours
7. Monday August 14: Galle
   1 hour 30 minutes (70 km) from Mirissa

   Explore the historic city of Galle, known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. Visit the iconic Galle Fort and stroll through the narrow streets lined with boutique shops and cafes. Enjoy a seafood dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Indian Ocean.

   • Galle Fort: $10, 2 hours

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the ancient city of Anuradhapura or taking a day trip to the beautiful hill country of Ella. For a memorable experience, take a scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella and hike to the stunning Ella Rock. To get the most out of your trip and save money, consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation, accommodation, and entrance fees.