Start your adventure by exploring Colombo Fort, the heart of Colombo. Witness the city's colonial-era past, grand architecture, bustling markets, and hustle-bustle of commuters. The fort is home to many Sri Lankan government buildings, museums, and shopping arcades, and it's a perfect place to start with plenty to see and do.
Take a day trip to Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a tropical rainforest with rich biodiversity, home to many endemic species, waterfalls and leeches. Embark on a guided trek to get closer to the flora and fauna, spot exotic birds, insects, and reptiles. Experience the refreshing trek in the heart of Sri Lankan nature and watch the sunset before returning to your hotel.
Hit the hiking trails and start the climb to Ella Rock, iconic rock formation, and a hiker's paradise. The trek will reward you with astounding views of Sri Lankan nature, tea plantations, and nearby waterfalls. While at the peak, enjoy a packed lunch before beginning the descent back to Ella town where you can indulge in local cuisine and souvenirs.
Travel to Yala National Park, a vast wildlife reserve on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Embark on an adventurous safari tour in the park, and you might spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and many other animals. Spend the day exploring the wilderness, and head back to your hotel after a day full of wildlife experiences.
Relax your mind, body, and soul by spending the day soaking up the sun at Mirissa Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Sri Lanka. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling or whale watching, strolling along the shoreline, and trying out delicious seafood at shacks on the beach.
Discover the wilderness at Udawalawe National Park, a gem for wildlife enthusiasts. Book a jeep safari ride, and explore the park featuring waterfalls, rock formations, and eco-parks. This park is home to elephants, sloth bears, leopards, crocodiles, buffalos and many others.
Summit the imposing Adam's Peak and experience an unparalleled panoramic view of the surroundings. This peak is considered a sacred attraction by multiple religions and well-marked trails with rest-stops on the way up during peak months, and let you admire the sunset and sunrise. End the day with a hearty meal and a good night's rest.
End your adventure by exploring Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a fortified city built by the Portuguese and Dutch, and remodeled by the British. Explore the beautiful and historic architecture, and walk along the ramparts overlooking the Indian Ocean.
You can get around Sri Lanka by local buses, trains, taxis from services like PickMe, Uber and local three-wheeler tuk-tuks. The train journeys are an exceptional way to view the scenic nature of the country, however, getting to some of the remote locations may need charter vehicles, and the cost varies from USD50 to USD200 for shorter to longer distances respectively. Travelling times and costs may vary, but plan for delays, traffic and give yourself some extra time to avoid missing your connections.
If you have more time, consider adding Dambulla Cave Temple, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Anuradhapura City to your itinerary. For those who have less time, maybe skip out Adam’s Peak, Udawalawe National Park or both, and plan accordingly. Pre-book your accommodations, tours and transport wherever possible, it can save your time, stress, and drive value for your money.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the only international airport in Sri Lanka, located in Katunayake, 30 km north of Colombo Fort. It is the gateway to the country and connected to major cities in Asia, Europe, the Far East, and the Middle East through many different carriers.