Start your trip in the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo. Visit Independence Square, a landmark that commemorates Sri Lanka's independence from British rule or explore the Pettah Market where you'll find anything from local street food to handicrafts. Witness the stunning architecture of the Gangaramaya Temple, which is a mix of modern architecture and cultural heritage, offering visitors many things to see and experience.
Kandy is a serene city of Sri Lanka and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the most sacred Buddhist site in the country. Visit the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, an iconic landmark of Kandy that offers a panoramic view of the city. Witness the traditional Sri Lankan dance and music at the Kandy Cultural Show. Take a scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya where you'll be able to witness the beautiful tea plantations and the stunning views.
Ella is a nature lover's paradise, and it's no secret why. You'll find great adventures such as hiking to the famous Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock or relax in the stunning Ravana Falls. Visit the Little Adam's Peak, one of the most visited peaks in Ella, and explore the stunning Ella village while venturing off on time-honored Sri Lankan culinary delights.
Being a nature enthusiast, you cannot miss visiting the Udawalawe National Park. With a plethora of adventure activities such as jeep safaris, bird watching or camping, it is an ideal place to explore the wild side of Sri Lanka. You'll get to witness the magnificent creatures such as the Asian elephant, leopards, and different species of birds.
It's time to take a break from adventure and relax on the pristine beaches of Mirissa. Known for its calm, turquoise blue sea, and waves ideal for surfing, Mirissa is the perfect place to enjoy the sun and the sea. Take a whale watching experience, spotting whales, and dolphins from a safe distance or relax on the beach with some tropical cocktails.
Enjoy the stunning coastal views while heading towards Hikkaduwa. Famous for its coral reef, Hikkaduwa is the perfect place to explore the underwater marine life with activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass-bottom boat rides. You can also book a bike ride with the sunset or sunrise on the beach or visit the Hikkaduwa turtle hatchery to witness the rare sea turtles.
End the perfect trip with a relaxing stay in Negombo, also known as the "Little Rome". The beach town is famous for its stunning coastline, canal boats and fine dining restaurants. You can also visit the St Mary's Church, an iconic church with stunning architecture or launch a lagoon boat tour to end your trip with peace and serenity.
Trains are the best mode of transportation to travel in Sri Lanka with stunning views of the countryside. Hiring a private driver is also a great option for tourist. Taxi, Tuk-Tuk, and bus are also available but can get quite crowded and take longer to reach the destination. Prices range from USD 10-30 based on destination and travel time
If you have more time, why not head towards the south coast and visit Galle known for its 17th-century fortifications or witness the cultural hub of Sri Lanka with a visit to Anuradhapura or Sigiriya. If you have less time, stick to the major destinations and avoid visiting multiple locations in a day.
The main airport of Sri Lanka is the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), located in the city of Negombo, which is 35 km north of Colombo.