7-day, 6-night itinerary
Explore the Heart of Sri Lanka
Explore Sri Lanka, a small South Asian island country located southwest of the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean. Resting southeast of the Arabian Sea, Sri Lanka offers incredible beaches and coastlines all along the country, with stunning temples, ancient city ruins and vast national parks within.
Begin at the heart of the country and work your way south to the coastline. Spend a week in Sri Lanka exploring Negombo to Colombo, getting a glimpse of the country’s diverse culture and breathtaking landscape.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Negombo, relax on the beach
Day 2-3 Sigiriya, visit Lion Rock and Minneriya National Park
Day 4 Kandy, visit the National Spice Garden and local temples
Day 5-6 Bentota, explore Tea Trails, visit the Royal Botanical Garden and head to Galle
Day 7 Colombo, tour the city and shopping before heading to the airport
Highlights of the trip
- Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Visit iconic sites like Lion Rock
- Take an evening safari in Minneriya National Park
- Spice Garden Matale and Tooth Temple
- Visit Galle Fort and Unawatuna Beach
- Check out Mangrove Cave Boat Safari and visit Turtle Farm
Day 1
Arrive in Negombo and spend the day on the beach. Enjoy the sand, surf and sun with a free day to unwind after your flight. Spend the night and be ready to hit the road to Sigiriya in the morning.
© Evgeniy Fesenko | Dreamstime.com
Day 2-3
Once in Sigiriya, head to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to watch local volunteers feed, bathe and care for the beloved animals. Head into town for an authentic village tour, immersing yourself in traditional Sri Lankan culture. Relax overnight and prepare for an early morning and full next day, exploring Lion Rock (also known as Sigiriya) and an evening safari tour through Minneriya National Park.
© Daria Serdtseva | Dreamstime.com
Day 4
Head south to Kandy in the morning for more ancient temple visits, including Kandy Daladawa, also known as the Tooth Temple, and enjoy a traditional dance show. Explore the National Spice Garden Museum in Matale and sightsee in town before heading back to the hotel to rest up for the next day’s journey.
© Mikhail Dudarev | Dreamstime.com
Day 5-6
Once in Bentota, visit the region’s gorgeous beaches before heading to local tea plantations. Explore the region’s exceptional natural landscape and head to Galle on a daytrip. Spend some time in town and, with your free time, explore Unawatuna Beach — get a closer look at the coastline with a Mangrove Cave Boat Safari. Visit a Turtle Farm and make the most of your last full days in this Sri Lankan resort town.
Day 7
Head to Colombo for a city tour and some shopping before winding down for your flight. Enjoy the free time and fill your bags with last-minute gifts and trinkets before heading to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.
© Makoto Honda | Dreamstime.com
