THE ULTIMATE SRI LANKA ITINERARY

The Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary

Are you planning to travel to Sri Lanka? How exciting! It’s the perfect country to explore because it’s so diverse. You can spot wildlife on safari, hike through mountains, surf, visit tea plantations, and enjoy delicious food. The distances between places are relatively short, so you can see a lot in a short amount of time. Sri Lanka has many beautiful spots, making it a challenge to create an itinerary. We’ve put together a route through the southwest of Sri Lanka that you can customize to your own preferences, so you can create a trip that truly suits you!

Transportation in Sri Lanka

How you create the perfect itinerary also depends on the mode of transportation you choose. We’ve outlined several options for you.

By bus

Traveling by bus is easy in Sri Lanka. The advantage of taking the bus is that it's cheap. You'll often only pay a few dollars for a bus ride. The bus connections are very good, and you can use Google Maps to check which bus to take and where the buses stop. If you're unsure, you can always ask for advice at your accommodation. They often know which bus is the best to take. Keep in mind that you may have to transfer once or more during your journey.

By taxi, PickMe or Uber

There are plenty of options to take a taxi in Sri Lanka. It is much more expensive than the bus, but you'll get to your destination faster. The PickMe app is widely used in Sri Lanka and is essentially the local Uber. Uber is also available in Sri Lanka. A benefit of these apps is that the price is clear in advance. Our experience with PickMe and Uber is that sometimes you have to wait a bit to find a good driver. We've had instances where the driver stayed still and didn't come towards us, or drove in the wrong direction. It's also possible for the driver to call and ask for a higher price. In such cases, it's important to make clear agreements and possibly book another driver.

By tuktuk

Another option is to use a tuk-tuk for transportation. This is a cheaper option than a taxi, but it's often a bit less comfortable. It can be quite cramped when traveling with two people and backpacks or suitcases. We recommend choosing a tuk-tuk for trips of up to about 1.5 hours, as longer journeys can become uncomfortable.

Renting a tuk-tuk yourself

Renting a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly popular. It’s the perfect way to explore the country at your own pace and immerse yourself in the culture. Keep in mind that they drive on the left side of the road in Sri Lanka. To drive a tuk-tuk, you need a valid driver’s license, which allows you to apply for a local license. You’ll also receive a training session to ensure you’re well-prepared for driving the tuk-tuk. Tuktuk Rental is a well-known and reliable company for renting tuk-tuks in Sri Lanka.

Tip: A tuk-tuk will take longer to reach your destination compared to a car. We recommend renting a tuk-tuk only if you have at least three weeks to spare, giving you enough time to see everything.

By trein

The train network in Sri Lanka is good. Many trains run to and from various cities. There is also a train track along the coast. Often, you can enjoy beautiful views during the train ride. You can check where the trains go via this website.

Costs in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a relatively inexpensive country. The costs for accommodations vary. A hotel is more expensive than a hostel. If you want to sleep as cheaply as possible, it’s best to book a bed in a dormitory. The more luxurious the room, the more expensive it becomes. For a simple double room with air conditioning, you’ll pay around 20 dollars per night.

Food in Sri Lanka is very affordable, especially at local restaurants. You pay just a few dollars for a dish. If you eat at a more Western-style restaurant, you’ll often pay a bit more.

Transportation can be as expensive as you want it to be. The cheapest option, though not always the fastest, is to take the bus. You can also mix it up and choose a taxi one time and the bus another time. Keep in mind that the costs for activities, entrance fees, and tours are also additional, but they are relatively inexpensive in Sri Lanka.

For more tips, check out our article on the costs of traveling in Sri Lanka.

How many weeks do you need in Sri Lanka?

You can definitely keep yourself entertained for several weeks in Sri Lanka with everything there is to see and do. Maybe you only have a few weeks off or you're traveling around different countries. In that case, it's nice to travel through the most beautiful and special spots in a few weeks. Therefore, we've created a travel itinerary for the southwest of Sri Lanka, lasting around 2 to 3 weeks. You can make the itinerary longer by adding extra destinations or shorten it by spending one less night at some places. This way, you can create the perfect trip!

Negombo

+/- 1 nacht

Negombo is a coastal city where many travelers start and/or end their journey, as it's close to the airport. The city doesn't have many attractions in the center, but it's nice to stroll through if you have the time. We recommend not staying too long in Negombo if you're short on time.

We spent our first night at Sunrise City Palace in Negombo. We stayed in a simple room with a super friendly family. The owner picks you up from the airport in his tuk-tuk.

Kandy

+/- 3 nights

The town of Kandy is located in the central part of Sri Lanka. It was the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Kandy before the entire island came under British rule in 1815. Here you can find the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the largest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka, and the famous Kandy Lake. Additionally, Kandy is the starting point for the world-famous train journey to Ella. Plenty of reasons to visit this city during your adventure in Sri Lanka. Check out our article "What to do in Kandy?" for more tips!

How to get there?
From Negombo, you can take a direct bus to Kandy, which takes about 5 hours. By car, it takes just under 3 hours.

Sigiriya

+/- 0 nights

Sigiriya is mainly known for the Lion Rock. For many travelers, this, along with the train journey to Ella, is one of the main reasons to visit Sri Lanka. Apart from the Lion Rock, there isn't much to do in Sigiriya, so you can easily visit it as a day trip from Kandy. On the way to Sigiriya, you'll pass through the town of Dambulla, where you can make a stop at the Royal Cave Temple. For all the tips, check out our article on the best things to do in Sigiriya.

Ella

+/- 3 nights

In the middle of Sri Lanka, nestled between the green mountains, lies the small village of Ella. This village is surrounded by nature, with waterfalls and stunning views at every turn. Most travelers choose to travel to Ella by train. The train journey to Ella is a true natural spectacle and one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Once in Ella, you can either seek adventure or simply enjoy the tranquility of nature. Ella is a place you definitely shouldn't miss on your journey through Sri Lanka. We’ve written an article about Ella, where we share the best tips.

How to get there?
From Kandy, you can take the beautiful train journey to Ella. Check out our article on ‘The Kandy - Ella Train Journey’ for more information!

Yala National Park

+/- 1 night

Yala National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Sri Lanka. Located on the southeastern coast, it spans 979 square kilometers (378 square miles). The park is particularly known for its leopard sightings. In addition to leopards, there are also many other animals to spot, such as elephants, crocodiles, snakes, deer, buffalo, and monkeys. Plenty to see! For all the tips, check out our ultimate guide to visiting Yala National Park.

How to get there?
The village of Kataragama is located close to Yala National Park and is a great place to stay if you want to go on a safari in the park. It’s best not to take the bus from Ella to Kataragama, as you would need to transfer 2 to 3 times. We recommend taking a taxi instead. In Ella, there are several taxi companies where you can walk around and look for the best price.

Mirissa

+/- 2 nights

Mirissa is a delightful beach destination on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It’s the perfect place to relax after your inland travels. Travelers come here to enjoy the sun, sea, beach, and the laid-back atmosphere. Whether you love relaxing on the beach, enjoying delicious food, or surfing the waves, Mirissa offers something for everyone. Read our article "The 11 Best Tips for Tropical Mirissa" to discover everything you can do there.

How to get there?
There is a direct bus from Kataragama to Mirissa, which takes about 5 hours. Another option is to take a taxi, which will get you to Mirissa in about 2 hours.

Unawatuna

+/- 3 nights

After Mirissa, it's time to visit another tropical spot in Sri Lanka! Unawatuna is known for its lovely beaches, crystal-clear sea, and cozy restaurants. You can relax on the beach, but Unawatuna also offers plenty of activities for those who prefer staying active. The area is home to a lot of coral reefs, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and diving. Additionally, the colonial town of Galle is nearby, so you can easily make a day trip there. Check out our article on Unawatuna for more tips!

Good to know: Unawatuna is currently very popular among Russian tourists. You may find Russian signs at restaurants, and locals might assume you're Russian and offer you the Russian menu. It's a beautiful destination, but if you prefer to avoid overly touristy spots, you might want to skip Unawatuna.

Tip: If you’re looking for less beach time and more culture, you can skip Unawatuna and instead stay in Galle.

How to get there?
You can take a direct bus from Mirissa to Unawatuna, which takes about 1.5 hours. By car, it’s about a 1-hour drive.

Colombo

+/- 2 nights

Colombo is the bustling commercial capital of Sri Lanka, where history, culture, and local life come together. For a long time, the city wasn’t well-known among travelers due to safety concerns and fewer attractions compared to other Asian cities. However, Colombo is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. You can explore beautiful colonial buildings, enjoy delicious food, and visit stunning parks and lakes. Colombo offers a diverse cultural experience, with churches, Hindu temples, mosques, and Buddhist temples all within the city. Finally, since Colombo doesn’t attract as many tourists, it provides a more authentic and genuine Sri Lankan atmosphere. We’ve written an article on Colombo with more information!

How to get there?
From the town of Galle, which is near Unawatuna, you can take a bus to Colombo. From Unawatuna, you can use a bus, tuktuk, or taxi to reach the Galle bus stop. The bus ride from Galle to Colombo takes about 3 hours and involves two transfers. By car, the journey takes a little over 2 hours.

Negombo

+/- 1 night

We recommend staying another night in Negombo if you're flying early in the morning, as it's the closest to the airport. If you're flying later in the day, you might also consider traveling from Colombo to the airport.

The friendly owner of Sunrise City Palace in Negombo will take you to the airport at any time in his tuktuk if you stay there.

Extra stops

In this 2 to 3-week itinerary, unfortunately, not all the beautiful destinations in Sri Lanka are included. If you have enough time, we definitely recommend visiting these places as well!

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a historic city in the north of Sri Lanka. It is one of the oldest cities in the world. In the city, you'll find many historical remnants, such as an ancient fig tree believed to be a descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. You'll also find an impressive white stupa and an old Buddhist monastery complex. Walking through Anuradhapura, you'll be surrounded by ruins, palaces, monasteries, and other historic buildings. It's a great city to soak up some culture for a day.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a town in the central part of Sri Lanka, known for its many tea plantations and stunning green landscapes. You can take a tour of the tea plantations and enjoy great hiking opportunities. Nuwara Eliya is located between Kandy and Ella, making it a great stop if you're taking the train from Kandy to Ella.

Galle

The town of Galle is the place to go for history enthusiasts. There is much to see from its colonial past, having been colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. You'll find the Galle Fort, churches, mansions, cobbled streets, colorful restaurants, and charming boutiques. Galle is rightfully listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a delightful town and a great place to learn more about Sri Lanka's history. Check out our article "The 7 Best Tips for the Colonial Town of Galle" for more information!

Tip: Unawatuna is located nearby Galle, making it easy to take a day trip from Unawatuna to Galle. Alternatively, you can also make a day trip from Galle to Unawatuna.

Do you want to read more about Sri Lanka?

See all our articles with the best tips to discover all beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

Do you want to read more about Sri Lanka?

See all our articles with the best tips to discover all beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

About the authors

How nice that you are on our website and that you have read this article! We are Mirte and Matthew, two Dutch adventurers with a passion for traveling, discovering cultures, and gaining new experiences. We've translated our love for the world into this website. We hope our articles inspire you to go on adventures! You can learn more about us through the button below.