Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Sri Lanka 7-Day Itinerary

Sri Lanka 7-Day Itinerary

Viewed by 95 travelers

Tuesday, January 16

Colombo

Morning: Start your trip in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Visit the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, a fascinating blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. Explore the colorful streets of Pettah Market and indulge in some local street food for lunch.

Afternoon: Head to the National Museum of Colombo to learn about Sri Lanka's rich history and culture. Take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a waterfront promenade perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner at a local restaurant and experience the vibrant nightlife of Colombo.

  • Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple: Entrance fee - $2, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Pettah Market: Estimated cost - $5 for food, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • National Museum of Colombo: Entrance fee - $5, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Galle Face Green: Free, Time spent - Flexible
  • Traditional dinner: Estimated cost - $10-15 per person

Wednesday, January 17

Kandy

Morning: Depart for Kandy, a picturesque city nestled in the hills of Sri Lanka. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, an important Buddhist site believed to house a tooth of the Buddha. Explore the beautiful Kandy Lake and enjoy a leisurely boat ride.

Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Kandy by watching a traditional cultural dance performance. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens to admire the diverse flora and fauna.

Evening: Take a walk around the bustling Kandy Market and try some local street food for dinner.

  • Temple of the Tooth Relic: Entrance fee - $10, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Kandy Lake: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Boat ride: Estimated cost - $5, Time spent - 30 minutes
  • Cultural dance performance: Entrance fee - $5, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Royal Botanical Gardens: Entrance fee - $10, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Kandy Market: Estimated cost - $5 for food, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, January 18

Nuwara Eliya

Morning: Journey to Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England" due to its colonial architecture and cool climate. Explore the lush tea plantations and learn about the process of tea production. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.

Afternoon: Visit Gregory Lake and participate in various water activities like boating and jet skiing, or simply relax by the lakeside. Take a scenic drive to Horton Plains National Park for a hike to World's End, a stunning cliff offering breathtaking views.

Evening: Experience the colonial charm of Nuwara Eliya by strolling through the town and visiting the iconic Grand Hotel for a traditional high tea.

  • Tea plantation visit: Entrance fee - $5, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Ceylon tea: Estimated cost - $2-3, Time spent - 30 minutes
  • Gregory Lake: Entrance fee - $5, Time spent - Flexible
  • Horton Plains National Park: Entrance fee - $25, Time spent - 4-5 hours
  • High tea at Grand Hotel: Estimated cost - $10-15 per person

Friday, January 19

Ella

Morning: Head to Ella, a charming hill station famous for its scenic beauty. Start your day by hiking up Little Adam's Peak and enjoy panoramic views of tea plantations and the surrounding mountains. Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and watch the classic blue train passing.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll through Ella town and explore the local shops and cafes. Don't miss the opportunity to try some authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.

Evening: Relax and unwind at Ravana Falls, a beautiful waterfall located near Ella. Enjoy a picnic dinner amidst nature.

  • Little Adam's Peak: Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Nine Arch Bridge: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Ella town exploration: Estimated cost - $5 for food, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Ravana Falls: Free, Time spent - Flexible
  • Picnic dinner: Estimated cost - $10-15 per person

Saturday, January 20

Yala National Park

Morning: Travel to Yala National Park, one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Sri Lanka. Embark on an exhilarating jeep safari and spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and various bird species.

Afternoon: Discover the historical charm of Tissamaharama by visiting ancient Buddhist temples such as Tissa Dagoba and Yatala Vehera. Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a local restaurant.

Evening: Relax by the stunning Yala Beach and enjoy the sunset.

  • Yala National Park safari: Entrance fee - $25, Time spent - 4-6 hours
  • Tissa Dagoba: Entrance fee - $2, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Yatala Vehera: Entrance fee - $2, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Traditional lunch: Estimated cost - $10-15 per person

Sunday, January 21

Galle

Morning: Visit the historic city of Galle, known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and soak in the ambiance of this charming coastal town.

Afternoon: Take a walk along Galle's beautiful beaches and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant.

Evening: Witness the iconic stilt fishermen of Sri Lanka at Koggala Beach. Indulge in some souvenir shopping at the Galle Fort market.

  • Galle Fort: Entrance fee - $5, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Galle beaches: Free, Time spent - Flexible
  • Seafood lunch: Estimated cost - $15-20 per person
  • Koggala Beach: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Galle Fort market: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Monday, January 22

Colombo

Morning: Return to Colombo for your departure. Explore the vibrant street art scene of Colombo and visit the trendy Barefoot Gallery and Cafe for some unique shopping and a delicious breakfast.

Afternoon: Take a tuk-tuk ride along the bustling streets of Colombo and visit the Independence Memorial Hall and the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct.

Evening: Spend your last evening in Sri Lanka by enjoying a seafood dinner at the famous Ministry of Crab.

  • Colombo street art: Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Barefoot Gallery and Cafe: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Tuk-tuk ride: Estimated cost - $5-10, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Independence Memorial Hall: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Seafood dinner at Ministry of Crab: Estimated cost - $30-40 per person

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Explore the lesser-known attractions of Sri Lanka that are perfect for families. Take a journey to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can witness elephants being bathed and fed. Discover the beautiful Dambulla Cave Temple, an ancient rock temple with stunning cave paintings and sculptures. For a unique experience, visit the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda and learn about efforts to protect endangered sea turtles.

  • Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Entrance fee - $15, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Dambulla Cave Temple: Entrance fee - $10, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda: Entrance fee - $5, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Click here to check hotel and flight prices.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version