Sri Lanka, a tear-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, is a country that has a lot to offer to any kind of traveler. It’s home to vast tea plantations, it has a rich history, interesting culture, beautiful nature, and vibrant wildlife. In addition, you’ll find world-class surf breaks around the coast.
After spending 14 days in this beautiful country, we were sad to leave. We realized there’s so much to see we will need another visit to fully get to know the island. Due to the little time we had allocated for Sri Lanka, we only managed to visit the southern parts.
Now we’d like to share with you some of our best tips to make your trip planning a piece of cake. We also provide our personal 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary, as well as a shorter option for a 5-day trip.
Practical tips before your trip
How many days do I need in Sri Lanka?
Many people have the impression that this tear-shaped island is easily visited on a short trip. But in reality, you will realize that it has so much to offer even one month would not feel like enough! Sri Lanka is home to incredible beaches, world-class surf, vibrant wildlife and mesmerizing nature.
I suggest planning around 14 days here to see the best of Sri Lanka. This gives you enough time to get to know the country better and to visit all of its best attractions. But if you’re short on time, our 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary covers the basics.
Is Sri Lanka safe?
Especially after events in recent history, many tourists ask themselves whether it’s safe to visit the country. In 2022 a severe economic crisis hit the island, causing shortages of food, medication, fuel, and more. Furthermore, this led to a lot of unrest on the streets.
As of 2024, Sri Lanka is on its way to recovery with tourism flourishing once again. As no travel warnings have been issued, it’s considered safe to travel here. But as always, take care of your belongings.
Getting visa
Most nationalities require a tourist visa to enter the country. A few different types are available, but all you need for a short stay is a 30-day tourist visa. The fee is 50$. You can obtain the visa both in advance and on arrival.
To speed up your arrival, we recommend getting the visa before. As of now, the official website for visa application is no longer working (srilankaevisa.lk). It seems like you can only get the visa in advance using a different third-party provider, such as ivisa.com.
How to get around
While Sri Lanka has a relatively huge network of public transport, it might take some time to get around using trains and buses. They’re also not in the best condition, often without AC. And of course, delays are rather common.
But it’s an adventure! When setting the right expectations, we enjoyed riding Sri Lankan trains and buses so much. It’s the perfect opportunity to see the surrounding environment and meet locals. Another benefit is that it’s the most affordable way.
An adventurous option many people choose is riding around Sri Lanka in a tuk-tuk! Thanks to a rental service, anyone with a valid driving license is eligible to do so. For example, tuktukrental.com is a reliable company that can help you with everything.
If you dare, you can also rent a car! It might be very convenient and provides a lot of freedom, but you should be a confident driver.
Lastly, you can also hire a private driver for your whole trip. This is a great option especially if you’re short on time and want to have the whole trip personalized according to your needs. But this will also be the most expensive option.
Best time to visit
Answering this question is not that easy since the Southwest and Northeast both have different climates. The dry season lasts from December to March in SW, and from May to August in NE. On the other hand, the rainy season lasts from December to March in NE, and from May to August in SW.
April, September, and October are known as the shoulder months in the whole country. So if you’re planning a trip to both parts, it might be best to plan it during these months. The weather is mostly stable and dry, with occasional rains.
10 day Sri Lanka itinerary
Day 1: Colombo
Colombo is the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka and most likely your entry point. It is the country’s economic and cultural hub, which is clearly noticeable from the minute you enter the city.
We are personally not big-city people, so we decided to skip exploring Colombo and dedicate the extra time to the natural attractions.
Therefore we can’t comment on the things to do based on our own experience, but below are the most popular attractions you shouldn’t skip.
In case you’re looking for a hassle-free experience, we recommend the Colombo City Tour by private tuk-tuk. In 4 hours you will visit all the main attractions in the city!
Things to do in Colombo
Visit the National Museum
As the largest museum in Sri Lanka, the National Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including ancient relics, historical document, and royal regalia. So if you’re a history buff, there’s no better way to learn about rich history of Sri Lanka.
Stroll Along Galle Face Green
Looking for a place to escape all the chaos? Then head to Galle Face Green, an oceanfront promenade perfect for a peaceful walk. Enjoy stunning sunset views, street food vendors, and the vibrant atmosphere created both by locals and tourists.
Explore the Colombo Fort Area
A historic district with colonial-era buildings like the iconic Clock Tower and the Dutch Hospital. But don’t think this place is all about history. You can expect various dining options as well as shopping opportunities.
Admire the Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque)
We fell in love with this place at first sight! We tried to make a stop at least on this one place, but we didn’t manage at the end.
You can’t possibly walk by without noticing the mosque’s stunning architecture. The facade consists of striking red and white stripes. Luckily, it’s also open to non-muslim visitors.
Discover the Gangaramaya Temple
The intricate architecture and a serene lake attract many tourists to the Buddhist temple Gangaramaya. It also houses a museum with valuable artifacts.
Visit the Pettah Market
Who else is a huge market lover? Anytime we hear about local markets, we make sure not to skip them. You can buy everything from textiles to spices at this place. Also, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs.
Check Out the Colombo Lighthouse
Located near the harbor, the Colombo Lighthouse is a historical landmark that offers panoramic views of the city. It’s a picturesque spot not only for photography but for enjoying the coastal scenery, too
Where to stay
Best hotels in Colombo
Check availability
Day 2: Pidurangala & Yapahuwa
NOTE: You will either need to sacrifice some time in Colombo or skip one of the two destinations. The journey to either of those places is gonna take at least half a day.
Pidurangala is a striking rock formation located near the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress. You can climb to the summit which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The site is also home to the ancient Pidurangala Vihara, a Buddhist temple from the 5th century. Inside you will find impressive Buddha statues cut in rocks.
Yapahuwa is an ancient rock fortress and one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, you will love this place. In the 13th century, it was a royal capital.
Nowadays you can marvel at impressive ruins and the lion-shaped staircase which leads to the summit. From the top, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the lush landscape below.
Getting to Pidurangala
First, you will need to reach Sigiriya when traveling from Colombo. Take the local bus to Dambulla first (3-4 hours), and then change to a bus which will take you to Sigiriya (30-45 minutes).
Another options is to take a rather long 6-7 hours train to Habarana and continue either by bus or a taxi to Sigiriya.
Getting to Yapahuwa
When traveling from Colombo, you can first take the local bus to Kurunegala, and then change to a local bus to Yapahuwa.
From Sigiriya, it takes around 1 hour, and your best option is to organize a private tuk-tuk or other transfer.
Day 3: Kandy
Kandy is also known as the last royal capital of Sri Lanka. Until 1815, when the country was conquered by the British, it was the seat of the last monarchy, the Kingdom of Kandy.
Nowadays, it’s a historically significant place of interest surrounded by lush green nature. Its cultural importance is highlighted by the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But we loved its vibrant streets and markets the most as it is the perfect place to learn more about Sri Lankan culture and local daily life.
Getting to Kandy
We chose one of the most scenic ways to reach Kandy – by train from Colombo (can be taken from Ella, too). The train journey offers breathtaking views of tea plantations and picturesque valleys.
The ride from Colombo takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, while the trip from Ella is around 6 to 7 hours.
Buses are another budget-friendly option. The frequent services between Colombo and Kandy take about 3 to 4 hours. The main bus station in Kandy is conveniently located near the city center.
If you prefer to drive, renting a car or a tuk-tuk can be a great option. The drive from Colombo to Kandy takes approximately 3 hours via the A1 highway.
Things to do in Kandy
Visit the Temple of the Tooth relic
Visit the golden temple with the most important Buddhist relic in the country. It’s been declared a part of UNESCO and it’s a popular pilgrimage site.
Stroll around the Royal Botanical Gardens
Take the local bus #652 and explore vast and impressive botanical gardens housing more than 4000 different species of plants. You can see orchids, spices, but also medicinal plants.
Explore the streets of Old Town
The small area around the Clock Tower is home to colonial architecture, local markets, and numerous cafes and eateries. Don’t skip a visit to the Red Mosque of Kandy and the oldest building in town called Giragama Walawwa.
Walk around Kandy Lake
Since it’s located right next to the Temple of Tooth relic in the city center, you can’t miss this lake. Enjoy its peaceful atmosphere and take a walk along its shores. You’ll also meet a few locals selling snacks and souvenirs here.
Visit Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya temple
The temple houses a majestic 27-meter-high Bahirawakanda Buddha statue. You’ll notice the temple when walking along the streets of Kandy. While you can come here any time, we recommend sunset hours. The temple also offers panoramic views over the town, which combined with the lovely pinky sky make for an amazing experience.
Try Masala Dosa at Balaji Dosai
The most famous restaurant in town that is known for having the most delicious Dosas.
Take a half-day trip to Ambuluwawa Tower
A unique landmark, but it requires around 5 hours to visit from Kandy. A super narrow and spiraling staircase climbs up around the tower and takes you to the top with panoramic views.
To see the best of Kandy easily in one day, check out this full day tour which takes you to Ambuluwawa Tower, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Royal Botanic Gardens, and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Kandy
Check availability
Day 4: Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England,” is a charming hill station. It’s famous for its cool climate, never-ending tea plantations, and colonial architecture.
Since it’s located in the central highlands, the mountains surrounding it are often covered in mist. Since the city is rather cool, it is an amazing escape from the tropical heat. Nuwara Eliya is a must-visit stop for any nature lovers following this 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary.
Things to do in Nuwara Eliya
Walk to Lovers’ Leap Waterfall
A pretty waterfall not too far from this city. It took us a short 30-minute walk to get here. From the waterfall, we were also rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding tea country.
Visit tea plantations
As soon as we entered Nuwara Eliya, we were welcomed by never-ending tea gardens all around. Visiting one of them should definitely be a part of any Sri Lanka itinerary. For example, we combined the Lovers’ Leap with a visit to a nearby Pedro Tea Estate.
Join a tea factory tour
We found a few different tours, but we opted for PTE. Friendly staff took us through the whole process of tea making – from the seed to the cup.
Visit Nuwara Eliya Post Office
In the center of the town lies a beautiful colonial building made of red bricks. It’s the oldest post office in the country.
Enjoy a Royal High Tea at the Grand Hotel
If you have extra money to spend, experiencing an afternoon High Tea is an incredible opportunity to taste some of the finest Sri Lankan tea. However, this is not for those who are traveling on a budget.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Nuwara Eliya
Check availability
Day 5: Train to Ella
Known as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, riding the train to Ella was on our bucket list for a long time. The train took us through stunning landscapes, lush jungles, misty hills, charming villages, and rolling tea gardens.
What we love the most is that it’s not only an attraction; it’s a very convenient way to travel, too. In addition, it’s also budget-friendly. It’s a highlight of this 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary.
We wrote a complete guide taking you through each step of the journey. So if you want to know more details about this trip, check the post about the Colombo to Ella train.
Where to book tickets
The first option is booking offices that are located in every major town near the train station. But the downside is that buying at the last minute is almost impossible. Since the train route is very popular, tickets sell out fast.
So unless you have a chance to visit a booking office well in advance, we recommend choosing an online reservation.
We got our tickets on the official Sri Lanka Railways website. However, it might be unreliable at times, with the booking system not working properly.
So in case the website doesn’t load or you’re not able to pay, we recommend 12Go. Last time we checked, they even offered lower prices than the official website.
Practical tips
Ensure you choose the right class, as it is gonna have a huge impact on your experience. While the first class has AC, you can’t open any windows or doors.
As you might know, enjoying the ride while sitting in the open doors is the best part of this trip. Hence we recommend going for the second class. Moreover, if you’re on a budget, the third class is great for more interactions with locals!
While locals often sell snacks when the train stops, we recommend having enough water and food with you. Trains are often delayed, and staying hydrated is important.
Bringing your own toilet paper is also essential.
Don’t expect any power outlets or wifi in the second or third class.
Furthermore, between Kandy and Ella, the right side of the train offers better views.
Day 6: Ella
Imagine a lovely small town surrounded by lush green jungles and picturesque hills. That’s exactly what Ella looks like. Since it’s located in the central highlands, it provides a cool climate and plenty of hiking opportunities for nature lovers.
The most popular attractions are the Nine Arch Bridge and a hike to Little Adam’s Peak. But if you’re after something more unusual, we recommend adding some extra time for a day trip to Diyaluma Falls.
We also recommend the Ella tour, which includes a 4-hour hike to Ella Rock, Nine Arch Bridge, and Little Adam’s Peak.
Things to do in Ella
Walk to the Nine Arch Bridge
The icon of Ella which attracts a number of tourists each day. The 24-meter high and 91-meters long bridge is built entirely of rocks and bricks, with no metal used. Trains pass the bridge around five times per day.
Hike to Little Adam’s Peak
A medium difficulty hike to an incredible viewpoint called Little Adam’s Peak offers views of Ella Gap valley. We recommend hiking early in the morning or late in the afternoon to watch the sunset. It took us over one hour to get to the top.
Flying Ravana Zip Line
Finish your hike to Little Adam’s Peak with a thrilling zipline ride to 98 Acres Resort. Fly over the iconic tea plantations overlooking the famous Ella Gap.
Have a day trip to Diyaluma Falls
After a lot of hesitation, we are glad we did not give up on this hike. Visiting Diyaluma Falls was the highlight of our whole trip! The area is full of natural pools, water slides, cliff-jumping opportunities, and an infinity pool at the top of a 220m tall cliff!
Hike to Ella Rock
Slightly more difficult than the Little Adam’s Peak hike, but you will be rewarded with the best views! You can either hike alone or take a guide with you. We recommend reading this blog post for all the instructions. It takes 3 hours round trip.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Ella
Check availability
Day 7-8: Weligama
What we loved about Weligama the most was how vibrant it is. The coastal town is mostly known for its excellent surf conditions for every level. The relaxed laid-back atmosphere and ocean views made it our favorite coastal town.
The wide selection of different kinds of restaurants makes it a food lovers’ paradise.
Things to do in Weligama
Try scuba diving
Sri Lanka is home to some rare species, and it boasts crystal-clear waters. This combined with cheap prices makes it a great destination to get PADI certified!
Go surfing
Sri Lanka is a surfers’ paradise! Weligama Bay is an incredible spot for both beginners and intermediates. But if you’re looking for a challenge, you’ll find many spots nearby!
Relax at Good Spa
One of the most popular SPAs in the area is Good Spa. We recommend trying their Ayurvedic massage!
Go whale watching
Whale Watching tours are organized daily from Mirissa. The best time to meet the whales is from April to November.
Visit Mirissa
Apart from whales, Mirissa is home to beautiful beaches and the famous Coconut Hill viewpoint.
Enjoy the parties at Doctor’s House
Weligama has a few nightlife options, the most visited being the Doctor’s House. It’s located near Mantara. The club has a spacious terrace with lovely sunset views, good cocktails, and tasty food.
Go on a safari day trip
One of the activities you should certainly not miss is heading out for a safari day trip. You can visit either Yala or Udawalawe National Parks from Weligama. More on that below.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Weligama
Check availability
Day 9: Safari day trip (Udawalawe or Yala)
An adventure we couldn’t miss. Planning a safari day trip is a unique chance to witness Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife in its natural habitat. The most popular parks are Udawalawe and Yala.
With options for both morning and evening safaris, you can choose the one that suits your needs better or visit both parks in one day. The trips are organized in the form of a guided jeep tour.
Yala or Udawalawe?
It might be hard to choose between the two parks if you only have time or budget for one. Let us highlight a few key differences to help you make a decision.
Yala is mostly known for its leopard sightings. While their population is high, they’re often hiding. The chances of seeing one are higher than in Udawalawe, but it can never be 100% guaranteed.
Apart from that, Yala is home to elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and a variety of birds.
Best Yala Day Tour
On the other hand, Udawalawe is known for its huge elephant population, often seen in herds. So if that’s your main focus point, this park is a better option. But you can also meet water buffalos, crocodiles, different bird species, and deer.
Udawalawe also offers a less crowded and more tranquil experience.
Best Udawalawe day tour
How to organize a safari day trip?
Organizing a safary day trip to any of the above-mentioned parks couldn’t be easier. If you’re staying in one of the coastal towns, Ella, or Nuwara Eliya, you’ll find a few different local companies offering jeep tours.
We personally opted for Udawalawe National Park and decided to stay in Udawalawe village. Since we booked a guesthouse in the area, we didn’t book any trip prior to that. Instead, the owners of the guesthouse helped us organize the whole trip.
I can’t comment if you can also do something similar in Yala National Park.
Another option is to choose one from many well-reviewed safari trips online. We love to use GetYourGuide when booking any experiences worldwide. You can read the reviews to avoid scammers and you’re also covered by GYG if something goes wrong.
Above are the best-reviewed safari day tours.
Day 10: Unawatuna
The picturesque beach town south of Galle offers a completely different experience than Weligama. It’s not as much of a surfers’ destination, making it popular among families with kids on vacation.
We loved the huge variety of restaurants, vibrant markets, fresh seafood options, and all the Unawatuna beaches. If you plan to explore the Galle Fort, Unawatuna is a great base.
Things to do in Unawatuna
Relax on Unawatuna Beach
Lined up with sunchairs, restaurants, and bars. It has a different vibe compared to Weligama Bay.
Plan a day trip to Galle Fort
The huge fort that shows influences of Portuguese, Dutch, and British. It’s a great sunset spot, too.
Go surfing
Not as popular as Weligama, it might be a good spot if you’re trying to avoid the crowds. Ahikava Surf School provides lessons, surf rental, and SUP rental.
Meet sea turtles at Wijaya Beach
The beach is a popular spot for meeting the Giant Sea Turtles! Enjoy snorkeling with them in their natural habitat.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Unawatuna
Check availability
5 day Sri Lanka itinerary
If you’re short on time but still want to experience the best of Sri Lanka, this 5-day itinerary is perfect for you. We’ve handpicked the must-visit destinations you shouldn’t skip.
From exploring ancient temples to relaxing on pristine beaches, this condensed itinerary ensures you make the most of your trip, without missing out on the highlights.
Day 1: Colombo + train to Nuwara Eliya
Start your adventure in Colombo, exploring the bustling city before hopping on the iconic train ride to Nuwara Eliya. Soak in the breathtaking landscapes as you journey through lush tea plantations and misty hills.
It’s gonna be a long ride, so make sure to start your day early.
If Nuwara Eliya didn’t capture your attention as much as Kandy, feel free to change your plans accordingly. From Kandy, you can take a direct train to Ella while skipping NE completely.
Day 2: Nuwara Eliya + train to Ella
Spend your morning exploring the charming town of Nuwara Eliya, known for its cool climate and colonial charm. Then, take the scenic train ride to Ella, one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, offering stunning views of mountains, tea plantations, and villages.
Day 3: Ella
Discover the picturesque hill town of Ella, with its lush tea estates and famous hikes. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge, hike up Little Adam’s Peak, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Both can be done in one day.
Day 4: Weligama
Head to the southern coast and relax in the laid-back beach town of Weligama. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, take a surf lesson, or witness the unique stilt fishermen at work.
Day 5: Safari day trip (Udawalawe or Yala)
End your trip with an exciting safari adventure. Choose between Udawalawe for elephant herds or Yala for spotting leopards, and get ready for a day of thrilling wildlife encounters amidst stunning landscapes.
You can organize a Safari Jeep Tour with transfer from Weligama area or from other coastal towns.
Suggested budget for 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary
It is almost impossible to say exactly how much you should expect to spend. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to dining options, accomodation and choice of activities.
But we can provide approximate costs in different sections:
Accommodation (for 2)
Budget: $10–$15 per night (guesthouses, budget hotels)
Mid-range: $20–$40 per night (boutique hotels, 3-star hotels)
Luxury: $80+ per night (high-end resorts, 4-5 star hotels)
Food
Budget: $2–$5 per meal (local food, street food)
Mid-range: $5–$12 per meal (mid-range restaurants)
Luxury: $12+ per meal (upscale restaurants, resort dining)
Transportation
Train Rides (Colombo to Nuwara Eliya, Nuwara Eliya to Ella): $10–$15 per ride (2nd/3rd class)
Private Driver for Day Trips: $50–$80 per day (shared between group if applicable)
Tuk-tuks (short rides): $1–$2 per trip
Public Buses: $1–$3 per ride
Total Estimated Budget for 5 Days (per person when traveling in 2):
Budget: $90–$145
Mid-range: $155–$300
Luxury: $400+
Total Estimated Budget for 10 Days (per person when traveling in 2):
Budget: $180–$290
Mid-range: $310–$600
Luxury: $800+
As you can see, these are only the inevitable costs. All the optional activities, such as snorkeling, surfing, jeep safari, etc., are not included.
Altogether, we spent 23 days in Sri Lanka, and on average, we spent around 18$ per day per person on these basic needs.
When I include all the other spending of ours, it makes 25$ per day per person. This includes a sim card, visa, activities, and shopping.
We traveled on a budget and stayed in the cheapest, well-reviewed places possible. Mostly, we tried to eat local but failed and ended up in more expensive restaurants most of the time. But we’re still talking 5-8$ per meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
The currency is Sri Lankan rupee. 1€ is approximately 330 LKR, while 1$ is around 300 LKR. Keep in mind that it’s not possible to exchange ruppes outside of Sri Lanka, so make sure you won’t leave with too much cash.
Sri Lanka is becoming a more and more touristy place, and there’s no need to go around covered all day long. Feel free to wear anything you find comfortable. But when visiting the temples, you should always have your knees and shoulders covered.
Bikini is not a problem, but only as long as you’re on the beach. You should never wear in along the streets or in the shops.
Sri Lanka has two official languages – Sinhala and Tamil. The former is spoken in the SW and central parts of the island while the latter is only used in the NE.
Sri Lankan food has some common signs with Indian cuisine. One of them is the spiciness. Normally local food was very spicy to our liking. But after requesting no chili, we found that we were always given non-spicy food in Sri Lanka, unlike in India.
Traditional meals include fried rice, samosas, roti, and curries.
Regarding vegetarian options, you’ll find there’s a nice variety of different meals.
To have the most options available, it’s better to book your accomodation in advance. But you should always be able to find something last minute. We were surprised how many hotels and guesthouses there were even in the smaller towns.
Regarding train tickets, book those ASAP. They sell out quickly and you might find it hard to purchase a ticket even two weeks before your trip.
Absolutely not. You can buy plastic water bottles. We recommend buying 5l bottles. You can refill in some restaurants, but it’s not common. Another option is to use a water filter for the tap water.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s expected in the service industry, especially in tourist areas. Plan to tip around 10%, or more if you’re exceptionally satisfied.
We also often met with a 10% service charge on our bill. This is not the same as tipping.
