Discover magical Sri Lanka: Ultimate 10-Day, 14-Day or 21-Day Itinerary

Often referred to by ancient traders as "Serendib," Sri Lanka was one of the first countries Cordt and me travelled to together: in 2016, we drove a Tuk Tuk all across the country. It was an epic start to what's now a decade of travelling together. To this day, Sri Lanka remains one of our favourite destinations thus far.

Whether you’re a history buff keen on exploring centuries-old ruins or a beach lover looking to soak up the tropical sun: We've got you covered with our 10 to 21-day itinerary. Read on to learn how to best experience the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”

Know before you travel

Get a local SIM card at the airport

Picking up a local SIM card right after you land is quick and easy. The airport usually has several providers offering affordable data packages, and the connection speed is surprisingly good. This way, you can stay connected on the go—from checking train schedules to booking accommodation. It doesn't really matter which provider you go with - they are all super affordable and have good coverage.

A word on affordability

Sri Lanka isn’t as cheap as some other Southeast Asian countries, but it still offers good value for your money. You can find budget-friendly meals in local eateries and reasonably priced guesthouses, but keep an eye on costs as they can add up if you’re not careful.

Stay in family-run places

There isn’t much of a hostel culture in Sri Lanka, but you’ll find plenty of small, family-run guesthouses. These places not only give you a more authentic experience, but your stay also directly supports local families. It’s a win-win situation for both you and the community.

A bit on Sri Lankas history

Sri Lanka’s past is marked by a lengthy and bloody civil war that ended in 2009. While the country has made strides toward recovery, you’ll still see remnants of the conflict, especially in the north - this is where the fighting was the most intense. It’s worth learning a little about the history to understand the challenges many Sri Lankans still face. Here is the Wikipedia article on the conflict.

April is Sri Lankan New Year

If you’re around in April, you’ll get to experience Sri Lankan New Year celebrations. It’s a fun time with lots of local traditions, but be aware that much of the country shuts down for several days, which can make travel and shopping a bit tricky.

Take a sarong with you

Many temples require you to cover up, and a simple sarong does the trick. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and keeps you respectful of local customs. Also, avoid posing with your back to any Buddha statues as it’s considered highly disrespectful in Sri Lankan culture.

If going in the high season, book trains ahead of time

Especially the popular (and very picturesque!) routes Colombo – Kandy, Colombo – Galle and Kandy – Ella/Nuwara Eliya get booked up quite a bit in advance, so secure your tickets early if you are planning to take the train in these regions.

How should you travel around Sri Lanka?

Getting from the airport to your accommodation

You can order an Uber from the airport to take you to your accommodation. However, several travellers have had mixed experiences with Uber, as the drivers only accept cash and sometimes force you to cancel your booking and pay them without the app. PickMe, a local app, seems to be a better and more reliable option.

Alternatively, you can pre-book your taxi or have your hotel arrange a pick-up for you - most hotels will be happy to help you with this if you approach them.

Public transport

This is definitely the cheapest option by far. Sri Lanka has a good train network and wherever you can't go with the train, there are busses running. The trains are a very comfortable and cheap way to get around. Trains are usually air conditioned and you can admire the beautiful landscape from your seat. Especially the train routes Colombo – Kandy, Colombo – Galle and Kandy – Ella/Nuwara Eliya wind through stunning landscape and are highly recommended.

Tickets come in different classes and can be booked directly at Sri Lankan railway.

Wherever trains don't go, you can opt for busses. The bus tickets are dirt cheap (think ~50ct), but this travel style can also be very inconvenient: The busses are usually very crowded and if you are travelling with lots of luggage you will have a hard time fitting everything inside. Also, bus drivers tend to be quite aggressive drivers — we learned this firsthand while driving our Tuk Tuk. Whenever a bus came barreling toward us, we had to pull over as quickly as possible to avoid a close call.

Private transportation

You can hire your own car and drive around Sri Lanka - that is probably the option we would go with when we go back. Be prepared for quite chaotic traffic though, and stay clear of the busses. They drive crazy and will expect you to move out of the way for them. I'd say if you have driven in similar countries before you should be fine, but I wouldn't recommend this option if you are not a seasoned driver. Prices start at 50USD/day, depending on car class and when you travel.

If you don't feel confident driving yourself, you can hire a driver for your time in Sri Lanka. Usually, the drivers are very knowledgable of the different areas, so you also get a tour guide. Sri Lanka Private Driver and Sri Lanka Guide with Car seem to be good options. Usually, this will cost around upward of 70USD/day, depending on what car you go for.

In your own TukTuk

If are a bit more adventurous minded and are up to try something new, you could travel Sri Lanka in your own Tuk Tuk. Yes, you read that right - not hire a Tuk Tuk with driver, but drive your own Tuk Tuk around the country. It's definitely not the most comfortable nor the most practical way to travel around, but oh my, it is great fun!

How long should you spend in Sri Lanka?

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of Sri Lanka and get a good first impression of the country. If you want to venture further North and also explore a few regions off the beaten track, I'd suggest at least three weeks. However Sri Lanka has so much to offer that you could easily spend a whole month here!

Map Overview

Here's a quick overview of the main sights in Sri Lanka:

10 day itinerary for Sri Lanka: Days 1-5

Be forewarned - this itinerary is feasible, but it's a bit packed. 10 days in Sri Lanka is not a lot of time, but here's the itinerary to make the most of it:

Day 1&2: Arrive in Colombo & make your way to the Dambulla / Polonnaruwa region

We didn't love Colombo as a city and there's so much more to Sri Lanka, so I'd suggest you spend one day maximum in the city. If you have some time to explore, check out the Independence Square and the musuem. You can also take a stroll through Gangaramaya Park.

The next day, make your way to the region around Dambulla. Base yourself somewhere in the area, either in Dambulla or Polonnaruwa. Getting from Colombo to Dambulla will take 3h by car and around 5h by bus. If you prefer the train, you could base yourself in Polonnaruwa and explore the sights from there in day trips with a driver.

Where to eat and where to stay in Colombo

For a map with a full list all our recommendations, head to our Travel Guide!

• Life’s Good Kitchen: A cozy café-style eatery known for its fresh, healthy dishes at modest prices, perfect for a laid-back meal.
• Urban Bliss Studio: Nice private studio that also offers yoga classes.
• Galle Face Terrace Hostel: A sociable, budget-friendly hostel near the waterfront, offering basic but comfortable dorms and private rooms.

Day 3 & 4: Dambulla / Polonnaruwa / Sigiriya

Together with Anuradhapura (further in the North), Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya are the ancient cities of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya used to be the capital and you can still see the remnants of the palaces that were built on top of large rocks.

There are no trains to Sigiriya. If you are relying on public transportation, it would be a good idea to hire a driver for the day (or even for both days) or join a guided tour.

Spend one day each exploring Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. In Sigiriya you can climb up the Lionn Rock - it's not only a great view but also comes with a fascinating history of the ruins of the former capital city. I'd highly recommend to hire a bike to explore the ruins around Polonnaruwa. It's a really fun ride and you can get faster from one sight to the next.

If you have a bit more time, you can include Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple into your itinerary.

Where to eat and where to stay around Dambulla

• Mom’s Kitchen Restaurant: A homey eatery serving authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Very generous portions!
• Kandalama Lodge: This is great if you're looking for something a bit more fancy. Great views!
• The Otunna Guest House Sigiriya: Very friendly owners, clean rooms and simple home-cooked meals.

Day 5: Kandy

On day 5, make your way to Kandy. It's a 2h 30min journey by car. Unfortunately there is no train connection between Kandy and the Dambulla area. With the bus, you'd need to go all the way back to Colombo and take a bus to Kandy from there. Consider hiring a taxi to take you to Kandy.

Spend the rest of your day wandering around Kandy: Stroll around the royal botanical gardens and visit the Sri Dalada Maligawa - a temple that holds a tooth of Buddha.

Where to eat and where to stay in Kandy

• Alex Home Stay: A family-run homestay that’s both affordable and welcoming!
• Kandy Lotus Chalet: This chalet features basic comforts and panoramic views, slightly pricier than a standard guesthouse.
• Cafe Banana Chill: A laid-back café popular for its smoothies and refreshing treats, ideal for a quick, inexpensive break.

10 day itinerary for Sri Lanka: Days 6-10

Day 6: Kandy to Ella train journey

Even though we were exploring Sri Lanka via Tuk Tuk, we made sure to take the train from Kandy to Ella (and then had to go back to get our TukTuk). And I have to say, it was worth it. The journey takes 7 hours but is incredibly scenic, so you won't get bored. You can watch the tea plantations and villages going by and let your thoughts wander.

There is one express trains from Kandy to Ella leaving at 11.10 every day. Check schedules and book tickets at Sri Lankan railway. Make sure you pre-book this journey as tickets sell out fast!

Where to eat and where to stay in Ella

• Bees Honey Cookery & Restaurant: Small eatery specializing in local cuisine with a hint of honey; moderately priced.
• Blooming Rose Ella: Simple hillside lodging with friendly hosts and great views.
• Noname hostel and cafe: Budget-friendly hostel featuring a casual cafe and backpacker vibe.

Day 7: Ella

Spend the day in Ella by hiking to Ella rock for a breathtaking view and walking to the Nine Arches Bridge. In the evening, I highly recommend a cooking class with The Kitchen Garden Ella Restaurant & Cooking classes.

Day 8&9: Tangalle

In the morning of day 8, make your way to Tangalle. It's around 2h driving time. If you are going by bus, take a bus from Ella to Wellawaya (about 1 hour), then catch a bus from Wellawaya to Tangalle. The total journey should take around 3–4 hours.

Stay one full day in or around Tangalle and explore the beautiful beaches. You can take some surfing lessons or simply relax.

Where to eat and where to stay in Tangalle

For a map with a full list all our recommendations, head to our Travel Guide!

• Sha Sha Seafood: Seafood spot near the shore serving fresh catches at fair prices.
• Happy Mount Restaurant: Locally-run restaurant with a homely vibe.
• Shine wave turtle beach: Beachside accommodation close to turtle nesting areas - basic rooms and scenic views.

Day 10: Galle

In the morning of day 10, travel to Galle - it's a 1h drive by car and around 1h30min by bus and/or train. Spend the day wandering around Galle and taking in the beautiful fort area.

Where to eat and where to stay in Galle

• MARU - Galle Fort: Modern eatery within Galle Fort, known for its relaxed atmosphere.
• Brixia Cafe and Guest: Cafe and guesthouse in a central location, offering good coffee and basic rooms.
• The Tide's Tale: Chilled guesthouse with ocean views, mid-range rates.

Day 11: Galle to Colombo, fly out

Unfortunately, 10 days in Sri Lanka fly by super fast! Make your way from Galle to Colombo in time to catch your flight out.

14 day itinerary for Sri Lanka

14 days is a great amount of time to discover Sri Lanka! Follow the itinerary above, however make the following adjustments:

Add Nuwara Elija

Split up the train journey from Kandy to Ella and add Nuwara Elija to your trip. Take the same train from Kandy, but get off at Nanuoya, which is halfway. From Nanuoya, you can take a taxi ride of 15min to Nuwara Elija. Explore the tea plantations, e.g. by visiting Damro Tea Factory and hike to Lover's Leap Waterfall.

Add Udawalawe or Yala National Park Take one and a half days to first travel to, and then explore Udawalawe or Yala National Park. Both parks have an abundance of wildlife, and especially many elephants to see on Safari drives. I personally preferred Udawalawe National Park.

As game drives usually take place in the mornings, use the afternoon of the second day to make your way to the coast around Tangalle/Mirissa.

Add Mirissa

Add one more day on the coast, bringing your time total time there 2 days. Besides Tangalle, you should also explore the beautiful beaches of Mirissa. Mirissa is just 30min drive from Tangalle, so you can easily combine the two.

So your 14 day itinerary would look as follows:

• Day 1&2: Colombo
• Day 3&4: Dambulla / Polonnaruwa / Sigiriya
• Day 5: Kandy
• Day 6: Kandy to Nuwara Elija
• Day 7: Nuwara Elija to Ella
• Day 8: Ella
• Day 9: Ella to Yala/Udawalawe
• Day 10: Yala/Udawalawe, in the evening to Tangalle
• Day 11&12: Tangalle
• Day 13: Galle
• Day 14: Fly out

21 day itinerary for Sri Lanka

This is the amount of time we spent in Sri Lanka and it felt like the perfect amount of time to explore without feeling rushed. Follow the 14 day itinerary with the following (quite substantial :-D) changes:

Add Ritigala Strict Natural Reserve

This beautiful Nature Reserve is often overlooked by international tourists. It's located 35min by car from Dambulla, 1h from Polonnaruwa. Thanks to its cooler climate and diverse flora, it’s a refreshing contrast to the dry zone around it. You’ll find dense forest, historic ruins, and the remains of the 9th-century Padhanaghara Monastery, making it a fascinating spot for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

Add Passekudah Bay

The beaches on Sri Lankas East Coast are just as beautiful as the famous ones on the south side, but much lesser visited. Add one full day in either Passekudah or Trincomalee.

Add Horton Plains from Nuwara Elija

This beautiful National Park is about an hour’s drive from Nuwara Eliya. It’s known for its sweeping grasslands, cloud forests, and the spectacular “World’s End” viewpoint, which offers a sheer drop of around 800m. Keep in mind you’ll want an early start to beat the mist that usually rolls in by mid-morning.

If you are travelling with your own Tuk Tuk as we did, be mindful that you need to drive up quite a bit to get to Horton Plains. We took hitchhikers with us and at one point everyone had to get off so TukEnchamun could make it up the hill.

Add more temple or beach time

Allocate one more day to chilling at the coast in Passekudah or down in Tangalle/Mirissa. If you love temples and history, you could instead add Anuradhapura as another day trip from the region around Polonnaruwa/Sigiriya.

Add Madu Ganga

Allocate one day to explore this tranquil river ecosystem near the southwestern coast. You can take a boat safari through mangroves, spot local wildlife, and even visit small islands with hidden temples. It’s a nice break from the hustle of the bigger coastal towns.

So your 21 day itinerary would look as follows:

• Day 1&2: Colombo
• Day 3-5: Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Ritigala
• Day 6: Travel to Passekudah Bay
• Day 7: Passekudah Bay
• Day 8: Travel to Kandy
• Day 9: Kandy
• Day 10: Kandy to Nuwara Elija
• Day 11: Nuwara Elija (Horton Plains)
• Day 12: Nuwara Elija to Ella
• Day 13: Ella
• Day 14 Ella to Yala/Udawalawe
• Day 15: Yala/Udawalawe, in the evening to Tangalle
• Day 16-18: Tangalle / Mirissa
• Day 18: Galle
• Day 19: Madu Ganga
• Day 21: Fly out