Planning a week in Sri Lanka? Here’s our ultimate 7-day itinerary that covers the best of the island:
At a Glance
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombo | Arrival, city tour, dinner at Galle Face |
| 2-3 | Sigiriya/Dambulla | Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Caves, village tour |
| 4 | Kandy | Temple of Tooth, botanical gardens, cultural show |
| 5 | Nuwara Eliya | Tea plantations, Gregory Lake, Horton Plains |
| 6 | South Coast | Bentota beach, turtle hatchery, sunset |
| 7 | Galle | Fort walk, departure |
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Colombo Arrival
- Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport
- City tour: Gangaramaya, Colombo National Museum, Galle Face Green
- Overnight in Colombo
Day 2-3: Sigiriya & Dambulla
- Morning: Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress — the 8th wonder of the world
- Afternoon: Explore Dambulla Cave Temples
- Evening: Traditional village tour with bull cart ride
- Overnight: Sigiriya area
Day 4: Kandy
- Drive to Kandy (~3 hours)
- Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Explore Royal Botanical Gardens
- Evening: Traditional Kandyan dance show
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya
- Scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya (“Little England”)
- Visit tea factory and plantation
- Evening walk around Gregory Lake
Day 6: South Coast
- Drive to Bentota (~4 hours)
- Beach afternoon
- Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
Day 7: Galle & Departure
- Morning in Galle Fort — UNESCO World Heritage
- Last-minute shopping
- Departure
Pro Tips
- Best time to visit: December to March for south/west, April to September for east
- Rent a car with driver for comfort
- Pack light — you’ll move around a lot!
- Stay hydrated — tropical climate!
Ready to book? Contact us for personalized itinerary planning!