Perfect Sri Lanka Itineraries for 7 Days, 10 Days, 2 Weeks, or 3 Weeks flexible Sri Lanka Itineraries for All duration, so on your holiday to Sri Lanka, make sure you see history, culture, and excitement simultaneously. Along with its wildlife and old towns, this island nation’s turquoise blue seas and bright green tea plantations are big draws. Any season is perfect for a holiday to Sri Lanka. Also known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” this country is proud to be a leader in the drive for healthy tourism and is more admirable with our cheap holiday packages to Sri Lanka at Low Cost Vibes.
As to why go to Sri Lanka?
A trip to Sri Lanka is perfect if you want to enjoy warm weather, beautiful beaches, and unique, tasty food. You can take it easy in beach towns like Unawatuna or surf the perfect waves at Weligama and Arugam Bay. Try Bentota for water sports and more fun.
For those with an interest in culture, Galle and Kandy are fantastic destinations. Honour a valuable Buddhist relic and choose from several lovely nature walks. In the Cultural Triangle, you can learn about the colonial history and the history of old countries. Take the train from Kandy to Ella and enjoy the beautiful views of tall tea plants, waterfalls, and woods. Safaris in Yala National Park, known for its leopard and elephant populations, are fun for people who like animals.
Hiking up the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, built in the 5th century, is the most famous thing to do on a trip to this island country. This serves as only a taste of what’s to come. We can plan a multi-centre holiday for you if you want to visit Sri Lanka and another place simultaneously.
Facts You Should Know About Sri Lanka Before Travel
- Flying directly from London to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, takes about 11 hours.
- Sinhalese and Tamil are the official languages, but many people in tourist areas and big towns speak English.
- People with a British visa who want to visit Sri Lanka need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). The ETA is good for six months and lets British people stay in the EU for up to 30 days.
- The country’s money is called the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
- Plugs Types D and G are the most popular, and the standard voltage is 230V. The frequency is 50Hz.
Perfect Sri Lanka Itineraries for 7 Days, 10 Days, 2 Weeks, or 3 Weeks
7 Days in Sri Lanka
Take a trip through Sri Lanka’s history, nature, and culture. In just one week, this trip covers the best of Sri Lanka: ancient ruins to beautiful rock formations, wildlife safaris to holy temples, and tea farms to busy cities.
If you want to customise this itinerary, all services can be changed to fit your specific trip needs and wants. Are you looking for a different road, hotel, or experience? Talk to our travel consultants immediately for a price that fits your needs. Enter your information, and you’ll get a price based on what you want.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO SRI LANKA, WHICH IS KNOWN AS THE PEARL OF THE INDIAN OCEAN
You’ll be met at the airport by a Sri Lankan representative who will help you get to your car and drive you to Negombo. After a long flight, check into your hotel and take it easy for the day.
Negombo lies on the shore of a lagoon bearing the same name. It was once a trade port for the Portuguese and the Dutch, and it’s a great place to stay if you want to get to and from the airport quickly. People come to see the city’s old churches, fishing villages, and the Dutch Canal, which was built in 1672 and is now part of the jail. Built in 1672, the historic Dutch fort gate today forms part of the prison. A 100-kilometre canal runs through the town and is still used. It is interesting to see the country from a different point of view.
DAY 2: TO THE PIDURANGALA
The holiday to Dambulla will begin once you have breakfast at the hotel.
On your way, stop by Koskale, a well-known spot for hot “Rotti,” a snack that people in Sri Lanka love.
SERENITY AT DUSK AND SACRED HISTORY
Come to Pidurangala in the evening to see a stunning sunset. The name comes from the rock next to Sigiriya. While King Kasyapa built his palace on Sigiriya, he went to Pidurangala to pray to Buddha. While Kasyapa was in charge, the church grew very large. It has a past that goes back to 3000 BC. During his rule, the convent is said to have had 500 monks and covered 14 acres.
DAY 3: THE ROYAL KINGDOM OF POLONNARUWA
After breakfast at the hotel, you will go to Polonnaruwa to see the amazing ancient buildings and learn about their past.
The Royal Kingdom of Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka’s second kingdom and the country’s biggest city in the north-central province. Famous for its natural beauty, historic architecture, and vast lake known as “Parakrama Samudra,” built in 1200 Polonnaruwa. According to UNESCO, this old city is one of Sri Lanka’s World Heritage places.
The historical site here is one of the most important ones from the past. There are many interesting Buddhist and Hindu religious, agricultural, and architectural sites to visit. There are ruins of the Royal Palace, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, the statue of King Parakramabahu, and the Parakrama Samudraya, a lake that King Parakramabahu the Great built. There are also four beautiful statues of the Buddha in “Upright,” “Sedentary,” and “Recumbent” positions carved out of rock.
GOING ON A SAFARI IN MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK
Minneriya National Park occupies an area of approximately 8,889 hectares. There are lakes in this National Park that are important globally. There are also a lot of animal and plant species that live in dry areas. This park has a lot of wild elephants, different kinds of animals, and native and foreign bird species.
This area is home to more than 78 butterfly species, about 160 bird species, 9 frog species, 25 reptile species, and 26 fish species. There are bamboo plants you don’t see very often in other parks, and it’s easy to see wild elephants.
The important thing is that you can see these elephants getting closer to you. Take your time this evening. The hotel has a pool where you can relax and enjoy local drinks.
DAY 4: GOING UP THE LION ROCK SIGIRIYA
Locals call the Sigiriya rock fortress the “eighth wonder of the world.” It is a truly amazing fortress complex that goes back to 477 CE and is 200 meters above the ground. As you go from the bottom to the top of this huge rock fortress, you’ll see frescoes, glass walls, relics of the castle, and many other interesting buildings. This is undoubtedly the most popular place for tourists in Sri Lanka. According to UNESCO, this old city is one of Sri Lanka’s World Heritage places.
Some people think that Sigiriya is an important place in Ravana’s history that has since been forgotten. They say that Sigiriya might be the Alakamandava (the City of the Gods) that King Kubera, the half-brother of Great King Ravana, built 5,000 years ago.
This site will take you to another world when you see the famous rock fortress and learn about Sri Lanka’s proud history.
KANDY CITY TOUR
Kandy is the hill city of Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by hills that touch the sky, green valleys, clear rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. The cultural centre of Sri Lanka is in Kandy, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage City. The Dalada Maligawa, or temple of the tooth, is the most important place to visit in Kandy. It is home to the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which is the most revered and famous Buddhist monument. Every day of the year, Buddhists from all over the world come to this spot.
Kandy has many modern and historical sites, such as the KCC shopping mall, the old lake in the middle of the city, gem museums, gift shops, and more.
RELIC OF THE TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH
As dusk falls, go on a magical trip to Kandy and visit the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, home to the sacred relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth. As you honour this revered religious symbol, you can feel the spiritual atmosphere surrounded by beautiful buildings and interesting rituals passed down for hundreds of years.
As night falls, be mesmerised by a cultural show. The lively performances of traditional music, dance, and fire acts will take you to the heart of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and leave you amazed at the artistry.
DAY 5: NUWARA ELIYA: TEA, PEACE, AND BEAUTY THAT NEVER AGES
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll start your trip to Nuwara Eliya, a city surrounded by tea farms. Nuwara Eliya is also called “Little England” because of its weather, plants, and how it is situated geographically and ecologically.
You’ll see some lovely waterfalls, tea gardens, and mountain ranges on the way up to Nuwara Eliya. You can have a dinner break and a nice cup of Ceylon Tea.
Keep going until you reach Nuwara Eliya. This is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill resort, famous for its refreshing mountain air and beautiful scenery. Nuwara Eliya is also in the middle of Sri Lanka’s tea country, which grows many of the best tea in the world. This is where Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain at 8282 feet, is found. The 18-hole golf course in Nuwara-Eliya is also one of the best in South Asia.
After you check into your hotel, you can enjoy Nuwara Eliya’s cool weather.
More information: You can see more of Nuwara Eliya city at night by walking along Gregory Lake.
DAY 6: STRAIGHT TO COLOMBO
For those who like white water rapids, Kithulgala is a must-see on the way.
Kithulgala is well-known for being where the 1957 international movie “Bridge on the River Kwai” was shot.
If you want to, you can go whitewater boating in Kithulgala, which is a lot of fun.
EVENING TOUR OF THE CITY
Sri Lanka’s business capital, Colombo, is the busiest place in the country.
Colombo is a beautiful place to visit, with both new, tall buildings and old, royal buildings. Galle Face Green is a popular place for both locals and visitors to hang out. It has a view of the beautiful Indian Ocean and is surrounded by tall, beautiful buildings.
There are also many great places to shop in Colombo, like the popular Pettah market and high-end shopping malls.
After the city tour, return to your hotel and relax. You can have dinner at a restaurant or go to a rooftop bar in Colombo for a drink.
DAY 7: DAY OF DEPARTURE
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be taken to the airport for your trip. It’s time to leave!
10 Days in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a lot to see and do. On this 10-day trip, you’ll see some of the most interesting parts of the country. You’ll see elephants in the wild, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and learn more about the famous Ceylon Tea farms.
If you want to customise this itinerary, all services can be changed to fit your specific trip needs and wants. Looking for a different road, a different hotel, or a different experience? Connect with us right away to get your unique price. Enter your information, and you’ll get a price based on what you want.
DAY 01: WELCOME TO SRI LANKA
When you get to the Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll experience Sri Lankan kindness for the first time. Someone from Exemplary Voyages will greet you and take you to Sigiriya.
You can stop by the ruins of Anuradhapura on the way. It was the first kingdom of Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s main city in the 5th century B.C., and it is still the centre of Buddhist culture on the island. It’s as interesting and old as any other “buried city.” Some of the island’s oldest Buddhist shrines, which date back to the 3rd century BC, can be found here. Anuradhapura is known for its beautiful white “dagabas” (relic chambers) and monuments decorated with intricate stone carvings and sculptures. It is also home to the Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest known tree on Earth (over 2,000 years old), pleasure gardens, stone baths, and ponds, and a great irrigation system made up of reservoirs and canals.
Check-in at the beautiful nature lodge close to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Sunlight always shines over the historic area of Jetwing Lake, shining through private plants and reflecting off of the ancient Siyambalawewa Tank, which faces our home in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle.
For more information: Planned meals: breakfast and dinner
DAY 2: MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK AND POLONNARUWA ANCIENT CITY
Indulge in a hearty breakfast served by the hotel. With breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, the café overlooks the main pool. In the morning, you and your guide will go to Polonnaruwa to explore the sights.
POLONNARUWA, AN OLD CITY
People in Polonnaruwa think of King Parakramabahu’s reign as the golden age of Polonnaruwa. During this time, trade and agriculture did very well, thanks to the King’s support. The King was very strict about not wasting any water that fell from the sky; instead, it was used to improve the land. As a result, irrigation systems much better than those in the Anuradhapura Age were built during this time, and they still provide the water needed for growing rice in the east during the very dry season.
After you’re done, go to Minneriya National Park for an afternoon Jeep safari.
— there are lots of wild elephants and other animals that roam close to your jeeps.
THE NATIONAL PARK OF MINNERIYA
Going on a jeep tour to Minneriya National Park is a great way to see the “Gathering,” which is one of the most amazing wildlife shows in Sri Lanka.
As the dry season approaches and water sources start to run out, more and more animals gather around the Minneriya reservoir, where the grasses are lush and healthy. Wild elephant herds meet at the reservoir for several months during this drought. They come from places other than Minneriya, and up to 400 elephants can be seen anytime. They aren’t moving; they’re just “gathering” to hang out, bathe, drink, eat, and maybe find a mate.
For more information: Planned meals: breakfast and dinner
DAY 3: THE BEAUTY OF SIGIRIYA ROCK
FORTRESS
As the sun rises, you can wake up to the sweet sound of birds singing and the beautiful view of the mountains. After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, see one of Sri Lanka’s Seven Wonders. Sri Lankans call the Sigiriya Rock Fortress “the rock.” To them, it’s like the Taj Mahal is to Indians: a sign and a work of architecture that you can’t miss while there.
Sigiriya is a fortress complex with a house that has been destroyed. There is a reason why this location is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The “Fortress in the Sky” is one of Sri Lanka’s most important historical sites and one of the country’s most popular tourist spots. The most popular parts of the fortress are the paintings of maidens that have been there for more than 1,600 years and the Palace ruins at the top. Out of 1200 steps, each one shows a historical event that happened deep inside this huge rock, and the interesting scenery makes the long, hard walk to the top not so bad.
Once you’re done with the exciting climb and descent, you’ll be given some naturally hydrating King Coconut water, or “Thambili”, as the locals call it. Once you’re done, go to the Royal City of Kandy and check into your fancy stay at King’s Pavilion.
This hotel, Kings Pavilion Kandy, is tucked away in the misty mountains and lush forests, taking you back to a time of happiness when great kings ruled the central highlands of Sri Lanka! Our Kandy Hotel offers a tranquil retreat with its high-end facilities. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the getaway you’ve been waiting for.
For more information: Planned meals: breakfast and dinner
DAY 4: BEST WISHES FROM THE TOOTH TEMPLE
Following a hearty breakfast, take a panoramic tour of the Royal City of Kandy and honour the country’s holiest site, The Temple of the Tooth Relic.
It’s a place that’s not like most others. Its uniqueness comes from its scenery.
It is surrounded by hills, mountains, and rivers, which form natural defences against attacks.
Experience a Pooja ceremony at The Tooth Temple to learn about Buddhist culture and how people pray on the holy grounds. Locals might suggest buying a few lotus flowers before you go into the temple as an offering if you want to go. Speaking with your guide is fine, and you can plan to join the lighting event.
There is an option to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Garden after seeing the Temple if time allows.
Historic Botanical Gardens The sprawling 147-acre Peradeniya was first planted in 1374 as a pleasure park for the Kings of Kandy. Many different kinds of trees and plants live here, including some that are rare and only found in this area. Visitors like the plants in the tropical World Spice Garden and Orchid House.
Additional details: Accommodation and breakfast are included in the meal plan
DAY 5: TOUR OF A TEA PLANTATION
Following a delicious breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Wellawaya, a less well-known peaceful haven.
As you drive to Wellawaya, you will pass through a Tea Plantation. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see people picking tea from your car. (Possibility to see a Real Tea Factory if the government lifts restrictions at the time of booking)
Sri Lanka, Tea, and Tourism go together. Visit the cold and misty hills, known for being the best place to go on a tea tour, with their lush green blankets of tea farms. Or, you can walk into a tea factory that makes the famous Ceylon Tea brand to see how a long-standing practice is still being used today.
As you listen to the machines hissing and swishing and breathe in their wonderful smell, make sure you end your day in style with a perfectly mixed cup of pure Ceylon Tea.
We are sure that Ceylon Tea is part of the world’s living heritage because some of the methods and tools used are more than 100 years old. This is your opportunity to join in.
DAY 6: ELLA WALA AND ORGANIC FARM
WATERFALL
For another busy day, a tasty breakfast is ready. After breakfast, you will walk with the head chef and resident naturalist along the paddy trails of the Kaduruketha. You will then go to the resort’s organic garden to pick your vegetables for the cooking demonstration. Finally, you will help prepare a delicious authentic Sri Lankan lunch, which you will deserve.
A VISIT TO AN ORGANIC FARM WAS FOLLOWED BY A REAL LUNCH
Vegetable farms run by local families are growing in the villages near Jetwing Kaduruketha. With a basket in hand, you can walk through these green farms to learn more about the veggies and fruits that grow there and pick your right off the trees. Learn about the island nation’s complicated food customs and how to cook like a local as our Chef shows you how to make favourite dishes from the area.
The hike to ElleWala Waterfall through the jungle in the afternoon will take about two hours.
The Ella Wala waterfall is one of the most famous places to visit in Wellawaya. It is small but beautiful. Five kilometres from town, this waterfall is tucked away in the bush and can only be reached by bike.
DAY 7: A TRIP TO SEE THE UDAWALAWA ELEPHANT
TRANSIT HOME
Enjoy your breakfast while taking in the beautiful views through the fog. After that, leave the hotel and go to Tangalle. While on the way, stop by the Elephant Transit Home.
A group called Born Free runs the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, which is about 5 km from Udawalawe National Park. The home takes care of elephants that need it and is meant to be a halfway house so that the elephants can be released back into the wild. We think you should go to this organisation!
It is hidden in a wildlife reserve on the edge of Tangalle, Sri Lanka. Do not miss Buckingham Place. This one-of-a-kind, small hotel on the beach in Sri Lanka is more than just a small hotel. Buckingham Place is a Boutique Sanctuary that changes how you think about a tropical paradise.
Traditions of warm hospitality are at the heart of Buckingham Place, which has famous buildings, stylishly comfortable rooms, and breathtaking views that go on forever.
Our green grounds are home to sixteen large bedrooms and suites, a perfect balance between nature and structure. There is an oceanfront restaurant, a mezzanine bar, two swimming pools, and many other nice touches that are meant to make you feel good all around.
DAY 8: YALA NATIONAL PARK IS A GREAT PLACE TO RELAX OR GO ON A JEEP SAFARI
At the hotel, have a hearty breakfast. Then, spend the rest of the day at the beach or by the swimming pool as you please.
OPTIONAL: Jeep safari in the morning in Yala National Park is an option
Yala National Park is in the southern province and has a lot of different native animals. It is best known for its big groups of roaming elephants and the leopard, which is always hard to spot. A thrilling trek would be a great way to enjoy the park’s dry thorn scrub and small dusty glades.
Take walks on the beach in the evening. The beach is also a safe place for turtles to lay their eggs. The goal of the marine turtle protection site called the Rekawa Turtle Protection Project is to keep the sea turtles that come to the coast safe. Sri Lanka’s beaches are home to five of the seven species of threatened turtles, so it was important to protect the nesting areas and help protect the species. Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback turtles are the main species that nest and lay their eggs on the island’s golden shores. These species are all protected and need to be protected.
Visiting the protection centre at this time of year is highly recommended. However, if you want to see a turtle lay her eggs, the best time is from April to July, when five to fifteen turtles come to the shore every night. But from October to January, only one or two turtles are seen at night, making views very rare.
As soon as the eggs hatch, volunteers bring them to the conservation spot and keep them safe until they are ready to hatch. You might even be able to send some hatchlings back to the Big Blue if you’re lucky.
DAY 9: WHALE-WATCHING TRIP ON A PRIVATE CATAMARAN
The hotel serves a delicious breakfast. After that, you can swim in the beautiful infinity pool or do other optional activities.
If you’d like, you can go on a private guided ocean safari with an experienced naturalist to look for Blue and Sperm whales and eat breakfast while the boat is anchored. You can also take a quick swim.
Sail into the Indian Ocean with a skilled and professional team to look for whales. Start your day early with a tasty breakfast and end it with some snorkelling.
After breakfast, your catamaran team will take you from the shore to the deep ocean to look for whales. As soon as you wake up, go to the boat’s bow or the top deck to get the best views of these beautiful animals. If you want to see something different as you sail back to Weligama Bay, you can jump into the water and swim with the fish and other sea life. Enjoy another delicious meal from the on-board cook while you reflect on the amazing things you saw and did in the morning. Your chef will treat you to a light lunch before you return to land.
DAY 10: A GRAND TOUR OF THE HISTORIC DUTCH FORT AND DEPARTURE
Once you’re done with your breakfast and a cup of tea, you will be amazed by the UNESCO World Heritage city of Galle and its historic Dutch Fort.
The finest example of a European-built fortified city in South and Southeast Asia is Galle. It shows how European architectural styles and South Asian customs mixed. In Asia, the Galle Fort is the biggest European-built fortress still standing. It is a World Heritage Site. Galle’s Natural Harbour, the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral, which Jesuit priests built, and the Clock Tower are well-known features.
Visit The Amangalla for lunch or dinner. It is Sri Lanka’s most important and beautiful colonial house inside the fort.
Amangalla is inside the ramparts of the 17th-century Galle Fort, a Unesco World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka’s ancient port city of Galle. The elegant residence has 30 rooms and suites, the two-story Garden House, and the peaceful spa complex, The Spa and Baths. On one side are views of the fort and harbour; on the other, there are views of the hotel’s lush grounds and swimming pool.
Amangalla, whose name comes from the Sanskrit word for “peace” and the Sinhalese word for the town of Galle, shows what the fort was used for every day and its long history. Its small streets are lined with buildings from the Dutch and British colonial periods.
You can choose to have a romantic lunch or dinner by Amangalla’s pool at night, with a custom menu, lights falling from the trees, and a local flautist or fire dancer playing for you if you’re having dinner.
GOODBYE SRI LANKA
You’re leaving Sri Lanka and heading to the airport to catch your trip back home.
2 Weeks in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has everything you need for a great holiday. Kandy has beautiful Buddhist temples and castles covered in gold. Polonnaruwa has ancient ruins and forts that you can explore and enjoy the art and architecture of the past. Check out tea farms, go on safari, and go trekking. Then, let it all hang out on the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean.
If you want to make this itinerary your own, all services can be changed to fit your specific trip needs and wants. Looking for a different road, a different hotel, or a different experience? To get your unique price, get in touch with our team right away. Enter your information, and you’ll get a price based on what you want.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND ANURADHAPURA
CITY SEEING
Someone from our company will pick you up at the airport and take you to Anuradhapura.
This city is famous for its many religious and archaeological sites open to the public. You can see beautiful ancient stupas (a mound-like structure with Buddhist relics) made of small sun-dried bricks, the ruins of ancient temples, sculptures, and the sacred Bo tree site (Peepal tree). The city’s scenery also includes a number of old tanks that were built by people.
DAY 2: BUDDHISM AND ROCK MUSIC IN SRI LANKA
Go to Mihintale after breakfast at the hotel.
There is a holy site called Mihintale Rock that is very important to Buddhists because it is thought to be where Buddhism first came to Sri Lanka. The big stairs that go up to the rock are very pretty. Rows of frangipani trees surround it, and their flowers line the road.
Go back to Anuradhapura. This city was built in the 4th century and has been around for a long time. The most important places in the city to see are the Isurumuniya, Sri Mahabodhiya, and Ruwanwelisaya.
Stay at the Forest Rock Garden Hotel in Anuradhapura in a Deluxe Room.
DAY 3: TRINCOMALEE
Unspoiled white sand beaches with crystal blue water characterise this picturesque beach retreat. It’s in the northeast of the island. Once you get there, you can spend the rest of the day at the beach however you want.
DAY 4: SNORKELLING ON PIGEON ISLAND
While in Trincomalee, you should not miss the chance to see the sunrise over the Indian Ocean in the early morning.
After breakfast, leave for Pigeon Island. There, you can swim in the clear blue water or relax on the white sand beaches.
The name of the island comes from the large groups of beautiful blue rock birds that live there. Also, some of the best coral areas left in the country are on the island. Most of the coral types and reef fishes that have been seen in Sri Lanka can be seen while snorkelling near Pigeon Island. Visitors may also see the Hawksbill turtle, the Green turtle, and the Olive Ridley sea turtle, all swimming among the colourful plants in the water.
After you return from Pigeon Island, pay for your own lunch at a restaurant in Trincomalee and then visit Koneswaram temple, the most culturally important place in Trincomalee. It is a lively religious complex built on a rocky hill with stunning ocean views.
The temple complex also has the Lover’s Leap (Swami rock), a rocky peak that sailors worship as they pass by.
DAY 5: BEACH IN PASSIKUDAH
On the eastern side of Sri Lanka, Passikudah is a beautiful stretch of beach perfect for a relaxing holiday.
The paradise shores of Passikudah, with their white sand beaches and calm turquoise water, are among the most beautiful places on Earth. Because the shores are small and the currents aren’t too strong, it is thought to be one of the best and safest places to swim in the ocean.
The months of May through October are ideal for a trip to the East Coast.
When you get to Passikudah, check into your hotel.
Take a calm walk on the beach in the evening.
DAY 6: SWIMMING WITH SHARKS AT PASSIKUDAH BEACH
Early in the morning is the best time to swim because the water is calm, and no one will be around to bother the colourful plants and animals that live underwater.
So we might suggest that you go swimming this morning (you’d pay for it yourself).
Return to the hotel for a delicious morning meal.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure to pursue your passions.
DAY 7: POLONNARUWA
We are going to Polonnaruwa first. It was Sri Lanka’s second medieval capital from the 11th to the 13th century. Its timeless beauty and rich past make it a popular tourist destination.
The beautiful scenery is full of archaeologically important sites that have been well preserved. They are all on the east shore of the old man-made lake called Parakrama Samudraya, which means “sea of Parakrama.” The ruins show that the people who ruled the Polonnaruwa Kingdom were very powerful.
In the evening, go on a jeep tour in Minneriya National Park, home to some of the island’s most beautiful wildlife.
An old man-made tank feeds the park and provides a home for toque monkeys, sambar deer, leopards, elephants, and bird groups such as little cormorants and painted storks.
When the water level in the tank is low, grass grows on the tank bed, which draws large groups of animals that like to graze. The park is at its most beautiful from June to September.
DAY 8: THE ROCK FORTRESS TOUR OF SIGIRIYA
An iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, will be your summit this morning. First, have breakfast at your hotel.
From this rock castle, built in the 5th century, you can see the Cultural Triangle beautifully. Sri Lanka is full of wonderful things to see and do. The amazing rock castle of Sigiriya is one of them. The land was owned by King Kashyapa, whose goal was to build an impregnable castle with a heavenly home inside it.
We had lunch at a restaurant in Sigiriya and paid for it ourselves. Then we went to Madulkelle.
Stop in Dambulla on the way to see the Dambulla Cave Temple. It is on top of a huge hill on the edge of town and is one of only eight UNESCO world heritage places in the country. It is famous for the murals and sculptures that are made there.
Then we’ll keep going until we get to Madulkelle, where you can check in to your hotel.
DAY 9: HIKE IN THE MOUNTAINS FROM HETTIYAWANGUWA
Hotel breakfast
You can drive from Kobonilla to Loolwatta, then to Corbet’s Gap, and finally to Hettiya Wanguwa, 13 km away. Then, walk from Hettiyawanguwa to Kumbukgolla (4 km), Na-ela (3 km), and Noire cave (1 km of high ground).
It will be an exciting mountain walk with wide views of rocky hills, traditional villages, a thick, mostly evergreen forest, rock formations, wildflowers, birds, and butterflies.
Poison nitrate was dug in the Nitre, a 10 m high and 15 m wide cave, to be used as gunpowder in colonies.
In the evening, go back to your hotel.
DAY 10: Mountain Range in Knuckles
Your hotel will serve breakfast. Go at your own pace and examine everything at your leisure. Reserve a room at the Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge for the night.
DAY 11: MUSEUM OF THE HOLY TOOTH RELIC OF LORD BUDDHA
Travel to Kandy, the Hill Country’s capital. Recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it served as the final haven for the Sinhala kings. Go see the Buddha’s sacred tooth relic at his temple.
Walk around Kandy’s lake and streets to get to know this great city and its shops.
Our shopping guide will help you find gems, antiques, clothes, and leather. Then, check out the neighbourhood markets and shops.
You should check out the Trinity College Chapel if you like beautiful architecture. It is a Kandyan pavilion open on three sides, with murals by the famous Ceylon artist David Paynter. It’s the only church from the 1800s that doesn’t have walls around it.
In the late evening, there will be a cultural show with different kinds of Kandy dancing and music.
DAY 12: TEA COUNTRY TRAIN JOURNEY
Taking the train is the only option for getting to Sri Lanka.
The viewing carriage is the best place to sit on the train as you travel through Sri Lanka’s tea country. It is a great way to see the country’s hill towns and learn about how the people there live.
Nuwara Eliya has clear mountain air, gurgling streams, moving mountains, and hills covered in tea. The temperature is about the same as a lovely English summer day.
Stay at the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya in a Deluxe Room.
DAY 13: BUDDHIST TEMPLE IN GANGARAMAYA
When you get to Colombo, you should take a city tour. Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and Simamalaka Shrine, built by Sri Lanka’s best architect, Geoffrey Bawa, are good places to start.
On your city trip, you’ll see:
- Sri Kailawasanthan Swami Devasthanam is the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo and the Old Parliament House.
- Independence Square and Town Hall
DAY 14: DEPART FROM COLOMBO
After you have breakfast at the hotel, a representative will drive you to the airport to catch your flight.
3 Weeks in Sri Lanka
DAY 1 AND DAY 2: AIRPORT / NEGOMBO
Your three-week trip to Sri Lanka starts with two leisure days in Negombo. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your Negombo hotel by the beach. While lying on a sunbed, enjoy a soft coconut. It’s the best way to get over jet lag.
If you want to start exploring right away, while you’re in Negombo you can go to the fish market and go on a tour to watch birds in Muturajawela lagoon.
It takes about 30 minutes to get from the airport to Negombo.
DAY 3: GO TO NEGOMBO / ANURADHAPURA
On day three, the real adventure starts. When you’re ready, your driver will take you to Anuradhapura, the next stop on your trip. On the way to Anuradhapura, you can stop by a small pottery plant run by a family in the area to learn more about our pottery industry.
In the late afternoon, you might take a stroll to the old city of Anuradhapura. It was the first kingdom of Sri Lankan kings. This tour will take you to several places, such as Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanweliseya, the Brazen Palace, and the figure of Samadhi.
From Negombo to Anuradhapura, the travel time is around four hours.
DAY 4: ANURADHAPURA, WILPATTU, AND BACK TO ANURADHAPURA
Your driver will take you to Wilpattu National Park for a half-day trek on the morning of day 4. The beautiful national park has a lot of wildlife. Watch out for it. Leopards, deer, wild boars, and sloth bears are all very good at tricking people.
The evening still has no plan. You can just chill out by the hotel pool or bike around Anuradhapura.
It takes about two hours to get from Anuradhapura to Wilpattu.
DAY 5 AND 6: STOP IN ANURADHAPURA AND JAFFNA
After thirty years of civil war in the north, Jaffna didn’t see much of the rest of the world. Those bad times are long gone, and everyone in Jaffna is excited to see you.
Your driver will take you to Jaffna on the fifth day of the tour. You can see the Nallur Hindu Kovil, the Nagadeepa temple, and the Jaffna Fort while you’re there. You will also be able to eat native Tamil food, which will likely be the best part of your trip.
It takes about 4 hours to get from Anuradhapura to Jaffna.
DAY 7–10: JAFFNA AND NILAVELI
When you’re ready, your driver will take you to Nilaveli, where you will spend the second part of your three-week trip in Sri Lanka. Rest at your hotel on the beach or swim in the calm Nilaveli sea. Pigeon Island is close by and is a great place to swim. We can set up a trip for you to go there.
The distance between Jaffna and Nilaveli is around 4 hours.
DAY 11: GO TO NILAVELI OR SIGIRIYA
Go to the beach in the morning. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel at noon and take you to Sigiriya, your next stop.
Enjoy a jeep trip of Minneriya National Park as you make your way to Sigiriya. This is Sri Lanka’s best national park for seeing elephants. Hundreds of elephants gather around Minneriya Lake during the dry season to drink fresh water and eat soft grass.
It takes about 2.5 hours to get from Nilaveli to Sigiriya.
DAY 12: IN AND AROUND SIGIRIYA
On the morning of day 12, it is planned to visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This was the centre of King Kashyapa’s kingdom from 477 to 495 CE. The castle is truly amazing. The complex has a palace built on top of the Sigiriya rock, beautifully landscaped grounds, and working water fountains.
In the late afternoon, you might see how people live in Sri Lanka’s countryside. We will be going on this village tour by sailboat and bullock cart. At the end of the tour, people in the village will ask you to their home to eat some delicious Sri Lankan food.
DAY 13 AND 14: KANDY AND SIGIRIYA
The adventure goes on to Kandy on day 13. The Dambulla Cave Temple is another place you could see before you leave Sigiriya. You could also stop by a spice garden on the way to Kandy to learn more about how to make traditional Sri Lankan food.
You could chill out for the rest of the day, but Kandy has many things to do. You can visit the holy Temple of the Tooth and the Peradeniya Botanical Garden or see traditional Kandyan dancers put on a show.
The journey from Sigiriya to Kandy typically takes around 2.5 hours.
DAY 15: KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA
The high country of Sri Lanka is home to the tiny town of Nuwara Eliya. Because it is higher up in the country, the weather in Nuwara Eliya is much cooler than in the rest of the country. So, wear warm clothes before you go to this cute little town.
Ramboda is a stunning waterfall that you can visit on your trip to Nuwara Eliya. You can also visit a tea farm and a factory to see how our famous Ceylon Tea is made.
The journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya typically takes around 2.5 hours.
DAY 16: IN AND AROUND NUWARA ELIYA
Take a walk to the end of the world to start your day off right. In the Horton Plains National Park, this is a lookout point. People can walk around in this national park, which is different from other ones in Sri Lanka. The beautiful waterfalls and views of the endless fields will make the time go by quickly. You can see the valley below when you reach the world’s end.
But don’t get too close to the edge. The drop is very steep, 870 m (2,854 ft).
DAY 17, 18, 19, AND 20: NUWARA ELIYA AND TANGALLE
Your driver will take you to Tangalle when you’re ready for your last beach stay of the trip. You can stop in Ella on the way to Tangalle for a few tours and lunch. Little Adam’s Peak, the 9 Arch Bridge, and the Ravana waterfall are all well-known places to visit in Ella.
After lunch, the trip continues to the beautiful Tangalle beach, the perfect way to end your three-week Sri Lankan holiday.
It takes about 4.5 hours to get from Nuwara Eliya to Tangalle.
DAY 21: TANGALLE/AIRPORT FOR THE DAY
Today is your last day in Sri Lanka. If you have time, you could spend the morning relaxing by the sea. You’ll arrive at the airport on time to catch your flight with your driver. He will say goodbye and drive back to Colombo because all good things must end.
It takes about 4 hours to get from Tangalle to the airport.
Sri Lanka Multi-Centre Holidays
There are lots of fun things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka with Perfect Sri Lanka Itineraries for 7 Days, 10 Days, 2 Weeks, or 3 Weeks. But why not add a second stop to make the trip even more unique? One of the best ways to explore more of Sri Lanka is on a multi-center tour. With us taking care of the planning and execution, you can relax and enjoy your holiday. Picking a destination is all that’s required.
Despite its diminutive size, Sri Lanka is a formidable nation with a wide variety of attractions. Deciding on a single course of action is next to impossible. There are UNESCO-protected natural places, multicultural cities, and sandy beaches. If you go to the Cultural Triangle, you can climb Sigiriya Rock, see the Polonnaruwa ruins, and be amazed by the Dambulla Cave Temple.
In the misty Hill Country, you can sip freshly picked Ceylon tea or stroll through laid-back towns like Galle and Kandy. And a trip to Sri Lanka wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of the national parks. In Udawalawe National Park, you can watch gentle elephants feed. You can go on a safari in Yala National Park to look for leopards.
On top of that, Sri Lanka is a great place for a holiday that includes more than one place. The “Teardrop of India,” which is anchored in the Indian Ocean, is close to a lot of fun places. You could take a break from Sri Lanka by spending a few days in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Oman, where the weather is warm and sunny. It’s also possible to start an amazing Asian adventure with a trip through India and then relax on the beach in Sri Lanka. To add a week-long beach holiday, it’s also easy.
Sri Lanka is only a short flight from the beautiful Maldives, where you can relax on white sands. No matter what you want, our pros will help you plan the perfect Sri Lanka adventure trip with multiple stops.
Low Cost Vibes is a great way to book a high-class holiday in Sri Lanka
When you book your Sri Lanka holiday plan through Low Cost Vibes, the following are guaranteed.
- Customised plans—Each Low Cost Vibes holiday is one-of-a-kind and made to fit your interests and tastes.
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How do I book a high-class holiday package to Sri Lanka with Low Cost Vibes?
It’s easy to book a Sri Lanka holiday with us. Perfect Sri Lanka Itineraries for 7 Days, 10 Days, 2 Weeks, or 3 Weeks you can get your custom Sri Lanka packages for all holiday types with a click or call. Contact us, and we’ll make your dream island holiday come true. Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination to visit right now.
