From catching magnificent sightings of blue whales off the coast of Mirissa and climbing the towering rock fortress of Sigiriya to walking through the newly launched Pekoe Trail, a journey through Sri Lanka throws up a motley of experiences and sights that are likely to stay with you long after your departure. A relatively small country with good roads, it’s possible to experience the seaside, mountains, historical sites and national parks all in a matter of days. Slow down inside the tangle of alleyways of Galle Fort lined with stylish boutique stays and fantastic restaurants, follow a majestic herd of elephants through Yala National Park, or watch the colourful spectacle of the Kataragama Perahera in Kandy – this is the ultimate itinerary to help you plan a trip to the wonderful country of Sri Lanka.
From beaches to ancient cities, get started with our selection of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
As a tropical island country, Sri Lanka receives plenty of sunshine and rainfall. Two main monsoon periods affect the southern and eastern coasts of Sri Lanka at different times of the year. Humidity is a constant along the coast, only losing its bite during the cooler months. The highlands are a perfect escape with their cooler temperatures and sublime views over misty tea-carpeted slopes and valleys.
Related Stories
The perfect 10-day itinerary for Sri Lanka
Days 1-2: Colombo
Arriving in Colombo is a fairly straightforward process and getting to the city centre from the airport takes roughly 40 minutes depending on the time of day. While plenty of taxis are available at the airport, we recommend arranging a pickup through your hotel.
The beating heart of Sri Lanka, Colombo offers a mix of big city attractions and a taste of the island life the country is known for. Begin your Sri Lanka itinerary with a visit to Gangaramaya Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city. Initially a small temple, it now encompasses several different structures, including a museum with rare religious and cultural artefacts. Delve further into Sri Lanka’s complex Buddhist history and long colonial past at the grand Colombo National Museum. Housed in a stately white Italianate-style building, the expansive collections are a perfect introduction to the country, its people and customs.
For more inspiration, refer to our ultimate travel guide to the places to visit and things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital and largest city.
Whenever the heat becomes unbearable, escape to the leafy confines of Viharamahadevi Park with its fragrant flowering trees. The nearby Independence Memorial Monument, built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from the British in 1948, is a lovely place for a casual stroll. Closer to the evening, head to Galle Face Green – a public park and promenade facing the ocean. Families and young people flock to the park to enjoy the ocean breeze and feast on local fast food.
One of Colombo’s big draws is its fantastic dining and shopping options. Feast on classic Sri Lankan fare at the elegant Upali’s by Nawaloka restaurant in the upscale Colombo 7 neighbourhood. The Dutch Hospital, as the name suggests, was a former hospital built by the Dutch in the 1600s, and is now home to cafes, boutiques and restaurants. Of these, Chef Dharshan Munidasa’s Ministry of Crab is the most notable, known for its excellent crabs – one of Sri Lanka’s prime seafood exports. The stylish Gallery Cafe, housed in the former office of well-known Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, is the perfect spot for a light meal or coffee and cake. Staying true to Bawa’s design ethos, the space is minimalistic, bold and rooted in its natural environment.
From trendy malls to designer boutiques, Colombo is a shopper’s paradise. If home decor is on your wishlist, head straight to Udayshanth Fernando’s Paradise Road, the best place to stock up on homeware, serveware, souvenirs and collectables. The country has a rich tradition of crafts and Lakpahana is a one-stop shop to browse through and pick up a wide selection ranging from small coin pouches to intricately carved statues. Shop for eclectic designer wear at the PR Concept Store, bringing together a motley bunch of designers under one roof. Artist Barbara Sansoni’s Barefoot is a burst of colour everywhere you look. Housed in a large property with a sprawling garden that now houses a cafe, Barefoot is known for its handcrafted treasures, books, edibles and more.
Bookmark our selection of the best hotels in Colombo for your Sri Lankan vacation.
Sri Lanka itinerary days 3-5: Head to the southern coastal stretch
Half the fun of heading out of Colombo towards the southern coastal stretch is driving along the picturesque Old Galle Road hugging the coastline. Swaying coconut palms, roaring surf, turtle hatcheries and small fishing villages keep constant company. Stop where your heart desires and drink in the island beauty that Sri Lanka is known for.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle continues to lure visitors from far and wide. Having changed hands from the Portuguese to the Dutch and eventually to the British, Galle is an enigmatic mishmash of architectural styles, cultures and plentiful stories. The pièce de résistance is the crumbling Galle Fort built by the Dutch in the 17th century. Staying within the walls in one of the many stunning boutique properties is highly recommended. Wander the tangle of narrow cobbled streets, catch dramatic sunsets from the ramparts and let yourself slip into a world and time long gone by. During cricket season, catch a game at the small but historical Galle Cricket Ground.
Outside the walls of the fort, beach towns beckon with their laid-back vibe and rich marine life. Go shipwreck diving in Unawatuna, learn surfing at one of the many surf schools in Weligama or go on a thrilling whale-watching expedition off the coast for Mirissa. Leave the crowds behind as you push ahead to Tangalla and find a strip of beach that’s bound to leave you stunned.
Choose from our selection of the top hotels in Galle for your tropical vacation in Sri Lanka.
Itinerary days 6-7: Get a taste of Sri Lanka’s wild side
Elephants are a recurring motif across Sri Lanka and this isn’t surprising as the pachyderms are found in large numbers throughout the country’s many national parks. Of these, the biggest attraction of the Minneriya National Park in the North Central Province is a gathering of elephants during the dry and hot season (August) when the animals come out to drink from a man-made water tank. The sight of these mighty beasts frolicking in the water and drinking up greedily is one you can never tire of.
From bustling cities to misty tea hills, savour the many landscapes of Sri Lanka in pictures.
If Minneriya is known for its Asian Elephants, Yala National Park on the southeastern edge of the island is the best spot for sighting the elusive leopard. Covered with dry scrubland dotted with trees and the ocean appearing between the gaps, Yala’s setting is magical. Go for the leopards but revel in spotting other wildlife, including sloth bears, crocodiles, monkeys, peacocks and elephants. With several luxury hotels and camps, Yala is a popular wildlife destination. For a quieter experience, head to Wilpattu National Park.
Besides land animals and birds, the ocean surrounding the island is teeming with wildlife. With whales, turtles and fish of all imaginable sizes, colours and shapes, it’s a whole other world waiting to be discovered. Good connectivity means it’s possible to include a few days visiting a national park alongside ticking-off time at the seaside and visiting other cultural attractions.
Related Stories
Itinerary days 8-10: Explore Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights and ancient ruins
To understand the glory days of the many Sinhalese dynasties that ruled Sri Lanka, take a journey into the heart of the island. From rock temples, ancient cities, and Buddhist stupas to art-filled caves, there’s plenty to be discovered and experienced.
Nothing quite prepares you for the majesty of the monolithic rock fortress of Sigiriya in the middle of a thick jungle. Flanked by two enormous lion paws, climb to the top to see the impressive city built by King Kashyapa. Leading up to the rock are elaborately landscaped gardens and rock pools. A short drive away, view the magnificent Dambulla complex with its cave temples filled with exquisite Buddhist frescoes and sculptures. Marvel at the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankan engineering at Anuradhapura, the first planned city in the country. Go with time as there are plenty of temples, palaces, reservoirs and tanks spanning over 1000 years to explore.
Here’s our extensive selection of the best things to do in Sri Lanka that must be a part of your itinerary.
Away from the ancient cities and ruins, soak in the splendour of Kandy with its picturesque man-made lake and museums, including the one dedicated to tea. Every July or August, Kandy transforms into a spectacle of colour, music and revelry during the annual Kandy Esala Perahera, honouring the sacred tooth of Buddha housed in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the city’s biggest attraction.
The best hotels in Sri Lanka
With most big international hotel chains having a presence in Sri Lanka, alongside numerous homegrown hotels, villa properties and unique boutique stays, there’s plenty of choice for every kind of traveller. As tourism continues to grow, more projects are in the pipeline to add to the existing pool of fantastic options. Whether big or small, luxury or boutique, close to big ticket attractions or remote, Sri Lankan hospitality is known to delight and deliver beyond
expectations.
Here’s our selection of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka.
For local flavour, check into one of Jetwing’s 30 hotel and villa properties. From family-friendly resorts to adults-only hotels, Jetwing brings to the fore the finest of Sri Lankan design, cuisine, wellness offerings and service in some truly unbeatable locations.
Book your stay at Jetwing Saman Villas via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Jetwing Saman Villas via Booking.com
The discerning luxury traveller can revel in the unparalleled hospitality of a clutch of Relais & Chateaux properties, part of the Resplendent Ceylon collection. Choose from spirit-lifting views at Ceylon Tea Trails in the highlands, wild luxury at Wild Coast Tented Lodge at Yala National Park or savour achingly beautiful sunsets at Cape Weligama.
Book your stay at Ceylon Tea Trails via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Ceylon Tea Trails via Booking.com
Book your stay at Wild Coast Tented Lodge via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Wild Coast Tented Lodge via Booking.com
Things to remember when visiting Sri Lanka
- To enter Sri Lanka, apply for a visa that allows visitors a 30-day stay. A visa fee waiver applies to people from India, Japan, China, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand and Malaysia, valid until March 31, 2024 (last date of arrival). As always, check for the latest updates and extensions before your visit.
- English is widely spoken in the country, so it’s easy to navigate without a guide or translator.
- Payments can be made in local Sri Lankan currency or USD. Although ATMs are easily found, it’s better to have sufficient cash at all times.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious places or sites and remember to take your shoes off.
Shop the best travel experiences here.
(Feature Image Credit: trabantos/Shutterstock)
Related | The South Coast of Sri Lanka Is the Natural Playground Your Kids Need
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
Written By
Chaitali Patel
Chaitali Patel is happiest under a tree. She's passionate about all things travel and the environment. ..Read More
