Sri Lanka travel itinerary
Best places to visit in Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka 2-3 week travel itinerary
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination that absolutely deserves a place on your travel list! This stunning island, known as the ‘tear of India’, shares the charm of its larger neighbour yet has a unique identity of its own. Above all, the warm smiles of the locals and the breathtaking landscapes make Sri Lanka truly special. Thanks to its compact size, travelling around is incredibly easy, within just a few hours, you can find yourself at your next destination. Whether you dream of walking among wild elephants, tasting fiery Sri Lankan curries, or climbing the iconic Pidurangala Rock, this country has it all. Want to know how to make the most of your trip? Then read on for my ultimate Sri Lanka travel itinerary!
Transport in Sri Lanka - Backpacking in Sri Lanka
The route my partner and I followed was based on travelling with local public transport. This way of getting around is not only incredibly cheap, but also adventurous and a great way to connect with the local people. What is more, you will experience one of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world, cutting through the lush green heart of Sri Lanka, an experience you simply should not miss. Are you considering exploring Sri Lanka in your own TukTuk? Then you are in luck! This country is perfectly suited for it, and you can even arrange with the rental company to have your TukTuk delivered from A to B, allowing you to enjoy the train journey without worry.
Travel from the airport to Negombo
From the airport, you can take a taxi or TukTuk to Negombo. Keep in mind that TukTuks are not allowed inside the airport premises, so you will need to step outside to catch one. This is where your bargaining skills will come into play! If you have downloaded the ‘Pick Me’ app in advance, you can check real-time prices, but be aware that fares are often slightly higher if you do not use the app. The journey to Negombo takes no more than 30 minutes.
Negombo - The start of your Sri Lanka travel itinerary
Nowadays, many travellers choose to begin their journey in Negombo, as it is a quieter alternative to Colombo, which is known for its high-rise buildings. Since Negombo is located by the sea, it is the perfect spot to unwind after a long journey and awaken your senses for the beauty that awaits you in Sri Lanka. Explore the bustling morning fish market, take a boat trip through Negombo Lagoon, or stroll past some of the town’s beautiful churches. It is enough to stay here 1 or 2 days.
Travel from Negombo/Colombo to Galle/Unawatuna
The easiest & also most wonderful way to head to the south is by train. There is no train station in Negombo, but there is one in Colombo. You can travel by local bus to Colombo Fort (the train station) or hop on a TukTuk. Be sure to ask your accommodation for advice, as they know the bus routes better than anyone. In addition, we often used Google Maps to check which routes were running that day, although the timetables were not always entirely accurate. From Colombo Fort, the train departs directly to Galle & further to Unawatuna, within a total of 2.5 hours. Make sure you are on time, otherwise you will need to stand in the train. You can book your tickets in advance for the route: Colombo to Galle/Unawatuna.
Galle & Unawatuna - Sri Lanka travel itinerary
These two places are great to combine. Galle is a cultural gem in Sri Lanka, a former Dutch colonial city by the sea. Make sure to visit the UNESCO listed impressive fort & have a lovely walk around. Afterwards, you can head to Unawatuna and chill on one of the beautiful beaches in the surroundings. This region is known for its beaches & is perfect whenever you love to surf. Renting a scooter gives you the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings to the fullest. Want to enjoy both destinations at tranquillity? Then make sure you spend at least 3 days here.
Travel from Galle/Unawatuna to Hiriketiya
In principle, a train runs from Galle and Unawatuna towards Hiriketiya, however, it does not stop in Hiriketiya itself or in the nearby city of Dickwella. This means that from the nearest station, you will still need to travel a bit further to reach Hiriketiya. For this reason, the best option is to take the local bus. Generally speaking, this journey takes just under two hours.
Hiriketiya - Sri Lanka travel itinerary
Speaking of a relaxed vibe, Hiriketiya definitely has it & it is a surfer’s paradise. Whether you are a beginner or experienced surfer, the waves at Hiriketiya beach are perfect. As you enter the village, you immediately feel the laid-back atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling areas of Sri Lanka. Hop on a scooter and explore places as, Blue Beach Island, Dickwella Beach, and the southernmost point of Sri Lanka ‘Dondra Lighthouse’. Because the nice atmosphere makes it great to stay here for a while and if you want to go surfing in addition to the sights, I recommend staying here for 3–4 days.
Travel from Hiriketiya to Udawalawe
Hop on a local bus heading inland, and within 3.5 hours, you will reach the town of Udawalawe, where most accommodations are located. If you have booked a stay inside the park, you will need to take a TukTuk for the final stretch of the journey.
Udawalawe National Park - Sri Lanka travel itinerary
One of the most unforgettable experiences in Sri Lanka is venturing into one of its many national parks, teeming with diverse wildlife. If the thought of seeing herds of majestic elephants brings a big smile to your face, then Udawalawe National Park is the place for you! With an impressive elephant population and expert guides who have a 99.9% success rate of spotting these gentle giants, you are in for a treat. Because you can schedule a morning or afternoon safari, you do not necessarily need to spend a night in Udawalawe, but it can be convenient if you want to get some rest. Longer than 1 day is not necessary for Udawalawe, as there is little to do here besides the national park. Book your tickets online in advance!
Travel from Udawalawe to Haputale
The journey from Udawalawe to Haputale goes up quite a bit, and you can tell by the winding roads. Before the journey, therefore, really make sure you do not have to stand in a crowded bus, as the 4-hour drive will be very long. If this is the case, it is better to wait for the next one. Here again, it is best to travel by local bus.
Haputale - Explore the green hearth of Sri Lanka
Surely a marvellously relaxed spot in the middle of Sri Lanka’s green heart is Haputale. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping, then opening your eyes to a breathtaking valley filled with lush tea plantations. From here, you can easily explore places like Lipton’s Seat, various waterfalls, and enjoy stunning walks through local villages and tea plantations. Many people visit Ella during their Sri Lanka trip, but in my opinion, this city is a bit touristy. If you have less time to spend and want to experience the pure and cultural part of Sri Lanka, visit Haputale. If you dream away the coolness of the mountains, you can stay here a bit longer, otherwise 2 days is enough to see everything.
Travel from Haputale to Kandy - Scenic train ride in Sri Lanka
The train journey between Ella/Haputale and Kandy in Sri Lanka is hailed as one of the most scenic & spectacular in the world, and it is easy to see why! Along the way, breathtaking landscapes will pass you and are truly remarkable. In particular, the route takes you through Sri Lanka’s hilly interior, passing vast tea plantations, dense forests, misty mountains, and quaint villages. In total, the journey takes about 7 hours from Haputale, and it is best to buy the tickets online in advance, otherwise there is a chance that the tickets will be sold out.
Kandy - Sri Lanka travel itinerary
When travelling around Sri Lanka, you are bound to pass through Kandy at some point. I have heard from many travellers that they did not find the city particularly impressive, and I can somewhat understand why. However, if you visit the right spots, you will definitely get a charming glimpse of the city. It is well worth spending 1 or 2 days here to explore sights like the giant Buddha statue with views over the city, the Temple of the Tooth, and a tea factory.
Travel from Kandy to Dambulla - Sri Lanka travel itinerary
You can travel to Dambulla by bus, but if you prefer a bit more comfort, air-conditioned minivans are also available, taking you to Dambulla in just two hours. The price is slightly higher, but the added luxury can be well worth it. Another popular option among travellers is taking a TukTuk, often allowing you to agree on a few sightseeing stops along the way with the driver.
Dambulla & Sigiriya - Unique experience in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home to countless stunning sights, but Pidurangala Rock is truly one of the unique experiences. Both Dambulla and Sigiriya are located in Sri Lanka’s interior, making them great bases to explore the Pidurangala and Lion Rocks. Pidurangala Rock offers a more adventurous alternative (to the Lion Rock) and is a fantastic option for those looking to spend less. Other fun activities to do are visiting the Dambulla Royal Cave & Golden Temple or a night hike in the surroundings. Depending on what all you want to see and do here, 2–3 days is enough to keep you entertained.
Travel from Dambulla to Trincomalee
From Dambulla, a direct local bus to Trincomalee takes around four hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a minivan for a more comfortable journey to your destination.
Trincomalee - Sri Lanka travel itinerary
Trincomalee, situated on Sri Lanka’s picturesque northeast coast, is a unique destination well worth a visit. With its tranquil beaches and stunning Hindu temples, it offers a completely different atmosphere compared to the island’s southern regions. What truly sets this area apart is the peace and quiet. Also, the food is really delicious, and you can definitely taste the South Indian flavours. In general, 2 days should be enough for Trincomalee. If you like the beach a lot, consider 3 days.
Travel from Trincomalee to Colombo
In the journey from Trincomalee to Colombo, it is best to book your transport in advance. You can easily book your bus or train ticket online. Make sure to book 1 or 2 days in advance to ensure a seat.
Share with your friends on socials...
Last update: 12-02-2025 © Doris Leone
‘Un abrazo’ and maybe we will see each other one day; Doris Leone
