Start your trip with a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb the 1200 steps to the top of this ancient rock fortress for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Get up early and head to Yala National Park for a safari tour. This park is home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world. Alongside, the national park boasts a variety of animals and birds along with lush vegetation.
Visit the Galle Fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 400-year-old Dutch fort with winding streets and architecture from a bygone era. Spend the day visiting the numerous cafes, boutiques, and museums inside the fort. Make sure to enjoy the sunset by the sea on any of the ramparts.
After a day in the old fort, head down to the beach town of Hikkaduwa for some water sports. Choose from snorkeling or diving to check out the plethora of corals. Weather permitting, you can also go surfing and stand-up paddleboarding before settling down with barbecued seafood that many of the town's restaurants specialize in.
Before catching your flight back home, take a half day to tour the capital city, Colombo. Visit historical religious and colonial architecture, such as the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya and the Independence Memorial Hall. As the day progresses, hit up some of the shopping streets and stalls for some souvenirs to take home.
For those with more time, dive deep in the water sports scene in Mirissa or rest in the peaceful town of Ella with trek trails for adventure seekers. No worry for budget-friendly travel, replace Yala National Park with Bundala National Park. For travelers with less time, we recommend skipping Hikkaduwa and allocating that time towards the Colombo city tour or Galle fort.